simplexauto

How to Change Your Own Car Oil [Video Tutorial]

2010-04-21T01:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McS0v5WpD08endofvid

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For those of you who’d like to save some money and change your car’s oil yourself, we have a video tutorial that explains what you should do. What do you guys think? Can you change your own oil (and filters) on your driveway?

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Audi RS5 photos leaked

2010-04-21T01:42:00.004-07:00

These convincing looking shots of the new 2010 Audi RS5 have leaked onto the Internet a week ahead of the car’s official unveiling at the 2010 Geneva motor show. From what we’re hearing, under the hood the new Audi RS5 has a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 engine that churns out some 450bhp and 332lb ft of torque, which is mated to an automatic S tronic transmission. Expected to be officially unveiled sometime on March 2nd, the 2010 Audi RS5 will be available as a soft-top version at first, with a sportier coupé (pictured) coming up, soon after. As for what this beast will go for, rumors have it that in the UK it will cost you a good £60,000.

Point and Shoot: The New Golf VI GTi

2010-04-21T01:42:00.003-07:00

I recently took the new VW Golf VI for a ride to see how much has really changed since the Mk5. After the success of the Mk5, it was clear that the Mk6 had much to live up to.

The moment I left the driveway I could tell the ride is much softer than it was which made me a bit concerned as to whether it would have any effect on handling. I am happy to report that is not the case. The Mk6 now features VW’s EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) which works by applying pressure to front inner wheel exactly where it is needed on fast cornering to prevent spinning. This maximizes traction, reduces under steer and improves response.

The Mk6 manages to achieve a perfect and subtle blend between performance handling and comfort driving. Under intense driving the GTi has a steering pulse which alerts you that the limit of traction is about to be reached, so you don’t end up sliding into a ditch.

So handling wise the car hits the nail on the head once again, but performance was the one area where the Mk5 needed attention since it was outperformed by the other hot hatches. VW’s answer was to make the engine 3kg lighter and adding on a supercharger to the turbocharged 2.0l engine increasing the power output to 155kw and 280Nm torque, with the torque kicking in at 1800rpm. This launches the GTi from 0 – 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 240km/h. In the DSG model, which is the same one I drove, you get a dual clutch semi-auto gearbox, so the one clutch is leading while the other preselects the next gear, making gear changes smoother and quicker.

As both a family and performance car the Golf GTi is an absolute pleasure. With a 275 liter boot, loads of legroom and an impressive 6.1 liters per 100km, it’s a perfect blend of the two. You can really point its nose in the direction you want to go and shoot at it. Safety features include ABS, EBD, ESP, adjustable whiplash optimized head restraints and 7 airbags, making the GTi one of the safest cars ever built and giving it 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

There are a couple of other cars to choose from in the same price class as the Mk6 GTi, but for a balanced combination of speed, luxury, reliability and practicality I’d say the GTi is certainly one of the best.

Citroen Takes on BMW

2010-04-21T01:42:00.001-07:00

Finally a straight challenge for the Mini has been released; it’s called the Citroen DS3, and its Citroen’s version of the legendary Mini. Unfortunately Citroen SA has not yet approved the car for import, so for now we can only hope it will reach our shores soon.

The new DS line will have three versions to choose from, although the other two will only be released at a later stage. For now the DS3 will be available in one of five CO2-efficient Euro V engines, two of them diesel and three will be petrol, with the latter being co-developed by BMW. The two HDi diesel engines will produce 90bhp and 110bhp and will have Citroen’s DPFS, which stands for diesel particulate filter system. The three petrol engines will produce from the VTi 95bhp and 110bhp, and the THP will produce 150bhp.

The car will also have some premium features to it, like a colour contrasted floating roof, “shark fin” B pillar and LED headlights, with the floating roof being available in a choice of four colours, black, white, blue or red, very similar to the Mini. Mirrors and body ding strips will be available in chrome or personalized colours as well as some variations in wheel finishes. With the interior there will be leather and fabrics available in a variety of colours and the gear knob can be tailored in a choice of five ways.

Citroen promises that the DS3 will be spacious even though it is the smallest car in its class, measuring 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high. Citroen also claims they have made space for five people in full sized seats by raising the fascia to provide more leg room and the boot will take 285 liters and the seats can fold 60.40. There will be loads of tech too, Satnav with Bluetooth and audio features compatible with WMA and MP3, and an amplified subwoofer mounted in the boot. An indicator will let the driver know of optimal range in which to change gears for the lowest CO2 emissions, as well as cruise control with speed limiter.

All in all the DS3 sounds like a decent good competition to the Mini, with all its stylish features and accessories, and even though it’s not due for us yet, it is sure a car to keep an eye on in the motoring market.

Article by Dewildt Smith

Nissan 370Z – all you need to know about it

2010-04-21T01:41:00.000-07:00

Nissan found a really nice way to say Happy New Year to those passionate about speed and style. Debuted in November at the LA Auto Show, their 2009 Nissan 370Z got more specs out including a price. The super coupe is replacing the older 350Z, and is now powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

Also interesting is that the new Nissan 370Z is going to feature two new transmission options including a six-speed manual with an optional rev-matching feature (automatically blips the throttle on downshifts) and a seven-speed automatic.

On the inside it promotes luxurious materials that scream comfort and exquisiteness from every single part: amazing stereo, leather-trimmed sport seats, navigation with with iPod connectivity.

On the outside and spec-wise Nissan 370Z should include a double-wishbone front suspension, a wider body (1.1 inches), front and rear spoilers, Nissan Sport brakes (sport package), boomerang-style headlights and taillights, and a antilevered roofline.

Starting at $29,930 for the base version (6-speed transmission), the 370Z Coupe hops at $31,230 if you’d like the 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230. The other version the car will be offered in, the Touring model, starts at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual or $35,760 with the aforementioned automatic.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Facebook Teaser

2010-04-21T01:38:00.001-07:00

The fist photos of the pre-production Chevrolet Camaro Convertible surfaced back in 2008, and since then, the development has taken a pretty long time. GM has finally revealed the first images of the production ready 2012 Camaro Convertible prototype through social media outfit Facebook. The convertible looks similar in design to the Coupe and a few noticeable changes include a repositioned third brake light, a trunk-mounted antenna, and a key slot for opening the rear trunk. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will feature the same engines as the coupe including a 312hp 3.6L V6, a 400 hp 6.2-liter V8, and a 426hp 6.2L V8 option. We expect the convertible to arrive by April 2011.

Ferrari 599 GTO Totally Uncovered

2010-04-21T01:37:00.002-07:00

Well folks, we won’t have to wait for some auto show to get a detailed glimpse at the upcoming Ferrari 599GTO as a set of spy shots have done the job for us. The unearthed images reveal a sturdily aggressive looking commuter, something that wasn’t hinted by the previous spy flicks. Coming from a French source, this set of images also affirms Ferrari’s love for the two-tone look which was also spotted in the previous images. The 599 GTO will sport a 6.0-liter V12 beast that will be capable of churning 690 hp at the max. Though the official details are yet to arrive, the base 599 GTO will bear a probable price tag of €267,136 and this does not include taxes. [via caradisiac.com via teamspeed.com]

More Details about the Ferrari California with Manual Transmission

2010-04-21T01:37:00.001-07:00

If any of you had doubts about the Ferrari California also sporting a manual transmission other than the standard automatic one, it should now be cleared as Ferrari has detailed the particular variant. It will feature a six-speed manual option which may be a tad low in terms of performance but it will reportedly meet a 10% customer demand. The manual version will pelt from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds which will be a whole 0.3 seconds slower than its automatic cousin. The manual variant will also consume more fuel at 13.1l/km compared to 17.9l/km of the DCT version. The top speed will remain the same irrespective the transmission-311 km/h.

BMW Z4 GT3 Race Car Detailed

2010-04-21T01:36:00.002-07:00

Fanatics waiting for the arrival of the BMW’s new Z4 GT3 Race Car will be pleased to know that scorcher has been detailed. The race car that was officially tested in March and has already been delivered to private BMW teams features a 4.0-liter V8 engine that can produce 473bhp. The engine is assisted by an ECU408 management system and the unit is together mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with Quickshift function.

The GT3 racing competitor has been aggressively designed and the heavy carbon fiber usage keeps the curb weight down to 1,200 kilogram. Other regularities include a racing anti-lock braking system, a roll cage, a fresh looking front axle and special rims with central locking and safety clips. For the curious ones eager to know it’s pricing, the all new BMW Z4 GT3 gets tagged for $402,488.

McLaren MP4-12C Becomes Official

2010-04-21T01:36:00.001-07:00

McLaren has been a name that has mostly been heard around the F1 circuits but all this has changed with the launch of McLaren Automotive, a company that will strictly manufacture a range of super cars in the future. The company launch was accompanied by the launch of its flagship product, the MP4-12C which is touted to be a super car for a daily commute, though it can put the best ones to shame when pelted. The exact numbers are not yet known but the hopes are high as the company has its vast F1 experience to make the super car achieve astounding feats. The revealed details are that the MP4-12C rear-wheel driven beast will come with a 3.8-liter V8 engine capable of producing 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.

Next Generation Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Mule Spied

2010-04-21T01:34:00.002-07:00

More images of the 2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Mule testing in cold weather conditions closer to the Arctic Circle have thronged the web. The latest set of images reveals three test mules of the next generation 612 Scaglietti which is expected to arrive in 2012. The images highlight a longer wheelbase along with a new exhaust system, a budging hood and a redesigned front bumper. Engine options for the upcoming model will include a V12 beast capable of churning 533hp with 588Nm of torque and this will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The combination will enable the 2012 model to dash from 0 to 62mph in less than 4 seconds while the top speed will be 200+ mph. Rumors are ripe about the 2012 Ferrari 612 hosting an AWD powertrain and a hybrid unit as well.

918 Super Hybrid Spyder May Hit the Production Floor

2010-04-21T01:34:00.001-07:00

Porsche staged the 918 Super Hybrid Spyder at the Geneva Auto Show with no intentions to mass produce it in the near future but, the success of the electric Spyder at the Geneva event has got Porsche thinking. It was an instant hit at the motor show and that is why Porsche is now considering manufacturing the Spyder which has even got the employees excited as they wish to build it in future. If the production nod ahead is given, the 918 Spyder should start selling in the next five years where Porsche will first make the buyers sign intent letters to purchase the semi-electric commuters. The current 918 model that was showcased at the Geneva gathering features a combination of a V8 engine and three electric motors which together managed a credible 708hp.

TVR to be relaunched in the US with a 500hp supercar

2010-04-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

Bespoke automaker TVR understands that a comeback as a brand is a challenge in the US and offering a supercar first up may be its best chance. It sure has the Swordfish hype to get things going its way but eventually, it will be the supercar that will decide the destiny and not some movie cameo. TVR should be ready with its sports car possibly at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the car will be developed in Germany. A crate’ engine integration from either GM or Ford will help the Russian brand to save money on engine development and homologation.

Mercedes F800 Style Concept in Geneva

2010-04-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style broke cover at the ongoing 80th Geneva Motor Show and while a few view it as a research design study which will be an inspiration for future models, there is group of believers that believe it is the 2011 CLS Class.

The F800 Style can use two different powertrains which include a plug-in unit or a fuel cell option. As a fuel-cell powered com muter the F800 motor can get 101kW of energy along with 290Nm of torque although the range wasn’t revealed.

As a plug-in option mated to a V6 engine, F800 manages 403 hp on a combined cycle. The plug-in F800 manages a top speed of 120km/h when only running on the 81kW motor and 249km/h when running on the V6 petrol engine. The F800 manages the 0 to 60mph dash in an impressive 4.7 seconds.

For the ones thinking it to be the next generation CLS, take note that the F800 is seven inches shorter in length which is because of the stubbed rear and a uniquely designed front fascia.

Bertone Designed Alfa Romeo Pandion First Image

2010-04-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

Bertone is forging ahead with its Alfa Romeo Pandion as it has come up with the first images of the concept just a week after its first teaser sketch surfaced. Pandion is supposed to be showcased as one of three entrants at the Geneva Motor Show that will potentially replace the Alfa Romeo 159 also marking 100 years of existence for the brand. Design traits from the Saab Aero X and the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept can be spotted on the Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion. It sports a sturdy looking front end, extensive glasswork and a oddly designed rear diffuser. Speculation is ripe that the concept is based on the Competizione hinting that it will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing 450 bhp and 470 Nm of torque.

Kia Ray Concept Debuts in Chicago

2010-04-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Ray Concept was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show and it is a plug-in-hybrid concept designed for the eco-conscious. The concept features a direct injection 153hp 1.4L engine and a 78kW electric motor where the engine is mated to a CVT set-up. The Ray concept has an overall driving range of 1,200 Km and it can travel 80kms on the electric power alone while it has a fuel economy rating of more than 202mpg. The Ray Concept adjudges the driving conditions and then decides the escalation of power from the two sources i.e. the engine and the electric unit.

Suzuki R3 Concept MPV breaks cover at the Auto Expo

2010-04-21T01:26:00.000-07:00

Few years back, no one talked about the Auto Expo New Delhi, but since India is the next big market to automakers, this year’s event has gained a lot of importance. For India MPV is still a rarity and the first of its kind to make its debut as a concept was the Suzuki R3 which was designed in a modest time of nine months. The R3 comes with six individual seats and those seats can be folded away to increase the cargo space. There are no sliding doors to be found and the rearward opening doors making things easier for the passengers. The exterior is boxy and it has a bulky rear portion. At the fascia is a combination of high-intensity lighting with LED accents and the LEDs can also be found at the back. The engine choice is still a mystery but that will gain importance only if Suzuki is keen to take this MPV to the production facility. The prototype has an engine that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Lamborghini Ankonian Concept Supercar

2010-04-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

Designer Slavche Tanevsky is the guy guilty for coming up with this amazing & aggressive concept car. Dubbed Lamborghini Ankonian, the vehicle is meant as an upgrade to the famous Lamborghini Reventon and continues with the stealth fighter jet inspiration (already becoming a habit for the Italian manufacturer) for coming out with a pimped version of a Batmobile. Make it a radar-evasive car and take it to the production lines, that’ll make our day.

Spy Pictures: Alfa Romeo Kamal production ready?

2010-04-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does this look like a vehicle that is very close to production ready? Three spy pictures that were taken by Alfa Romeo employees. I’m sure they’re going to be in a lot of trouble – thanks guys.

It shows that Alfa Romeo Kamal – a SUV from the Italian marque that may or may not be built. What we do know is this thing looks ready to be sold. What we don’t know is if they’re going to sell the Kamal or not.

Guess well have to wait and see.

Breaking: Audi e-tron more expensive than R8!

2010-04-21T01:21:00.000-07:00

If you had to choose between Audi’s R8 sports car or pay more to buy the electric e-tron which would you choose?

Sure, it would depend on a couple of things, but the one that really concerns me is the range. Will the be able to make an electric car with the R8’s performance levels that can literally go the distance. I mean what good is a sports car if you can only go quick for a 100km or so?

We’ll have to wait till about 2012 for the answer to that question when Audi is going to build a 1000 units of the e-tron. Audi reckons it can sell a 1000 of these babys through its worldwide dealer network of about 5000 dealers, but they would make more if the merket wanted it and would make less if nobody waned it…so the 1000 units is only a guesstimate.

Pricing? It’ll be priced above the R8.

The most electric day ever: VW up Lite concept

2010-04-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

This is up Lite concept from VW. It is Lite on fuel. Using only the faintest whisker of fumes of fuel to go on to a consumption figure of just over 2 liters per 100km.

How? Well the name kinda gives it away. Weighing in at only 695kg it really is Lite. It weighs as much as a stack of feathers because of the extensive use of Aluminium, Carbon fibre and lightweight batteries

Batteries meaning hybrid and when the tiny 800cc engine isn’t working it can run on a very light, no doubt very expensive set of batteries.

Will they build it?

Yes and no – yes, they’ll build something like it, but not containing the extensive use of carbonfibre, and heavier batteries. So while the concept is awesome it will probably be too expensive too build in the exact shape and form as we see here.

Citroen Revolte Concept Official Images

2010-04-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Revolte Concept from Citroen, a throwback to the 2CV, has been a matter of great confusion since no one is thoroughly sure whether it will ever make it to the production floor. The images of the concept have however broken cover and it looks like a premium sporting hatch which will borrow some traits from the Citroen DS3. At the front the small beast gets the updated Citroen grille, small headlights and a honeycomb lower face. The rear doors on the sporting hatch open rearward which maintain the C-shape form of the car at all times. We will have to wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show kicks off next week, before we know more.