Georgi Boychev – Page 211 – Automobiles Review

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are Ready For the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship Event

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are ready for the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship race with the Beetle GRCs. The event starts this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will start its second season this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale.

At the same time, that Scott Speed will begin the Red Bull Global Rallycross season, Volkswagen team will enter its fourth year as a sponsor for Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK. In fact, Mr. Speed will be competing with number 41 SHARK WEEK Volkswagen Beetle GRC.

For this year’s season, the team decided to change the engine specs and now, the Beetle comes with 2.0-Liter turbocharged and intercooled TSI four-cylinder engine, that produces 553 hp (406 kW) and 465 lb-ft, instead of the old 1.6-liter TSI engine, that granted the racers with 544 hp (400 kW) and 385 lb-ft.

Furthermore, both drivers have been invited to the Summer X Games in Austin, TX and now, the golden medalist Scott Speed will have to defend his 2014 title.

And there is one more good news. VARX Supercars app will provide all fans with different kind of information about the event. Now, users will be informed about schedules, session results, timings, scores and everything else, they need to know about the race. In fact, the app is free to use.

Source: Volkswagen

May 28, 2015

Toyota Is Recognized as the Most Valuable Car Brands for 2015

Once again Toyota brand is listed in the top spot of the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2015. With its USD 28.9 billion it remains as the most anticipated automobile brand.

According to a report, the modern society trends challenge the vehicle industry in numerous ways. And it really is a challenge to stay on the market with high-quality product, but to be different at the same time. Nowardays the so called “colliding trends” are the thing, that keeps the spirit of car manufacturers.

As you might know, in 2014 Toyota launched the world’s first commercial for a hydrogen-powered car. And this is the Toyota Mirai sedan, which is already available in Japan and comes to Europe and US at the end of this year.

And since Toyota demonstrated the world’s first mass produced hybrid vehicle back in 1997, the sales of the brand exceeded seven million worldwide. Furthermore, European customers have the opportunity to choose between 15 Toyota and Lexus hybrid cars. In fact, Lexus has gained 10th position in the list for the most valuable vehicle brand with its value of USD 4.3 billion.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands is conducted and commissionedby WPP and Millward Brown Optimor and has over two million consumers in over 30 countries.

Source: Toyota

May 28, 2015

Honda Team Heads Up for A World Record

Honda is ready to put a world record with its super-efficient 1.6 i-DTEC engine. The test will put the machine on a 8, 5000 mile drive across 24 EU countries with the single purpose to demonstrate the incredible fuel efficiency.

On the 1st of June this year, a team will drive the Honda Civic Tourer and will go for a special journey, starting from Aalst, Belgium. The team will come back 28 days later and will drive exactly 8, 459 miles.

The rules of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS will make the two drivers Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren sit in the car for about 7.5 kilometers a day in order to drive 370 miles a day. the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title is “Lowest Fuel Consumption – All 24 contiguous EU countries”. Furthermore, the rules require the driving team to enter each of the 24 countries and collect numerous evidences for doing it as fuel logbooks, GPS readings, vide, photos and more. If the tour happens to be a successful one, every model from the Civic Tourer lineup will be counted as successfully passed the test. Even the hybrid and electric models.

And of course, to ensure accurate monitoring on the track, the car will be geared with a special tracking device, that will provide information about the journey in real-time, so everyone, who is interested in the attempt can easily track the vehicle.

Further requirements are, that the vehicle must be with its stock package and without any further upgrades or tweaks, that will give any advantage over any unrevised model. And to evade some “unfairness”, the vehicle will be filled to the max with fuel, every time the team stops to refill.

We wish the team luck and a special occasion for celebration! It will be good for all the Civic drivers out there to know, that they are driving a car, that broke a fuel efficiency record!

Source: Honda

May 28, 2015

Chevrolet Confidently Stays as a Global Leader in Incorporating Smart Phone Apps

Strategy Analytics state, that there are more than 2 million smart phone users and this numbers increases. Something more, there are many phone users, that tweak their smart gadget even when they drive. Now, Chevrolet brand takes another challenge to deliver the smartest and easiest way of using both mobile phones and vehicles.

For the 2016 year Chevy will offer the special Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. There will be 14 Chevrolet models, that include and the special Chevrolet Cruze, which is the best-selling passenger car, which will include the special multimedia systems.

On the other hand, Chevy‘s seven-inch Mylink information system grants owners with a smart way to use the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

As you might know, each of both systems builds off the features, that customers like the most. For example, Android Auto is built with influence by Google Maps, Google Now and some apps like WhatsApp, Skype Gplay and more.

Car Play, on the other hand, focuses on the iPhone features and grants access to apps, while driving in incredibly simple way. The system allows drivers to make calls, send messages, listen to music and many more.

It is a good thing to hear, that a car brand tries to fit in the world of hi-tech gadgets. Having the ability to make numerous different technologies work together will make you spark out from the crowd. Just like Chevrolet team does.

Source: Chevrolet

May 28, 2015

BRABUS Demonstrates its Latest Masterpiece, the 2015 Brabus Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid

As you know, for more than three decades BRABUS demonstrates confidence, perfection and elegance within its refined work. And now, with the latest BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid for the Mercedes S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID the tuning brand demonstrates for one more time why it is one of the best on the market today.

Drivetrain upgrades

The engineer team made an incredible upgrade for the Mercedes model, as it inceases the power of the V6 engine with 52 hp (38 kW) and boosts the torque with 70 Nm. With this additions, the vehicle comes with a total of 500 hp (368 kW) and torque of 890 Nm. The result? The S 500 now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and chases the top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph)

As you know, BRABUS is a pioneer in the research and development of not just high-performance engines, but high-performance eco-friendly powerplants. Staying true to the tradition, the German tuning brand geared the S 500 with a special 3.0-Liter V6 gasoline engine and plug-in electric drive. This gadget, the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid brings additional 52 horsepower (38 kW) and 70 Nm.

And as a well-known brand for the quality and richness of the detail, BRABUS offers and a stainless-steel exhaust system, that incorporates the BRABUS logo. Sweet, isn’t it? Furthermore, the tuning team brings and numerous more goodies for the well-designed sedan. Tailor-made BRABUS aerodynamic elements of carbon-fiber are available on numerous different places on the body.

Exterior and interior upgrades

The front fascia replaces the stock bumper and catches the eye with its looks and the stylish air intakers. Furthermore, the shape is especially redesigned to reduce the lift on the front axle and features a special integrated spoiler lip. Furthermore, every fender is upgraded with a special BRABUS-crafted carbon-fiber elements.

And of course, the striking visions come with striking lights: the redesigned LED headlights are integrated in a special underside rocker panels.

The vehicle is further geared with BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” high-tech wheels, that come with customizable options for wheel/tire options. Furthermore, there are Monoblock VI and Monoblock F cross wheels, that can be combined with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires.

On the other hand, the interior is sheer and luxury, that really has that unmistakable BRABUS touch. Everything is covered with high-quality BRABUS leather and every single detail had its own attention and we all will admit, that BRABUS team has incredible skills in shaping wonderfully even the smallest details. Furthermore, the hybrid can also be geared with the special BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system.

Source: Brabus

May 28, 2015

Toyota Sienna Proves, That it is One of the Best SUV Machines Ever Created!

With its 150 cubic feet cargo space the Toyota Sienna has place for everything and everyone! Something more: the 2015 Sienna took home the Best in Class Minivan Award at the fifth annual New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA).

But this is not the only Toyota vehicle, that won a NEMPA award! Furthermore, the incredible 2013 RAV4 has taken a special prize. As you know, this is one of the first small SUV machines and offers incredible performance and comfort. And it is still one of the leading vehicles of its class.

In fact, this year’s conference was focused on the “green” and environmentally friendly technologies and vehicles and for that reason the jury examined the fuel economy, emissions, innovations of green technologies and overall level of comfort and efficiency.

This year’s winner, the 2015 Sienna is true to the “Swagger Wagon” credentials. It comes with even more stylish and cozy interior, that includes wonderful cockpit area, intelligent and innovative usage of the cargo space and high-tech gadgets, that make you see the future.

On the other hand, the exterior is also redesigned and the 2015 Sienna comes with restyled grille and even better-looking headlights and taillights. Furthermore, the Sienna model is the only vehicle in its class, that offers an All-Wheel-Drive system. Sweet, isn’t it?

Source: Toyota

May 27, 2015

Citroen and Arsenal Football Club Show A Fun Video, Dedicated to all Football Fans

Citroen cooperated with Arsenal Football Club to create a special video-parody, named “Return of the Fan“. The stars this time are Ramsey, Mertesacher and Koscielny.

For all the football fans the end of the season is one of the most unpleasurable events ever. And how it is not: after 380 games of Premier League, the 2014-2015 season came to its end. But Citroen team doesn’t think this is that sad fact. The team created a list with top ten things to do after the football season is over.

The well-known “going back home” feeling is well-captured and presented by the Citroen and Arsenal cooperation, as the two brands created a fresh and funny video for all the football fans out there.

The video itself is a parody to the 90s hit “Return of the Mack” and features the sweet Citroen C1, C4 Cactus and Grand C4 Picasso, that tell a story about Arsenal football fans, who are going home, into the “real life” after passionately spent time on the stadium. What happens next is that, the football fans see Arsenal player to mix their incredible football skills with dance moves. But we won’t tell you more, because the video speaks for itself.

Source: Citroen

May 27, 2015

Hyundai Is the First Brand to Incorporate Android Auto in Its Models

Hyundai team is the first to announce and launch the special Android Auto System on production vehicles. It will debut on the 2015 Sonata, that will include the special gadget as a part of the standard equipment, but later this year, the Android Auto will be incorporated in other Hyundai models.

The system bring not only next-gen technology in the vehicle, but also helps to improve the safety. For example, as you might know, there are more than 650, 000 drivers, that are using their cell phones, while driving. In such situations Android Auto will keep the driver alert and aware about what happens on the road with a special advanced driving functions, that can even lock one’s smartphone, if necessary. Reminds me of mom for some reason..

Additional good news is, that the software system will be available for already used 2015 Sonata models. In fact, there is also a special web site, that provides customers with the latest versions and updates and keeps them in tune with all the information they will need for the special software. For now, the Android Auto System is available for Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models. Sadly, all other Nissan owners will have to wait for the gadget to be available for their models, but we are sure, that the wait will not be that long. Or will it be?

Source: Hyundai

May 27, 2015

Renault-Nissan Alliance Will Support a Noble Cause for Noble Results!

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is ready to provide 200 all-electric vehicles for the United Nation’s COP21 climate conference in Paris. The agreement was signed today between the well-known Alliance and the General Secretary.

Now, more than 20,000 U.N. participants from nearly 200 countries are expecting what will happen next. In fact, this is the first time, that the U.N. fleet will be using electric-charged fleet for the entire event.

Furthermore, the idea of the Paris summit is to create a new climate-changing agreement, that is expected to help countries to adopt the climate changes and the reduced emissions. The COP21 car fleet will include the Renault ZOE compact car, Renault Kangoo Z.E. van, Renault Fluence Z.E. sedan, Nissan LEAF and the special 7-seater Nissan e-NV200 van. What is expected from the vehicles is to be available throughout the week and of course to provide smooth and clean ride to key venues during the public transportation.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance will be cooperating with numerous French companies, that will create a network of more than 50 charging stations, just to ensure quick and clean recharge for the environmentally friendly vehicles. The stations are expected to recharge the automobiles from 0 to 80 per cent energy in just 30 minutes.

It is good to hear such good news. We all hope, that there will be more automobile brands, that will follow the Alliance strategy for producing more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Source: Nissan; Renault

May 27, 2015

Porsche Demonstrates Three Models, That Will Compete in 2015 Le Mans Race

The official Pre-test for the 2015 Le Mans 24-race will finally see what Porsche has to offer: three 919 Hybrid models, that will be colored in red, black and white. And of course, every color represents something, that Porsche team believes in. Let’s see what.

The red prototype represents Tradition and it will race under number 17 with drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany), Brendon Hartley (New Zealand) and Mark Webber (Australia). In fact, the car number and the color red are a special tribute to the Porsche vehicle, that, back in 1970, won a total of 16 races in Le Mans.

The black prototype LMP1 with number 18 represents Technology. This number is, in fact, a symbol for the technical relationship between the 919 Hybrid model and the 918 Spyder sports car. Furthermore, a black 918 model set a record for fastest lap back in 2013, as the vehicle travelled more than 20 kilometers in 6 minutes and 57 seconds. The brave driver was Marc Lieb (GER), who will also be competing this year again and he will use one more time the 919 model. The other drivers are Romain Dumas (France) and Neel Jani (Switzerland)

And the third car is a symbol of a Return and will proudly bear number 19. The white color represents the return after a long, 16-year absence. The color will also be used with the two Porsche 911 RSR vehicles, that will compete in the GTE Pro Class. In this year’s Le Mans the 919 Hybrid will be driven by Earl Bamber (New Zealand), Nico Hülkenberg (Germany) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain)

We all know how tough the Le Mans race is and that it contains lots of science, unseen by ordinary people and we hope, that the three Porsche vehicles will not only represent tradition, technology and return, but also success and victory!

Source: Porsche

May 27, 2015

BMW Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Art Cars With Numerous Shows in 2015

Since Alexander Calder painted the BMW 3.0 CSL, that lined up for Le Mans 24-hour race, 40 years have passed. And since then the BMW Art Car Collection has fascinated with passionate artwork, design and technology. As we all know, since the invention of the motorcar, artists have made it look better, more confident and more dramatic. As we talk about art, applied on vehicles, not much has changed even now, in 21st century.

Ever since 1975 BMW Art Cars have been known for their design and incredible paint work, and since then these cars are central figure in the BMW history. In fact, the idea behind the art cars comes from a French driver and painter, Hervé Poulain. Exactly 40 years ago, Poulain asked his friend, artist Alexander Calder to incorporate his talent into his sports car. This is how the beautiful and colorful tradition was born.

Now, the anniversary celebration are made in Hong Kong, where the first art BMW models will be displayed. And this is not all the good news! There will be more more colorful shows later in 2015, held in New York, Miami and Shanghai.

Up to date, numerous BMW Art Cars have been witnessed performing on the road and now proudly telling their stories in art museums. Just some of the unique models are: Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975), Frank Stella (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1976), Roy Lichtenstein (BMW 320 Group 5, 1977), Andy Warhol (BMW M1 Group 4, 1979), Ernst Fuchs (BMW 635CSi, 1982), Robert Rauschenberg (BMW 635CSi, 1986), Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3 Group A, 1989).

In 2014 Hatje Cantz published even comprehensive publication of the BMW Art Cars. It is a 200-page book, with wonderful illustrations and reviews for every model, ever since 1975.

This is a wonderful tradition and we all hope, that this is only the beginning of a fairytale, created with colors and passion!

Source: BMW

May 26, 2015

Mazda Sold its One-Millionth CX-5 Unit!

Mazda team proudly sold its one-millionth unit from Mazda CX-5 lineup at the end of April. The popular SUV machine marked the incredible achievement in less than three and a half years, after the model went on sale in late 2011. This achievement is so big, that only one more model have done it: the Mazda3. In fact, the Mazda3 reached one million sold copies in even lesser time.

Introduced to the ever-growing segment, Mazda’s compact crossover model is also the first to include the SKYACTIV technology, along with KODO. The CX-5 really started the next era for Mazda brand, as the model won more than 60 awards, that include the prestigious Car of the Year Japan 2012-2013. In fact, this model is the top-selling SUV in Japan and it is also one of the most popular models in many European countries and markets, including the German market.

The car is manufactured at Mazda’s Ujina Plant in Hiroshima, but there are numerous more places, that produce the model, including China, Russia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

In fact, Mazda has always produced vehicles with excellent features and there is hardly a customer, who had Mazda model, who will say, that the car is somehow not that good. Furthermore, the one million sold copies of one particular model proves the quality of the model.

Source: Mazda

May 26, 2015

Author: Georgi Boychev

Drivetrain upgrades

Exterior and interior upgrades