Author: Georgi Boychev

  • What is Scion Debuting at the New York Auto Show?

    Scion iM Teasers As you might know, one of the most anticipated vehicles at this year’s NYIAS are Scion‘s iM Hatch and iA Sedan. Brand’s team brings us not one, but two models, that deserve our attention: iM and iA are specially created for young and practical drivers with urban needs. The first one, the iM is a hatchback with 5 doors, that blends incredible flexibility and a fresh sporty design, that brings completely new driving experience. The second model, the iA Sedan is also intended for the practical urban customers, that still do want an interesting style and incredible vehicle dynamics.

    Actually, Scion will show a full lineup for young drivers, that includes the special series FR-S 1.0 and tC 9.0. The first one comes with revised features, that team at Toyota Racing Developemet has specifically developed. TRDQuad Trip Exhaust Sustem and TRD springs are included. The Scion tC Series 9.0 comes as a limited edition sports coupe, that features a black magma interior, special aero kit, designed by Cartel Customs, a Smart Key with Push Button and other cool stuff.

    Furthermore, there are other Scion models, that catch the eye. There are two models, that took part at 2014 Scion Tuner Challenge and the SEMA Show in Las Vegas the last November. The models are Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC –  a new concept design, inspired by the extreme heavy metal band Slayer and feautures custom paint job with artwork, that best describes the metal band. It also has Billet Slayer sword blade wheels, suicide doors and spiked center caps. And when it comes to heavy metal music, volume is important. So important, that the vehicle is loaded with custom made Pioneer audio system with titanic speakers, a custom mixer and a 32-inch monitor. The other model, Super Street FR-S is based on the FR-S and comes with a wider stance and boosted power.

    Visitors will be dealing even with the Scion Swag Machine, that is the first Instagram-powered vending machine. So, don’t miss the show, there is alot to be seen. But if you still can’t attend, Scion team will be using Meerkat to showcase the program in NY via Twitter social network.

    Source: Scion

  • Brabus Creates the Perfect Mercedess C-Class Wagon

    2015 Brabus Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon Side ViewPower and ellegance are the main attributes for the team at BRABUS. They have created a tuning program, that will turn The C-Class Wagon into one of the best looking and best performing vehicles of the C-class line. The project will bring wide range of opitions and extras, that include aerodynamic program, design additions, that will further improve the apperance of this Merceddes-Benz. Engine tunings will be made to offer a unique driving experience via diesel or gasoline variants.

    To be precise, there are four different design and equipment packages: Standart, AVANTGARDE, EXCLUSIVE and AMG. The last one, AMG, for example, includes BRABUS spoilers, lower section bumper, central spoiler blade, overall design tweaks, that contribute not only to the striking design, but also to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. There are even high-performance tires, that are specifically designed by brand partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

    Now, the engine: BRABUS’ program offers tuning for the powerplant, and no similar has been ever applied to a Mercedes-Benz. The latest kit for gasoline models, the so called PowerXtra B25.2 adds tremendous boost of 25 kW/34 hp and the peak torque grows by 50 Nm (295lbs). This results in an output of 180 kW/240 HP. Even the sprint time is reduced: you will go from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) for 6.5 second and you will chase the top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). The more, the better, right?

    BRABUS kits are avaiable for other four-cylinder gasoline models: you can apply the BRABUS PowerXtra B18.2 or the ECO PowerXtra D3 or D4. They can be installed in no time, just to boost the beast to feel the maximum capabilities with minimum ecological damage.

    The product program also includes options for the interior of the Mercedes Wagon: the accessories include alluminium pedals, upgraded spedometers with scales up to 340 km/h (211 mph), a trustworthy leather interior and even velour floor mats.

    So, tell me now, which is your kit?

    Source: Brabus

  • Two Alpina Edition 50s are Coming Our Way

    ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Edition 50 Front ViewFor it’s 50th anniversary the one and only Alpina manufactury will be making 50 fresh and shiny saloons and coupes under the B5 and B6 Bi-Turbo designation. This woud be the point of making some of the most anticipated hi-end luxorious road and race cars to rule over European streets.  All the vehicles will be heavily modified to bring you the pleasure of driving a beauty, geared with revised V8, that will take you from 0 to 100km (62mph) in 4.2 seconds, so you can try reaching top speed of 204 mph.

    Brand manager Matthew Stripling ensures us, that Edition 50 will bring highest levels of comfort, blended with supreme engine performance. We tend to believe him. Anyone who is brave enough to try this Bi-turbo will be dealing with 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) and 600 hp (441 kW). That monstrous power is combined with even further imroved fuel economy: 29.7 mpg and the best so far CO2 emissions of 221 g/km.

    Talking about the engine, heavy modifications include water cooling system, weight and power upgrades. In addition the crew behind the project has done an air flow optimizations for better engine response. All of this, of corse, comes fresh from the factory, that is well known for it’s high quality and durability components. As usual 2-year warranty is also included.

    Not only the engine recieved improvements, but the transmission, aerodynamics, overall weight, interior have been also revised. The wheels and exhaust system are redesigned for further weight loss upgrades and better performance, that together reduce a total of 31.6 kg of the overall car weight. The interior includes hand-crafted sport seats, ceramic finish controls, leather panel, redesigned panels and the unique car number will be included on the centre console.

    The Turbo Edition 50 vehicles will come in  ALPINA Blue or ALPINA Green, or the special Edition 50 Sepia. Additional decal sets can be ordered in colors blue or green, so it is up to you to choose the apperance of the Alpina Edition 50. What is your choice?

    Source: BMW

  • “The Vulcan” Erupts at the New York Auto Show

    Aston Martin Vulcan Side View “The Vulcan” is a track only supercar, capable of producing over 800 hp, that will make a debut at the New York International Auto Show next month. The model will expand the luxorious product range, that already includes Vanquish Carbon, Rapide S, V12 Vantage S and GT Roadster. CEO Andy Palmer says  he really looks forward to reviewing the car in New York, as the company already recieved positive feedback from customers and car fans at the Geneva Motor Show.

    Vulcan is created by a team, led by Marek Reichman himself, that brings us not just a luxorious hi-end vehicle, but shows the next gen of Aston Martin sports car. And to do so, the designers, created a masterpiece, that is powered by the naturally-aspirated 7.0 litre V12 gazoline unit. Combined with the crushing force of 800-plus hp (588 kW), the rear-wheel car will dramatically expand the heritage of the well known luxury vehicle brand.

    Interesting fact is that owners will be offered to be part of a detailed programme for track drive training. There are many expirienced drivers, who will guide the new owners on the sports track until their own driving expirience is refined and expanded. The training programme is divided on two separate parts – owners will be trained  not only on the super tracks, but also their theoretical knowledge about the car and the race will be put on the test.

    The exiting vehicle will be offered to customers within a special Aston Martin VIP programme, that supports an incredible flexibility of color and trim choices and of course customer service, that will include personalisation options.

    Aston Martin Vulcan will have its premiere at NYIAS on 3d of April. Stay tuned for more details.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Toyota Racing to Defend Two World Titles at FIA World Endurance Championship

     Toyota TS040 Hybrid Under Wraps As you know, Toyota became the first Japanese company to claim the WEC championship last year. The successful season witnessed the share of the first place by two high-performance drivers Sébastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson. The champion winning car, TS040 Hybrid proved to be the hero of the day: the machine, in full harmony with the drivers, has won 5 out of 8 races.

    The Hybrid has been modified and improved for 2015 with redesigned suspension, optimized tyre wear, changed front design for even better aerodynamics and some weight-loss modifications. The art of consuming energy and saving is not unknown territory for the crew, that built the beast. They do know, that in modern age energy and performance efficiency is key feature to have in mind.

    The car itself comes with two packages for 2015 that have already been tested in France. The first package, so called “The Le Mans” is better suited and used for the well-known 24-hour race, while the second one, called “Spring” is specially built to bring high level of downforce.

    As said, the efficiency is well calculated by numerous tests and experiments, that started already on 13 January. The different tracks for experiment really let the team show their best, not only on the test road, but on the championship.

    Team members Davidson and Buemi will share one car. Davidson himself says, that he looks forward to winning the big race at Les Mans in June. He knows what real competiton and competitors mean and he confidently prepares for the race. We wish him luck and alot of occasions for celebrating.

    Source: Toyota

  • Alpine Releases Short Video Showing the Inspirations behind Vision Gran Turismo

     Alpine Vision in Gran Turismo SketchThe video below is part of Alpine’s 60th anniversary and involves 3D artwork, smooth chromatic painting and nice old school cartoon drawing, that together blend to bring a visual pleasure, lasting just little more than a minute. The team behind the beautiful project uses all these different art techniques, just to show the beauty of the car in not just one dimension. So you should probably prepare to witness the agression on the road, freedom and pleasure of driving and the really special bond between  car and driver.

    The video shows the beautiful Alpine A450b, combined to the future model of Berlinetta. The viewers will be pleased to see the new design, that mixes already known features and modern new-age aerodynamics and incredible visuals: just notice the unbeliavable back lights or the striking speed of the new Alpine.

    The short art-based concept film will make you feel the same passion and emotion, that drove the team to create such a beauty. You will be thrown directly on the racing track to experience the speed and elegance of the new Alpine, just to take you on it’s wings in the air, feel the pleasure of flying and freedom, and then witness the connection between machine and racer, that can take them out of every situation.

    Alpine Vision Gran Turismo is avaiable for purchase for Playstation® gaming consoles. Watch the video here:

    httpv://youtu.be/2tuObNUTnbc

    Source: Renault

  • Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Edition Debuts in New York

    2016 Mazda MX-5 MiataThe 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club edition will be presented at the New York International Auto Show. The badass car is said to be the most agressive member of MX-5 roadsters. Definately someone you don’t want to mess up with. What actually is making it ‘the most agressive’ car? Let’s mention first the lightweight. The car is using new materials for its body thanks to which the MX-5 Club now weights 2,332lbs.

    As we know, Mazda roadsters are lightweight vehicles by defaut, but even more chassi and suspension weight upgrades could be announced. In addition, the car will be equipped either with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, that actually weights a bit more and makes the car total mass grow to 2, 381lbs. We will be dealing with the same four-cylinder, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine, that brings 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque and 155 bhp (115 kW). The agressive Club member will be  further-upgraded with aerodynamic changes and with even more stylish exterior look.

    The construct design of MX-5 Club comes with a bit shorter and wider body, compared to older models, with an engine, placed lower in the chassis, that altogether brings even better experience and pleasure of driving.

    The fourth-gen MX-5 beast-and-beauty will be presented by Mazda North American Operations next week at one of the upcoming car festivals in New York. The Club is expanding. Are you ready to join?

    Source: Mazda

  • Cadillac ATS-V is now 464HP SEA-Certified

    Cadillac ATS-V Front ViewToday, at Los Angeles the new 2016 ATS-V was introduced by Cadillac – the new generation family member that expands brand’s elite hi-end V-Series. The start of the production will be this spring with the availability in sedan and coupe forms. The first ATS-V’s will bring the twin-turbocharged power and uncompetable design artwork and performance system.

    Now, for more than ten years, the V-Series have driven incredible power and performance to Cadillac’s ever-expanding luxury range. Built on the base of the award-winning ATS line, the V-series add even more capabilities to what was the most resilient and agile-driving compact car class.

    The result? Luxurious multi-purpose vehicle. It comes with the well known and trustworthy true track capability, combined with the smooth feel on the road. The new ATS-V is geared with the first of it’s kind twin-turbocharged engine in a V-series model. The machine comes with SAE-certified 464 horsepower (364kW), highest output six-cylinder engine segment, 601Nm (444 lb-ft) of torque, 0-60 performance in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

    In order to create an agile, luxurious and smooth-performing ATS-V, the Twin Turbo engine supports completely redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems. Other upgrades and further improvements include Brembo high-performance brake system straight from the factory, third-gen Magnetic Ride Control with additionally enhanced damping response, selectable driver modes for sport-based track etc.

    In addition, ATS-V comes also with exterior design that supports aerodynamic performance as well as powertrain and drivetrain cooling technology. The interior focuses on the driver’s interface system for even better performance driving, including more ergonomic and high performance seats.

    Chief engineers ensure the highest performance available via the bond that the smallest V-series has with the driver. It’s not just a bond, they say, but the engine actually adapts to driver’s preferences for more pleasure of driving. How cool is that?

    Source: Cadillac

  • Superb SE Business Edition with Two Engine Options

    Superb SE Business Edition Side ViewSkoda Superb SE Buisness is designed to meet the specifics of the fleet market with additional equipment that adds even more comfort and technologic additions. This particular trim level is geared with front and rear parking sensors, touchscreen satellite navigation, drive mode selection, including Eco, Sport and Normal modes, sunset glass from the back and even a Phonebox with wireless enhanced signal.

    But the goodies do not end here. The SE Buisness comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights for better vision, Adaptive Cruise control and lumbar support.  The most interesting fact is that, although the vastly increased number of additions, the new trim will come at the same price as its predecessor. With all improvements and the incredibly spacious cabin and the increased rear legroom, the new SE Buisness is set to be the businessman’s best friend out on the streets. Only some of the new features are the optional: Virtual pedal system, Blind spot detection, new generation Park assist.

    The SE Buisness will come with a choice of two EU6 diesel engines: the 1.6-litre 120PS unit and the 2.0-litre 150 PS one. Both come mated to DSG transmissions. Also, the new GreenLine model will emit about 95g/km of CO2, or at least it is expected to do so.

    Furthermore, the SE Buisness will be up to 75kg lighter, despite the fact it is larger than the SE – 47mm wider, with 80mm longer wheelbase. It is believed, that all of these features will make the new model more efficient and comfortable.

    Other “firsts” here are the LED rear lights, sunset glass, the redesigned multi-function steering wheel, manual lumbar support, electric parking brake, expanded set of safety and security extras – ABS, EBW, MSR, EDS, HDA and more. The technical additions include AC Contro, Satelite navigation control and SmartLink. The new Skoda SE Buisness will be specifically distributed in Europe and is expected to make a market debut later this year.

    Source: Skoda