Author: Katya Mikova

  • 2016 BMW X1 to be Offered with 5 and 7 Seats

    The next-generation BMW X1 is close to its completion but all we can see for now is a camouflaged version of it. Judging by the latest spy photos, the new BMW model is going to be introduced in 5- and 7-seat versions. Still, the compact seven-seater will be only offered in USA, Russia and China.

    Interestingly enough, the new X1 will adopt a highly evolutionary design while under the hood it will receive a UKL1 platform. The same engine line-up is the heart and the soul of several MINI models and is also fitted in the new 2-Series Active Tourer.

    In relation to this, the 2016 BMW X1 lineup will be revealed with three- and four-cylinder engines, in gasoline and diesel variants. The most powerful among these versions is expected to be a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit which will be able to produce about 231 HP. The two 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engines are said to generate 150 and 184 HP respectively.

    What is more, there is going to be a standard six-speed manual transmission as well as an eight-speed automatic option with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive will be standard but some models will be available with an xDrive all-wheel drive system as an option.

    Source: automedia.investor

  • 2015 Toyota RAV4 is Perfect for Business People

    The famous SUV family of Toyota has welcomed another member named RAV4 Business Edition. With such specific name, the target customers of the model is pretty much obvious. Arriving with plenty of absolutely reliable, easy to use and high-quality equipment, the newcomer represents an attractive product for a wider group buyers.

    Power will be distributed by a 2.0-liter D-4D diesel engine, fixed to a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The average fuel consumption is rated at 4.1 l/100 km (57.6 MPG) with CO2 emissions of 127 g/km.

    This limited edition model is featured with the automaker’s most-recently developed touch-screen Touch 2 with Go infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and an easy access to on-line information and entertainment services by using Toyota’s customer portal.. Other components include a rear-view camera and online compatibility. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 Business Edition benefits from 17-inch alloy wheels, Led daytime running lights, an audio system with four speakers and a dual-zone climate control. Other extras are represented by automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and an extra chrome trim on the front bumper which adds a pinch of distinctive style.

    New RAV4 owners can enjoy leather front seats (Active, Business Edition and Invincible) and Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus. The latter brings additional functionality, voice command recognition and thee years of free map updates. The color choices include a new Deep Titanium metallic. With such goodies driving to the office becomes more pleasant than ever before!

    The starting price is that of 23,995 GBP (31,430 EUR).

    Source: Toyota

  • MINI One First 5 Door Arrives with 75 HP

    The world of MINI is enriched by a MINI One First 5 door model with a completely newly developed entry-level engine! Production is set to start on March this year.

    Power arrives from a 1.2-liter TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine with variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS). It is capable of generating 75 HP (55 kW) and a peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) at 1,400 rpm which is enough for the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 13.4 seconds.

    The power unit is matched to a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission that delivers reduced weight, better efficiency rates and ultimate shift comfort. The average fuel consumption of the MINI One First 5 door is 5.2 liter per 100 km while CO2 emission level is that of 121 gr/km.

    Since MINI is all about practicality and convenience, the feeling of a good driving experience is achieved thanks to the extra doors and the extended by 72 mm wheelbase too. The three seats at the rear and the huge luggage compatibility is a combination which also guarantees comfort while traveling.

    Finally, because of the addition of the recently-created 1.2-liter unit, the engine portfolio of MINI is expanded to four petrol and three diesel engines which cover an output range of 75 HP (55 kW) to 192 HP (141 kW).

    Source: MINI

  • Carlex Design Nissan GTR Red Katana Evokes Admiration

    If you still haven’t seen one of the most unique GTRs in the world, the time to change this has come! The interior specialists from Carlex Design overdid themselves by creating a driving environment which will take you to some mysterious and fictional land in Japan where Samurais fight with Japanese Katana against a dragon that breathes fire and dust! Or maybe not. If the Nissan GTR Red Katana does not manage to play with your imagination in this way, you will be at least able to enjoy a driving experience in a one-of-a-kind cabin.

    The fantastic car has received a mesmerizing enhancement which will leave everyone speechless. Thanks to Carlex Design’s unrivalled eye for details and perfection, the makeover of this Nissan model has reached the final level of pure attractiveness which tickles one’s senses and desire. The use of black leather and the darkest Alcantara is predominant but there is also a dose of carbon fiber too. The contrasting red stiching on the seats adds a touch of different color.

    The saturated presence of black upholstery might seem too much at first but then it grows on you and looks perfectly natural. An image of immense luxury is something that follows after that, while evoking an exciting feeling of sportiness at the same time.

    Such extraordinary combinations of the finest craftsmanship and patterns result in nothing else but a highly exceptional head-turning vehicle like the Carlex Design Nissan GTR Red Katana!

    Source: Carlex Design

  • The Boring Volkswagen Passat B8 Receives Refreshing Ox18 Concave Alloys

    Soon after the dealer premiere of the new Volkswagen Passat B8, Streetec presented their air-ride system for this mid-sized model. The air suspension specialists manage to give the car optimized handling and more ride-advantages.

    With the selection of Oxigin Ox18 Concave alloys, Streetec succeeded in inserting a fresh tone into the sturdy but rather boring character of the 2015 Passat B8. And thanks God we have them otherwise looking at the car would be the same as staring at the wall – boring and a waste of time! These 9.0J x 20-inch concave designed one-piece wheels in contrasting Black Full Polish style are wrapped in 245/30ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tires. Such combination could be said to be the only feel of exclusiveness that springs out from the Passat B8.

    To make things even more interesting for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8, there are several alternative finishes for the Ox18 Concave: Black, Black Full Polish Matt, Graphite Polish, Bright Chrome and Dark Chrome as well as eight Polished Colour options and individual Bicolour finishes.

    Lastly, five neon colours are available along with a range of other finishes crafted out in foil wrap. Sizes is varied – from 7.5J x 17 to 11.5J x 22-inches.

    The starting price for the set can be purchased for the modes sum of 149 Euros including VAT.

    Source: XMedia-Group

  • McLaren 650S Le Mans: When History Cannot Be Forgotten

    Quoting McLaren Automotive, “every one of the 106 models of the McLaren F1 built has a story to tell.” A story which often begins with „Do you remember the time when…“ and continues with the reveal of a memory of something that deserves to be fixed and preserved in time.

    Twenty years after the the chequered flag was waved at the end of the 1995 race, five McLaren F1 GTR monsters crossed the line, winning 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th place. Marking this impressive achievement, five special editions of the McLaren F1, named the McLaren F1 Le Mans, are commissioned. Of course, each one of them is signifying the cars that finished back then.

    The special edition of McLaren will be powered by the familiar 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine which will still produce unchained 641 HP and 678 Nm (500 lb ft) of peak torque. This run from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 3 seconds, while the top speed is that of 207 mph.

    With a design inspired by the race-winning #59 McLaren F1 GTR, the McLaren 650S Le Mans will inherit many of the iconic race-winner characteristics. For example, the anniversary car will feature the notable roof-mounted ‚‘snorkel‘ air intake and wing louvers. Combining the incredible tone of the 1995 car with a slightly modernized twist, the 650S Le Mans becomes an example of excellence and uniqueness.

    Of course, there are updated components which further shape the presence of the limited edition model. Some of the carbon fiber features include: front splitter and rear bumper but there are also MSO-developed extended side blades and the distinctive MSO rear diffuser. The exterior of the F1 Le Mans has metallic Sarthe Grey paint color which is borrowed from the color of the race-winning McLaren F1 GTR. For additional exclusiveness there is a ‘Le Mans’ logo adorning the wheels and the trailing edge of the door blades. What is more, one-of-a-kind ‘Le Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – are fitted around the design of the motorsport rims used on the 1995 racers.

    Inside, the car has black leather and Alcantara upholstery, with a pair of sports seats in black finish and contrasting McLaren Orange Alcantara in the center. Not betraying its nature, the automaker embosses another ‘Le Mans’ logo on the headrest of each seat, as well as on the floor mats.

    Limited to 50 units only, the 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans is priced at £244,500. Deliveries will begin in mid-2015.

    Source: McLaren

  • 2015 Lexus NX 200t Benefiting From a New 2.0-liter Turbocharged Engine

    Lexus is stepping beyond any boundaries and is bravely moving forward like no other crossover until this very day. The new Lexus NX 200t F Sport will be the first lucky one to be equipped with the automaker‘s new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which will allow the vehicle to overcome all kinds of urban challenges that stay between the car and its final destination.

    Developed in-house, the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection pushes out 235 HP (175 kW) between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 350 Nm delivered at 1,650 rpm. Official combined cycle figures for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are 183 g/km and 35.8 mpg respectively. The 1,998cc unit is bolted to a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Mode Select system. Cornering stability and traction are maximized thanks to the Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system. All of a sudden, it’s got all the drama u need in a car of this type!

    The NX 200t F Sport’s exterior puts emphasis on the sporty nature of the crossover due to its well-crafted edgy lines of the body. The large spindle grille with a mesh pattern includes the explicit Lexus F-motif, and a deeper bumper with a metallic-coated lower section. Also, the door mirrors with a black finish and the F Sport 18-inch, 10-spoke alloys which have a two-tone black and machined silver finish contribute to the powerful stance of the new NX. In addition to this, the wheels are shod with 225/60R18 tires. The refined headlights with LED high and low beam functions add a final tone to the Lexus‘ new model.

    There are eight different color options, including new Sonic White, plus Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, Celestial Black, Mesa Red, Ultra Blue and Velvet Black.

    In terms of the interior, the 200t F Sport features heated electric leather front seats with lumbar support, standard-fit leather upholstery available in black or Dark Rose exclusively. Non-slip aluminium sports pedals, driver’s foot brace, and F-Sport steering wheel wrapped in grippy perforated leather provide with a stylish and luxurious sentiment.

    2015 Lexus NX 200t costs £38,095 on the road with first customer deliveries beginning in March.

    Source: Lexus

  • Maxi-Tuner Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S with Maxi-Power

    Based in the town of Gau-Algesheim in the Mainz-Bingen region of Germany, Maxi-Tuner company has set its eye on two flagship Porsche models. Here we are talking about Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S precisely.

    Thanks to the “MaxPower” upgrade, the cars arrive with enhanced power and torque. Maxi-Tuner, then, manages to pump the mighty 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat six engine with additional 60 HP and 100 Nm.  As a result, the final power output of the Turbo is 580 HP with 760 Nm of maximum torque, while the Turbo S has 620 HP and 800 Nm of peak torque.

    Still, there are no changes in relation to the engine safety functions which means that if the sensors detect overheating or the slightest possibility of detonation, the system defaults to the factory engine protection protocols thatslow down boost and ignition. Fault diagnostic and service regimes are intact as well which makes it easier for customers to uninstall the upgrades and bring the car back to its initial form.

    To continue with, Maxi-Tuner 991 Turbo S test car is also fitted with an in-house developed stainless-steel sports exhaust system. It is able tooptimize back-pressure for more power. The system also has a much better soundtrack and comes with a TÜV-test report.

    Benefiting from suchaddition, Porsche Turbo S test car demonstrated a maximum output of 635 HP and 864 Nm of torque on the dynamometer. The 0-100km/h sprint was covered in just 2.8 seconds which showed a 0.3-sec improvement. Top speed was refined too and jumped by 10 km/h to 328 km/h.

    Source: XMedia-Group

  • The New Dotz Kendo Alloy Wheels “Ken do” It!

    Do you know what the Japanese martial art of Kendo is? Well, it is a sward combat training similar to the well-known Samurai. But this is not all. Kendo is also considered to be a lifestyle and moral strength. Taking some of the Japanese Kendo key aspects, the tuners from Dotz have designed spectacular alloy wheels which are able to bring “the ‘way of the sword’ onto the road.”

    Dotz Kendo alloys could be said to bring distinctiveness to any vehicle which benefits from them. The double spokes have an extremely sharp-edged outline which transforms them into swirling blades that spin around the center part with untamed fury. If you are still not convinced, just check the images of the Mercedes–AMG A-Class which takes advantage of the Kendo alloy wheels.

    This particular harshness which is depicted when they are on the move is additionally stressed by the aggressive angle connectors of the struts. Being set in pairs, they arrive with different thickness and exhibit plenty of dynamism that further highlights the individual character of the whole set. The compactness of the wheel hub area makes sure that there is a low dead weigh which results in highest possible agility.

    Finally, the new Dotz Kendo wheels arrive in 7.0×16, 7.0×17 and 8.0×18 inches and are fit for TPMS with ensured ALCAR T-ProSensor compatibility.

    Source: Dotz

  • Mercedes-AMG GT Tweaked by German Special Customs

    The guys from German Special Customs (GSC) are famous for their exclusively good-looking styling programs which always know how to complement the nature of a given model. This time around they surprise us with the first renderings of the special package for the Mercedes-AMG GT. And we have to admit that it looks devastatingly awesome!

    After the professional touch of the tuner, the new AMG GT bodylook embodies even more strongly underlined sporty character. And because this was not enough, there is a feel of haughty aggression that comes as a bonus! I doubt that there is a person on this planet who would say no to this.

    Back to the main point now. If we cut the Mercedes-AMG GT into separate pieces, just to get the idea what exactly the car features, we will see that GSC was more than generous when working on the improvements of this sportiness on four wheels. The full body kit is comprised of reworked bumpers with a large carbon fiber front spoiler, modified side skirts with a chunkier look and a massive GT3-style rear wing. We can also see that the pack of little and not so little tweaks includes carbon roof and mirror caps and refined headlights. The black wheels with yellow lips complete the refinements of the GT.

    However, German Special Customs hasn’t proposed anything yet in terms of performance. What we know for sure is that the AMG GT is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine which is capable of developing 462 PS (339 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The Mercedes-AMG GT S, then, generates 510 PS (375 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.

    Source: German Special Customs via Motorward

  • Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid to be Unveiled

    Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team will unveil the 2015 Formula One World Championship challenger on Sunday 1 February 2015 at the Circuito de Jerez, Spain.

    The official first appearance of the next generation of Silver Arrows racing car will take part on the opening day of winter testing when the important event will be streamed live and will be distributed to the public thanks to the team’s social medial channels.

    During the first two days of the test, the F1 W06 Hybrid will be driven by Nico Rosberg. After that, on day one and three, the car will be taken by Lewis Hamilton.

    Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport says; “The workload this winter has been as great as ever. Where last year we were preparing for an all-new formula of racing, we are now faced with the big challenge of making the next step in our development. We know that we went into the winter with a target on our backs for the other teams – and we are certain that our rivals will be competitive from the opening race in Melbourne. So we have to focus on every detail if we want to build any advantage this year and that is what we have done. This is an exciting time of year as our collective efforts all come together in the new car. Everybody in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart has put a great amount of effort into creating the latest Silver Arrow and I thank them for their efforts so far. We are excited to see how the car performs when it begins running.”

    Further details will follow soon.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • See the Fashionable Side of Mercedes-Benz [VIDEO]


    What is better than a Mercedes-Benz C111? Perhaps two Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the same model but Justin O’Shea would do the trick as well. Combining a flair for fashion, sexiness and more than just good-looking… cars, the automaker is introducing a film with the title “Champions of fashion” for the Fall/Winter 2015 edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

    Dynamic, mysterious, engaging and, most of all, passionate, the video brings together performance and sensuality. We see the seductive world of fashion through the fast-paced world of cars. And vice verse.

    The short video begins and there we have Justin sitting in a C111 all calm and focused, glancing into an invisible point in the distance before him. He talks and as he talks we become more and more sucked into his intense speech until it is all cut off from his sudden realization of a missing set of keys. He gets off the car and we are left with nothing else but a “fistful of wolves.” The clichés of fashion advertising are somehow broken, twisted and presented in an unconventional way. Slow motion, seriousness and dramatic tones contradicted by the acuteness of the Mercedes C111 that appears now and then just show how fashion and automotive business complement one another. At least in this video.

    P.S. If O’Shea and the C111 are still not enough, well, you can also enjoy a glimpse of the most sought-after model for the time being, Dree Hemingway.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpp3niOf9Nw&feature=youtu.be

    Source: Mercedes-Benz