Katya Mikova – Page 15 – Automobiles Review

Is the BMW i8 Worth the Price of $100,000 Market Adjustments?

BMW i8 is perhaps one of the most remarkable sports cars around the world. This is not surprising at all because ever since its production last year, the model quickly became the most wanted car on the market.

This time, the car arrives with a markup for $100,000 which was paid by one rather impatient customer in order to receive its machine right away without taxes and fees. The total amount paid for the car is estimated at $247,000. But is this surcharge worth it? I personally don’t think so. It is true that the car’s exotic look knows no compromises but still… $100,000 for some additionally installed accessories? No, thank you.

The power to the front wheels of the BMW i8 is provided by an electric motor that boosts 131 HP. The rear wheels are powered by a three cylinder 1.5 liter motor generating 231 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque which turns it into the most powerful motor among any other BMW production motor at 154 HP per liter.

As the company’s sales and marketing leader Ian Robertson commented some time ago, there is an 18-month waiting list in some markets and it is, in fact, growing.

Source: bmwblog

January 12, 2015

Will the Jaguar F-Pace be the Ultimate Sports Car? [VIDEO]

The all-new model which will be added to the Jaguar line-up was teased with a short video. The car is named Jaguar F-pace and is set to go on sale in 2016.

Basically, this is the made-into-reality version of the well-received Jaguar C-X17 concept car last year. Inspired by the F-type, the 2016 F-pace couples unrivaled senses of practicality, performance and style. According to the car-maker, this family sports car is going to shake the world with its rugged exterior design and convenient luxury interior. Furthermore, the characteristics of a true performance crossover are achieved thanks to the extraordinary on-road capabilities with five-seat usability.

Speaking in Detroit, Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Global Sales Director, points out that: “In 2015 we will celebrate Jaguar’s 80th year. We have started it by announcing our first performance crossover which we consider to be the ultimate practical sports car – a car that builds on the marque’s founding ideals of Grace, Pace and Space to become one of the most innovative Jaguars we’ve ever developed. The F-PACE has now begun its engineering and development testing programme ahead of the new model going on sale in 2016.”

After such superlatives, expectations of customers have jumped one level up. So, Jaguar, careful what you are going to present at the end!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvDhs-MM_Zc

Source: Jaguar
Video Source: Jaguar via Youtube

January 12, 2015

Infiniti Q60 Concept Takes After Q80 Inspiration and Q50 Eau Rouge [VIDEO]

Voila! Infiniti gave us a full preview of its 2016 Q60 Concept so we could finally see what to expect.

Under the hood, there is said to be a newly created V6 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine that takes advantage of a direct injection that is able to produce a hell-of-performance. According to the manufacturer, this power unit is part of an innovatively smaller, lighter and more efficient range of engines.

The new Infiniti Concept car shows pronounced wheel arches which add a rugged touch to the overall masculine look. Being 4690 mm (184.6 inches) long, 1865 mm (73.4 inches) wide and 1370 mm (53.9 inches) high and in combination with the “razor-sharp edges and strikingly deep recesses”, the vehicle seems to be lower than it actually is.

Still though, there are repercussions of the line curves of the Q80 Inspiration and Q50 Eau Rouge. The sleek and highly elegant Infiniti Q60 inherited the Inspiration’s low roofline, intelligent headlamps and stylish leather seats. From the Eau Rouge, the two-seater drew the Formula One-inspired lower intake and exhaust pipes.

“The Q60 Concept has the emotion and sculpting of the Q80 Inspiration. At the same time, it adopts the performance aspects of the Q50 Eau Rouge, which is immediately associated with Infiniti performance and the science and sport of Formula One racing,” explained Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.

The assertive look of the car is also found inside where the car arrives with premium components featuring a leather-wrapped two-toned black and white instrument panel and door inserts. There is also a double hand-stitched leather steering wheel. Using a variety of leathers to cover the seats, Infiniti manages to not only complement the car’s exhilarating individuality but also offers the best comfort possible.

Obviously the culminating sense of artistry is everywhere when it comes to the 2016 Infiniti Q60 Concept!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwnpR_MQKAg

Source: Infiniti
Video Source: Infiniti via Youtube

January 12, 2015

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

It is Volkswagen. It is new. And it is concept. Meet the VW Cross Coupe GTE which was revealed ahead of its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive embodies Volkswagen’s new US design language and combines German engineering with an American kind of lifestyle.

This is the third Cross concept which is depicted by the automaker. Precisely, the concept SUVs range includes: the CrossBlue introduced in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupe presented in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupé GTE that is now being shown at the NAIAS.

Power for the new Cross Coupe GTE is provided by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that comes with two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) produces 280 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Moreover, the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear) and are powered by a compact 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This allows the concept car to generate a total output of 360 PS and 379 Nm (280 lb-ft). Using this full power, the GTE speeds up from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Lastly, there are five different power modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Offroad and Battery Hold / Battery Charge.

In terms of what the new Volkswagen crossover features, there is an aggressive front, aluminum grille, LED headlights, as well as more seriously-looking fenders, accentuating gloss black elements and strong character contours.

The interior is quite simple but is still nicely equipped. The five-seater benefits from sports semi-aniline Nappa leather seats, gloss black trim and, once more, aluminum elements. Also, there is a 12.3-inch Active Info Display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen which controls the infotainment system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 12, 2015

8,000 Exterior Color Options For Dodge Viper GTC

Care for a completely individualized 2015 Dodge Viper GTC model? Well, now you can have it thanks to the new program developed by Dodge which gives Viper fans the chance to create their very own one-of-a-kind American hand-built performance car. But this is not all. Buyers can virtually follow the making-process through the Viper Ambassador website at driveSRT.com.

Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge and SRT, FCA said: “Because every Viper is hand crafted with such an extreme level of detail, we have the unique opportunity to make each one even more special by giving buyers the opportunity to customize each vehicle to their exact specifications. Now, Viper owners will be able to say their Viper is truly one of a kind.”

As iconic as it is, the Viper GTC takes its power from a hand-built aluminum V10 engine which delivers 645 HP. The hand-crafted body features hand-laid carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel and a racing pedigree.

The unique opportunity to craft a customized Dodge Viper GTC becomes even more exciting as there are 8,000 exterior color options, 24,000 custom stripe colors, 10 wheel options, 16 interior trims and 6 aerodynamic packages. Also, there are more than 25 million ways for customers to personalize their special Dodge Viper. Moreover, each one-of-one Viper car will include an individualized instrument panel badge with the customer’s chosen name which will celebrate and mark their bespoke design.

The price for the 2015 Viper GTC is $94,995. Dodge will begin accepting orders next month with production set to start at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in the second quarter of 2015.

Source: Dodge

January 9, 2015

2015 Range Rover Sport with Enhanced Attractiveness

2015 Range Rover Sport - Front Angle

Caractere Exclusive is trying their hands on the highly attractive and sporty Range Rover Sport. The tuner is introducing an all-new conversion kit for the athletic SUV. The aftermarket visual package is developed from polyurethane which makes it less expensive than all of those carbon fiber body kits.

In terms of components, Caractere Exclusive fits the 2015 Range Rover Sport with reworked front bumper with intakes, spoilers, and LEDs, sports grilles, a new set of 22-inch fender flares and graphite CW1 wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, sports side vents, side skirts, roof spoiler, and rear bumper diffuser with integrated tailpipes.

At this stage, it is unknown if the Caractere Exclusive Range Rover Sport will receive interior and performance improvements as well. What we know, though, is the fact that that the 2015 SUV arrives with a 4.4-liter SDV8 diesel engine that delivers 339 HP and 740 Nm of torque. Mated to a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission, the Range Rover Sport is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 229 km/h.

In addition to this, Land Rover offers a 3.0-liter diesel engine that generates 292 HP and 600 Nm of torque, with the same 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle speeds up from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed limited of 210 km/h.

Additionally, there is a 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine with 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The engine pushes the vehicle 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, while the top speed is that of 210 km/h.

Finally, if you want more powerful engine, the 5.0-liter V8 supercharged petrol is perfect for you. This engine produces 510 hp and 625 Nm of torque. This model covers the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 5.3 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.

Source: Caractere Exclusive

January 9, 2015

Ferrari 458 Spider Uglier than Ever

Ferrari 458 Spider Golden Shark Side

What is going on in the automotive world? Seriously. In order to visualize their out-of-the-box thinking and in their attempts to stand out from the crowd, some tuners craft out (I am not really sure if the word “craft” is right when we talk about failures) something that is not even good enough for a low-budget cartoon production. If making a model which can only stand for displeasing intrusiveness is a skill, then the Japanese tuning company Office-K definitely has it.

Stripping down the luxurious Italian flavor of the Ferrari 458 Spider, Office-K designs (I swear such verbs simply do not fit the spoiled look of the Ferrari) an outrageously awful body styling which does nothing but obliterating the initial concept of the vehicle. The new look of the Ferrari 458 Spider Golden Shark screams out “Ugliness”, with a gigantic capital letter! If the tuner’s goal was to make a completely unattractive look, it almost succeeded. I say almost because if unattractiveness had feelings, even it would get offended by this hideousness.

The modified exterior seems to have been done in a two-stage process. Firstly, there is an underlying layer of galvanized steel, followed by a topcoat of transparent gold and pearl framework. If we exclude this eye-not-pleasing finish and the Forgiato Aguzzo-M 22-inch rims which have the same color as a matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth, there is something else that significantly contributes to the overall unpleasantness: the shark mouth painted on the front end of the Ferrari! Instead of conveying the message “danger, get away from me”, the shark front fascia theme cries out “meh, I’m ugly and it couldn’t be any worse.” Wait! It can! Did you notice the creepy teddy bear lurking between the front seats?

At least the 4.5-liter, 562-horsepower V8 engine under the hood hasn’t been replaced by a decorated brick.

Source: Office-K

January 9, 2015

B&B Improves the New VW Passat B8

With the introduction of its all-new Passat B8, Volkswagen managed to impress some people with the car’s 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine. It came with a new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Still if you are among the ones who were more like “meeeh” when they found out the specs, there is another chance now to be wowed. At least a little bit.

The Siegen-based tuning specialist B&B optimized the performance of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8 by increasing the power output from 240 HP to 300 HP. There is not only an increase of horses but of Newton meters as well. As a result, they have grown from 500 Nm to the screaming 630 Nm of peak torque. The 0 to 60 mph (to 100 km/h)run is covered in 5.5 seconds, accompanied by a Vmax increase to 250 km/h. To compare these numbers before the tuning, the standard model was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds. See the difference?

Now, because there are always-complaining individuals who might find the 300 HP too much and the 240 HP not enough, B&B has taken care of this too. The tuner offers another power package which is not as comprehensive as the first one that costs 3,950-euro. The second engine programme is priced 1,298 euros and produces a total output of 275 HP and 570 Nm of torque.

Other extras for the Passat B8 distributed by B&B include: fully-adjustable coil-over suspension kit (1.498 euro), which comes with both comfort or sport settings and exclusive B&B 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Source: XMedia-Group

January 9, 2015

DMC Lamborghini Teddy Bear Edition

We all know about the eccentricity of China. After all, there are plenty of bizarre things to see there. Like crocodiles ready for roasting, as well as frogs and turtles… and dried reptile parts sold in Chinese supermarkets. The country also presented to the world Conchita Wurst. No, I’m taking that last one back. It wasn’t China. But still, now it wows the streets of Dalian with a quite strange Lamborghini: Teddy Bear Edition (ha-ha) !

One of the proudest and most sophisticated models tuned by DMC, Lamborghini Aventador, has been spotted with a giant teddy bear on its roof in the city of Dalian, China. The reason why is unknown but it definitely succeeded in capturing people’s attention!

To recap briefly the specifics of the DMC Lamborghini Aventador, it arrives in three versions: Spezial, Molto Veloce and Edition GT. All of the three variants feature new front and rear bumpers with enormous splitter and diffuser featuring a one-of-a-kind design. There are also side skirts, refined side vents, and an optional rear wing made from carbon fiber. The supercar takes advantage of unique 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Dione alloy wheels with orange brake calipers. In addition to this, the tuning company can provide its customers with an individualized interior and engine enhancements which boost the power up to 900 HP. Not bad, right?

Now that I’m thinking, it might be the year of the great bear in China. Who knows…

Source: DMC

Photos: Jinze Li Photography

January 9, 2015

The Return of the King: Reborn 1958 ‘Knobbly’

Built to the exact specifications and details as the original 1958 Knobbly model, Lister Cars’ racer made its debut at Autosport International at the NEC Birmingham. This little devil is created to acknowledge the 60^th anniversary of Lister.

The charming black beauty is powered by a race-prepared Jaguar D-Type 3.8-litre straight-six engine which pumps out 330 HP. The performance of the reborn Knobbly car matches that of modern-day sports cars despite the fact that it strictly follows the initial design crafted out 55 years ago. The vehicle can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds before scoring a top speed of 181 mph.

After receiving overwhelming positive reactions to the limited production of 10 cars which are now sold out, Lister Cars is planning to build additional three individual final models. Each of them are said to mark the exclusive history of the well-known Knobbly.

In relation to this, Lister Cars chairman Lawrence Whittaker said that: “It’s a testament to the quality and skill of our workforce and the reverence with which the brand is held that we’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the reborn ‘Knobbly’. With the limited run of ten cars now sold out, we are looking at creating three individual special final editions, each giving a distinct nod to the incredible racing heritage of the ‘Knobbly’”.

By preserving and continuing the legacy of Brian Lister, the founder of Lister Cars, who recently passed out, the company is able to honor his memory in a way that will be remembered.

Source: Lister

January 8, 2015

Volvo Depicts the Future with the S60 Cross Country

With the unveiling of the exciting S60 Cross Country at the Detroit Auto Show, Volvo Cars is trying to satisfy the customers’ requirements and their expectations. Delving into deeper levels of the automotive world with the Cross Country brand, the manufacturer seeks to offer one completely different and unique on-road driving experience with a remarkably stylish and sporty unit.

The new Volvo S60 Cross Country will take its power from the front-wheel drive diesel D4 engine that pumps 190 HP. This power unit is based on Volvo’s class-leading Drive-E powertrain architecture which demonstrates uncompromising mixture of quality and performance in European markets. What is more, a diesel All-Wheel Drive D4 will also be introduced based on the 2.5L 5-cylinder diesel engine which is already known for its efficiency.

Similar to its sibling, the recently announced V60 Cross Country, the S60 Cross Country’s ride height has been increased by 65mm (2.5 inches) and arrives with the same All-Wheel Drive system. The latter turns the crossover into the only fully capable and good-looking all-road saloon on the market. Additionally, the new Volvo will be available with front-wheel drive in the UK and selected markets as well.

Lastly, the 2015 Cross Country moves on 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels with high-profile tires which are said to not only ensure better comfort, but also lower the level of noise and increase wheel protection in different on – road as well as off-road conditions.

The crossover is set to debut in a few days at NAIAS when most probably we will learn about the price as well.

Source: Volvo

January 8, 2015

Predictive Safety Cruise Control System by Honda

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) is the world’s first predictive cruise control system which is going to be introduced by Honda. Its debut will be on the European market Honda CR-V this year.

After studying how drivers in Europe perform, the Honda team of professionals created a ground-breaking system which uses a camera and a millimeter wave radar to monitor the position of other vehicles on the road. Thanks to the application of a specially developed algorithm, the i-ACC is able to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighboring lanes, thus allowing the equipped vehicle to have a quicker, safer and more comfortable reaction in case the other vehicle cuts in from a neighboring lane.

Honda states that “traditional ACC systems keep a preselected longitudinal velocity, which is only reduced for maintaining a safe distance to a car in front. However, if a vehicle cuts-in from a neighboring lane, the traditional ACC system reacts later thus requiring stronger braking.”

In addition to this, it takes exactly five seconds for the new Honda Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control system to detect the possibility of such cut-in before it actually occurs. Moreover, the system is designed in a manner which enables it to respond very smoothly without alarming the driver, who still might not be aware of the upcoming cut-in. In a situation like this one, the i-ACC system uses a mild brake, with an icon showing up on the driver display. It informs the driver why a slow-down happens. After this instant warning, it applies a stronger brake to adapt the speed so that the vehicle can keep a safe distance.

Source: Honda

January 8, 2015

Author: Katya Mikova