Katya Mikova – Page 18 – Automobiles Review

Aston Martin Vanquish On Ice

Aston Martin On Ice is a three-day driving program which gives drivers the ultimate chance to really test their skills in an outstanding environment and surrounding. After last year’s success of the event, early in 2015 Aston Martin On Ice once again goes back to the western town of Crested Butte which is situated right in the center of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for a second round of this adrenaline-propelling experience.

On Ice program impresses with a 10-acre ice surface that has more than enough bends, curves and turns to make the Aston Martin’s driver breathe with excitement like never before. It guarantees power, exceptional performance, thrills and passion which are taken to another level. Of course, in order to provide with safe driving, there will be professional driving assistants who will guide the drivers across the challenging courses.

The bespoke Aston Martin’s track features a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit which will put to the limit the braking, cornering and handling abilities of enthusiasts.

In addition to this, the President of Aston Martin The Americas, Julian Jenkins pointed out that: “Combining extreme driving, in an extreme environment, with typically sumptuous Aston Martin luxury living, the 2015 On Ice activity is sure to be amongst the highlights of our year.”

Source: Aston Martin

December 29, 2014

Vauxhall ADAM Debuts in Birmingham

Early in October Vauxhall revealed the production model of its Adam S at the Paris Motor Show. Now the range-topping vehicle will debut at Autosport International 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham. Enthusiasts can attend the event in January from Thursday 8^th to Sunday 11^th.

ADAM Grand Slam is powered by a refined version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC powerplant which develops 150 PS and 220 Nm of maximum torque. Moreover, the car hits 60 mph from a stop in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph.

Interiorly, the Grand Slam conveys sleekness and plainness which could be said to really suit its overall nature. Nevertheless, if we compare it to a standard ADAM model, we can see that this one in particular demonstrates slightly more masculinity and, let’s say, maturity too thanks to the front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with bold exhaust tailpipe. There is a choice of ten different body paint options, as well as four roof combinations available with the exclusive Red ʼn‘ Roll roof design. The bodylook is further underlined by the ADAM logo on the C pillars in combination with the exceptional rear spoiler above the rear window.

Customers benefit from four different seat arrangements for the driver and passengers, thus, including the Recaro Performance seats in Morrocana or nappa leather.

Orders will start for the Vauxhall ADAM Grand Slam in January 2015.

Source: Vauxhall

December 29, 2014

Nissan Juke Nismo RS: UK Prices

The sportiest Nissan Juke NISMO RS ever has finally been revealed and it comes for the price of £21,995 OTR. The car arrives with a stronger body structure, more acute handling, more powerful brakes and refined performance dynamics.

Power is unleashed by the 1.6-litre DIG-T engine that produces 218 PS (160 kW). The maximum torque in two-wheel drive/manual transmission vehicles is 280Nm. Nevertheless, the 2WD models take advantage of a mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the driven front wheels, when four-wheel drive models are equipped with a Torque Vectoring System as standard. Nissan’s Xtronic transmission with 250Nm of torque and standard-fit steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts are also available.

Additionally, other enhancements which are related to the improved engine performance include; strategic body strengthening that is set to increase torsional stiffness and a more powerful braking system. The latter has larger discs than the initial Nismo vehicle. The set of dynamic refinements is further complemented by revised springs and dampers.

Something else that outlines the car’s characteristics is the presence of the Safety Pack which includes: Xenon headlamps, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection.

The range of exterior colors offers a choice between Storm White, Pearl Black and Blade Silver.

Yet, if people find the price too expensive for their wallets, there is one solution: finding other Nissan Juke crossover models for less money. How can this happen? Well, it is easy. Websites such as Jennings Motor Group offer a great number of vehicles which are not only super affordable but have also preserved their high-quality characteristics and virtues.

Source: Nissan

December 18, 2014

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Debuts in Seoul

Hyundai has took the wraps off of its 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in Seoul and it looks dazzling! It comes with a sleek exterior design and a refined petrol electric powertrain.

The model in question is packed with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine which generates 156 HP (115 kW) and 139 lb-ft (189 Nm). It is teamed with an electric motor that produces an additional 52 HP (38 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque. If we compare these figures to those of the already existing Sonata Hybrid, the new model turns out to be more efficient since the fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 liters/100 km to 5.5 liters/100 km.

2015 Sonata Hybrid is developed with an exclusive grille pattern, a low drag rear diffuser and benefits from 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also takes advantage of the automaker’s new six-speed automatic gearbox that is comprised of a lighter torsion damper, an electric oil pump and a new engine clutch. The torque converter has been removed. Additionally, the second-generation Sonata Hybrid receives an increased lithium-ion battery pack capacity by 13.3 percent and now it reaches 1.62 kWh. It has been placed under the trunk which adds up to the cargo capacity by 10.5 per cent. As a result, it is now about 380 liters.

More information about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, including its pricing, will be revealed soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Hyundai

December 16, 2014

2015 Hyundai Genesis: A True Winner

Appealing exterior, impressive interior, superb driving quality and dynamics, reliability, safety and style. What more can a person want from a car?! Affordable price I guess might be a suitable answer, but when we have top-notch characteristics, sometimes the cash does not matter that much. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis seems to have adopted all of the virtues mentioned above and have multiplied them by two.

In order to appreciate and recognize the model’s excellencies, AutoGuide.com has announced it to be the 2015 AutoGuide.com Car of the Year for its value, quality and design. Commenting on the prestigious award, Luke Vandezande, AutoGuide.com managing editor points out that; “The Genesis impressed us with high-quality interior materials, refined driving dynamics and dramatic exterior styling that elevates the Hyundai brand as a whole.” After that he goes on and adds that it is “more than a great car, the 2015 Genesis is a great luxury car.”

The 2015 Genesis represents a daring step into the future progress of Hyundai. The car arrives with two engine versions: a 311 HP 3.8 liter V6 and a 420 HP 5.0 liter V8. Moreover, there is an advanced HTRAC AWD system which is available for the very first time on a Hyundai passenger vehicle.

Furthermore, the driver is offered the chance to ride on an entirely refined platform, bearing stronger and more stable attributes than before. The all-new Hyundai Genesis features Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Blind-Spot Detection and Smart Cruise Control system which complement the top-class nature of the luxury car.

The initial pricing starts at $38,000.

Source: Hyundai

December 16, 2014

Mazda Launches 2015 Mazda6 and 2015 Mazda CX-5

Two award-winning Mazda models, 2015 Mazda6 and 2015 Mazda CX-5, have got improved and now they come with more powertrain options, more developed technologies and systems, and, finally, a reworked interior.

On the one hand, the 2015 Mazda6 wagon powered by SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel engine can be purchased with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive (AWD) system which has been previously used on the CX-5. It includes the world’s first front wheel slip warning detection system and also adopts a specially developed low -viscosity oil, having the goal to increase fuel economy.

On the other hand the 2015 CX-5 is equipped with SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engine along with i- ELOOP, Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, and Drive Selection. The latter offers a choice of different drive modes for more responsiveness when required.

These models are pioneers as they feature the company’s innovative Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), which represent a high-beam system with four separately controllable blocks of LEDs for each headlamp. ALH includes High Beam Control (HBC) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Moreover, it provides with widened low beam coverage and automatic levelling. In order to avoid dazzling other drivers, the system disables the high-beam block shining only in the direction of the opposite vehicle and allows the remaining LEDs to be working for better night-time visibility.

Other features that are available for the new Mazda models are:

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) which adds Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) that sends alerts to the driver when there is an approaching vehicles while reversing.
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) that provides steering torque assistance while contributing to the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
Driver Attention Alerts (DAA) which scans the driver’s condition and offers a break if it finds a change in behavior.
Smart City Brake Support Forward/Reverse (SCBS F/R) that adds reverse gear functionality to the already existing SCBS system.
Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).

The interior changes are reflected in the ultimately comfortable heads-up cabin and “the new-generation human-machine interface.”

Source: Mazda

December 16, 2014

Elvis Presley’s Cadillac Seville on Display

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is getting slightly rock’n’rolled for the authentic 1977 Cadillac Seville purchased by Elvis Presley himself is going on display. The burgundy-and-silver-colored beauty is presented in its original condition. Even the installed CB radio used by the King of Rock & Roll in order to communicate with the kitchen at Graceland and to the guard house outside Graceland is still there!

Cadillac Seville V8 Automatic was manufactured by General Motors while the body was custom built by Fisher for Cadillac. The engine was able to produce a power output of 180 hp (130 kW) with gas mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Some of the car’s features include electronic windows and mirrors and a grey interior with wood grain highlights on the dashboard, doors and steering wheel.

This is the last car that Elvis purchased and it is said to be the vehicle driven before his death. What is more, it is thought that the singer bought more than 200 Cadillacs in his entire life not just for his personal use but also for family, friends and even strangers. After his death the 1977 Seville was given to his girlfriend Ginger Alden by Elvis’ father.

In 1994 the Cadillac was auctioned in Las Vegas and was sold for $101,500 to a private collector. After that, it was presented for sale again in August when Graceland organized its first auction. Other items included in the Graceland auction were Presley’s first-known signature on a Tupelo, Mississippi, school library card; a 1969 handwritten set list and jewelry.

Source: Beaulieu

December 16, 2014

KTM X-Bow GT4 Teased With 320 HP

Austrian automaker KTM has released a new image and additional information of its futuristic GT4 X-BOW race car. The vehicle is a product of the collaborative work between KTM and Reiter Engineering GmbH. It is developed for racing in the SRO GT4 European Championship and Pirelli World Challenge GT-S.

Underneath the skin of this red automotive monster, there is a 2.0-litre TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Group which will pump out approximately 320 HP (235 kW). This power unit will be mated to a sequential six-speed transmission delivered from Holinger and will be further complemented by paddle shifters. In addition, the new KTM racing car features ABS system as well.

KTM’s first X-BOW weighs less than 800kg and has a 177-kW-model of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. If it can sprint to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, I am convinced that the new KTM’s X-BOW will present even more striking performance results.

From the unveiled picture we can see the aggressive body-look of the KTM X-Bow GT4. It features a glass cockpit with curvy lines stretching to the highly impressive rear wing with matching bold front spoiler. The GT4 X-BOW is said to depict some of the most recently created racing technologies combined with significant safety applications.

In relation to this, Hans Reiter, the owner of Reiter Engineering, states that: “When you reflect on what the customer is being offered here in terms of the most modern racing technology, together with a very impressive safety concept, then you can really speak about it being exceptionally good value for money.”

The price of the bespoke GT4 racer is yet to be announced.

Source: KTM

December 15, 2014

The New Toyota Aygo Enhanced by Eibach

The all-new Toyota Aygo receives some tiny improvements which have a major impact on the car. The Eibach Pro-Kit and Pro-Spacer stand for dynamism, a lot of action and more confident look attributed to the car. All Eibach Suspension Components are available through authorized dealer. They also come with a high-quality corrosion protection and are TÜV-certified.

With the installation of the Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs, cruising around the city transforms into a fun and more pleasurable driving experience. What is more, they give the Toyota Aygo a refreshed look. Due to the lowering of the center of gravity, the 3.46m short body exhibits a certain dynamic appeal. Precisely, the Pro-Kit is part of the Eibach B12 Pro-Kit and it contributes to the refinement of the car by offering:

exceptional-performance handling;
lower center of gravity by lowering the vehicle up to 40 mm (depending on car model)
innovative spring design and sufficient ride quality.

The Eibach Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers focus on the Aygo’s X-front and outline the self-confidence of the model from all angles. Pro-Spacer, is created from high-tensile-strength aluminum alloy and adds up to the outstanding handling and appearance of the Toyota Aygo. It also offers:

exact fitment by implementing minimal production tolerances which results in excellent wheel balance;
all applications tested in rigid durability- and fatigue tests;
high-grade corrosion protection through a special coating process (salt spray test according to DIN 50021);
considerable weight advantage compared to wheel spacers made from steel;

Source: Eibach

December 15, 2014

Jaguar Land Rover to Develop New Concept Technologies

Focusing on how to improve the driving experience around the busy and hectic city, Jaguar Land Rover is developing innovative technologies such as 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen and Follow-Me Ghost Car Navigation. Their aim is to ensure safer, more convenient and less distracting urban driving.

One of the new systems will offer the driver a 360^o view out of the vehicle, without being disturbed by the pillars that support the roof. There is going to be a screen attached to the surface of each pillar inside the vehicle and it will extract live video information from cameras. In addition, the installed cameras will cover usually obscured corners outside the car in the blind spots made by the A, B and C-pillars. Consequently, other automobiles, road users and their movements will be visible from any angle.

Connecting the virtual windscreen to the Cloud will unleash the full capacity of 360 Virtual Urban Windscreen technology. Moreover, when the car is connected to roadside infrastructure and businesses in relation to the city environment, the innovative Virtual Urban Windscreen will deliver information about petrol station prices, number of parking spaces available and so on. As a result, drivers won’t have to search for such information on their own because the system will do it instead.

What is more, Jaguar Land Rover specialists are also creating Follow-MeGhost Car Navigation which will navigate the car to a certain destination by depicting an image of a car in front of the driver’s vehicle. This way the driver will be able to follow it in order to reach the right location.

What do you think? Will this really make driving less stressful?

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

December 15, 2014

Production Launch For the New Skoda Fabia Estate

Skoda-Fabia-Combi The new Skoda Fabia Estate is expected to set new benchmarks in terms of eco-friendliness, connectivity, practicality, convenience and spaciousness. The entirely reworked third generation model is the most famous one in its range.

The small car establishes new standards in relation to fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It really sets some exclusive results because the vehicle consumes up to 17% less fuel than the second-generation model. Which is an advancement really. Yet, the most economical version will be the new Fabia Estate GreenLine which will be introduced in the second half of 2015. Its consumption is estimated at 91.1mpg combined and CO₂ emissions of 82 g/km.

Back to the Fabia Estate now. The car offers advanced safety, comfort and infotainment systems thus including the innovative MirrorLink technology which is able to project smartphone apps, like sat-nav, on the infotainment system screen. Another new functional ‘adoration’ is the SmartGate technology. Using it, the driver will be able to access the information on the vehicle and to display and save it on his or her smartphone via special apps.

Exteriorly, the Skoda is highlighted with some dynamic and edgy proportions which demonstrate a subtle interaction between light and shadow. This interplay results in underlining the rigid appearance of the Fabia Estate. What is more, despite its size, the car conveys more than enough space for up to five passengers which brings sufficient comfort. The boot has the largest capacity in its segment at 530 litres (1395 litres with the rear seat folded down).

The new Skoda Fabia Combi will be officially launched in January 2015, with a UK launch happening in March.

Source: Skoda

December 15, 2014

Mercedes-Benz s63 AMG Reworked by Brabus

2014 Brabus Mercedes-Benz s63 AMG Mercedes-Benz S63 has caught the attention of German tuner Brabus and has turned into its latest project once again. Along with a speedometer updated to 400 km/h, the new S63 receives an exquisite satin gold exterior finish as well.

Starting with the power plant, the S63 AMG by Brabus retains the original twin-turbo V8 5.5-liter engine. This time around it no longer generates 585 HP (430 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). Thanks to the significant rework by the tuner, now the engine delivers a 850 HP (625 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) of torque in the 2,500 – 4,500 rpm range.

Even though there has not been confirmed any performance data, Brabus Mercedes-Benz S63 is going to be quicker than the well-known stock model in rear wheel drive configuration. The base car requires 4.4 seconds until it reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) while the 4MATIC version is able to achieve it in 4 seconds. Initially, Mercedes-Benz is offering the S63 AMG with a 155 mph (250 km/h) electronic top speed limiter but due to Brabus’ previous project this figure is increased to 202 mph (325 km/h).

The refined Mercedes arrives with new aerodynamic features too. For instance, the luxury sedan is equipped with carbon fiber front air intake surrounds, a carbon front splitter, carbon components behind the front wheels and carbon wing mirrors. There is a bootlid lip spoiler, quad tailpipes and aggressively looking carbon fiber diffuser installed by Brabus.

Source: Brabus

December 15, 2014

Author: Katya Mikova