Automobiles Review

Author: Katya Mikova

  • The New 2015 Suzuki Jimny is Finally Here

    Look who we have back!

    After quite some time in absence, the well-known Suzuki Jimny compact 4×4 model has returned and this time it brings a number of upgrades. With the exterior and interior changes, the quality feel of the compact SUV exceeds the standards of its iconic class.

    For the new model year, Suzuki is enhancing not only the Jimny’s off-road characteristics but its virtues as a car that can be driven in the city. As Andrew Moore, Suzuki Australia Automobile General Manager, comments; “The Jimny Sierra has always been an off-road icon – and now its retro styling and great value sees Sierra appealing to more younger buyers as a small hatch alternative.”

    The new Suzuki Jimny gets all-alloy 16 valve 1.3-litre engine that benefits from variable valve timing. It serves to ensure dynamic performance, and sufficient fuel economy with the manual transmission model returning an official 39.8mpg in combined cycle driving (38.7mpg for the automatic). Respectively, the CO2 outputs are 162 and 167g/km.

    What is more, the SUV comes with Steel Silver and Khaki Green which have been added to the variety of metallic color ranges including five different nuances. They are available for the higher specification SZ4 version with one solid and three metallic paints which are also available for SZ3.

    Another alteration comes with the new leather trim steering wheel as well as the included ESC (Electronic Stability Control) as standard. Along with the EU regulations SZ3 and SZ4 SUVs are now equipped with a new design instrument cluster that is comprised of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for additional safety as well as a Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) which helps the driver keep fuel consumption to a minimum. Finally, the 2015 Suzuki also has a new synthetic seat fabric that has been applied to the SZ3 while SZ4 has new design 15-inch alloy wheels finished in dark Silver.

    2015 Suzuki Jimny
    2015 Suzuki Jimny
    2015 Suzuki Jimny

    Source: Suzuki

  • King Cobra Parts Package for 2015 Ford Mustang GT Depicted at Sema Show

    There is no question that the newly built 2015 Ford Mustang GT with exclusive Ford Racing performance parts is one of the most striking hits at this year’s Sema Show. What is the best part about it? Since it is built with the initial idea to be a high-performance street-and-drag strip car, the King Cobra can be duplicated by anyone who owns Mustang with the help, of course, of Ford Racing’s extensive parts catalog.

    As usual, Ford once again has pushed the boundaries of its productivity and has achieved some spectacular results with the King Cobra package for Mustang GT. The car is equipped with Ford Racing’s “Drag Pack,” “Handling Pack,” and “Super Pack” supercharger kit that helps the King Cobra produce about 200 hp more than Mustang GT’s 435 hp.

    Nevertheless, the most important component of the Super Pack is the 2.3L Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger assembly which is a product of the cooperative work between Ford Racing and ROUSH Performance. In combination with the supercharger, there is a six-rib belt drive system, air inlet system, electronic throttle body, fuel rail, high-flow fuel injectors, intake manifold, complete air-to-liquid intercooler system and, last but not least, Ford Racing performance computer calibration.

    On top of this, there is the scale-filled cobra-skin paint contours which are synonym for originality and creativity. With the black, gold, and red shades that fade into one another, the wow-factor is pretty obvious. 2015 Ford Mustang GT King Cobra, then, is bold, stunning and, really, one of a kind!

    2015 Ford Mustang GT King Cobra
    2015 Ford Mustang GT King Cobra

    Source: Ford

  • Vorsteiner Presents the All-new Flow Forged V-FF 104 Wheels

    Celebrating its 10th anniversary with a debuting BMW GTRS4 vehicle at the Sema Show 2014, Vorsteiner also unveils a great variety of new additions to its lightweight wheel series. Not wasting any time and just a few days after unwrapping its V-FF 101, V-FF 102 and V-FF 103 Flow Forged Wheels, now to our attention are presented the new V-FF 104s in three notable finishes.

    Typically for all forged wheels produced by Vorsteiner, V-FF 104 is yet another expression of strength, minimal weight and stylish look. According to Vorsteiner experts; “Bespoke design can’t be only attractive, it must serve a purpose. While design is one of the reasons why most enthusiasts prefer certain wheels, here at Vorsteiner we believe it’s the most important.” For this reason, the team of professionals create convenient, classy, attractive and purpose-based wheels that will ensure longevity and resistance which will outlast some of the most challenging weather conditions.

    This time Vorsteiner has aimed to improve the overall driving experience. Better steering response and vehicle traction are now possible due to the reduced unsprung weight as the suspension compresses and decompresses. Another key factor which enhances the acceleration and deceleration is achieved by decreasing rational mass. In consequence, there is bigger fuel economy and better performance.

    Each Flow Forged Vorsteiner wheel is about 25 percent lighter than conventionally casted aftermarket wheels, yet they are much stronger. In relation to the design, the all-new flow forged wheels are limited to 20-inch sizes with widths that vary from 8.5-inches to 11-inches. The V-FF 104 pack is available in Carbon Graphite, Mystic Black and Mercury Silver.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Audi TT Roadster to be Manufactured at Audi Hungaria

    Audi TT Roadster is the fourth Audi model after the A3 sedan, A3 Cabriolet and Audi TT Coupe which will go into series production at the new automobile factory in Győr. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler pointed out that Győr plays a significant role in the development of Audi’s global production network. The automobile production in the Hungarian city has been operating since June 2013 and it adds up to the already existing engine production there.

    The compact two-seater Audi establishes an innovative benchmark in the sense that it comes with original design, improved powertrain, better suspension and useful technologies. For instance, the new Audi comes with a virtual cockpit which underscores the design of the car. This digital display combination replaces physical instruments and gathers all the relevant information in the driver’s field of vision. The TT Roadster has already been praised for this original display and operating system with the Car Connectivity Award and, also, the prize for Interior Innovation of the Year in the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards. In addition, TT Roadsters are powered by either a 2 liter TDI delivering 184 HP, 280.3 lb-ft (379 Nm) or 2.0 TFSI rated which produces 230 HP. The car has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.3 to 7.5 liters/100 km (54.7 US mpg) which reaches CO2 emissions from 114 to 174 gr per km.

    Audi Hungaria was the first branch planted outside of Germany about 21 years ago. Its commencing marked the company’s further development in a worldwide aspect and helped for the development of Audi’s international influence and presence. So far the successful background and results prove that this decision could not have turned out any better.

    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster
    2014 Audi TT and TT Roadster

    Source: Audi

  • Volvo Cars Unveils the New V60 Cross Country

    Take a deep breath of relief, Volvo fans. The long-awaited Cross Country is finally here and it comes with quite some attitude indeed! The third true Cross Country vehicle will be unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show this month.

    Interestingly enough, the Cross Country brand has a prolonged legacy that dates back to 1997 when the V70 Cross Country was first introduced. Ever since, Volvo’s primary idea circles around its intention to bring to life vehicles with absolute all-road capability and peculiar styling.

    It could be said that the new V60 crossover implements a combination of the features of the smaller V40 Cross Country and the regular V60’s characteristics. It certainly makes an impression. Mixing Volvo’s heritage and love of nature and adventure, the V60 Cross Country takes the best of both worlds and conveys it with sufficient class. The vehicle is sporty, comfortable enough and gives a driving experience to remember. It perfectly fits the lifestyles of people who are adventurous, active, dynamic, exploratory and are not afraid of diving into an experience of wildness, dirt and muddy waters.

    The individualist style includes increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders. The capable sporty nature of the V60 Cross Country demonstrates a dominating, beefy presence that strikes everyone’s attention.

    The first V60 Cross Country cars in the US and Canada will get Volvo’s impressive five-cylinder petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled to an automatic transmission delivering a highly around 23 mpg and 250 hp (186 kW). Drive-E four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines will serve as the base for the Front-Wheel Drive version. They will be available in the V60 Cross Country in early 2015 worldwide. The proven five-cylinder D4 powertrain will be used for the All-Wheel Drive model.

    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country
    2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country

    Source: Volvo

  • The All-new Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 in Japan

    As it looks like Mazda2 is simply in the limelight! JAPAN’S reigning car of the year has received another award. This time the car scooped the Good Design Award’s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’s Award), which was sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Good Design Award is Japan’s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design which was established in 1957.

    The all-new Mazda2, powered by SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter engine, is created to boast confidence, inspire and, finally, deliver a whole new driving experience that will change even more positively the usually perceived notions about the carmaker. Supplied with all the new technological aspects and crafted with original ideas, the vehicle establishes another understanding about the new generation subcompact class of cars.

    The applied KODO design has been used in a sense that combines sumptuous luxury with substantial high-tech safety and comfort. It simply gives a new feel of liveliness and definite presence both of which complement the compact size of the Demio. Furthermore, the interior is designed with such detail-orientated mechanism used by Mazda designers to set a new global leading standard for the segment. The choice of colors, compositions, rearrangements, forms and textures brings a sense of springing quality and excellence.

    In its commendation, the Japan Institute of Design Promotion stated that; “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body […] Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all five senses.”

    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015
    The All-new Mazda2 2015

    Source: Mazda

  • Mercedes Vito Upgraded by Hartmann Tuning

    The German tuner Hartmann, which specializes in individual van-rebuilding, does its magic on Mercedes-Benz Vito. As it seems, Hartmann has a soft spot for Mercedes for after working on a Sprinter model earlier this year, now the company has decided to upgrade the Mercedes Vito and make it appear in a top shape.

    Originally, this model is a 119 CDi Tourer which puts out 190 HP (140 kW) and has a nominal stock of 440 Nm (324 lb-ft). Now the new Mercedes-Benz Vito of Hartmann Tuning receives a power bump and produces 224 HP and also develops an impressive maximum torque of 505 Nm. This is due to an additional control device with easy plug-and-play-functionality.

    The truly remarkable, sporty and luxurious style is revalued on the inside too. The driver’s cabin is improved with chic piano lacquer surfaces, custom floor mats and aluminum door sills with the logo of Hartmann Tuning.

    The improvements do not stop here though. A huge part in the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz Vito plays VANSPORTS styling line. In order to match the additional charms of the van, there is a robust ABC manufactured VANSPORTS-VP-Spirit-Aerodynamik body kit. It is comprised of new front and rear spoilers, side skirts, widened wheel houses filled with racy “Navik 1”-wheels and 8.5 x 20 and 245 / 40 tires. The sporty style and dynamic design is indeed excellently accentuated. Last but not least, the VANSPORTS suspension lowers the Vito down and brings it closer to the road by 30 mm.

    With the new customizations the van is tuned to another level. The refreshed face, enhanced interior and boosted power form a vehicle that will definitely make a lasting statement.

    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Vito

    Source: Hartmann Tuning

  • New ADAC Formula 4 Racing Cars Fitted Out with Abarth Engines

    Following a continuous series of tests, Abarth was chosen as a German Fomrula 4 Championship partner for the next season. The prestigious carmaker was welcomed by the German automobile club and association ADAC with extreme enthusiasm. Demonstrating high-class support during the Italian Formula 4 Championship where Abarth contributed by supplying its engine to the Federation, now it is expected to deliver the same quality of products and satisfaction.

    The Abarth 1.4 T-Jet 160 HP will be fitted on the single-seater built by the Italian company Tatuus. This car demonstrates the required high level of safety which is initially demanded by FIA. The first ADAC Formula 4 event of the 2015 season is appointed for Friday 17 to Sunday 19 in April, at the Oschersleben circuit. It will be the first of eight appointments on the calendar, two of which will take place on circuits outside of Germany.

    For the upcoming Championship, Abarth will supply the engines to Formula 4 which serves as training foundation for the higher categories while taking into account the very young age of participants. Therefore, Abarth will be given an opportunity to stimulate the young population of athletes as well. In the future they will be able to turn into prosperous drivers who, later on, will be racing in Formula 1 and will be as good as today’s champions such as the four-time world winner Sebastian Vettel, Nico Hulkenberg, Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher, and, in the DTM, such as Martin Tomczyk, Pascal Wehrlein and Timo Glock, all coming from the ADAC promotional championships.

    Source: Abarth

  • 2015 Mustang GT Receives a New Supercharger Kit

    The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT will get a new supercharger kit thanks to the collaborative work between Ford Racing and Roush Performance channels. Initially, 2015 Mustang comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost which produces around 310 hp (231 kW) at 5500 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. With the upgrade kit now, which comes complete with all hardware and exclusive calibration, the car will boost more than 600 hp. As it seems, for Ford and Roush performance is important but performance with a distinctive style is even more significant.

    In relation to this slight improvement on the Mustang GT, Ford Racing Performance Parts manager Doug White said that; “Ford Racing and Roush are known for our winning collaborations in professional and sportsman racing. By combining our mutual expertise and high-quality engineering, we are delivering an outstanding supercharger kit for 2015 Mustang GT owners.” He then continued and added that; “Our software and calibration was developed using Ford Racing calibrators and test facilities. The result is a kit that delivers peak performance and exceptional drivability.”

    The supercharger kit will be distributed and available through all Ford dealers, independent Ford Racing distributors and Roush Performance dealers. Ford Racing/Roush Performance parts limited warranty will cover the supercharger kit when it is installed by an authorized dealer. Moreover, technical support will be provided by both Roush Performance and Ford Racing technical hotlines. Sellers will be able to give further information to buyers on request.

    Ford Racing/Roush Performance supercharger kit will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014.

    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang
    2015 Ford Mustang

    Source: Ford

  • Ferrari F80 Concept Car: Winner or Sinner?

    Take a look at this beast but try not to let your jaw drop just yet. It is edgy. It is jazzed. And it looks freaking good! The acute style embodied in this red carnivore glides on and pinches the human senses. The only drawback, though, is that, well… the car is not real. What you see is Ferrari F80 which is the brainchild of the Italian designer Adriano Raeli.

    Each line of this monstrously sick car is marked out in a manner that shapes a bold and powerful bodylook which certainly makes a strong point. The nose of the car is sharp and the rear long and aggressive. With those predator-like headlights, the concept car appears to be staring right at you. Challenging. Provoking. Tempting. On the outside, every part is outlined with extreme precision that forms compact and streamlined symbiosis with the rest of the body of the car. This smooth and gleaming fantasy design seems like something that Picasso would have dreamt about in his most daring dream. It is a mere killer! It is a car for supervillains.

    In fact, it is not just pretty. It is pictured as hyper powerful as well. Under the hood, the designer expects Ferrari to equip the car with a twin-turbo hybrid V8 using Ferrari’s KERS technology. Hypothetically, Ferrari F80 is expected to produce the striking 1200 hp (895kW). What Adriano Raeli has also pointed out is that the car will purportedly weigh only 1763-pounds which will enable the hypercar to sprint to 62 mph in just 2.2-seconds, with a top speed of 310mph.

    Source: Adriano Raeli

  • Chivas Brothers Company Teams up with Vauxhall Again

    Scotch Whisky and premium gin company, Chivas Brothers, has decided once again to turn to Vauxhall in order to increase its fleet, ordering 15 Combo Crew vans. In relation to this, Tristan Campbell, Fleet Advisor at Chivas Brothers comments that; “We chose Vauxhall again having used the previous version of the Combo. We have a long- standing relationship and we knew that this vehicle was perfect for the task and are really impressed by the enhanced levels of comfort the new vehicle offers to both driver and passenger.”

    The 15 Vauxhall Combo Crew vans will be used by Chivas Brothers’ company as site vehicles. Moreover, they will stay on the fleet for the next five years and will be travelling between one warehouse to another to load and unload casks. This will happen at the beginning and at the end of the whiskey maturation process. There will be approximately 2,000 miles covered every year.

    The vans are powered by 1.3 CDTi 16v engine which delivers 90hp (67 kW) and 57.6mpg on the combined cycle. The vehicles are supplied with ecoFLEX and Start/Stop technology that helps them lower the overall average emissions of Chivas’ fleet, thus, emitting just 129g/km CO2. Thanks to the excellent payload of 730kg, the Combo Crew van in L2H1 specification receives an advantage from 60/40 split rear seats, which is able to fold individually or as a pair. As a result, this gives the warehousing teams an opportunity to increase the load length from 1341mm to 1750mm.

    Vauxhall Combo Crew vans
    Vauxhall Combo Crew vans

    Source: Vauxhall 

  • Citroen Receives Two Greenfleet Awards

    This year Citroen has been prized with two key GreenFleet awards, which acknowledge the manufacturer’s outstanding quality of LCV products as well as its growing number of efficient, low emission city vehicles. The official ceremony took place in Birmingham and presented Citroen with two very significant awards: GreenFleet City Car Manufacturer of the Year Award and GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year Award. Additionally, the carmaker was also praised in the GreenFleet Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year category.

    This double triumph is a repercussion of Citroen’s prolonged development of design innovations and remarkable engineering improvements. What is more, with its expanding range of ultra-low emission city cars, the company is placed among the most adequate and the best efficiently operating automobile manufacturers worldwide.

    Currently Citroen offers a great number of cars (51 in total) with ultra-low, 0-100g/km CO2 emissions. These models vary between city cars, coupes, lower medium hatchbacks, upper medium saloons/estates, small people carriers, cabrios, full size 5/7seat people carriers, premium upper medium hatchbacks and super-minis. Part of the ultra-low emissions range is the New C1 with its 19 model variants all of which are under 100g/km CO2 emissions. The recently-launched C4 Cactus is another ultra-low-emission vehicle. Its engine options are comprised of three cylinder PureTech petrol engines, as well as new Euro 6 Blue HDi diesel engines, for emissions as low as 82g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 91.1mpg.

    Finally, the van line-up boasts economy improvements and class-leading payload capacity. The fuel economy figures of the newly released Relay range, for instance, have been refined by up to 15% – with combined cycle fuel economy around 37.7-42.8mpg, which is quite exceptional. New Relay CO2 emissions are estimated at less than 200g/km for the average 3.5 tonne model.

    Citroen GreenFleet Awards
    Citroen GreenFleet Awards

    Source: Citroen