Katya Mikova – Page 31 – Automobiles Review

Hennessey Jaguar F-Type R Coupe: Sometimes Power Means More Power

It might be inspired by the legendary E-Type sports car, but equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8, the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe is just as powerful and furious as the 707 HP 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat for instance.

With the upgrade offered by the Texas tuner Hennessey Perormance, this Jaguar’s already frenzied power is boosted to something that will fire you up in the space. Compared to the standard V-8 powered Jag, The HPE600 receives a supercharger pulley upgrade, custom-made software, intercooler cooling upgrades as well as the initial dyno tuning, serial plates and Hennessey badging. On top of this, the tuner also includes a 3-year, 36,000 mile limited warranty on all modifications.

The standard 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe is powered by supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing the impressive 550-hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. What is more, the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds. And then comes the improved, wild, sensational, mind-blowing (I can continue with the adjectives on and on but will stop here) Hennessey HPE600 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe! It yields 623 horsepower and rocks out 568 lb-ft Torque at 4,300 rpm. Impressed already? Wait until you see what’s next! This beast is capable of a 0 to 60 mph sprint of just 3.5 seconds and a 1/4 mile of 11.4 seconds with a terminal speed of 126 mph. Did it manage to make your jaw drop?

Here is a full list of what the HPE600 upgrade includes:

• Custom software upgrade tuning
• Supercharger pulley upgrade
• Intercooler cooling upgrade
• Professional installation
• Dyno tuning & road testing
• Serial-numbered dash plaque
• Serial-numbered engine plaque
• Hennessey exterior badging
• 3 Year / 36,000 mile limited warranty

Power:
• 623 bhp @ 6,200 rpm
• 568 lb-ft Torque @ 4,300 rpm

Performance:
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 sec.
• 1/4 mile: 11.4 @ 126 mph

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v3pq1jnLtY

Source: Hennessey Performance

October 30, 2014

2015 GT-R NISMO and 370Z NISMO Safety Car on Display at Sema Show

In the upcoming Sema Show Nissan will have its own booth where it will return with its new 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo. The NISMO Lounge will be situated in Booth #46045 at the Las Vegas Convention Center – Lower South Hall where on display there will be the new 2015 GT-R NISMO supercar and 370Z NISMO Safety Car. The show will continue from 4^th of November 4 to 7^th of November. Apart from showcasing all of the best parts of Nissan go-fast division, the brand will also introduce some of the people standing behind it.

Presenting a special “NISMO Lounge,” the Nissan booth will focus on its production vehicles, performance parts and aftermarket accessories all of which are marked by the NISMO brand. As I mentioned before, attenders will be able to see the new 600-horsepower 2015 GT-R NISMO and another representative of the Nismo family, precisely, Nissan 370Z NISMO safety vehicle.

The show will become even more globally acknowledged because it will be granted with the attendance and the attention of Nissan staff from all around the world. In essence, it will include members from accessories, product planning, and marketing departments. Among the Global executives who are going to attend are Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist, GT-R, Z and NISMO; and Darren Cox, global head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, NISMO.

Those who are unable to go to the SEMA show can catch up on the latest information and updates via the hashtag #NISMOLife on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Source: Nissan

October 30, 2014

Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains Win the Dewar Trophy

Should Mercedes-Benz be proud? Hell yeah! Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), Brixworth, was awarded the prestigious Dewar Trophy which is noted as the most respectable and honorable award in British engineering sector. The award is highly exceptional and of significant importance for The Royal Automobile Club’s Dewar Trophy is only given in a moment when according to the Club’s experts there are some exclusive candidates who have remarkable achievements in the automotive industry.

The trophy was received by Andy Cowell, Managing Director, Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, on behalf of the Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains’ team. He pointed out that; “To have received this prestigious award for the second time is a fitting tribute to the commitment to excellence within our organisation. Our work in the constantly evolving arena of Hybrid technology has allowed us to explore an exciting new breed of automotive innovations relevant not only to our performance on the racetrack, but also to the everyday motorist.”

Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains received the award for producing the best, most profitable, beneficial and efficient powertrains within the new Formula One technical regulations. The Mercedes-Benz PU106A Hybrid power unit has been the most assertive and dominant one this season, gaining the brand a huge success after winning 13 out of 16 races. Wow.

The primary goal for Mercedes-Benz this year was to increase the engine efficient capacity to work from about 29% for the previous normally aspirated 2.4 liter V8 to more than 40% with the new 1.6 liter V6 Hybrid turbo. As it seems, Mercedes really accomplished its aim and once again proved itself to be one of the bests.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 30, 2014

Astounding Frozen Experience: Bentley Continental GT3-R to Perform on Ice

Power on Ice driving event organized by The Bentley Motors brings the driving performance of Bentley to a totally new level. Lasting for four days, this is one of a kind opportunity to owners, enthusiasts, fans and aspiring Bentley drivers which gives them a chance to experience and test the qualities of the brand in one of the most severe natural driving conditions – on an icy surface.

Returning to the cold north of Finland for the Power on Ice 2015 show, this year Bentley will push to the limits no other than the monstrous Continental GT3-R. It is time for the car to heat up its engine and make its breath-freezing debut on the frozen ground!

Yet, this is neither just an event not a simple ordinary occasion to observe car performances. It is art. And it is cool. Figuratively and literally speaking. The full comprehension of the beauty of this art called ice-driving is only achieved through substantial years of experience. For this reason, every single ice track is created by Juha Kankkunen in a manner that carries individual characteristics and significances that are distinguished from one another. This way, the four-time World Rally Champion and ultimate Bentley Boy Kankkunen carves tracks into the thick frozen ground by using a professional equipment. The result is that of pure uniqueness which is able to impress and engage even returning customers.

All of this is a Bentley experience that blends in adventure, excitement and performance-focused magnificence. The driving challenge is overcome without any difficulty by a range of Continental GTs. The all-wheel drive systems constantly adapt the levels of power to the front rear wheels and despite the imperfect icy ground, there is an optimal grip that is delivered. Inside the GT3-R features heated seats and luxurious hand-crafted trimmed leather interior for ultimate comfort.

Hosted in a typical Bentley stylish mannerism and attitude, the home of the event is the boutique hotel of Chalet Ruka Peak.

Source: Bentley

October 29, 2014

2016 Next-Generation Chevrolet Volt Debuting in 2015

General Motors let slip some very interesting details on the next-generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt in a recent press release. The next-generation Chevrolet Volt which is to make its premiere in 2015 is said to feature an all-new Voltec extended range electric vehicle (EREV) propulsion system which will achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. Moreover, the Voltec system will also offer better EV range and fuel economy for complete driving convenience. The Voltec system includes: new battery, drive unit, range-extending engine and power electronics.

The improved battery system will be able to store more energy, precisely, the storage capacity will be increased by 20 percent on a volume basis with fewer cells (the number of which is reduced from 288 to 192). In fact, the new Volt battery back is slightly smaller and lighter (with a mass decreased by virtually 30 pounds or 13 kg). Theoretically, with the 20 percent storage volume increase, its capacity would be about 20 kWh.

Similar to the battery system, the drive unit is upgraded in a way that is directed towards better performance and efficiency. There is a two-motor drive unit which generates roughly from 5 to 12 percent more efficiency and is 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the system which is currently operating. What is more, the two motors which work together deliver 20 percent improvement in electric acceleration and boosts the performance even more.

Finally, the old engine is replaced with an all-new, high-efficiency 1.5L 4-cylinder engine which runs on regular unleaded fuel. The new Voltec range extender has a variable displacement oil pump, direct injection fuel system, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and high-compression ratio of 12.5:1.

Source: Chevrolet

October 29, 2014

Dacia Duster Oroch Revealed in Sao Paulo

Dacia has unveiled the Duster Oroch concept at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil on the 28^th of October. The show car is designed by Renault design center for Latin America (RDAL) situated in Sao Paulo which is part of Renault’s five design centers around the world.

Being labeled a concept car, the Duster Oroch features all the necessary qualities of a true SUV. Moreover, the Duster five-seat pickup truck receives an assertive styling makeover which is inspired by the world of kitesurfing.The sporty exterior of the SUV is conveyed by the satin-finish white color and is additionally underlined by the visible orange contours. The distinct personality of the truck is further initialized and strengthened by the new brand-identity set on the front end.

The rest of the enhancements include panoramic glass sunroof which creates a feeling of more spacious cabin; skid plates, two rear-mounted cameras with full outdoor coverage, 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 tyres and broad side protective outline.

The interior of the Duster Oroch does not lack the impressiveness of its exterior. Inside the dashboard is characterized with a multimedia screen that shows in real time the images taken by the two cameras of the vehicle which are operated by a rotary control on the center console. The combination of dark charcoal and brighter fluorescent orange accents bring final very stylish touches which complete the design of the truck.

Sao Paulo Auto Show, which is the biggest motor show in South America, will continue from 30^th October to 9^th November at the Anhembi exhibition center.

Source: Dacia

October 29, 2014

The UK’s Fictional ‘Nightmare’ Car

The UK-based automobile specialist Warranty Direct has revealed the UK’s one and only “nightmare” car. Beware, people! The body parts of this vehicle is a combination of bits and pieces of the worst-performing cars from a number of categories measured by their Reliability Index. Or should I say, “Unreliability” instead? Nevertheless, it is quite unique in a really ironical way. After all, not every day one can “enjoy” such amalgamation of the worst components ever.

Warranty Direct managing director, David Gerrans, has stated that; “The Horrific 40RR0R is a bit of fun that will, thankfully, never be built, as it stitches together the cars that perform worst in each of the mechanical categories we measure.”

This Frankenstein disaster has the engine of a BMW, the electrics of a Mercedes and the suspension of an Audi. It will probably provide the “perfect” transport for you to some Halloween party. The cost of this disastrous fictional creation called Horrific 40RR0R is about 550 GBP.

The Reliability Index is used to estimate the endurance of vehicles and their efficient functionality. It is done by calculating how often a failure has occurred, average cost of repair, age and mileage. The less a car scores in the Index, the more reliable it is. Precisely, if an average car sets 100 in the Index, the Horrific 40RROR is supposed to be five times worse with a Reliability Index figure of approximately 500.

The full composition of this horror-machine’s body-parts is comprised of:

BMW M5 engine
Audi RS6 axle and suspension
Jeep Grand Cherokee gearbox
Mercedes-Benz R-Class electrics
Fiat Multipla braking system
SEAT Alhambra air-conditioning
Chrysler 300C steering system

Source: Warranty Direct

October 29, 2014

McLaren P1: The Air-Slicer

As they say in the video; “For years cars have been basically the same but this really isn’t. It’s a game-changer, a genuinely new chapter in the history of motoring.” This is McLaren P1. It is probably the most mind-blowingly powerful superhero among supercars. It is super economical and fast. Super-fast. In fact, extremely fast. Did I say it was fast? I probably used too many “supers” but one is just not enough when it comes to describing this hybrid monster.Jeremy Clarkson takes this air-ripping hypercar to Belgium for a super (yes, I did it again) fast lap around the Spa, the longest F1 motor-racing circuit. There he tests the ultimate power of McLaren P1 which excellence springs from the outside as well as from the inside. The glossy black (in this case) body is made from the finest panels which are five in total. The windows’ glass is thick only 3 and a half mm. which is 1 and a half mm. thinner than the glass used for every other normal car. I will point it out again. NORMAL car. The wheels are made from military-grade aluminium and the carbon ceramic brake disks are infused with silicon carbide.What is more, the electric motor and the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine seem to work in a symbiosis and give a combined output of 903 bhp. As Clarkson says in Top Gear magazine; “Full throttle in a P1 is like Christmas. It’s something that you can only use once a year. And even then only briefly, because it actually hurts. When this car accelerates, it beats you up. It hurts your face. It’s like Christmas in other ways too. It causes arguments with your loved ones. And it’s great.”McLaren P1 is indeed heroically good car partially because it looks like something from some big-budget sci-fi movie and partially because it is so cleverly crafted and made. Observing how it simply slices the air into pieces it is not difficult to notice how this rocket-like car does not move. It rather, slides. On the road and on one’s senses too.To see the full performance, click the following link.httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL_eIZjiLUk

October 29, 2014

2015 Nissan Quest: U.S. Pricing

Today Nissan announced the U.S. pricing for the 2015 Nissan Quest which is already being sold at Nissan dealers nationwide.

The cunningly and well-designed Nissan Quest definitely know how to temp and impress its buyers. With the newest enhancements for the newest 2015 minivan, this model is not an exception from the previous versions that strike with specific style and attitude.

Inside, 2015 Nissan Quest is pretty much standardized. There is nothing complicated or extravagant about it which really manages to create a feeling of calmness while driving. In other words, it has the usual plain, comfortable and passenger-friendly interior.

From the outside, the Quest is modern and it speaks for sophistication. It incorporates fluid sculptural components and crafted details. The nose looks lower and smaller, partially due to its large air inlets. The van is assembled with the standard for those vehicles walk-in device that enables easier access to the 3^rd row.

As usual, all 2015 Quest models feature a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine which produces up to 260 HP (193kW) and 325Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque. The upgraded Xtronic transmission makes the driving experience smoother and more pleasant. The estimated fuel economy is that of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

Nissan Quest is available in four well-equipped models: S, SV, SL and Platinum. The prices are as it follows:

Quest 3.5 S – $26,530 USD
Quest 3.5 SV – $30,280 USD
Quest 3.5 SL – $34,060 USD
Quest 3.5 Platinum – $43,180 USD

Source: Nissan

October 28, 2014

The All-new Mazda CX-3 Crossover SUV Debuts at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

The Japanese brand Mazda obviously loves teasing because so far there is nothing else to see about their all-new baby Mazda CX-3 apart from a sketch. Not that their followers are not thankful. They are, but they want more. And they want it now! The already revealed image is scarcely enough to satisfy their escalating expectations.

Yet, the waiting will not continue for too long, obviously, for Mazda has officially announced that the CX-3 SUV is going to premiere at the Los Angeles Motor Show which will be running from November 21 till November 30, 2014. Voila, Mazda fans! You will finally get what you have been so eagerly awaiting for.

Mazda CX-3 is becoming a part of the auto-manufacturer’s growing crossover SUV collection which is also comprised of CX-5 and three-row CX-9 models. The brand-new five-door CX-3 model will feature the same full range SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the evolved KODO—Soul of Motion design. Additionally, the new crossover is expected to be based on the same modular underpinnings as the present Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5. Finally, the new CX-3 is believed to feature 1.5-litre four cylinder engine with an option of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

What is more, the all-new Mazda MX-5 two-seater open-top sports car (Mazda Roadster in Japan) will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show as well. This model will be fitted by either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine. North American-specification models will only be powered with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine.

Source: Mazda

October 28, 2014

Limited Edition 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO Finally in U.S.

The less there is of something, the more you want it. That is one of the many unwritten human principles that keep the world going. It could be said that it is applicable to, pretty much, anything. Especially when it comes to cars. It is a known fact that there is a limited amount of GT-R NISMO’s which are made every year. And the number of those that go to U.S. is even more limited.

October 21, 2014 turns out to be rather important for Nissan and even more memorable and significant for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, resident Matt McCulloh who received the first 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO produced for the U.S. market.

McCulloh points out with extreme excitement that; “This car to me is like a brute-force tool. To me it is so purpose-built that I am going to do a lot of track.” He, then, continues and adds; “I’m going to really use this car as far as track, autocross, a little drag-strip – so, you know, track and getting to spend some time in this great garage that I have here now.”

It is intense, it is aggressive and, obviously, it is really wanted. With its screaming 600-horsepower, it becomes the most powerful and most desirable Nissan GT-R ever made. After all, it is quite an honor to have something that is of a limited edition. It kind of makes you feel more… special and valuable. One of a kind, just like the car. Almost (let’s not forget there are still a few more one-of-a-kinds who have been lucky enough to grab a hold of the limited 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO).

Source: Nissan

October 28, 2014

Water, Mud and Adrenaline: Test-driving the Range Rover Sport

What is the best way to test if a Range Rover Sport is really a Range Rover and if it is really Sport? Well, there is nothing better than driving it through mud, water, curvy roads and hills so steep that they seem to only be there to test the theory of gravity. The mark of a proper Range Rover will definitely survive such bumps on the road. Literally.In the video, the first part is dedicated to off-road driving test. The expert from Top Gear, Richard, takes the Range Rover Sport and puts it through a variety of challenges in order to argue its Range Rover qualities. The results are astounding for the car is able to tackle all sorts of off-road provocations. Mud? Ponds of water? Slopes? Not a problem at all. The performance is beyond excellent thanks to the dynamic stability control and the next generation Terrain Responses System which automatically adjust and optimizes the settings of the vehicle in order to fit the ground surface perfectly. As Richard comments; “I feel like I’m driving a luxury hotel room through a swamp.”The sporty bit of it and its on-road dynamics are tested by speeding up the car at the Donington Park Racing Circuit. Powered by V8 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine with 510 HP, it offers improved fuel economy of 13.8l/100km and CO₂ emissions of 321g/km. Just like the off-road performance, the on-road one is proven to be equally good. The driving feels all natural and stable. The Range Rover is able to cover every corner without the slightest difficulty. The Sport seems to have everything in order and works just fine. Setting a lap time of 1:29.5 seconds which beats the lap time of 1:29.8 seconds set by the Mini John Cooper GP, one thing is for sure then; Range Rover Sport is really a Range Rover and is really Sport.It is yes and yes for the Range Rover Sport!httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWL-r72tGOE

October 28, 2014

Author: Katya Mikova