Katya Mikova – Page 32 – Automobiles Review

Comfort and Safety with BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology

The new adaptive BMW LED headlights provide improved visibility at night which makes the driving smoother, easier, safer and reduces the danger of road accidents when driving. In July 2012 BMW presented its newest highlight technology on the new BMW 7 Series as part of the optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Upgrading this functionality and ensuring even better driving-conditions at night, this operation is now also supported with Xenon headlights on all new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring versions and is accompanied with a Visibility package.

In order to work properly and most efficiently, there is a camera which automatically scans and observes the traffic situation at night. After that it redirects the collected information on to the BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology which reacts accordingly and, well, intelligently in a way that only technology can.

As it becomes obvious, the glarefree BMW Intelligent Headlights are also very adaptive to the traffic situation which results in a smooth and convenient driving too. There are several variants in which the technology operates.

For instance, the oncoming traffic can already be detected in great distance which allows the Highbeam light to adapt in relation to other vehicle. Thus, when passing it, the headlight on the left switches to lowbeam right away. If there is a preceding car, then, the headlights open up a tunnel which follows the car on the front. The multi-functionality of the BMW LED headlights leaves the right–hand side of the road still ideally illuminated without glaring other drivers.

As I mentioned before, safety always comes first. With the BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology efficient and safe driving just got much easier to be accomplished.

Follow the link bellow to check out precisely how BMW Intelligent Headlight Technology works.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dvPZ3H1Vm4

Source: BMW

October 28, 2014

Measuring Powers: 2015 Ford Mustang GT vs 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Attention please! Let me present to you the clash of the titans; the battle of the 2015 Muscle Cars; the wrath of engines; the power-measuring between 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE and 2015 Ford Mustang GT! This is not a movie. This is the ultimate rivalry and desire for supremacy.

The rivalry between Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro is perhaps older than the Universe. Ok, not that old but slightly older than our plant. Well, maybe I exaggerated a bit too much but the important thing is that you got the point. Nevertheless, with the modern-day enhancements the two vehicles have never been functioning better than now. Both the 2015 Camaro SS and the recent 2015 Mustang GT pull out more than 420 HP and have 6-speed manual transmissions. But which one is the winner of this race? (I’m not going to spoil it for you right away and say it is the 2015 Camaro… Oops. I just did it.)

When you put the Camaro and the Mustang side by side it is probably more than just obvious enough to spot who is going to be the wolf and who is going to be the sheep. Or is it…? Exceeding in almost every feature and characteristics, 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS is expected to eat up the 2015 GT. Yet, many of the Ford fans still kept their hopes up for the next generation Mustang was introduced with an independent rear suspension setup that would improve the handling and had a little more horsepower than that of the Camaro.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTJPDurLEKw

In order to see if the improvements on the Ford Mustang will help it win, Motor Trend set the two cars through the paces to show which would demonstrate better time.

In the video we see Carlos Lago who continues to compare the two cars. The first one to be tested is the Ford Mustang GT. Despite the fact that it loses (not really surprising after all), the muscle car shows some spectacular results too. It is slightly faster than the Camaro – and it covers ¼ miles in 12.8 seconds at 112.2 mph while the Chevy accomplishes its ¼ mile in 12.9 seconds at 110.5 mph. Just like the winner, though, the GT braking performance hits 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. As for the figure eight, the Camaro beats its opponent with the final result of 24.5 seconds at 0.87g (avg).

My personal favorite though is the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. It burns with tight and strong power and it also has really good turning and balance-management at a high speed performance. It is pulling some serious leading characteristics there! Mustang is less track-focused and it lacks the high level of stability that the Chevrolet hits us with. The latter is really kind of what you want and expect out of such car.

Source: Motor Trend Channel

October 27, 2014

The All-New Mazda2 Kicking off in Mexico

The Japanese automaker Mazda has officially fired up the production of the next generation Mazda2 at Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO) in Salamanca, Mexico.

In the last couple of years, Mazda has introduced a range of vehicles which include advanced SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. The SKYAVTIV products enjoy the victorious taste of their global recognition, high sales and growing demand worldwide. In relation to this, SKYACTIV models are expected to account for 85 percent of global sales by fiscal year ending March 2016.

The production of the all-new Mazda2 in Mexico along with the start of operations at the engine machining plant plus the planned production capacity increase are part of the Structural Reform Plan announced in February, 2012. Initially all of these ‘procedures’ sketch some highly important stages in the fast-paced development of Mazda. What is more, Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation’s engine machining plant accepts and naturalizes the same progressive production technologies as Mazda’s Hiroshima Plant. In consequence, it is capable of creating an engine parts processing line that is simultaneously effective and able to manufacture a number of unique and high-quality products.

After Hofu Plant in Japan, where production began this July, and Auto Alliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., where production started in September, MMVO is Mazda’s third international production and administrative facility which is beginning to produce the next generation Mazda2.

MMVO President Keishi Egawa has pointed out that; “With the start of production of the all-new Mazda2, operations underway at the engine machining plant, and an increase in our annual production capacity, we now have an even stronger production framework capable of supplying global markets with SKYACTIV products of the same high quality level as those made in Japan. At the same time, we are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Mexico’s further economic growth.”

The all-new 2015 Mazda2 boosts with energy, high-class performance, more than just reliable safety system, and fuel efficiency.

Source: Mazda

October 27, 2014

Lexus Releases All-New NX 300H SUV

They say bad things come in threes, and maybe good things come in twos for Lexus debuts with a new model in two versions: the NX 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the NX 300h hybrid. Yet, the focus of this article falls on the latter version.

The NX 300h hybrid conquers the world with its quite sporty persona and excellent fuel efficiency. One of the most startling features of the SUV is the innovative design. The style is a cutting-edge compilation of edgy body creases and pointed outlines which transform the vehicle into something really distinguishable and like nothing else on the market. In combination with its truly distinctive look, the crossover utility vehicle enchants even more with the metal-like shades which accentuate it on the outside.

What else does The NX 300h offer apart from the obvious sharply angled bodylook? The hybrid model features Lexus Hybrid Drive with an Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 235 HP and 258Nm of torque. Moreover, the new Lexus SUV adopts sprung-weight damping control in order to increase ride comfort and other suspension improvements for better handling and stability. Additionally, the new Lexus uses just 5.6-litres per 100km and emits only 131g of CO₂ per kilometer.

Many of the attributes of the SUV are optional on some of its rivals, including smart entry and start, 10-speaker audio with digital radio, reverse camera, satellite navigation, power tailgate, Enform connected mobility, tyre pressure warning sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, 60:40 rear-fold seats and a spare wheel. Finally, this becomes the first hybrid powertrain in its class that offers and rear cross traffic alert in its range.

Interestingly enough, as Sean Hanley, Chief Executive, Lexus Australia, says that; “When designing the all-new NX, the engineers and designers wanted to offer consumers something unique – something that stood out from the crowd and offered innovative on-board technology while meeting the practical requirements of SUV customers.”

Source: Lexus

October 27, 2014

R&GO Smartphone Application Available For Renault’s Latest SUVs

What is better than comfort while driving? I say even more comfort. So if you want to enjoy the experience of driving your Renault even more, now there is R&GO app for your vehicle which provides a variety of extras and functions that work towards improving the experience of being at the wheel of the car.

R&GO is an extremely practical, purpose-driven application which is developed to perfectly unify with your Renault. The infotainment smartphone app can be downloaded for free and works on the recently launched All-New Trafic and New Master vans. TheR&GO app is connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The four key functions, Vehicle, Multimedia, Phone and Navigation, can be easily accessed from the main menu.

Vehicle: It provides a number of useful information for the driver like distance travelled, fuel economy and an Eco² rating which ensures that you drive economically.

Multimedia: this section includes controlling the FM radio, listening to Internet radio, and the app also enables the driver to choose and play music which is already saved on their device.

Phone: this interface allows the drive to make and receive calls in the easiest way possible. It offers one-touch access to contacts and encourages a safer communication. Just received a SMS message? Well, that’s not a problem at all for the text messages can be read out loud thanks to the SMS-to-Speech function.

Navigation: the satellite navigation option is comprised of UK and Ireland mapping, CoPilot Premium software with 3D turn-by-turn navigation and live traffic alerts. The Mapping function is downloaded and stored on the device and enables GPS navigation without using any mobile data which conveniently directs you to your destination.

Renault’s LCV models are all about comfort, workability and practicality. Therefore, the R&GO app is yet another addition to the number of refinements that feature on Renault’s LCV models which strives to achieve a maximum of convenience and efficient driving experience. This range of SUVs create a ‘mobile office’ environment, including practical storage solutions found in the 90-litres of cabin storage and a fold down central seat with detachable clipboard and a specially-designed space for a laptop.

Source: Renault

October 27, 2014

The New 2015 ATS Sport 490 Stradale Finally Revealed

Well, it’s official! sports car manufacturer Automobili Turismo Sport (ATS ) has just presented its latest model in the form of the 490 Stradale which is licensed for the road use. The ATS Sport 490 Stradale embodies all of the company’s race-track knowledge and successfully demonstrates it into the street.

The new street-legal Sport 490 Stradale shares some common features with its predesessor, the race-only model, which was revealed in early 2014. However, there is a range of significant changes that have been adopted. For instance, the car has been equipped with a retuned suspension, a new transmission with a mechanic reverse gear with LSD. There are also hand brake and interior refinements visible on the cockpit and an innovative specific front a rear full light Hella kit.

Beneath the skin, the new Sport 490 Stradale is powered by a potent 1.4-litre Extreme engine which is tuned to deliver a spectacular 235 hp at an impressive 10.000 rpm. When combined with a weight just around 500 kg and only 35 kg more than the race car, the Sport 490 Stradale rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3 seconds and over 230 km/h as top speed.

The ATS owner of the Tenerife based car manufacturer Gianluca Gregis comments that: “Obviously this version has been realized with track day use in mind, giving the chance to the owner to drive it directly from the home’s garage to the race circuit. A great opportunity to expand the ATS market also through a less professional driver, but still with the passion for extreme sportscars.”

Source: ATS

October 27, 2014

Trion Nemesis: Funny Name and Serious Superpower

When I break it through a slightly different prism and interpret the name of Trion Nemesis, its meaning in Bulgarian is… Wait For It… “Saw”! The American company promises to provide clients with the first exemplars of this powerful model in early 2016, while the first operating prototype will be ready in 2015.

Trion Nemesis breaths in expectations from this world and breaths out power beyond measure from its own world! Well… Almost. The super-vehicle is expected to hit over 270 mph and is announced to produce around 2,000HP which will indeed saw the air around when it moves. Sort of. The car will be supplied with a pushrod-based suspension system that is also used in F1. The four-wheel drive system is another important factor which helps this monster make as much stability as possible. If that does not sound powerful enough, well… Read bellow.

The Trion Nemesis will be powered by 9-litre BiTurbo V8 engine. The car will be able to up from 0 to 100km/h in the mind-blowing 2.8 seconds. Its top speed will be beyond 432km/h (270 MPH). It seems that Nemesis will be faster than Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and Hennessey Venom. In order to reduce weight and increase its power-to-weight ratio, most of the Trion’s body components will be produced from carbonfibre.

The massive power will hit the road through an 8-speed sequential manual. With the carbon-ceramic brakes sporting six-piston calipers on the front and four-piston at the rear the efficient stopping of the Trion Nemesis will be as easy as stealing candy from a baby.

Prized at 1 million, the car will be built in just 50 models which will really label it as an exclusive vehicle.

2016 Trion Nemesis

October 23, 2014

Catching a Glimpse of the Track-Focused McLaren P1 GTR Interior

McLaren finally discloses how the new McLaren P1 GTR will look like interiorly. The revealed insides of this automotive monster really can make a person get goose bumps. It looks like something coming out of Marvel Universe! With its boosted cutting-edge power, dynamic look and excellent performance it is transformed into a machine which is set to become the world’s best track weapon ever.

Did anyone say power? More power? How much more power? Well, precisely 83bhp more than the road-going P1 model, taking total output from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor to 986bhp.

There is a whole lot more about the McLaren P1 GTR than a simple power boost. I mean “simple” really. Perhaps you can notice from the photos that the new P1 GTR does not have a roll cage. That’s because the car does not need such. In addition, from the official first pictures it becomes apparent that the interior is designed in such a manner that speaks for driver-focused style. The DTM-style seats are positioned directly to the chassis, which in return reduces weight by having no additional mounting brackets.

If it still doesn’t look like a race car enough for you, check out the upgraded steering wheel! Its design is similar to the steering wheel of the MP4-23 F1 driven by the 2008 championship winner Lewis Hamilton. Intended to make all controls easily accessible, all of the key controls along with the mode switches are located in the center of the bespoke steering wheel. The DRS and IPAS are also retained there. It does look bloody amazing indeed!

Source: McLaren

October 23, 2014

VATH Motorentechnik GmbH: Between Classic and Modern

Throughout the years the close and inseparable relationship between VATH Motorentechnik GmbH (Motor Engineering ltd.) and Mercedes-Benz has served a great purpose to either of the sides.

The founder, Wolfgang VATH, has created a company which is still continuing to progress and play a fundamental part in the market after all these years. By all means, the VATH Motorentechnik GmbH has gained an excellent worldwide reputation as an engine manufacturer. Highlighting the importance of the original production of cars, VATH tunes their “projects” to their best classic characteristics.

Later on, after the establishment of the German tuner, Jasmin EHRET-VATH, the daughter of Wolfgang VATH, takes on the responsibility to run the executive board of the company which is known for car tuning. No matter what the tuner does, it seems to be booming. Not betraying their motto „Everything that can be conserved – must be conserved anyway“, VATH keeps bringing significant up-to-date enhancements to all after-war Mercedes vehicles. And by not discarding their authenticity, the German tuner manages to preserve the balance between what is modern and what is classic. That’s their philosophy after all.

Initially, the work that is being implemented by VATH is on the lower part of the engine and on the crankcase. Doing it in a traditional method, cylinders, for instance, are bored and honored. Pistons are renovated, crankshafts ground, polished and balanced in a really efficient way by the company very own balancing machine. Finally, they get equipped by new bearings. Valve seats undergo a transition as well. They are reamed and, if necessary, valve guides are renewed as well. The refitting of engines for unleaded fuel requires a mounting of hardened valve seat rings. The air ducts are reamed and polished which allows more air passage.

VATH Motorentechnik is an expert when dealing with Mercedes classic models. Beauties such as Pagode, W111 with tail fin, Adenauer, 300 SL or Ponton are dealt with a detailed refitting of automatic and shift gears with heart’s blood. They receive a rear axle retrofitting, optionally with axle ratio modifications.

Undoubtedly then, traditional and classic seem to be the adjectives that best suit VATH Motorentechnik GmbH.

Source: VATH

October 23, 2014

Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI Enhanced by German Special Customs

The remarkable Mercedes-Benz G-class is considered to be the pioneer among the off-road vehicles. With their stable developments, the off-roaders continue to offer a permanent efficient powertrain and operative handling dynamic systems. Nevertheless, despite the advancements on the vehicle it still manages to preserve its classic authenticity and appearance.

Now the tuners from German Special Customs, Chemnitz, have designed a custom-made aerodynamic-construction kit which is suitable to almost any G-class vehicle. The exterior of the upgraded Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI includes a brand new fibre motor cowl and lateral carbon outer mirrors. The front bumper that has incorporated LED daylight driving headlights and a carbon fibre spoiler lip are renewed as well. The lateral ventilation slots and the spare wheel covering at the rear are also made of carbon fibres.

The German tuner increases the front wheelhouse widenings and the side sills and, in addition to this, it adds a special diffusor-looking rear bumper which underlines the changes and completes the conversion of the G400 CDI.

German Special Customs provides its in-house Jura wheel composition. The upgraded G-class, then, receives a seven-spoke forged wheel in the 10×22 inch format with 305/40R22 tyres. As an option, the Jura rim is available an inch larger than the initial version.

The interior of the vehicle is refreshed too. The designers from German Special Customs provide customized carbon ornaments which enhance and decorate the cockpit. The seats can be featured either in full leather or in combination of leather and alcantara. The alcantara roof canopy and the A-, B- and C-pillars or other infotainments systems for the front and rear are all included in the the highlighting program of GSC for the G-class.

Source: XMedia-Group

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG Pumped Up by Brabus

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is one of the most compact vehicle in this range but it stands out everywhere with a true SUV capability, ideal flexibility and efficiency which guarantees a unique driving experience.

Similar to its past projects on different Mercedes vehicles, Brabus once again has demonstrated successful results and has turned up the heat with another industry-leading innovative program. In this particular case, the tuner not only improve the complete set of performance qualities of the GLA-Class but extracts their capacity to the max. The outcome does indeed please the senses of drivers. The high class degree of products which are developed by Brabus for the Mercedes compact crossover make it look more athletic and sportier.

The GLA 250 receives the PowerXtra B25 performance kit by Brabus which boosts the four-cylinder turbocharged engine. After the conversion, the power output is pumped from usual 211hp (155 kW) to 2445hp (108 kW) and produces a peak torque that varies from 350 to 385 Nm (258 to 284 lb-ft). The outcome is pretty obvious. With the enhanced driving dynamics, the vehicle is set to another level. In addition, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is performed in 6.7 seconds, with increased top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Next, the Mercedes-Benz compact SUV GLA 45 gets the PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit. With the enhancements, the GLA model produces 400hp (294 kW) with a peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). With this engine, the all-wheel-drive car speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in the impressive 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the BRABUS V/max unit, the power-SUV holds a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Mercedes GLA 200 CDI is crowned with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 which increases the output of the 2.1-liter, diesel-powered vehicle to 210hp (155 kW) and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). This GLA model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds and reaches a new top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

As usual, a significant part of any Brabus program is a new set of wheels. The German tuner offers wheels ranging in diameter from 18 to 21 inches to the GLA-Class vehicles. The platinum Edition wheels are the largest version and are available in either a Monoblock F or a Monoblock R design.

On top of this, Brabus satisfies individual requests and designs the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class according to the personal preferences of its clients.

Source: Brabus

October 22, 2014

Alfa Romeo 4C Chosen as Performance Car of the Year 2015

2015 has been a very good year for the Italian luxury car manufacturer Alfa Romeo. The Alfa Romeo 4C has won some really prestigious accolades. One of them is that of “Performance Car of the Year 2015” in the inaugural Association of Professional Motoring Press (APMP) awards. Also, the car has been chosen as the “Best Driver’s Car Under €75,000” category win and has been prized joint Overall Best Car 2015 in the Sunday Times Ireland / CompleteCar.ie Best Car Guide for 2015. Taking into consideration it was only launched in the UK and Ireland earlier this year, those accomplishments are pretty amazing.

The Alfa Romeo 4C utilizes some of the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo‘s newest models. To sum its charactersitcis up, the car is powered by the new all-aluminum 1750 Turbo Petrol engine with (177 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It also has the latest-generation “Alfa TCT” dry twin clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector that now offers a new “Race” mode. Finally, the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and demonstrates a top speed of 259km/h.

Yet, what really has the judging panels representatives of the Association of Professional Motoring Press and the Sunday Times Ireland / CompleteCar.ie is the improved, lightweight materials that is used in the construction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. The application of such materials positively impact on the performance and the handling qualities of the vehicle. What is more, the advanced lightweight components also result in exceptionally law fuel consumption and decrease CO₂emissions (just 157g/km) which, respectively, effects the price and the motor tax of the car. Described as “an out-and-out bargain”, The Alfa Romeo 4C can be purchased for €69,900 (£45,000 OTR in the UK).

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 22, 2014

Author: Katya Mikova