Lidia Todorova – Page 105 – Automobiles Review

Tesla Enters Dual Motor Model S All Wheel Drive in Porduction [VIDEO]

Tesla announced that the Model S is getting a Dual Motor All Wheel Drive version, which has already entered production. Unlike conventional AWD vehicles that sacrifice fuel efficiency for increased traction, the Dual Motor Model S AWD delivers superior control and in the same time it improves both range and acceleration. In addition, Tesla’s advanced electric powertrain is an evolution in automobile engineering.

In comparison to gasoline internal combustion engine which has hundreds of moving parts, the electric motors of the company have only one moving piece, which is the rotor. If you wonder about the result: firstly, the acceleration of the car is instantaneous, secondly – it is silent and smooth. In fact, the car needs only 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Speaking about innovations, the Dual Motor Model S is unconditional improvement on conventional all wheel drive systems. The first motor is positioned in the front and the second one – in the rear. The car digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels, resulting in unparalleled traction control in all conditions.

Why efficiency is not sacrificed? If you take a conventional all wheel drive car, it utilizes complex mechanical linkages to distribute power from a single engine to all four wheels. This of course results in less efficiency and more fuel use in favor of all weather traction. In contrast, the Model S motor is lighter, smaller and more efficient, delivering both improved range and faster acceleration.

Dual Motor all wheel drive will be distributed as an option on 85 kWh battery equipped cars, while the Model S Performance model will come as a standard with it. The EPA estimated range of the latter is up to 270 miles.

Source: Tesla

February 3, 2015

Toyota Returns to FIA World Rally Championship with Yaris WRC Car [VIDEO]

Toyota is returning to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 with a Yaris WRC car. It was developed and built by the Toyota Motorsport (TMG) technical centre in Cologne, Germany. Over the next two years the team will make tests of the car, which will prepare it for a full return to the racing series. This announcement was made by company’s President, Akio Toyoda, at a news conference in Tokyo. The Yaris WRC also made its public debut there.

The car is driven by a 1.6-litre turbo-charged, direct-injection engine, which generates over 300 hp (221 kW). In addition, advanced simulation, testing and production techniques have shaped the Yaris chassis.

Furthermore, the development of the car will be expanded and the dedicated team of specialists assigned to engineer and operate the car will be increased. Several young drivers already tested the car. This resulted in the selection of Eric Camilli, 27, who has been chosen to be the first member of a junior driver development scheme.

Camilli will cooperate in this program with Stéphane Sarrazin, 2014 Tour de Corse winner, as well as with Sebastian Lindholm. The experience which will be gained from the test program will help Toyota prepare the car for the 2017 season. This is when updated technical regulations are expected to be introduced.

Toyota Yaris WRC is expected to make a competitive debut in 2017. This is more than 17 years since the company’s last world championship rally. Back in 1999, the company marked the end of over 25 years of continuous rally activity with 43 wins achieved.

Toyota Yaris WRC Technical Specifications:

Chassis:

Type	Steel body shell
Brakes	300mm discs on gravel, 355mm on tarmac
Wheels	Wheels 7 x 15″ gravel, 8 x 18″ tarmac
Tyres	Michelin
Dimensions	Length: 3910mm
	Width: 1820mm

Powertrain:

Engine capacity	1.6 litres
Type	In-line four-cylinder
Direct injection	Up to 200bar
Fuel	Petrol
Turbo pressure	2.5 bar absolute (maximum)
Air restrictor	33mm
Power	Around 300hp (at 6,000rpm)
Torque	420Nm
Max revs	8,500rpm
Transmission	Six-speed sequential
Clutch	ZF Sachs

httpv://youtu.be/QY8A4m0g5aw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota Motorsport

February 2, 2015

Speedhunters Maximum Attack FR-S on Display at Chicago Auto Show [VIDEO]

2015 Speedhunters Scion FR-S Maximum Attack is the name of the winning vehicle of Scion’s 10th annual Tuner Challenge. The good news is for all visitors of this year’s Chicago Auto Show, because the car will be on display there. From its participation in the Scion Tuner Challenge, Speedhunters were given 90-days and $15,000 to transform a stock Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0. They designed the “Maximum Attack” Scion FR-S with 1970s look that incorporates the racing heritage, taking on the number 86 and an IMSA style look.

The visual standout on their design is overfenders as part of a special edition kit designed by Kei Miura. The car itself is equipped with Cosworth Stage 2.0 supercharger and also features RS*R Black-i coilovers as well as a Wilwood big brake kit with 6-pistons front/4-pistons rear. It runs on custom Rotiform BLQ wheels which are in size 17×9 inches at the front and 17×11 inches at the rear.

At the show, Scion will also feature its full lineup of exciting youth-oriented vehicles. On display will be the FR-S 1.0 and tC 9.0 Release Series vehicles. In addition, Scion tC Release Series 9.0 arrives in dealerships this month.

This is a limited edition two-tone version of the popular sports coupe that was designed in conjunction with Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs. The vehicle has one-of-a-kind black and magma exterior, and also features an aero kit designed by Cartel Customs, a center exhaust, a Smart Key with Push Button Start featuring the “Cartel Logo” and orange front seat belts.

httpv://youtu.be/1expMUIsuGU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Scion

February 2, 2015

PP-Performance Tunes Porsche 911 Turbo to the World Record [VIDEO]

PP-Performance released a video showing how a tweaked Porsche 911 Turbo is making a world record. The car covers the ¼ mile for 9.8s! The tuning company has put some more oomph into the probably most known Zuffenhausen sports car forge family member. After the engine intervention the serial horsepower numbers have been significantly raised. Precisely, the Porsche 911 Turbo produces 520 hp (382 kW) and maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) without the tuning.

The “surgical intervention” (as the professionals call it) into the engine techniques include PP-Performance Digital Racing Box, IPD intake plenum, 3-to-1 headers, downpipes, x-pipe and BMC high performance air filters. The result: the 911 Turbo model is capable of producing 670 horsepower (493 kW) and 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

But more importantly, this power boost gave the opportunity for the team to reach impressive acceleration values. In details, the car can now cover the 0-60 mph sprint within 2.5 seconds instead of the serial 3.4 seconds. This literally means that the 911 Turbo’s acceleration time equals with Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

In addition, the car also made a speed world record, which you can view below. Instead of 11.1 seconds of the serial version, the 120 mph limit is reached by PP-911 within 8.2 seconds. In addition, the 9.8 seconds world record in the corresponding class for the ¼ mile on dragstrip is also no wonder! See for yourself:

httpv://youtu.be/OWhGaRgsvm8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: PP-Performance

February 2, 2015

Nissan GT-R LM NISMO is Like No Other Le Mans Car [VIDEO]

The first glimpse of race-ready Nissan GT-R LM NISMO happened during Super Bowl XLIX. For those who missed it below is a bunch of pictures displaying the racer as well as the commercial video which was aired last night. Last year’s Super Bowl was the most watched television programme in the US with over 110 million viewers. Therefore the 2015 game was the best opportunity for Nissan’s “With Dad” ad to air for the first time, revealing the much-anticipated GT-R LM NISMO.

Nissan says that the LM P1 racing car is so innovative that it is like no other Le Mans car. The Japanese manufacturer has interpreted the sport’s technical regulations in an innovative way. If you ask how – it has produced a front-engined, front wheel drive car that is driven by a V6 3-litre twin turbo petrol engine and has a kinetic energy recovery system.

As you have probably figured it out, the new car will contest the LM P1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. This is the highest category in world sports car racing. The racing season begins on 12^th of April at Silverstone, UK. The series then will travel around the world to Spa in Belgium, onto the Le Mans 24 Hours and Germany’s Nurburgring.

The spotlight in this car falls on energy efficiency. With more technical freedom the LM P1 engineers had the opportunity to innovate. The intensive test programme began in Arizona last year and continues this week at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas.

Nissan GT-R LM NISMO is the ultimate Nissan GT-R and expresses innovation that excites. What does this mean? We have already mentioned that the there is a V6 3-litre twin turbo petrol engine which sits in the front of the front-wheel-drive car, while the hybrid power is harvested from the front driveline to support acceleration.

In horsepower this translates in around 1250 hp (919 kW) with 550 hp (404 kW) from the petrol engine and around 700 hp (515 kW) from hybrid power. The engine produces a large amount of power – utilizing the allotted fuel flow limit (one of the new regulations at Le Mans).

In addition to that Nissan is using a kinetic energy recovery system (ERS). The car is a mass, travelling at velocity and as it slows down for the upcoming corner it harvests that kinetic energy. Then, the stored energy is deployed to accelerate the car out of the corner and because the energy recovery system can release the stored energy very quickly it makes it very powerful.

httpv://youtu.be/Bd1qCi5nSKw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

February 2, 2015

Toyota Racing Confirms Lineup for FIA World Endurance Championship

2015 Toyota TS040 Hybrid is to be driven by two brand new drivers included in the lineup for the FIA World Endurance Championship. They are Anthony Davidson and Mike Conway. With the announcement of their addition to the list, Toyota Racing has finally confirmed the driver line-up for this year. The team will be competing with two TS040 Hybrid cars and has the goal of keeping the drivers’ and manufacturers’ world champion titles.

As a reminder, Toyota was 2014 champion and this means that the cars will be placed at the No1 and No2 plates. And to reach the final goal and stay on the first place, Toyota’s driver line-ups have been fine-tuned.

Precisely, the No1 car will feature Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi, who jointly claimed the 2014 drivers’ title, alongside Kazui Nakajima. The No2 car will be driven by Alex Wurz, Stéphane Sarrazin and Mike Conway. There will also be a future announcement regarding a test and reserve driver in the coming weeks.

In addition, the company confirmed that it has plans to return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017. The Cologne-based Toyota Racing Team said its World Endurance Championship (WEC) campaign would not be adversely affected by its involvement in the WRC project.

Team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita praised the performances, attitude and commitment of the six drivers and said that they have worked with all our drivers for a long time and have developed very strong relationships. This stability and consistency has been a significant part of the recent success and made it to number one priority in the plans for 2015 and beyond.

Driver Details:

ANTHONY DAVIDSON
Born	18 April 1979, Hemel Hempstead, UK
Le Mans debut	2003
Le Mans starts	7
Le Mans best result	2nd (2013)
WEC starts	17
WEC wins	5
WEC best season	1st (2014)

SÉBASTIEN BUEMI
Born	31 October 1988, Aigle, Switzerland
Le Mans debut	2012
Le Mans starts	3
Le Mans best result	2nd (2013)
WEC starts	17
WEC wins	5
WEC best season	1st (2014)

KAZUKI NAKAJIMA
Born	11 January 1985, Okazaki, Japan
Le Mans debut	2012
Le Mans starts	3
Le Mans best result	4th (2013)
WEC starts	16
WEC wins	2
WEC best season	8th (2014)

ALEX WURZ
Born	15 February 1974, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Austria
Le Mans debut	1996
Le Mans starts	8
Le Mans best result	1st (1996 & 2009)
WEC starts	20
WEC wins	5
WEC best season	3rd (2012)

STÉPHANE SARRAZIN
Born	2 November 1975, Alès, France
Le Mans debut	2001
Le Mans starts	13
Le Mans best result	2nd (2007, 2009 & 2013)
WEC starts	24
WEC wins	2
WEC best season	3rd (2013)

MIKE CONWAY
Born	19 August 1983, Sevenoaks, UK
Le Mans debut	2013
Le Mans starts	1
Le Mans best result	n/a
WEC starts	10
WEC wins	2
WEC best season	7th (2013)

Source: Toyota

February 2, 2015

Exclusive: Lexus Reveals LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo

Lexus has just exclusively revealed the LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo car and it is awe-inspiring! The car is planed to be distributed in a free update (no joke) for the PlayStation3 Gran Turismo 6 game. This will happen in the spring. The virtual car was developed to answer fans who “want to race world competitions in their dream car”. As a matter of fact, the design and development of the model was based on the idea of targeting entry in races such as the Super GT or the Nürburgring 24 hour race.

As a base model the talented team used the luxury coupe LF-LC concept. The latter car was created by CALTY DESIGN with the aim to be detailed and to include many features that evoke emotion. An example is the shape of the tail lamps which is inspired by afterburners of a jet aircraft.

As mentioned, the virtual PS3 car is based on the LF-LC, but was infused with the real world approach of Lexus racing. And as you can see the result is beautifully sculptured vehicle which is also performance-oriented GT car.

Take a look at the pure white body of the LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo! It seems perfect and it also has iridescent brush strokes which express the exhaust tones, quickening pulse and moments of excitement. The front of the car features muscular front bumper, spindle grille and the LF-LC concept LED headlights.

Some carbon details are also there – see the carbon fiber hood? The sporty styling at the back of the vehicle features ventilated rear bumper with a lot of carbon fiber trim and three dimensional taillights. In short: this car will probably fulfill the dreams of every Gran Turismo fan!

Source: Gran Turismo

January 30, 2015

McLaren and Honda Ready to Make History with MP4-30 [VIDEO]

McLaren–Honda has just exclusively revealed their new racing car, dubbed MP4-30. The car is going to compete in the upcoming 2015 FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship. It is driven by the newly developed 1.6 litre V6 engine (RA615H) developed by Honda. The MP4-30 is an important first step as McLaren and Honda progress towards their strong partnership and evokes heavy weight of expectations of writing a fresh chapter in Formula 1.

As a matter of fact, it has been 22 years since McLaren and Honda last raced together. Back then they formed nearly an unbeatable partnership that dominated Formula 1 in the 1980s and ’90s.

In the video below you can take a close look at the brand-new MP4-30 chassis. You can also discover how Honda and McLaren’s racing DNA links this car to one of its most illustrious forebears, the 1991’s McLaren-Honda MP4/6.

Another interesting fact about this car is that it has the only chassis on the grid which is fitted with Honda’s RA615H Hybrid power unit. It also features an evolved colour scheme. In addition, the car has been aerodynamically refined and the result is pretty obvious: an elegant car with a refined nose-box solution and a slimmed rear-end packaging. Oh, we forgot the incorporation of the new power unit under its tightly contoured bodywork.

It seems that with the MP4-30, McLaren and Honda are ready to make quick and efficient progress towards a successful future.

httpv://youtu.be/yoOT0NiydEA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

January 30, 2015

Hyundai Reveals Limited Edition Genesis Executive Saloon

2015 Hyundai Genesis Executive Saloon will be limited in numbers so if you want to get one you will have to hurry up. The car will be offered single high-specification form for it is the most refined and technologically advanced Hyundai ever made. It features everything that one needs: from innovative technology, luxurious comfort and premium style to advanced safety and convenience.

A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine drives the rear wheels and it works in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is sophisticated and incorporates clean, fluid lines which sweep down its flanks. You can see from the pictures below that the wheelbase in long and with minimal overhangs. Visibility is aided by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.

The same design manner is to be found inside, where one can find spacious and luxurious cabin. It is built up from high-quality materials such as fine grain leather and features suite of technologies, including driver infotainment system which shows detailed vehicle data on an 8” touch screen.

In terms of safety, the features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO2 cabin sensor. It monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness.

Furthermore, there are four cameras that will aid the driver with a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times. They will also help the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system to warn drivers of approaching hazards. Blind Spot Detection, on the other hand, monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards.

The new executive saloon is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, in contrast to the interior color options which are three. nfortunately, 2015 Hyundai Genesis Executive Saloon will be available only in the UK.

Source: Hyundai

January 30, 2015

Toyota Camry Hybrid to be Even More Efficient? See the Prototype!

Toyota announced that it is currently conducting tests on a new technology that could make hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains even more efficient. A trial, which will take one year, will be conducted in Japan and will rate the performance of new power semi-conductors that work with silicon carbide (SiC) material. They will be fitted to a Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus.

These conductors can be seen in hybrids and other EVs, and are found in the power control units that govern the motor. They manage the exact use of electricity and send the power from the battery to the motors when the car is being driven. Of course, they also recharge the battery during braking or deceleration.

At the moment, the conductors used account for 20 per cent of a vehicle’s electrical losses. And this is the reason that made Toyota take the decision to increase the efficiency of the complete powertrain. This will happen via the development of high-quality SiC type conductors create less resistance when electricity flows through them.

The tests will be conducted on Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus. Toyota has installed SiC power semiconductors, meaning transistors and diodes, in the PCU’s internal voltage step-up converter and the inverter that controls the motor. It will gather all the needed information, including PCU voltage and current, and driving speeds, patterns, and weather conditions.

Toyota will compare the new data to the previous one, collected from the conductors currently in use, and then will assess the level of efficiency achieved. The Camry road test will take place in Toyota City and will last more than a year. They will begin in early February.

Source: Toyota

January 30, 2015

Two Video Teasers Ahead of Renault KADJAR Reveal

KADJAR is the name of the new crossover of Renault, which will be unveiled on 2nd of February live from the Cité du Cinéma (Saint Denis, France). The vehicle will be introduced by Carlos GHOSN, CEO. This is very important step in the development of the brand, since the car is expected to be a best-seller and attract new customers. There is literally no information released about it, except for two videos and an image which show its adventurous and outdoorsy spirit.

The upcoming crossover will be probably based on the second generation Nissan Qashqai platform and we expect that they will share the same engine range. Its styling cues will be probably taken from the Espace. We also want to see the KADJAR with the on-road behavior and engine range of the Quashqai.

This means that it will be probably powered by a diesel 1.6-liter DCi engine, delivering around 150 horsepower (110 kW). The strange name of the model comprises of two syllables: KAD and JAR. The first took inspiration from “quad” and shows the “go-anywhere” spirit of the crossover. The second one, JAR, stands for the French words “jaillir” and “agile”, meaning smooth agility and sudden appearance from somewhere.

In addition, the upcoming vehicle is also expected to be best-seller in Europe. Renault is actually expecting to sell 118,000 units of the Kadjar in 2016. This would position the KADJAR on the third place in the segment, being behind the Qashqai and the Tiguan.

httpv://youtu.be/QtXLKpo6zF4

httpv://youtu.be/UnOGlSVfeoE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Renault

January 30, 2015

Kia to Reveal Mysterious Electric AWD in Chicago

2015 Kia Concept Chicago In exactly two weeks from now Kia is going to premiere a mysterious vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. The company is keeping tight-lipped about it and didn’t reveal even the name. What we have just received is the first teaser image of the vehicle and scarce information. The first big thing about it is that it will be advanced and capable electric vehicle, and the second is that it will feature all-wheel drive. This means that it will be an e-AWD concept.

The bold off-roader was created by Kia’s California design studio. Now the car is in real form and aims at the city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. The concept is intended to enable a wide array of outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding, camping or hiking, and even mountain biking.

It definitely promises adventures at higher elevations and more importantly – it focuses on the environmental side of the automotive industry. This concept will prove that practical urban wheels can also be rugged and capable.

Rumors say that the off-roader will be based in the Soul EV model. And we are wondering whether it will use its powetrain. The aforementioned vehicle is driven by a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery and an electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

Kia’s newest concept will be fully unveiled at the show in Chicago on 12^th of February.

Source: Kia

January 29, 2015

Author: Lidia Todorova