Lidia Todorova – Page 111 – Automobiles Review

Is Skoda Bringing Revolution to the Familiar Design Language?

Since Skoda has announced the reveal of the next generation Superb model in February, we were wondering whether there will be some sort of changes in its design. Today, the company has revealed the next teaser image of the famous model and it clearly shows some innovations and changes in the familiar design language. The new sketch shows an expressively designed saloon “full of class and passion”.

In other words, the design is sophisticated and at the same time elegant, dynamic, contemporary and expressive. The flagship car is undoubtedly inspired by the Skoda VisionC concept.

As it is visible from the sketch, the new Superb will add large wheels and gently rearward-sloping roof line. It will include clear geometry, strikingly contoured surfaces, sculptural shapes, precision and elegant lines. As if it was made from one piece.

The model is about to make an expressive impact on design of the mid-class segment due to its muscular look. Skoda has disclosed that these unique shapes and the entire design philosophy, on which the car is based, can be also found in the interior.

The vehicle will be built on Volkswagen’s MQB technology. This is how the Czechs company will bring about qualities from the higher vehicle classes into the automotive mid-class. Furthermore, Skoda also promises that the car will offer the best values in terms of comfort, infotainment and connectivity, safety, fuel-efficienvy, consumption and performance.

Rumors say that 2015 Superb will shed 75 kg off and it is likely to be powered by the with 1.4-liter petrol engine. The unit will probably produce around 125 horsepower (92 kW).

The third generation model is going to make its world premiere in Prague in February next year. Then it will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, while the market launch is scheduled for the summer of 2015.

Source: Skoda

December 22, 2014

Lamborghini and Pirelli Celebration Feast is Called Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition is new special series model which was designed in order to celebrate the collaboration between the Italian luxury brand and the Pirelli tire manufacturer. Their partnership began back in 1963, when Lamborghini brand was founded. This means that since birth, the luxury car have been equipped with Pirelli tires. The super sports car is built on carbon fiber monocoque, driven by the V12 engine, and equipped with pushrod suspensions and all-wheel drive.

Outside, the Lambo is finished in a two-tone color scheme, which is offered in two options. The first is a matte black for the roof, pillars, rearview mirrors, engine hood and front, rear, side and moving air intakes, combined with the contrasting six glossy finishes for the rest of the body. These include Giallo Spica, Rosso Mars, Bianco Isis, Nero Aldebaran, Grigio Liqueo, and Grigio Ater.

The second one is glossy black used for the upper parts of the car and the air intakes, combined with four matte finishes for the rest of the exterior: Bianco Canopus, Nero Nemesis, Grigio Adamas, and Grigio Titans.

Something very distinctive in this car is the thin red stripe that runs along the roof and the engine hood, the rearview mirrors, and the outer profiles of the air intakes. To harmonize with this, the Pirelli logo is in red. The exterior also received transparent engine hood, engine compartment in carbon, glossy black Dione 20”/21”rims as well as P Zero tires with red logo and red calipers.

Inside, the car is upholstered with black Alcantara with red contrast stitching. The same red stripe theme is repeated on the inside and runs along the interior ceiling and seats. It also includes Lamborghini and Pirelli crests embroidered in red.

Furthermore, leather inserts can be seen on the door panels and seat sides. At last, what needs to be mentioned is the “Pirelli special series” plaque that comes to signify the exclusiveness of the model.

Oh, and the powertrain of course: it has the capability of producing 700 hp (515 kW) and it is combined with the ultra-fast ISR transmission. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is just 2.9 seconds and top speed reaching 350 km/h.

The exceptional new edition will be offered in Coupé and Roadster variant. It can be ordered now with deliveries expected in early summer of 2015.

Source: Lamborghini

December 22, 2014

Audi Exclusive Releases 2015 RS 5 Coupe Sport Edition

Today is the day of exclusive editions. Since we just saw the new Shelby, now it is time for Audi to show-off with something and this is the 2015 Audi RS 5 Coupe Sport Edition. This model will be strictly limited to production 75 units and will feature some exclusive elements such as the 20’’ 5-V-spoke design wheels behind which we see red brake calipers. The Audi comes with distinctive sports styling with “athletic” design elements featured in- and outside.

The vehicle is available in two exterior colors: Daytona Gray pearl effect and Nardo gray. They are complemented by Crimson Red Fine Nappa leather interior accents. Other features in the cabin include RS embossed sport seats in Black and Crimson Red with Crimson Red contrast stitching featured on the armrests, leather-wrapped steering wheel and black shifter boot with the same stitching again and Crimson Red Fine Nappa leather door inserts and body-color inlays.

Audi is driven by the 4.2-liter V8 engine which produces 450 horsepower (331 kW) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It is coupled with a seven-speed S tronic transmission with launch control program. All this power is capable of propelling the RS 5 from 0 to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed is limited at 174 mph.

The aforementioned transmission helps ensure rapid and sure shifts. At the same time the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is what ensures the great grip. It includes a crown-gear center differential to send power to the front and rear axle. The added sport-tuned suspension brings the body 0.8 inches to the ground.

2015 Audi RS 5 Coupe Sport Edition has a starting price of $87,575 USD.

Source: Audi

December 22, 2014

Meet the Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake!

Shelby exclusively announced the introduction of its latest project which is so exclusive that it is going to be produced in only 50 examples. The car is called Signature Edition Super Snake and it honors the end of production for the current generation Ford Shelby GT500. It has one-of-a-kind styling as well as more than enough horsepower (850 hp) and some of the most popular upgrades.

As a matter of fact, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a post-title program based on the 2007-2014 Ford Shelby GT500. It comprises of upgrades to the engine, suspension, brakes and cooling. As you can see, the cars that are to get the package will have stunning visual appeal and interior upgrades.

The cars can be colored by the entire color palette offered by Ford on a Shelby GT500. On the airbag cover there is a commemorative badge that honors Carroll Shelby. There is also wide body package available.

Some great upgrades had happened under the hood of the Mustang. The 5.8-liter V8 engine has been fitted with a Kenne Bell supercharger. Thanks to it the musclecar is capable of producing 850 hp (634 kW). The vehicle also features a cooling package, which includes brand new heat exchanger, radiator as well as aluminum cooling tanks.

Key features on the Signature Edition cars include:

Forged Weld Wheels with Signature Edition center caps
3.6 Kenne Bell Supercharger
Shelby Performance cooling package with a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks
Upgraded rear brakes
Commemorative Carroll Shelby signature air bag cover decal from the Carroll Shelby Foundation
Stripes in any current color offered by Shelby American
“Super Snake” Signature Edition vehicle badges
Unique CSM number on interior and engine plates
Signature Edition floor mats
One day track experience

The package has a starting price of $44,995 USD.

Source: Shelby

December 22, 2014

Rolls-Royce Unveils the Exclusive Suhail Collection

2015 Rolls-Royce Suhail Collection is the first Collection to be offered on Phantom, Ghost and Wraith models. And if you wonder where the name has come from, it is inspired by one of the brightest star constellations in the sky carrying the same name. It actually celebrates the work of the Arabic mathematician, astronomer and physicist Ibn al-Haitham. He has been considered as the father of theoretical physics. Or in other words, this is the person who greatly influenced the Western scientific thinking.

The 10th Century scientist took inspiration by this star just by observing it. His best known work is the Book of Optics (Kitab al-Manazir), which was translated into Latin in the 13th century. It has influenced a number of key Western scientific thinkers such as the famous Leonardo Da Vinci and Galileo Galilei. He is also the first scientist to realize that light enters the eye rather than leaving it.

This Suhail Rolls-Royce celebrates his influence the scientist had on Eastern and Western science. The exterior of the lineup of vehicles is inspired by astronomy and features unique moonstone pearl colour. This paint scheme evokes colour of the stars at night.

At the same time, the Suhail star emblem completes aTurchese Blue coachline inspired by the colour of the night sky when Suhail is visible. Inside, the same design theme is continued via the combination of Crem é Light leather with Turchese accents. They are framed by a Navy Blue instrument panel top and carpets.

We can also see Suhail star emblems that are worked into the marquetry on the Ash Burr wood fascia. Only the Wraith and Phantom models include a Starlight Headliner. At last, the luxury cabin is also adorned by Bespoke clock in colour matched to the interior. If you look carefully you will see that on its face are depicted the Suhail Ursa Minor and Major constellations.

Source: Rolls-Royce

December 19, 2014

PP-Performance Has Power Tweaks for Ferrari F12berlinetta

When two companies dedicated to exclusivity, style and performance merge into one project, the result is something like the next car we are to present to you. PP-Performance has redefined the concept for power of the Ferrari F12berlinetta and the end result is stunning. Well, they didn’t focus that much on the appearance, because under their attention was the most important part of the Ferrari – the engine.

Instead of the typical and almost iconic color for the F12berlinetta, the specialists chose a white car to work on. To go into details, some modifications were added to car’s 6.3-liters-V12-engine. Such are the BMC Race filter and the complete Frequency Intelligent (FI) catless exhaust system. The FI plays a significant role in the “power explosion”, when the driver pushes the accelerator pedal.

But atop of the engine “surgery” is the optimization of the engine control. PP-Performance did this with its own software. The complete kit uprates the horsepower of the Ferrari from 740 hp (544 kW) to 795 “perky horses” (585 kW).

The torque is also raised from 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) to 730 Nm (539 lb-ft). And if you wonder about acceleration time, well the answer is 2.9 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and 8.0 seconds from 0 to 200 km/h. Compared to the serial accelerations times, this is a 0.2 seconds and 0.5 seconds improvement, respectively.

Source: PP-Performance

December 19, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger Gets Five Stars from NHTSA

We have great news for all Challenger fans: the 2015 Dodge Challenger coupe has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As you are familiar, this is the highest possible safety rating given by the Administration. Dodge brand says that this is a result of its commitment to expand the advanced safety technologies featured in the muscle car.

NHTSA had also highlighted the characteristics of Forward Collision Warning (FCW). This system includes forward-facing sensors programmed to detect the potential for frontal collisions. It they are detected, the driver is alerted with visual and audible warnings. More importantly, the 2015 Challenger is the only muscle car in its segment that has this capability.

Next to the FCW there are also more than 70 available safety and security features. For instance such are the Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Path Detection. As a matter of fact, in the individual crash-tests conducted by NHTSA the Dodge got five stars in front- and side-impacts.

The new model builds on the legacy of the previous generation. It features an exterior design which is 1971-inspired. The same design theme is included in the interior and is visible through the high-sill center console, driver-focused instrument panel and aluminum bezels.

Customers can chose from three powerful engines. Each is mated with the new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission as a standard. The first unit is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 which produces delivers 305 horsepower (224 kW).

Next is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with up to 375 horsepower (275 kW) and 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.). At the top of the range sits the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with an estimated 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475-lb.-ft.) of torque. It accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4 second range.

2015 Dodge Challenger has a starting price of $26,995 USD.

Source: Dodge

December 19, 2014

Alfa Romeo Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Original 1954 Giulietta Sprint

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint is an edition which is created with the aim to celebrate a key moment in Alfa Romeo’s heritage. Precisely, it is the 60th anniversary of the launch of the original and first 1954 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint. This was a car that achieved great success, looked stunningly beautiful and was relatively affordable. Back then, the vehicle was a result of company’s transition from a low-volume manufacturer to that of a successful “premium” car brand.

The new and the original Giulietta Sprint share many similar characteristics. For instance, the new version is also powered by an engine of less than 1,400cc in capacity. The difference here is that for the 2014 model year the unit was equipped with MultiAir valve management and an intercooled turbocharger.

These additions improve car’s power output to more than twice that of the original Sprint’s 1.3-litre twin-cam engine. To be more precise, the 1.4-litre TB MultiAir petrol engine generates 150 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque.

The result is an acceleration time of 8.2 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is positioned at 130 mph, while the fuel efficiency figures speak of 49.6 mpg (in the combined cycle). The CO2 emissions are estimated at just 131g/km.

To control these 150 hp, the 2014 Giulietta Sprint is equipped with 17-inch, five-hole design alloy wheels fitted with 225/45 R17 rubbers. As an anniversary edition, the car also gets some exclusive features. Such are the special badging on the front wings, sports rear bumper side skirts, sports rear diffuser with oversized exhaust trim and dark-tinted windows.

Inside, the designers added carbon-effect door panels and dashboard surround, new sports, leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and new seats with cloth and Alcantara-upholstery, red stitching and “Sprint” logo embroidered into the headrests.

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint will be available in the first months of next year. For the United Kingdom it will have a starting price of £20,490.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TP 150 HP S&S
ENGINE	Layout, cylinders, capacity	In-line transverse 4-cyl 1,368cc
	Bore × stroke	72×84mm
	Compression ratio	9.8:1
	Max power	150hp @ 5,500 rpm
	Peak torque	250Nm at 2,500 rpm
	Timing system (control)	Toothed belt, hydraulic tappets, MultiAir intake system
	Supply	MPFI turbo-charging, MultiAir direct valve control system, intercooler
	Stop&Start	Standard
	Fuel tank	60 litres
TRANSMISSION	Drive, Gearbox	Front, Manual six-speed
WEIGHTS	Kerb weight	1,290 kg
WEIGHTS	Max. towable braked/unbraked	500 / 1,300 kg
PERFORMANCE	Top speed	130 mph
PERFORMANCE	0-62 mph (1 person + 30 kg)	8.2 seconds
ECONOMY (1999/100/EC)	Urban cycle MPG	37.2 MPG (7.6 L/100km)
	Extra-urban cycle	61.4 MPG (4.6 L/100km)
	Combined cycle	49.6 MPG (5.7 L/100km)
EMISSIONS	CO2 (Certification)	131 g/km (Euro 6)

Source: Alfa Romeo

December 19, 2014

Spyker Cars Announces Bankruptcy

It is over for Spyker Cars. It appears that the luxury company from Netherlands had filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. The cause for this was that the committed bridge funding did unfortunately not reach the company in time. The CEO of Spyker said that this is a result of today’s events. The company was founded 15 years ago, when Muller set out to establish a super sports car business from scratch with a global distribution. And in fact, he and his team had great success in achieving this.

He also said that he will make everything possible to resurrect Spyker as soon as practically possible and pursue the goal to merge with a high performance electric aircraft manufacturer for the development of revolutionary electric Spykers with disruptive sustainable technology.

Spyker N.V. is a Dutch based automobile company that produces high-end sports cars. It was founded in 1999 by Victor Muller and Maarten de Bruijn. Since 2000 the company has been creating exclusive sports cars like the B6 Venator Spyder Concept and the C8 Aileron Spyder.

In the years between 2002 and 2006, Spyker built the C8 Double 12 S. The car was offered with five performance stages ranging from 400 hp (294 kW) to 620 hp (456 kW). From 2002 till 2007, Spyker built the C8 Spyder T which featured a powerplant capable of 525 horsepower (386 kW) and 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds.

Almost ten years ago, in 2005, Maarten de Bruijn left the company, while a year later the company built the C12 La Turbie with the 500 hp (367 kW) V12 engine. Spyker bought out the Midland F1 team in 2006 entering the motorsport world.

The year after that the company from Netherlands collaborated with the Italian Zagato. The result is the C12 Zagato offering fast speeds, great looks and the trademark roof bubbles. Some consider this the most successful of all Spyker models up to date.

The next seven year Spyker wrote history and released many exclusive cars, and it did that extremely well! We sincerely hope that this is not the end for the company, because we are sure that there is so much more to see from it!

Source: Spyker

December 19, 2014

Infiniti Lifts the Covers Off: Concept Vision Gran Turismo is Here [VIDEO]

Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo was just fully revealed! The luxury company has removed the covers from the new vehicle, which will be included in the popular Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) game. The PlayStation3 users don’t have to wait further, because the concept car can be now downloaded. In addition, the supercar also exemplifies a vision of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future.

In fact, the model was created through close collaboration with the creators of the racing game. It is a project that started as a competition to “design a pure Infiniti GT car”. Of course, there was a winning model. It was born from the theme put forward by Infiniti’s Design team in Beijing.

Car’s shape is powerful, sensual and at the same time audacious.

As you can see, it is an instance of an ambitious racing vehicle. The development of Vision Gran Turismo started with hand sketching. It then proceeded with digital refinement and later – by hand sculpting refinement. Then it returned again to digital for final refinement.

Even more, the team actually went through examinations and calculations of technical features such as aerodynamics and engine performance. To be more precise, the front mid-ship / trans-axle powertrain allows for a finely distributed 45:55 front/rear weight balance. This actually allows users to enjoy rear drifting.

In terms of aerodynamics, the under-floor airflow control, front and back diffusers, and the one-of-a-kind rear spoiler enables the vehicle to achieve high performance without any sacrifices on the design of the body.

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Infiniti

December 18, 2014

Honda FCV Concept To Make NAIAS Debut in January

Honda FCV Concept will demonstrate its capabilities at the 2015 NAIAS this January. The vehicle will be making a North American debut showing-off the exterior and interior styling evolution. The next-generation zero emissions Honda fuel-cell vehicle is created with the aim to provide significant gains in terms of packaging, interior space and fuel efficiency. At the same time it is also destined to show real-world performance due to its driving range in excess of 300-miles!

Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle is anticipated to launch in the U.S. following its introduction in Japan. This is scheduled to happen around March 2016. The new FCV Concept includes a low and wide aerodynamic body and impresses with its clean flowing lines.

Inside, the cabin strives to attain harmony between man and machine. This is achieved via the new powertrain packaging techniques that have delivered even greater passenger space. There is seating for up to five people.

FCV Concept uses electricity produced through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen as a power source for its motor. In addition, the car is equipped with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank that delivers a range that exceeds 700 km. The tank can be easily refilled in only three minutes.

We have seen the Honda FCV Concept making a world debut in Japan this November. After this, Honda announced that it will make an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles. It will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California.

In fact, in July 2002 the original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle. Moreover, it was world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle introduced to the United States and Japan. In 2008 Honda was the first manufacturer to build a production fuel-cell vehicle. What is more, the company was also the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network.

Source: Honda

December 18, 2014

Lexus Announcing new F-High-Performance Model. Could it be a GS F?

Lexus just teased with couple of images its addition to the F-high-performance range. This is the second vehicle that will be added to company’s growing stable of F cars. Earlier this year the luxury automaker unveiled the brand new RC F and announced that it will debut at 2015 Auto Show in Detroit. This is where we will also see the reveal of a new F model. In particular, it is scheduled for 13th of January, so don’t expect it earlier.

RC F is expected to be launched in February next year. It is powered by a 5.0-litre, 32-valve V8 engine. This unit was specifically created for the car. It is linked to a calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission thanks to which it can help the sports vehicle achieve an impressive 450 hp (330 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft).

Besides this information and the two photos, the Japanese brand did not disclose anything else. We are wondering whether this is a more extreme version of the RC F or a brand new one. Rumors suggest that the car is likely to be based on the GS line-up.

Judged by the pictures, the highly-probable GS F features new headlights and boomerang-shaped DRLs. There is also a more masculine front bumper and multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels finished in black. Underneath them we see oversized brakes. We also see that Lexus added carbon-fiber bits.

Source: Lexus

December 18, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova