Lidia Todorova – Page 114 – Automobiles Review

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Achieves EPA Estimated 22 MPG

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has just shown 22 miles per gallon (mpg) equipped with the 707 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine linked to the segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. With NHRA-certified quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds and top speed of 204 miles per hour, this model is the quickest, fastest and most-powerful sedan ever. The remarkable highway fuel- economy rating was estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

World’s only four-door muscle car also earned EPA ratings of 16 mpg in combined-cycle driving, and 13 mpg in the city. In addition, the engine is also named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. The new Charger SRT Hellcat also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds and boasts a top speed of 204 miles per hour (mph).

The new engine was engineered in-house. It was designed to be durable and face enormous loads. Crucial to car’s exceptional performance is its TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. It has 7.03 ratio that enables the powerful HEMI Hellcat to operate in its most efficient mode. And at the same time it delivers 160-millisecond shifts and rev-matching for better performance.

Furthermore, this Dodge also features improved handling capabilities. We are speaking about the 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers. As a matter of fact these are the largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle.

On the road, the car moves through the Pirelli P Zero performance tires are coupled with 20 x 9.5-inch wide forged-aluminum wheels. The designers of the car re-sculpted and refined nearly every body panel, including heat extractors in the hood, unique front and rear fascias and LED lighting at the front and rear.

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a starting price of $63,995 USD.

Source: Dodge

December 11, 2014

Meet the Spicy 2015 MINI John Cooper Works!

Meet the new 2015 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop! The spicy little car is set to make a debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The event is starting on 12^th of January and we can’t wait to see all of the good stuff there. The launch of the new JCW celebrates MINI’s passion for motorsport for 55 years. This is evident via the most powerful engine that drives the car, the refined suspension technology and the desisn features which not only improve the aerodynamics but also highlights the styling.

Precisely, 2015 John Cooper Works Hardtop is powered by the 2.0- liter 4-cylinder engine. This unit was developed based on the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. Speaking in numbers, it produces a maximum output of 228 hp (168 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 ft-lbs).

They allow the MINI to sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds when equipped with the automatic transmission. In case the car is equipped with the manual one, this number jumps to 6.1 seconds. In general, this is an increase in sprint capability of 0.3 seconds or 5 percent as compared to the previous generation hardtop.

Moreover, the technology for the engine, suspension, body and interior have all been derived directly from motorsport racing. In this way they define the exclusive and performance-oriented character of the 2015 JCW. Just take a look at the pictures of the interior. We have rarely seen such exquisiteness and craftsmanship in a production car.

Of course, the car has been created in order to appeal to those, who appreciate authentic race feeling. The 228 hp engine, the sports exhaust system and sports suspension are complemented by the 17-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels.

In addition, a special sports brake system was developed. For this MINI collaborated with the specialists at Brembo. The John Cooper Works aerodynamics kit comprises of a model-specific rear spoiler and newly developed John Cooper Works sports seats, which include integrated headrest.

This set of characteristics reflects not only in the high-speed acceleration capacity but also in car’s exceptional agility, a high degree of steering precision and precise handling on the road as well as excellent deceleration figures. Ever since John Cooper discovered the racing talent of the classic Mini in the 60’s, his name became a symbol of MINI’s success on the race track.

Source: MINI

December 11, 2014

Toyota Teases 2016 Tacoma

Toyota will roll out the 2016 Tacoma model at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The event will start on 12th of January and this is where we will get more details around the vehicle since they are extremely scarce. What the Japanese company has just told us is that the new vehicle will raise the bar again and take everything to the next level.

2016 Tacoma is readied to set new benchmark for midsize pickups … in terms of performance. Thanks to its heritage of confident capability and unbreakable attitude, this new model promises more off-road prowess than ever!

The teaser image released along the minute information, tells us also very little. We see the Tacoma “bathing” in mud. We can actually see only the tailgate of the truck and the left taillight. The new Tacoma will also feature its name on the tailgate as well as the signification that it has 4×4 driving configuration.

We assume the new model will look like all the new midsize trucks, especially like those recently introduced TRD Pro Series. At last, there will be two key pickup trucks to be unveiled. Next to the 2016 Tacoma, Detroit will also celebrate the introduction of the powerful 2016 Nissan Titan.

The adventure has just begun.

Source: Toyota

December 11, 2014

1963 Batmobile Sold for $137,000 at Heritage Auctions [VIDEO]

In the beginning of last week we told you that the original 1963 Batmobile went on sale at Heritage Auctions. Well, now the car is sold this Saturday and the lucky owner has spent only $137,000 USD for it. This is only a tiny fraction of the $4.2 million that a buyer paid last year for another version built for the television show that aired during the 1960s.This Batmobile was born in 1963 and was developed by Forrest Robinson.

The story begins with a design sketch in 1960 and then an actual build of the car which was finished in 1963. This means that the “’63 Batmobile” is the earliest known car in existence that was sanctioned by a DC Comics licensee.The car was put up for auction by Toy Car Exchange LLC. This is an online marketplace for collectible cars, which bought and restored the vehicle.

The car retained the original frame, parts, and engine, and was given a second life.For this project, Forrest Robinson customized his 1956 Oldsmobile 88 with a 324 Rocket engine to resemble the single-fin vehicle depicted in DC’s Batman Comics from the 1940s and 1950s.

The body of the Oldsmobile was replaced with custom-designed body, measuring 17 feet by 83 inches. It featured Batmobile’s iconic bat-nose front end and pocket sliding doors.Eventually, the Batmobile was abandoned in a New Hampshire field and, for almost fifty years.

It did not resurface until 2008, when the car was discovered by Bobby Smith. He sold it to a rare car dealer in Chicago, who then re-sold it to auto historian George Albright and then it was purchased by Toy Car Exchange LLC. The vintage car restorer Borbon Fabrications restored the car.

httpv://youtu.be/8SGnrXoWeoM

Video Source: YouTube

December 10, 2014

Mansory Crafts a 1000 HP Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63

mansory-mercedes-benz-s-class-amg-s63 The latest tuning of Mansory that we recall is this on the Rolls-Royce Ghost II and it was amazing and very beautiful. This one is not as versatile in colors and styling but in terms of power – it is definitely mind-blowing. This time the tuning attention was paid to Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63. Of course, to support the boost in power, the sporty elegance of the Mercedes was enhanced via a special aerodynamic programme.

The latter comprises of several styling and aero components such as a front spoiler with adapted LED daytime running lights, the new bonnet and the new roof and rear lips. The rear apron was designed in a diffuser look.

The sporty appearance was further strengthened with new side skirts and widened front wings as well as the carbon housing of the rear-view mirror. In addition, Mansory’s sports exhaust is responsible for a throaty and imposing sound. The back of the car is entirely redesigned. The rear silencer is made from stainless steel with its angular twin tailpipes.

Speaking of performance, the eight cylinder twin turbo engine of the AMG S63 received some tweaks such as high performance components. In accordance with client’s wish the tuners provide choice of two upgrades for the powerplant.

The first one is called M800 variant and it helps the unit produce a total of 800 hp (588 kW) at 4,750 rpm. The torque grows to 1,200 Nm (886 lb-ft) at 1,700 – 3,500 rpm. If you wonder about how the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h has changed, well, it was reduced to 3.6 seconds (production version: 4.0 seconds).

Next, the M1000 performance kit comprises of connecting rods, big end bearings, crankshaft, bearing bushings, turbocharger, suction and compressor system. Together with the new pipe fan manifolds they help the engine produce instead of 585 hp (430 kW) an impressive 1,000 hp (735 kW). The maximum torque has climbed to 1,400 Nm (1033 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 3,500 rpm. So when fired up, the saloon rockets to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds on its way to an electronically regulated 300 km/h.

All this power has to be transmitted onto the road with the appropriate tyres. Here, the tuners have developed one-piece 22 inch Multispoke alloy wheels that were fitted with Vredestein tyres in size 255/30/ZR22 on the front axle and 295/25/ZR22 on the rear axle.

The cabin received only minor updates such as aluminium pedals and newly designed steering wheel. There are also new foot mats, framed in leather with embroidered Mansory emblem, as well as the illuminated door sill trims.

Source: Mansory

December 10, 2014

Ford Starts Shipping 2015 Mustang Convertible to Dealerships

The keys of the first produced 2015 Ford Mustang Convertibles will be in customers’ hands very, very soon. We are talking about those who live in United States, because the company has just began shipping the pony cabrio car to dealerships nationwide. The Mustangs will come with heated seats and remote start and selectable drive modes with a snow/wet setting. This comes exactly for winter time and cold weather, and this car is the perfect present for Christmas. In my opinion … at least.

Heated seats also have a cooling feature. But owners will have to wait until temperatures go little higher. Unlike them, the remote start is standard only on the automatic-transmission models. This feature allows customers to fire up their drop-top from the comfort of their home. When one uses the remote start, the Mustang not only warms up its engine, but also warms the interior of the car to a comfortable temperature.

There are also selectable drive modes that come as a standard on premium Mustang models. It includes a wet/snow setting. It tweaks throttle response, steering effort and traction control in order to “soften” the wheel spin and maximize vehicle control.

This year the Mustang model celebrates 50 years of its birth. Since its debut in 1964 more than 9.2 million Mustang models have been sold. Now, Ford is offering the musclecar with even more options to choose from.

The car, be it in a fastback or a convertible form, can be powered by an upgraded V8, 3.7-liter V6 or a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The first one is offered only for the Mustang GT and now produces 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the V6 generates 300 horsepower (221 kW).

The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to offer an output of 310 horsepower (228 kW) and 434 Nm (320 lb.-ft.) of torque. 2015 Ford Mustang is turning on dealership lots in eight days.

Source: Ford Motor Company

December 10, 2014

Vorsteiner Releases Exclusive Photo Shoot of Audi S5 V-FF 102

vorsteiner-audi-s5-v-ff-102 Last week we have seen how Vorsteiner has tuned the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Audi S4. This week the tuners set go beyond this and release the “mini” tuning of Audi S5. Although the tuners have only changed the wheels of this car, it most recent photo shoot is really worth the attention. Of course, you can view it in the gallery below.

The current imagery is set to promote Vorsteiner’s new V-FF 102 Flow Forged Wheels. As a matter of fact, these lightweight wheels were fitted specifically for the Audi S5. They come in company’s original Mercury Silver wheel finish.

The dimensions of the wheels at the four corners of the car are the same: 20×10 inches. This S5 is capable to use the deepest profile of our three concavities while utilizing a 275/30/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sports tire a bold fit.

Exactly a year ago, this Audi model was the winner in the 20th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. The S5 marks the 5thconsecutive win for the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. It produces 333 horsepower (245 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at 2,900 rpm.

The time for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.9 seconds and the top speed is of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel consumption in the city is measured at 10.7 liters per 100 km and 6.6 liters / 100 km on the highway and 8.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 10, 2014

DMC McLaren MSO MP4 is Capable of 660 HP?

MSO or McLaren Special Operations produces company’s finest products. One of them, the MSO MP4 has been refined by the luxury tuning specialists at DMC. The elegant styling and performance packages that they have created are in perfect harmony with the original MP4 design. They are made with materials such as carbon fiber (for the body kit), titanium (for the exhaust system), and exclusive Italian Leather (for the interior).

Although the front bumper could receive a front lip, DMC decided to leave it unchanged. However, they did add new side skirts which support the pressure between the axles. The rear of the car includes a rear diffuser that displays a revised tunnel set-up by adding 2 fins.

At the back we also see that the standard rear spoiler has been replaced with a light weight one. The rear wing together with the aero scoop on the roof creates a sense of perfection. It supports the aerodynamics, because the scoop is capable of directing the wind flow to the rear wing.

The performance is also supported by new forged alloy wheels in size of 20×8,5” at the front and 21×12” at the back. They were later fitted with P-Zero tyres of the dimensions 245/30r20 and 325/25r21.

This McLaren has also received an ECU performance package as well. It boosts the power of the supercar from 592 hp (435 kW) and 599 Nm (442 ft.lbs) to 660 hp (485 kW) and 680 Nm (502 ft.lbs) of torque. The package is rounded-out with the refinement of the interior which now sports new Italian fine leathers and carbon fiber treatment.

Source: DMC

December 10, 2014

I Love the 60’s American Muscle Cars: Fisker and GAS Reveal Ford Mustang Rocket

Galpin Auto Sport (GAS) and Fisker have collaborated to create unique Ford Mustang Rocket, which is inspired by those pony cars of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. The most accurate example is the 1968 Shelby GT500. The car is characterized by hexagonal carbon fiber grill, split by a polished aluminum bar and wild horse running across the horizon. The Rocket features elongated lines, sculptured flared fenders and new rear spoiler. This tuning is definitely athletic and we must confirm that it surely pays homage to those iconic Mustangs of the 60s.

The renowned concept car builder GFMI Metalcrafters constructed the handmade carbon-fiber bodywork. It includes various functional scoops and vents that direct airflow. The front splitter draws out hot air from and makes better the engine cooling. In fact, it works simultaneously with the rear spoiler, enlarged rear diffuser and polished carbon fiber aero skirts.

As you can see Rocket’s sculptured hood has two large air intakes. Of course, they were designed to channel cooler outside air through the engine compartment. Speaking of the engine, it is the 725 hp (533 kW) V8 unit. There are also two additional scoops, mounted on the rear fenders ahead of the wheels, which help channel air to cool oversized 15-inch Brembo Grand Turismo high performance brakes.

The exterior of the muscle car looks amazing thanks to the custom mixed silver paint dubbed Éminence Grise. This design scheme is strengthened by the large 21-inch ADV.1 wheels with Pirelli P-Zero extreme performance tires. The rubbers are supported by a front and rear independent and adjustable suspension.

And the most exciting news is that this is not a one-off concept but the first example of a low-volume series. The production of the car is scheduled to begin this month and the first deliveries are expected in the beginning of 2015.

Source: Galpin Auto Sport

December 9, 2014

Toyota Releases Four-Wheel Drive RAV4 Edition-S

Toyota is releasing a RAV4 Edition-S which comes enhanced with additional equipment. The sad news is that the model will be offered only in Germany. As a standard, the vehicle comes equipped with four-wheel drive. Other optically viable identification characteristics are the silver roof rails, a hinted under-ride guard, as well as the front and rear chrome strips on the side of the vehicle. Very nice accents are also the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The car has been based on the “Edition” equipment line. This means that it adds two-zone climate control as well as Toyota Smart Key system for keyless opening and closing of the vehicle. A special technology feature is also the electrically opening tailgate “Easy Load”.

Toyota Touch with color 6.1-inch touchscreen is the multimedia system which will make driver’s life easier. There is also featured USB port and Bluetooth hands-free.

Driver and passenger will enjoy the comfort of the special seats which include optimum support with pronounced side bolsters and shoulder support. Privacy is ensured with the tinted rear windows.

When it comes to engine, this Toyota model can be equipped with the 2.0-liter D-4D diesel engine or the Valvematic petrol unit with two liter displacement. The first one produces 124 horsepower (91 kW) or 150 hp (110 kW), while the second one generates 151 hp (111 kW). Their power is transmitted onto the road via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Source: Toyota

December 9, 2014

Wald International’s Sportsline Package is Ready to Adorn the Audi A5 Sportback

Wald-Audi-A5-Sportback-Sportsline-THTUMB Earlier this year, Wald International released an aggressive body kit for the Audi A5 Sportback. The Japanese company prepared back then a “Black Bison” tuning kit, giving the S trimmed car a new look for the front air intakes. In addition to this, Wald International also supplied this Audi with a chin spoiler, side skirts and inserts for the front and rear fenders. We can not miss the wheels, nor the lowered suspension or the shadow-line black trim.

But … this was only a preview. Until now, because the tuners has finally released the official and full tuning of the car. And it simply looks breathtaking!

Let’s see what happened. Obviously, the exterior of this hatchback received a new front spoiler, the side skirts were refined and a rear bumper insert was added. If that’s not enough, Wald International has prepared for the capricious customers trunk-mounted spoiler stainless steel exhaust tips and exhaust system.

And we definitely dig the design scheme of the exterior. As you can see it is based on three colors: aggressive red, black and white as a basis. The red and accents are featured on the rear skirts, side steps, front half spoiler and the trunk spoiler.

Oh, just take a look at the multispoke red wheels fitted with low-profile tyres. The hood and roof is decided in black, so that the sporty appearance of the car can look more convincing. No changes or whatsoever have been made to the interior or engine. Because this is a Sportsback, best case scenario is that it is driven by the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine boasting 329 hp (242 kW) at the least.

Source: Wald International

December 9, 2014

Geely Releases More Information on GC9

Geely GC9 is going to be unveiled at the Beijing’s Water Cube on 15th of December. The place was home to the 2008 Olympic swimming event as well as the APEC meeting attended by President Barack Obama and other Pacific Nation leaders. GC9 was designed Peter Horbury and his team based in Gothenburg, Barcelona, Shanghai and Los Angeles. They wanted to create a vehicle which focuses on higher value, greater levels of luxury and a global design language.

The car is planned to be driven by one of these three engines: 2.4L naturally aspirated, a 1.8 direct injection turbo and a flagship 3.5L V6 engine. Each of them will be connected to a six speed automatic gearbox from Drivetrain Systems International (DSI).

GC9 used as a basis the KC Concept. The latter was revealed at the 2013 Shanghai Show. In terms of comfort and technology, this car offers independent electronic rear seat adjustability, heads up display, Harmon supplied in car entertainment systems and air purifying systems.

Safety was also a major factor in the development of the car. In fact Geely has a long history of building safe cars. Starting with the GX7 SUV – it has received a plus five star safety award in C-NCAP crash testing. Then, the Geely Panda was the first Chinese small car to receive a full star safety award from C-NCAP.

This was a big stimulus for the team to develop a car which can achieve a five star rating. So GC9 is equipped with a range of side impact, passenger and driver head, chest and knee crash protection airbag systems.

Active safety is represented by the Crash Migration Systems. It automatically applies brakes in case the vehicle should come too close to the car in front. There is also a full range of side, front, and rear camera systems that give a 360 degree view of the vehicle and also alert the driver to lane departure and blind spot awareness.

Source: Geely

December 9, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova