Lidia Todorova – Page 115 – Automobiles Review

Rinspeed Budii Learns and Gets Better Over Time. To be Shown at 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Rinspeed has announced that it is preparing a concept vehicle called “Budii”. It will be premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and will aim to bring about redefined relationship between man and machine. The Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht is concerned, when he looks at the accident statistics. Therefore in his opinion the autonomous driving will offer the opportunity to substantially minimize some of the drawbacks of private transport. This will help for the reduction of the global traffic accidents.

Autonomous technology has its drawbacks, although it is less prone to making mistakes. And this is why the owner of the company thinks that there should be a healthy releationship between vehicle and man. In terms of hardware and soft-ware, cars could do simply anything.

In fact, he envisions that they will “do just what we do” and keep learning each day. As a consequence, they will get better and better over time and master the challenges of contemporary.

Of course, the Swiss company is already building such machine. It will show it at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The name of the concept is “Budii” and as far as we know it will be electrically powered.

It will be attractive on the outside and include autopilot which will quickly adapt to the habits and preferences of the person inside. In addition, “Budii” will feature a host of innovations and will be capable of taking data from its environment and the “experiences” of other vehicles along its route into account.

The steering wheel of the vehicle is supported by sensitive robot arm. It enables both the driver and the front passenger to steer. What is more, if nobody feels like steering, it is simply parked in center position. Rinspeed’s “Budii” is the twenty-first proprietary concept vehicle of the Swiss “Think Tank” and “Innovation Lab”.

2015 Geneva Motor Show will take place from 5th to 15th of March.

Source: Rinspeed

December 9, 2014

Paris Says “NO” to Diesel Engines. London Will Follow?

Air pollution in Paris The Mayor of the French capital, Anne Hidalgo, made a statement calling for a ban on diesel cars by 2020. The main goal is to reduce the pollution of the city, since Paris’ air quality is currently one of the worst on record. She will also take other precautions such as making pedestrian-only neighborhoods in the city centre and a doubling of cycle lanes.

The Mayor was interviewed by “Journal de Dimanche” saying that this is only a plan, which would be discussed at a city council meeting on Tuesday.”I want to see the end of diesel in Paris by 2020,” said Hidalgo adding that she also plans limiting the number of the tourist buses that clog Paris streets, banning trucks and adding electric vans to the city’s car-sharing scheme.

Streets such as Champs Elysees or Rue de Rivoli, where there is a lot of traffic, could be limited to only low-emission vehicles. Since France has the highest number of diesel cars on the road in Europe, the faster pollution of big cities like Paris is no surprise. There is a serious risk for the public health and in fact statistics say that Parisians live on the average seven months less than people not exposed to the same levels of pollution. Diesel fumes include tiny particles and nitrogen oxides which are harmful to health.

Research by the World Health Organization confirmed that although diesel engines are 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than petrol ones, and therefore produce less carbon dioxide per mile, emit other pollutants which can cause health problems including cancer.

The ideas of Hidalgo have been met with hostility by the French automakers, whose diesel technologies are among the most advanced in the world. London will also follow Paris and ban diesel cars, has just been confirmed by experts. They expect that the Mayor Boris Johnson will follow the French capital and say “No!” to diesel powered cars within a decade. The most concerning fact supporting this theory is that London is the European capital which is the most polluted by nitrogen dioxide.

Source: Reuters

December 8, 2014

One-off Ferrari Sergio Arrives in UAE

Ferrari-Sergio-651 The first Ferrari Sergio has just been delivered to its proud owner in the United Arab Emirates. This makes it the first Sergio to arrive in the UAE. The supersports car has been designed by Pininfarina and more importantly, only six of this limited edition roadster will be ever built. The model was introduced as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013 and it comes to celebrate the spirit and core values of the historic Cambiano company in the 60th anniversary year of its collaboration with the Prancing Horse.

The name Sergio was the only possible choice, because it pays homage to great Sergio Pininfarina. The Ferrari Sergio is both exclusive and spare. What I mean is that every single element aboard is focused entirely on performance.

To get more precise, it features an authentic open-top and great driving dynamics. In fact, the car is based on the 458 Spider and has kept its technological content as well as its functional aspects of its cockpit.

This basically means that it is powered by Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 4497 cc V8 which produces 605 hp (445 kW). The engine ensures a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds.

Sergio has also an extremely simple and clear style, which reflects the spirt of Pininfarina’s 1960s and 70s creations for Ferrari. For instance, the front of the car seems to penetrate the rear which itself projects forward. The two bodyshell masses are melded together via a longitudinal black insert.

The flank also gets the same black longitudinal element which serves as both a dividing and unifying element between front and rear. The two sections of the car flow effortlessly into one. Furthermore, there is a semi-floating development of the front spoiler beneath the bonnet which balances downforce and optimises heat exchange. The roll-bar is a modern take on the classic Ferrari flying buttress and negative rear window.

At the front we see classically-shaped headlights. While at the back, there are circular tail lights, which is another modern nod to Ferrari history. The two-tone theme continues on both the front bonnet and rear deck. The latter gets the iconic circular air vents typical for Pininfarina’s design.

This example, delivered in UAE, has three-layer red exterior paintwork as well as an extremely sporty cockpit with black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching. The interior alsp gets Alcantara seat inserts, and extensive carbon dash and door well trim.

We forgot mentioning these special gold Sergio-specific forged wheels that are painted with a diamond finish.

Each one of the six Ferrari Sergios is absolutely unique, because it was configured by its owner. The result is exclusivity down to the tiniest detail which continues the tradition of creating bespoke cars minutely tailored to each client’s wishes.

Source: Ferrari

December 8, 2014

GeigerCars Powers Up Dodge Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee

GeigerCars has boosted the power of the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD. Both US-cars received performance increase of 40 hp and 62 Nm. The production “numbers” of the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine are 241 hp (177 kW) and 569 Nm (420 lb-ft) in the Ram, and 250 hp (184 kW) and 570 Nm (421 lb-ft) in the Jeep.

After the software optimization of the 24-valve engine, these numbers increase to 281 hp (207 kW) and 631 Nm (465 lb-ft), and 290 hp (213 kW) and 632 Nm (466 lb-ft), respectively. Moreover, in the Jeep Grand Cherokee the maximum speed was increased from 202 to 223 km/h, while the Vmax of the powerful Dodge Ram 1500 was increased to 190 km/h.

Except for the power tuning, the Dodge Ram has also received some styling refinements. The leather interior is in brown and tan color scheme. A folding armrest placed at the middle of the backseat along with a pair of cup holders. There are also two cup holders on the floorboard.

An 8.4 inch touchscreen display has all the navigation controls. The rear view camera position is next to the handle of the tailgate which allows closer position to the trailer hitch. A few other safety items, like parking sensors positioned all along the rear bumper, along with duo exhaust tips.

Dodge RAM 1500 3.0 l V6 EcoDiesel:

Motor: V6-turbo diesel
Displacement: 2,988 ccm
Output: 177 kW (241 hp)
Torque: 569 Nm
Gear: 8-gear automatic transmission
Consumption combined: 10.2 l (diesel)
Co2 combined 267 g/km
Pollutant class: G

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland

Motor: V6-turbo diesel
Displacement: 2,988 ccm
Output: 184 kW (250 hp)
Torque: 570 Nm
Gear: 8-gear automatic transmission
Consumption combined: 7.5 l (diesel)
Co2 combined 198 g/km
Pollutant class: G

Source: GeigerCars

December 8, 2014

2015 Scion xB Goes on Sale

2015 Scion xB is equipped with many features, which make it the perfect Christmas present. For the new model year, the car gets a standard rear back-up camera. Of course, the car offers roomy interior for up to five people and the convenience of 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat. Other great features include storage bins, a large center console with sliding armrest and a hidden compartment under the rear seats. The power of xB comes from the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. The unit produces 158 horsepower (116 kW) and 220 Nm (162 pound-feet) of torque.

The excellent fuel efficiency is also a benefit: 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with both the manual and automatic transmissions. The ride is smooth thanks to the MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension. For this also contributes the standard 16-inch wheels.

Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel features audio controls right at the fingertips. Behind it we see gauges, deep orange multi-information display and the metal-tone accented dash. Other standard features include remote keyless entry, power windows with driver side auto down and electric power steering.

Inside, the occupants will benefit from standard Display Audio system with 6.1 inch LCD touchscreen. As an option, Scion is offering BeSpoke Audio system, push-to-talk voice navigation and many more tweaks.

In terms of exterior colors, the standard offered are Black Sand Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Army Rock Metallic, Absolutely Red, Classic Silver Metallic and Super White.

2015 Scion xB is currently available at dealerships across the United States with a starting price of $17,120 USD.

Source: Scion

December 8, 2014

Market Debut for Nissan Murano’s “Social lounge” Interior

2015 Nissan Murano just made its market debut this Friday on 5th of December. It is already available in the dealerships across the United States. Murano is expanding the range of crossovers and SUVs, and delivers refinement, luxury, technology features and a very interesting interior, called “Social lounge”. The vehicle is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum, and two-wheel drives: front- or all-wheel. Every Murano is powered by a standard 260 horsepower (191 kW) 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, which is coupled with a Xtronic transmission.

The fuel economy is rated at 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. In terms of exterior design, the car features V-motion front end, which is further emphasized by the LED boomerang lights and the unique floating roof.

The latter uses glass areas and D-pillars, which appear disconnected from the roof that help lighten the cabin appearance. LED Signature lights and LED taillights are standard. The most interesting thing in this SUV is the interior that offers an engaging social lounge feel.

This means that it includes refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating as well as airy atmosphere. The total interior volume is of 147.7 cubic feet, while the cargo volume – of 39.6 cubic feet.

The technology features in Murano include NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View Monitor, 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, iPod interface, 11-speaker Bose premium audio system and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with streaming audio.

The safety in this Nissan is secured by the Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The starting price of 2015 Nissan Murano (S FWD trim) is $29,560 USD.

Source: Nissan

December 8, 2014

Vilner Recreates the Eternal Battle between BMW and Mercedes-Benz

Vilner has released an exclusive interior tuning of two of the most wanted premium cars: BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The eternal competition can be viewed below and it is up to you to decide which vehicle you like better! What is more, the battle is highlighted by two very symbolic colors: blue, which was chosen for the 5-Series, and red, which goes for the E-Class. This surely reminds us of other constant derby – this one between Chelsea and Arsenal soccer teams, or even between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. And if you are fan of the “Matrix” movie series, then you’ll definitely think of Neo’s dilemma between the blue or red pill.

The tuning of the BMW 5 Series includes a lot but discrete interior modifications. Precisely, the ceiling was covered with black Alcantara, while the plastic door handles received a special coating. In fact, everything is accentuated by a decorative blue stripe.

The blue theme continues with the seat belts, but above all, the most striking element of this tuning is the ergonomic steering wheel covered with perforated nappa leather and Alcantara. The blue pointer on it creates a straight line, while the M-Sport embroidery reminds us of the joy of driving a BMW.

The latest edition of Mercedes’ E-Class also grabs the attention. Here, Vilner’s therapy is accentuated by the red color. Again, the ceiling was wrapped in black Alcantara and the same treatment was applied on some parts of the seats. Everything is accentuated by a decorative red stripe.

The Bavarian rival shows-off with red seat belts and the AMG embroidery on the headrests of the front seats. The ergonomic steering wheel features perforated nappa leather and Alcantara in black, which is contrasted by a red pointer.

Which one is more aggressive? What do you choose?

Source: Vilner

December 5, 2014

Take a Closer Look at the BMW X5 M and X6 M Individual

BMW’s M division has lifted the veil off the new BMW X5 M and X6 M Individual. Both vehicles look amazing and you can get assured of that through viewing the gallery below. They come with individual exterior paint scheme and styling as well as exclusive finely crafted interior. Both car were revealed on BMW M’s official facebook with no details in terms of price or market launch.BMW Individual paintwork Azurite Black metallic was inspired by azurite crystals. It now adorns the exterior of the BMW X6 M thus giving it an extraordinary elegance. What is more, this surface changes depending on the light. Precisely, it sparkles in different shades of blue.On the other hand, the BMW X5 M received Xirallic pigments in the BMW Individual paintwork Pyrite Brown metallic. They create a fascinating interplay of different brown tones underneath the paint surface. At the same time they emphasize the prominent silhouette of the X5 M.Inside, we see fine-grain Merino leather Smoke White. It looks, as we are sure that it also feels, enticingly soft and velvety. It complements in harmony the Alcantara roofliner in Smoke White and the contrasting black piano interior trim. The leather-covered instrumental panel completes the detailloving perfection.

December 5, 2014

Mazda Teams up with Xbox for Forza Horizon 2 Livery Design Contest

Mazda is teaming up with Xbox for the release of the 2016 MX-5. For this purpose it is launching livery design contest which is now available at Forza Horizon 2 game. The players are allowed to virtually tour the new Miata and then enter the competition. The best design will be featured in the aforementioned game and then gifted to all players. It is for the second consecutive year that Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is teaming up with Xbox.

This time the reason is to promote the launch of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 and give Forza Horizon 2 players the chance to enter the livery design contest. Both companies have prepared an interactive experience with the car information on the design contest. This will be available through the Mazda branded hub on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

The contest will last until 4th January, 2015. Forza Horizon 2 players will get the chance to design the livery for the 1994 Mazda MX-5 that is featured in the game. There will be two finalists, who will win a trip in March to South by Southwest 2015 for the final design showdown. The better design will walk away with a new 55-inch curved TV, audio music system, Xbox One Kinect console and one MadCatz Racing Wheel.

What is more, the winning design will be made available for free in the Forza Horizon 2 for all Xbox One and Xbox 360 users.

2016 Mazda MX-5 made an official world premiere this year. The latest edition of the best-selling two-seater roadster is the sportiest one ever created by the company. It fully embodies Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion design theme. Under the bonnet the car has a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine that drives the rear wheels.

Source: Mazda

December 5, 2014

Kahn Reveals Range Rover Sport RS300 in Fuji White

Kahn-Range-Rover-Sport-RS300-TUHMB This week the specialists at A. Kahn Design have prepared for us another exciting project on a Range Rover. This time the designation of the vehicle is Sport 3.0 TDV6 which after the tuning adds RS300. The exterior paint color is new and it is called Fuji White. Just in concert with winter, this color makes the SUV look clean, soft and elegant. And of course – more individual. The exterior also got several modern styling modifications besides the new paint. They complement the luxurious interior.

At the front we see a new spoiler flanked by two vertical LED daytime running lights. They were incorporated into the extended fenders. In addition, a 3-D mesh kit sits inside the RS grille and below a large “KAHN” badge. The latter is positioned at the front of the hood.

The sills, door handles, fixed side steps and fender vents are also new and they decorate each side of the SUV. They flow towards the rear where we see widened fenders. At the back of the car there is a special tailgate logo and privacy glass rear windows.

This Range Rover runs on new alloys dubbed Kahn RS600. Their dimensions are 9.5×22 at the front and 11×22 at the rear. Behind them new liquid ref brake callipers are visible.

The cabin is adorned by a special leather interior with Carbon trim which combines a mix of luxury and sports features. This design scheme decorates the dashboard and fascia whilst quilted and perforated black leather with contrasting stitching adorn all of the seats.

The same leather design is to be seen on the door panel tops with quilted and perforated stitching, while the instrument binnacle and glove box feature quilted leather. Below sit black charcoal floor mats, stainless steel door entry sill plates and vented and machined aluminium foot pedals.

Source: A. Kahn Design

December 5, 2014

Vorsteiner Porsche 911 Carrera S Runs Faster With V-FF 101 Wheels?

Although the latest Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S debuted more than two years ago they are still desired object for customization. This time the responsible for the tuning are the fellows at Vorsteiner – a Californian based tuning company with a rather German name. We see from the beautiful pictures they have sent us, that Porsche’s original blue color is complemented by new wheels in very special color. In this way the car not only looks more sporty, but it definitely receives a shade of individuality.

Precisely, the most recent photo shoot that the company has made highlights the new V-FF 101 Flow Forged Wheels. They are lightweight and were specifically developed for the Porsche 991 Carrera S.

The eye-catching color of the wheels is called Carbon Graphit, while their dimensions are 20×8.5 at the front and 20×11 at the rear. Vorsteiner has used Standard Profile on the front and Concave Profile for the rear in order to advantage of Porsche’s original tire sizes. This means that the 245/35/20 tires at the front and 295/30/20 Pirelli tires at the rear are are rub-free even after a moderate drop.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera is motivated by the 350-horsepower (261 kW) coming from the 3.4-liter boxer engine. On the other hand the Carrera S delivers 400 hp (298 kW) from 3.8-liter boxer engine. The acceleration time for the first from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at 4.4 seconds, while the Carrera S covers this sprint in just 4.1 seconds.

The time for acceleration is further reduced to 3.9 seconds when 911 is equipped with the Sports Chrono Package Plus. Top-track-speeds for the 911 Carrera and Carrera S are 179 mph (288 km/h) and 188 mph (303 km/h), respectively.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 5, 2014

Electric Vehicles are the Future? Meet Tesla’s cousin, the TOMAHAWK!

Can you easily agree that electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry? Well, I will surely agree with this since I’m eco-friendly-minded, but most of the fellows who like extreme horsepower and fast acceleration would rather be on the opposite opinion. Maybe Tesla’s Model S is a compromise? If you do agree on this one, then you’ll probably dig the Canadian automaker Dubuc Motors EV named the TOMAHAWK.

The aim of the company is to electrify mobile transportation through connected green cars. And through its latest project, the Tomahawk it is ready to revolutionize the world and be the first and only all electric sports car with an extended range.

In it, mechanics and software unite and function in perfect unison. We are promised that the 2 + 2 seater AWD will be fitted with the best automotive technologies driving the latest software applications. What is more, the programs will be updated and will also detect or troubleshoot problematic issues in real time.

The electric supercar shows exceptional performance of only just over three seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph. The top speed here is limited at 140 mph and as an electric vehicle it offers an extended range of 275 miles.

The adjustable height air suspension here comes as a standard feature as well as the luxurious cabin with the customizable dashboard setting. The TOMAHAWK is built on an all aluminum structure and weighs only 5,275 lbs.

And to convince you a little bit further, it is estimated that more than 35 million electric vehicles will be on roads worldwide by 2022. Now, do you like them better?!

Source: Dubuc Motors

December 4, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova