Author: Lidia Todorova

  • 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 on its Way to Customers Just Ahead of Christmas!

    2015-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-THUMBExciting news! 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is already on its way to customers! The company has shipped the coupe from the Bowling Green Assembly and this means that some customers could receive the supercar later this week. As a matter of fact, this is Chevrolet’s most capable model and it is the first Z06 which can be equipped with the eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The car features stronger aluminum frame and a removable roof panel. What is more, this is the first time since 1963 that the Z06 is available as a convertible. The latter will be available in dealerships in the beginning of 2015.

    To get into details, the supercar is powered by the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine. It produces 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 881 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque at 3,600 rpm. These numbers make the Corvette Z06 the most powerful General Motors production car ever.

    LT4 also features direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing. With the help of this powerful engine, the Z06 accelerates from a rest to 60 mph in only 2.95 seconds. This number is achieved only if the car is equipped with the available eight-speed automatic transmission. When the Corvette features the standard seven-speed manual transmission, then this time is estimated at 3.2 seconds.

    In terms of braking performance, Z06 can stop from 60 mph in only 99.6 feet. Chevrolet is offering a Z07 Performance package, which adds Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The package also includes many aerodynamic features.

    Z06 is also fitted with Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which enables the driver to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track. PDR also features free navigation system.

    2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe has a starting price of $78,995 USD.

    Source: Chevrolet 

  • 2015 Mazda6 is Stronger with more Features and Refreshed Styling

    2015-Mazda6-THUMB2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up gets improved with wide range of standard and available features across the entire model range. The design of the exterior as well as the interior of the car was improved. Not to mention the functionality, ride comfort and quietness, and the sophisticated technologies. The model range comprises of five trim levels: SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav. In addition, Mazda is offering a choice of nine diesel and seven petrol Saloon variants, and nine diesel and three petrol Tourer versions. The engines can be with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

    In terms of exterior design, there are eight body colours available to choose from. One of them is new and it is called Sonic Silver metallic. Standing at the top of the range, the Sport Nav trim will get re-styled front with new grille and signature wing design. It includes powerful LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED foglamps as well as LED tail lamps. The car runs on 19-inch bright alloy wheels.

    Regardless of trim, the Mazda6 gets new instrument panel with centre console design, revised suspension system, better sound insulation and more equipment ass a standard. SE and SE-L grades on the other hand benefit from electronic parking brake, coming/leaving home headlamp function, Multimedia Commander, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control, manual driver and front passenger seat height adjustment.

    The occupants of Sport Nav will also enjoy the seven-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen with DAB radio and MZD Connect. What is more, the six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, vinyl leather knee pads, a new head-up display and an Integrated Navigation system complete the Sport Nav’s standard equipment specification.

    How about the available features? The options for this trim level feature stone leather upholstery and improved Safety Pack. The latter includes Adaptive LED headlamps (ALH), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Alert, Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM w/RCTA) and Rear Smart City Brake Support (Rr SCBS).

    2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up is officially going on sale in the United Kingdom. It is priced from £19,795.

    Source: Mazda

  • SR Auto Teases Future Project on Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Italia

    Liberty-Walk-Ferrari-458-THUMBSR Auto Group has teased the public with a picture showing what’s new in their garage. And it is a Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. They have announced that this car will stay a little bit longer there because it will be their next big project. Over the upcoming winter months, the tuners will be tackling the task of creating Vancouver’s first Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. No other details were revealed. Enthusiasts can follow the build progress on SR Auto’s Instagram or official web page.

    Ferrari 458 Italia by Liberty Walk is perfectly proportioned. As we can see from the released image, the car is dressed in black paint and will feature some amazing shining red wheels, in the dimension of 20 or 21 inches, with multi-spoke design. We also see that they are coupled with low profile tyres.

    Some of the key elements of the Japanese tuning that happened first include front bumper and spoiler set, side skirts, and a duck tail rear spoiler. We are not sure whether there will be any boost of the original engine.

    The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by the naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 engine. It produces 578 horsepower (425 kW) at 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it effortless for it to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198 mph).

    Another important number here is the acceleration time which this Ferrari has for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and it is under 3.4 seconds. The power of the 458 Spider is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff. Stay tuned for more pictures and details! This promises to be exciting project!

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • Original 1963 Batmobile on Sale at Heritage Auctions [VIDEO]

    The officially licensed Batmobile was born in 1963 and was developed by Forrest Robinson. The story begins with a design sketch in 1960. After finishing it, Robinson and Len Perham, begun building the car in the Robinson family barn. Then, the completion of the car continued in 1963, which is exactly two years before the George Barris customization of the TV Batmobile was started.

    This basically means that the “’63 Batmobile” is the earliest known car in existence that was sanctioned by a DC Comics licensee.Robinson’s earlier car is instantly recognizable as “more authentic” by comic book fans. It features, seen in DC’s Batman Comics from the 1940s and ’50s, the prominent front-end bat-nose and rear-end single fin.

    The car was custom-built from the ground up. As a basis served the 1956 Oldsmobile 88 frame and the famous 324 Rocket engine. The body of the Oldsmobile was replaced with custom-designed body, measuring 17 feet by 83 inches. It featured Batmobile’s iconic dorsal fin, bat-nose front end and pocket sliding doors.After the built up of the car finished in 1963, Robinson painted it in space-age silver.

    The car became a stunning piece of art-on-wheels. Robinson initially used the car for regular driving, but when Batmania started in earnest, the car caused such a sensation that ALL STAR Dairies and its New Hampshire affiliate, Green Acres Ice Cream, leased it for a promotional campaign.For this purpose, it was repainted in official Batman colors, and of course – badged with official Batman labels.

    Then it toured the Eastern United States as “Batman’s Batmobile”. It is kind of irony that Forrest, who needed cash to start a fabricating business, sold the car for only $200 USD.What was the destiny of the car? It was abandoned in a New Hampshire field and, for almost fifty years, remained a long-forgotten piece of American Pop Culture. Until 2008, when the car was discovered by Bobby Smith.

    He sold it to a rare car dealer in Chicago, who re-sold it to auto historian George Albright.In 2013, 1963 Batmobile was purchased by Toy Car Exchange and transported to Borbon Fabrications to be restored to pristine condition. The vehicle retained the original frame, parts, and engine, and was given a second life.

    Now the car is to be found at Heritage Auctions and is currently on sale for at least $90,000 USD.

    httpv://youtu.be/8SGnrXoWeoM

    Video Source: YouTube

  • ZAZ 965 Model Comes Back?

    Askaniadesign-Carstyling--ZAZ-965-Crossover-Concept-THUMBYou are probably hearing about the Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio for the first time. The design studio is based in Ukraine and it is currently working on several projects including a supercar as well as this hot crossover. The SUV is inspired by the legendary “humpback” ZAZ 965 model. This remake is a modern take on the popular design. In fact, the ZAZ 965 can be compared to cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat 500 in terms of popularity.

    The model was named after the characteristic shape of the body, “humpback”, and it is more likely to be viewed only in the museums nowadays. Undoubtedly, ZAZ 965 is a legend, a modern remake of which could be very popular, especially among young people.

    This is why the designers from Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio, which have also promised to make a concept car Ukrainian supercar in May 2015, are also considering a remake based on the ZAZ 965. Below you can view a gallery full of the first sketches of the car, which was modified in accordance with the new auto world trends.

    As we can see, the vehicle has Juke-like-proportions and looks. It features a three-door body styling, huge wheels with discs of the original design and LED headlamps. The designers have definitely managed to meet all the canons of the development of remakes: they have saved the iconic ZAZ 956 design and at the same time gave it a modern form.

    Source: Askaniadesign Carstyling via Facebook

  • SsangYong Releases Two New Korando Trim Levels

    SsangYong-Korando-CSX-4x4-Commercial-THUMBSsangYong is extending the Korando with two new commercial models. These are the two-wheel drive CS and the four-wheel drive CSX. The front of the model has received new treatment including slimmed down black mesh radiator grille, projection headlights and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the featured re-design includes new dashboard. There have been also achieved advances in reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

    The latest Korando Commercial is driven by the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which is offered with a choice of two wheel drive or 4×4. The CS trim is powered by advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel developing 149 hp (110 kW) at 4,000rpm and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. The CO2 are reduced to 147g/km (CS) and 157g/km (CSX).

    The flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors. It packs 1,312 cubic litre load volume.  There is also a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

    CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4×4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. Other features in the standard equipment include: electric windows and tinted glass, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.

    More importantly, the Korando CSX includes a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system. It monitors the level of grip and distributes power to those wheels which need it the most. If the driving conditions are normal, the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels.

    If the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure more stability. There is also an all-wheel drive lock mode, which delivers 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph.

    Source: SsangYong

  • Nissan Considering Navara Nismo?

    Nissan is considering a Navaro Nismo product according to a recent report. In addition, Nismo division is also taking into consideration expanding the range of vehicles with more SUVs next to the pickups. Sales and marketing director, Darren Cox, announced that there is a possibility of this “interesting” Navara Nismo project. He also said that the future pickup will be 100% credible and will not be just a body kit and big wheels.

    Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2015 Navara in June this year. This is the 12th generation of world’s famous pick-up truck. The new Navara comes with refined look, complete makeover for the interior as well as better engine range.

    Outside, the vehicle includes V-shaped front grille with a lot of chrome, LED daytime running lights and new turn signals, incorporated in the door mirrors. There are also several new fresh body paint schemes: Savannah Yellow and The Earth Bronze combined with black B-pillars and chrome mirrors.

    The interior of the pickup includes high quality materials, aluminum trim elements, a high-resolution TFT display in the instrument cluster and an automatic air conditioning. 2015 Nissan Navara features a number of assistance systems including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Limited Slip.

    2015 Nissan Navara engine range includes a refined four-cylinder 2.5 liter diesel unit which produces either 163 hp (120 kW) and 403 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque, or 190 hp (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a revised four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine. Both are offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

    Source: Nissan via CarAdvice 

  • Mansory Releases Power and Styling Packages for Rolls-Royce Ghost II

    Mansory-Rolls-Royce-Ghost-Series-II-THUMBMansory Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II features an exclusive bodywork and interior programme, which makes the British luxury saloon even more magnificent. Increase in performance, as well as a sportier chassis set up, can also be attributed to this tuning. More importantly, the set up can be adjusted at the touch of a button. What is new here? Take a look at the front aprons, which now feature larger air inlets and optional LED day running lights.

    Next, the impression is reinforced by the carbon wings that are made of a single and include different side skirts. Carbon fiber is utilized for the creation of the light bonnet, while at the back, there is a newly apron with integrated diffuser insert and stainless steel pipes of the Mansory sports exhaust unit.

    If you look closely, then you will see the subtle rear spoiler lip. A boost to the engine was also performed here. The result is around 652 horsepower (479 kW) and torque of 1050 Nm (775 lb-ft) at 1500 rpm. These were enhanced from the production figures of 570 hp (420 kW) and 750 Nm (554 lb-ft).

    This increase in power was achieved thanks to the new exhaust unit and a performance optimising control unit. The end effect is a blistering performance for this Rolls-Royce and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of up to 280 km/h.

    This power is put on the road via new 22 inch gold alloys mated with Vredestein tyres in size 265/35/22 at the front and 295/30/22 at the rear. In addition, vehicle’s centre of gravity has been lowered by around 50 mm.

    Source: Mansory 

  • Pagani Reveals One-Off Zonda 760RSJX

    Pagani-Zonda-THUMBPagani Zonda is not only still alive but it obviously prospers in China. In particularly – in Hong Kong. The absolutely one-off 760RSJX model has just been revealed through the facebook site or the photographer Ron Alder W Photography. Previously dubbed as Pagani 760X, this new and extreme sportscar was specifically made for a customer living in the megapolice. The car is based on the 760 series, which means that it is powered by the mighty V12 7.3-liter engine.

    The output of the unit is estimated at 760 horsepower (559 kW) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration is staggering: 3.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is of 370 km/h (230 mph).

    This car is unique due to the one-of-a-kind paint finish it has called “pastel green”. Of course, the same design and color theme is applied inside where there have been implemented an extensive use of carbon fiber. The same hue is used for the brake calipers.

    We have mentioned carbon fiber but we forgot to mention (if you haven’t seen it yet) that it has been also used in large amount through out the exterior.  Just take a look at the front end, the reat and the spoiler above the rear diffuser.

    Source: Pagani via Ron Alder W Photography Official Facebook Page

  • 2015 Ford Ranger Shows Glimpse of its new Face [VIDEO]

    ford-ranger-THUMBFord Asia Pacific has just release a sneak peek of the 2015 Ford Ranger. At the official facebook page of the car there were also revealed a couple of additional images. Ford promises that this car will deliver smarter drive, will also challenge conventions and will achieve more. This is the entire information released so far, so there are still a lot of question marks. The showed facelifted pickup is the T6 trim level and won’t be distributed in this form in the United States. There it is more common as 2015 Everest, and to be more precise – it is based on it.However, they share many similarities. The new Ranger definitely looks more rugged and we also hope to see pretty much well modified interior. The pickup is characterized by grille with three floating slats. They are reminiscent of those on the previous F-150.Before the official details on the powerplant range we can only guess. The previous generation version is powered by 2.2 liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 375 Nm (277 lb-ft). There is also the option of the 3.2 liter TDiC unit producing 200 horsepower (147 kW and 470 Nm (346 lb-ft) of torque. Both units can be linked to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission.Ford Ranger is a nameplate that has been used on three distinct model lines of pickup trucks sold by Ford. Originally, the name was used by the short-lived Edsel Ranger, and then later referred to a version of the Ford F-Series sold in North America between 1965 and 1981.Ford repurposed the name “Ranger” in 1982 for the 1983 model year for a compact pickup truck sold in North America and later parts of South America. Since 1998, Ford has offered a separate model of Ranger sold internationally.httpv://youtu.be/uuwM7t21gsUVideo Source: YouTube

  • LARTE Desing’s Winner Project on Range Rover Sport

    The relatively new tuning company called Larte Design is read to show us its next project dubbed the Winner. It is based on the Range Rover Sport and just like AC Schnitzer’s M4 it will be premièred at the Essen Motor Show. The tuners have given this SUV a very aggressive and dynamic face. Just take a look at the unique front guard, which is a real factor when it comes to individuality. It is characterized by three trapezoid frames. Additionally, if you take a closer look than you will find out that there are fine blue demarcation lines there. These blue styling elements can be found at other places and undoubtedly lend this design package more artistic expression.

    The various polygons, air inlets and light-steps make the bumper appear very tough. The central part there stands out from the white sides in black, due to its large air grids. The latter visually break up the front’s monolithic appearance, thus contributing for more dynamism and sportiness.

    We can’t go further without mentioning the LED daytime running lights, which were delivered by Nolden. From the front, the eye wanders along the black “sport band”, which extends the roof and connects it with the rear.

    Furthermore, fine, horizontal lines in a contrasting dark shade lend the rear more muscular appearance. The small spoiler fins and fine air inlets loosen up the design. This tuning becomes dynamic via the boomerang-shaped grids on the sides, stretching into the wings.

    There is also a black lower part, characterized by irregular polygons, which is the home of the four-pass Remus exhaust system. The system features black-chrome-plated tail. At last, there is the central LED brake light, which is something like a hallmark of large Larte Desing’s SUVs. Oh, we have missed the glossy black alloy wheels.

    Source: Larte Design

  • BMW M4 F82 by AC Schnitzer on Display in Essen

    BMW-M4-F82-by-AC-Schnitzer-THUMBIt is BMW, it is from the M series and it is tuned by AC Schnitzer. What more can actually one wish for! The tuning experts have given this M4 further kick of energy. The car will be premièred at this year’s Essen Motor Show. The performance upgrade upscaled the power from the stock 413 hp (304 kW) to 510 hp (375 kW) and this is visible via the new engine styling. A sports catalyst is currently in preparation. It will minimize the thermal load on the turbocharger and exhaust manifold together with the back pressure. The mighty energy combustion is also noticeable via the exhaust.

    In fact, AC Schnitzer’s twin silencer with sound pipe includes two “Racing Evo Carbon” tailpipe trims in right/left combination.  There is also the option of two “Sport” tailpipe trims on each side.

    New suspension is also without question. The new spring kit lowers the M4 by around 25-30 mm at the front and 10-15 mm at the rear. There is also the option of a racing suspension adjustable in compression and rebound, including lowering of 30-40 mm at the front and around 30 mm at the rear.

    All of this can be improved further via additions from the aerodynamic package. They include company’s carbon front spoiler elements, carbon rear diffuser, carbon mirror covers, rear roof spoiler, carbon rear wing and AC Schnitzer rear skirt protective film.

    Inside, the pretty sporty style continues to gather “wows” via the new aluminium pedal set and foot rests, AC Schnitzer keyholder, gear knob with digital gear display, illuminated leather gear knob or aluminium “Black Line“ gear knob and handbrake handle, aluminium cover for the iDrive controller and velours floor mats. What rounds out the tuning is the wheel package in BiColor black. They come in 21 inches size.

    Source: AC Schnitzer