Lidia Todorova – Page 119 – Automobiles Review

Urban Look Project: Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLA

Carlsson is famous for tuning only Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles. This time they show us their take on the GLA. What they have done is simply adorable: the GLA got stronger through performance upgrades; it also received new aerodynamic components, sports exhaust and alloy wheels. The designers call this project “Urban Look” for short. The vehicle initially is equipped with the AMG Sports package. To further emphasize the dynamic qualities of the car, Carlsson has added new front spoiler and grille.

We also see Carlsson’s badge in place of the three-pointed star. The rear skirt has cutouts for the trademark Carlsson four chromed oval tailpipes. These emerge from a stainless steel sports silencer designed to lower backpressure and produce a throatier soundtrack.

To offer versatility, the company has created for this project a total of three alloy wheel designs in different finishes. The first one is the Carlsson 1/10 style in 18 to 20 inches sizes, with diamond, graphite or Titanium Edition finishes. The second is the 1/16 RS design in 19 and 20-inches. It is shod with 255/40ZR19 and 255/35ZR20 tyres respectively. And at last, the highly polished 1/11 Ultra Light 21-inch forged wheel, mated with 265/30ZR21 tyres.

Speaking of performance upgrades, the tuners have taken into account the petrol and diesel engines in the GLA range. Staring with the output of the GLA200, it was increased to 187 horsepower (138 kW) with a peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). Next, the Carlsson GLA250 produces 253 hp (186 kW) with torque peaking at 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

Inside, Carlsson has used the finest leather and Alcantara for the seats and soft surfaces. The door, dashboard and centre console inserts can get either a wood or carbon-fibre finish. The cabin also got polished aluminium scuff plates with an illuminated Carlsson logo for driver and aluminium door lock pins, pedal set and footrest.

The last detail here is the four-piece floor mat set from soft black velour. Additionally, an exclusive, illuminated floor mats set made of soft velour is also available.

Source: Carlsson

November 25, 2014

McLaren Teases “Black Swan” Sports Series Again [VIDEO]

McLaren-Sports-Series-THUMB The black swan is a symbol of a moment that completely changes the way we look at the world. The new McLaren Sports Series which is debuting on the world stage in 2015 is the next black swan moment for the brand. We have already seen the first teaser image and the video, and now McLaren has introduced the second photo (you can see it below), showing part of the butterfly door. The car is expected to be named McLaren P13 Sports Series.

P13 will be positioned below the 650S, and its lineup will probably comprise of coupe and a spider version. It will feature a carbon fiber composite chassis. How about the engine here? There are rumors saying that the new Sport Series will be powered by a modified 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

It will be coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All this will allow P13 to cover the 0-100 km/h in approximately 4 seconds, while top speed is expected to be 333 km/h or even lower.

Although it somewhat resembles a Ferrari, the car definitely looks like a contemporary McLaren. You can see the thin LED headlights as well as ten-spoke alloy wheels. Wing mirrors are also there and they are mounted to the doors, and this is what is similar between the P13 and P1, and different between the first and the 650S model.

This car is being developed and released into production before the Acura NSX makes an official appearance. This means that the McLaren will definitely offer a better car Acura. McLaren Sports Series is also set to take on the admirers of the Audi R8 or the Porsche 911 GT3. The two-seater is currently undergoing testing.

httpv://youtu.be/0ff_kV1wqYE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: McLaren via Facebook

November 25, 2014

Australia Finally Gets the 2014 Lexus RC 350

Announced in June, 2014 Lexus RC 350 is now tuning heads in Australia. The car has just been launched, being the most emotive vehicle produced since the LFA supercar. Ahead of its 25^th anniversary Lexus has designed the coupe to engage with a younger audience. The brand undertook major design changes in order to create a new direction with its styling and drive experience. In fact, the RC 350 is not an adapted sedan, but it has been created as a coupe from the ground up.

First we have to take in account its involving chassis as well as the high output drivetrain. The styling package and high level of standard equipment contribute towards car’s unique presence and strong charm.

Just like other Lexus vehicles, the RC 350 follows company’s ‘Y’ strategy across its three model offerings. This means that it will be introduced in Luxury trim and then followed by F Sport and Sports Luxury.

F Sport boasts Lexus Dynamic Handling system. It incorporates Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering. On the other hand, the Sports Luxury adds to this Adaptive Variable Suspension, its own 19-inch alloys, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, Shimamoku ornamentation, power front seats with driver memory and semi-aniline leather accented trim.

As a standard, all trims will get the Blind Spot Monitor, which can detect vehicles within a range up to 60 metres. In addition, Lexus will also introduce a unique paint application technique together with two custom colours: Infrared and Cobalt Mica.

RC range is driven by the 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 318 horsepower (234 kW) and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). The unit is coupled with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission, and the power is put to the ground via the rear wheels.

Source: Lexus

November 25, 2014

MTM Audi S8 Talladega has 760 Horsepower to Show-Off With

MTM Audi S8 Talladega is probably one of the last tunings we are to see from MTM in 2014. And for this reason it is powerful, imposing, and have these extremely aggressive and sporty looks. But when one hears it, he or she definitely gets it why we like this custom Audi so much. They eight cylinders have been boosted and now delivers 760 hp (559 kW) at 5950 rpm and maximum torque of 945 Nm (697 lb-ft) between 1700 and 5500 rpm. The torque is stable over the entire range and this huge outpouring of power is being applied to the road through all four wheels.

The power unit is based on the RS6’s eight cylinder engine. In order to achieve more power, MTM tuners have touched the turbochargers, exhaust system and water cooling. The team also intervened in the gearbox software to set the shifting points at 7000 rpm.

Speaking in numbers, these modifications result in a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 3.48 seconds, passing the 200 km/h mark in 10.51 seconds and reaching its top speed at 325 km/h Carbon and ceramic brakes on the front and rear axles is what stops the Talladega.

MTM’s 240 hp of additional power comes with M-Cantronic and V-Cantronic including turbocharger, MTM 4-pipe stainless steel exhaust system after the turbocharger with flaps in two pipes, and an in-house manufactured F-Cantronic II used to lower the air-sprung chassis.

There is also a set of 21′ Bimoto wheels, which were shod with 295/30 Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They perfectly complement the MTM aerodynamics kit that includes high carbon fiber content. Inside, we see a premium quality interior package that makes the atmosphere cozier.

On 24^th of March 1986, Audi unleashed an Audi 5000 CS Turbo on the Talladega Speedway in Alabama in pursuit of a record. The US model, (Europeans know it as Audi 200 Turbo), was driven by a 2.2 litre, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with five valves per cylinder and power output of 650 hp (678 kW). The Audi averaged a speed of 332 km/h around the oval track and it made it through the longest straight at a top speed of 350 km/h.

Source: MTM

November 24, 2014

Chevrolet Sail 3 is Intended for China Only

Chevrolet Sail 3, as well as Camaro RS Limited Edition and Corvette Stingray Coupe have just made their China debut. In addition, Buick is showcasing a customized Regal GS and Excelle XT. In total there are 32 GM vehicles on display in Shanghai. The third generation Sail is Chevy’s entry-level family car. The model was introduced 15 years ago, and since then it has been a driving force in this car segment. As a matter of fact, there have been nearly 1.4 million Sails sold across China. The car will go on sale nationwide by the end of this year.

Sail 3 is built on Shanghai GM’s small car architecture and has fully adopted Chevrolet’s new design language. The exterior is relatively small, exuding youthful and dynamic feel. Sail 3 is 51 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor.

The wheelbase has been extended by 35 mm. This of course indicates for a roomier cabin. The trunk space is 366 liters and there are also many user-friendly storage compartments.

The front fascia includes wider dual-port grille, which is also sportier than in previous models. There are also visible the eagle eye-shaped headlights. At the back, the dual-C-element taillights provide unique touch to the rear.

The interior of the third generation Sail features a dual-cockpit design. It also includes innovative flowing instrument panel, dual-mode sunroof and sculpted seats.

The car is driven by a 1.5L DVVT or a 1.3L VVT engine. Each can be coupled with either manual or mechanical automatic transmission with start-stop function. The fuel consumption is rated as low as 5.3 L/100 km. As a result, Sail 3 has been listed in the National Energy-Saving and Eco-Friendly Vehicle Catalogue ahead of its market launch.

Source: Chevrolet

November 24, 2014

Nissan Reveals 2015 Juke Range US Pricing

2015 Nissan Juke not only features a revised exterior but also can be customized with the special Juke Color Studio and thus made really unique. Its market debut, after it made North American premiere in L.A., is already a fact and below we have listed the detailed pricing. This jewel has kept its dimensions and aggressive stance as previous years, but offers a refreshed appearance due to its new projector beam headlights and LED front Signature Accent Lamps.

Not forgetting the grille, which incorporates the new Nissan V-Motion look, as well as the robust trim beneath the bumper. The side rearview mirrors now feature integrated LED turn signal repeaters as a standard, while the redesigned back of the car includes more aggressiveform with LED accented boomerang taillights.

In addition, there is also wide range of new standard features included in the 2015 Juke. Some of them include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, RearView Monitor and NissanConnect with Mobile Apps, 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Furthermore, there are three new exterior colors offered in the new model year: Super Black, Solar Yellow and Cosmic Blue. These three were added to the already available six exterior colors.

The engine standard on JUKE S, SV, SL and NISMO trims is the second-generation 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine. It produces 188 horsepower (138 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

2015 Nissan JUKE US Pricing:

Model/Transmission
JUKE S Xtronic FWD	$20,250 USD
JUKE SV Xtronic FWD	$22,300 USD
JUKE SL Xtronic FWD	$25,240 USD
JUKE NISMO MT FWD	$24,830 USD
JUKE NISMO RS MT FWD	$28,020 USD
JUKE S Xtronic AWD	$22,100 USD
JUKE SV Xtronic AWD	$24,150 USD
JUKE SL Xtronic AWD	$26,940 USD
JUKE NISMO Xtronic AWD	$27,230 USD
JUKE NISMO RS Xtronic AWD	$30,020 USD

Source: Nissan

November 24, 2014

Updated 2015 Lexus RC F Delivers Performance For All

2015 Lexus RC F made its global premiere at NAIAS event in the beginning of the year. Now the coupe is ready for launch before the end of the year in the United Kingdom with customer deliveries from January 2015. This is the most powerful production V8 coupe the company has ever produced. The car features contemporary styling combined with thoroughbred performance, handling and advanced new technologies. In the UK this Lexus will be launched in two versions RC F and the RC F Carbon.

If you have ever wondered what’s the meaning of the “F” designation in car’s name, well it denotes Fuji Speedway, the Japanese track where Lexus carries out much of its high-speed product testing. The key ingredient for this performance is the 5.0-litre V8 engine. It produces 471 hp (346 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

The unit is coupled with a significantly upgraded eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission that gives the driver a choice of five operating modes, from fuel-efficient Eco to full-blooded Sport S+. 2015 RC F covers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 4.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 168 mph.

The RC F also received a revision in terms of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system due to the addition of the new Sport and Expert settings. They allow the driver safely exploit the car’s full performance capabilities.

In addition, the coupe has been engineered to offer exceptional grip, agility and high-speed stability with chassis, brakes, steering and suspension. Precisely, the handling features active rear wing and Torque Vectoring Differential.

Many of the body elements are made of carbon fiber for improved lightweight. We should also note the clever instrumentation that automatically changes display with different driving modes and a stirring engine note, project into the cabin through an Active Sound Control system.

Throughout the United Kingdom, 2015 Lexus RC F will be offered in two versions: RC F with a starting price of £59,995, and the RC F Carbon – with a price tag beginning at £67,995.

Source: Lexus

November 24, 2014

2015 Nissan Murano Goes on Sale

2015 Nissan Murano which was revealed in April at the New York Auto Show and was also on display in L.A., will make its market debut across the United States at 5th of December. The new third-generation crossover has new futuristic design and concept car-like like styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology. The model is offered in four trim variants: S, SV, SL and Platinum. They are all offered with a choice of front- or Intuitive all-wheel drive.

Nissan is offering only three option packages for the Murano: Navigation Package (S), Premium Package (SV) and Tech Package (SL, Premium). No matter the trim, every Murano is equipped with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine coupled with an advanced Xtronic transmission.

The engine is rated at 260 horsepower (191 kW) and 325 Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque. In terms of exterior, the future customers will enjoy the V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique “floating” roof.

Inside, they will be engaging in social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating. The atmosphere is airy and is created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Technology convenience is ensured by the NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Around View Monitor and the eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support as well as other features.

2015 Nissan Murano US Pricing:

Murano S FWD	$29,560 USD
Murano SV FWD	$32,620 USD
Murano SL FWD	$36,950 USD
Murano Platinum FWD	$39,000 USD
Murano S AWD	$31,160 USD
Murano SV AWD	$34,220 USD
Murano SL AWD	$38,550 USD
Murano Platinum AWD	$40,600 USD

Source: Nissan

November 24, 2014

Who Has Inspired Kia for the Sorento X-Men Car?

As Kia’s ambassador Rafael Nadal is to take an unusual role: he will unveil the Kia Sorento X-Men inspired car at next year’s Australian Open. The striking project was created in collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and should undoubtedly exite all “X-Man” movie series enthusiasts, since they have to guess the character behind Kia’s latest model on the official Kia Facebook page.

The visitors of the page can guess from four iconic characters: Storm, Wolverine, Mystique and Magneto. Those who have answered correctly will be entered into a prize draw to win a DVD copy of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. What is your guess?

In the middle of December, Kia will release a video showing how Rafael Nadal teams up with the X-Men and taking on the Sentinels. If you have no clue and haven’t watched the movie, the latter are robotic antagonists.

They will be threatening the Australian Open and in order to save the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the X-Men and Nadal will use the ‘Kia X-Car’, which will be leading the attack against the Sentinels.

This special vehicle will be on show at Melbourne Park throughout the tournament. The next Australian Open takes place from 19 January to 1 February 2015. The car will then be showcased in various international motor shows for the fans.

2016 Kia Sorento was earlier this year. The car combines exquisite style, practicality and technology. The MY2016 model is quieter and more refined and features higher quality interior, smoother ride and handling, as well as a range of new technologies.

The car is already on sale in Korea, and will go on sale in North American market in early 2015.

Source: Kia

November 21, 2014

2015 Nissan Juke Gets More Personal with Juke Color Studio

Next to the debut of 2015 Nissan Juke at the L.A. Auto Show, the Japanese company is also introducing the Juke Color Studio. This is a unique program that allows thousands of ways to customize the visual appearance of the car. In short: form this month, Nissan is bringing a bold new way for Juke owners to create a truly personalized look and feel through this customization program. How this creative studio works?

It is very simple. There are 12 Genuine Nissan accessory items offered in a range of eight colors: Red, Yellow, Orange, Electric Blue, Black Purple, White, Matte Black and Carbon-fiber Look. The Piano Black is available for interior inserts. To go further into details, the parts include front and rear bumper accents, headlight trim rings, side mirror caps, door handle covers, side door sills, rear roof spoiler, hatch handle finishers, lower hatch accent, interior inserts, floor mats, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and center caps.

This abundant range of options will allow customers to mix and match different color combinations. To make the Color Studio even easier, Nissan has created a dedicated website. It offers a full 360-degree view of the new 2015 Juke with all the available colors and combinations of parts.

2015 Nissan Juke is now stronger with revised front and rear fascias, new projector headlights with LED Signature Accents and three new exterior colors. The interior improvements feature Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, RearView Monitor and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

Not to mention the 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. There are five trim versions of the car: S, SV, SL and two special Nismo editions: Juke Nismo and Juke Nismo RS. Each of them is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Source: Nissan

November 21, 2014

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Crossover Debuts in L.A.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Crossover was shoed at the L.A. Auto Show. This is a plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle, which has excellent performance and efficiency, and is also the real sibling version of the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision which we have seen in the newest Gran Turismo 6 PlayStation game. The SUV features the same prominent and bold styling as the virtual concept and has many of its styling characteristics.

The futuristic vehicle hints at the future design direction for company’s production cars in North America. It blends the functionality of an SUV, the dramatic, eye-catching appeal and performance of a sports coupe and the drivetrain of a PHEV vehicle.

The muscular of the model is improved by the highly sculpted fenders that go around the oversized high-performance tires. For this also contributes the low and wide stance. Solar cell arrays are embedded within the roof. They help for a better charge of the auxiliary equipment battery. They also serve as an active aerodynamic device in the form of a variable angle spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof.

Inside, we see driver-centric interior. The proof of this is driver’s seat which has been inverted in terms of color combinations in comparison to the other seats. They have been upholstered in black with red accents.

The modern information display pod allows the driver to easily and instantly notice the most important driving parameters. The speedometer, tachometer and other key performance information displays/readouts are placed along the top of the dashboard, at the base of the windshield, to ensure the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road ahead.

The driving force of this concept car is the front engine and front-wheel drive gasoline-powered 1.1-liter inline-3-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is rated at 134 horsepower (100 kW) and is paired with a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency electric motor which can contribute with 161 horsepower (121 kW) with a high-boost converter. A main drive lithium-ion battery pack with storage capacity of 14 kWh is located beneath the floor of the cabin.

Concept XR-PHEV has been equipped with “connected car” technology that makes use of information systems, thus providing additional information and driving-related logistics in a convenient way. In terms of safety, the vehicle has has been equipped with the following advanced safety systems: Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor, Driving Safety Support System, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Hi-beam Headlights.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Specifications:

Length x Width x Height		4,370 mm × 1,870 mm × 1,570 mm 172 in x 73.6 in x 61.8 in
Occupants		4
Hybrid Fuel Efficiency		>65 mpg (>28 km/liter)
Plug-in Cruising Range		>53 miles (>85 km)
Engine	Configuration	1.1-liter 3 cylinder direct injected turbocharged MIVEC, gasoline
	Max Output	134 bhp (100 kW)
Electric Motor		120 kW (161 bhp)
Battery Capacity		14 kWh
Transmission		Transaxle
Drivetrain		FWD

Source: Mitsubishi Motors

November 21, 2014

Mopar Releases Accessories for 2016 Fiat 500X

Besides the 2016 Fiat 500X premiere in Los Angeles, the company has also introduced the new Mopar accessories for the model. In fact, there are more than 100 accessories available for the interior and exterior. There have been already available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors, the additional option of more than 100 Mopar accessories from which to choose provides unlimited potential for individualization of 500X.

Of course, there is an exemplar unit on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is accented with red hood and roof graphics, with red and grey body side graphics. The five-seater with superior ride and handling, rolls on new Pirelli tires, which are coupled with satin black 18-inch Mopar wheels. Other custom elements for the exterior include Satin Black “wings” on the chrome rear and front badges as well as a gloss black painted exhaust tip.

Stepping inside the Fiat, we first see the seats of the Moparized 500X. They are wrapped in Tuscany Katzkin Leather. Then what grabs the eyes are the steering wheel and shifter boot trimmed with red accent stitching. Bright pedal kit and rear cargo organizer emblazoned with the automaker’s logo are also available.

Some of the accessories include Graphics Packages with more than 20 different exterior graphics packages, 18-inch wheels in three different color options, Racks & Carriers for bikes, skis, snowboards and luggage. Premium leather Katzkin Seats can also transform the interior, while the cargo management is ensured by the cargo trays.

EVTS stands for Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System which is GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system, which serves to add more protection to the vehicle. Splash guards are signed to fit the contours of the Fiat 500X in order to provide protection from road debris and stone chips.

Source: Mopar

November 21, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova