Lidia Todorova – Page 120 – Automobiles Review

Kahn Range Rover Vogue 600-LE Bathes in Volcanic Rock Satin

A. Kahn Design has entered on the market an extreme project featuring striking styling and stance. We are talking about the custom Volcanic Rock Satin Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue 600-LE by Project Kahn. Besides the emblematic comfort and tailored elegance which is inherent in all of tuning company’s interior tunings, this Range Rover have been given new exterior upgrades such as the Volcanic Rock Satin paint scheme.

Let’s start with the floating black roof, which sits atop the vehicle and extends towards the rear. This was made possible due to the addition of a new wing with an extended lip spoiler that also delivers improved down force.

In addition, the custom front bumper includes a floating carbon fibre section, which sits below the new three-dimensional mesh, floating insert and body coloured surround. The lightweight element is also used for the side vents, while the body colour is to be found on the door handles.

Kahn enamel wing shields, privacy-tinted glass, 600-LE bumper with integrated exhaust diffuser, 600-LE cross hair quad rear tailpipes and finishers in black must also be mentioned. Of course, Kahn lettering is positioned above the more dynamic rear bumper and the lower boot lid spoiler to show who’s responsible for the beautification of the Vogue.

Speaking about tuning we surely must include the wheels, which in this case are a new set of RS-2 wheels in the size of 9.5″ x 23″ fitted with 285x35x22″ tyres. Behind the Gloss Black RS-2 wheels one can see gold-painted callipers.

The interior is adorned by perforated black leather. In fact, the 3-D modular front and rear seats are fitted with the soft material as well as the centre glove box, door cards, arm rests and steering wheel centre in Nappa leather. Stainless steel sill plates and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium is what rounds out this sporty 600-LE Luxury Edition SUV.

Source: A. Kahn Design

November 21, 2014

Lincoln MKX Concept’s Dynamic LEDs Lighten Up its Way in Los Angeles

North American debut is also to be accounted for the Lincoln MKX Concept. In L.A. the luxury brand has shown the midsize premium utility vehicle that exudes balanced stance via the wide shoulders, sloping roofline and 21-inch wheels. Full LED headlamps with strips of dynamic LED signature lighting float within a redesigned Lincoln split-wing grille. MKX is only a concept vehicle now, but it is scheduled to become the third global Lincoln SUV in 2016.

From the pictures we can clearly conclude that the design of he model draws inspiration by airplanes and motorbikes. To go further into details, the MKX Concept features elements such as a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance and reinforced wheel arches. The floating aluminum body-side rocker molding features an engraved Lincoln logo.

The aerodynamics is inherent to the vehicle. Take a look at the sloping teardrop roofline, the wide shoulders flanking its recessed rear windows as well as the dynamic side undercuts and the high beltline. The 21-inch machined aluminum wheels further improve the well-proportioned design.

In addition, the roof over the rear was lowered and is highlighted by a panoramic glass surface. The floating rear spoiler houses the center high-mounted stop light and hides the antenna. An interpretation of Lincoln’s signature full-width taillamps is also featured at the back.

The front end of this concept is accentuated by split-wing grille with horizontal lines which continue as strips of LED accent lights below each headlamp. The last thing to mention is Lincoln Experiences – a technology-driven range of features.

Source: Lincoln Motor Company

November 20, 2014

2016 Honda HR-V is What We Have Been Waiting For?

2016 Honda HR-V Crossover is finally here! It was fully revealed at the Ls Angeles Auto Show after being premiered as a prototype in Paris this September. The car will be arriving in dealerships early next year, when it will enter the crossover market. The small SUV features dynamic and refined exterior, shows great performance as well as fuel economy. Interior spaciousness and cabin versatility are other two qualities worth mentioning.

The unique platform design of the vehicle features center-mounted fuel tank and reconfigurable second-row “Magic Seat”, delivering 100.1 cu. ft. of passenger volume (LX) and 58.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats down.

The “face” of the HR-V features the typical design. However, when I saw the sides of the car, I immediately thought about the CR-V. Actually, it looks like a smaller version of Honda’s emblematic SUV with its dynamic appearance and sporty, solid stance. An element which I liked very much and which is taken from the Civic is the concealed rear door handles. So the designers managed to great a great combination of some of the best Honda designs here.

Inside, the interior is spacious enough and features soft-touch materials and details such as the bezels, stitch lines and brushed chrome and piano black highlights. The three-meter driver’s instrument cluster immediately grabs the attention with the “floating” illumination rings and brand’s ECO Assist feature. The speedometer illumination changes from white to green depending on the fuel efficiency of the car.

2016 HR-V is driven by the updated 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valvetrain. It generates 138 horsepower (102 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm (127 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,300 rpm. The unit is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda “G-design” shift logic, or can be linked to a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission in the 2WD models. The all-wheel-drive drivetrain configuration features company’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.

Safety performance is ensured thanks to the addition of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure as well as the standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent side airbags and side-curtain airbags and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Speaking about standard equipment we should mention the power windows, power mirrors and power door and tailgate locks, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, aluminum-alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface and Pandora radio. They come in all three HR-V trims: LX, EX and EX-L.

Depending on the trim level, the crossover might get 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface, Honda LaneWatch, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start, paddle shifters, SiriusXM radio, HD Radio and Honda Digital Traffic, heated front seats, a power sunroof, embedded navigation and leather trim.

2016 HR-V Key Packaging Specifications
Wheelbase, in.	102.8
Length, in.	169.1
Width, in.	69.8
Height, in.	63.2
Passenger volume, cu. ft.	100.1 (LX), 96.1 (EX, EX-L)
Cargo volume, cu. ft.	24.3 rear seats up 58.8 rear seats down
Seating capacity	5

Source: Honda

November 20, 2014

Colorado ZR2 Concept is Chevrolet’s Vision For Future Pick-up Trucks

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept is a design vision of how the American company could take the off-road capability to the next level. It also displays the potential of the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine, which will arrive in the Colorado lineup later next year. The concept is built on the production Colorado Z71 and uses advancements in technology from the ZR2 production models. The diesel unit has an estimated power of 181 hp (133 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 272 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, and it is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four inches wider than the production Z71, the concept truck has new front and rear fascias, and two-inch higher ground clearance. Greater suspension levels are ensured by the mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers delivered by King. They feature remote-mounted fluid reservoirs.

Electronic-locking front and rear differentials are what distribute torque to 275/65R18 off-road tires. The rubbers are coupled with unique 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke bead-lock-style wheels.

Other exterior elements that need to be mentioned are the new grille, power dome-style hood and headlamp housings. The exterior color is Cyprus Green and it is highlighted with Henna Orange accents and custom ZR2 identification on the rear fenders, tailgate and grille.

Stepping inside the pickup truck, we see the ZR2 logos almost everywhere: from the front-seat headrests to the instrument cluster display. The Jet Black leather-trimmed interior features orange stitching which perfectly harmonizes with exterior’s orange accents.

Source: Chevrolet

November 20, 2014

Cadillac Shows its First Ever ATS-V Coupe

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe is the first ever ATS-V coupe, which in addition features the first Twin Turbo V-Series delivering the ultimate driving experience. The car just debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with the announcement that its production will begin in next year’s spring. Precisely, the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 V-Series engine is as powerful as 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 603 Nm (445 lb-ft) of torque, and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is more than 185 mph. This potent unit is linked to a six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.

Furthermore, the Cadi also boasts redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems. Some of the key performance technologies included here are the Brembo high-performance brake, Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and more.

The underlying ATS structure is highly mass that has been optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements. The new elements include unique shock tower-to-plenum brace, strengthened rocker bulkhead, stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces, unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis, V-braces for the engine compartment. The result? 25-percent greater structural stiffness, hence – more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness.

The great performance of the car is supported by the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which were specifically developed for the ATS-V. They have a tri-compound tread which delivers for better grip, excellent ride quality and extended tread wear.

Going next to the exterior of the car, we must say that Cadillac put a lot of efforts here. Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, starting with the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings. For instance, the hood is made of lightweight carbon fiber and features an air-extracting vent.

Aerodynamics is improved with the addition of larger grille openings in the front fascia, the wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels, the aluminum wheels are constructed of a low-mass forging and the rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized.

For those ho need more aerodynamic experience there are available the optional Carbon Fiber and Track packages. The first one features more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The second has all of the components of the former, but adds Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. It also deletes the floor mats and tire inflator kit to save weight.

Inside, we see 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks. There are three interior color combinations offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.

ATS-V also adds 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. The connectivity technologies include CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition, text-to-voice and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Source: Cadillac

November 20, 2014

MINI Hardtop 4 Door Revealed in L.A.

MINI Hardtop 4 Door is debuting next to the Classic MINI and MINI Superleggera Vision roadster concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The aim of the company is to show its past, present and its future plans. The Hardtop model has space for five and also boasts more cargo space. However, it is as dynamic as the 2 door model, and keeps the go-kart, while adding functionality and interior space.

Being a little bit larger it is logical that the new model offers more space for the occupants. Precisely, there is more legroom in the rear, more shoulder space in the front and back and additional cargo space.

More importantly, the car will be the first four door MINI to be built on the shared front wheel drive global architecture with BMW Group. It will be driven by the same three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines of the Hardtop 2 Door model.

The iconic brand will also use the event to showcase brand’s newest integration with Spotify. This is one of the world’s most popular streaming music services. Even more, it will be available in MINI vehicles with MINI Connected infotainment platform.

Looking forward to the future we see the MINI Superleggera Vision roadster. The past and future come together in this stunning concept car. It combines the tradition of classic coachwork construction with MINI’s authentic British styling.

Its timeless aesthetic appeal was first shown at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Milan this year. The roadster exemplifies the potential future of the brand and it is also the first time the sporty roadster concept will be shown in the U.S.

MINI Hardtop 4 door is scheduled to go on sale in January next year with a price around $1,000 USD above the equivalent Hardtop 2 door.

Source: MINI

November 20, 2014

Fans Help Nissan Fully Restore Craigslist 1996 Nissan Maxima [VIDEOS]

1996 Nissan Maxima is definition of luxury. In September 2013 Craigslist commercial (the first video below) showed a particular example which was then subjected to of major reconstructive surgery. Nissan rejuvenated the vehicle back to its original condition and this is what took our interest. In addition, these three very special videos show more about the restoration process and the original Maxima.

The story begins, when the owner of the car, Luke Aker, posted his car on Craigslist for the reasonable price of $1,400 USD. What Aker did was outstanding: one-minute film, presenting the “finer points” of his sedan. The result is overnight viral success.

Nissan saw the ad and quickly jumped at the chance to buy such a gem. The response to the first video was with a tongue-in-cheek video (the second video below called “Luxury Restored”) that emphasizes the qualities of the near two-decade old Maxima.

Take for instance the “built-in navigation” (folding maps), “an all-new media entertainment center” (a tape deck) and “state-of-the art external lane-departure indicators” (turn signals). The video ends with a factory-fresh 1996 Maxima.

Of course, the brand eventually bought the car, and soon afterwards placed its fate in the hands of its social media following. The third and most interesting video shows the process of bringing the car back to life. It reveals that Nissan has asked fans how to restore the Craigslist Maxima and what to do next.

The votes were tallied and the fans decided that a complete restoration was in order. According to their opinion, the car would have a prominent display at Nissan’s North American headquarters in Tennessee.

httpv://youtu.be/0YN_gTu0brk

httpv://youtu.be/Fr6FklMc6B0

httpv://youtu.be/94su27otGZU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2014

Land Rover Reveals U.S. Specifications for 2015 Discovery Sport

The U.S. specifications for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport were just revealed. The car is debuting in North America today at the L.A. Auto Show. Just like the European version, this Discovery Sport comes offering dynamic design with the option of seven-passenger seating in a “5+2” configuration. To mention also are the refined combination of performance, safety and efficiency.

This is due to the body shell of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, combined with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and standard all-wheel drive. The unit produces 240 horsepower (176 kW) and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which makes the car not only more efficient but also more attractive.

Land Rover will also enter innovations on this vehicle, including available Autonomous Emergency Braking and touchscreen infotainment system. The arsenal of technology in this model also features the latest Terrain Response with five different settings to suit specific terrain demands. These include general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl.

Land Rover LR4 will also be on display. It will bring more attention to the recently commissioned Land Rover adventure thriller The Vanishing Game, which is an interactive, digital book written by internationally acclaimed British author William Boyd.

Guests of the show will have an opportunity to drive the 2014 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Evoque and Land Rover LR4. 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport U.S. Spec will have a starting price of $37,995 USD.

Source: Land Rover

November 19, 2014

Thailand Gets 2015 Mitsubishi Triton Pickup Truck [VIDEO]

The long-time best seller 2015 Mitsubishi Triton gets its first redesign in nine years! The truck just went on sale in Thailand and the good new is that it won’t be only distributed in this part of the world, but it is going to be introduced sequentially in ASEAN, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The new Triton was been developed to be the “Ultimate Sport Utility Truck“. It combines the comfort of a passenger car with the functionality of a pickup.

The exterior styling is muscular, sleek and dynamic. The cabin is spacious, the payload capacity is just enough and the handling is perfect. Safety is ensured by the durable and sturdy chassis and frame structures.

What is more, the Triton is quiet enough due to the addition of the new diesel engine, optimization of the suspension, and of course of the sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials. There will be three trim levels offered in Thailand: Single Cab, Double Cab and Club Cab variants, next to the three-engine lineup.

As mentioned, there is a new turbo diesel engine – the 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo diesel. It joins the well-known but enhanced 2.5-liter turbo diesel and 2.4-liter gasoline engines.

Mitsubishi has produced pickups for 36 years. From 1978 it has sold more than four million units globally. The new Triton is the fifth-generation model. The previous gen was launched in August of 2005 and has sold a total of 1,260,000 units worldwide. This means that the model is expected to be a core model for the brand, which contributes to improving Mitsubishi’s sustainable growth in the future.

httpv://youtu.be/Uhw77HvuZUA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Mitsubishi

November 19, 2014

Audi Exclusive Shows One-Off RS 4 Avant Peridot Metallic

Audi Exclusive has unveiled online the unique RS4 Avant finished in exclusive Peridot Metallic paint finish. The car has been prepared for a private customer, who has paid extra money to get their RS4 Avant customized. The customizing division of the automaker has released a set of images, which you can view below, but didn’t leave any words on what it has done. The highlight was put on the on-off paint finish, but as we can see there is more that the specialists have done.Another striking design feature, which immediately catches the glance, is the matte black alloy wheels. In black are decided the mirror caps, grille frame and tailpipe surrounds. The Peridot theme is also found in the interior, and it is visible in the door panels, center console and leather/Alcantara seets with Peridot green shells.Even the stitching is in the same shade. The same color is also present in the stitching, while the Audi Exclusive badging is what rounds out the cabin of the RS4 Avant.There is no information on engine modifications, so this means that the engine is the standard 4.2-liter V8, which produces 450 horsepower (444hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and features a quattro all-wheel drive system.This enables the car to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching the top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The combined fuel consumption is estimated at 10,7 l/100 km, while the CO2 emissions are at 249 g/km.

November 19, 2014

Lexus Shows the Front and Interior of LF-C2 Concept

Lexus has dropped two more teaser images of the upcoming Lexus LF-C2 Concept which is about to be unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time the company previews the front and part of the interior, the steering wheel, of the convertible concept. As we can see from the front fascia of the car, it looks much like the RC Coupe. There are also large side vents in the front bumper and shiny grille surround in black. Also visible is that the unlike the RC Coupe, the boomerang LED daytime running lights here extend to the headlights and are connected with them.

The second image, not only shows the three-spoke steering wheel with sensor-controls, but also the entirely digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen display, as well as the blue lighting and metallic accents on the center stack.

The teaser image revealed a couple of days ago showed that this is actually the open-air version of the RC Coupe. We can also see the exciting exterior yellow color, the tight windscreen, the elegant rear deck as well as an integrated trunk spoiler. Note also the protruding nose of the car. Two seater or not, this car promises to be exciting.

There are no words on the engine, but at this point but it seems that the car could get RC 300’s 3.5-liter V6 unit with 306 horsepower (225 kW) or RC 350h’s 2.5-liter teamed up with an electric motor. The other option is the V8 5.0-liter engine of the RC F, which generates 467 hp (348 kW) and 527 Nm (389 lb-ft).

Is there any chance for production? Yes. The rumors say that the concept will become a production model in 2016 or 2017. Next to the physical event, the concept will be given a simultaneous on-line global reveal through a 72-hour social media campaign.

Source: Lexus

November 19, 2014

Shelby is Back: The Legend Shelby Ford GT350 Mustang Revealed!

The legend returns! Yes, finally we have seen the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and we are delighted to inform you that it will be driven by the 5.2-liter V8 engine which produces more than 500 horsepower. This makes the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever! As a true Shelby model, a lot of advanced materials have been used for its construction. The Mustang got MagneRide dampers, aggressive brakes and finely tuned aerodynamics.

2015 GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby’s original idea to transform the “every-day” car into a dominant road racer. From Shelby have assured us that driving enthusiasts can expect to be treated to the most balanced and exhilarating production Mustang yet.

Since balance is the key theme her, engineers took an innovative approach with GT350. They haven’t developed independent individual systems, but optimized every component and shape to work in concert, and at the same time paying rigorous attention to detail.

Under the hood sleeps the 5.2-liter engine, which is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft and is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever. It produces more than 500 horsepower (368 kW), with a torque peak more than 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.). The unit is coupled with lightweight six-speed manual transmission.

The front stiffness of the GT350 is further improved with injection-molded carbon fiber composite grille opening and optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. Compared to Mustang GT, the front track has been increased while spring rates and bushings have been recalibrated all around, with ride height reduced.

The stopping power is ensured by the brakes which are two-piece cross-drilled iron discs mounted to aluminum hats. At the front are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers with integrated caliper bridges, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear utilize four-piston calipers.

This Shelby creation runs on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which measure 10.5 inches in front and 11.0 inches in the rear. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Ultra-quick responsiveness is delivered by the continuously controlled MagneRide dampers.

For better aerodynamics, the aluminum hood has been lowered and sloped, front and rear aero elements have been balanced to work together on the track, and the fascia has been resculpted with aggressive lower front splitter.

At the rear of the car we see aggressive functional diffuser doing double duty to increase downforce and provide cooling air to the optional differential cooler. There is also a subtle lip spoiler across the trailing edge of the decklid increases downforce without adding excess drag.

Aluminum front fenders accommodate the wider front track and wider wheel arches. The forward-angled grille is designed with individual openings to draw air through the radiator, high-pressure engine air intake, cooling ducts for the front brakes and, optional with the Track Pack, an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler.

Inside, the interior is focus-driven. First to mention are the specifically developed for Shelby GT350 Recaro sport seats with a unique cloth. The flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to get in and out, and is more ergonomic on the racetrack. In addition, gauges have been also modified, while the chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated.

In terms of technology, the car employs the advanced technology inherent to Mustang. For example, the integrated driver control system, the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings. There is also an optional Tech Pack offered, which includes power leather-trimmed seats, Shaker Audio, 8-inch MyFord Touch LCD touch screen and dual zone electronic temperature control.

httpv://youtu.be/f32uV70e8Uk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

November 18, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova