Lidia Todorova – Page 121 – Automobiles Review

Lexus LF-C2 Concept Returns to Show Little More

Second teaser of Lexus LF-C2 Concept has been unveiled. The car is going to make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19th of November. As you can see, the vehicle will offer an open-air experience, making it a convertible variant of the RC Coupe. Why we are on this opinion? Because the side profile of the model clearly shows similarities between both vehicles.

Next to the physical event, the concept will be given a simultaneous on-line global reveal through a 72-hour social media campaign.

What we can also see from the teaser the exciting exterior yellow color, the tight windscreen of the concept, the elegant rear deck as well as an integrated trunk spoiler. Whether the model will be a two seater, we can’t say for sure, but it surely does look like this. Note also the protruding nose of the car.

There are no words on other details, especially about the engine or additional technical data. But at this point but it seems that the car could get Lexus 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.

Another option is the V8 5.0-liter engine of the RC F, which generates 467 hp (348 kW) and 527 Nm (389 lb-ft). With this engine, we can expect an acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.4 seconds.

There are rumors that the concept is to become a production model in 2016 or 2017.

Source: Lexus

November 18, 2014

Peugeot Reveals the Definitive Combat Livery of 2008 DKR

Peugeot has shown the 2015 Peugeot 2008 DKR livery which will compete in the Dakar rally in more than a month. The event will start on 4^th of January. The car has traded its initial all-carbon finish for its official colour scheme and is fully prepared to take on its 4×4 rivals. The vehicle has a racier look based on a combination of blue, white and red. In fact, the part around the cockpit, which is white, is a perfect way to protect the people inside from the heat.

2008 DKR was revealed in April and it will be driven by Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres during the competition that starts on January 4. It is powered by a V6 twin-turbodiesel engine which produces 340 horsepower (254 kW).

Recently, Peugeot 2008 DKR has covered thousands of kilometres in Morocco, thus showing results of the test programme that reveal that the technical concept is well founded. Carlos Sainz stands fully behind the Peugeot 2008 DKR’s technical concept. He says that the concept works well and the test programme has shown a very fast machine.

There are only 48 days to go until the start of January’s Dakar. This actually means that the team is currently facing a busy final countdown. On November 20, the service trucks which carry the necessary equipment and spares will be loaded onto the ship that will take them to Argentina. What follows is the build of three rally cars and a final test in Morocco at the beginning of December.

Source: Peugeot

November 18, 2014

Lincoln Introduces the Ultimate Luxury Experience with MKC and MKZ Black Label Editions

Lincoln is on of the most luxurious brands worldwide. It is now making its MKC and MKZ model even more special, due to the introduction of the Lincoln Black Label. The latter features one of four unique interior design themes, which include Venetian leather, Alcantara and designer wood trim. The program is scheduled to be launched next month with worldwide expansion in 2015.

First, the company will offer the Black Label interiors on 2015 MKZ sedan and the 2015 MKC. They are called Indulgence, Center Stage, Modern Heritage and Oasis. No matter the trim, each theme includes Alcantara-wrapped headliner, pillars, package tray and accent details.

There are also featured Venetian leather on the seating surfaces, armrests and doors, fully leather-wrapped and stitched instrument panel, console and doors and subtle branding elements with Lincoln perforation designs.

Some of the exterior treatments exclusive to Black Label include the unique exterior colors Black Tie, Confidential White and Crystal Silver. In addition, the MKZ and MKC Black Label models come standard with 19-inch painted aluminum wheels.

To get more specific, let’s review what’s in each of the Black Label design themes:

Indulgence is defined by Truffle-colored Venetian leather. It was subjected to an antiquing process to infuse richness and depth on the seats, doors and armrests. The Ganache-colored Alcantara in used for the headliner, pillars and package tray. Seat leather features an elegant linking-L perforation pattern with black accent stitching. Ziricote wood trim is the final elegant touch here found on the instrument panel and doors.

Center Stage includes a Jet Black cabin with Foxfire Red accent stitching on the doors and seats. The Jet Black Alcantara headliner, pillars and package tray surround Jet Black Venetian leather seats and they come with diamond-L perforation pattern. Here Lincoln has used Onyx wood trim in the Lincoln MKZ and Black Stripe wood trim in the Lincoln MKC.

Modern Heritage is a contemporary take on a classic black-and-white color theme. It features Jet Black upper door panels with Vianca white Venetian leather seats and center console. Seat leather is highlighted by an exclusive diamond-L perforation pattern. Subtle Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim are used for the instrument panel and doors.

Oasis’ interior includes Venetian leather seats in the soft Oasis color accented by a darker Island-colored instrument panel and center console, Oasis-colored Alcantara covers the headliner, pillars and package tray. The wood trim here is the American Walnut Burl found on the instrument panel and doors.

httpv://youtu.be/6Vvjic3yKxE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Lincoln

November 18, 2014

2015 Smart Family Grows to Six Versions

The new smart which debuted recently is set to expand to six models. The entry level variants begin with the 45 kW variants of the smart fortwo and smart forfour, while at the top of the range sits the 66 kW forfour. Although so tiny cars, they come with a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort equipment. Take a look at the LED daytime driving lights for example. The names of the three lines which serve to upgrade the smart fortwo and smart forfour are passion, prime and proxy. Their features include a leather multifunction steering wheel, an instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT colour display and heated seats.

Have in mind that smart has also included a lot of standard features such as central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter, exterior temperature indicator with frost warning. Other added equipment is the instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows at the front.

Numerous optional equipment features are also there to make customer’s experience more comfortable. A highlight is the JBL Soundsystem, which incorporates a 6-channel DSP amplifier (240 watt) in the fortwo and an 8-channel DSP amplifier (320 watt) on board the forfour.

In addition, the optional heated seats for driver and front passenger,automatic climate control, dashboard instrument with cockpit clock and rev counter, rear parking aid with audible warning and reversing camera offer further scope for individualisation.

Five practical package will round out the new smart generation. Namely they are the Sports, LED & Sensor, Comfort, Cool & Audio and Cool & Media packages. They add from daytime driving lights featuring LED fibre-optic technology, Bluetooth and navigation, to the new smart media system with the 17.8 cm (7-inch) multi-touch display.

The cars are currently available to order with a starting price of €10,335. The delivery is scheduled for January next year.

Smart Fortwo and Forfour Models Specifications:

	fortwo 45 kW	forfour 45 kW	forfour 66 kW
Number of cylinders / arrangement	3/R	3/R	3/R
Engine capacity (cc)	999	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)at rpm	45/606000	45/606000	66/905500
Rated torque (Nm)at rpm	912850	912850	1352500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.5	4.7	n/a
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	104	108	n/a
Efficiency class	C	C	n/a
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.6	16.7	11.2
Maximum speed (km/h)	151	151	165
Price starting at (€)1	10,335	10,995	12,450

Source: Smart

November 18, 2014

SR Auto and DXSC Release Exclusive Aventador “Guardian of the Galaxy”

I’ve never seen more beautiful Aventador Roadster in my life! Honestly! And although I personally prefer a more minimalistic design, this “Guardians Of The Galaxy” inspired Lambo just took my mind. The tuners behind this project are two talented companies: the Vancouver super car club DXSC and SR Auto Group. They have given an allover galaxy wrap job to the car, making it wilder and more exceptionally attractive than ever. This tuning literally goes above and beyond Earth’s atmosphere!

This Aventador not only wears one of the most unique wraps I have ever seen up to date, but it also runs on a set of wheels that balance out the whole theme of the car. Landing on the galaxy was a set of ADV005 TS SL in a staggered fitment of 21×9 and 22×12 inches. They are in matte black color and feature gloss tint lip.

In fact, the wrapping technique didn’t really take much of my attention so far. But this galactic Lamborghini shows how a single foil and a set of wheels can be really worth of making it through to the news all over the world.

Unfortunately, except for the pictures and the presented data, there are no words whether the supersports car is further modified or not. And if this Lambo stays with the stock figures, this means that it will be capable of producing 700 horsepower (522 kW) and 690 Nm (511 lb-ft) of torque from its 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine.

The unit is coupled with a seven-speed ISR transmission sending the power to an AWD system. The 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint is covered in 3.0 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h – in 8.6 seconds. The top speed is positioned at 350 km/h (218 mph).

Source: SR Auto Group

November 17, 2014

Underground Racing Shows-Off With Twin Turbo Lamborghini TT Huracan

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is the latest car released by the emblematic Italian brand. Since it was released almost a year ago it has been the main topic among all sports cars enthusiasts, because the automaker has once again raised the bar with this creation. Huracán LP 610-4 is hidden behind the exceptional looks, but more importantly, behind the appearance lies a variety of new technology used. Such are the AWD system wth electronically controlled front differential similar to this one of the Aventador, electro-mechanical power steering (EPS) and dynamic steering (LDS).

The Huracan is powered by a 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine which produces 610 horsepower (449 kW) at 8,250RPM and 560 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch LDF transmission sending the power to a fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in 3.2 seconds, while this from 0 to 193 km/h – in 9.9 seconds. The engine and new transmission are combined with the high definition instrument displays and awesome interior.

And through this year of Huracan existence, we have seen many tunings on the Huracan, and here we are reviewing another on, which we think is worth the attention. Why? Simply because it has made the car even better!

Underground Racing has developed the very first Twin Turbo Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4. Despite the tuners have already successfully conducted the preliminary testing, there are still no technical details about the car.

What we have understood so far is that the car will use a JRR MoTeC M1 electronics and firmware, and will be snapping through the gears of the DCT transmission with the additional horsepower, offering pure experience. The car will be soon available as a bolt-on system. The proceeding stages are already under development and are soon to be announced.

Source: Underground Racing

November 17, 2014

Audi A9 Concept Called Prologue Leaks Before Official Reveal

The first design sketches of the Audi A9 Concept have leaked unofficially online, before the premiere of the car at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be called Prologue Concept, this beautiful car designed by Marc Lichte measures length of 5.10 meters, 1.95m width and 1.39m hight. This study is dedicated to the new big time for Audi and it also carries the appropriate name. It redefines company’s future design language.

Prologue will be based on the MLB Evo platform. In terms of design it will feature Audi’s emblematic single-frame grille, distinctive LED lights up front and rear tail lights with 3D effect.

In fact, the front looks flatter than ever before, while the edges look more alive and carry a few more lines. The rear is rather unusual and is more of an interpretation of the coupe concept. Note that the C-pillars are extremely out wide and far. There are envisioned unconventional air intakes in the front.

Although the car is binging about a concept for the future of Audi, we are to see the Prologue in 2016 at the earliest. Reports also say that this car will be a preview of company’s future flagship.

According to previous information, it will be driven by a 4-liter V8 with tuinturbo engine producing 600 hp (441 kW). The concept car will be fully unveiled on 18th of November at the first press day of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Stay tuned!

Source: Audi via Autobild.de

November 17, 2014

Kahn Reveals Entirely Redesigned Jeep Wrangler Sahara

We have just received the striking pictures of Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4DR Chelsea Truck Company CJ300. As you can guess this is the latest creation of the British company, which has taken all the good from the standard model and added some comfort, style and exclusivity to the Sahara. First, we see that the original exterior color was substituted with Volcanic Grey Satin. The grille is also new. Sitting up front, the four-slot grille is Chelsea Truck Company-made and features an industrial mesh between two smoked headlamps.

If you take a closer look to either of the side wing blades, you will see that they got a carbon fibre construction. They and the fuel filler door contrast with the Volcanic Grey finish. Piano Black door mirrors, door handles and roof, 100mm tailpipes quad crosshair system and a Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover is what exaggerates this contrast even more.

The interior is hidden from prying eyes thanks to added privacy glass. Of course, there is much to be seen inside, since we are speaking about an A. Kahn Design tuning. The front with its heated front seats, the rear GTB sport seats centre glove box and the armrests have all been re-upholstered in black and red quilted/perforated leather.

There is also a new steering wheel, which now offers up greater grip and feel for the driver. Beneath the waistline sits stainless steel door entry sill plates and floor mats.

At last, the toughness is of this Jeep Wrangler model is emphasized by the 9 x 20 inch Jeep 1988 wheels in a Satin Black finish fitted with beefy 275/55/20 inch tyres. Behind those wheels sit Liquid Red brake callipers along with a new set of mud flaps.

Source: A. Kahn Design

November 17, 2014

QorosQloud 2.0 Connected Services Platform is to be Unveiled in China

Qoros is a very fresh automaker from China. The company was founded in 2007 with visions for independent, dynamic and successful future. Its first car debuted back in 2013 in Geneva under the name Qoros 3 Sedan. In fact, this model became the first developed in China car which got the five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The second production vehicle of the brand was the so called Qoros 3 Hatch, which debuted a year later at the same event. This one won on of the most prestigious design awards, the Red Dot Awards, in recognition of the quality of its design.

2014 will also see the birth of QorosQloud 2.0. And we are not talking about the recently announced Q: QorosQloud Qubed Concept which will take the center stage at the L.A. Auto Show. The first is set to make a premiere at the 12thGuangzhou International Automobile Exhibition on 20th November 2014.

This is a second generation version of its pioneering connected services platform. The first one included a cloud-enhanced free-for-life suite of services introduced on the Qoros 3 Sedan a year ago. Advanced connectivity is a core strategy here, which accentuates on the ‘New Drive’ philosophy to produce cars for the modern metropolitan consumer.

QorosQloud 2.0 will be launched in the coming months. The Chinese company reveals that it will be easier to use and include an increased integration of social media and gamification. At the event, visitors will be able to sample the full user experience for themselves in a purpose-built show car.

Source: Qoros

November 17, 2014

Chaparral Returns with Gran Turismo 2X VGT Concept

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT will be available in Gran Turismo 6. We don’t know yet how it will be looking like, but the news was confirmed by the muscle car automaker via the teaser image above. The car is inspired by the spirit of innovation of the founders of Chaparral Cars – racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp. In addition, it was designed and developed to celebrate the 15^th birthday of PlayStation Gran Turismo 6 game, and gives glimpse into brands plans for the future. Chaparral 2X VGT will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19^th of November, while gamers will be able to race it after the online update of the GT6 around Christmas.

Jim Hall and Hap Sharp were those who have created Chaparral Cars in 1962. Back then they didn’t think that their cars would have influenced so much the racing world, and eventually fundamentally change it. Since the beginning they have partnered with Chevrolet Research and Development, and have utilized “pioneering” aerodynamics and aerospace technology.

Following this tradition, GM’s Advanced Design Studio, with input from Jim Hall, designed the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept. It revealed that it is a “fantasy car in every sense of the word.”

The first original Chaparral was a front-engine race car built by Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes in 1961. A year later, Hall and Sharp purchased the Chaparral racers and founded Chaparral Cars, immediately beginning with the design and construction of Chaparral 2.

Unlike the original car, this was a mid-engine one with an aerospace-inspired semi-monocoque fiberglass chassis. It was driven by Chevrolet’s small-block V-8 327-cubic-inch engine and included torque-converter transaxle. Then it made history: winning the 1963 Riverside race, 1964 United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) and the 1965 Sebring 12-huor race.

Pioneering methods and materials were developed through the collaboration with Chevrolet. Some of them include the composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic transmissions for racing and progressive and the active aerodynamics.

Chaparral 2E race car appeared in 1966 and raced in the SCCA’s Can-Am series. In 1967, the car set the fastest lap in five of the eight races at the World Championship Endurance competition.

1970 saw the birth of the Chaparral 2J – a radical vehicle powered by Chevrolet’s big-block V-8 engine. The car also featured a separate motor to drive a pair of fans that exhausted air beneath the car, producing suction-derived downforce. And although it it grabbed three pole positions in four races, it was eventually banned by the race series’ sanctioning body.

We are definitely eager to see the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT for Gran Turismo 6. Probably it hints towards production plans?

Source: Chevrolet

November 14, 2014

Dodge Unleashes 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat [VIDEO]

the-2015-Dodge-Challenger-SRT-HEMI-Hellcat-TTHUMB Do you remember that the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever built? It produces the voluptuous amount of 707 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The unit is mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, which also contributes for a certified ¼-mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds at 125 miles per hour on stock Pirelli P275/40ZR20 P Zero tyres. The big news is that Dodge has just unleashed this “little” beast at very enticing price.

Dodge and SRT have already received more than 4,500 orders for the new Challenger. These units are now leaving the Brampton Assembly plant where they were built and going directly to their customers across the United States.

Besides the unprecedented 707 horsepower (520 kW), the car is also capable of and 881 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque. In addition to the awe-inspiring horsepower, the new 2015 model has been entirely redesigned and re-engineered. The aim: to be the most true-to-form muscle coupe on the market.

Equipped with Chrysler’s TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Hellcat Challenger also shows some impressive EPA estimated highway fuel-economy rating of 22 miles per gallon. In addition, if the car is equipped with the new for 2015 six-speed manual transmission, it achieves an EPA highway rating of 21 mpg.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has an initial price tag of $59,995 USD.

httpv://youtu.be/nu_O1wH91SA

Video Source: YouTube
Source: Dodge

November 14, 2014

Chip Foose’s SEMA Mustang Awarded “Best of Stand Design”

What has slipped through our fingers this SEMA show is the project presented here. Do you know who Chip Foose is? If you don’t: he is an automotive legend and hot rod hall of famer for his incredibly creative and unique designs. So it is no surprise that his design for the event was unique and that it deserves some attention. The project is based on a 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible, and by far we haven’t seen many cabrios at this year’s SEMA.

Foose entirely overhauled the exterior of it with parts from the MMD by Foose collection. The goal of this action was to give the car a sense of the hot rodding culture that Chip is all too familiar with.

To be more precise, the front of the Foose Mustang is highlighted with a lower front chin spoiler and hood scoop. These two elements keep the clean look of the S550 Mustang and at the same time they also give it more individual appearance.

Furthermore, thanks to the used side scoops and a rocker panel the Mustang got a brand new side appearance. Its lines became more pronounced, and more importantly draw the attention of the on who’s looking at the rear spoiler.

Another interesting fact is that Ford awarded Chip Foose the “best of stand design” with this ’15 convertible. The greatest news however is that the used MMD parts will be available for customers, which will have the opportunity to customize their own 2015 Mustang.

Source: Chip Foose

November 14, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova