Lidia Todorova – Page 123 – Automobiles Review

BMW is Getting Greener with Light and Charge Prototype

BMW continues with innovations and this time the company has prepared for us an innovative street lighting with integrated charging station for electric vehicles. It might seem futuristic, but in fact we sincerely hope to see this genius technology applied in the near future. The pilot project is dubbed Light and Charge and was part of the Eurocities conference in Munich. The car company will cooperate with the City of Munich in order to create an infrastructure of public charging stations. The pilot project will begin in the spring of 2015.

The prototype combines the latest LED technology with a usable connection way to charge the high-voltage batteries of the electric vehicles. The technology is integrated in the ChargeNow network of the electric BMW i series. In other words Light and Charge is simple and innovative solution which naturally integrates a reliable network of charging stations in the city.

Another benefit from the Light and Charge street lighting is the energy efficiency as well as the LED module’s higher luminous efficiency. In fact, up to four modules are enough to illuminate the lanes of major roads at night. One or two modules provide a pleasant light in the side streets and residential areas.

The used LED technology is similar to this one utilized in vehicle’s headlights. This means that it enables a particularly targeting of light rays. The next advantage is that with the development of the Light and Charge system, BMW signals for the future development of a comprehensive network of charging stations for electric vehicles.

Light and Charge units have a standard connector for EV’s charging cable. The integrated control panel allows the driver to start the charging procedure with just one click. ChargeNow already offers customers of BMW i access to worldwide around 18,000 charging stations.

Source: BMW

November 11, 2014

Volvo Compares 855 T5-R and V60 Polestar

Volvo 855 T5-R was officially unveiled 20 years ago, in 1994. The car was dedicated to performance and in fact was the first estate model from Volvo. To celebrate this anniversary, Polestar brought 855 T5-R together with its current heir: the mighty Volvo V60 Polestar, at the Huntington Beach in California. 855 T5-R featured a five-cylinder turbo-charged R5 2319 engine, which was capable of producing 240 hp (176 kW) and 330 Nm (244 lb-ft). The unit was coupled with a four-speed auto gearbox and featured a front-wheel drive.

The 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint was covered by it in 7.0 seconds. The deceleration from 100 to 0 km/h happened in 45 meters, thanks to the front brakes including 1 piston calipers and 280 mm discs. The top speed of the car was 245 km/h.

The chassis was specifically developed, thus making the car one of the fastest estate models of its time and an iconic performance vehicle. Suspension here included MacPherson Strut, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers and Stabilizer Bar. Alloys were 17 inch and were fitted with 205/45 tyres.

Unlike the 855 T5-R, which weighs 1600 kg, Volvo V60 Polestar is much heavier: 1834 kg. Another difference includes a R6 2953 cc engine, which is capable of a way more powerful output of 350 hp (257 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). The unit is coupled with a six-speed auto transmission and features a 4-wheel dirve.

Of course, the acceleration is faster with 2.1 seconds, while the deceleration is shorter with 11 meters, thanks to the 6 piston calipers and 371 mm discs. The top speed f the car is 250 km/h. In the suspension is featured again the MacPherson Strut and Coil Springs, but adds Polestar Öhlins Shock Absorbers and Carbon Fibre Clad Stabilizer Bar. The rims here are 20 inch and the tyres – in the dimension of 245/35.

Source: Volvo

November 11, 2014

Facelifted 2015 Fiat Bravo Debuts in Brazil

2015 Fiat Bravo will be rolling on the streets in Brazil in a few months, when it will go on sale. The facelifted five-door compact hatchback version of the car will be locally produced. The revised version features more stylish front and rear fascias as well as new alloys. There are also other exterior tweaks such as the new headlamps, grille and bumpers. The front end includes design dominated by the new grille that adds a new chrome bar.

The Fiat logo is positioned in the center of the grille and is in perfect harmony with the bumper and the new frame of foglamps. At the back, we see new taillights, a redesigned bumper again as well as a different typeface.

The interior adds for the 2015 model year multimedia system with LCD screen and touchscreen controls, and integrated reverse camera and a GPS navigation system. The driver will enjoy a multifunctional steering wheel wrapped in leather. There are also some shiny accents which spice up the cabin.

The car will be offered in four trim levels: Essence, Sporting, T-Jet and BlackMotion. The firs two trims and the last trim are equipped with the 1.8 16V engine, while the T-Jet version – with the 1.4 16V unit. The 1.8 16V powerplant is coupled with a Dualogic Plus (AMT) transmission, while the T-Jet model comes as a standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Fiat

November 11, 2014

BHP Project Releases Renderings of Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1

BHP Project are specialist who need our attention, because they are currently working on a Koenigsegg One:1. This is one of the most dreamt of car globally, which we have seen in movies such as “Need for Speed” and so rarely on the streets. The tuners are putting careful thoughts and changing their minds several times in the last months, so that they can present the official renderings of the Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1. Yes, that’s the name.

BHP decided to go for a combination of clear and also blue tinted carbon with triple layered pearlescent white stripes to highlight the lines and features of the exclusive sports car. And we must confirm that it looks just incredible and we really can’t wait to see its official photos.

Furthermore, the car was dubbed as the first megacar in the world. It is powered by a twin-turbo V8 5.0-liter engine, which produces 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW) and 1,371 Nm (1,011 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed is simulated and is measured a 440 km/h (273 mph). The sprint from 0 to 400 km/h is covered by the car in around 20 seconds.

The car will be finished early next year, so we have to wait until then. Deliveries will take place early next year through the official Koenigsegg dealer – SuperVettura. Only nine examples of this AB One:1 will ever be built and sold. They are only with a right-hand drive configuration.

No words on pricing, but we are sure that Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1 will be one of the most expensive automobile in the world.

Source: BHP Project via Facebook

November 11, 2014

Ford Escort Revealed Ahead of Market Launch … in China

Guangzhou Auto Show will happen later this month, where the visitors will witness the birth of the new Ford Escort. The car will be launched officially market on 20^th of January next year and will be strictly distributed in China. The image released by the company didn’t show many surprises in terms of exterior changes. Unfortunately, it looks almost like the previous generation, featuring the familiar front grille and typical Ford headlights.

The latter we have seen in the Focus.Inside, the disappointment continues with a dash that looks completely outdated. There is no screen or specific technology to grab our attention. Instead, we find the standard six airbags and a Connect Radio system and a small display on the center console.In terms of power, the Escort is driven by the 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine.

The unit produces 115 horsepower (85 kW) and 142 Nm (105 kW) of maximum torque, and is coupled with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.The wheel base of the car is measured at 2687mm, while the overall size at 4587/1825/1490mm, for the length, width and height, respectively.

The new Ford Escort arrives in China with the sole purpose to replace the current Focus Classic, on which it is also based. The platform underpinning the Escort is called C1 MCA.Ford Escort will be manufactured locally by the Changan-Ford joint venture. The starting price will be around 90,000 yuan which equals $14,715 USD.

November 11, 2014

Gemballa Says Goodbye to Mirage GT

Sadly we have come to the point when there will be only two Gemballa Mirage GTs left. Yes, the run on the last two has begun, because the series is limited to 25 cars and we have already counted to 23. This makes the Mirage a collector’s item and its value is going to rise very soon. The legendary car is based on the Porsche Carrera GT, but has more power and exclusivity to show. In terms of appearance, this car almost has nothing to do with the Porsche.

Furthermore, the sports car is powered by the 5.7l/10 cylinder engine, which is uprated from 612 hp (450 kW) to 670 hp (493 kW) and its torque from 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) to 630 Nm (465 lb-ft). What is more: the modified Porsche reaches 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 335 km/h.

For the faster acceleration time also contributes the new body kit, which was made of real carbon fibres. In addition, the aprons and the striking rear spoiler raise the surface pressure and keep the car safely on the road, regardless the speed. The three-part air inlet, which stretches across the entire front and the recessed door elements, also stands out.

The engineers at Gemballa also installed a sport-type coupling with special linings. They are perfect for the “stop and go” city driving and make it softer and gentler.

And for those who will miss the Mirage project – don’t worry. Gemballa is currently working on its next limited edition series, the first of which will be based on the Porsche 918 Spider hybrid. With its very aggressive silhouette and coming in only 25 examples, it may become even more exclusive.

Source: Gemballa

November 10, 2014

BMW i3 Gets More Personal with 3DDesign and Studie Thailand

3DDesign and Studie Thailand have collaborated for a special project including the intricate BMW i3. Being more individual than ever, the tuned i3 has been created with the single aim to push the boundaries of the chassis. The personalization of the car began with the styling changes, which include a new exterior color, called Fire Orange, as well as some contrasting graphics in black.

Inside, the same fiery color theme has been used for the set of Recaro LX-F seats. They were wrapped in a combination of orange leather and suede. The dash is in the same fire Orange featured to add more harmony in the overall design.

Next, the right height of the car was lowered by 20 mm. There is also an option for the i3 to be even lower (30 mm) to the ground thanks to the specifically created by Studie suspension setup. In addition, 3D Design created for the BMW more pronounced front lip spoiler and a roof spoiler. The result of this is more balance and perfect addition to the black MAK wheels.

Take a look at the front grille. When I saw it for the first time it looked familiar. Then I immediately though of the F chassis ///M cars. This is where Studie took inspiration and built a custom front grill set with integrated blue LED’s.

Although the i3 is electric, the tuners have made it possible for the driver and occupants to enjoy the BMW active sound in the cabin. The system produces a programmed soundtrack of an inline-six, V8, V10 or even a mighty V12 engine.

Source: 3DDesign via www.bmwblog.com

November 10, 2014

Kahn Shows Second Autobiography LWB Performance Edition in Fuji White

Fuji White is the name of the colour of A. Kahn Design’s next project on the Range Rover Autobiography LWB. What we also get with this tuning is not only a cool exterior paint, but also the exclusive interior and other tweaks, which have lead to the addition of “Performance Edition” to the name of the car. First to mention is the included RS-600 aerodynamic styling package. It comprises of a 16-piece wide wheel arch kit that adds an aggressive stance and muscular presence.

The front also received grille with 3D mesh, which is a typical element for almost all Kahn modifications. In contrast to the exterior color is the roof which is painted in piano black. In the same shade are decided also the mirror caps.

Kahn enamel wing shields and the RS-600 front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated air dams also contribute for the tailored style of this SUV. The shoes this Range Rover has are 9.5 x 23″ RS wheels in matt black fitted with 305/30/23″ tyres. Carbon side vents and a RS600 front chin spoiler rounds out the car from the outside.

Going further, the interior consists of handstitched front and rear seats, centre glove box, centre dashboard surround and Kahn single spoke leather steering wheel. Not to forget the rev counter facia, dashboard and instrument binnacle. What they have in common is that they are all adorned in copper orange quilted and perforated Nappa leather.

If you look even more carefully, then you’ll definitely see the vented foot pedals in machined aluminium, door entry sill plates in stainless steel and the Kahn branding. Again the tuning team has done great work!

Source: A. Kahn Design

November 10, 2014

Fiat 500 Ribelle and 500L Urbana Trekking are Demonstrating Potential for Self-Expression

Fiat 500 is probably the most versatile model in the automotive industry at the moment. What I mean is that it has multiple personalities that can literally suit anyone. And now Fiat is introducing two other special edition specifications of the popular car which will debut at the 2014 Miami International Auto Show. Namely, they are Fiat 500 Ribelle and the Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking.

In addition, at the event the company will also showcase the entire lineup and highlight the updates for the 2015 model year. Some of them include advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch cluster display for the Fiat 500 line, and automatic transmission options for the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth and the five-passenger Fiat 500L.

The currently presented two new models are based on the 500 Pop and the 500L Trekking. 2015 Fiat 500 Ribelle (the latter word means rebel in Italian) shows its adventurous nature with a red Rosso roof, spoiler and mirror caps.

To make a perfect contrast the designers at Fiat complemented these red accents by the gloss black color called Nero Puro of the headlamp and tail lamp bezels. In addition, in the same color come the wheels. They however also add Rosso wheel caps.

The car will be offered in four exterior paint colors: Bianco (white), Billet Argento (Billet Silver), Grigio (gray) and Nero Puro. While the interior options are only two: Grigio/Nero or Grigio/Rosso.

2015 Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking is intended also for the urban streets. It has a Matte Nero exterior mirrors and bezels on the front and rear fascia, side sills and body-side molding. The car runs on 7-inch Matte Nero wheels. The black paint is complemented by Satin Chrome door handles, tail lamp bezels and accents on the front and rear fascia.

Here, six glossy exterior paint colors are available: Verde Bosco Perla (Forest Green Pearl), Rosso Perla (Deep Lava Red), Giallo (yellow), Bianco (white), Grigio Scuro (Gray Metallic) and Blue Tornado, paired with a Nero (black) roof. Inside, the 500L Urbana Trekking adds some special tweaks like the Nero leather steering wheel, leatherette door bolsters and cloth seats.

Of course, the Beats Audio system is standard. It features six premium speakers, a 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio’s proprietary digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

2015 Fiat 500 Ribelle will be available at dealerships in December at a starting price of $17,395 USD, while the 2015 Fiat 500L Urbana Trekking will appear in studios in the first quarter of 2015 with a price tag beginning at $22,795 USD.

Source: Fiat

November 10, 2014

Hyundai Azera is Stronger in 2015

2015 Hyundai Azera that has made an official premiere in North America this weekend comes stronger and more appealing for the new 2015 model year. The car was shown at the 44th annual Miami International Auto Show. So here what the new Azera gets. First, there will be a lot of standard features, which were available in the previous generations. Such are the Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic alert and Lane Change Assist.

The list of standard equipment expands with illuminated door sill plates, hands-free Smart Trunk opener, an eight-inch color LCD navigation display, and a new center stack design. Women always count on looks so they will definitely enjoy what this Hyundai car will offer them, especially when it comes to the Limited trim. It adds LED fog lights and standard redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other visual tweaks of the same trim level include the front grille, bumper fascia, and rear bumper fascia. Under the hood, there is the II 3.3-liter direct-injected V6 engine, which produces 293 horsepower (219 kW) and 346 Nm (255 lb-ft), while simultaneously offering great fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.

The customers of 2015 Azera will also enjoy the next gen Blue Link system hat includes the Vehicle Safeguards Alerts In-Vehicle App. The application allows parents to coach teen drivers and monitor their driving behavior.

Source: Hyundai

November 10, 2014

Upcoming Bentley SUV is Changing Standards! [VIDEO]

Bentley SUV will definitely change how we all think about all-terrain vehicles. The key word here is “luxury”. According to company’s philosophy, the SUV will be both supremely capable in any environment, as well as supremely comfortable. And this is what we can make as a conclusion from the last teaser video, which has just been released. Thanks to it (by the way you can watch it below), we can see that the upcoming model will feature the familiar grille that is flanked by circular headlights, inspired by the Continental.

What is more, the crossover will also boast front fender vents and muscular rear fenders, roof rails and a unique tailgate. The video clearly shows that this Bentley will be adorned by hand-stitched leather upholstery.

We continue expecting a remake of Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept which was introduced two years ago in Geneva. It exudes the same muscularity and robustness, and at the same time bold and dynamic exterior.

Just unlike concept’s engine, which is the 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12, the production crossover will be powered by it as well as by the other option: 4.0-liter V8 unit. A plug-in hybrid variant is planned for 2017. The 6.0 litre engine is coupled with an eight-speed transmission and develops 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

The new SUV is currently being prepared for production and is scheduled to hit roads in 2016.

httpv://youtu.be/YUnBwnLU9Lw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Bentley

November 7, 2014

2015 Panoz Esperante Spyder GT Shows 560 hp at SEMA

This is 25th Anniversary Edition Esperante Spyder GT which is capable of 560 horsepower! Of course, where this car belongs is at this year’s Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, and this is the reason why we present it to you. The production of the model will be strictly limited, thus staying exclusive and keeping with company’s aim to deliver exclusive, American-made and custom hand-built sports cars.

Esperante Spyder GT has no roof and can offer space for two persons only. The visual dynamic sportiness of the car further strengthened by the carbon fiber panel that conceals the functional twin roll hoops, the shorter windshield reinforced by tubular steel A-pillars with carbon fiber windshield frame.

Inside, the pilot and the co-pilot will enjoy a full leather interior with Alcantara accents on the seats, dash, door panels, center console, and as inserts on the Spyder’s carbon fiber Spyder shell. On the leather we can see that a contrasting stitching is present. What we can also see is that the leather dash features a big10.6-inch ID4Motion digital instrument display, showing important functions.

The supercharged 560 horsepower (412 kW) powerplant is mated with a close-ratio Tremec T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. And this is as standard equipment! The option (and my least favorite) is the six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Those who desire more power can opt for custom build engine, which will generate more than 800 horsepower (588 kW).

In addition to the higher output V8 under the hood, other key upgrades include wide body carbon composite and aluminum body, exterior styling reminiscent of the Le Mans-winning Esperante GTLM race car as well as side exhausts like the Panoz Esperante GT2 race car.

Clear-coated carbon fiber is used for the front splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts, taillight and rear trunk panels. The car runs on custom 19 inch wheels, which are fitted with Brembo® six- and four- piston monobloc front and rear calipers, respectively. The LED taillights are the last element which can’t be skipped.

2015 Panoz Esperante Spyder GT 25th Anniversary Edition is priced at $204,750 USD.

Source: Panoz LLC

November 7, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova