Lidia Todorova – Page 124 – Automobiles Review

Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive? 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe Just Got It

Have you ever thought that an All-Wheel-Drive System can be Instinctive? Well, if you haven’t then you are not alone in this. Obviously, for Jaguar things are getting pretty modern because the 2016 F-TYPE R Coupe just got an Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive. The car was unveiled in the South African desert on Hakskeen Pan. The technology is a first for the F-TYPE line-up and it expands the dynamic capability of the car.

Speaking in numbers: it reaches the 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 186 mph. What delivers better traction in different road conditions is the standard Instinctive All-Wheel-Drive and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.

F-TYPE model range will soon grow from 6 to 12 derivatives in the 2016 model year. The entire lineup will debut very soon at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show on 19^th of November.

The event and the special premiere also mark the beginning of the technical partnership between Jaguar and Bloodhound SSC. The goal is to raise the world land speed record to above 1,000 mph. For this reason, Jaguar assisted the Bloodhound SSC team in successfully completing a vital communications test at the Hakskeen Pan.

There was achieved also one more thing: the stability of the F-TYPE R AWD Coupe was demonstrated as it was driven flat-out by Bloodhound SSC chairman and former world land speed record holder, Richard Noble. The car was driven at top speed towards a jet flown at 500 mph and just above 50-ft above the ground.

The combined closing speed of almost 700 mph enabled the successful test of the system. This will also allow communications between the ground crew and Andy Green in the Bloodhound SSC, which will run for the first time on the Hakskeen Pan just twelve months from now. Andy holds the supersonic land speed record of 763.035 mph.

The additional details on the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE range will be announced after the official launch at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Source: Jaguar

November 7, 2014

Volvo Ocean Race XC60 Wows Miami

Volvo Ocean Race Editions were shown at first at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The range of exclusive vehicles included the V40 and V40 Cross Country, V60, XC60, V70 and XC70 Editions. The fleet Ocean Racers is intended for customers who want more dynamic look and handling. Now North America is set to see the birth of the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC60 at the Miami International Auto Show. The event starts today and will last until 16^th of September.

Precisely, this special edition pays homage to the courageous men and women racing across the oceans. This is highlighted with the special design elements. First thing that grabs the eye is the distinctive “Ocean Blue II” exterior color. Next are the unique to the model blonde leather interior with orange stitching.

The exclusive 18” wheels just perfectly combine with the T6 Drive-E FWD or the T6 AWD engine by which this car can be driven. Other Volvo Ocean Race XC60 features include an inscribed “Volvo Ocean Race” tread plate as well as exterior emblem on front fenders and deco inlay. Orange stitching is featured on door panels, floor mats and luggage compartment.

2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race has already started in Alicante, Spain more than a month ago. The finish will happen in Gothenburg, Sweden, in June next year. In the race are participating 66 of world’s top sailors, who will race 38,739 nautical miles around the world. To make it clearer: this number is actually almost twice the circumference of the Earth.

Volvo Ocean Race XC60 Limited Edition has a starting price of $42,100 USD.

Source: Volvo

November 7, 2014

2016 Kia Sorento to go Official in America

2016 Kia Sorento CUV is going to make its official North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car has been redesigned and is larger than the previous generation model. In fact, it offers up to three rows of seating. But you can expect even more: it is packed with luxurious equipment. The CUV will be available in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX and SXL. This is the third gen of Kia’s best selling model and this means that it now features more mature appearance.

The new styling is now more aggressive and features intricate surface detailing. The car is longer, lower and wider, meaning that it has an extended wheelbase. The design of the mode incorporates fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept. As an example: just take a look at the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The Sorento includes larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille as well as a three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The SUC has grown also in size with 95 mm to 4.780 mm. In contrast, the height was reduced down to 1,685 mm, while the 80 mm longer wheelbase is now 2,780 mm and is what ensures the space for all three seat rows.

2016 Kia Sorento is expected to go on sale globally in the Spring of 2015.

Source: Kia

November 7, 2014

Ken Block Unveils the EXCLUSIVE Hoonigan Ford Mustang RTR

We haven’t seen a tuning like this for a long time. The Hoonigan Ford Mustang RTR by Ken Block is breath-taking at first glance and I’m sure you are going to fall in love with it as I did. The muscle beast was showed for the first time at Ford’s booth at this year’s SEMA Show. As you can see the project is completely unique. It is based on world’s first performance all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang notchback, and is a result of the collaborative effort between Block, Hoonigan and RTR.

The pony car was heavily modified by RTR and ASD Motorsports and is powered by a 410 cubic inch Roush Yates V8 engine which boasts 845 hp (621 kW) and 976 Nm (720 lb.ft)!!! This force is coupled with a one-off six-speed Sadev SC90-24all-wheel drive system, featuring a hydraulic handbrake system.

Block unveiled that he and the other teams have been working on this project for more than two years. And now it has come fully to fruition. The racer will be competing with the special Mustang at the Gymkhana SEVEN, and by far, I must say, this is the best Gymkhana car we have ever seen.

The suspension of the special car is delivered by ASD Motorsports, as well as the full tubular chassis, custom roll-cage, door bars and front and rear suspension mounts. RTR made the carbon fiber body panels, while the wide body of the car was designed by RTR, Ken Block and Hoonigan.

We can’t pass by the fifteen 52 three-piece R40 wheels in the size of 18” x10.5”, which were fitted with 295/30/18 Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. All in all, this bad boy has made our day: it is one-off, absolutely adorable and has a lot of power and potential to show. Good work Hoonigan!

Source: Hoonigan Racing

November 6, 2014

BMW M6 RS800 Gran Coupe by PP-Performance is World’s Fastest 6 Series [VIDEO]

BMW M6 RS800 Gran Coupe by PP-Performance can show more than 240 horsepower than the production M6 power. The reason for this almost unbelievable optimization is the work of the tuners at PP Performance, who wave optimized the engine and it now delivers 800 hp (588 kW) instead of 560 hp (413 kW). The first number means that this is the world’s fastest BMW 6 series.

The top speed stands at 328 kmph (203 mph) the new Newton metes measure 950 (production are 680 Nm). The customizing specialists have also added special downpipes, an Akrapovic titan exhaust system and BMC racing filters.

For the external appearance of the car took car professionals at Cam Shaft. They not only specialize in optimization of car hard and soft ware, but also highly professional process high tech foil in fields of car design. And now you get the reason why this RS800 shines brightly in exclusive Electric Lime.

Furthermore, it has to be mentioned that each PP-Performance power improvement solution has being developed and tested in Abu Dhabi. The reason is because of the dominating climate there and the daily highest temperatures above 50°C (122°F), the tuners are able to give the necessary stability guarantee. Enjoy the video below, it is worth it!

httpv://youtu.be/g3SoFVKFyiA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: PP-Performance

November 6, 2014

Hyundai Fantastic Five Debuting at SEMA

SEMA is a really big thin at the moment for the entire automotive world. One of the companies with an every year presence at the show is Hyundai, and it has released five of its concepts introduced at the event. It has once again teamed up with some of the biggest names in the tuning community. This year, the focus is on performance, thus boosting the new Genesis and Sonata models. The lineup of Hyundai vehicles includes ARK Performance AR550 Genesis Sedan, Bisimoto Engineering Sonata, Blood Type Racing Genesis Coupe, JP Edition Sonata and Toca Signature Edition Genesis Sedan.

ARK Performance AR550 Genesis is ultra-luxurious and equipped with supercharged power. ARK also focused on the power, handling, and note: sound of the Hyundai power plant. High-performance racing technology was also integrated in the Genesis in order to introduce a very unique and bold tuning.

Bisimoto is teaming up with Hyundai for the third year for SEMA. The powertrain gurus have created the most-powerful, front-wheel drive Sonata ever! The number is 708 horsepower (521 kW) and is produced by the entirely custom 2.4-liter “Theta-II” four cylinder engine. The car is made distinctive via the custom laminated body wrap and graphics.

The third car is the Blood Type Racing Genesis Coupe and it is the most-powerful 2.0-liter Genesis Coupe ever built. It features high-boost Precision Turbo turbocharger, strengthened and fully balanced internal components, a custom intake, intercooler, full exhaust kit and nitrous injection. All of this means that the tuners at BTR achieved the goal of extracting almost 1000 horsepower (735) from the engine.

The aggressive appearance of the Genesis Coupe which perfectly complements power under the hood is the addition of a widebody kit from Japanese designer Kei Miura, with 40mm-wider front and 60mm-wider rear fenders, front bumper lip spoiler, rear diffuser and a GT wing.

Number four is the JP Edition Sonata and it features a balance of performance products, in-car entertainment and represents the enthusiasts whose cars showcase an extension of their personalities and lifestyles. JP has given the Sonata a performance boost, as well as AEM cold air intake, a MagnaFlow exhaust kit and a hot charge pipe from Bisimoto engineering.

At last, Toca Signature Edition Genesis, dubbed “Steel Phoenix”, is powered by the Hyundai’s “Tau” 5.0-liter V8, which later was enhanced with Garrett twin turbo setup, ARK Performance catback exhaust system. The result is a power output of 600 horsepower (441 kW). Inside, the vehicle has also been given a boost: custom black leather seats with contrasting white stitching, carbon-fiber trim panels and a Rockford Fosgate sound system are all at hand.

Which one do you like the best?

Source: Hyundai

November 6, 2014

Audi Hints at the Future A9 Concept [VIDEO]

Audi has released a teaser video of the A9 Concept, which will debut at the motor show in Los Angeles this month. The company also presented the new head of design Mark Lichte, who talked about his first project in the brand. He was appointed Head of Audi Design in February, and has promised to communicate the technical competence and uncompromising product quality of the German car maker.

Mark said that his passion came from cars like the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, the first generation A8 and TT Coupe. The future Audi A9 concept aims to showcase the new design philosophy of the company.

According to previous information, the suggested A9 will come in 2017 and will be driven by a 4-liter V8 with tuinturbo unit 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.

Lichte also said that the new model will be immediately recognizable as an Audi. This means that it will retain the emblematic signature single frame grille. Being a concept version of the A9, this means that the car will stay at the top of the range model, sitting above the existing A8.

httpv://youtu.be/qe1NqQcIAqQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Audi

November 6, 2014

Mazda Motorsports Releases Global MX-5 Cup Racecar

Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best selling roadsters around the globe. In addition, this is the most road-raced car in the world and its fourth generation has been just released. At the SEMA show the Japanese company announced that the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be raced in a new Global Cup series in North America, Europe and Asia. The racings will culminate at the end of 2016 with a Global Shootout at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey in California.

Unfortunately Mazda did released only pictures of the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup racecar. There are no final specifications released, equipment details or technical partners for the car. The only thing confirmed by Mazda is that the cup racecar will be equipped with a 2.0 liter SKYACTIV-G four cylinder engine.

In fact, the car is currently in development. From this winter Mazda Motorsports will select the optimum tires, suspension and powertrain and safety modifications. The final specifications will be announced in 2015. Then will be also the time when Mazda will be ready to accept orders.

Full details of the Global MX-5 Cup, including which countries will be involved and when the races will take place, is soon to be announced. 2016 Mazda MX-5 was revealed officially in the beginning of September with events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain. The car will enter the global markets in 2015.

Source: Mazda

November 6, 2014

Custom Lexus NX 200t F SPORT also Starring at SEMA

More news from Lexus! The ban is obviously making a furore at SEMA show, because it has just released additional information on two other models that are currently under the spotlight at the event. We are speaking about the NX 200t F SPORT made by 360 Elite Motorworks and the Instabuilt RC F by VIP Auto Salon. The NX model of choice is of course the 200t Sport, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

In addition, the car features unique tweaks such as the Artisan Spirits aerodynamic kit. It includes front lip, front bumper LED attachment, rocker panels, rear diffuser and trunk spoiler. As you can see, the paint isn’t the production one. In the case of this NX, the Foreign Auto Body studio has created a specific paint scheme called Molten Pearl.

21 inch HRE P104 forged monoblok wheels in gloss black fitted with Toyo Proxes T1R Sport tires as well as the new front and rear fender flares is what rounds-out this exclusive SEMA-built project.

Next, the Instabuilt RC F by VIP Auto Salon adds Lexon Exclusive Japan kit, which comprises of a front and lip spoiler, and side Steps. Here the paint is also untraditional and is called Oracle 970RA Seafoam. This RC F runs on 20 inch Vossen VPS 3101 forged monoblock wheels coupled with Nitto Invo low profile tyres.

Behind the spokes of the wheels there is a Brembo GT brake system, featuring front: 6-piston 405 x 34mm (16”) 2-piece discs and rear 345 x 28mm (13.6”) 2-piece disc upgrade. The coilovers are delivered by RSR Sports-I, while the exhaust system with integration system & N1 Evolution-X as well as the power intake – by Apex.

Inside, this Lexus gets Sabelt SPS bucket seat, custom steering wheel with Alacantara grips, carbon fiber and Seafoam accents, unique paneling with Seafoam accents as well as Madico CH50 window film installed by STM.

Source: Lexus

November 5, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang RTR is Fast and Furious with 725 Horsepower

Since they were shown in the summer just as “teasing” sketches, we’ve been waiting for the SEMA show impatiently. Of course we are talking that passionately about a custom muscle car based on the Mustang of 2015. The tuner releasing the project is called RTR which for only five years (since its birth) has rapidly become one of the most popular automotive brand names worldwide.

In August, the customization has released info that they are to built a 2015 Ford Mustang based RTR Spec 1 and Spec 2 packages. Now the details about them are revealed officially. Both packs feature the following modifications, which concern only the external appearance of the car: Spec 1 and Spec 2 chin spoiler, rear spoiler, rear diffuser with side splitters, rocker splitters, upper grill with integrated lighting as well as lower grill.

Of course, there is also a performance upgrades that come on the top of the appearance modifications of the Spec 2 package. Here are the new adjustable amperes and sway bars as well as lowering springs.

Magnaflow ensured that there is enough sound in the air around the car by delivering the exhaust system. RTR added also optional supercharger and cold air intake system. The engine was tweaked and the result is super exciting: 725 horsepower (533 kW) generated from 5.0-liter V-8 engine with a supercharger attached.

2015 Ford Mustang RTR will go on sale in January next year through only select Ford dealerships around the globe.

Source: RTR

November 5, 2014

Lexus Shows Two Custom 2015 RC F Studs at SEMA

News from SEMA again. This time we will review what is happening with Lexus at the show. They have just released two super sports and super luxury models at the event. Both are based on the RC F model: the Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT and the Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting & Beyond Marketing. The first on is designed by TRA-Kyoto and boasts devilish red paint and some unique tweaks.

It sits on Enkei custom 6666 wheels, again designed by TRA-Kyoto, and wrapped in Toyo Tires 888. They measure 265/30-19 at the front and 325/30-19 at the rear. Brembo Performance Brakes are also at hand and they feature 6 piston front monoblock calipers with 2 piece 380 x 32mm type III discs and upgraded brake pads. At the rear, the caliper is 4 piston mono block with 2 piece 345 x 28mm type III discs and upgraded brake pads.

As one can see from the stickers all around the shell of the car, a bunch of tunign companied has been involved. For instance, KW supplied the suspension coilovers, while GReddy delivered the Prototype Supreme SP exhaust system. There is also a V3 + HLS 4 lift system and added Motul performance engine oil.

The second RC-F project is result of the work of Gordon Ting And Beyond Marketing. There are a lot of carbon fiber elements such as the front lip and splitter as well as the side diffusers. New wheels ensure that the ride will be breath-taking. Precisely, the car has been fitted with Yokohama Advan AVS F50 wheels fitted with tyres from the same company that measure 255/30-20 at the front and 285/30-20 at the rear.

Here, the tunes did not miss to substitute the production brakes with Brembo Performance Brakes. The front 6 piston monoblock calipers come with 2-piece 405 x 34mm type III discs and upgraded pads, while the rear 2-piece 345 x 28mm type III discs – with OEM Lexus RC F calipers.

Unlike the aforementioned project, this one is fitted with coilovers by EDFC Active Pro, GReddy supplied the exhaust again as well as the high performance intake kit. Not forgetting to mention the custom front and rear tower bar and lower reinforcement braces, as well as the Nitrous Express 100-shot wet Nitrous System.

Source: Lexus

November 5, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Makes Plans for the Future with Vision G-Code Concept [VIDEO]

Mercedes-Benz Vision G-Code Concept is a vehicle study from Asia an intended for Asia. The car was revealed at the opening of the new Product Engineering Centre in Beijing. The Sports Utility Coupé (SUC) is so strange and versatile that it probably aims to show the evolutionary design possibilities for Mercedes‑Benz. The car is fitted with dynamically flowing greenhouse and has sporty proportions, extensive assistance and camera systems as well as the variable plug-in hybrid drive system.

The G-Code, which is a 2+2 seater, features wide range of technical innovations. It measures about 4.10 metres in length and has counter-opening doors. Its muscular appearance is strengthened by the 21-inch aluminium wheels with delicate carbon-fibre spokes.

And if you think that this SUC features a conventional louvred grille, then you are wrong. The central trademark star and the two chrome louvres in the radiator are surrounded by a continuous display. The engine is cooled via air deflection though the apertures in the side and at the bottom of the front.

The innovative grille is complemented by two full-LEDs. If they are switched on, they extend from the depth of the headlamp and focus the light in line with the driving and traffic situation. Furthermore, two cameras replace the classic rear-view mirrors and retract flush into the A-pillars after the G-Code is parked. An LED light strip across the entire rear is used by the turn indicators, tail lights, and brake lights.

Inside there is space for four. When the counter-opening doors open, the G-Code offers unrestricted access for everyone. The steering wheel rests in the instrument panel, unfolds like a butterfly. The wide multi-information-screen display spans almost the entire width of the instrument panel offering an ease of access of the multimedia functions.

Driver assistance systems haven’t been spared here: 360-degree monitoring of the surroundings via 3D cameras, radar, infra-red scanner and GPS data, are all here. The interior of the G-Code is decided in striking contrast between dark and light areas.

The black components such as the dirt-resistant floor covering or the carbon-fibre seat structure are supposed to visualise stability, durability or utility. On the other hand, the white interior components (soft leather upholstery on seats and armrests) exude comfort and wellness.

More importantly, the power of this Mercedes comes two individually controlled units. The first one is positioned at the front and it is a turbocharged combustion engine, which runs on hydrogen and solely drives the front wheels. The second is the electric motor which drives the rear axle and transmits its power selectively to the two wheels via a dual multi-disc clutch.

In addition to the classic energy intake, here power is supplied via the high-tech “multi-voltaic silver” paint finish. It acts like a giant solar cell and is also electrostatically charged by the relative wind or by the natural wind. But this is not all: the special “power on the move” suspension aids in the generation of electricity.

httpv://youtu.be/6BrFD8KQ750

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 5, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova