Lidia Todorova – Page 129 – Automobiles Review

Porsche Unveils Martini Lineup Including 911, Macan, Panamera and Cayenne

Porsche has revealed on its official Facebook page its glamorous Martini lineup of vehicles. It includes a yellow 911, green Macan, white Panamera and blue Cayenne. In fact, the iconic Martini Racing stripes have been caught by a photographer on the streets of Sochi, Russia. The result is a stunning picture gallery which you can view below. With it Porsche is celebrating a famous past but also a legendary return.

There is nothing much said about the vehicles, except for their fuel efficiency and CO2 emission figures. Precisely, the 911 models need around 8.2 – 12.4l/100km of gasoline, while they emit 191 – 289g/km of CO2. These numbers for the Panamera are as follows: 6.4 – 10.7l/100km and CO2 emission of 169 – 249g/km. The Macan needs 6.1 – 9.2l to cover 100km, while it emits 159 – 216 g/km of CO2.

The big question is why these sports cars and luxury crossovers were at the site of this resort. And perhaps we will have to wait some more time to understand. The latest edition with the Martini livery revealed before this lineup is the 2014 Porsche 911 S Martini Racing Edition.

It will be produced in only 80 examples and will feature as a standard the Sport Chrono package and a sport steering wheel. Other standard extras include Porsche Communication Management (PCM), black leather-wrapped electric sport seats, tachometer with black gauge and a Bose premium audio system.

In particular, the car is offered in two colors: white and black, which both feature Martini’s traditional blue-red color scheme on the roof, rear wing, boot lid and sides. Special features here include stainless steel door sill panels with “911 Carrera S – Martini Racing Edition” illuminated lettering, Aerokit Cup front apron and fixed rear spoiler.

This Porsche is driven by the 3.8 liter flat-six engine which produces 400 horsepower (294 kW) at 7,400RPM and 440 Nm (326 lb-ft) at 5,600RPM. It is no surprise then that the car needs only 4.1 seconds to cover the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h on its way to a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph).

Source: Porsche via Facebook

October 21, 2014

Ford Reveals Two F-Series SEMA-bound Trucks

Two Ford F-Series trucks are getting readied for the forthcoming SEMA Show. The company has collaborated with SEMA builders in order to produce the radical F-150 trucks. The MY2015 F-150 is the lightest truck ever created by ford and precisely has “lost” 700 pounds. At the same time it is also the toughest and most capable F-150 ever created. In addition, the trucks will be competing for the “Hottest Truck” award at the Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas. Another interesting fact is that the Ford F-Series has won this award in four consecutive year.

There will be two custom versions of the 2015 truck displayed. The fist one is the Deegan 38 and the other – Vaughn Gittin Jr. street truck. Deegan 38 is a project which is a result of the joint work of Ford Racing’s Brian Deegan and the F-150. Under the hood of this beast is the 3.5-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost engine.

Other industry leaders involved in this project are the Addictive Desert Designs, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, FOX Racing Shox, KC Hilites, Mastercraft Safety, Rockford Fosgate, Full-Race Motorsports, Leading Edge Tuning, ProEFI and SCT Performance. They have joined forces in order to deliver extreme motorsport experience to all enthusiasts with the ultimate example of this truck.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. street truck can show-off with 12 inches of King shock-controlled travel via a Kibbetech custom suspension. This second truck is a purpose-built F-150 under the guidance of Formula DRIFT superstar Vaughn Gittin Jr.

He has taken advantage of the weight savings and serious torque offered by the engine. The vehicle has aggressive stance and features Air Lift Performance air ride. Also disclosed around this project is that the seats of the truck will be Recaro.

Source: Ford

October 21, 2014

Renaultsport R.S. 01 to Compete at 2015 World Series by Renault

World Series by Renault are returning to Silverstone in the next 2015 season. Dates have been already announced by Renault Sport Technologies and you can view them in details below. There are planned more than six circuits that are used by Formula One as well as a welcome return to Silverstone for the British round. As a matter of fact, Silverstone will host a meeting of the World Series by Renault for the 10th anniversary of the event.

However, the French round will see some venue change for next year. Renault Sport Technologies will make its return to the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit at the end of September. The other rounds will be held at Motorland Aragón, Spa-Francorchamps, the Hungaroring, the Nürburgring as well as Circuito de Jerez.

At the 2015 World Series by Renault we will also see the latest exceptional race car from Renault Sport Technologies, called Renaultsport R.S 01. This car will play an important part, competing in the Renaultsport Trophy. The latter is a springboard for the professional GT and Endurance championships.

To go into details, the R.S 01 racing car boasts spectacular styling and is the literal expression pure aerodynamic downforce. In addition, its technical specifications reflect the best of Renaultsport expertise. It weighs less than 1,100 kg due to the use of carbon fiber monocoque. Its engine develops more than 500 hp (368 kW) and is capable of reaching a top speed of over 300 km/h.

2015 World Series by Renault Calendar:

25 – 26 April: Motorland Aragón, Spain
30 – 31 May: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
13 – 14 June: Hungaroring, Hungary
29 – 30 August: Silverstone, England
12 – 13 September: Nürburgring, Germany
26 – 27 September: Bugatti Circuit Le Mans, France
17 – 18 October: Circuito de Jerez, Spain

Formula Renault 3.5 Series only:

24 May: Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
TBC: Red Bull Ring, Austria

Source: Renault

October 21, 2014

Duke Dynamics and SR Auto Collaborate to Show Stunning BMW Z4

It is very rare to see a tuning which involves the extremely sport BMW Z4. And this project by Duke Dynamics is one of these examples. For it, the tuners have collaborated with the experts at SR Auto Group to create the stunning visual appeal of the Z4. In fact, the car can now show-off with a new body, due to the addition of Duke Dynamics wide body kit.

It comprises of Duke Dynamics front bumper, which lends the car more aggressive styling compare to the stock front facial and includes honeycomb mesh. In the kit there are also featured new wide front and wide rear fenders, side skirts and rear bumper.

But this is not all of it: Duke Dynamics vented hood is made of lightweight carbon fiber contributing towards weight saving. The vents can be closed or open with the mesh. At last, company’s rear diffuser is inspired and developed for a perfect blend of graceful appearances. It ensures the effective downforce for the BMW and features Eisenmann sport quad exhaust system.

With this widened exterior, the tuners at SR Auto Group were seduced to fill up the larger fenders. As a result, they have added a set of forged three piece PUR LG02 wheels, which were specifically engineered specifically for the widebody Z4. They are finished with an electric blue face and include polished lip. The size is measured at 19×9” at the front and 19×11 at the back.

This enriched and outstanding BMW Z4 model is a synonym for style, speed and performance, and more importantly is capable of producing the staggering 245 horsepower (180 kW). The torque it produces is 350 Nm (260 lb-ft). The result is that the Z4 absolutely effortlessly accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds.

Source: SR Auto Group

October 20, 2014

Volkswagen Revealing Fox Pepper and Saveiro Surf at the Sao Paulo Auto Show

At the Auto Show in Sao Paulo Volkswagen will reveal two exclusive new models: Fox Pepper and Saveiro Surf. The Fox Pepper is a spicy mini concept based on company’s sub-Polo hatchback. It has unique visual stance, sporty and youthful appearance. The unit exhibited at the show will carry a Red Tornado pain scheme, which clearly shows the stem of the name Pepper. The car will be equipped with wide range of security and technology features, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control. The concept is powered by Volkswagen’s new 1.6l MSI engine, which produces 120 hp (88 kW) and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

In contrast to the overall color theme, the roof of the Pepper Fox is black. In the same color is the front bumper. The new auxiliary headlights are rectangular and have a role of functioning as fog lights, spotlights and cornering lights. The front grille has a honeycomb shape with horizontal red trim, which is inspired by the new Golf GTI.

Another element that emphasizes the sporty nature of the model is the 15 inch alloys which were also painted in black on the inner side. The appliqué on the bottom of the doors is also different and is includes a chrome effect.

The black shade is also included at the rear of the car. At the bottom of the rear bumper there is an air diffuser painted in glossy black. Pepper Fox also has a dual exhaust tip. Going inside, the car is adorned a steering wheel in the design of the new Golf Highline and featuring intuitive controls for audio and phone systems. The seats are wrapped in Paladium (gray) leather and have some red accents on the have a front seats and the door panels appliqués.

Volkswagen Pepper Fox is driven by the 1.6l engine MSI engine, which delivers up to 120 hp. The car can accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in only 9.8 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 189 km/h.

The company will also showcase at the show a Fox-based Saveiro Surf model. The vehicle is a single-cab version of the recently facelifted Saveiro ute. It is powered by the same engine as the Fox Pepper, but less potent – with 104 hp (76 kW). There will be also some improvements in terms of exterior and interior which will include equipment such as set of new 15-inch wheels, honeycomb grille, roof bar, unique graphics and surf board resting in the bed.

Source: Volkswagen

October 20, 2014

Audi Sport TT Cup Races to be Launched from 2015

Audi Sport TT Cup is entering the motorsport world. The new car will be included as part of the DTM starting in the 2015 season, which means that next to the Audi R8 LMS Cup, Audi is also launching another one-make cup in Germany next year. The vehicle is the racing version of the new Audi TT which has a kerb weight of only 1,125 kilograms. It produces 310 horsepower (228 kW) and via the push-to-pass function the output of the two-liter TFSI engine can be boosted by 30 hp (22 kW).

Audi TT is an iconic model which is a pure example of powerful sportiness and emotional design. Currently, the production model is in its third generation version. It was a logical consequence that Audi has released a motorsport version of the model.

As mentioned, the car will take part in the 2015 season in the DTM events. quattro GmbH will prepare and field the 24 cars. There will be six cockpits that will be reserved for changing guest drivers. For the other 18 places, interested drivers from around the globe can apply online.

The selection process will take place in close cooperation with the Audi driving experience. Markus Winkelhock who has already tested the car at the Nürburgring will be also available to coach the participants of the Audi Sport TT Cup as an experienced professional race driver.

The low weight of the car is due to the utilization of material mix of steel and aluminum, which provides an ideal base for a race car. In addition, the four-cylinder TFSI and the six-speed S tronic which were adopted from the production model, have been left almost unchanged. The electronically variable from the cockpit active differential ensures optimal traction at the front axle.

Source: Audi

October 20, 2014

Peugeot 308 Range Gets Enhanced with Two New Models

Peugeot 308 range is getting enhanced with two new models. The new 308 GT was revealed at the Paris Motor Show, and this GT Line comes to capitalize the sporting character of the car. In addition, the car will be offered with a choice of the following powertrains: PureTech, HDi and BlueHDi. At the same time, the 308 Sportium is the new special edition model which is equipped with company’s efficient three-cylinder petrol engine.

The GT Line comes in two body styles: hatchback and SW. No matter the choice, the car will offer its customer one of five powertrain options. The model is builds on Allure’s strong standard specification list. Other exterior equipment features include 18-inch ‘Diamant’ alloy wheels, twin exhausts with black laquered rear diffusor and tinted rear side windows.

The interior of this new Peugeot model is adorned by half-Alcantara sports seats with red stitching, plus a driver and front passenger lumbar adjustment with massage function. A ‘GT style’ leather steering wheel with red stitching and ‘GT style’ carpet mats are also featured in the cabin along with aluminium style pedals and door sill protectors. 308 GT Line comes to substitute the Feline trim, which will no linger be produced.

The second new model in the range is the 308 Sportium, which is positioned between the Access and Active trim levels. This car is equipped with the exceptional 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine, which has emissions as low as 105g/km due to the efficiency and advanced stop/start engine technology.

The PureTech engine is offered in either 110 hp (80 kW) or 130 hp (95 kW) power outputs. The Sportium is offered in a hatchback form only. Its unit can be coupled with a five-speed or six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.

Access trim is used as a basis for the Sportium models, which means that they already include DAB digital radio, air-conditioning and cruise control with a speed limiter. In addition, the standard kit adds 16-inch ‘Diamond’ alloy wheels, driver’s lumbar support, rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel, leather gearstick gaiter, plus automatic headlamps and wipers.

Source: Peugeot

October 20, 2014

Chevrolet Shows Five Performace Inspired Concepts Ahead of SEMA Debut

Chevrolet too has previewed some of the performance-oriented concepts that it is going to display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The range of the vehicles that will be exhibited includes some of the most popular models: SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze. The SEMA concepts are equipped with accessories that allow personalization. In fact, some accessories are already available at dealerships, while other will debut at the show and are currently evaluated for production.

The first vehicle to be displayed at SEMA is the Chevrolet SS Sport concept, which is inspired by company’s motorsports heritage. Its unique features include improved “Some Like It Red Hot” exterior with body-color door handles and mirrors, Chevrolet Accessories grille kit, fog lamp bezels, side fender vents and rear spoiler, stripes for the hood and deck lid, wheel caps with the Holden logo, sport pedal kit and cargo net and floor mats and cargo tray with the Holden logo.

The car is running on new high-gloss black wheels that come in the size of 20 x 8.5-inch at the front and 20 x 9-inch at the rear. The car is driven by the LS3 V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb-ft of torque (563 Nm). The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, but can be also mated to a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic one. What is more, this concept also gets as a standard Magnetic Ride Control and new Brembo rear brakes that complement the Brembo front brakes.

The second concept t be shown at the event is the Sonic Performance concept, which draws on the legacy of Chevrolet’s high-performance vehicles reimagined for a new generation of enthusiasts. The car includes engine performance, suspension/brakes and appearance upgrades. Precisely, the package includes Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power for a more exciting driving experience.

There are also featured a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance, which lowers the ride height for a sportier stance, Synergy Green exterior color accented with white; Chevrolet Accessories white headlamp rings, tail lamp rings, grille surround, mirror covers and rear spoiler, Concept ground effects package, 17-inch aluminum wheels in white and Chevrolet Accessories carpeted floor mats, door sills and sport pedals.

In addition, this Sonic is also equipped with an advanced safety package that comes with forward collision alert and lane departure warning as well as a rear vision camera. It also features 10 standard air bags and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

The other Sonic in the range of Chevy’s SEMA-bound concepts is the Sonic Accessories concept. It was built to emphasize the personalization possibilities of the car and includes Summit White exterior color with an offset matte black stripe, Chevrolet Accessories white headlamp rings and tail lamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and rear spoiler, suspension kit with lowered ride height, carpeted floor mats, door sills and sport pedals.

The car is running on black 17-inch aluminum wheels and also packs a Kicker subwoofer and amplifier to complement its street-smart style with the appropriate decibels. The vehicle is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbo which generates 138 horsepower (103kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm) of torque between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.

Impala Blackout concept is the fourth revealed SEMA vehicle, which features blacked-out cues that lend it a sinister attitude. The tuning is simple, but effective and includes Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Here however the interior was modified and gets custom trim plates with a wire mesh pattern, along with Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel sills and a sport pedal kit. This Impala also rocks with 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, which connects to the Chevrolet MyLink system via an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen.

Under the hood of the car is the 3.6L V-6 engine. It produces 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). This powerplant is segment’s most forcefull naturally aspirated V-6 engine.

The last concept which Chevvrolet has revealed is the Cruze RS Plus. It has received a revised exterior styling, enhanced interior and better connectivity. The latter is ensured by the Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package comes with unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps, while an uplevel instrument cluster includes chrome accent rings in place of the standard silver finish, and opaque cluster bezels that allow the cluster’s ice blue backlighting to shine through.

Cruze RS Plus concept adds over this a custom Wildfire Metallic exterior, along with lower body moldings and a custom rear spoiler. As you can see there is also a twin-stripe package in matte black. Inside, the driver and occupants will enjoy a Jet Black interior that also gets Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated door sills as well as sport pedal kit and a Kicker subwoofer and amplifier kit.

This last concept in Chevrolet’s range is powered by the 1.4L turbo engine, which has been enhanced via a stage kit from Chevrolet Performance. There has been also added a fresh-air intake system.

Source: Chevrolet

October 17, 2014

Two NGTC Infiniti Q50 Race Cars Enter the BTCC in 2015

Infiniti and Support Our Paras Racing has just reveled the car and team which will compete in next season’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. The team will carry the name ‘Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing’ and will consist of a number of injured Paratroopers who will work on the cars to prepare them not only for race weekends, but also maintain their maximum efficiency throughout the hectic schedule of a BTCC season.

The introduction of the new team coincides with the amalgamation of the two main Parachute Regiment charities: Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust and Parachute Regiment Charity, which will merge and then operate under the new name ‘Support Our Paras’. The director of the latter said that thanks to the employment of injured Paratroopers, they can eventually make a career out of this.

There will be two NGTC Infiniti Q50 race cars. Behind the wheel will sit Richard Hawken (Walton-on-Thames), who has won three championships at club level and tested for Speedworks in 2013; Derek Palmer Jnr (Lanark/Zurich). Both are extremely delighted to be making the step into Britain’s biggest and most high-profile motorsport championship, which comprises of ten race meetings and 30 races.

The new team will ensure that the funds are raised for the benefit of injured Paras and their families. A sad fact is that the Parachute Regiment lost 26 soldiers during the campaign in Afghanistan and more than 130 were wounded. All profits generated by the Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing Team will go to the ‘Support Our Paras’ charity as a donation.

Source: Infiniti

October 17, 2014

LUMMA Design has Prepared Stunning CLR R Conversion Kit for the Range Rover LWB

LUMMA Range Rover CLR R is unique not only because the tuners have done an exceptional work, but also because they are the first to offer a broad-build body kit for the Range Rover Long Wheelbase (LWB). At the front, the new look of the vehicle is characterized by a powerful front spoiler bumper with awe-inspiring air inlets. There are also the LUMMA-typical LED-double daytime running lights and double headlights just above the lane.

Furthermore, the designers have given this Range Rover a new front grille and a full-carbon sport look motor cowl with central air exhaust openings. At the rear we see the same design philosophy applied on the rear bumper which includes an integrated diffusor. The latter can be removed in just a few steps so that any trailer coupling present can be used.

Next, two trapezoid chrome end tube covers of the “Supersound” sports exhaust system can be seen to the right and left of the diffusor. They were mounted into the LUMMA Design rear apron cleanly and accurately.

At the back, LUMMA has also introduced new lamps, which now feature large white elements. As an available feature, the tuning team is offering a distinctive roof spoiler, which creates extra down-force at the rear axle of the heavy-weight.

This modified Range Rover also runs on new wheels, namely – the LUMMA CLR 22 rims in the size of 12×22 inch all around. They were coupled with Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta SUV-tyres in the size of 305/35R22.

LUMMA Range Rover CLR R in details:

Body kit:

Front spoiler bumper with LED double daytime running lights headlight and additional headlights
Front grille
Sport look motor cowl (full carbon) with central air inlet openings
Wheel-arch widening on the front and rear
Door attachments
Side sills
Rear bumper with removable rear diffusor
Design rear lamps, white
Roof spoiler (optional)

Exhaust:

LUMMA sport exhaust system “Supersound” with chrome end tube covers

Wheels:

LUMMA sport wheel rims CLR 22, size 10×22 inch
Vredestein tyres, size 305/35R22

Source: LUMMA Design

October 17, 2014

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Chelsea Wide Track Edition

This Land RoverDefender has been treated so well that in its current state it looks amazing. The seven-passenger Fungus Green vehicle has been adorned abundantly with a lot of rugged and luxurious amenities that set it apart from the average Defender. First, Chelsea Truck Company has transformed it into a 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Wide Track Edition we haven’t seen before. The team had to rework substantial aspects of the exterior and interior of the SUV in order to make it stand out.

They have begun with the exterior, which is now even more rugged and exclusive than before. Precisely, the front fascia has been entirely changed and now includes a new X-Lander front grille in Fungus Green and Old England White.

They have added also a new bumper with integrated lighting, cross-hair military headlights, bumper sump guard mesh hood vents to help cool the engine. Just like at the front, the rear also got wide wing arches. The roof contrasts to the overall design theme in Old England White.

Next, the tuners have equipped it with a set of commanding 1948 Defend wheels in satin black, which come in the size of 8.0 x 16″ and are fitted with 265x75x16 tyres. Behind the wheels we can see the liquid red painted brake callipers. The exterior look is rounded out by the twin crosshair exhaust system, 2″ suspension lift, up rated gas shocks/steering damper, welcome ambient illumination package and hard- wearing mud flaps.

While the dark-tinted privacy glass leaves the onlookers guessing what is on the inside, the occupants enjoy a luxury atmosphere. This is where the might of A. Kahn Design can be seen in its full glory. To be more precise, the front and rear seats have been replaced with GTB sport units with quilted and perforated tan nappa leather.

In addition, the centre glove box, passenger dashboard, grab handles, door panel inserts, instrument binnacle, rear door panel, roof headlining and sun visors are also upholstered. The interior also benefits from a Churchill time clock and speedo/rev counter facia in red, alpine satellite navigation system, door entry sill plates, rear cabin access LED lights, reverse camera, Kahn billet steering wheel and vented machined aluminium foot pedals.

What is more, the rear floor space has been substituted with classic teak decking, including a transparent pod for the Alpine stereo amplifier. At last, Kahn branding rounds-out the package.

Source: A. Kahn Design

October 17, 2014

Vorsteiner Teases a 10th Anniversary Edition Vehicle Called GTRS4

It’s rather unusual for tuning companies to release teasers, but this is what we got today from the Californian-based specialists at Vorsteiner. Obviously they are preparing for the SEMA Show and this is why they have released a sketch of the vehicle they are premiering there. The details disclosed are scarce except for the name of the car, which is GTRS4 Wide Body. Although the manqué of the automobile wasn’t revealed, it is clearly visible that it is a BMW.

Even more, the kit will probably be offered on the BMW M4 Coupe. Judging from the sketches, it will feature an aggressive front bumper and a bulging hood. The mage also shows that there will be also added extended fenders and an aggressive rear diffuser. This tuning comes to celebrate Vorsteiner’s 10th anniversary. The car will be officially revealed on 4th of November during the SEMA Show.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder engine. It produces 431 horsepower (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as a standard. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph).

The acceleration becomes even better if the car is fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT, precisely – it is 4.1 seconds. The M4 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT. Some of the special features for the MY2014 feature an updated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

Source: Vorsteiner

October 17, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova