Lidia Todorova – Page 145 – Automobiles Review

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO Goes on Sale in Europe

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO debuted in May at the ZDAYZ event, where it showed the updates it received for the new model year. The 370Z incorporates a range of design and engineering improvements and in fact it is the sportiest 370Z produced up to date. The car embodies the essence of performance motoring, and part of this is due to the added design changes and new aero package.

The new model includes an entirely redesigned front bumper, which features a larger air intake, additional air inlets ahead of the wheel arch and new LED daytime running lights. Other updates include black headlamp bezels, special red NISMO trim at the base of the bumper, redesigned side sill and door mirror and special NISMO badging. 370Z NISMO runs on 19-inch Rays alloy wheels finished in black and silver.

At the back of this Nissan, there is a new bumper and spoiler design. Furthermore, the 370Z NISMO’s aero package includes a smaller rear spoiler that works in team with the new front bumper. It achieves more downforce when driving at speed.

Inside, the car is adorned by racing-inspired interior featuring new Recaro seats. They are significantly improved in order to deliver more support and comfort, and are based on the acclaimed Recaro Sportster. In fact, the seats have been specifically designed for the 370Z NISMO and feature a host of detail changes. The seats are trimmed in red and black leather and Alcantara and match the steering wheel.

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO is powered by 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine that delivers 344 horsepower (253 kW). The unit is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the car is rated at just 5.2 seconds. NISMO’s dual exhaust system delivers the perfect sporting soundtrack.

Nissan has also made several design and engineering improvements to the rest of the 370Z range. Some of them include the 18-inch Gun Metallic wheels, new Spinal seats with shell construction, revised suspension set-up and rear spring and damper rates, a new inner wheel arch and new carpets.

2015 Nissan 370Z is powered by the 3.7-litre V6 engine, which produces 328 hp (241 kW) and drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 370Z also offers Syncro Rev Control which is a fully synchronised down/up shift rev control system.

The pricing for both models will be announced closer to the launch later this year. They will go on sale in Europe in September.

Source: Nissan

August 27, 2014

2015 Skoda Fabia Interior Revealed

2015 Skoda Fabia not only has incredibly good looks but it is also more practical than ever before. The new model offers just enough space for five occupants and their luggage. The boot is the largest within the small car segment. In addition, the 2015 Fabia also offers 17 ‘Simply Clever’ features, nine of which are entirely new. To go further into details, the interior passenger space of the car is slightly longer and larger than this of the previous model year. In addition, the headroom for the driver and passengers was increased.

Despite the fact that the new Fabia is 8 mm shorter than its predecessor, the length of the interior has grown by 8 mm to 1,674 mm. Elbow room is also 21 mm longer (1,401 mm) at the front and 2 mm longer (1,386 mm) at the rear.

Next, the boot is the largest within the car’s segment. Precisely, the luggage compartment has the capacity of 330 litres. When one compares this to the previous model, this makes 15 litres more. When the rear seats of the car are folded down, the loading capacity increases to up to 1,150 litres. The rear is spacious with width of 1,098 mm. The loading area is 960 mm wide, which is 2 cm wider than the previous generation.

Nine entirely new ‘Simply Clever’ features are available with 2015 Skoda Fabia. These include MirrorLink technology, which allows smartphone apps to be displayed on the screen of the infotainment system, an ice scraper in the fuel filler cap, a high-vis vest in the driver’s door, a rubbish bin for the side door, 0.5-litre bottle and a 1.0-litre bottle glove compartment in the rear doors.

Other ‘Simply Clever’ features are well known, including the standard parking ticket holder on the inside of the left-hand A-pillar and the two optional bag hooks in the boot. There are also two storage nets available for the boot to keep the area tidy. Another interesting ‘clever’ feature is the corner light function of the fog lamps.

Source: Skoda

August 27, 2014

2015 Ford F-150: Toughest and Most Aerodynamic

The designers of the new 2015 Ford F-150 made a challenging goal when they decided to reimagine the iconic pickup. They had to create an aerodynamic and efficient design that at the same time did not compromise the tough looks of the Ford truck. And we must say that the team definitely succeeded. Just take a look at F-150’s structured look features such as squared-off edges, shapes and surfaces. The vehicle expresses confidence, capability and work readiness. What is more, these elements are made in such way that they allow the truck to slip through the air more efficiently.

What balances strength and efficiency is the incorporation of sharp edges into the overall design. They not only convey toughness, but also enable airflow to hug the surfaces at the front portion of the truck. In fact, thee rear corners are designed to minimize turbulence and swirling air that can cause drag and reduce efficiency.

In addition, the vertical grille includes angled outer portions, which lead to the headlamps and bumper corners. The latter are swept back to smoothly direct airflow down the sides, reducing drag. The design of the hood allows the air to smoothly flow to the windshield and roof.

The tests lead in the wind tunnel enabled designers to see the benefits of the aerodynamic efficiencies. First, the flush-mounted windshield eliminates the need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow. Next, the tailgate top act as a spoiler, reducing turbulence behind the truck.

The cargo box is narrower than the cab, however – the box volume was not reduced. This improves airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box. The rear corners with the taillamps are angled so the air breaks off cleanly and reduces turbulence behind the truck. At last, the duct under the headlamp channels air through to the wheel housing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.

Source: Ford

August 27, 2014

Ram Launches 2015 Heavy Duty Models [VIDEO]

Ram Truck Brand is currently starting the production of the 2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD vehicles. The news here is that the Ram 3500 models will offer increased torque ratings of 865 lb.-ft. (1172 Nm) and an increased payload of 7,390 pounds. They also will capable of maintaining maximum tow rating of 30,000 pounds. The company has worked closely with Cummins to make turbo boost calibration to the 6.7-liter engine. The result is an additional 20 Nm (15 lb.-ft.) of torque.

As mentioned Ram Heavy Duty are equipped with 6.4-liter HEMI V-8. The 16-valve engine produces 410 horsepower (306 kW) at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque rating of 429 lb.-ft.(582 Nm), at 4,000 rpm.

The second engine option is the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is standard equipment for the Ram 2500 and 3500 (SRW). The engine generates 383 horsepower (282 kW) at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The unit is coupled to a 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission.

The 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 is offered as an option in three versions. The first one is matched with six-speed manual transmission and delivers 350 horsepower (257 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 660 lb.-ft. (864 Nm) of torque at 1,400 rpm. The second option couples the Cummins to the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission and this makes it produce 370 horsepower (272 kW) at 2,800 rpm with 800 lb.-ft. (1084 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm.

At the top of the range stands the 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel I-6 for Ram 3500 which is paired with the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. Next to the 385 horsepower (283 kW) at 2,800 rpm and torque of 865 lb.-ft. (1172 Nm) at 1,700 rpm.

httpv://youtu.be/g7aKBiv7IP4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ram Truck Brand

August 26, 2014

Hartmann Tuning Work on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Hartmann Tuning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI has been enhanced with tuner’s VANSPORTS styling-programm. The result is that the customization specialists have turned it into unique service vehicle. This red and racey looking Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has received new spoilers at the front and the rear, sideskirts and lowering springs. There are also painted mirror caps and tinted tail lights which contribute even more to this van’s outstanding appearance.

Being a fast service vehicle, the tuners decided to equip it with right sport wheels. As a consequence, the Sprinter received black glossy finished VEST-3-rims in the size of 9 x 20 inches. The wheels are part of the large VANSPORTS wheel-program and are coupled with Pirelli P-Zeo Nero tyres in the dimensions of 265/45 R20).

The optimal deceleration of the Mercedes vehicle is ensured by the high performance braking system with its six-pistons brake calipers and perforated discs. After the work on the exterior, the specialists at Hartmann Tuning continued with the modifications throughout the interior.

They added some attractive VANSPORTS accessories such as leather steering wheel, leather shift levers, pedal covers, genuine carbon decoration and chrome door sill plates. There were also included Singler leather seats in both first and second row. The special rail system on the soil guarantees variable seating arrangements. At last to be mentioned are the folding table and the installed Sortimo van racking system.

Source: Hartmann Tuning

August 26, 2014

Volvo PV444 Model Turns 70

Volvo PV444 makes 70 year anniversary this year. On 1st of September 1944 an exhibition opened at the newly built Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. The exhibition showed what the then newly built company had achieved and what plans to do in the feature. The exhibition covered the entire Volvo range and two new models: PV60 and the PV444, which were later called “Volvo‘s doves of peace” after the end of Second World War.

PV60 was due to be presented in 1940, but because of the military situation the debut was postponed for four years later. The big star at the exhibition at the Royal Tennis Hall however, was the PV444. An interesting fact is that the visitors were so many that they had to stay on several levels to catch a glimpse of a prototype of the car could not even run.

Around 40 designers were working on developing the new Volvo model. They had so far a full scale black wooden model with silver paint denoting where there were meant to be windows. The car was completed in March 1944.

During the exhibition 2300 sale agreements were signed. Due to the fact that prototype cars were subjected to tough testing, and it was only on 3rd of February 1947 that the first car was signed off. PV444 was the firs small Volvo produced, but also was the first model to use monocoque body.

Moreover, it was driven by four-cylinder engine which featured completely new design and was Volvo’s first overhead valve design for a passenger car. The unit was 1.4 litres and its first version was capable of 40 hp (30 kW). All of the produced models were painted black with cellulose paint with metal parts inside the car painted in a light green colour.

Volvo began exporting the PV444 in the United States, making it the model’s historically most important export market. On 15th of August 1955, the first trial delivery of PV444s arrived in Los Angeles. One year after this, Volvo became the second import brand in California.

Originally, the Swedish company intended to build 8,000 PV444s. Nevertheless, the production of the “little Volvo” achieved almost 200,000 PV444s in 1958. If one includes the modernized PV544, produced until October 1965, the total number of the produced vehicles becomes exactly 440,000 cars.

Source: Volvo

August 26, 2014

2015 Subaru WRX S4 Debuts in Japan

2015 Subaru WRX S4 has jus been introduced after it was teased a month ago with a special campaign. The sports sedan will be exclusively distributed throughout Japan and is currently available to order. WRX S4 uses the all-wheel drive (AWD) combined with unique overall safety features, superior environmental friendliness and refined quality. The S4 tag at the end of the name of the car shows the four values of “sports performance”, “safety performance”, “smart driving” and “sophisticated feel”.

WRX S4 is equipped with a high performance 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine. It produces 304 horsepower (221 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. Despite these numbers, the vehicle still delivers fuel economy of 13.2 km per liter.

The unit is teamed with Sport Lineartronic transmission, offering sporty and fun driving. What is more, the Subaru WRX S4 also includes EyeSight driving assist system for enhanced overall safety. Comprehensive body and chassis enhancements have achieved a high-quality ride.

EyeSight delivers more advanced safety features such as driver assistance at wider angles and longer distances, and color recognition. Other new systems include the Active Lane Keep steering assistance system, Pre-Collision Reverse Throttle Management, Brake Light Recognition, Pre-Collision Braking Control and Adaptive Cruise Control.

In terms of passive safety, the car employs more high tensile steel plating with strengthened joints with various structures. These changes not only reduce the overall weight of the car but also contribute for a stronger body. In addition, collision-absorbing structure has been used for the hood and bulkhead as well as for the engine compartment side for increased pedestrian protection.

The exterior design of the WRX S4 expresses strong presence, aggressive but refined styling. The front end was built with the utilization of a nose cone design for a dynamic solid shape. There is the iconic hexagonal grille and the new hawkeye headlights.

At the rear we see a diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual mufflers, which emphasize low center of gravity and driving performance. There is also a small rear spoiler which optimizes the aerodynamics. The taillights are with thin shape to highlight vehicle width.

Inside, the driver’s seat was designed to be like a cockpit, while a D-shaped steering wheel is used for the firs time in a WRX model. The leather-finish gearshift boot features red stitching. Piano black finishes and metallic accents is what emphasize the sporty interior. The coupe is solid black from roof to floor made from quality materials. Red is utilized throughout on stitching and serves to highlight the WRX racing image.

Source: Subaru

August 26, 2014

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Goes on Sale

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf is the next model which will be offered by Volkswagen US next the 2015 Jetta. The car is company’s first fully electric and zero tailpipe emissions vehicle for the North American market. The e-Golf is available in four-door form only and is instantly recognizable by its unique aluminum-alloy wheels and LED headlights. The EV is built on Golf’s sporty Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. It is driven by a compact electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

The motor produces 115 horsepower (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The average range of the e-Golf is between 70 (112 km) and 115 miles (184 km).

Furthermore, the e-Golf includes two technologies that allow the driver to control the vehicle’s energy use. Orecisely, there are three driving profiles designed to save energy: “Normal”, “Eco”, and “Eco+”, as well as three different levels of regenerative braking: “D1”, “D2”, and “D3”/”B”.

Volkswagen is further improving the ownership experience with the introduction of a new approach to e-Mobility. The company will collaborate with 3Degrees, a renewable energy services provider. Charging solutions from Bosch and Chargepoint, along with a new Roadside Assistance program and the VW Car-Net e-Golf app are designed to make owning the e-Golf an enjoyable experience.

Some of the key benefits and standard equipment of the e-Golf are the LED headlights, C-shaped LED DRLs and redesigned front bumper. There are also aerodynamically optimized 16” alloy wheels coupled with low resistance 205 tires. Inside, this electric vehicle includes touchscreen navigation system, VW Car-Net connected services, Keyless entry with push-button start, heatable front seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth technology, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, available SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a rear-view camera and Park Distance Control.

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf will go on sale in November with a starting price of $35,445 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

August 26, 2014

Tij-Power Tunes Seat Leon 5F Cupra

Tij-Power Seat Leon 5F Cupra is a project that needs our attention. Tij-Power is a tuning company based in Germany, which is very well known for its intensive focus on the Seat Leon. The subtle adjustments and modifications made match perfectly the general setting of this car. In fact, the improvements made appear like a consistent progression. The suspension has been optimized with Plug & Play Coilovers from KW. They feature a rebound and compression stage, which can be set to pre-adjusted settings: Comfort, Sport or Cupra.

These settings can be reached by the DDC system in the cockpit. The Comfort setting delivers almost hover-like feeling, the Sport setting adjusts the steering sensitivity and offers direct feedback of the terrain, while in the Cupra mode, the car evolves to a true racecar.

This modified Seat runs on lightweight OZ Superturismo LM rims in grey finish which come in the size of 8.×19 at the front and 9.5×19 in the rear. They are matched with 235/35-19 tires. Next, this new Cupra was fitted with a tricky exhaust system. Once the pedal hits the floor and the throttle valve is fully opened, the car produces a mighty roar.

This is accompanied by an infernal sound, which escapes from the hand-welded 76 mm exhaust that begins right after the turbo charger. Tij-Power even says that this sound will remind one of racecars

Of course, there will be no full customization without changing engine’s parameters. The tuners substituted stock’s intercooler with performance part from Forge. In addition, thanks to the Tij-Power software, the car now yields the breath-taking 375 horsepower (276 kW) and 489 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers result in a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour.

Source: Tij-Power

August 25, 2014

2015 Lexus NX Redefines SUV Design

Lexus is redefining SUV’s design with its new NX, which has characteristics more typical to sportscars than slab-sided 4x4s. The model has muscular curves and agile angles that perfectly exemplify the development of Lexus’s L-finesse contemporary design language. The exterior features a low, sloping roofline, a cab-forward silhouette and flared wheel arches. The defining bodywork lines flow directly from the signature Lexus spindle grille.

One of the most striking features of the exterior of the car is that it looks like made from a single piece of metal. Lexus actually poured molten metal over the die. The next thing that grabs the attention is the grille flanked by new LED headlamps and daytime running lights. This forms the distinctive “face” of the NX.

Furthermore, the C-pillar has a wide angle to optimize internal storage width. The crouched look is linked to the NX’s good ramp-over angle performance, while the high point of the roof ensures more headroom for rear passengers.

The design of the exterior is also made in such way so that it can achieve the perfect balance between distinctive design and aerodynamic efficiency. The rear spoiler ensures smooth flow of air away from the back of the vehicle. In fact, the extensive wind tunnel testing revealed that the best results came from giving the leading edge of the fin an upturned lip.

The door mirrors and handles have air-cheating design. It features concealed key barrel and integrated single-LED illumination. Beneath the car, away from the direct sight, the designers added undercovers and spats to deliver clean airflow.

Inside, the cabin offers ample space for everyone. Its front-to-rear couple distance of 962 mm and the high roof design provides exceptional head clearance. What is more, the rear knee room is even greater than in some larger SUV models.

More space is also offered in the luggage area. The maximum loadspace width is 1,347mm. More storage space is accessible under the luggage board, taking the total luggage capacity to 555 litres in hybrid versions and 580 litres in the turbo petrol.

There are also various storage points around the cabin. For instance such are the glove and console boxes, a console tray, utility box, sunglasses hold, cup holders and door pocket holders for half-litre bottles.

The new hybrid NX 300h will be available for order now. Next year Lexus will introduce the NX 200t model, which will adopt Lexus’s new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine.

Source: Lexus

August 25, 2014

Volvo Introduces Sensus Connect Technology

Volvo Sensus Connect is company’s connected car platform which will be introduced in North America in all 2015.5 Volvo models. It will be combined with the Volvo On Call telematics solution, and the Volvo On Call smartphone app. With this step Volvo becomes the first manufacturer to offer such a system as standard equipment across the entire model range. Sensus Connect was developed in order to deliver customers the access of infotainment.

The new Volvo models will come equipped with cloud- and app-based services. Included are elements such as 3G connectivity service powered by AT&T, Wi-Fi hotspot and tethering capabilities, Internet, phone, and text message access, in-car infotainment apps, 24/7 call center support with in-car roadside assistance, etc.

Volvo equipped with Sensus Connect includes full-function steering wheel controls and select voice control options for additional safety. There is also included digital dash and seven inch center stack display.

On vehicles which are featuring in-car navigation the system is upgraded with 3D graphics and lifetime map upgrades. In addition, with the Volvo On Call button, customers can reach 24/7 roadside assistance and SOS emergency service access as well as stolen vehicle tracking.

Furthermore, with every 2015.5 Volvo model the company offers a free smartphone app: Volvo On Call app. It will provide customers with an immediate status overview of their Volvo. The app can locate the car, can provide the status of its windows and door locks, details on recent trips, vehicle’s fuel level and average fuel mileage, ad etc.

There are also several functions of the vehicle which can be managed vie the application. Such are the remote engine start to heat or cool the car before arriving, honking the horn and flashing the lights, requesting roadside assistance, and even sending locations directly to the in-car navigation system.

Source: Volvo

August 25, 2014

Subaru Launches 2015 WRX STI in Japan

2015 Subaru WRX STI has already made its market debut in Europe. Now it is time for the model to go on sale in Japan. The car embodies the WRX series product concept “Pure Power in Your Control” at the highest level. In fact, the WRX STI is the flagship model of the series and every component of it has been upgraded. As a standard this Subaru is equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer engine and multimode Driver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) system.

“Pure Power in Your Control” concept aims to embody the “absolute speed” and “driving excitement” for sports sedans and also to emphasize the potential of the turbo Boxer engine. The car also has lighter and more rigid body, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.

Furthermore, symmetrical AWD-based chassis and body performance has been improved and uses optimally the Horizontally-Opposed turbo engine. Through precise tuning, the engine generates 308 horsepower (227 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 422 Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The unit is coupled with reinforced six-speed manual transmission with short throw shifting.

In terms of safety, this Subaru includes Symmetrical AWD, lighter and more rigid body and an enhanced chassis incorporating the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system. Next to the collision-absorbing structure used for the hood and bulkhead, the same material has been applied to the engine compartment side for increased pedestrian protection.

The Japanese specifications for the WRX STI include 18-inch alloy wheels which were designed to be more rigid and lighter. In addition, LED lighting is employed for the headlights, tail and brake lights and high-mounted brake light. “STI” letters are embossed on the exterior parts such as a front grille and front fenders. The two exterior paint finishes available here are the WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.

Inside, the driver’s seat is designed to be like a cockpit. 2015 WRX STI also gets a D-shaped steering wheel, decorative carbon trim panels and metal trim accents arranged around the interior. Red accents on seats, shift lever and center of instrument panel are exclusive features for the WRX STI. The interior is solid black from roof to floor and of course is made via quality materials that are soft to the touch.

Source: Subaru

August 25, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova