Lidia Todorova – Page 148 – Automobiles Review

Vorsteiner Shows-Off With Obsidian Black Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

This Obsidian Black Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG looks fantastic, and this is clearly visible in the latest photoshoot which the Californian tuners have done. This new project includes a lot of carbon fiber aerodynamic components which are from company’s program for the CLS63. In addition, Vorsteiner gave this vehicle a set of 21” 3-piece forged wheels, which were fitted specifically for the W218 platform.

Although the specialists did not do anything on the powertrain of the Mercedes, it is still impressive and shows amazing figures. To be more precise, this Obsidian Black CLS63 AMG is driven by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 engine, which produces 557 horsepower (410 kW) at 5,500RPM and 720 Nm (533 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, but we suppose that after the addition of aero components, this number has decreased.

The power is transmitted onto the road via AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission, which offers four modes of driving: “C”, which stands for controlled efficiency, “S” – for sport, “S+” – for sport plus and “M” – for manual). Also included here are the automatic double-declutching function for downshifting and the Race Start function.

But to go back to the project, as you can see, this stunningly beautiful Mercedes has some new exterior elements it can show-off with. These are the included aero components made of Vorsteiner’s Pre-Preg carbon fiber. In details, they are the front spoiler, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler. The result is that they deliver the signature for the tuning company graceful aggression.

The Obsidian Black Vorsteiner CLS63 AMG of course runs on custom wheels, which are a one-off three-piece variation of our Sport Challenge VSC-103 series. They have gloss brushed shadow centers as well as matte black reverse lip. The dimensions of the wheels are as following: at the front they are in the size of 21×9 inches, while at the rear – 21×11 inches.

At last, to complete the project, Vorsteiner had to add tyres in the appropriate dimension. The chosen rubbers are Pirelli P Zero and they measure at the front 255/30/21 and at the rear – 295/25/21.

Source: Vorsteiner

August 1, 2014

MTM Squeezes Extra 60 HP From Audi S3 2.0 TFSI quattro

MTM tuning company is mainly famous with the power enhancements that it makes. Being German based, MTM is favoring mostly locally created vehicles. In fact, the philosophy of the tuners is not to leave a single car exiting their performance centre without being sportier and superior. Such is the case with its latest project which involves the Audi S3 2.0 TFSI quattro, be it a Cabriolet, Saloon or Sportback. The brand new 2.0-liter TFSI engine hidden under the aluminum hood of the Audi includes direct and indirect injection, clever thermal management and exhaust manifold integration.

The standard figures of the powertrain are 296 hp (218 kW) at 5,500 rpm and torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) starting at 1,800 rpm. The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. The S3 Saloon is capable of reaching the 100 km/h from standstill in 4.9 second. The MTM mechanics tweaked the engine and now it responds powerfully to the new engine management system.

Precisely the new numbers speak for themselves: the output has been raised up to 360 hp (265 kW), while the torque – up to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). The result is a decrease in 0-100 km/h time sprint, which MTM unfortunately did not disclose. The top speed was increased up to 250 km/h.

Next, MTM added to the S3 new four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system that delivers sonorous sound. In addition, to decelerate the vehicle appropriately from 250 km/h, MTM installed brake system measuring 380×34 mm on the front axle.

There are several options of the wheels and rims for the S3: Nardo edition rims or Bimoto wheels. The dimensions are also selectable, starting from 8×18 inches to 9×20 inches. The customizations specialists have also considered MTM performance suspensions, which ensure sporty superior swagger. The adjustable coilover suspension systems included were developed in collaboration with the professionals at KW.

Source: MTM

August 1, 2014

Monsoon Grey Audi Q5 Wide Track by A. Kahn Design

Monsoon Grey Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro Wide Track by A. Kahn Design is the latest creation of the British tuners, which ultimately shows their capacity of customization and expertise. Although they are more famous with projects involving vehicles from the brand Land Rover, this Q5 confirms that there are literally no limitations for them. The mid-size SUV is the perfect car for urban driving. It is a dynamic vehicle, which not only offers plenty of legroom, but also has style and powerful stance.

The first striking thing about Kahn’s Audi Q5 Wide Track is the exterior color, which is adorned with a Monsoon Grey paint finish. At the front we also see a replacement of the bumper. This provides a potent look to the front fascia and fits in nicely with the extensive muscular front and rear wheel arches.

Then, the specialists installed a new set of sports lowering springs as well as a new diffuser replacement with integrated stainless steel quad exhaust sits stacked on either side. With this step they have lowered the vehicle, which goes perfectly with its bold wheel arches.

The wheel arches on the other hand were further highlighted by a set of 9.5 x 22 Kahn RS600 wheels in Matt Gun Metal. Behind them we see painted brake callipers. The interior of this Audi also got some fresh makeover. Both the front and rear seats now feature a soft quilted and perforated red leather with contrasting stitching.

Source: A. Kahn Design

August 1, 2014

Eibach Volkswagen Polo R WRC Offers Everyday Rally Experience

Eibach decided to make some changes to one of Volkswagen’s small and high-performance cars, the Polo R WRC. The model is one of the best VW has ever produced and it draws upon company’s successful rally experience. This derivative is the fastest Polo ever created and this is due to the Golf’s GTI’s 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine. The unit generates 220 horsepower (162 kW) and 348 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

The power is sent to front wheels with the help of a short-shift six-speed manual transmission. The performance figures are the following: Polo R WRC can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.4 seconds under its way reaching a top speed of 243 km/h (151 mph); it can return 31.6 mpg (7.4 liters/100 km) and emit 174 g/km CO2.

By adding Eibach suspension components, the motorsport heritage of the vehicle has been further improved. This however does not affect the day to day character of the car. To be more precise, the tuners have added a Pro-Kit Performance Springs, which reduce the Polo‘s centre of gravity. This means that by doing so, the car now has a sportier stance with a more agile handling.

Next, the customization specialists included here Eibach Anti-Roll-Kit Performance Sway Bars. They come do minimize body roll and also enhance cornering stability. At last, the perfect look and assertive appearance of the model is ensured by the Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers made of aluminum.

Source: Eibach

August 1, 2014

MR Racing Restyles Audi A7 3.0 TDI Sportback

MR Racing Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI is also called the Blue Wonder. The tuners at MR Racing decided that it is time to make a project involving the A7 Sportback and make it even more elegant and extrovert. For a sportier look, they have added aggressive front apron, which we have seen on the RS7 model. Then, the initial exterior color of this Audi was covered with full foil application in matte blue metallic. To highlight further the foil, the experts added matte black and golden accents on it.

To harmonize the exterior additionally, MR Racing have chosen 10×20-inch Emotion Wheels Concave rims in matte gold. The elegant single-piece units were then fitted with Pirelli P Zero Silver tyres in the dimension of 265/30R20.

An electronic KW DLC-kit was added, which permits varying and programming the driving and standing height of the factory-side air-suspended chassis via iPhone-app. Behind the wheels, the tuners added 400/370 mm brake disc of the ceramic brake system.

Next, the power of the 3.0 TDI engine was optimized viasoftware. The result is an increased output from 204 hp (150 kW) to 299 hp (220 kW) and torque from 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) to 612 Newton metres (452 lb-ft).

This Audi was also added a sound generator, which was adjusted to the A7 3.0 TDI exhaust system. It is a special construction with an adaptation module, which gives the common rail self-ignitor the sound range of the large V8 models.

MR Racing did not left the interior untouched. For instance, the tuners added a multifunctional sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom in combination with in-house aluminium switching rockers. There is also a 15-inch ceiling screen in the rear area and a module for watching DVD and TV. The final element that completed this customization are the soft foot mats with the MR Racing logo.

Source: MR Racing

August 1, 2014

2014 Chevrolet SS Receives Standard Automatic Parking Assist [VIDEO]

2014 Chevrolet SS is the first vehicle from the brand which is to receive an Automatic Parking Assist as a standard. The feature delivers hands-free parking help and utilizes an ultrasonic sensing system which detects the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. The sensors are positioned on the front and rear bumpers. Chevrolet disclosed that Automatic Parking Assist was designed to help alleviate the anxiety in parking situations where more experience is needed.

Furthermore, this system can also find obstacles and measure with great precision the size of a parking space. It can also assess the distance to the curb and calculate optimum steering angles for each parking space.

The person behind the steering wheel only follows the instructions on the Driver Information Center. In this way he or she controls the accelerator and brake while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering. Signals sent from the sensors in the bumpers to the electric power steering rack allow the vehicle to steer itself into the space.

On the other hand, when parallel parking is required, then the driver pulls alongside a parking space until the car’s rear bumper passes the rear wheel of the car parked in front of the open space. The next step is that the driver is required to shifts into reverse, and straight afterward the car steers itself into the space.

Chevrolet has added also to the SS a backup camera, which provides a visual indication of how close the SS is to surrounding cars. At last, in the case of reverse perpendicular parking process, the driver presses the Automatic Park Assist button twice and follows instructions in the Driver Information Center.

2014 Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm). It is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. This makes it one of the quickest sedans on the market. And to ensure it turns and stops as well as it accelerates, Chevrolet featured in the SS a sport-tuned chassis, which includes MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension geometry, electronic power steering system that was optimized for sport driving, Brembo front brakes with ventilated 14-inch (355-mm) two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers as well as forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires.

httpv://youtu.be/3zh_5QGA1zw

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Chevrolet

July 31, 2014

Alpha-N Performance And EVOX Have Performance Boost For BMW M3 And M4

Alpha-N Performance has gathered together with EVOX Chip-tuning to create some super tweaks for the BMW four-door M3 limousine and M4 two-door coupe. The source of power of these two beautiful and at the same time potent cars is the new S55B30 serial six cylinder engine. It draws good 431 horsepower (317 kW) and a maximum torque of 550 Newton meter (406 lb-ft) from its three-liter cylinder capacity thanks to the forced respiration by two turbo-chargers.

However, these numbers weren’t enough for the specialists from both companies. In fact, they have detected an enormous potential in the bi-turbo serial six cylinder. EVOX Systems boosted the performance of the drive mechanism of the S55B30 to 520 horsepower (382 kW) and 680 Nm (502 kW). This happened due to the addition of EVOX box which was fitted with the 5-channel technology via simultaneous calculation and optimization of several engine parameters.

The chip-tuning box has also some protective functions. On the one hand, all factory-fitted engine-protection functions are kept. On the other hand, the EVOX box has a cold-start switch-off system for keeping intact the hardware. The box takes up its functions only after the engine is at an optimal operating temperature. Furthermore, the box winds back the performance to standard level after 20 seconds.

Alpha-N Performance is also preparing additional power upgrades for the models. There stages 2 and 3 which are to include an exhaust systems delivered by “Lightweight” company. At the current moment, the tuning company is also working with the experts of Öhlins on a high-end sports-chassis for M3 and M4. There are also under preparation some carbon fiber parts. For instance, such are the adjustable front and rear spoiler, and a heck diffuser.

Source: Alpha-N Performance

July 31, 2014

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range US Pricing Announced

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range is coming very soon because the Japanese company has announced the US pricing of the models. Toyota also discloses that these are the most extreme off-road vehicles it has ever created. The TRD Pro Series family comprises of three models: Tacoma TRD Pro Series which will be available at dealerships in early August, 4Runner TRD Pro, arriving one month later in early September, and the Tundra TRD Pro, that is scheduled to arrive this fall.

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development; the experts there took care for each part by carefully engineering it, testing it and tuning it. Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pro Series are packed with authentic off-road capability and are available on 4X4 models.

They come equipped with the following: TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs in the rear for enhance oil capacity and suspension travel, TRD-tuned front springs, unique front grille with “TOYOTA” badging, TRD floor mats, TRD shift knobs and black alloy wheels. There is also a new exterior color offered, called Inferno, which joins the Attitude Black Metallic and Super White finishes.

Next, each vehicle will also get specific equipment. The Tacoma TRD Pro beefs up its off-road spirit with 16-inch black beadlock-style TRD alloy wheels fittef with BFGoodrich LT265/70R16 A/T tires, TRD-tuned springs with 1.75-inch lift for the front, decreased spring rate, TRD Exhaust as well as Black “TRD PRO” external hard badge.

The 4Runner TRD PRO will be equipped with 17-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler P265/70R17 A/T tires, TRD-tuned front springs for increased front height, ¼-inch thick aluminum front skid plate with “TRD” stamped in large font.

For this model, Toyota is also offering convenience features such as Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, Black SofTex-trimmed seats with red stitching, heated and power adjustable front seats, homelink universal transceiver, auto-dimming rearview mirror and auto on/off headlights.

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range US Pricing:

MODEL#	MODEL	GRADE	MSRP
8674	4Runner	TRD Pro 4×4 V6 5AT	$41,110
7555	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Access Cab V6 6MT	$35,525
7556	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Access Cab V6 5AT	$36,505
7597	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 6MT	$36,435
7598	Tacoma	TRD Pro 4×4 Double Cab V6 5AT	$37,415

2015 Toyota TRD Pro Series Range Specifications:

	Tundra TRD Pro	Tacoma TRD Pro	4Runner TRD Pro
Wheels	18” black alloy w/ TRD logo	16” black beadlock style TRD alloy	New 17” black TRD alloy
Tires	Michelin ORP	BFGoodrich All Terrain KO	Nitto Terra Grappler
Shocks	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance -Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design -Bilstein ZoneControl 3-stage, positive sensitive valve design is sensitive to suspension input speed -Increased oil capacity for heat management and increased control of cavitation FRONT: – 2” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 46mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE -“Piggy back” remote reservoir REAR: – 1.25” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 46mm OE -“Piggy back” remote reservoir	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance – Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design FRONT: – 1.75” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 36/32mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE REAR: – 1.5” of additional wheel travel – 46mm pistons > 36/30mm OE – Remote reservoir	TRD-tuned Bilstein High Performance – Bilstein front and rear digressive piston and valve design FRONT: – 1” of additional wheel travel – 60mm pistons > 32mm OE – 18mm shafts > 12mm OE REAR: – 1” of additional wheel travel – 46mm pistons > 32mm OE – Remote reservoir
Springs	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 2” lift for the front of the vehicle – Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 2” lift for the front of the vehicle – Decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain	Unique TRD-Tuned Front Springs – 1” lift for the front of the vehicle
Exhaust	TRD Dual Exhaust – Stainless steel system – Polished steel dual wall tips – Reduced back pressure – Throaty rumble sound	TRD Cat Back Exhaust – Stainless steel system – Polished steel dual wall tips – Reduced back pressure – Throaty rumble sound	No Change from OE
Skid Plate	New TRD Front Skid Plate – 1/4” thick aluminum with oil pan access panel	– Black OE front skid plate	TRD Stamped Front Skid Plate – 1/4” thick aluminum with venting for front differential
Exterior	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – “TRD Pro” quarter bed panel stamping – Matte and Satin Black “TUNDRA” and iForce 5.7L V8 badging on doors Multi-reflector halogen headlights with black sport bezels and manual level control	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – Black “TRD PRO” external hard badge – Black “TACOMA” badging on doors	– Unique “TOYOTA” front grille – Black “TRD PRO” external hard badges – Black front and rear lower bumper accent
Exterior Colors	Attitude Black Metallic, Super White, and Inferno (all-new exclusive color)
Interior	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats – Unique seat color with red stitching – Unique IP ornament insert	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats	– TRD Shift Knob – TRD Floor Mats

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Kia Cadenza Premium And Limited Enhanced For MY2015

2015 Kia Cadenza is company’s premium sedan which now is even more refined, adding style, more equipment features and amenities. There have been also added advanced technology and safety features, thus contributing to Cadenza’s exclusivity. The enhancements are designed to offer more luxury, technology and convenience for the new 2015 model year. The car will be offered in two trim levels: Premium and Limited.

They will use as a basis the MY2014 Cadenza and will build on its success. In fact, the car was named the “International Car of the Year” by Road and Travel Magazine. For 2015 this Kia will continue offering responsive and engaging driving dynamics.

To go further into details, the Limited trim level gets number of features as well as some design enhancements. For instance, new is the grille and fender garnish. The interior of the model includes a driver-oriented cockpit. As a standard, Limited receives features such as: Flex Steer, Surround View Monitor which offers 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for easier maneuvering and parking, LED lighting elements, analogue clock design and additional chrome trim pieces.

Both trim levels will also get as a standard an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat to augment the available 12-way driver’s seat. Furthermore, the Technology package also comes improved for the new model year.

In details, it features Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers of cross traffic when in reverse, and also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System, electronic parking brake, and water-repelling Hydrophobic front side windows for better visibility during inclement weather. All of these features come also as a standard on 2015 Kia Cadenza Limited.

Source: Kia

July 31, 2014

Toyota Adds Persona Special Edition To Prius Range

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Special Edition is a limited edition version of the best-selling hybrid in United States, brought to the next level. This elegant vehicle is tailored with exclusive exterior and interior touches, which make it truly one-of-a-kind. It has this eye-catching exterior and adds several changes to the equipment to create a visually distinctive car. Precisely, this car is based on the Prius Three Special Edition, and will be available exclusively in two exterior paint finishes: Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl. The former dye is offered for the first time on Prius.

In addition, it runs on 17-inch alloy wheels which include a premium dark metallic finish. The special edition also comes equipped with premium heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators. At the rear there will be a badge “Persona Series”, which will help differentiate the model.

Inside, the Persona is trimmed in black SofTex with gray stitching. The same treatment has been implemented to the steering wheel. However, it includes a dark chrome bezel that complements car’s dark chrome shift knob ring and door grips.

To the luxurious feel of the Persona Series adds the blue driver and front-passenger foot area illumination. 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition will begin arriving in dealerships in September and will be priced at $26,985 USD.

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS-L To Be Introduced In Mid August

2015 Cadillac ATS-L is going to be launched in Shanghai, China, on 15th of August. And yes, this means that the model won’t be available nor for the customers in the United States, nor those in Europe or any other part of the world. The letter “L” stands for luxury and in addition the new sport sedan will also add some extra legroom and headroom for the rear passengers. Of course, the newest member of the Cadillac family is based on the ATS.

ATS is being currently offered in sedan and coupe form. The model went on sale in China at the end of last year. Now, the L trim level will provide up to 85 mm longer wheelbase, thus increasing the legroom and headroom for passengers riding in the back seat. What is more, Cadillac has also implemented some ergonomic enhancements to the rear seats to further improve the ride comfort.

The ATS-L will keep the main key features of the vehicle: its sportiness, balanced proportions and performance. It will also incorporate a redesigned front fascia which will add more stylishness and sportiness.

The luxury sport sedan will be driven by the 2.0L SIDI turbocharged engine. In fact, in 2013 this unit was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. Thanks to it, the car will produce 279 horsepower (205 kW) and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The result is 0 to100 km/h acceleration time of only 6.2 seconds.

At last, just as the ATS, the L derivative retains a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution as well as the high-strength, lightweight architecture, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and high-performance run-flat tires.

Source: Cadillac

July 30, 2014

Lincoln Updates The Interior Of 2015 MKC

2015 Lincoln MKC is a small premium utility vehicle which shows company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Now, it is even more premium than before, because it includes a brand new seating surface. For this task, the company had contacted the Bridge of Weir Leather Company, which has created specifically for the MKC the so called Deepsoft leather. In this way both brand had refreshed the stance on one of the brand’s most luxurious cars. The exclusive seat covering was just introduced and it will appear in this and other models very soon.

The Deepsoft leather is softer and heightens customer’s experience. In fact, this material is semi-aniline and was treated with only a partial protectant to maintain its soft touch. In contrast to many other leathers that are embossed to give seating surfaces a uniform appearance, this one is chromium-free and non-embossed and naturally milled. Each piece’s natural grain remains visible.

Furthermore, the Deepsoft leather is dried slowly for 16 hours. This results in its soft, buttery feel. Lincoln’s newest vehicle also offers the new Lincoln steering wheel, French stitching on the instrument panel and seats, and open-pore wood trim to additionally highlight MKC’s elegant interior.

2015 Lincoln MKC is driven by the four-cylinder 2.0 liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine. It produces 240 horsepower (177 kW) at 5,500RPM and 366 Nm (270 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM. There is also an optional 2.3 liter EcoBoost unit, which generates 275 horsepower (202 kW) at 5,500RPM and 406 Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM.

Source: Lincoln

July 30, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova