Lidia Todorova – Page 149 – Automobiles Review

Renaultsport Reveals First Image Of R.S.01 Race Car

Just more than a month ago Renault Sport Technologies has revealed a teaser image of their new project – the Renaultsport Trophy car. Now, the brand not only announced the name of the model, but also released an image. Despite it is a little bit dark, the picture clearly displays the back of the future race car with its unique taillights. Precisely the name of this trophy is Renaultsport R.S. 01. The next important date in Renault calendar is 27th of August.

This is when the car will be fully unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show. There will also be disclosed the entire details and specifications of this spectacular new race car, which is set to become the next star in the World Series by Renault Championship.

Form what we can grasp from the image, is that the vehicle will feature uniquely stunning design. In fact, the design clearly shows that the car will also offer exceptional performance. At the moment, Renault is conducting an intense programme of development tests, so that the trophy car can join the World Series in 2015.

Renaultsport R.S. 01 was built by Dallara. Its carbon monocoque will be driven by a Nismo engine which will produce more than 500 horsepower (368 kW). The power unit will be coupled with a seven-speed sequential gearbox supplied by Sadev.

Michelin will deliver the tires, which in will be specifically created for the car. The over weight of the vehicle is expected to be around 1,100kg. At last, Renault said that the car will be used in a single-model championship. The company has also revealed that the specifications of the car are a reflection of its racing pedigree.

Source: Renault

July 30, 2014

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 To Debut At FIA WRC

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car is to make its official premiere in front public next month on the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, which is the ninth round of 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. The car has bee engineered by Toyota Motorsport (TMG) and it is a rally version of the famous GT86 coupe. The prototype of CS-R3 is breaking cover at the WRC event, while the fully finished car will be available for competition model for private customers a little bit later.

In fact, the CS-R3 will not compete at the rally. Instead, it will be the official “pathfinder” zero car, driven through each stage as a safety test immediately ahead of the field. The double women’s world rally champion, Isolde Holderied, will be behind the wheel of the car.

TMG has reduced the weight of the vehicle and also ensured the safety, reliability and its driving fun. There are also modifications to the powertrain to be made, which will result in an increased the unit’s output, which is expected to be between 240 and 250 hp (176–184 kW).

The car will also be equipped with the sequential shift six-speed transmission and a limited-slip rear differential. There will be also included a weight-optimised safety cage designed according to FIA requirements.

The first customer vehicles will be ready in the beginning of next year in the form of a kit. Pricing will be announced after confirmation of final specifications.

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car Technical Specifications:

ENGINE
Type		FA20
Configuration		Horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder
Displacement (cc)		1,998
Max. power (bhp)		240 – 250
Exhaust		HJS racing exhaust and exhaust manifold
Fuel tank		75-litre FT3 safety cell
CHASSIS
Bodywork		Steel monocoque bodyshell with roof ventilation
Roll cage		Homologated FIA R3-standard safety cage
TRANSMISSION
Type		Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox		6-speed sequential
Differential		Limited-slip with variable ramp settings
Final drive		Short final drive, with options
Clutch		Racing clutch and lightweight flywheel
Steering		JTEKT hydraulic power steering with short ratio
SUSPENSION
Front		MacPherson-type
Rear		Double wishbone
Shock absorbers		Reiger, 3-way adjustable for Tarmac and gravel
Wheels	Tarmac	OZ 7 x 17in
	Gravel	OZ 6 x 15in
BRAKES
Front discs	Tarmac	330 x 30mm
	Gravel	300 x 30mm
Rear discs	Tarmac	300 x 10mm
	Gravel	300 x 10mm
Callipers		Front: 4-pot Rear: 2-pot (regulation)
DIMENSIONS
Overall length (mm)		4,240
Overall width (mm)		1,775
Wheelbase (mm)		2,570
Minimum weight (kg\|)		1,080 (regulation)

Source: Toyota

July 30, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan US Pricing Announced

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan has been shown for the firs time at the end of last year. Now the company is announcing the US pricing of the car, next to the already announced price tag of the new GLA. The C-Class will be launched later this month, while the GLA SUV – in September. The new generation C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessor. The total increase in length is due to the 80 mm longer wheelbase. This means that the rear passengers will enjoy an increased leg-room.

There are three trim levels of the 2015 C-Class: C300, C300 4MATIC and C400 4MATIC. Below is listed the exact US price of each. C300 4MATIC is driven by the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It generates 241 horsepower (177 kW) at 5,550 rpms and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft.) of torque at 6,500 rpms. The seven-speed automatic transmission immediately sends the power to the rear wheels.

The C400 comes with an all-wheel drive. It is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It produces 329 horsepower (342 kW) and a healthy 480 Nm (354 lb-ft.) of torque. This unit uses the same transmission as the previous one. Later, diesel and hybrid versions are also expected to be offered in the United States.

The new gen model offered by Mercedes raises the bar again with new levels of technology, safety, expressive design and sophistication. The new safety equipment, which has already debuted on the new S-Class, is now featured in the new C-Class. It includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which is radar-based system that can brake autonomously to avoid collisions. It can also minimize their effects in combination with PRE-SAFE that prepares the car if a collision is coming.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Pricing And Launch Timing:

2015 C300 – $38,400, Q1 2015
2015 C300 4MATIC – $40,400, August 25, 2014
2015 C400 4MATIC – $48,590, August 25, 2014

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 30, 2014

SR Auto Reveals Exclusive Lamborghini Aventador

SR-Auto-Lamborghini-Aventador-THMB The Aventador model is not the first Lamborghini that the tuners at SR Auto Group have modified. However, this SR Auto Lamborghini Aventador is so special project, which the customization specialists have worked on it for a very long time, announcing the information bit by bit. Now, this magnificent car is ready for a full reveal and we assure you that if you take a close look at the pictures you will be amazed. It looks incredible, isn’t it?

Just take a look at the unique exterior color. The tuners decided to give it an electric blue hue and moreover, to match it with the wheels. They are undoubtedly unconventional, one of their sort and completely out of the box.

The wheels are from the model PUR RS09, and sport two tone finish of brushed and electric blue. They come in sizes of 20×9 inches at the front and 21×12.5 inches at the rear.

Furthermore, the sports car has been fitted with the full PUR package. What bring the car down to the ground are the newly developed PUR adjustment arms. They not only lower the Aventador, but also offer a balance of form and function. At

At last, the car was also given an aerodynamic treatment. The kit is all made of carbon fiber and comprises of front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing. SR Auto states that the front lip was designed for a more menacing look and due to its larger splitters.

Besides these cosmetic changes, the tuning company did not take steps to enhancing the 6.5-liter V12 engine of the Lambo. This means that it still produces 700 hp (515 kW) and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

Source: SR Auto

July 29, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe And Sedan Get More Torque And Equipment

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe and ATS Sedan are getting some major updates. Those version equipped with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine will get additional torque of up to 400 Newton Meters, which equals 295 lb-ft. The horsepower is 272 horsepower (203 kW) and it was achieved through engine calibration that ended up in enhanced boost pressure for improved performance over the class-competitive torque level available at the launch of the ATS. Moreover, the car will also get available safety-enhancing lane-changing and lane-keeping technologies, which will further strengthen the luxury position of the new model year sport models.

In contrast to some types of vehicle, Cadillac ATS Coupe and Sedan are already the most agile cars in its respective classes. The additional torque works to enhance on an already dynamic vehicle. At 136hp/l, the 2.0L Turbo unit makes one of the most power-dense engines in the industry.

It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 3000 rpm and the full 400 Nm of peak torque (295 lb-ft) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. What is more, the broad torque band is backed up by high boost levels in the speed range. It is designed to give the lightweight ATS models immediate power on driver’s demand.

As mentioned, the MY2015 ATS will also be equipped with Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist. The first technology, Lane Change Alert, works in conjunction with the optional Side Blind Zone alert. It warns the person behind the steering wheel of rapidly approaching vehicles, looking approximately 82 feet (or 25 meters) from the side mirror. In this way, the driver is notified that that it may not be safe to change lanes, via a flashing symbol in the side mirror, depending on which turn signal has been activated.

The second technology to be featured in the new models is the Lane Keep Assist system. It operates above speed of 37 mph and utilizes a forward-facing camera. The latter detects if the car leaves the lane unintentionally. If this case is detected, then the technology engages the electric power steering to give a momentary nudge and prevent crossing the lane markings, aligning the vehicle in the lane.

Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist will be offered as an option on both 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe and Sedan in their Performance and Premium Collection trim levels. In addition, the car will be equipped with the Driver Assist Package. The available Lane Change Alert will be also offered on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collection ATS trim levels along with the Driver Awareness Package.

Source: Cadillac

July 29, 2014

2015 Dodge Viper To Get Extra Horsepower

The latest news around the Dodge Viper from the model year 2015 is that it is going to get more engine power. The car’s engine won’t be supercharged nor be the most powerful Dodge’s Hellcat V-8. On the contrary, it will keep its naturally-aspirated 8.4-liter V10 unit which will be boosted with the minor 5 horsepower. The increase of power will be done via tuning.

This means that the initial 640 hp (471 kW) of the Viper will become in the 2015 model year 645 hp (474 kW). Unfortunately, there will be no change in the torque figures in this Dodge, so it will be left with the original 813 Nm (600 lb-ft). Still, not bad at all.

Reports stated that the increase in power will probably be due to a combination of enhanced breathing and altered code. We also expect to see some changes in the transmission, which for the MY2014 was the six-speed manual gearbox.

The 2014 Version of the SRT Viper has a curb weight of just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs) and Dodge seems to make little or no modifications here. With the original 640 hp, the Viper can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in the impressive 3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds, while the 0 to 160 km/h sprint is covered in less than 12 seconds. Wonder what these figures will look like with the minor 5 hp update.

July 29, 2014

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition To Be Auctioned At Pebble Beach

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is going to be auctioned during the weekend of the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 16th of August. This will happen just before the US sale date scheduled for the fall. What differentiates this BMW from the rest i8 is the unique paint scheme and interior treatment, and also the additional features included. This means that it will be truly unique. The car will be sold by Gooding & Company, which is the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours. All of the gathered proceeds will go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

Precisely, this one-of-a-kind car is distinguished by its BMW Individual Frozen Grey Metallic exterior paint. Inside, there is also unique interior, which boasts Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery tanned via color derived from plant extracts. Highlights of the upholstery feature stitching in BMW i Blue. Furthermore, the Pure Impulse Tera World interior includes other accents in the same color such as the seat belts.

There is also an embossed BMW i8 on the front headrests. Other unique features include laser headlights, pending government approval, a BMW i8 Display key and the first BMW Charging Station, professional edition. “Concours d’Elegance Edition” i8 will be also embossed throughout the interior.

BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle which features an all-wheel drive powertrain that combines an electric motor driving the front wheels and 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear wheels. The car can move only on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph for approximately 20 miles. And of course, in this mode it generates zero CO2 emissions.

When the gasoline engine works along with the electric motor, the i8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. The vehicle was constructed with an extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged from any 240-volt level 2 charging station as well as a conventional 110-volt outlet.

Another excusive technology featured in the BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is the laser headlights. They generate a pure-white and extremely bright light. It will also be the first BMW in the United States to include a display key which features an integrated LCD touch screen.

Source: BMW

July 29, 2014

Jaguar XE To Feature Lightweight Aluminum-Intensive Construction

Jaguar XE is company’s upcoming premium sports sedan, which, as it was recently announced, will debut on 8th of September in London. Now, Jaguar is announcing that the car will also be built around aluminum-intensive construction. The new modular architecture was developed around the fifth-generation of bonded and riveted aluminum technology. This technology results not only in the lightweight of the car, but also delivers strength and rigidity to its body.

As a matter of fact the lightweight aluminum accounts for 75 percent of XE’s structure. This lightweight construction is one of the key elements in the design of Jaguar. For instance, around such are built the Jaguar XJ, XK and F-TYPE. They have all been developed with the utilization of the stiff bonded and riveted aluminum structures.

Another interesting fact around this technology is that it is aerospace-inspired. It is light and strong and has the capability of offering exceptional torsional stiffness. In addition, it will incorporate advanced suspension systems. What is more, the new XE model will sport world class driving dynamics – with supple ride and precise handling.

Jaguar XE will use new grade of high strength aluminum. It is named RC 5754 and includes high level of recycled material. This fact adds to Jaguar’s goal to use 75 percent recycled material by 2020. In addition, this aluminum also reduces energy consumption and lifecycle CO2.

Source: Jaguar

July 29, 2014

Ford Brings Under The Hammer 2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition

2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition - Side 2015 Ford Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition has an aircraft inspired design. This unique car will be donated and sold at charity auction on 31st of July at the Gathering of Eagles charity event during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, which is World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The proceeds will benefit the EAA Young Eagles program that helps inspire and motivate the next generation aviators and innovators. For the creation of this unique vehicle Ford was supported by Lockheed Martin. Another interesting fact is that this muscle car is one of the first 2015 Ford Mustangs to be sold.

2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition has a creative design which was inspired by Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The latter is the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter jet. This one-of-a-kind sports car is modified Mustang GT fastback. It not only puts emphasis on the new design cues of the brand new pony car, but also exudes a creative connection to the F-35 Lightning.

MAD Industries took the job to modify the F-35 Lighting II Edition Mustang. From the outside, the muscle car is finished in custom glossy and matte titanium paint scheme accentuated by blue and yellow lightning tail livery. The bubble canopy of the stealthy F-35 features a distinctive gold tint on the windows of this Mustang.

The springs of the car are from Eibach, which deliver lower height. The exhaust system is larger and features ceramic-coated outlets. This one-of-a-kind Mustang runs on custom Forgiato 21-inch wheels. Other unique elements here include carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and rocker moldings, mirror skull caps and a vertically-enhanced rear spoiler.

Inside, car’s exclusivity is further strengthened by modified instrument cluster, Recaro seats, custom audio system and floor mats embroidered with F-35 Lightning II elements as well as sill plates.

Source: Ford

July 28, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001 To Be Auctioned At Barrett-Jackson

Dodge will auction the first production 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with VIN number 0001. By far this model is the modes powerful and fastest muscle car ever built. Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001 will be brought under the hammer during the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction this year. It will be held between 25th and 27th of September at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in the famous city. The proceeds gathered from the auction held on 27th of September will go to the Opportunity Village organization of Las Vegas.

This one-of-one special-edition Challenger SRT Hellcat hides under its hood the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine. In addition, it carries the 0001 vehicle identification number (VIN) and has an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds at 126 mph. Its V8 engine is rated at 707 horsepower (520 kW) and 880 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque, making this model the most potent and fastest muscle car.

VIN0001 Challenger Hellcat will come straight from the assembly line. In addition, this will be the only Dodge Challenger to ever have a Viper-exclusive Stryker Red exterior. This means that it will be hand-painted at the Dodge Viper paint facility, will include special Hellcat badging, and of course carry the specific VIN documentation and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Car’s engine is coupled with a TorqueFlite 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission with RPM matching downshifts. It also features 15.4-inch Brembo front disc brakes with two-piece rotors and six-piston calipers. As a matter of fact, these are the largest brakes ever offered by the company.

The vehicle will run on 20 x 9.5-inch wheels that were made of lightweight matte black forged aluminum. Furthermore, the first production Hellcat will include interior trimmed in premium Black Laguna leather, contemporary dash layout as well as forged-aluminum supercharger plenum cover under the hood.

Furthermore, the package that will go under the hammer will also feature HEMI painted presentation box with a VIN0001 electronic vehicle build book, video documentary, still shots, vehicle footage, Hellcat embossed Laguna Leather iPad sleeve, signed SRT Hellcat lithograph and unique “birth certificate” for VIN0001.

Source: Dodge

July 28, 2014

Fiat 500L Vans Concept Shown At Huntington Beach

Fiat 500L Vans is a design concept which is currently on display at Huntington Beach in California. The company has once again teamed up with the Vans US Open of Surfing and the result is this unique 500L. The attendees at the stand will also see and interact with the full Fiat portfolio. This means that they will enjoy the models such as the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the 4-door 500L Trekking, and the electric Fiat 500e. The visitors will also have the chance to receive giveaways like Wayfarer sunglasses, branded shoelaces as well as other branded items.

The special Fiat 500L Concept is inspired by Vans and has been exclusively designed and created for the event. The car matches the spirit and playfulness of both teams. The grille of this concept vehicle has four rings of LED headlights which are also open in their centers. Underneath them is mounted couple of fog-lights.

Furthermore, the Vans Concept is decided in three-tone color scheme. The dark blue color can be seen along car’s bottom. The white paint finish has been used for the biggest part of the body, while the light blue shade is used for the hood. The last color can be also seen on the tops of the doors as well as the mirror caps.

Checkerboard pattern which is something iconic for Fiat has been utilized for the roof. In addition, at the top of the car there is a rack added to support two surfboards and additional gear. Inside, the interior is literally Vans inspired, due to the extensive use of company’s stickers added on the dashboard. The seats are made from canvas, while the waffle sole tread pattern is utilized for the pedals and storage bins.

This concept is driven by the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 160 horsepower (118 kW). It is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

In addition to the vehicles on the sand, the brand’s popular water-bound FIAT-skis will be back surfing the waves of Huntington Beach. At the event, the professional surfer Brianna Cope will be signing autographs. 2014 Vans US Open of Surfing is running till the 3rd of August.

Source: Fiat

July 28, 2014

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Goes On Sale

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a five-seater, plug-in hybrid, delivering zero emissions while on the run. The car will go on sale from the beginning of August and all deliveries are expected to happen from January next year. The electric power of this vehicle makes it possible to achieve 176.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 37g/km. It has a combined output of 204 hp (150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of system torque. In addition, the car is capable of reaching the 100 km/h from standstill in just 7.6 seconds. The Vmax here is 137 mph. What is also important to mention is that A3 Sportback e-tron furthermore can travel up to 31 miles under purely electric power and speed of 81 mph, while its total range is of up to 584 miles.

This spacious five-door hatchback is driven by the combination of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an electric motor. The modified unit has a peak power output of 150 hp (110 kW) and it is connected by a clutch to a 75 kW electric motor. The latter is integrated into a six-speed S tronic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. As already mentioned the combined power of those two units is 204 hp (150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

There are several ways for managing vehicle’s response. Precisely, four key settings take car for this: the EV mode, which gives priority to electric drive; the hybrid auto mode that is perfect for long journeys; the hybrid hold mode that keeps electrical energy stored in the battery for later use; and the hybrid charge mode, which utilizes the combustion engine as a generator to charge the battery.

When the driver chooses a particular mode it appears on the powermeter’s display in the instrument cluster. There can also be seen system’s overall output and the battery charge, the operating ranges and consumption figures.

Audi has implemented in this car its ultra lightweight construction philosophy. The result is that the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron weighs only 1,540 kilograms. Furthermore, it features comprehensive additional equipment such as LED headlights and daytime running lights, special ‘turbine design’ 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, MMI navigation plus with hard drive-based mapping and Audi connect online services.

There are two charging leads developed for the A3 Sportback e-tron. The first one is appropriate for public charging points, while the second one – for domestic use. The charge status of the A3 Sportback e-tron can be also monitored via smartphone with the e-tron app. More importantly, using a domestic socket it takes four hours to fully charge the battery of the car. When a wallbox is connected or a public charge point is used, the charging time is reduces to two hours and fifteen minutes.

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has a starting price of £34,950.

Source: Audi

July 28, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova