Lidia Todorova – Page 152 – Automobiles Review

Chris Pratt To Drive Chevrolet SS Pace Car At Brickyard

The official Chevrolet SS Pace Car at the Brickyard has been unveiled next to the news that it will be driven by the actor Chris Pratt. His latest film – “Guardians of the Galaxy” will soon have its premiere. The actor disclosed that it is a “dream-come-true” for him to drive the official pace car at the race. The John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard will take place on Sunday, 27th of July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The SS is Chevrolet’s first V-8 rear-wheel-drive performance sedan built since 1996. It is driven by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (305 kW) and 562 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles positioned on the steering wheel.

The Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 is part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Chevrolet has a long history of pacing races specifically at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has delivered pace cars for every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race since 1994.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing. Furthermore, Chevrolet has entered the SS as its race car in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition from the last year. Back then, behind the steering wheel sat Jimmie Johnson. Chevrolet has also won 11 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Brickyard. In addition, it has also won 15 of 20 races in the overall history of the Brickyard 400.

The company will also pace every race during the Kroger Super Weekend (July 25-27) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next to the SS, other pace car Chevrolets will be: Camaro ZL1 in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Corvette convertible in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and Camaro 1LE in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Source: Chevrolet

July 21, 2014

Skoda Launches Eight New Black Editions

Skoda is introducing to the market eight new models all together. And we are not speaking about entirely new, never seen before, vehicles, but about the current Black Editions. These are striking and well equipped limited edition models, which are available on every one model in Skoda’s line-up: everything from Citigo to Superb. The Black Editions are based on the abundantly-specified SE trim, and they can have either black or white exterior paint scheme. The models Citigo, Roomster and Rapid will be offered only in black exterior paint.

These Black Edition vehicles additionally improve the cutting-edge contemporary style of the entire range of Skoda’s passenger cars. The enhancements included in the cars varies by model, but examples of the equipment feature black alloy wheels, additional black exterior styling details, sunset privacy glass, ‘Amundsen’ satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, full leather upholstery, cruise control, floor mats and metallic and pearl effect paint.

The most popular Skoda Octavia also gets a Black Edition. It will be available in both Hatch and Estate body styles. Furthermore, the company will offer it with a choice of two engines. The first one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR which is coupled with a manual/DSG transmission, and produces 140 horsepower (103 kW). The second one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR mated to the same transmission, but producing 170 horsepower (125 kW).

The range of Black Editions features the following models: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Superb and Yeti.

Source: Skoda

July 21, 2014

Ford Mustang Engine Range Announced. Most Powerful V8 Produces 435 Horsepower

2015 Ford Mustang includes an optional engine the upgraded 435 horsepower V8. Other engines in the range include the standard 300 horsepower V6, and the brand-new 310 horsepower EcoBoost. Every powertrain can be coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission. The addition of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine brings turbocharging to musclecar’s powertrain lineup. This unit was specifically designed for the new edition Mustang and delivers not only excellent performance but also great levels of fuel efficiency.

Next to the 310 horsepower (228 kW) the car also produces 434 Nm (320 lb-ft) of torque. EcoBoost takes advantage of direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging thus producing big-engine power and torque with enhanced fuel economy.

Furthermore, this new engine is the first to utilize a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger. The result will be quicker boost response and at the same time lower emissions and better efficiency. The cylinder head include integrated exhaust manifold.

The latter divides the inner and outer pairs of cylinders into each of the two inlet passages to the turbo. In addition, this also eliminates mixing losses and optimizes the pulse energy to the turbine wheel. All in all, the overall result is quicker turbine spin-up and torque delivery.

The separated exhaust ports also extend the time of the exhaust valves in which they stay open. This reduces pumping losses and also minimizes fuel consumption. Enhancements to the Mustang EcoBoost engine include: forged-steel crankshaft, piston-cooling jets, steel piston ring carriers, premium bearing materials, upgraded valve seat materials, forged-steel connecting rods, high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps and deep-sump, die-cast aluminum oil pan.

The must powerful unit in the 2015 Mustang is the V8 engine. The 5.0-liter unit has undergone many upgrades which help it work better in higher speeds. The key of the enhanced power and torque lies in the air which gets into the cylinders and exhaust.

In details, the focus in the development of the potent V8 features larger intake and exhaust valves, revised intake and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs that ensure valves close completely at high rpm, new cylinder head casting, sinter forged connecting rods that are lighter and more durable for high-rpm operation, redesigned piston tops and rebalanced forged crankshaft that support higher-rpm operation. The result is impressing: an output of 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Each of the three engines in the range can be mated to an entirely manual gearbox or refined automatic transmission. The manual gearshift has a new shift linkage design and is positioned closer to the driver.

The other option is the SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission that includes wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts as a standard. It also includes a redesigned case with cast-in ribs, which makes it stiffer and lighter.

Source: Ford

July 18, 2014

Steve Arpin’s Ford Fiesta Is “Royal Purple”

Steve Arpin Royal Purple Ford Fiesta has fresh looks and has just been unveiled via the first design sketches. It will show its fresh new appearance when it debut this weekend at the Red Bull Global Rallycross event in New York. This is the fourth race of the series for the 2014 season and it will be held at Nassau Coliseum.

To be more precise, the striking new design is a very colorful decision, which differs from the car’s look in the first three races of the year. This new visual stance will be utilized for the remainder of the 2014 Red Bull GRC season.

Arpin himself said that this Fiesta has the perfect design for the wild and exciting series. And this was the reason he has decided to brighten up the car with the Royal Purple paint scheme and to give it some more color.

The driver will make his 13th start of his Red Bull GRC career in New York. In all of the races he has come in Royal Purple-backed Ford Fiestas. He earned the first podium of his career in the 2014 season opener at Top Gear Festival Barbados. He is currently third in the series’ Supercars championship, being 27 points back of the lead.

The latest Ford Fiesta in company’s range is powered by the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. It produces 140 horsepower (103 kW) that is a result of unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management. With the new engine, the Fiesta accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters / 100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Source: Ford

July 18, 2014

Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS Edition

Vorsteiner offers new perspective of its latest Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS Edition. The new photoshoot mainly focuses on the rear of the car and its carbon fiber elements that were added by the tuning company. Precisely, it is an aero package, which as you can see features front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and deck lid spoiler all made of the aforementioned lightweight material.

This Continental GT is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 which delivers 528 horsepower (389 kW) at 6,000 rpm, as well as 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque available at just 1,700 rpm. The powerplant is coupled with a close-ratio ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. All this makes it possible for the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds on its way to top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph).

In addition, Vorsteiner has decided to give new shoes to this Bentley. In this way it will be even easier to translate all this power that the car produces onto the road. Precisely, the new wheels are Sport Challenge Forged VSC-103 Forged Monoblocks. They are finished in Gloss Brushed Shadow and come in the staggering size of 22 inches.

At the front the dimensions measure 22 x 9 inches, while at the rear – 22×10.5. At last, the new wheels were fitted with Pirelli P Nero in the appropriate dimensions: 255/30/22 and 295/25/22 at the front and rear, respectively.

Source: Vorsteiner

July 18, 2014

Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Is Ready For Full Reveal

Lamborghini has teased its latest Huracan Super Trofeo. Although the picture they have sent is very dark, it is seeable that the car has the typical characteristics for a Lambo. Below you can also see a lightened up version of the image that shows so much more of the forthcoming supercar. In addition to the teaser, Lamborghini announced that the Huracan Super Trofeo made its appearance on the track, precisely on the “Piero Taruffi” Vallelunga (ITA) circuit, for its first shakedown.

Behind the wheel was the chief test driver of the company’s research and development department Giorgio Sanna. And by doing this the company has started the delicate task of fine-tuning the Super Trofeo race car. Sanna will be also supported by two official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test drivers Adrian Zaugg and Fabio Babini.

Starting from 2015, the newest ‘raging bull’ super sports car, will be the car raced in all of the three Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Series that will happen across three continents: Europe, Asia and North America. The next season will include both Gallardo and Huracan that will share the grid. Nevertheless they will race in different classes. There is nothing officially stated whether the new Lambo will sports the same military camouflage as shown in the picture. Stay tuned. More updates to be revealed soon.

Source: Lamborghini

July 18, 2014

Skoda Teases 2015 Fabia With Design Sketch

Skoda has just teased the new appearance of the future Fabia model and it has done this with a design sketch. As you can see the car takes on design elements from the Skoda VisionC show car exuding modernism and dynamism. The image shows that the Fabia is well balanced, has added width and flatter body thus creating harmonious proportions. This also contributes to the individuality of the car. Skoda also promises that the new model will feature fresh interior design.

The first design sketch also shows the youthful character of the new Fabia. The crisp and urban small car has the typical for the brand design cues. Skoda revealed that for the first time in a series production vehicle the designers have incorporated elements from a concept model, namely – the VisionC.

In addition, in the final stages of the design, Skoda motorsport has also took part. In this way, the car is even more dynamic, passionate and sharp. The image shows how in the new Fabia are mixed crystalline shapes and sharp lines.

Furthemore, the hatchback is characterized by balanced and tight proportions. The company has also revealed that the car will be nine centimetres wider in comparison to its predecessor. What is more – it will stand three centimeters lower. Inside, the interior will be entirely new and versatile and will also feature options for customization.

Source: Skoda

July 18, 2014

Dodge Announces Pricing For 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat And Challenger Lineup

Dodge has announced pricing for its most powerful and fastest car in the model range, namely – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The car will officially go on sale in the third-quarter of the year. The iconic American automaker has also announced pricing or other vehicles in the Challenger line-up. For the 2015 model year Dodge offers four different and efficient engines for its Challenger range.

Precisely, the powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is to be found in the SXT and SXT Plus. It generates 305 horsepower (224 kW) and has an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 produces 375 horsepower (275 kW) and 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.) of torque and powers the R/T models.

The 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475-lb.-ft.) of torque are produced by the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 Scat Pack which also delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway. At last, for the who want the most of everything, there is the 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine, which produces 707 horsepower (520 kW) and 880 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque

Challenger SRT Hellcat with the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine is regarded as the most powerful and the fastest muscle car ever. It has achieved an NHRA certified 10.8 second quarter mile time at 126 mph on drag radials. The vehicle comes standard with two key fobs to control engine output: red and black.

Furthermore, there are also drive modes that manage the experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, traction and suspension. They are four: Sport, Track, Default and Custom. The aluminum hood has unique center air intake, dual air extractors and can be finished in body color or Satin Black.

Also defining the new design of the Challenger SRT Hellcat are the “air catcher” inlet port, “Slingshot” forged-aluminum wheels with Matte Black or Brass Monkey/dark bronze finish, a larger front splitter, “SUPERCHARGED” fender badges, black side sills and a unique, taller rear spoiler with raised SRT logo. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has a starting price of $59,995 USD.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – starting U.S. MSRP of $59,995

Most powerful and fastest muscle car ever
Most powerful Challenger ever
Dodge’s most powerful V-8 ever: 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP90” ultra-high performance eight-speed transmission
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models – starting U.S. MSRP of $38,495

485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
Improves fuel economy up to 8 percent, no gas-guzzler tax penalty
Up to 25 mpg highway
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Availaable 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger R/T models – starting U.S. MSRP of $31,495

V-8-powered muscle car, delivering up to 410 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
“Shaker” hood with functional engine-mounted scoop
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger SXT models – starting U.S. MSRP of $26,995

Standard TorqueFlite “845RE” eight-speed transmission
305 horsepower and up to 30 mpg highway
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Source: Dodge

July 17, 2014

TI Automotive Has New Livery For Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R

TI Automotive has prepared new livery for the Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R. The car that will carry the special exterior will have the Motorsports No. 91 in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship’s Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event will take place on 25th of July on Friday. In addition, the company will join SRT Motorsports as Team Associate Sponsor for Remainder of 2014.

As part of the agreement, TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems, will partner with SRT Motorsports as a team associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2014 season. With this collaboration TI Automotive will be introduced to a wider audience.

Furthermore, TI is a current supplier of the high-performance fuel pump module system to the production Viper and the recently released Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. This system includes Automotive News PACE Award-winning Dual-Channel Single-Stage (DCSS) fuel pump which is regarded as one of the industry’s highest-performing fuel pumps. As a matter of fact, this fuel delivery design makes 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat the fastest and most potent muscle car ever built.

Precisely, the livery of the No. 91 vehicle will include a white body with bright green stripe outlined in dark blue from nose to tail. TI’s blue-and-green Fluid thinking icon will be positioned on the top of the roof and on other key points across the vehicle.

Source: TI Automotive

July 17, 2014

Maserati Launches Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition is a product of the collaboration between the luxury Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati. Only 100 examples of the unique limited edition car will be produced, and they will feature color schemes, materials and exclusive trims that link the histories of the two brands. In order to celebrate the launch of the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, Maserati and Zegna are undertaking a tour. It will feature four international events with first one in Shanghai that will happen this month. The following three cities which will be visited are New York (September), Dubai (February 2015) and Milan (Spring 2015).

The event locations have been specifically chosen in order to enhance the uniqueness of the collaboration and exude the high standards of Italian elegance. At the events, the visitors will be able to see and know better car’s premium finishes as well as to witness the extraordinary result of the partnership.

Furthermore, at the four locations will be also present the famous Italian photographer Fabrizio Ferri. He will capture 100 unique images that will be later put together to create a book called “One of 100”. The latter will be presented in Milan in the spring of 2015 at the final event.

Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition includes a special effect paint finish which simulates the fluidity and purity of metal. This effect was achieved through the utilization of ultra-fine aluminium pigments. Moreover, the gloss black primer additionally strengthens the brilliance of the aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth.

Inside, Maserati has used for the interior warm hues like moka and greige, that make a link to Zegna’s latest men’s fashion collections. Other components of the coupe such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth and bright fabric.

Source: Maserati

July 17, 2014

2015 Mazda2 Officially Unveiled

2015 Mazda2 has just been officially unveiled. Mazda also announced that the production of the SKYACTIV Technology-based subcompact car begins at company’s Hofu plant in Japan and that its launch is scheduled for the autumn. This is the fourth member of Mazda’s current model generation. It will feature the full range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV Technology and also carries the emblematic new design language of the brand called KODO – Soul of Motion.

Bursting with energy, the car is capable of performance, fuel efficiency and safety. It also will ensure that the driver has maximum fun when driving. 2015 Mazda2 evolves and enhances the technology and ergonomics cultivated in the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3. And this means that it is expected to raise the bar in the B segment.

The official premiere of the model in Europe will probably happen later this year. In the Old Continent, Mazda will introduce this Mazda2 with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, which is the new small displacement clean diesel engine. In addition, there will also be available different power versions of the petrol SKYACTIV-G 1.5. The engines will be coupled with manual or automatic transmissions.

Next to its new SKYACTIV body and chassis, the model will also include Madza’s innovative MZD Connect in-car connectivity system, a range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology and a refined spacious interior.

Source: Mazda

July 17, 2014

Isuzu Introduces D-Max Yukon Extended Cab

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is another addition to the popular D-Max pick-up range. It not only has the adaptability of a pick-up, but being a Yukon specification, it is also a luxury equipped. The extended cab configuration includes as a standard front seats, behind which one can see a large load area. There is positioned fold-down rear bench. The new variant will be available from October this year and has been entered to the market as a direct response to customers’ feedback.

As a standard all models that feature the “Yukon” designation include wide range of standard equipment such as cruise control, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and rear bumper, heavy-duty side steps, six-speaker surround-sound audio system with roof-mounted ‘Exciter’ speaker. There are also featured high-visibility projector headlamps and LED rear light clusters.

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is driven by the 2.5-litre twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. It generates 163 hp (120 kW) and has a maximum torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) which is available from 1,400 rpm. The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

Despite this amount of power, the vehicle has excellent fuel efficiency, which is rated at 38.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This Isuzu is also capable of towing 3.5-tonnes (braked)/ 750 kg (unbraked). This Yukon specification extended cab has a starting price of £19,249 and will be available only throughout UK dealerships.

Source: Isuzu

July 17, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova