Lidia Todorova – Page 156 – Automobiles Review

2015 Saleen 302 Mustang Teased

2015 Saleen 302 Mustang has just been exclusively shown with a first [teaser] image. The photo shows only the front of the car and it features Saleen’s purposeful stance and powerful presence. In fact, the 2015 302 Mustang is the first major Saleen’s Mustang redesign since 2005. The specialists took this as an opportunity to push the limits in both car’s design and performance. This latest Saleen Mustang model is perfectly positioned as the next American exotic, campaigning on the world stage.

The release teaser shows many of the typical for Saleen design cues. Just take a look at the aggressive multi-layered front fascia and splitter, or the blacked-out grille, which is Saleen’s trademark, and large single hood scoop.

Unfortunately, there are no additional details announced. However, the tuning company is promising to reveal the final features and specifications of the 2015 S302 Mustang as the unveiling and production of the car draws nearer.

2015 Ford Mustang made a debut in December last year. It is equipped with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine, which generates more than 420 horsepower (310 kW) and 529 Nm (390 lb.-ft.) of torque. Two other engines which will also be available when the car hits showrooms later this year, are the 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

Source: Saleen

July 4, 2014

ABT Tunes Volkswagen Scirocco

ABT Volkswagen Scirocco is based on the third generation Scirocco, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show this March. In fact, the model is celebrating its 40th birthday and on this occasion, ABT is offering some exclusive upgrades. Drivers of the original Scirocco, will enjoy not only its fascinating Giugiaro silhouette, but also the enhanced engine that can deliver up to 310 horsepower (228 kW). The strongest ABT Scirocco is based on the model equipped with the 2.0 TSI engine. Its serial power is estimated at 210 hp(154 kW).

In addition ABT also improves the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI models. With the ABT Power “New Generation” and its own control unit the small turbo petrol engine can be uprated. The TSI can get enhanced up to 210 hp (154 kW), while the diesel engine – up to 195 hp (140 kW) and 390 Nm (287 lb-ft).

The other upgrades for this Volkswagen offered by ABT are new suspension springs and height adjustable suspension kit. The ABT brake system is there to offer its deceleration potential. The new visual credentials of the Scirocco make it more assertive.

The extensive aero kit consists of high-quality PUR-RIM material. The dynamic silhouette starts with the aggressive front skirt add-on. After that it continues with the side skirts and ends in the redesigned rear part.

At the back is where one can see how ABT has used a striking wing, a carbon-look rear panel and a dynamic rear skirt add-on. The latter accommodates a 4-pipe rear muffler. At last, but not least, the ABT Scirocco runs on 20’’ Gun-Metal ABT DR wheels.

Source: ABT

July 4, 2014

BMW 4 Series Coupe by AC Schnitzer

BMW 4 Series Coupe by AC Schnitzer is equipped with tailor-made components that have maximum perfection. The new aerodynamic components from the tuners are precisely matched to each other and allow for complete conversion and optimization. The new 4 Series models can be enhanced not only with performance upgrades, wheel and tyre combinations, sports and racing suspension and accessories for the interior, but also with a complete range of aerodynamic body-styling elements.

The aerodynamic range offered for the tuning of this BMW coupe and cabrio model comprises of front spoiler for vehicles with M-Technik pack, chrome front grille, rear roof spoiler, rear diffuser as well as rear skirt protective film.

The principle which the brand follows is “form follows function” and it is visible through this conversion. As you can see, at the rear, the new diffuser draws the vehicle down to the asphalt, while the AC Schnitzer silencer in the latest Racing Evo tailpipe design is perfectly integrated into the rear end.

Additional downforce is provided due to the extra rear roof spoiler and front spoiler. In fact, all aerodynamic components lend new contours to the body of the car, but still emphasizing its stylish lines.

Furthermore, AC Schnitzer states that its aerodynamic components minimize drag thus enhancing the driving behavior. The components also deliver excellent durability and offer perceptible gain in sporting performance.

Source: AC Schnitzer

July 4, 2014

Volkswagen Confirms Beetle Dune Goes Into Production [VIDEO]

Volkswagen Beetle Dune is all about wind, dunes and sea. But this is not the main subject that we want to discuss but rather the video that Volkswgen has just released. As we have predicted earlier last week, the car is going to get a transformation of a concept into a production model. And the footage which you can watch below confirms that. In it you can see the only Dune in existence so far, but starting in 2016 we will see more of these on the road. There is also a statement that the Beetle Dune will also be available as a convertible.

The concept version of the car was revealed in January at North American Auto Show. In the video below, you can see this Beetle rolling on the road in sunny Sylt, Germany. This model is based on the current production Beetle. It delivers 210 horsepower (155 kW) via its turbocharged petrol engine. The unit is matched with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

The front-wheel driven Beetle has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard one. This allow 19-inch wheels fitment, which are then shod with large tyres. A rear-mounted ski-rack on the other hand can accommodate skis as well as sandboards. Inside, the customers will enjoy the 7.7-inch touchscreen positioned in the center console.

httpv://youtu.be/GtEAnJ3s9wM

Source: Volkswagen via YouTube

July 3, 2014

ZF Lenksysteme Steering Added To 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is getting premium electric power steering, which will refine the ride quality and will not sacrifice the handling. ZF Lenksysteme is a leading supplier of automotive steering systems. Exactly this company has teamed up with Cadillac to create the best dynamic handling and steering for all models of the new 2015 ATS. The electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist. This results in a communicative and responsive steering experience.

The electronic power-assisted steering has been enhanced for the 2015 ATS via a revision in the programming within the electronic control unit. Precisely, the programming broadens the range of steering assist at low and high vehicle speeds. It does this by using wheel speed, steering angle and even the car’s chassis mode.

The system designed by ZF Lenksysteme aims to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics. At the same time it also saves fuel since engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement.

ZF Lenksysteme steering gear has excellent torsional stiffness and low operating friction, which improves the steering feel with great linear response, In addition, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs. This results in more immediate as well as connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Source: Cadillac

July 3, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Golf Match Replaces The Golf SE

2014 Volkswagen Golf Match comes out of the box with even more equipment than the SE model it replaces. In fact, the SE was one of the most comprehensively well-specified vehicles in its class. Now Match will add even more to this for instance with the rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mirror pack. The latter comprises of an automatically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and reverse-activated dipping on the nearside. Furthermore, the standard wheels which the vehicle runs on are the new 16-inch ‘Dover’ alloys.

All Golf Match models include seven airbags, ABS with ESC, XDS electronic differential lock, an automatic post-collision braking system and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats. Inside the car one can see the a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen which is part of the entry-level Composition Media system. The system also adds DAB digital radio, a CD player, MDI interface with 30-pin and Lightning connectors, Bluetooth telephone preparation and audio streaming and eight speakers.

Also no cost options are the air conditioning, the Stop/Start system along with battery regeneration. In addition, the vehicle also boasts outstanding range of features, such as standard ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, a Driver Alert System, PreCrash preventive occupant protection, Driver Profile Selection, automatic wipers, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and dusk sensor.

The GT model will add 17-inch alloy wheels as a standard and will feature lowered sports suspension, ‘Cherry Red’ rear light clusters and heat-insulating dark-tinted rear glass. The interior is adorned by gloss black dash and door inserts, Alcantara and cloth sports seats, LED reading lights, ambient lighting and the Discover Navigation media and navigation system with 5.8-inch colour touchscreen.

For the Match specification level optional are the high beam assist, park assist, DCC dynamic chassis control, a rear-view camera, Discover Pro navigation system with eight-inch colour touchscreen, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

2014 Volkswagen Golf Match is driven by 1.4-litre TSI 122 hp engine with either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. It is capable of returning 54.3 to 56.5 mpg combined. The next engine in the model range is the 1.6-litre TDI 105 hp, coupled with five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox. And the last one is the 2.0-litre TDI 150 hp with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. The new Golf Match is currently available on the market.

Golf Match model line-up:

Engine derivative	Gearbox	Body	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS	6-speed man	3-door	54.3	120
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS	6-speed man	5-door	53.3	123
1.4-litre TSI 122 PS	7-speed DSG	5-door	56.5	116
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS	5-speed man	3-door	74.3	99
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS	5-speed man	5-door	74.3	99
1.6-litre TDI 105 PS	7-speed DSG	5-door	72.4	102
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-speed man	3-door	68.9	106
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-speed man	5-door	68.9	106
2.0-litre TDI 150 PS	6-speed DSG	5-door	62.8	119

Source: Volkswagen

July 3, 2014

Mazda To Reveal Fourth Generation MX-5 In September

Mazda makes plans to unveil the fourth generation MX-5 Roadster in September. The event of the premiere will take place in Barcelona, Spain, where media and fans will celebrate the iconic roadster and its 25th anniversary. After three generations and a quarter of century, Mazda is opening a new chapter on its legendary MX-5 roadster. Precisely, the initial unveiling will take place on 3-4 September. It will happen simultaneously to similar events in Japan and the U.S.

In addition, on 6 of September, MX-5 enthusiasts will meet in Barcelona to view the next gen iconic sports car. Both occasions will happen under the banner: “Long live the Roadster”, and they both to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the MX-5.

The first MX-5 appeared in 1989. Since then almost 945,000 units have been produced. Mazda says that the secret behind this success is the winning principle of pure driving fun based on a lightweight design and perfect front-rear weight balance. Another interesting fact is that the MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record as the bestselling two-seater sports car of all time.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the car, Mazda has produced an anniversary edition model, which debuted at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is driven by a 2.0-litre, 160 hp (118 kW) powerplant, which is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds and has a top speed of 136 mph. It also features special exterior and interior equipment in order to show its limited edition origin.

Source: Mazda

July 3, 2014

Jaguar Reveals F-Type Project 7 Details With Video

2014 Jaguar F-Type Project 7 is a limited edition variant of the hugely popular F-Type sports car. It has already debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Furthermore, Jaguar has announced that the car will go into production run of 250 units. Project 7 is powered by 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. It produces 575 hp (423 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. Given that the car weighs only 1585 kg, the acceleration time it achieves from 0 to 100 km/h is of 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited at 186mph (300km/h).

We have just found an interesting video which shows a little more about the Jaguar F-Type Project 7. Thanks to XCAR Films we can take a look at how this car celebrates the D-Type and uses it as an inspiration.

In the video, Jaguar’s design director Ian Callum and the head of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle’s Operations team, talk about the F-Type Project 7. An interesting fact is that this car is the first Jaguar performance vehicle delivered by the SVO team.

The car’s design and engineering was inspired by the three-time Le Mans winner – Jaguar D-Type. Unlike the concept model on which it is based it features an additional second seat. It also comes with two rollover hoops for both driver and passenger.

httpv://youtu.be/pYuNTurZgcg

Video Source: YouTube via XCAR

July 2, 2014

Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R – Pricing Announced

2014 Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R is the newest limited edition Sport hatch, which was introduced almost two months ago. Of course, the car comes equipped with variety of improvements as well as new more powerful engine: 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged one. As the name of the car states, the unit delivers 275 hp (202 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Furthermore, the new Renault Sport model benefits from new Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, which is lighter than the one used in its predecessor.

This car has achieved two weeks ago 7m 54.36s record for a rear-wheel drive car round the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. The record was achieved thanks to the dedication of the teams at Renault Sport Technologies and the hundreds of hours of testing. The new lap record highlights once again the knowledge and expertise of the specialists at the brand.

Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R comes as a standard with the Cup chassis with limited-slip differential, Öhlins Road&Track dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. The car has no rear seats, and in the front one can see Recaro Pole Position polycarbonate monocoque seats with three-point seat belts.

The exterior of the model has new two-tone colour scheme: Etoile Black roof mated with a Pearlescent White finish. Highlights here are also the Trophy-R branded F1-type front blade, chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the front doors and graphics on the sides in Vif Red.

Renault Megane R.S. 275 Trophy-R has already gone one sale in France with an initial price tag of €45,000.

Source: Renault

July 2, 2014

Buick Envision Teased Ahead Of Premiere In China

Buick Envision is to make a Chinese premiere. The vehicle has just been teased with an image showing it between brand’s two crossovers: the Encore and Enclave. The first one is positioned in the compact segment, while the second – in the extra-large one. This means that there is enough space for the company to consider introducing a vehicle in the mid-size crossover segment. And this is where the Envision model steps in.

The GM department in Shanghai announced that this new midsize SUV will make its debut in China later this year. The model is inspired by the Buick Envision concept. The latter is the latest member of the Buick SUV family, which has dynamic and assertive styling. It mixes emblematic Buick design characteristics with the brand’s new high-end, refined global design concepts.

Furthermore, Buick has also disclosed that the Envision will adopt a new-generation powertrain as well as company’s new all-wheel-drive technology. As a standard, the vehicle will add the fuel-saving start/stop technology.

The introduction of the model in China aims to make a new benchmark in country’s high-end midsize SUV segment in terms of space, safety, performance and specifications. Of course, Buick said that the Envision will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick’s China SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers. This leads us to the thoughts that the vehicle will probably be introduced in other parts of the world too.

Source: Buick

July 2, 2014

Dodge Celebrates Centennial Year

Do you know that this year one of the most iconic American muscle car automakers marks its 100th anniversary? The brand is Dodge and it is tearing into its centennial year as America’s mainstream performance brand. The exact day of celebration was yesterday, on 1st of July. In fact, after the brand has consolidated with SRT, Dodge is getting back to its performance roots with every single model it offers.

Both Dodge and SRT are aiming to offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles, which are to stand out in their own segments. Dodge is considered as the “mainstream performance” brand, while the SRT – as the “ultimate performance” halo of the Dodge brand. The combination results in complete and balanced performance.

At the heart if every Dodge vehicle is the passion of innovation and engineering. They are faster, better or smarter and offer an attitude that was built into the brand by the Dodge brothers themselves a century ago.

Dodge is taking the best of its innumerable successes over these 100 years: the technological advancements of the ’30s and ’40s, 50’s design evolution and the racing heritage of the ’60s, the horsepower of the ’70s, the efficiency of the ’80s and the iconic styling of the ’90s.

The brand has produced many types of vehicles: from muscle cars to compact cars, minivans, crossovers and full-size SUVs. For the new model year, Dodge’s models deliver exceptional horsepower, exclusive technology, unmatched capability and cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment centers and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge clusters.

2015 will see the market birth of Dodge Charger and Challenger, as well as the Dodge Challenger SRT equipped with the HEMI Hellcat. The latter delivers up to 707 horsepower which makes the Challenger the most powerful muscle car ever built. The Dodge brand 2015 lineup also includes the Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, the new Crossroad model and of course – the performance beast Dodge Viper SRT.

Source: Dodge

July 2, 2014

2016 Chevrolet Camaro To Get Four-Cylinder Engine

2016 Chevrolet Camaro will probably get some changes when compared to the current generation car. However, they won’t include design modifications, but rather some engine tweaks. There has been rumored that the new Chevy will be equipped as an option with four cylinder engine. These assumptions are based on the reports that the car will be lighter by several hundred pounds. Furthermore, the new 2016 Camaro will also grow on size, meaning that it won’t use anymore the short-wheelbase version of Alpha from the Cadillac ATS. It will be rather built on the long-wheelbase CTS.

In other words this will make the new Camaro 2.3 inches longer than the current generation. The overall length of the car is expected to be around 114.6 inches, and this means that it will be 7.5 inches longer than the 2015 Ford Mustang, but still shorter than the current Dodge Challenger.

The smaller, entry-level engine fitted to the coupe, is expected to be like the one used in the Cadillac ATS and CTS – the 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain. This unit produces 272 horsepower (200 kW) and 400 Nm (295 pound-feet) of torque. Actually, most probably the car will be equipped with modified 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which we have seen in the new Mustang. This unit is capable of more than 305 hp (2205 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque.

Of course, there has been nothing said about discontinuation of the current 3.6-liter V-6 and 6.2-liter V-8 units. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will make an official world debut in the beginning of 2015. It is expected to go on sale later that year.

July 1, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova