Lidia Todorova – Page 157 – Automobiles Review

Audi Launches 2014 RS6 Avant Plus?

2014 Audi RS6 Avant was unveiled back in December 2012. The standard engine of the car is downsized twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI which produces a peak output of 560 hp (412 kW) between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, and a constant 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. With this unit the car needs only 3.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. We have just understood from our colleagues at GTSpirit that Audi is planning to introduce to the market more powerful version of the 2014 Audi RS6 Avant.

According to them, a dealer based in the UK has leaked the official details about the updated model. The uprated RS6 Avant Plus will be powered by the same engine, however it will be boosted to deliver up to 600 hp (441 kW), which means a 40 hp.

Next to the engine modifications, the car will also get improvements in terms of agility and handling. Probably this will be achieved via weight-savings. Another exciting fact that has also leaked is that the new RS6 Avant Plus will be a full production model.

Of course, some cosmetic treatments are also expected to happen. For instance: badging and interior enhancements. Given that the information on the 2014 RS6 Avant Plus has already leaked, we think that the official details from Audi will be disclosed shortly.

Source: www.gtspirit.com

July 1, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS Sedan Shown “Behind-The-Scenes” [VIDEO]

2015 Cadillac ATS Sedan has just been filmed in company’s newest television commercial. This means that with the released “behind-the-scenes” video below the car is actually making an early reveal. The advertisement was shot exclusively in Niagara’s wine area. The luxurious and speedy car turned heads of pedestrians and onlookers as it raced along the landscape of the Niagara Escarpment.

As you can see, the ATS Sedan has a refreshed lower fascia. In addition it also seems to feature revised front bumper. At the front we see the same grille like in the coupe and here the company has featured also its redesigned badge.

The latest version of the model was introduced back in 2012 as a 2013 model year vehicle. The rear-drive ATS brought Cadillac’s blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design. It was powered by two V-6 four cylinder engines, 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and Cadillac’s award-winning 3.6L V-6.

The latter is the range topping one and its power is estimated at 318 hp (237 kW). Both manual and automatic transmissions came as an option, and also optional were the rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. We are expecting an official reveal and details soon. Stay tuned!

httpv://youtu.be/-P1yVGh5fHA

Video Source: YouTube

News Source: Cadillac

July 1, 2014

Citroen Reveals DS 3 DSign Noire By Benefit [VIDEO]

Citroen DS 3 DSign Noire by Benefit is a special edition vehicle which was designed in partnership with Benefit Cosmetics UK. It is the latest model from the collaboration of both brands and is currently available in Citroen’s dealerships. To celebrate the latest DS 3 the French automaker and the cosmetic company has teamed up for a ‘Fast and Fabulous’ race. Both cars and make-up were put through their paces by a team of Racers and Beauty Bloggers at the famous Silverstone circuit. The result of the race you can watch in the video below.

DS 3 DSign Noire by Benefit is powered by 1.2-litre VTi 82 manual powertrain. And in the midst of the city it features an exclusive design which makes it really stand out from the crowd. It runs on edgy 17” black “Bellone” alloy wheels that perfectly coordinate with the Perla Nera Black metallic bodywork. What makes it really unique is the eye-catching grey fishnet graphic roof design.

Futhermore, the black bodywork of the car is accentuated with Benefit Orange door mirrors and wheel centre caps. A ‘Gabbi’s head’ Benefit logo is featured in grey on the ‘shark fin’ B pillars as well as a rear Benefit badge.

Inside, it has sports seats plus finishing touches inspired by Benefit’s make-up products; for instance – the grey ‘Gabbi’s head’ logo on the gloss black dash board. Mistral ‘Akinen’ Alcantara and Mistral Cloth sports seats and bespoke black velour floor mats, finished with Benefit Orange piping and a Benefit logo, complete the interior.

Technology featured here includes LED Signature 3D effect rear tail lights, LED DRL’s with chrome front fog lights and grille, air conditioning and Connecting Box Bluetooth system with USB socket, HiFi System Audio Upgrade that adds a dashboard mounted acoustic speaker and integrated subwoofer in the boot.

Source: Citroen

July 1, 2014

Latest Generation McLaren 650S GT3 Premiered At Goodwood

McLaren 650S GT3 is what we have been all waiting for. In the grounds of the famous Goodwood Estate, McLaren GT confirmed the first details of the new model next to its full-reveal. It is the company’s latest generation track-focused racer that will contest GT3 championships across the world, starting from next year’s season. The car was built on the 12C GT3 as well as 650S, has menacing and purposeful-look. The new GT3 uses 650S’ lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis. In addition, the GT3 iteration has been honed utilizing CFD technology and the latest in automotive and motorsport simulation to offer improved aerodynamics and levels of cooling.

At the front, we can see aggressive splitter and larger air intakes. On the flanks, the lightweight carbon fibre bodywork wraps around reprofiled air intakes. They offer Additional optimized cooling. The fixed carbon fibre rear wing works in tandem with the large carbon fibre splitter to complete the management of air.

Furthermore, the 650S GT3 also uses updated suspension geometry, wider track and refinement to its overall setup. Inside the cockpit, the 650S GT3 provides enhances levels of safety. The protection is ensured by the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis and the addition of an FIA-approved rollcage with increased leg and headroom.

650S GT3 is fitted with a bespoke motorsport digital dash display. It is positioned right behind the steering wheel and was inspired by the wheel design seen in the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car. The centre console is also inspired by the latest 12C GT3 interior.

Furthermore, the race seat is fitted with a six-point race harness as standard. The seat is directly mounted to the chassis, and the steering wheel and motorsport pedalbox are then adjustable to bring them closer to the driver.

McLaren 650S GT3 is powered by the 3.8-litre McLaren V8 twin turbo ‘M838T’ engine, which is coupled to an all-new six-speed sequential motorsport transmission. It generated around 500 hp (368 kW). The gearbox oil cooler is now positioned into the larger side intakes, giving the rear of the car a cleaner and more aerodynamic flow.

The racer utilizes race-tuned suspension system with a 52mm wider track in comparison to the 12C GT3. The larger front suspension also includes larger diameter racing tyres. This provides improved levels of front-end grip and steering feel on turn-in.

The car runs on forged aluminium wheels in the size of 12.5” x 18” and 13” x 18” for the front and rear, respectively. Behind them is the newly-developed braking system with monoblock six-piston callipers on the front, and four-piston on the rear, with ventilated discs (380 x 35mm front / 355 x 32mm rear).

McLaren plans to produce around 15 examples of the 650S GT3. The price has been confirmed and it starts at £330,000.

McLaren 650S GT3 Technical Specifications:

Chassis/Body

McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminum front and rear sub frames
Bespoke lightweight carbon fibre/composite body panels
Left hand drive
FIA approved safety roll cage
Air-jacking system
Colour

Aerodynamics

Front splitter and dive planes
Rear wing – fully adjustable with gurney
Front and rear diffusers

Engine/Management

Race prepared 3.8L V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
McLaren Electronics ECU incorporating turbo boost and transmission shift control

Transmission

Six-speed sequential motorsport transmission pneumatically actuated via steering wheel mounted paddles

Electrical System

Lightweight motorsport specification wiring and connectors
Electronic power management system
Membrane type switch panel
Auxiliary power supplies for fitment of team equipment (radio etc)

Data System

McLaren Electronics ‘ATLAS’ data system
Motorsport digital dash display

Front/Rear Suspension

Double wishbone adjustable for ride height, camber and toe
4-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs
Motorsport axles with single wheel retaining nut
Adjustable anti-roll bars
Forged aluminium wheels: Front 12.5” x 18”, Rear 13” x 18”

Steering

Electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
Unique McLaren GT composite steering wheel incorporating key driver switch controls and map settings

Fuel System

Motorsport ‘bag tank’ system with 125L capacity
Motorsport ‘quick-fill’ system

Brake System

Monoblock calipers with ventilated discs:
- Front – 6 piston caliper, 380Ø x 35mm disc
- Rear – 4 piston caliper, 355Ø x 32mm disc
- Bosch motorsport ABS
Adjustable brake bias

Cockpit

McLaren GT bespoke composite seat shell
Six-point racing harness
Motorsport pedal box – adjustable position
Lightweight carbon fibre dash with integrated driver display and switch panel
Motorsport fire extinguisher system

Source: McLaren

June 30, 2014

Aston Martin Reveals DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Concept has just been unveiled not only with a series of pictures but with an exclusive video. They all show the detailed design of the car, which will be available from July for all those who have the latest Gran Turismo6 (GT6) racing game on the PlayStation3 platform. The car is in the shape of a Design Prototype 100, or simply – DP-100. The development of the vehicle was in-house. The design team at Aston Martin began from scratch and via hand sketches and 3D modelling, they’ve managed to create this unique concept.

After that, the car was got a full realisation in the virtual world. It took them six months too finalize the project. As you can see the DP-100 provides great levels of detail. It features fully functioning suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics.

Exclusive feature here are the revolutionary “active aerodynamics”. They are not only a way of enhancing, but also support car’s function in the game. Other design cue visible in DP-100 is the light blade rear lamps.

And while the car features clean and classy in design, it has a powerful potential hidden at its rear. DP-100 not only looks beautiful but also includes a high degree of engineering integrity. It is powered by the twin-turbo V12 which produces up to 800 hp (588 kW). This ensures exhilarating performance fully in resonance with the high octane nature of the game.

And we can only regret that this is a virtual-only GT racer. However, it has the full potential to become a real one.

httpv://youtu.be/3FROCsPRyWI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

June 30, 2014

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept Makes Debut

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept has made a debut last weekend at the MG90 event, which saw celebration of the 90th birthday of the brand. In addition, at the Silverstone circuit there were on display historic, current and future MGs, including three concept vehicles. One of them is the MG3 Trophy Championship concept which is based on the current MG3 production vehicle. The concept model was created to highlight in-house engineering, design and calibration capabilities of company’s specialists.

Compared to the production car, this one includes tuning of the 1.5 litre, 106 hp (78 kW), MG3 engine, which as a standard produces 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) torque. After the boost, the unit can achieve a max power output of 204 hp (150 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. The body of the vehicle has also undergone a full body-lightening programme.

Furthermore, the Trophy concept also includes limited slip differential, a fully adjustable Macpherson strut front set up with bespoke rear anti roll bar, adjustable front splitter and twin plain adjustable rear spoiler. As mentioned, the Trophy Championship concept was previewed at the MG90 event last weekend. The aim was to gauge potential demand for an MG Trophy race vehicle.

MG3 Trophy Championship Concept Technical Specifications:

Source: MG

June 30, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Gets New Premium Package

2014 Volkswagen Beetle was introduced to the market in the beginning of the year. The car is equipped with direct-injected 1.8T which has replaced the previous 5-cylinder 2.5 liter one. The unit produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powerplant is also economical and returns 33 mpg on the highway. It can be mated with five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. Other innovations for MY2014 include the new electric power steering.

From July, those who are looking to get a 2014 Beetle will have a new option to consider: the Premium Package. The pack is offered on both Coupe and Convertible trims equipped with the aforementioned engine or the TDI Clean Diesel engine. The Premium Pack adds features new to the Beetle, as well as equipment previously only available on the Beetle R-Line trim.

To be more precise, the front will get Bi-Xenon automatic headlights, which will light up the way of the car. Three exterior color options are new and come exclusively with the pack. They are namely: Oryx White, Platinum Gray and Deep Black.

The Premium Beetle will also get a sport suspension, grey door sills and mirror caps and R-Line bumpers with foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. What rounds out the exterior are the 8″ Disc wheels in Galvano Grey, which are featured in the TDI, and the 19″ Torando wheels in White for the 1.8T.

Inside, the iconic Volkswagen is getting also enhanced. Unique seating surfaces with leather inserts and contrast stitching is the first thing one sees when they enter the car. The other new features here are: Climatronic Automatic Climate Control, RNS 510 with navigation and satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Fender Sound System and iPhone 5 cradle.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle with Premium Package has a starting price of $27,355 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

June 30, 2014

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Revealed!

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was just unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Unlike we supposed, judging from he teaser image revealed recently, the car is not painted in all-red, but actually features a two-tone paint scheme. The car s based on the 208 GTi, however it delivers a more intense driving sensation because it is equipped with the new Euro6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine that develops 208 hp (153 kW) and 300 Nm (222 lb-ft) of torque. The unit has been mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, it has great traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings.

208 GTi 30th proves that it has a sporty temperament. Just look at these figures: the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is covered in 6.5 seconds. Although the performance is great, the achieved efficiency figures are low and CO2 emissions are just 125g/km.

Furthermore, the suspension here has been lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. Peugeot has also fitted larger wheels to the anniversary edition car. At the front there are grille surround, the fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells finished in matt black.

From the side, the lowered stance is highlighted further by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18″ wheels finished with matt black rims. The wheels are coupled with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 ZR 18 tyres. The front wheels include large red Peugeot Sport brake calipers with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers.

The window trim strip are also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a ‘208 GTi 30th logo’. At the rear we see round twin chrome tail pipes. The exterior has been finished in a two-tone and this dual material treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new high-gloss red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line. There is another bi-color option: Pearl White and Ruby Red.

Inside, the interior is in perfect harmony with the exterior. The black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts, high-quality floor mats are trimmed in red, while the front bucket seats were trimmed in an exclusive blend of materials, such as Alcantara, black TEP with red stitching and a black dotted mesh pattern with red highlights.

2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November.

Source: Peugeot

June 27, 2014

Lamborghini Aventador LP988 Edizione GT by DMC

Lamborghini Aventador LP988 Edizione GT by DMC looks breathtaking not only because it is a Lambo or it has this vibrant red exterior paint, but also because it was refined to the tiniest detail. The German super-car tuner DMC has added to it a package which is dubbed the Edizione-GT or simply E-GT. And despite the conversions, the car is completely street legal. The major work has been done on the body kit and the engine. The exterior has been painted in a special two tone color, and there have been also added a set of forged alloy wheels. The tuning also includes an interior make-over.

To go into details, the body kit comes with new front and rear bumpers, as well as an engine-bonnet replacement that includes a motor cooling air-scoop. There are also new side skirts. Furthermore, the package is defined by the presence of a massive GT-Spoiler that can be manually set to 3 different angles for different aerodynamics.

The package is completed with a full array of tunnels, flaps and diffusers. If you take a look at the pictures (gallery is featured below), you will then see that a lot of carbon fiber has been used for the aforementioned elements. This will definitely save a lot of the weight of the Anentador.

Furthermore, the LP988 has been subject to a Twin-Turbo procedure in combination with a reprogrammed ECU. Now data has been released about the figures, but we are sure that the power improvement will be great. A set of forged alloy wheels and a new kit of suspensions keep the beat on the road and make the Lamborghini stand out further.

At last, the package is finalized with exclusive interior refinements. Inside, one can see Italian fine leathers and of course, a lot of carbon finer. There are plenty of buttons and trims, which are available as a small package. The steering wheel has been also redesigned and adds on to complete a medium package. At last, the whole interior can be redone for the VIP package.

Another interesting fact about this package is that it can’t be just purchased, but it is a limited edition. This means that if you want to can get one you have to first apply before being able to buy. Each unit is strictly limited to only one colour and/or style, making every one of them unique.

Source: DMC

June 27, 2014

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 10 Chelsea Wide Track Edition

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 10 Chelsea Wide Track Edition has a very to long name but it is definitely a nice project. The engineering and the design of every element has been done with intent. In other words, this vehicle is blend of refinement, and its all-terrain capability makes it distinctive and unique. The exterior color here has been decided in the unusual Nara Bronze, which in my opinion looks very good. The paint scheme is complimented by wide range of additions.

At the front, we can see that the tuners at A. Kahn Design have included a new front bumper with bumper lighting, front bumper sump guard, front wide wheel arches in matt black, and LED diamond bright headlights as well as bonnet vents with mesh. At the back we can see a rear wheel wide wheel arch and wings in matt black, exhaust shields and Kahn crosshair exhaust system.

Other added design elements that make this Land Rover truly one-of-a-kind are the privacy glass, painted brake calipers, hardwearing mud flaps, and of course the Kahn 9 x 20″ Mondial wheels in volcanic black as well as the Chelsea truck company spare wheel cover.

Going inside, the car’s exquisite interior features front sports GTB, middle bench and rear folding seats in quilted and perforated leather with Harris Tweed detailing. The other enhancements are a centre glove box, rev counter facia in red, centre dashboard surround, Kahn single spoke leather steering wheel, rev counter facia, dashboard and instrument binnacle, hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats, Kahn fire extinguisher, Churchill time clock facia insert and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 27, 2014

Nissan Reveals The Story Behind The Design Of Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo has been introduced last week and it was also announced that the virtual car will join the PlayStation3 game on 6th of July. In fact, the game celebrates 15 years anniversary since it was released for the first time on the market. This Nissan concept has a strange V-motion front fascia and slender headlights. Also, there have been added huge air-intakes which were specifically made that big to deliver enough air for the powerful engine. The unit is producing more than 800HP (588 kW).

In the video below, which the company has just published, Nissan tells the story of how Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo’s life began. Initially it was a dream project for young Nissan designers. They were given the freedom to create the perfect supercar … for their own Gran Turismo fantasy garage, of course.

The team at Nissan Design Europe based in London however, created a spectacular design which seemed to have so much potential. It also benefited from input from an engineering team based in Japan.

In addition, their design also adapted cues from current Nissan performance models. The concept was created from scratch with the latest digital tools. In the video the designers say that this design will be used in future Nissan vehicles and probably will turn out to be a future concept.

A full-size Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo will be presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

httpv://youtu.be/v2-utp6TZ6A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

June 27, 2014

Bespoke McLaren MSO 650S Spider Concept Debuts At Goodwood

McLaren MSO 650S Spider Concept which has been teased previously this month. If you are fan of the brand, then you will undoubtedly remember that MSO 650S Coupe has already been revealed in China in April. Both models will enter a production, which will not exceed 50 examples. As mentioned previously this month the production Spider will make its debut at Goodwood in the Supercar Paddock. It will also make a run though the famous Hill.

MSO 650S Spirder has many similarities with the Coupe. The exterior is fitted abundantly with number of carbon fibre styling upgrades with a satin finish. For instance, the extended MSO Side Blades are all carbon, while the three-piece rear bumper includes a carbon fibre centre section, which sits above a restyled and aggressive rear diffuser.

The supercar will be offered in three paint finishes: Papaya Spark, Agrigan Black and Sarigan Quartz. The first one is a modern interpretation of the famous McLaren Orange, while the Agrigan Black we have already seen in the MSO 650S Coupe. It is a stylish metallic black with a deep ruby red metallic flake. A new color is the Sarigan Quartz which is vibrant metallic silver with a subtle golden infusion, and it will be shown for the first time at Goodwood.

The final element of this exceptional exterior feature Palladium coloured 10-spoke Super Lightweight alloy wheels. They have unique diamond cut effect to the inside edge of each spoke. It is interesting that these wheels save 4 kg over the standard design.

The interior of this McLaren is upholstered with carbon black leather and Alcantara. There is stylish satin lacquered carbon fibre detailing which can be seen on the driver and passenger zones. As a contrast to these elements, a gloss finish has been applied to the air vents and handling and powertrain switchgear on the Active Dynamics Panel. At last, a signature dedication plaque is installed on the MSO carbon fibre sill panel.

Every single example of MSO 650S will be delivered with a Frank Stephenson-signed sketch and a luxury MSO branded, leather weekend bag. The latter is handcrafted from stealth black carbon fibre leather and includes Alcantara lining.

The pricing of the McLaren MSO 650S begins at £252,500 for the Coupe, while the Spider is rated at £272,500. Those 50 that will purchase the car can expect their deliveries before the end of the year.

Source: McLaren

June 26, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova