Lidia Todorova – Page 159 – Automobiles Review

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC Delivers 544 Horsepower

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC is an eye-catching addition to the Global Rallycross series and more importantly it delivers the astonishing 544 horsepower. The car was revealed by Volkswagen’s Andretti Rallycross team and it will race later this year at the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship. It will be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed. In fact, the team enters the third round of the season, and has already achieved two victories for Scott Speed driving the No. 7 7UP Volkswagen Polo.

To be more precise, this Beetle is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, which makes the 544 horsepower (440 kW). This means that this Volkswagen will be very competitive. The Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle with the No. 34, boasts a unique appearance and includes state-of-the-art technology.

This rallycross car is a pure expression of the third-generation Beetle. It is designed and engineered from the outset as a GRC car and includes a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed-ratio all-wheel-drive system. The latter features multiplate limited-slip differentials both at the front and rear.

This Beetle utilizes all-around strut-type suspension, with ZF dampers and needs 9.1 inches of travel to cope with the rigors of the off-road portion. It also comes equipped with 14.0-inch diameter front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, four-piston aluminum calipers, and runs on 17-inch wheels shod with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires.

An outsize rear wing, widebody fenders, and aggressive front fascia is what defines the No. 34. The rallycross car has an overall length of 168.8 inches, and a width of 71.7 inches. It weighs 2668 pounds which mean that it perfectly complies with the series regulations. This combination of reduced weight, high horsepower, and all-wheel-drive traction, promises that we will see the Beetle GRC sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in an incredibly quick 2.1 seconds. Or just, this is what Volkswagen promises.

Source: Volkswagen

June 23, 2014

New Volvo V60 Polestar To Be Presented At Goodwood [VIDEO]

Brand New Volvo V60 Polestar is going to be officially premiered at the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. As we already know, the event will happen between 26th and 29th of June. If we compare it a motorsport garden party, then the festival will definitely be the largest in the world. The unique summer weekend will bring together an impossibly mix of cars, stars and motor sport royalty. Among them will be the new Volvo V60 Polestar, which is going to perform a number of hill runs during the festival and it will also be available at the exhibition area.

What is specific about this car is that it includes a thoroughly developed chassis with high performance dampers and brakes. These come in combination with four-wheel drive and 350 hp (257 kW) which come from the turbo charged 6-cylinder engine.

Developed from 17 years of motorsport experience, the new V60 Polestar, makes the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds. The development of the car has been ongoing over the past years, picking up from the C30 and S60 Concept cars and the Australian S60 Polestar. Thousands of development kilometres have been driven on mountain roads, o test tracks from the south of Europe to the frozen north of Sweden.

The countries set to receive the S60 and V60 Polestar include Canada, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the USA. British racing driver Anthony Reid, who was a tough competitor for Volvo in the BTCC during the nineties, tested the Volvo at the Goodwood circuit earlier. You can see what he says about his experience in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/zs2NrKvqnDQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Volvo

June 23, 2014

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition To Be Shown At Goodwood

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition is going to make a dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed next to its stportier sibling – the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype. There will be available test drives up the Goodwood Hill during the Moving Motorshow and in addition the new Q50, Q70, QX70 and Q60 convertible will be on display. Precisely, the test drives will happen a day before the start of the show – this Friday on 27th of June. Even the brand new Infiniti Q50, in both hybrid and diesel forms, will be available for drives and will run throughout the day.

Another exciting car, which will be on display as well as available for test drives, is Sebastian Vettel-inspired SUV in the form of the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition. With the start of the Festival the SUV next to the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype will make their debut. The latter has the capacity of producing 568 hp due to its powerful V6 twin-turbo engine.

At the helm on Saturday will be Christian Horner from Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team and at other times it will be handed over to Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s Test and Reserve Driver Sébastien Buemi. Both drivers will also be available on the Infiniti hospitality stand for a question and answer session regarding the Formula One season.

Furthermore, in the Goodwood House Infiniti will be displaying the majority of the brands premium model line up. For instance, the new mid-sized Q50 saloon will be there sitting alongside its larger version known as the Q70. The QX70 will provide more distinctive look for an SUV, while the Q60 Convertible – more open air feel.

And if you happen to be in the vicinity of Goodwood festival and want to go for a test drive, the booking should happen on Thursday, 26th June, at Infiniti booth at the Moving Motorshow.

Source: Infiniti

June 23, 2014

Two Dodge Viper SRT GTS-Rs Get New Livery

Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R with new livery is going to debut at Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen race weekend, between 27th and 29th of June, at the New York’s Watkins Glen International circuit. With the new skin Street and Racing Technology is honoring the Dodge Viper’s racing heritage. SRT Motorsports Viper entries carry the numbers No. 91 and No. 93, and are colored in Viper Red and Race White. The classic colors are the same worn by the Viper entries that competed at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2000, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000, and the American Le Mans Series championships in 1999 and 2000.

The new livery also comes to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. For this purpose, the team is carrying a special 100th anniversary logo on both IMSA TUDOR Vipers. The cars not only bring back the classic look but also connect the Viper racing program to its spirited racing heritage.

For the design of the new race cars, SRT Motorsports has partnered with Riley Technologies. Two identical Viper GTS-R will compete in the production-based GT Le Mans class in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R will first race on the track on 27th of June for the initial practice for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen race weekend. In addition, the third endurance race of the 2014 IMSA TUDOR season, which is part of the North American Endurance Cup, will take place at Watkins Glen International on 29th of June 29.

Source: Dodge

June 20, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe And CLS Shooting Brake – Pricing Announced

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS and CLS Shooting Brake were revealed yesterday, showing-off their new looks and plentiful standard equipment. In addition, these new Mercedes-Benz vehicles deliver lower emissions and are regarded as the fastest generation of CLS yet. One of the most important features in the range is the new Multibeam LED headlights. They include 24 individually-controlled LEDs automatically adjusted 100 times per second. This is done with the help of a camera and four control units. Furthermore, this new technology detects vehicles and automatically adjusts the light beam.

The new CLS range starts with the 220 BlueTEC, which is powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine. The unit is capable of producing 177 hp (130 kW) and 129 g/km of CO2. There is a second diesel model, powered by a six-cylinder 350 BlueTEC engine, which delivers 258 hp (190 kW) and emits 142 g/km of CO2. For the firs time this engine is coupled with a nine-speed transmission as a standard.

Next, the petrol V6 powerplant powers the CLS 400 Coupe and delivers 333 hp (245 kW). At the top of the range stands the CLS 63 AMG S, which is capable of generating 585 hp (430 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The powerful model is equipped with a limited slip differential and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1-seconds.

There are many upgrades in the range that are coming as a standard: COMAND Online, heated front seats and the ambient interior lighting system. Mercedes-Benz is offering two option packages. The Premium Pack adds an electric sunroof, seat memory package, reversing camera and split/folding seats. The second optional package is the Premium Plus Pack that adds all the features of the previous one, but also includes a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go.

The features on the CLS 63 AMG S include an electric sunroof, Keyless Go, the ambient lighting system, a Harmon Kardon sound system, reversing camera, split folding rear seats and a powered tailgate being. Every CLS will come equipped as a standard with an eight-inch tablet-style screen.

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake will be available to order from July and the first deliveries will begin in September.

CLS Coupe UK pricing:

Model	Transmission	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Economy (MPG)	CO2 (g/km)	Price (RRP OTR)
CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	177	400	56.5	129	£46,500
CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder	9G-Tronic Plus	258	620	52.3	142	£49,950
CLS 400, petrol, 3,498 cc, six-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	333	480	38.7	170	£55,850
CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder	AMG MCT 7-speed	585	800	28.5	231	£86,500

CLS Shooting Brake UK pricing:

Model	Transmission	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Economy (MPG)	CO2 (g/km)	Price (RRP OTR)
CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	177	400	56.5	132	£48,080
CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder	9G-Tronic Plus	258	620	49.6	149	£51,400
CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder	AMG MCT 7-speed	585	800	28.0	235	£87,000

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 20, 2014

Hyundai Adds Eco Trim To 2015 Sonata Range

2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco is the next option in the model range of the company. The Eco trim adds the third powertrain available in the new Sonata, which is expected to deliver 32 mpg combined fuel economy rating. Hyundai stated that the new model enhances the sophisticated design and driving dynamics of the 2015 Sonata and adds to them even more impressive fuel economy. Precisely, the innovative powertrain is the 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder engine.

The unit produces an estimated 177 horsepower (130 kW) and 264 Nm (195 lb. ft.) of torque. Furthermore, the Sonata Eco is the first Hyundai car to use the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In this combination, the vehicle delivers an estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway fuel economy.

What is more, that car comes standard with many features which we have seen in Sonata SE plus. Such are the chrome grille, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support, stitching on the instrument cluster hood, chrome interior door handles, 5-inch color touchscreen audio, a rearview backup camera and Blue Link telematics system.

As an option, Hyundai has prepared a Technology Package. It will add to the standard features the following: Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) with Rear-cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, chrome exterior door handles, Hands-free Smart Trunk Auto Open, proximity key entry with push-button start, auto up/down front passenger window. It will enhance the interior with leather seating surfaces and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as heated front seats.

The package will also give the occupants the convenience of dual automatic temperature control, 4.2-inch color LCD Multi-Info Display, 8-inch navigation system featuring voice command technology, HD Radio Technology, Dimension premium audio, SiriusXM Travel Link and auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and compass.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco will go into production later this summer. When it go on sale it will have a starting price of $23,275 USD.

Source: Hyundai

June 20, 2014

McLaren To Debut Track-Focused GT Model At Goodwood

The latest track-focused model from McLaren GT is going to make a world debut at the famous Goodwood Hill and the driver Jenson Button is to drive it. We have received this teaser image giving some slight information of the forms of the car. It is clearly visible that it has the typical design of McLaren. The latest generation competitive track-focused racer will demonstrate the brand’s focus on pushing boundaries and drive for constant improvement.

In addition, at the Festival the brand is also to display the recently launched 650S Coupe and Spider, as well as the McLaren P1. The latter was produced in 375 examples which have all been sold. Alongside this, will be one of the earliest examples of McLaren’s successful racers – the M7C, driven by Bruce McLaren, to three podium finishes during the 1969 Formula 1™ season.

As in previous years, the company will also have a presence in the Supercar Paddock. There it will display two models throughout the duration of the weekend. A special example of the 650S developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), will also make an official debut at the Festival of Speed.

We are expecting that the teased car will be a GT version of 650S, which means that it will deliver more power that is standard for the latter. Precisely McLaren 650S is powered by 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which produces 650 hp (478 kW) at 7,250RPM and 678 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque at 6,000RPM. The engine is coupled with a seven-speed SSG gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated in 3.0 seconds.

Source: McLaren

June 20, 2014

2015 Peugeot 508 Range Revealed

2015 Peugeot 508 Range has just been unveiled in London. The cars a positioned in the D segment and now have new design and are powered by efficient engines. Some of the new features include brand new grille, touch screen, reversing camera and blind spot sensors. The new models will be presented to the general public in August simultaneously at the forthcoming Moscow and Chengdu Motor Shows. In September they will also make European debut at the Paris Motor Show, when also the sales are expecting to start.

The more assertive exterior style delivers more character. The new grille is an essential element of the new design philosophy adopted by Peugeot. It is more vertical and from now on includes brand’s Lion at its centre. The front of the vehicle also received distinctive front lamps: LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators and front foglamps. The visual signature – a ‘comma’ on the Saloon and the SW, ‘claws’ on the RXH – assured by the daytime running lamps, are integrated into the bumper.

The bonnet is now more horizontal. On the Saloon it improves the balance between front and rear, while the rear end is more structured, with a redesigned rear bumper. The rear lamps also feature more horizontal design.

Inside, the dashboard includes a 7” touch screen. The central panel has fewer buttons while the centre console features a new closed-storage box. The complete instrument panel is positioned in front of the driver and is backed up by the Head-Up Display with driving and navigation information in colour, displayed on a retractable smoked viewing screen.

Comfort and safety is secured by many new systems such as the Keyless Entry and Starting, the automatic electric parking brake, automatic headlamp dipping, quad-zone automatic air conditioning, JBL badged Hi-Fi, Blind Spot Sensors and a reversing camera.

The suspension system has also been optimized. The combination of double wishbones, decoupled hub front suspension or pseudo MacPherson, and multi-link rear suspension, ensures the good ride comfort and road holding.

The petrol engine which will power the 508 range is Euro 6 compliant. The 1.6 litre THP 165 Stop & Start is coupled with a six-speed manual or new EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox. This unit produces 165 hp (121 kW) and emits only 131 g/km of CO2.

The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 6-speed manual, has CO2 emissions of just 105g/km for both Saloon and SW estate. There is another diesel engine offered which is the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 EAT6 Saloon version. It has been type approved with CO2 emissions of just 111g/km.

Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology is carried over to the Saloon and the RXH. The 508 Saloon HYbrid4 and 508 RXH use the 163 hp (119 kW) 2.0-litre HDi Diesel unit combined with the 37 hp electric motor. They drive the rear wheels and can operate either alternately or together. There are four selectable driving modes: ZEV, 4WD, Sport and Auto. The hybrids are approved with CO2 emissions of 85g/km, and deliver a combined fuel consumption of 85.6 mpg.

Source: Peugeot

June 19, 2014

Senner Tuning Audi RS5 Coupe Produces 504 Horsepower

Senner Tuning Audi RS5 Coupe has a cowl which hides a classic booming V8-motor with a displacement of 4.2 litres and a 504 horsepower (370 kW). Which means an addition of 54 hp to the serial power. The updated maximum torque is 478 Nm (353 lb-ft). The tuners have also repainted the car and it now boasts “Daytona grey” paint finish. Furthermore, the RS5 got also a Bilstein B16 PSS10-coilover suspension in which the push and pull stage dampening can be adjusted separately.

In addition, the DRC- & RC function of the serial undercarriage was deactivated when the new one was installed. The restyled Audi RS5 runs on Competec C.01 three-part wheels in high-gloss black. The front has a 9.5×20 size with a bed of 2.5 inches and the rear a 10.5×20 size with a bed of 3.5 inches.

Then the wheels were covered with Continental Sport Contact 5P-tyres in the 255/30R20 and 295/25R20 for the front and rear, respectively. The exhaust has been treated by the in-house sports exhaust system with pre-muffler and backpressure-optimised flap control. There are three different modes available: travelling, sports and racing.

The serial chrome end pipe covers were added, and coupe’s body was also slightly modified and now includes signal yellow car body elements. Chrome edgings covered in glossy black film around the widows, while the side mirrors were painted in black. In black were desided also the grille, the rear spoiler and both Audi rings at the front and rear.

Source: Senner Tuning

June 19, 2014

Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Debuts At Goodwood

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe 25th Anniversary Limited Edition also carries the name Miata and was previously introduced in April. The car is currently getting readied to go on sale with a start date 1st of August. With this limited edition MX-5, the company celebrates 25 years of the iconic two-seater. The anniversary car will make its official debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Of course, as a special edition it will feature unique exterior and interior design characteristics. It will be produced in a limited number – only 1000, which will carry the Limited Edition numbered external badging.

The anniversary MX-5 roadster is driven by a 2.0-litre, 160 hp (118 kW) powerplant, which is matched with a six-speed manual transmission. The car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 136 mph top speed.

This limited edition use as a basis the MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0 litre Sport Tech Nav. However, it is characterized by its unique Soul Red Metallic paint finish that is complemented by Brilliant Black door mirrors, A-pillars and power-operated retractable hardtop roof.

Miata, which stands for roadster in Japanese, runs on 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels. It also carries a new rear diffuser and chrome exhaust trim. The interior features Light Stone leather with contrasting red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever as well as 25th Anniversary logo embossed on the headrests.

Hand-painted Dark Red dashboard decoration panel, Brilliant Black roll-over bar covers, alloy pedal set and 25th Anniversary stainless steel scuff plates complete the interior design. At last, a technology feature is the 6.1-inch touch screen Mazda Navigation System with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, an integrated CD, radio and DVD player.

Source: Mazda

June 19, 2014

Tuningwerk Refines BMW M235i RS

BMW 2 Seires have been on the market for just several months. This fact howver didn’t stop the tuners at Tuningwerk to get inspired by it and do their magic. The exclusive 2-doored compact M-series coupe, now has an enlarging in TW design with front lip, rear diffusor and rear spoiler, all made of carbon. Besides main and oil cooler, there is an additional cooling agent cooler and a 850 W fan. As an option, the customizers offer heat exchanger.

Moreover, there is a single mass flywheel with sports clutch, amid pipe eliminating the bottle neck on the flexible element and a stainless steel axle back exhaust with valve command and tail pipes. The latter also produces strong and deep sound.

The braking system is also new. It features adapted Brembo components, precisely 350×34 racing steel discs and 6 piston brake calipers on the front axle. Steel flex pipes and an optimized DSC/ABS controller setup stop the braking.

Of course, an appropriate wheel/tyre combination was also given to this BMW. Tuningwerk forged steel rims in 8,5×18” were fitted with Dunlop SportMaxx RT in size 235/40R18 at the front, while at the rear they are 9×18” and with 265/35R18, respectively

Under the PolePosition Recaro seats were mounted seat slide rails. As an option there is a rollover cage and 6 point seat belts. Besides the modified aluminum oil pan, the Uniball axle elements are also to be mentioned. The 6 cylinders engine with 2.979 l of engine size, TwinScroll Turbo and manual gear shift produces 444 horsepower (326 kW) with 600 Nm of torque. The result is stunning acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for only 4.3 seconds.

For the hard racing use the tuning company has added additional car body stiffening and struts. Sparking plugs with higher heat value and the modified airflow reliably serve their purpose. Tuningwerk BMW M235i RS has an empty weight of 1.490 kg with full tank.

Source: Miranda Media

June 19, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Adds 2LOOK Edition To SL AMG Range

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG are getting a 2LOOK Edition version, which shows-off sports- and dynamic style. The new editions feature a combination of exclusive interior and exterior equipment, which make the SL AMG even more exclusive. In addition, the luxury German company has announced that from this month the SL 63 AMG is equipped with an updated version of the V8 engine which delivers 585 hp (430 kW).

Some of the highlights here include a vario-roof, the cross-strut in the AMG front apron, exterior mirror housings, fins on the wings and bonnet, surrounds of the LED daytime running lamps, spoiler lip on the tail end and the diffuser insert in the AMG rear apron. They are all painted in high-gloss black.

At the back, the tailpipe trim elements of the AMG sports exhaust system include a black chrome-plated finish. The contrasting high-gloss chrome has been used for the twin louvre of the radiator grille and the AMG lettering.

The 2LOOK Edition will run on large 48.3 cm (19-inch) or 50.8 cm (20-inch) AMG 10-spoke forged wheels. They are painted in matt black and include a high-sheen finish, and the red-painted brake callipers.

Inside, the driver and passenger sit in AMG sports seats feature an embossed AMG emblem in the backrest. They are wrapped in exclusive Nappa leather carrying the AMG-specific diamond pattern. There is also a contrasting trim in designo platinum white pearl nappa leather.

The door centre panels also sport the AMG-specific diamond design. In addition, the designo leather in platinum white pearl adorns the side sections of the armrests, the doors and the centre armrest. This exclusive look is further highlighted by an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather andAlcantara with a bezel in high-gloss black. The steering wheel also features white contrasting topstitching.

One of the most exciting news here is that from mid-June the SL 63 AMG will be driven by an engine output of 585 hp (430 kW) and 900 newton metres (664 lb-ft) of torque. This means that the current variant which produces 537 hp (395 kW) will be discontinued. The same will happen with the car with the AMG Performance package and 564 hp (415 kW). The SL 63 AMG will also get as a standard an AMG rear axle locking differential.

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG 2LOOK Editions will be available at dealers from mid-June with a starting price of € 169,991 for the SL 63 and € 244,188 for the SL 65 variant.

Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 2LOOK Edition Data:

	SL 63 AMG	SL 65 AMG
Engine/cylinders	V8 biturbo	V12 biturbo
Displacement	5461 cc	5980 cc
Output	430 kW (585 hp) at 5500 rpm	463 kW (630 hp) at 5500 rpm
Max. torque	900 Nm at 2250-3750 rpm	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	9.9 l/100 km	11.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	231 g/km	270 g/km
Efficiency class	F	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.2 s	4.0 s
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 18, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova