Lidia Todorova – Page 162 – Automobiles Review

Suzuki Has Upgrades For 2014 Swift

2014 Suzuki Swift is one of Suzuki’s world strategic models. It has great styling, exceptional safety for its class, delivers excelent driving performance, handling and low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It is driven by 1.2 litre engine with Dual Variable intake and exhaust Valve Timing, which produces 94 hp (70 kW) at 6,000rpm with a torque figure of 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) at 4,800rpm. Swift is available in four specification grades: SZ2, SZ3, SZ4 and Sport. They are powered by the 1.6-litre engine.

Next to the seven airbags and ESP as standard, SZ2 adds for 2014 front passenger airbag deactivation facility, electric front windows, remote central door locking with deadlocks, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, MP3 / WMA compatible CD tuner with USB port and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The SZ3 goes over the SZ2 and adds air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, integrated audio unit and bluetooth connectivity with music streaming facility.

The changes for the 2014 also include added LED Daytime Running Lights and front fog lights. A gear shift indicator has now been added to help aid fuel efficiency as well as Tyre Pressure Monitor System.

Upgrades for the SZ4 include navigation and DAB digital radio as standard. The model has been already equipped with automatic air conditioning, electric rear windows, rear privacy glass, push button keyless start, automatic headlamps, cruise control and heated mirrors with integrated turn indicators. New is also the Amethyst Grey Pearl Metallic paint finish.

The flagship Suzuki Swift Sport model offers a bespoke exhaust system with twin tailpipes, one on each side of the rear diffuser. It is powered by an M16A engine that has a variable intake system and an optimised intake Variable Valve Timing. The latter increases valve lift. The maximum output is rated at the impressive 100 kW (136 hp), while the maximum torque is 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at an engine speed of 4,400 rpm.

Source: Suzuki

June 10, 2014

Nissan Teases Vision Gran Turismo Concept

There are exactly 148 Nissan cars in the Gran Turismo franchise. And with the teaser revealed by Nissan we are definitely expecting to the 149th one. These numbers speak of only one thing – that the company has developed more Gran Turismos than any other automaker in the industry. Each car, ranging from the Skyline Sport Coupe and Fairlady Z to the GT-R NISMO GT3, displays a chapter of Nissan’s history. There hasn’t been revealed much about the new concept, except for the debut date – June the 10th. This means that we are soon to expect the full official information and images, so stay tuned!

The project Vision Gran Turismo involves world’s leading brands, which develop concept cars for Gran Turismo and its fans. The previous models that we have covered in our blog are the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo, BMW Vision Gran Turismo and Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo, and you might like to look them up.

The video game, created specifically for PlayStatio3 players, was introduced in 1998. It is one of the biggest and most famous award-winning racing simulations. It offers a wide range of realistic racetrack options and authentic-looking HD graphic images.

Source: Nissan

June 10, 2014

Toyota Introduces 2014 Camry RZ Special Edition

2014 Toyota Camry RZ is a special edition model which expresses the sports potentials of the Camry model. It is packed with a substantial list of added features. One of the styling updates include Inferno Orange premium paint, which has never been offered on Camry. This paint scheme joins the five other colours available. In addition, the revised frontal treatment features front foglamps with black surrounds, sports headlamps with dark inserts, and a stylish grille that combines body colour and gloss black elements. Other enhancements include sports suspension, sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, and a boot lip spoiler in gloss black.

Camry’s newest special-edition model also gains dual exhaust system, which lifts maximum power output to 184 hp (135 kW) from the 2.5-litre dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Camry RZ side view is dominated by gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique gloss black finish. They are set off with a black wheel ornament with chrome highlights.

Inside, RZ’s interior includes sports combination meters, premium three-spoke steering wheel and gear-shift knob, and display audio with reversing camera monitor. What rounds out the package is the black interior trim and the Camry RZ logo embroidered on the front floor mats. The logo can be also seen on the decals on the doors and rear bumper.

As a standard, Camry RZ offers six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electric power steering, and six-speaker sound system with steering-wheel controls.

Source: Toyota

June 10, 2014

First Liberty Walk Nissan GTR In Vancouver

Liberty Walk Nissan GT-R looks incredible with its massive swollen arches and extremely aggressive stance. The car is literally outrageous and includes some special features such as that mega wing mounted on the rear. The very popular Japanese tuner, Liberty Walk, did some amazing job with this Nissan supplying with a special wide body kit. The currently presented car is the first Liberty Walk GT-R to roll on the streets of Vancouver, Canada, thanks to the Europa Auto Design which officially released it.

In conjunction with the talented photographer Marcel Lech, they have managed to make a bunch of exciting images, which you can view below. But going further to the details, the front of the GT-R has been widened by five centimeters, while the rear – by eight centimeters. Under the hood lies a dormant 600 horsepower engine. It includes Phoenix intercooler a special exhaust system.

We have mentioned the massive rear wing, and what we will additionally discuss is the wheels. They rest perfectly under the new large extended fenders. Precisely, they are the PUR LG01, which are finished with a matte black diamond and include gloss chestnut brown lip. The wheels come in sizes 20 x 11 inches at the front, while at the rear they measure 20 x 12 inches. Behind them one can see signature Brembo orange brakes.

Source: Liberty Walk via SR Auto Gourp

June 9, 2014

Alfa Romeo MiTo And Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde Debut At Goodwood

Alfa Romeo introduced MiTo and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde models at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Now, both vehicles are set to make a debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June. In fact, the Giulietta is celebrating its 60th anniversary with this new QV version. The car is the perfect example of the brand’s DNA. It is driven by the 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, which produces 240 hp (276 kW). The unit is coupled with a six-speed, twin dry clutch ALFA TCT transmission that contributes to the achievement of 6 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 149mph.

The exterior of the car is distinguished by its lowered sports suspension and the legendary Quadrifoglio Verde emblem on the front wings. In addition, the car features dark-tinted rear window glass and the Anthracite finish on the mirror fairings, front grille, door handles and fog-light frames. At the back, there are two large exhaust tailpipes. Giulietta QV runs on 18-inch alloy wheels behind which one can see red four-piston Brembo brake callipers and large 320mm brake discs.

The ultimate expression of Italian style can be seen throughout the interior of the car. First of all, the designers added new wraparound sport seats, with a one-piece backrest and trimmed in leather and Alcantara. There is a brand new steering wheel, trimmed in leather and accentuated by contrasting white stitching. Aluminium sports pedals, darkened interior headlining, special floor mats and a leather-trimmed gear lever and parking brake lever round-out the interior.

Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde also includes 6.5-inch Uconnect touch-screen multimedia system. It comes with integrated satellite navigation with 3D bird’s-eye view maps, progressive route guidance and ‘One-Step Voice Entry Destination’ function. The system also features DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming, Aux-in/USB port and voice command operation.

The other model which is carrying the Quadrifoglio Verde emblem is the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The car is powered by 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine, which works in combination with the ALFA TCT transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters. The unit produces 170 hp (125 kW) and up to 184lb/ft (250 Nm). ALFA TCT achieves 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time in 7.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 136mph.

The new MiTo is also getting a new matte Magnesio Grey exterior body colour. It features enhanced styling attributes such as a burnished finish on exterior elements and the 18-inch alloy wheels, plus a rear spoiler, sports rear bumper and twin exhaust pipes. The interior is also revised. It includes new flat-bottom sports steering wheel and the new Uconnect five-inch touchscreen multimedia system with DAB and satellite navigation. And this comes as a standard.

The interior is also highlighted by the new flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, trimmed in leather with contrasting white stitching (just like Giulietta QV), and including paddle-shifters for the ALFA TCT transmission, as well as the new instruments with integrated Quadrifoglio Verde logo. The sports seats are trimmed in specific Quadrifoglio Verde fabric and finished with white-and-green stitching.

Source: Alfa Romeo

June 9, 2014

2015 Buick Verano Adds 4G LTE And Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot

2015 Buick Verano has great thoughtful design, including meticulous attention to detail inside and out. It delivers wide range of equipment features such as a standard rearview camera, heated steering wheel and soft-touch interior surfaces. The model is available in four trim levels: the basic 1SD, Verano Convenience 1SG, Verano Leather 1SL and Verano Turbo 1ST. Now Buick is enhancing Verano’s connectivity with OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Furthermore, a new exterior color will adorn the range. It is the Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic. There is a new appearance package available for all models except the Turbo. It includes a rear spoiler and a silver/bright chrome grille.

Standard safety features for the model range are the side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert crash-avoidance technologies, while the forward collision alert and lane departure warning come as an option.

This Buick model can be driven by either of two four-cylinder engines: the standard Ecotec 2.4L and the available Ecotec 2.0L turbo. The latter produces 250 horsepower (187 kW) and 260 lb-ft of torque (353 Nm). However, it is still capable of great fuel efficiency: it achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 city and 30 highway.

The standard Ecotec 2.4L with direct-injection is delivering 180 horsepower (134 kW) and 171 lb-ft of torque (232 Nm). The fuel efficiency is 32 mpg (highway). Both engines are coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control.

Verano’s IntelliLink system has been standard on all models. The system is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It includes seven-inch-diagonal screen which can be also used as standard rearview camera system. There is an optional navigation system.

What is new to the connectivity features in the new Verano is OnStar with 4G LTE and the standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. 4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network. With OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network.

OnStar Directions and Connections include all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features: Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as Turn-by-Turn navigation. On the other hand the OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and Dealer Maintenance Notification.

Source: Buick

June 9, 2014

Toyota Upgrades 2015 Aygo Range

2015 Toyota Aygo x-cite is just one of the special edition models which come to upgrade the current Aygo range, Next to it, the company is also introducing the x, x-play, x-pression, and x-clusiv grades. The new models offer wide range of customization opportunities with up to 10 interchangeable exterior and cabin features. One of the highlights is the addition of the Toyota x-touch multimedia system and x-nav navigation option. 2015 Aygo is also the first in its class to offer a rear-view camera and it can be specified with Smart Entry and push button start.

The car will be launched in three and five-door bodystyles as well as five color options: White Flash, Silver Splash, Electro Grey, Deep Blue Buzz and Red Pop. In addition, the x-cite will be offered only in Orange Twist and the x-clusiv in Bold Black.

Toyota developed an x-tra premium pack for the x-cite and x-clusiv models. It includes leather seat upholstery and Smart Entry and Start. For x-play and x-pression grades, the INstyle option provides leather seats with accents in a range of four different colours. As an option there are being offered automatic air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlights and Smart Entry and push-button start. In addition, the OUTshine pack adds extra chrome touches to the front, front and rear parking sensors, a boot liner, aluminium scuff plates, rubber floor mats and mud flaps.

The customization packs offered for the range are the OUTstand pack, which adds front X, A-pillar x-tension and rear bumper insert, in a choice of three colours; OUTburst pack with front bumper decal, side sills and rear diffuser decal in red or chrome; INspire pack for the interior with surrounds for the air vents and gear shift to match any exterior colour; Intense pack with body colour-matched instrument panel, centre console and gear surround.

2015 Toyota Aygo is going on sale on 1st of July.

Key equipment features:

Aygo x	Aygo x-play adds		Aygo x-pression adds
14-inch wheels	15-inch wheels		15-inch silver alloy wheels
Projector headlights with LED tracer light	Piano black front X finish		Piano black rear bumper insert
LED daytime running lights	Body colour matched doorhandles and mirrors		Piano black x-tension on A-pillars
2-speaker audio with Aux and USB connections	Leather steering wheel and gear shift trim		Front fog lights
Power front windows	4-speaker audio		Part-leather sports-style seats
Wireless door locks	Bluetooth		Chrome internal door handle finish
Isofix child seat anchors	Audio and phone control switches on steering wheel		Body colour-matched instrument panel
ABS and Vehicle Stability ControlHill-start Assist Control	Air conditioning with clean air filter		Glossy black centre console and gear shift and air vent surrounds
Driver, front passenger and curtain airbags	Tachometer		x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
Seat belt warning system	Driver’s seat height adjustment		DAB
Tyre pressure monitor	50:50 split-folding rear seats		Rear-view camera
Aygo x-cite		Aygo x-clusiv
Orange Twist exterior paint finish		Bold Black exterior paint finish
15-inch gloss black alloys with orange centre cap		15-inch machined finish alloys with large black centre cap and chrome surround
Gloss black doorhandles and mirrors		Super chrome front X and A-pillar x-tension
Piano black rear bumper insert		Super chrome rear bumper insert
Piano black A-pillar x-tension		Front fog lights
Front fog lights		Chrome internal doorhandle finish
Chrome internal doorhandle finish		Piano black instrument panel and centre console
Gloss black instrument panel and centre console with Orange Twist air vent surrounds		x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink		DAB
DAB		Rear-view camera
Rear-view camera		Dusk-sensing headlights

Source: Toyota

June 9, 2014

Manhart MH2 Clubsport Based On BMW M235i Coupe

Manhart BMW M235i Coupe MH2 Clubsport does not produce 326 horsepower as its production M235i Coupe sibling. And in fact it has nothing to do with it. This of course is because the specialists at Manhart did their work very well. Let’s review what they have done to create this impressive tuning. The brand new production BMW M235i Coupe is driven by 326 hp (240 kW) six-cylinder turbo, which delivers 450 Nm (333 lb-ft). Via a performance boost using an additional process control system, the MH2 is now dragged by almost 430 horsepower (316 kW) and a maximum torque of 592 Nm (437 lb-ft).

Parallel to this, Manhart also added bigger charging air intercooler for better cooling and a special sport exhaust system with downpipe and 200-cell sports catalyzers. In addition, the specialists removed the factory-fitted Vmax block, thus helping the vehicle move beyond the 300 kph.

Moreover, Manhart Performance also installed axle back exhaust with two round 90-millimeter stainless steel tailpipes and reinforced sports clutch. The perfectly aligned chassis relies on the 3-fold adjustable Club sport coilover kit including support bearings and its own alignment for the MH2 Clubsport.

MH2 Clubsport rides on Concave One rims of the size 8.5×19 inches fitted with 225/35ZR19 tires at the front and 9.5×19 inches with 255/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires at the rear. For optimum braking power, the designers added serial system on the front axle with the 6-piston fixed calipers with disks of size 350×34 mm and Pagid sports brake pads and steel flex lines. There are also Pagid brake pads and steel flex lines on the rear axle.

Inside, one can see that there is no rear bench. At the front, there is a colored Recaro Pole Position full-shell seat with the 4-point suspender belts. The driver’s space is decorated with a special handbrake handle, a gear lever knob and an aluminum pedal lining from the BMW Performance program.

An additional display was installed in the center console in place of the left ventilation nozzle. It shows all important engine parameters such as charging air pressure, oil pressure, intake temperature and oil temperature.

Manhart also relies strongly on the sportiness of the external shell of MH2 Clubsport. Here the tuners added parts which improve the aerodynamics: front spoiler, rear diffuser and the rear spoiler made of carbon. The carbon mirror covers perfectly contrast the yellow special wrap.

Source: Manhart

June 6, 2014

Kahn Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 RS-X

Kahn Land Rover Discovery 3.0 TDV6 RS-X is the newest addition to luxury tuning company’s impressive list of restyled vehicles. This Discovery is truly unique, due to its extra styling package. And this is what sets it apart from the production versions of this vehicle. First of all, the tuners added shiny RS grille with 3-D mesh. LED daytime running lights were integrated into the front wheel arches.

Furthermore, each of the front and rear fenders wears integrated RS air dams. The front fender also adds enamel wing shields. At the rear “sits” the A.Kahn Desing rear tailgate logo, while the dark privacy-tinted glass helps to distinguish this Land Rover as a creation of the tuning company. At last, to round out the exterior styling, the enhancers added a set of 10 x 22″ RS-X wheels in satin black with white stripe and original centre caps.

Going inside, one can see a many luxury amenities and custom-tailored options. All seven seats were wrapped in soft red leather with a quilted and perforated design. This makes a contrast to the main color scheme of the SUV.

In addition, each of the four door arm rests wear a new stitching design. Drivers benefit from a new set of machined and vented aluminum foot pedals, new time clock fascia with Swarovski diamond bezel, and new speedometer and tachometer gauges. New floor mats were added as a final touch, while stainless steel door entry sills great the passengers.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 6, 2014

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG With Power Pack From Edo Competition

Edo Competition Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG shows some impressive figures: 660 horsepower (485 kW) and 900 Nm (665 lb-ft) of torque. This is due to the added performance kit, which was especially developed for the G63 AMG. The power pack comprises of a sports exhaust system, sports catalysts, V Max override and optimized electronic tuning. The result is stunning: these figures were raised from the standard544 hp (400 kW) and 760 Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque.

Furthermore, the sports exhaust system with valve control is a back pressure monitored sports exhaust system. It is made entirely from stainless steel and the chrome-plated double tailpipes show-off the expressive design to the full. The sports catalysts not only enhance the performance but also improve the sound.

Next, the tuners added highly effective ceramic sports brake system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs. They measure 398 millimetres at the front and 380 millimetres at the back. Six piston monobloc fixed callipers and sports brake pads as well as a Stahlflex brake line set round out the braking power of this Mercedes. Finally, the transformation of the vehicle continued inside, where one can see various carbon, leather, lacquer, high quality metal applications.

Engine:	V8 engine Bi-Turbo engine
Power:	660 hp (485 kW) at 5.800 rpm
Max. torque:	900 Nm at 1.900-5.200 rpm
Top speed:	250 km/h (regulated)
0 – 100 km/h:	est. 5 sec.

Source: Edo Competition

June 6, 2014

Larte Design Mercedes-Benz GL Black Crystal Is Big, Bold And Beautiful

Larte Design Mercedes-Benz GL Black Crystal is the latest project of the German based tuners. They have turned this GL into a big, bold and beautiful “Black Crystal”. The restyled full-size SUV, got an aggressive body kit, attractive alloy wheels and a sonorous exhaust system. More importantly, the specialists at Larte Design did an engine upgrade, thus giving the GL more power, that will perfectly complement its new appearance.

The completely re-designed front bumper has a “crystalline” ornamentation next to its aggressive geometry: the blazon-shaped front guard stretches over the entire height of the car. Two huge crystals, prongs, edges, boomerang-shaped elements, exposed carbon inserts and a number of air inlets add to its broad stance

Take a look at the striking LED daytime running lights. They were not only designed to add safety but also to light up the “Black Crystal” in a very tasteful manner. Big front and rear fender spacers, side skirts and rear door beads underscore car’s width and let the silhouette appear flatter and more dynamic.

Furthermore, Larte Design rear apron features details like exposed carbon inserts, a central formula-1-type brake light and a special Remus four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system. This Mercedes runs on forged, dark XXL 11 x 22’’ alloy wheels with angular double spokes.

At last, but not least, the tuners have improved the diesel engine of the SUV. For this purpose, they have worked closely with the team at Wetterauer. The result is that the V6 diesel unit now pumps out 290 hp (213 kW) and a top torque of 690 Nm (510 lb-ft). To make a comparison – the production version of the powerplantt delivers 258 hp (190 kW) and 620 Nm (458 lb-ft).

Source: Larte Design

June 6, 2014

Vorsteiner BMW E92 M3 GTRS3 Widebody

Vorsteiner BMW E92 M3 GTRS3 is race inspired and designed to be extremely aggressive along the street and the track. The aerokit, GTRS3 Widebody, is the perfect solution for those who want an increased traction and downforce for their E92 M3. Precisely, the kit comprises of a full front bumper, wide arch front fenders, extended side skirts, wide arch rear quarter panels, boot lid, and of course, a matching rear bumper.

The front bumper uses enlarged front intake ducting. It directs air to the front rotors, while the race stimulated front fenders boast vertical vents in order to ensure that the air doesn’t circulate within the wheel well.

At the rear, the wide arch quarter panels house the huge Michelin Pilot Super Sports 325 tires fitted with Flow Forged V-FF 101 wheels. They come in sizes 19×10 at the front and 19×11 at the rear, and carry a fancy five double-spoke design and are coated with Matte Black paint.

To further aid additional downforce and traction, the rear bumper features an integrated diffuser and side vents to transition the high-velocity airflow underneath the car preventing flow separation and drag.

BMW E92 M3 is powered by the high-revving 4.0 litre V8 engine, which produces 420 hp (309 kW) at 8300 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds on its way to a speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass the 300 km/h (186 mph).

Source: Vorsteiner

June 5, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova