Lidia Todorova – Page 163 – Automobiles Review

Inked Gumpert Apollo by Tattooist Aleksy Marcinow

This Inked Gumpert Apollo is one of world’s first tattooed cars. The customization has been done by the London Supercar workshop in collaboration with the London-based tattooist Aleksy Marcinow (Black Onyx Tattoo Studio). He has inked the car with a totally unique Japenese-inspired design. Those who are willing to see the car will have this opportunity at the Gumball 3000 rally on Regent Street in London on 8th of June.

The tattooist have studied fine art and wanted to compliment the curves of one of the fastest cars on the planet. Aleksy took inspiration for the car’s tattoo design from Japanese art and irezumi – an area he is currently exploring. He revealed that he has never tattooed a car before, but it got many similarities to the human body.

London Motor Museum has been home to the only Gumpert Apollo since 2010. The newly inked car will race along with an additional 10 luxury supercars at the event. Gumpert Apollo is powered by a 4.2 liter bi-turbo V8 engine constructed by Audi. The horsepower is estimated at 650 hp (478 kW). If these 650 hp are not enough, then there is a Sport variant with 700 hp (515 kw). And more importantly – they are completely street legal.

Source: London Motor Museum

June 5, 2014

2014 Peugeot 108 Release Date Announced

2014 Peugeot 108 was introduced in February and now is ready to go on sale, starting 1st of July. It has an assertive exterior styling, playful character and the choice of a top. Yes, this means that the 108 will be also offered in cabrio variant, which has an electric fabric roof. Inside, the occupants will enjoy a contemporary and connectivity-oriented interior, plus a huge range of equipment. The car’s ‘nose’ is dominated by the redesigned “floating grille”, which is flanked by advanced bi-focal projector lamp headlights.

From bumper to bumper, the new 108 is measured at 3,470 mm. This means that it is 40 mm longer than its predecessor – the Peugeot 107. Nevertheless, the overall width remains the same (1,630 mm), while the maximum roof height is 10mm lower (1,460 mm).

At the rear we see the “lion claw” and the lightweight all-glass hatch. A sporty roof spoiler is standard and houses the high-level brake light. This design feature helps improve car’s aerodynamic performance. 108 is available in three and five-door body styles.

Inside, the interior features high-end materials, 7-inch touch-screen, vibrant mix of a black upper dash, contrasting with gloss black, white, aikinite (bronze) and body colour elements. A multi-function steering wheel is standard on all but the Access trim. Integrated headrests remain a feature of the two front seats, while driver’s seat is now height-adjustable on and on three-door models both front seats gain a memory function.

The engine range features the 1.0 liter e-VTi – 68 hp (51 kW) coupled with the 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic one upon request, as well as the 1.2 liter PureTech VTi with 82 hp (61 kW).

Source: Peugeot

June 5, 2014

Nissan Teases New Pick-Up [VIDEO]

Nissan’s new pickup was teased yesterday via company’s official Twitter page. The picture that was released didn’t reveal much, except for that the vehicle will debut on June 11. Today, Nissan has published a video, which adds a little more to the scarce details we got. First of all, next to the “due date”, the video announces that the car has been tested in real-world conditions, and has gone through more than 1,000,000 kilometers. In addition, more that 40,000 tests for proven quality have been conducted. The company is also promising a tougher engineering as well as smarter design.

If we look carefully, the video probably suggests that the pick-up is most likely to be the new Frontier. The teaser image as well as the video focuses on truck’s grille and LED running lights; and they are typically made in Nissan’s design. There are also visible some roof rails on top.

The footage also gives a clear idea of pick-up’s off-road capabilities and tough personality. For a moment, the video also shows a glimpse inside, were we can see an information display in the instrument cluster. Take a look at the video below and stay tuned for more details!

httpv://youtu.be/vH4AcFkYzHs

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan via Twitter; YouTube

June 5, 2014

Ford Troller T4 Revealed In Brazil

Ford Troller T4 comes fully remodeled. This second generation vehicle is only a pre-production model, but it undoubtedly displays its personality marked by evolution, modern and attractive design, as well as robust and dynamic lines. Car’s design is based on Ford’s concept that was shown at the last Motor Show in Sao Paulo. Troller T4 has strong and spectacular visual muscular lines, while the quality of work is noticeable in the finish, the bodywork tweaks and details.

The body of the car features wide fenders integrated, central large-sized bonnet, wide doors with sills at floor height and 17 inch aluminum wheels. The front grille features LED taillights refer, while at its center is positioned the Troller logo.

The exterior paint finish is identified as “London Grey”. The contrast black color was used for parts like roof, bumpers, running boards, air outlet and accessories. The new Troller T4 comes standard with front guard and running boards integrated into the side of the body. The roof includes two paned windows, which provide excellent illumination of the cabin.

The all-terrain performance is the key purpose of the vehicle. This is achieved via aspects such as drivability and comfort, as well as the 3.2 liter diesel engine fitted with manual six-speed transmission. In fact, by far Troller has established itself over the years as the leading brand of off-road in Brazil. More information around the vehicle will be released near launch.

Source: Ford

June 4, 2014

Ford Unveils Ultra-Lightweight Concept Fusion

Ford Lightweight Concept is a vehicle, which represents Ford’s ongoing research for future light-weight materials. The know-how is based on the experienced gained via the building of the new Ford F-150, which has shed up to 700 pounds through use of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. In fact, for Ford Motor Company, light-weighting is a key component its Blueprint for Sustainability. The mixed-materials might be applied for future high-volume vehicles for better performance and efficiency as well as CO2 emissions.

Ford Lightweight Concept has reduced the weight of a 2013 Fusion to that of a Ford Fiesta. This means a 25 percent off the weight of the production car. The introduction and incorporation of lightweight materials into vehicle construction has helped reducing the weight of the car. In addition, this also contributes towards better fuel economy and less greenhouse gas emissions.

Along with other fuel-efficiency technologies, light-weighting is fundamental to Ford’s efforts to stabilize carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million. Ford’s Lightweight Concept utilizes many of the same advanced materials found in today’s lightweight electronic devices, including aluminum, chemically toughened glass and advanced lightweight plastics.

Advanced materials – aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fiber, were used for the entire design of the vehicle. This includes the powertrain, chassis, body, battery and interior elements, seats.

This program was lead together with Cosma International, which is a subsidiary of Magna International. Magna’s design and development of the multi-material body-in-white, closures and chassis components are a great contribution in the weight reduction of this concept vehicle. For more details take a look at the video below:

Source: Ford

June 4, 2014

Honda Adds Special Edition To 2015 Pilot Range

2015 Honda Pilot Special Edition includes styling, technology and convenience upgrades. The eight-passenger is considered by many as an ultimate family adventure vehicle, and is currently available in five trim levels. The vehicle is not only practical but also delivers class-leading EPA highway fuel economy rating of 25 mpg as well as towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The new Pilot Special Edition is positioned between the EX and EX-L trim levels, and s currently available at company’s dealerships.

The three-row eight-seater is characterized by its sporty pewter gray aluminum alloy wheels, special SE badging, one-touch-open power moonroof. Sirus XM radio and a Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System come as a standard, so do the remote entry, rearview camera and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.

The Pilot, regardless of the trim level, is powered by the 250-horsepower4 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The engine is coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control.

All five trim levels will be available with 2-wheel drive or with Honda‘s Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4). The latter adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability and includes a “lock mode” which can offer the optimum torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

A rigid body structure and fully independent suspension with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear complement the powertrain. Full US pricing is listed below:

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel EconomyRating (city/highway/combined)

Pilot LX 2WD	$29,870	18/25/21
Pilot EX 2WD	$32,120	18/25/21
Pilot SE 2WD	$33,120	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES	$36,970	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi	$37,370	18/25/21
Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi	$40,020	18/25/21
Pilot LX 4WD	$31,470	17/24/20
Pilot EX 4WD	$33,720	17/24/20
Pilot SE 4WD	$34,720	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD	$36,970	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES	$38,570	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi	$38,970	17/24/20
Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi	$41,620	17/24/20

Source: Honda

June 4, 2014

Eibach Releases Suspension Program For Mercedes-Benz GLA

Eibach Mercedes-Benz GLA has even a sportier look. The reason for this is the addition of tuning company’s suspension components which take care for vehicle’s length. In general the SUV has length x width x height of 4,417 x 1,804 x 1,494 millimeters. This tuning however, gives the driver the opportunity to individualize their vehicle by lowering or raising it.

The firs one is Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs. They lower vehicle’s centre of gravity and and contribute for better handling. For those who want a more aggressive look, there are available the innovative Eibach Pro-Lift-Kit Performance Lift Springs, which combine dynamics and comfort.

Both kits can be perfectly combined with company’s Anti-Roll-Kit Performance Sway Bars. They reduce GLA’s body roll and make it more dynamic. What finalizes the tuning of this Mercedes-Benz is the Eibach Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers. They are made of aluminum and widen the track width.

As a reminder, 2014 GLA has an engine range which includes a 1.6 and 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engines as well as 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The first one powers the GLA200 and produces 156 hp (115 kW) and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. The second one is found in the GLA 250 model, and delivers 211 hp (155 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft).

GLA 200 CDI and GLA 220 CDI are driven by the diesel engine, which produces respectively 136 hp (100 kW) and 300Nm (222 lb-ft) and 170 hp (125 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft). The GLA 250 equipped with 4MATIC will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 233 km/h.

Source: Eibach

June 4, 2014

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 4Matic By Vilner

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 4Matic by Vilner is truly unique. And here is why. Around 10 million of the luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles are E-Class. Million and a half of the produced E-Class vehicles have chassis number W210, of which several thousand are the sporty AMG versions. Only 12 thousand of them are E55 AMGs, which are powered by the huge V8 engine. In turn, of these just 653 units were produced in 2001. And there are only 8 of them, which are 4Matic, made by individual order. At last, there is only one Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 4Matic which was carefully restyled by the tuning specialists at Vilner.

Besides being one of the rarest cars ever, this 2001 E55 AMG 4Matic has sentimental value, because it is one of the last machines assembled and tuned by hand in the small factory of AMG in Affalterbach. This is the reason why the designers at Vilner had a very careful approach to the project of Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 4Matic. The tuners at Vilner have preserved the class and exclusivity of the car, but have also added a touch of smoky single malt.

This classicism has been achieved by the lavish use of a combination of various shades of brown and a wide range of leathers. The patina leather in smoky cognac color dominates throughout the interior and wraps all the elements that hands have contact with, including the ergonomic steering wheel. It was combined with a perforated Alcantara in more neutral colors.

What is more, the dynamic feeling is underscored by the V shaped elements on the front and rear seats. The original wood veneer was replaced by carbon applications that were lacquered in pale brown. The plastic parts of the interior have been recolored in brown.

At last, the trunk of the E55 AMG 4Matic got brand new leather treatment, which is a continuation of the theme of the interior. However it features major additions: an Affalterbach emblem, embroidered on the patina leather, as well as a travel bag, hand-made from the same materials used in the interior.

June 3, 2014

Mädchen & Motoren Opel GT

Mädchen & Motoren Opel GT is a project which celebrates the tenth anniversary of the tuning company. The used Opel GT is a production model from 2008 and has been refined with the help of the experts at Cam Shaft, who have made a perfect foliation on the body. At first, the body shell was entirely stripped and all elements which were considered unnecessary were removed. This allowed a widening of the body on both sides by 8 cm.

The weight of the car was reduced to 1.150 kg due to the use of fibreglass cowl, new hardtop as well as company’s front fender. The car is powered by the 6.2 litre Corvette LS3 engine with a hot cam, other valves and a carbon airbox. As a result, it delivers full 530 horsepower (390 kW).

The specialist also created exhaust manifolds and exhaust system for this project. The built-in Tremec-gearbox TR-6060 originates from Corvette ZR1, while the brake system with its 6-piston calipers in front and rear as well as Cup brake disks were taken from Porsche GT3 RS.

All of the aforementioned components were then combined with a KW Competition chassis. The wheel and tire combination consists entirely from 11×18 inch GT-Racing rims from ATS fitted with 295/30 tires and Racelogic traction control.

Inside, the GT comes equipped with welded FIA-safety cell. The sound system and air conditioning have been removed for the sake of weight saving. There has been added a Recaro Pro Racer seat, while a pole position of the same origin is installed on the passenger side. A red-white outer shell with labeling and yellowish headlamps further adds to the eye-catching image of this Opel GT.

Source: Mädchen & Motoren via Miranda Media

June 3, 2014

2014 Hyundai Veloster RE:FLEX Is Limited To 3000 Units

2014 Hyundai Veloster RE:FLEX Edition debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February. What is new around it is that the South Korean company has confirmed that it will be the newest member of the Veloster lineup. In addition, the RE:FLEX is currently available now in Hyundai dealerships, however – in a limited production run of only 3000 units. One-of-a-kind styling and sporty look dominate in its design. The car delivers a combination of unique features, exclusive Ice Pearl color paint scheme, and powerful engine.

To be more precise, the car is powered by a Gamma 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. It rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels with a PVD chrome finish, and has chrome accents on the hood and door handles. RE:FLEX badging on the exterior and floor mats is also present.

Projector headlights with LED headlight accents, LED taillights, LED illuminated door sillswill further aid the exterior styling. Inside, this limited-edition model features black or red full leather seating, piano black accents, 450-watt Dimension premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, alloy pedals and automatic windows are all standard.

Next to the Ice Pearl paint finish, Hyundai is offering the choice of Century White, Vitamin C, Ultra Black, and Boston Red color finishes. The car has a starting price of $21 650 USD and is currently available in company’s dealerships.

Source: Hyundai

June 3, 2014

Lexus Launches Two Police Hi-Vis Hybrids

Lexus Police Hi-Vis Hybrids are being launched as a part of the start of the official ski-season in Australia. The luxury company has partnered with the New South Wales Police to provide two hybrid powered high-visibility police vehicles. Lexus GS and RX 450h will be used for this purpose. The two models will patrol state’s Southern Region. The vehicles will be utilized at a different regional and community based activities across the state, such as roadside campaigns, sporting, community and motorsport events.

This will also highlight the flexibility and diversity of the Lexus hybrid vehicle range. One of the hybrids will be used as a “Snow Safe” community car, while the other – at sporting events such as NRL and NBL games, as well as community events.

Both initiatives of the NSW Police Force – the “Road Safe” and “Snow Safe”, target speeding, drink-driving and driver fatigue, with a focus on motorists traveling to and from the snow fields. As a reminder, the Lexus GS 450h is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It develops a combined power output of 345 hp (254 kW) and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Lexus RX 450h SUV is powered by a 300 hp (220 kW) petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It includes company’s innovative E-Four all-wheel drive system, which ensures that the ideal amount of grip is applied across all four wheels. Both models show a perfect fuel consumption of only 6.3-litres of fuel per 100km.

Source: Lexus

June 3, 2014

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SL550 Enhanced By Inspired Autosport

Mercedes-Benz SL550 is undoubtedly a vehicle which anyone dreams of at least driving for a while. The customer of this unique BiTurbo beast decided to give it further improvement after the exceptional work of the Brabus experts. At help came the professionals at Inspired Autosport which added their unique treatment to the car. Originally the SL550 is powered by a 4.7 liter twin-turbocharged V8 enigne.

The powerplant produces 435 horsepower (320 kW) at 5,250 rpm and 699 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800 rpm. The engine is coupled with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated in 4.6 seconds, while the production top speed stops at 250 km/h (155 mph).

Obviously, the Vmax wasn’t enough for the tuners at Brabus, so they remapped the ECU and installed upgraded intercoolers. With this step, the top speed can now reach 300 km/h (201 mph+). To ensure that the SL550 doesn’t catch air at those speeds, they have lowered the vehicle via Brabus springs.

Wheels were next on the list. Inspired Autosport completed the new look of the car with a set of 20 inch CEC C882 forged monoblock wheels in Machine Black. Precisely at the front they come in the size of 20×9, while at the rear – at 20×11.

Source: Inspired Autosport

June 2, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova