Lidia Todorova – Page 169 – Automobiles Review

Project Blue Deluge: iND BMW F10 M5 In Yas Marina Blue

iND BMW F10 M5 comes in exquisite Yas Marina Blue exterior paint scheme and we must say it looks incredibly beautiful! IND made its own initial testing of the M5. The tests proved that this car is an incredibly competent track monster, and at the same time docile and polite street car. The staff at IND re-tooled the M5 project to what it is today: a street-driven, turn key test bed for all of the best components available for the F10 M5.

They have kept many of the original components: AMS downpipes, the larger AMS-built turbos, the KW 3 way adjustable ClubSport coilovers. One of the changes made include a raise in the height of the car for a more easy to use ground clearance.

In addition, they have reinstalled the original BMW interior and have removed the roll bar. After that, the tuners repainted the car in BMW’s amazing Yas Marina Blue finish. This led to the removal of this BMW’s racing livery inspired design.

What is more, this version of IND’s M5 also includes additions such as an RKP front lip and rear diffuser. This project is called Blue Deluge and is still in development. It aims to delivers what M5 is best at – a perfect performance at the race track on Saturday, while still taking the owner to the office on Monday.

Source: iND

May 13, 2014

Volkswagen Announces Pricing For 2015 Golf

2015 Volkswagen Golf – or the seventh-generation version of VW’s worldwide best seller is not only offering more spaciousness, less weight, and increased efficiency, but also comes at an even better value. Whatever the trim level, the new Golf is better equipped than its predecessor. For instance, the two-door Golf Launch Edition model adds many standard features over the outgoing Golf 2.5L. Some of them include the turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder as the base engine, standard 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod integration, Standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (APCBS) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

The new Golf is scheduled to be available at dealerships in August. It will be offered in two- and four-door variants with two powertrains: the EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine, mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; and the all-new EA288 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, coupled with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Golf TSI models equipped with the first engine will be available in five trim levels: Launch Edition, S, S with Sunroof, SE, SEL. The Golf TDI Clean Diesel models only feature four doors and will be offered in three trims—TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL.

Some of the optional features for the new Volkswagen model include Fender Premium Audio System and Climatronic automatic air conditioning. Furthermore, at launch, the German brand will also offer the Golf Sport model, that will be equipped with six-speed automatic transmission and the Lighting Package. The latter includes standard Bi-Xenon headlights.

On the other hand, Launch Edition can be offered in either Pure White or Platinum Gray. The model has been visually enhanced with a bodykit that includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, a rear valence, a larger rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips. The pricing of 2015 Volkswagen Golf Launch Edition begins $17,995 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

May 13, 2014

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection will be previewed to selected public at an event. The model adds to the latest Bespoke Collection from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The event will take place at the site of the original Bluebird Motor Company, now the Bluebird Restaurant, on the King’s Road, London today. After that the vehicle will be premiered at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa D’Este on the shores of one of Italy’s famous Lake Como. Right there, it will be shown to the general public for the first time.

Waterspeed Collection Phantom Drophead Coupés include Bespoke design and engineering features. They were designed and built to make contemporary tribute to Campbell’s famous craft. The vehicle is finished in a specially developed ‘Maggiore Blue’ exterior paint. It was inspired by Bluebird’s famous colour scheme.

An interesting fact is that for the first time in company’s history, the exterior finish extends to the engine, creating a visually homage to the power behind Campbell’s records. The finish also can be seen applied on the fully-polished eleven-spoke wheels for the first time.

Furthermore, the exterior is completed with a hand-painted coachline that culminates in a Bluebird motif. To make the prefect harmony, Car’s Maggiore Blue exterior finish is subtly echoed inside via accents on the dashboard. The interior includes Windchill Grey leather scheme, hand-engraved door armrest tunnel caps, Abachi wood used for several elements.

Another inspiration taken from Campbell’s success is reflected onto the famous ‘power reserve’ dial. As the driver presses on, the dial moves backwards towards a yellow and blue zone, echoing Campbell’s original K3 boat’s ‘going into the blue’ at maximum engine revolutions.

In addition, direct tribute to the records is paid in the glovebox. There, one can see a hand-embroidered panel which expresses the records Campbell achieved at Lake Maggiore and Coniston Water. At last, the steering wheel is decided in two-tone for the very first time. It also includes Maggiore Blue accents that balance perfectly the traditional black leather used for the interior.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 13, 2014

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition Celebrates V-Series

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition comes to mark the last chapter of the current model line-up. The brand has announced that the next-generation models are currently in development and will premiere next year. The production of this special-edition is limited to 500 examples. They will be available at the dealerships during the second half of 2014. The new vehicle has the same high-performance technology equipment as its predecessors.

This means that it features company’s Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and the supercharged V-8 engine. The latter produces 556 horsepower (415kW) and can be coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

CTS-V Coupe is the most dramatic model in the V-Series range. It mixes the personal 2+2 layout with a drivetrain tested at the famous Nürburgring track. There are three exterior color options for the model: Crystal White, Black Diamond and Phantom Gray. Cadillac also offers an available sunroof.

Inside, the luxury equipment of the 2015 special edition version includes Ebony interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele wood trim, microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dark-finish V grille, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition will be produced this summer and will have a starting price of $72,195 USD.

Source: Cadillac

May 12, 2014

Seat Mii Mango Special Edition Goes On Sale

Seat Mii Mango Special Edition was introduced to the general public in January this year. Now it is time for the luxury and stylish car to go on sale. This vehicle is a result of the collaboration of the two Spanish brands – Seat and Mango. The Mango Mii is considered the most highly specified compact car so far. It is available in both three and five-door body-styles, and also shares model’s already appreciated attributes of quality and impressive packaging.

Mii by Mango also offers low running costs and wide range of additional standard features over the Sport trim on which it is based. The youthful but yet tasteful design of the car is catwalk-inspired edition. It features MANGO badging and choice of several colour schemes.

In addition, there is the option of either custom-palette Nude with dark grey alloys or a Deep Black metallic hue and silver wheels. Privacy glass plus contrasting side trim detailing and door mirrors round-out the look.

Inside, one can see unique leather and perforated alcantara upholstery, contrast piping and stitching, branded door sills, floor mats and key fobs. Other equipment features include remote central locking, electric windows, air conditioning, Isofix anchoring points and a suite of airbags.

SEAT’s Portable System Live adds to the driving experience. It comprises of satellite navigation, bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming for the musically minded. As an option, there is also a Mii by Mango Style Pack, which includes a panoramic glass sunroof and front fog lights.

Moreover, all Mii trim levels will get ESC, tyre pressure monitoring and Hill Hold Control as a standard. The car is powered by the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine which is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

This means that the compact car will also deliver adequate performance: the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in 13.2 seconds; while the CO2 emissions are rated at 108g/km CO2 and the combined fuel efficiency – at 60.1 mpg.

Seat Mii by Mango can be currently ordered from brand’s dealerships with first deliveries expected in August. It is priced at £10,995($18,570 USD).

Source: Seat

May 12, 2014

BMW And MINI Vehicles Beautified With AC Schnitzer Type VIII Anthracite Alloys

AC Schnitzer is offering an exquisite Type VIII alloy rim in Anthracite finish. The new wheel type is supplementing the Type VIII wheel range. The latter also features Type VIII forged racing wheels, lightweight forged rim and the light alloy wheel Type VIII BiColor in black and silver. The new offering has undoubtedly a beautiful but “easy care” look.

As a matter of fact, the Type VIII alloys are made in the low pressure process and afterwards – subjected to casting and heat treatment. The high quality casting process contributes towards the delicate and lightweight design of the new five double spokes of the wheels.

Furthermore, the perfect “anthracite” finish, gives the Type VIII alloy wheel a sophisticated sporting look, suitable for many current and classic BMW models. The wheels can also perfectly be fitted in the wheelarches of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman.

AC Schnitzer’s Type VIII Light Alloy Wheels are available for BMW 1 to 7 series, as well as for the Z4, X1, X3, X5 and X6 models. They are also perfect for MINI Paceman and Countryman as mentioned.

Source: AC Schnitzer

May 12, 2014

New Volkswagen Concept To Be Born Out Of Global Design Contest

Volkswagen has announced the beginning of global Design Contest for young design talents. The company is expecting proposals for its new concept car, which is to be featured in a video game, The contest has been underway since 5th of May and will last till 14th of August. In addition, the participants are called on to submit a video game including video game scenario. The price is a six-month internship in the Volkswagen Design department in Wolfsburg and there will be chosen three winners.

Students from the fields of interior and exterior design, interface design, graphic design and/or colour and trim design can participate in the concept. The only condition is that the concept vehicle should carry the typical character of a Volkswagen.

The contestants have almost four months to visualize and submit their ideas on three charts. They can work individually or as a team. The winners of the contest will be selected by Klaus Bischoff, who is Head of Volkswagen Design, and announced on 30th of September this year.

Back in 2011 the iconic German company has successfully launched the Volkswagen Design Contest with the theme “The first electrical Volkswagen for my country!”. The participants were students from Russia, India and China.

The aim of Volkswagen with the new competition is to find talented students. In addition, the company is interested in establishing long-term cooperation with international universities and design academies. Information on the contest can be found at www.volkswagen-design-contest.com.

Source: Volkswagen

May 12, 2014

BMW Introduces 7-Series Edition Exclusive

2014 BMW 7 Series Edition Exclusive is enhancing the range of luxury vehicles in BMW’s “garage”. The new limited edition vehicle comes right after the introduction of BMW 7-Series Horse Edition that was specifically intended for the Chinese market and introduced at Auto China this April. Edition Exclusive will be available for the BMW 7 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series Sedan with extended wheelbase. It will be introduced to the markets this summer.

The car delivers the typical for the German company supreme elegance, luxury and driving pleasure. It is painted in metallic paintwork exterior and rides on 19-inch light-alloy wheels in V spoke design. This design was exclusively created for this particular model.

The interior of this vehicle features exclusive Nappa leather trim. The instrument panel is also finished in leather. As an option BMW offers the available BMW Individual all-leather trim Merino fine grain and the BMW Individual Alcantara roof lining.

Edition Exclusive can be combined with all engine variants. For instance, BMW 760i and BMW 760Li are powered by the twelve-cylinder petrol engine – TwinPower Turbo V12. The latter accelerates the Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The powerplant is coupled with an 8-gear Steptronic transmission that keeps the revs low even at high speeds.

Source: BMW

May 10, 2014

Silverstone Auctions: 1964 Ford Mustang 1/2 Coupe

1964 Ford Mustang 1/2 Coupe is going to be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions on 24th of May. The vehicle is one of the earliest production runs of the iconic car. In fact, this muscle car is considered as the purest of all Mustangs. More importantly, it is very rare car with a price tag estimated between $23,764 to $30,562 USD (£14,000 to £18,000). This particular example was originally built at Ford‘s Dearborn Michigan plant on 26th of June 1964.

Another interesting fact is that this Mustang still houses its original 260CI V8 Engine matched with the original Cruise-O-Matic transmission. The car was ordered and then produced with one-of-a-kind array of factory fitted options.

Some of them include power steering, power brakes, rally-pac and AM radio with rear speaker. The extremely rare Studio Sonic Sound System is also present in the equipment. The exterior of this Ford is painted in Rangoon Red color, while the interior is in Red Beauty color.

The auction of this car comes amid the 50th anniversary of the original Mustang as well as the launch of a new 2015 Ford Mustang. Thanks to its incredibly beautiful looks it has become one of the greatest American cars of all time and a symbol of a nation.

1964 Ford Mustang 1/2 Coupe was introduced to the world on 17th of April 1964 at the New York Worlds Fair. At the same day Ford secured over 22,000 orders. The reason for that maybe was that it had everything that customers could dream of: sporty looks, factory options, economy and still great performance.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

May 10, 2014

Honda Concept B And Spirior Readied For Production

Honda Concept B and Honda Spirior Concept were exhibited and shown for the first time at Auto China in April. Honda is now announcing it plans to introduce a mass-production model based on the Concept B in two years. On the other hand the market introduction of the production Spirior is scheduled before the end of this year, which means that we are soon to expect more detailed information about the car.

The Concept B is a five-door vehicle, which was developed specifically for the customers of the Chinese market. It has advanced looks and cool-looking exterior design. In addition, it offers excellent practicality. These qualities are realized via its compact hatchback style.

Moreover, Honda has disclosed that the development of a mass-production based on this concept model is currently in progress. It will be introduced to the market in two years.

The other world premiere at Auto China made the Spirior Concept. Spirior model was firstly introduced in 2009, and since then it has been providing the joy of driving with its advanced technologies.

Again, the car targets primarily by younger customers who live in urban areas and who pursue individuality. The new Spirior achieved significant advancements in exterior design, dynamic performance and technologies as well as safety features. With this individualistic and fun-to-drive model, the Japanese company is striving to set a new benchmark in the sporty sedan category.

Source: Honda

May 10, 2014

Audi R8 LMX To Feature Laser High Beam Lighting As Standard

Audi R8 LMX is the limited edition version of the new R8, which is the most powerful road-going version of the super sports car ever built. It is also the first production car to adopt laser high beam lighting as standard. The LMX is based on the V10 plus model and is equipped with high-revving, mid mounted ten-cylinder engine. It also sports double wishbone suspension and Audi Space Frame aluminium body. The model is a true limited edition which will be produced in only 99 examples.

The V10 engine generates 570 hp (420 kW) and 540 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at only 3.4 seconds before topping out at 198 mph. The powetrain is coupled with a compact, seven-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers the power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

The latter distributes it to the racing-inspired 19-inch, 20-spoke wheels matched with tyres with 215mm front and 305mm rear widths. These conceal carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with red anodised calipers measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front.

The light emitted by laser beams is blue. This has inspired an Audi exclusive Ara Blue, crystal effect customized paint finish for the new R8 LMX. Other exterior paint finishes include Daytona Grey matt or Mythos Black metallic paint finishes.

The car is also marked out by a large, fixed rear spoiler for increased downforce on the rear axle. The additional utilization of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the front spoiler lip, side flics, engine compartment cover, exterior mirror housings, sideblades, rear wing and diffuser is also present. Titanium grey color has been used for the singleframe grille and front air intakes and the outlet grille at the rear. As a contrast, the sports exhaust system includes high-gloss black tailpipes.

Inside, the bucket seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and finished with Sepang Blue diamond stitching and backrest covers in Ara Blue. Sepang Blue diamond stitching also adds contrast in the Alcantara headlining and black Fine Nappa leather door trim panels. The same color is also sewn into the edges of the parking brake lever, centre tunnel console, steering wheel and instrument cowl.

Audi R8 LMX also features matt carbon covers for the centre tunnel console and parking brake lever. Illuminated aluminium inlays bearing the limited-edition number are integrated into the CFRP door sill trims. Fine Nappa leather is used for the S tronic sector lever and the knee pads, while the floor mats have black piping and Sepang Blue stitching.

What is more important here however is that this Audi model is equipped as a standard with company’s revolutionary laser high beam lighting. A laser spot for the high beams increases the illumination range substantially, which is ideal for a supercar like the R8 LMX.

Furthermore, this combination of LED and laser high beams will be used for the first time on the new Audi R18 e tron quattro at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race will start on 14th of June. To go into details, in the new laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone of light with twice the range of the all-LED headlight.

Each module comprises of four high-power laser diodes, which generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. Then, a phosphor converter transforms this into roadworthy white light. In addition, a laser spot that is active at speeds of 37 mph and above, supplements the LED high beam in the R8 LMX. At last, an intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to avoid dazzle.

Source: Audi

May 10, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Exceed Sales Expectations

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were introduced in September last year and are currently available on the market. They are once again proving why they are the segment leaders. Precisely – the demand for the updated SUVs is outpacing expectations. Back in the 1935 Chevrolet created the SUV segment with the Suburban model. Since then, the vehicle has been the sales leader in the full-size SUV market. Now, nearly 80 years after its introduction, the average turn rate (or how quickly it takes a particular vehicle to sell after it is delivered to the dealer) is 17 days for the Tahoe and 10 days for the Suburban.

2015 Suburban and Tahoe has been redesigned and refined, thus delivering improved quality, advanced technology and increased fuel efficiency. They still keep their impressive towing capabilities.

The revamped SUVs have received special attention to their interior quietness. In other words, they feature new inlaid triple-sealed doors as well as safety technologies such as forward collision alert and lane departure warning. The last two provide 360 degrees of crash avoidance and occupant protection.

To go further into details, their LTZ trim levels come standard with LED daytime running lamps, third-generation of magnetic ride control, real-time damping system that ensures more precise body motion control. Other technology features that are optional on the 2015 Silverado and Tahoe include fold-flat second- and third-row seats with power-folding feature.

There is also available eight-inch color touch screen radio with next-generation MyLink connectivity. There is also the option of up to six USB ports and six power outlets, including a 110-volt three-prong outlet. The available rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens ensures the entertainment of the passengers, while thee keyless entry and push-button start adds more convenience.

Source: Chevrolet

May 9, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova