Lidia Todorova – Page 172 – Automobiles Review

SGA Aerodynamics Customizes Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

SGA Aerodynamics Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a wide-body gull-wing beast that immediately catches the attention. The car is based on the famous Black Series but now is taken further with the added body kit and other enhancements. The visual appearance of the car was completely redesigned and intensified with wider jaws, air inlets and outlets as well as carbon flaps.

At the front the tuners have added a double-layer spoiler which is deeply draw down and framed in carbon-fiber flaps. In addition, as one can see, the engine hood is also entirely new and is equipped with the typical air outlet.

On the sides, SGA Aerodynamics gave this Mercedes-Benz broader side skirts with air inlets and framed them in massive mudguards. The front mudguards carry extensive applications of carbon fiber, while the fuel tank cover is modeled into the rear enlargements.

At the rear, there is a protruding rear valance with lateral gills on the rear. A large double-layer – diffusor is also present. It was made of carbon fiber and keeps the original Black Series exhaust pipe ends. At last, an adjustable carbon rear wing rounds-out the new look of this SLS AMG.

The car is finished in diamond-white paint, which perfectly highlights the carbon fiber components. This Black Series runs on special MAE forged rims, called “forged rotor“. Through its turbine optics, the three-part wheel has a directional running pattern and stands out for its chromium-plated beddings. The size of the wheels at the front is 10.5 x 20 and the tires are of size 265/30. At the rear we see even bigger wheels of the dimensions of 12 x 21 inches fitted with 325/25 tires.

Source: SGA Aerodynamics

April 25, 2014

2014 Kia Picanto Quantum Becomes Part Of “Originals” Range

2014 Kia Picanto Quantum is an addition to brand’s popular city-car range. Ii is also part of Kia’s ‘Originals’ range, which is a line-up of vehicles that delivers unique personalities. The Quantum is available in 3-door guise and is finished in Titanium Silver metallic paintwork. It features premium black cloth interior upholstery. The power of the car comes from the 1.25-litre petrol engine which can be coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission.

Quantum delivers up to 84 hp (62 kW) at 6,000rpm and 120 Nm (89 kW) torque at 4,000rpm. Other standard equipment includes 15-inch five-round-spoke alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, a smart key entry system with engine start/stop button, electric sliding and tilting sunroof. Further highlights here feature the adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED indicator lights, front foglights, a six-speaker audio system, body-coloured side sill mouldings and automatic headlight control.

Picanto Quantum also adds as a standard the ‘Urban Pack’. The latter comprises of reversing sensors, LED ambient interior lighting, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and an illuminated driver’s side vanity mirror. UV solar windscreen glass minimizes the glare and UV light in the cabin. Privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate further add to the coziness of the interior.

The figures in the case of the Quantum model equipped with the manual transmission are estimated at 62.8 mpg fuel consumption, while the CO2 emissions are rated at 106 g/km. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds on its way to a top speed of 106 mph.

The four-speed Quantum automatic has fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 50.4 mpg and 130g/km respectively. The performance figures are 0-100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and a top speed of 101 mph. 2014 Kia Picanto Quantum is currently available in showrooms.

Source: Kia

April 25, 2014

ABT Celebrates 40 Years Of Golf With Custom Golf I GTI

ABT Volkswagen Golf I GTI comes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic cars in history – the Golf. The original first generation of the angular Volkswagen Golf Mk1 was presented in 1974 and was successor of the Beetle. The car was intended by the brand as a modern front-wheel-drive, hatchback replacement for the ageing Beetle. In fact, the Mk1 was Germany’s best selling car right from the start.

In fact, the tuners at ABT customized this VW back in 1982 and now they are bring it in the present to celebrate the unique history of the car. This particualr model was fitted with a 7’’ widebody and suspension-kit. In addition, the power was also enhanced with almost 50 per cent. Precisely, the serial GTI develops 163hp (120kW), while the custom – 220hp (162kW).

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h was estimated at 6.8 seconds. Responsible for that kick is the KKK exhaust gas turbocharger. The latter was at that time only available from Volkswagen for the very expensive Audi Quattros.

Furthermore, Golf I’s engine was made stable with a number of high-end components like autothermal pistons and a special crankshaft. And then there was the roaring “turbo exhaust system” and the ABT “super suspension”. Alloy wheels in a very classy design were added and fitted with wide-base tires in the dimension of 205/60R13. The interior was also changed. White-leather sport-type steering wheel and various additional instruments are present.

Source: ABT

April 25, 2014

Mopar Customizes 2015 Dodge Challenger And Charger

Mopar brand is enhancing the brand new 2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger with a number of accessories and performance parts. This means that muscle-car enthusiasts will have the chance to personalize their ride and make it unique. Both new Dodge models were unveiled officially at the New York Auto Show, previewing a completely new exterior design and powerful equipment. In fact, the cars come to commemorate brand’s 100th anniversary and for this reason feature 1971-inspired classic styling.

Mopar performance parts that will be available from launch include suspension lowering kit, anti-sway bar kit and cold air intakes. In addition, light weight wheels and a cat back exhaust, along with big brake kit and Scat Pack stage kits are among the performance offerings.

Specific to the 2015 Dodge Challenger are the shaker hood, T/A hood kit and T/A hood venting system. Other highlights offered by Mopar for both muscle cars include: cold air intake, anti-sway bar kit, suspension lowering kit, brake kit, cat back exhaust, hood pin kit, hood kits, grille kit and eleven wheel options and Mopar wheel center caps.

In addition, the customization brand has also prepared for the 2015 Charger and Challenger the following: new rear spoilers, decal kit, stripe kits, bright pedal kit, EVTS, wheel locks, remote start, park distance sensor kit, engine block heater kit, fog light kit and ambient lighting, door sill entry guards and floor mats.

Source: Mopar

April 24, 2014

Dodge Introduces 2015 Charger

2015 Dodge Charger is world’s only four-door muscle car and it gets refined for the new model year. The model gets a brand new exterior, and it is powered by 300 horsepower V-6 eingine, coupled to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, thus delivering an estimated 31 miles per gallon. The handling was also optimized. In fact, the exterior of the 2015 Charger was resculpted almost entirely. It includes dramatic LED lighting in both front and rear. The powertrain option for the R/T trim is the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. In fact, the Dodge brand introduces this model along with the new 2015 Challenger in order to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

2015 Dodge Charger will be available in four models: SE, SXT, R/T and R/T Road & Track. The production of the car will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Furthermore, some of the new interior details include three-spoke steering wheel, 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster, premium materials used for the seats and covered surfaces as well as a choice of eight new trim and color combinations.

Dodge is also including in the new Charger more than 80 standard or available safety and security features. Some of them are the Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, ParkSense rear park assist systems and 9-1-1 call/Assist Call.

In terms of technologies, the drivers of this muscle car will enjoy the Uconnect Access system, Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, new Dodge Performance pages, new 3-D navigation and the ability to turn the Charger into a Wi-Fi hot spot.

All Charger models also get new wheels. The 20-inch wheels are standard on R/T models. Special heritage colors for the wheels include TorRed and new B5 Blue, along with Redline Tri-coat Pearl, Jazz Blue Pearl, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Phantom Black Tri-coat Pearl, Ivory Tri-coat Pearl and Bright White.

The powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is intended for the Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models and as mentioned it utilizes the TorqueFlite electronic eight-speed automatic transmission. With it the unit delivers up to 370 horsepower (272 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb.-ft.) of torque.

On the other hand, the Charger SE and SXT rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) models are powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The latter produces 292 horsepower (218 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm, and is rated at 31 mpg.

2015 Dodge Charger Details And Specifications:

Exterior:

New hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, front doors
Three-piece spoiler (standard R/T)
Dodge signature LED racetrack tail lamps
Projector headlamps (high-intensity discharge headlamps on premium trims)
LED fog lamps (SXT and R/T)
Center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL)
20-inch wheels standard on R/T models
Six different 20-inch wheel styles available

Interior:

7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital gauge cluster
Instrument panel center stack with next-generation radio and 5.0-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen displays with 3-D navigation and downloadable apps
Three-spoke thick rim steering wheel with available paddle shifters
Performance-inspired electronic shifter
Dodge Performance Pages (R/T Road & Track)
Eight new interior trims, including:
- Black and Tungsten cloth
- Black and Pearl leather
- Black and Ruby Red

Technical highlights:

Included trial of Uconnect Access Services:
- 9-1-1 call/Assist Call
- Roadside Assistance Call
- Theft-alarm notification
- Uconnect Access App for remote services
- Yelp
- Voice texting
- Wi-Fi hotspot (service available)
Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop
Advanced Brake Assist
Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus
Dynamic gridlines displayed with the rear camera view to show projected path of vehicle based on driver steering input
TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission standard on all models
Fully hemmed rear wheelhouse to accommodate larger tires
All-wheel-drive (AWD) with front-axle disconnect

Source: Dodge

April 24, 2014

Citroen C-XR Concept Previews Future Production SUV

Citroen C-XR Concept is a contemporary SUV that made a world premiere at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. It is a preview of the first crossover developed jointly between Citroen and the DongFeng Motor Group. The vehicle is intended for production in China and offers compact styling with an assertive look combined with elegance and strength. It is also promised to deliver great fuel efficiency.

CX-R concept has wide chrome-finished grille that links the chevrons to the headlamps. In addition, at the front are featured LED daytime running lights that enhance the front light signature as well as front optics with double module and indicators. The C-shaped side signature links visually the roof bars and the chrome-finished waistline. At the rear, Citroen added 3D-effect rear lights. They were combined with a chrome-finished dual tailpipe.

Furthermore, the concept vehicle runs on 17-inch wheels fitted with All Seasons tyres. The front and rear fairings and wheel arch embellishers, red side décor and wing-mirror housings, round-out the look. Another detail is that the vehicle features the longest wheelbase in the segment measured at 2.65m, thus delivering in-car spaciousness. The large glass panoramic roof contributes towards soft filtered light inside.

Citroen C-XR Concept is fitted with Grip Control technology. This system manages optimal traction of the wheels on all types of ground. The concept is fitted with the THP 160 petrol engine that includes a Stop&Start function. The unit is coupled with the latest generation automatic gearbox. A key factor to the increased fuel and CO2 efficiency is the considerable weight savings.

Source: Citroen

April 24, 2014

MINI Unveils 2015 Paceman Range

2015 MINI Paceman offeres fresh design, optimised aerodynamics and revised engines. The Sports Activity Coupe was unveiled at Auto China in Beijing. The new model includes a distinctive and highly expressive body design. Of course – it carries all of the characteristics typical for a MINI. At the front it is equipped with large headlamps and hexagonal radiator grille contour. Its elongated silhouette on the other hand reinforces its sportiness. At the rear we see lights which are horizontally arranged for the first time on a MINI.

New trim color is available – it is caled Piano Black. Chrome Line Exterior trim is also available as a no cost option. New colours for the MINI Paceman include Jungle Green metallic and Midnight Grey metallic. Black or white white contrasting roofs are also available. On the other hand, the contrasting Chilli Red roof is offered exclusively for the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman. Vaarious colors are also available for the sport and bonnet stripes.

As a standard, MINI offers a range of new light alloy wheels with reduced weight and LED fog lights. Precisely, the Cooper and the Cooper D Paceman come equipped with the 16-inch light alloy wheels in 5-Star Air Spoke Design. In addition, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in the new 5-Star Triangle Spoke Design were specifically created for the Cooper S and the Cooper SD Paceman. They are also available in a two-colour design. MINI John Cooper Works Paceman runs on 18-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design as standard.

Inside, 2015 Paceman benefits from acoustic optimization. Speed and display dials are now anthracite-coloured in the style of the MINI John Cooper Works Paceman across all models. In addition, the model will also include the new ALL4 all-wheel drive system. MINI ALL4 distributes drive power at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle by means of an electromagnetic centre differential.

The engines offered in the range are listed below along with their details. They can be combined with an optional six-speed automatic transmission instead or the standard six-speed manual. The suspension technology included in the car features the combination of McPherson spring struts and forged wishbones on the front axle, a multilink rear axle and electromechanical power steering.

Figures for 2015 MINI Paceman range:

Model	Power	0-62 mph	Fuel Consumption	CO2
Cooper	122 hp	10.4 (-0.1)	47.9 mpg	137 g/km
Cooper D	111 hp	10.9	67.3 mpg	111 g/km
Cooper S	190 hp	7.5 (-0.1)	47.1 mpg	139 g/km
Cooper SD	143 hp	9.2 sec (-0.1 sec)	62.8 mpg	119 g/km
John Cooper Works	218 hp	6.9 sec (- 0.1 sec)	39.8 mpg	165 g/km

Source: MINI

April 24, 2014

Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase Debuts In Beijing

Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase officially debuted at Auto China in Beijing. The Long Wheelbase of the model was introduced last year in Dubai, and now we are seeing the birth of the hybrid version. The derivative brings together two of the most recent innovations in the Range Rover line-up: premium luxury interior space and exceptional fuel and emissions performance. In fact, together with the Range Rover Sport Hybrid, it will be the first diesel hybrid model from any manufacturer to be offered in China.

Range Rover Hybrid powertrain combines Land Rover’s 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35 kW electric motor. The power is transmitted onto the road via the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The system allows the driver to select from three different drive modes in order to optimize performance or efficiency, thus delivering 169g/km Co2 emissions and 6.4 l/100 km (44.1mpg).

Another advantage of this vehicle is that it offers additional 186 mm of legroom for rear seat passengers. Furthermore, the option of the executive seating package delivers an impressive increase in the rear seat angle of recline to 17 degrees.

The hybrid system utilizes the same Terrain Response system and all-wheel drive technology which we have seen in the petrol and diesel-powered models. The complete system features a lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor, and weighs less than 120kg.

Precisely, the electric motor produces 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque. It also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In all electric mode, the new Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6 km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts. Combining the output of the diesel engine and electric motor makes a total of 340 hp (250 kW) and 700 Nm (515 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500-3,000 rpm.

Source: Land Rover

April 23, 2014

Hennessey Performance Upgrades 2015 Cadillac Escalade

2015 Cadillac Escalade has just been released for sale across the United States. The tuners at Hennessey Performance have been taking advantage of this fact and are currently offering an engine upgrade for the 6.2L V8 engine of the model. The developed supercharger upgrade for the new unit offers the perfect balance of attitude, performance and luxury. It is called HPE550 package and delivers up to 557 hp (410 kW) and 735 Nm (542 lb-ft) of torque from the belt-driven supercharger.

The additional power of this Cadillac however is nothing without reliability, so the tuners have added an air-to-water intercooler system that keeps charge temperatures low. In addition, Hennessey’s recalibrated engine management computer optimizes the air/fuel ratio throughout the rev range.

Another upgrade included in this project is the addition of a set of lightweight Hennessey H10 forged monoblock wheels in the size of 20”. The H10 wheels have reduced rotating mass, which allows even more power to reach the tires. In this way less energy is spent.

The good news here is that the HPE550 upgrade will be also available for other vehicles with GM’s 6.2-liter DI V8 powertrain. These include the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali, 2014-2015 GMC Sierra trucks and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado trucks.

Hennessey HPE550 Supercharged Upgrade:

557 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
542 lb-ft Torque @ 4,200 rpm
High Flow Supercharger System
High Flow Intercooling System
HPE Engine Management Calibration
All Necessary Gaskets, Fluids & Hardware
Professional Installation
Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
Serial-Numbered Dash Plaque
Serial-Numbered Engine Plaque
Hennessey Exterior Badging
HPE550 Supercharged Badging
Hennessey Embroidered Floormats

Source: Hennessey Performance

April 23, 2014

Range Rover 600-LE Bali Blue Luxury Edition By Kahn Design

Kahn Range Rover 600-LE Bali Blue Luxury Edition connects the worlds of fashion and cars. It is the latest addition to Kahn’s collection of fashionable vehicles. It is painted in Bali Blue colour scheme and looks mesmerizing. In addition, the designers have used the finest materials to create a tailored interior package and make this Range Rover deliver the most individual driving experience. It is completed with inviting seats in red and black to contrast the exterior, and it includes sharp instrumentation and technologies.

Bali Blue Luxury Edition sits on 9.5 x 23” wheels in shadow chrome fitted with 305x30x23” tyres. The original front and rear bumpers have been replaced. At the front we see now a floating carbon bumper, while at the rear – one that includes exhaust diffuser. The roof spoiler include extended Lip spoiler.

In addition, the tuners added 600-LE Stainless Steel crosshair quad rear pipes and finishers in polished aluminum. Next, in this project are also present front grille outer surround in body colour, floating roof in piano black, front grille with 3D mesh floating insert, lower boot lid spoiler with extended lip, side vents in carbon fibre finish, front grille floating insert in silver and with inner surround in matt black.

The new front bumper and front grille mesh are now decided in silver, while the brake calipers are finished in liquid gold. Kahn also included a privacy tinted glass, door handles in body colour, Kahn enamel wing shields, bonnet and tailgate lettering.

Inside, we see 3D Modular front and rear seats in perforated red Nappa leather. The same material is used for the centre glove box, door cards, steering wheel centre and armrests. The door entry sill plates are in stainless steel, while the vented foot pedals are in machined aluminium.

Source: A. Kahn Design

April 23, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger Unveiled In New York

2015 Dodge Challenger was firstly teased in the beginning of the month with a single image which didn’t say much. Now, the car is officially here. Its debut happened during the New York Auto Show. The model has 1971-inspired design in terms of both interior and exterior. Nevertheless, it also features contemporary treatment, which includes new split grille, more pronounced and functional power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps.

In the special line-up of vehicles is present the Scat Pack 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 model which produces 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475 lb.-ft.) of torque. Its unit is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Further exclusive highlights here are the Brembo brakes and 20-by-9-inch aluminum wheels.

The interior of the new Challenger features 1971-inspired high-sill center console and driver-focused instrument panel, aluminum bezels. In fact, there are offered 14 interior colors and trim options. Some of them include throwback Houndstooth premium cloth, Radar Red, or Pearl and Alcantara suede and leather high-performance seats.

In terms of new technologies, the upgrades featured inside are the new 8.4-inch touchscreen media center with Uconnect Access system, new class-exclusive 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable cluster display and electronic shifter and Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start.

Safety and security is ensured via more than 70 features such as Forward Collision Warning, adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. The car will be also available with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture. Advanced technological solutions such as new electric power steering (EPS) with three driver-selectable steering modes are also present.

The 2015 Challenger is offered in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. The production of the car is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014.

2015 Dodge Challenger Specifications:

Performance:

Standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 delivers 305 horsepower
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. torque (six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic)
6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with an estimated 485 horsepower with 475 lb.-ft. torque (six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic)
0-60 mph in the mid-4 second range with new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
Quarter mile in low-12 second range
Top speed of 182 miles per hour (mph)
World-class stopping power with new available four-piston Brembo® brakes
New launch control and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with “full off” mode

Interior:

Fourteen all-new interiors with new retro colors, including Houndstooth, Tungsten Torque, Ballistic II premium cloth, and Pearl White or Ruby Red leather sport seats
Heated and ventilated performance seats available in Nappa leather and Alcantara suede
Dodge race-inspired heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with available paddle shifters

Exterior:

Heritage-inspired split grille surround
Projector headlamps with halo light-emitting diode (LED) surrounds
Projector fog lamps
Heritage-inspired split LED tail lamps with Gloss Black surround
Retro and high-impact exterior colors ranging from Sublime Green and B5 Blue to TorRedNine wheel options, including new 20-by-9-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels in Hyper Black II finish

Technology features:

Eeight-speed TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
Eelectric power steering
Standard 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch touchscreen
ParkView rear backup camera
Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call/Assist Call and roadside assistance
Electronic shifter paired with eight-speed automatic transmission

Safety and security features:

Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
Forward Collision Warning

Source: Dodge

April 23, 2014

2015 Honda HR-V SUV: First Official Images

2015 Honda HR-V Compact SUV is going to be available in dealerships this winter. The first images of the refreshed model have just appeared. 2015 HR-V alongside new Fit represent significant growth opportunity for Honda in the United States. In fact, both models are produced at the automaker’s newest North American manufacturing facility located in Celaya, Mexico. The photos of the upcoming SUV were revealed at the New York International Auto Show.

They preview the sleek styling and expressive character lines of the HR-V. The car features versatile and spacious interior thanks to a unique center tank layout. In addition, Honda also revealed that the 2015 HR-V will be equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat. The latter allows multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space.

The SUV has clean character lines which are additionally complemented by hidden rear door handles. This gives the SUV a sporty presence. In fact, the model is smaller than the CR-V, and has the perfect size for both city streets and mountain roads. Additional details about the HR-V will be announced later this year.

The Japanese twin of the HR-V is the Honda Vezel, which debuted last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle is currently on sale. Vezel is offered with two powertrain options. The first one is the 1.5-liter direct-injected VTEC four-cylinder unit, while the second is a hybrid system that utilizes the same engine coupled with an electric motor. Although Honda didn’t unveil any photos of HR-V’s interior, we can draw some conclusions judging from Vezel.

Source: Honda

April 22, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova