Lidia Todorova – Page 180 – Automobiles Review

Citroen DS3 Dark Rose Limited Edition To Be Launched By Alfred Hitchcock

Citroen DS3 Dark Rose Limited Edition is a very special vehicle. The reason for this hides not only in its outstanding design characteristics, but also in the fact that it will be launched by the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.

The Dark Rose will be produced in only 350 units and will be available in both on the DS3 and DS3 Cabrio. The customized model will sport two-tone Perla Nera black and Shark grey body paint finish, while having a contrasting fuchsia pink roof and wing mirror housings. The cabrio version will get a black canvas roof.

A lot of individual touches are also featured: gradated pink effect on the front and rear wings, side mouldings with DS graphics featuring a Dark Rose logo, and a fuchsia “3” in the DS3 emblem on the tailgate.

Inside, one can see the same uniqueness of the design. For example, the steering wheel and door sills are graced with a Dark Rose logo, the central console includes a pink-surrounded DS logo, and the Nappa leather headrests feature fuchsia overstitching.

And on the top of this, Alfred Hitchcock will make the DS3 Dark Rose limited edition advertising film, which we are already impatient to see. In fact, this is the second time Citroen called on the director to be a “face” of the brand. Back in 2011 he launched the DS3 Série Noire campaign.

The new film will represent the opening sequence of the famous Alfred Hitchcock Presents TV show that ran from 1955 to 1965 in the USA. In it, the legend will talk and sing about the “vie en rose” inspired by the DS3 Dark Rose limited edition.

Citroen DS3 Dark Rose Limited Edition has a starting price of €20,250.

Source: Citroen

March 20, 2014

Production 2015 Acura TLX To Debut In New York

2015 Acura TLX Prototype along with TLX GT Race Car made a first appearance at NAIAS in January. Now the brand is ready to showcase the production version of Acura TLX performance-luxury sedan with a debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show which will be held in April.

The car was designed to deliver higher levels of luxury refinement and sports-sedan athleticism and of course will also offer exceptional performance thanks to the next-generation Acura powertrain and dynamic-handling technologies. Precisely, the brand will offer two engine options for the TLX.

The first one is the 2.4-liter 16-valve, direct-injected i-VTEC 4-cylinder unit which will be matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter. The second engine is the 3.5-liter 24-valve direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 one, coupled with a new nine-speed automatic transmission.

Two-wheel-drive models will be available for either of the powertrains and will use the new Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) technology with independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle control. In addition, exclusively for the second engine option, Acura will offer the TLX SH-AWD that employs Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system. The latter is 25-percent lighter and has new torque-vectoring control logic.

Furthermore, the 2015 TLX was designed to be as much quieter as possible due to the implementation of major improvements in noise reduction. These include enhancements to body stiffness, body sealing and sound insulation, and the application of electronic Active Noise Control.

In terms of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, TLX will get Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator (BSI).

More details will be announced after the official premiere of 2015 Acura TLX Prototype.

Source: Acura

March 20, 2014

Bentley Offers First Glimpse Of New Production SUV [TEASER]

The first picture of the future production Bentley SUV has been just released. The image doesn’t show much except for the front end of the car, showcasing brand’s traditional design. The new SUV is currently being prepared for production and is scheduled to hit roads in 2016.

Bentley also disclosed that this vehicle will be the most luxurious and powerful SUV to be found on the market. It will embody brand’s hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship.

As far as we can tell from the teaser picture, the SUV’s front will slightly differ from the 2012 Bentley EXP 9 F SUV Concept that debuted in Geneva two years ago. EXP 9 F got flowing surfaces, muscularity and robustness, bold and dynamic exterior.

Both the concept and the production SUV have the same iconic for the brand matrix grille. However the there is a difference in the headlamps – the new SUV obviously got those of Continental.

We are also wondering whether we are to see the same engine used for the EXP 9 F Concept, namely Bentley’s 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 one, which was coupled with an eight-speed transmission. The powertrain develops 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. More details to be announced soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Bentley

March 20, 2014

MINI’s New Range Gets Entirely Redesigned Original MINI Accessories

The improved and more stylish Original MINI Accessories will add enhanced individuality ti the new MINI range. The program will be available this spring and will include some striking exterior touches, high-quality detailing for the interior and exceptional light alloy wheels.

The Original MINI Accessories has been completely redesigned in order to match the entirely redesigned MINI model. Some of the classic elements are kept: roof graphics, exterior mirror caps and additional headlamps. What is new however are the design concept for the exterior and interior made up of four MINI Design Lines, dubbed Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue, John Cooper Works Pro and Essential Black.

Each of the four design lines ensures a co-ordinated approach to the outside and inside of the car. This includes even the textile and all-weather floor mats, sun protection elements, door sill cover strips, exterior and interior mirror caps, roof and side graphics, side indicator surrounds, key lanyards, protective covers and luggage compartment items.

To go even further into details, let’s review every single theme. First of all, the Vivid Green gives accessories fresh look with striking dashes of rich green against a black background. Next, the Speedwell Blue is for those who want to add a touch of sporty flair and tradition. The latter is emphasized via the reinterpretation of the red, white and blue of the Union Jack, combined with a warm brown tone.

The third theme is the John Cooper Works Pro and it reflects a passion for racing with a vibrant chequered flag in black, red and grey. At last comes the Essential Black which delivers an elegant design that’s pared back to a chequered pattern which runs diagonally.

The mirror caps, both internal and external, which are so typical for the MINI models, can be now ordered in the same design lines as well as in Union Jack, Black Jack, Chequered Flag Black/Grey, Chequered Flag Black/White, John Cooper Works Pro Carbon, Big Bang and Gold Jack.

On the roof the customers can chose among the following roof graphics: motifs Union Jack, Black Jack, Gold Jack, Chequered Flag Grey, Chequered Flag White. Additional options for the standard roof are Speedwell Blue, Vivid Green, John Cooper Works Pro and Chequered Flag Black.

Next, additional design accents can be achieved through the addition of stylishly improved side indicator surrounds, which are available in Union Jack, Black Jack, Chequered Flag Black/Grey, Chequered Flag Black/White, MINI Design Lines Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue and John Cooper Works Pro.

At the sides there is also being offered the option of side graphics in Vivid Green, Speedwell Blue and John Cooper Works Pro, as well as a new version of the John Cooper Works design in the colours Chilli Red and Jet Black.

Exclusively for the design line of MINI Essential Black, are the floor mat and tray, which were made from an anti-slip and waterproof material with straps for easy removal. The luggage compartment floor mat has a textile strip surround, while the tray includes partitions made of brushed aluminium.

Moreover, other individual enhancements that can be added feature sun protection elements for the rear window and rear side windows, door sill cover strips backlit with LEDs, additional main beam headlamps and a synthetic fabric car cover. Of course, each element is in one of the four design lines.

What is also new in MINI Origian Accessories range is the addition of 18-inch forged aluminium rims in cross-spoke design. There are also 17-inch light alloy wheels in multi-spoke design, available in Bright Silver metallic or Liquid Black. The hub caps on all MINI light alloy wheels can be finished in Chilli Red, Bright Orange, Apple Green or Bright Yellow.

Source: MINI

March 19, 2014

AEZ Cliff Enhances Tesla Model S

When AEZ Cliff decided to enhance Tesla’s exclusive Model S, it probably did not have the idea of the electrifying result. We all know that Model S is one of the most sizable EV of its time. It has a wheelbase of 116.5”, an overall length of 195.9” and a front track width of 65.4”. This means that inside one gets a lot of head and rear legroom, as well as front leg room and luggage space.

More importantly, Tesla’s vehicle has been considered as one of the fastest EVs. It can cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.4 seconds on its way to the Vmax of 130 mph. And this particular model fell for some time in the hands of the tuners at AEZ Cliff.

Precisely, to make the Tesla S even more exclusive and individual in looks, they have added their special AEZ 8.5×19’’ alloy wheels. The aluminium is extremely light and this goes perfectly with the design philosophy of the emission-less and efficient car.

The featured alloy wheels have a convincing cross-spoke design with five pairs of double spokes stretching far into the slim rim flange. AEZ’s new “smart center” contributes for more compact and detailed design, and additionally it gets its depth and 3D quality from the inwardly slanted edge in the rim well. And at last, but not least, the wheels have the load capacity of up to 1025 kg.

Source: AEZ Cliff

March 19, 2014

BMW 135i Coupe Gets Some Extras From Rieger Tuning And Dotz Shift

BMW 135i Coupe is definitely a dream car for many. The compact car comes with a standard M chassis and 306 horsepower (225 kW) unit. The presented vehicle has been firstly enhanced by the tuners at Rieger Tuning.

They had the goal to push the car to an even sportier level. What this means is that they have added to this BMW KW coilovers and new elements such as a spoiler bumper, side skirt, rear valance and 4- pipe rear silencer. The result is more powerful look for this beautiful 135i Coupe.

The wheel experts at Dozt Shift weren’t completely satisfied with this outer appearance. What was missing was a further touch of sportiness which they were only to deliver. The end effect was achieved with the use of elegant high-gloss painted wheels with spoke edges and three-dimensional design.

In fact, the star pattern formed by seven slender double spokes makes the wheel look lightweight and aggressive, while the deep lip adds a racing touch. In addition, the recessed center minimizes wheel’s weight and allows for four- and five-hole connections without affecting the design. An inlay in the rear ring of the deep lip rounds out the design of this project.

March 19, 2014

Audi A5, A4 and A4 Avant TDI Go Ultra

The range of exclusive Audi ultra models is expanding with the addition of the A4 Saloon and Avant as well as the A5 Coupe. These cars offer significant CO2 output by delivering only 109g/km.

Two TDI engines are powering the vehicles. They both share a power output of 163 hp (120 kW) and works with a highly efficient Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust.

The peak torque here is rated at 400Nm (295 lb-ft), while the acceleration from rest to 100 km/h for the six-speed manual-equipped A5 TDI ultra is 8.3 seconds. The Vmax stands at 140mph. The same performance data also applies to the new A4 2.0 TDI ultra. However, the A4 Avant is covers the acceleration sprint for only 8.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 134mph.

Furthermore, the A5 ultra Coupe models are exclusively offered in the SE form, while the A4 and A4 Avant versions can be upgraded to SE specification. The latter adds to the standard equipment the following: 17-inch alloy wheels, an Audi Concert CD audio system incorporating DAB digital radio and linked to a 6.5-inch colour monitor, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors and electronic climate control.

Inside, the A5 SE and A4 SE also feature Milano leather upholstery, while the A4 models also get additional features such as hard disk-based MMI Navigation plus, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection and the Audi Parking System Plus with front and rear sensors.

It is also important to mention that the cars are equipped as standard with lowered sports suspension, which reduces drag and maximizes fuel efficiency. Later this year, the ultra specification will become available also for the five-door A5 Sportback.

Source: Audi

March 19, 2014

Fostla.de Transforms BMW M6 Convertible

Fostla.de is a tuning company based in Germany which specializes in foil-wrapping and which is now taking it hands on the BMW M6 Convertible. The tuners have improved the model in terms of exterior appearance and styling, thus making it even more desirable and individual.

The car has been almost fully foiled in matte PWF Yellow color. Only the bonnet, front spoiler lip and parts of the exterior mirrors have been decided in black Monza carbon, in order to make the perfect contrast to the yellow and to deliver more sports-sensation.

A tint technique of 5% has been applied to the windows as well as to the headlights, taillights and indicator signals. More importantly is that this BMW received a power upgrade via an optimization of the motor control. The result is that the pwertrain now manages to generate 537 hp (395 kW) and a 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque.

This increase of power also means a faster acceleration time. The enhanced M6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h for only 4.30 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. To make this result possible, a contribution are also making the set of Race GTR rims Breyton in the dimensions 9×22 ET30 at the front and 11.5 x 22 ET30 at the rear. They were combined with 25mm-SCC spacers and fitted with appropriate tires.

The M6 has been lowered by 25 mm via the utilization of H&R lowering springs. Finally, this M6 received a brand new race sports exhaust system delivered by Eisenmann. It comes with four oval tailpipes in 120×77 mm and has an engraved Eisenmann logo.

Source: Fostla.de

March 18, 2014

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing Ultra-Limited Edition Goes On Sale

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing Ultra Limited Edition is ready to go on sale. The model has a limited production run of just 100 examples worldwide. The car has been created with the help of the knowledge gained via Citroen’s work on DS3 WRC and DS3 Racing.

The new DS3 combines sporting performance, dynamic styling and the exclusiveness of cabrio-experience. Under its hood, the convertible hides 207 hp (152 kW) four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP engine. To go further into details, the 0 – 100 km/h sprint is achieved in only 6.5 seconds and, while the top speed is 145 mph.

The car was inspired by racing technologies and this is visible through the use of the following technologies and enhancements: re-mapped engine control unit (ECU), modified sports exhaust system and sports silencer, modified turbo system with integrated carbon-trimmed components and specialist motor sports equipment, high-performance suspension with adapted front and rear shock absorbers, widened front and rear tracks by 30mm, lowered height by 15mm, revised steering mapping and modified steering control system, up-rated braking system, including 4-piston racing calipers at the front and Switchable Electronic Stability Control programme (S.ESC).

Furthermore, car’s visual credentials are also striking not only because of the exclusive paint scheme but also because the carbon fiber used for the details. The exterior is decided in Moondark Matte Grey colour, while the roof is in Black fabric. DS3 Cabrio Racing runs on 18-inch Brilliant Black ‘Nemesis’ sports alloy wheel, which are complemented by Brilliant Red DS logo centre caps and red painted brake callipers. A Brilliant Red vertical stripe down each of the doors rounds out the exterior design treatment.

The same exclusive colour scheme continues inside the cabin, where one can see Alcantara trimmed and embossed Citroen Racing seats with Brilliant Red stitching and headrest inserts, Moondark Grey dashboard with Brilliant Red vertical stripe and a numbered plaque in front of the gear lever.

DS3 Cabrio Racing model is built on the basis of DSport trim, which boasts LED daytime running lights, automatic digital air conditioning and rear parking sensors, eMyWay Signature pack with RDS stereo radio/MP3 compatible CD player, Bluetooth system with USB socket and eight speaker HiFi system.

Source: Citroen

March 18, 2014

Jaguar XK66 Special Edition Is Limited To German Only

2014 Jaguar XK66 Special Edition comes to celebrate 66th anniversary of the XK120 model. To be more precise, the latter was launched in 1948 at the motor show in London. The special edition XK66 vehicle will be launched in Germany and limited strictly to its market.

As one can already guess from the name, the car will be produced only in 66 units. Jaguar also revealed that this special edition will be based on the standard XK and will include 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 powertrain that develops 380 hp (280 kW).

What is more, XK66 will be produced in two variants: coupe and cabriolet, while the color choices offered are limited to just two: British Racing Green and Stratus. Unique about the model are the black Union Jack emblems and chrome mirror caps.

The car will be running on 20-inch Orona polished alloy wheels, and if the cabrio variant has been chosen, than the customers will get a beige or black fabric roof. The interior of this Jaguar includes “XK66 One of 66” plate and aluminum shift paddles.

The leather choices are one in Warm Charcoal with Ivory contrast stitching or in Caramel soft grain leather with Warm Charcoal contrast stitching. In addition, customers will also get tire pressuring monitoring system, adaptive headlights and rearview camera.

2014 Jaguar XK66 Special Edition will go on sale in May with a starting price of €99,380.

Source: Jaguar

March 18, 2014

Aston Martin Shows Full Potential On Ice [VIDEO]

The video you can watch below depicts Aston Martin’s launch of company’s first ice driving program in North America. It was hosted at Crested Butte, Colorado and through it the brand is aiming to provide customers with the ultimate driving experience on ice and to experience the full potential of the Aston Martin range.

The ice track in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains was specifically custom built for the occasion as you can see in the footage from the event. The bespoke track comprises of a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit.

With the help of experts, the participants were guided through the facility, embarking upon a series of braking, cornering and handling exercises before putting their skills to the test on a mile-long frozen road course.

The unique ice driving event adds to company’s portfolio of bespoke driving experiences offered in the U.S., which in particular include a Route of the Rockies drive and range of experiences offered around Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Both events are happening this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/TUd9tm1YOLY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

March 18, 2014

Vorsteiner Introduces McLaren MP4-VX In Volcano Orange

The exceptional tuning company Vorsteiner has just unveiled a striking Volcano Orange McLaren MP4-12C which was enhanced with tuner’s full MP4-VX package. The MP4-12C is alone a breath-taking vehicle, powered by 3.8 L V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T engine coupled with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It is one of the most wanted spuercar in the world and now for those lucky to afford it, Vorsteiner has prepared some intriguing optimizations.

To be more precise, this McLaren model is capable of producing 625 horsepower (460 kW) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in the mere 3.1 seconds. The top speed here is electronically limited up to 329 km/h (204 mph). The MP4-12C achieves 11.7 L/100 km fuel consumption on avarage and delivers CO2 emissions of 279 g/km.

To go straight to the facts, when this McLaren fell in the hands of the specialists, it first got a full carbon front bumper with integrated PDC (Parking Distance Control) Sensors and Headlight Washer. At the rear, a new bumper with the same sensors is to be found, while at the sides one can see side sill extension blades.

The stunning Volcano Orange exterior paint scheme is perfectly complemented by the design of the Sport Multi-Piece Forged VSM-311 Wheels on which the car runs. They come in dimension of 20x9J and 21×12.5J at the front and rear, respectively, while fitting effortlessly over the enormous 14.6-inch rotors.

The unique wheels were then coupled with Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres in sizes 255/30/20 at the front and 375/20/21 at the rear. What is left unsaid is that the choice of the wheel finish is Matte Black Face complemented by Volcano Orange Reverse Lip.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 17, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova