Lidia Todorova – Page 183 – Automobiles Review

Geneva Motor Show: 2015 Nissan Juke [VIDEO]

As announced earlier, the 2015 Nissan Juke was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. The emblematic model has refined front and rear design that contributes towards sportier appearance. In addition, at the front, the upper lamps have been redesigned and now feature bi-intensity LED daytime running lamps while the headlamps have Xenon bulbs and new lens covers.

Door mirrors integrate LED side turn strip repeaters and cameras for the Around View Monitor. At the rear the bumper has a more aggressive shape and features boomerang tail lamps with LED light guide technology. The exterior paint finishes now extends to ten, including three new shades: Sunlight Yellow metallic, Ink Blue metallic and solid Red.

What completes the exterior revisions are the 16-inch steel and alloy wheels as a standard, or the optional 17-inch alloys on Acenta and Tekna variants. A band new 18-inch alloy wheel will be available with colored inserts.

The interior of the new Juke was refined as well. The distinctive features included here are the centre console inspired by a motorbike, interior in a sophisticated grey theme or in red, white, black or even bright yellow themes. Nissan offers two styles of fabric for the seat upholstery – comfort and sport.

The brand didn’t stop with the revisions here but focused on the luggage area which now has an increased space by 40 per cent of up to 354L. The flat folding rear seat on the other hand make it easier to load large objects, while the inclusion of a two-stage floor in the luggage area makes the space even more flexible.

In addition, what’s new for the MY2015i s the downsized 1.2-litre turbocharged engine which offers greater performance, economy and lower emissions as well as the revised 1.6-litre DIG-T unit. The existing and acclaimed 1.5 dCi diesel with 110 hp (81 kW) continues unchanged.

Precisely, the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol engine delivers 115 hp (85kW) and generates 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque, while emitting only 126g/km of CO2 and having a fuel consumption figure of 5.5l/100km.

Next, the revised 1.6 DIG-T petrol unit now delivers lower end torque below 2,000rpm and produces 190 hp (140kW). This engine emits 139g/km of CO2. Both powertrains are coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, while only the 1.6 DIG-T can be optionally matched with Xtronic transmission gearbox.

Continuing with the changes, Nissan has also improved the four-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring System, added new alloy wheels and a wide range of advanced equipment such as new audio system, the latest generation NissanConnect driver-vehicle interface, Nissan Safety Shield, Nissan’s Dynamic Control system, and an optional opening glass roof.

All models come equipped as a standard with LED daytime running lamps, CD radio with an AUX-In socket, gear-shift indicator to promote a more efficient driving style and tyre pressure monitor. The Visia 1.5 dCi and 1.6 Pack versions add alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, drive computer and driver seat height adjustment.

Next, the Acenta models come equipped with front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, remote audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming, cruise control and limiter, Nissan Dynamic Control System and chrome interior touches.

At last, the Tekna models add power folding door mirrors, light and rain sensors, i-Key with Start/Stop and the latest NissanConnect with rear-view parking/reversing camera, Around View Monitor and Safety Shield.

2015 Nissan Juke will go on sale across Europe this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/CzFIBx8VI-0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

March 7, 2014

2015 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe To Debut In New York

2015 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will make an official debut at the New York International Auto Show in April, going immediately thereafter on sale. The car has been launched today and the brand has also disclosed some information around it.

This BMW ALPINA is exceptional. First of all it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds. This is due to the he 4.4-liter ALPINA Bi-Turbo V8 unit which delivers 540 horsepower (397 kW) and 732 Nm (540 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is matched with an 8 speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA Switch-Tronic and BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The top speed here is 198 mph.

Other highlights here include the tuned high performance stainless steel ALPINA exhaust system with twin elliptical tailpipes, the Electronic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization technology that work in combination in order to distribute the torque of the xDrive intelligent AWD.

ALPINA has masterfully crafted the design of this BMW with elegant lines that emphasize its dynamic and powerful appearance. Adding to this are the refined 20” ALPINA CLASSIC 21-spoke wheels. In addition, the front apron with integrated splitter elements directs airflow over and around the body. This results in an enhanced high speed aerodynamic stability.

ALPINA exterior colors available for this B6 Gran Coupe feature ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green. Inside, one can see the ALPINA LAVALINA leather that wraps the hand stitched steering wheel, as well as door sill trims with an illuminated ALPINA logo and ALPINA Myrtle wood or Piano Black trim finishes.

2015 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe will be a limited production vehicle only. It will have a starting price of $118,225 USD.

Source: BMW

March 7, 2014

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport Offers Hands-Free Tailgate [VIDEO]

Ford’s Titanium X Sport Series are the latest addition to the new range of the Kuga model. The new series add luxury and technology features as standard. First to mention are the 19in 5×2-spoke alloy wheels; next come the body styling kit which comprises of body color front, side and rear skirts, spoiler, wheel arches and door claddings. In addition, the kit also includes lower centre silver skid plate and rear diffuser.

Furthermore, the Titanium X Sport adds the following technologies: Sony DAB audio with satellite navigation, rear view camera and Active Park Assist for semi-automated parallel parking. Silver roof rails, privacy glass, power fold mirrors, opening panorama roof, heated front Torino leather seats and 10-way powered driver’s seat.

This Ford SUV is driven by the 1.6 EcoBoost petrol (150/182hp) or 2.0 TDCi petrol (140/163hp) engines. In addition the hands-free tailgate (see the video below) is the first to be offered on a medium-sized SUV in Europe.

The system uses two sensors in the rear bumper that register the driver’s leg and respond to the kicking motion. The keyless opening comes for the Kuga as an optional feature. Also available are the Active City Stop and AWD technologies.

httpv://youtu.be/yAncWrPytJM

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

March 7, 2014

Alfa Romeo Mito Refined By Vilner

The tuning experts at Vilner have prepared for us today an exclusive project which has captured our hearts and minds. Alfa Romeo Mito is called by the designers “hooligan”. Of course – metaphorically. Besides the exclusive pictures, which you are first to see, they have also disclosed information of how the restyling process went.

Originally, the Alfa Romeo Mito is powered by 1368 cubic meters 1.4 Turbo engine that is capable of generating 155 horsepower (114kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. These figures weren’t enough for Vilner, and therefore the powertrain was optimized.

After the modification, the 1.4 Turbo unit was ready to deliver a total of 200 hp (147kW) and 279 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Then, the specialist continued with the enhancement of the exterior.

Probably, the first association with an Italian car is the color red. This Alfa Romeo exterior has been finished in exclusive red lacquer that features a pearl effect. In contrast to this color, the tuners decided to give a black lacquer varnish treatment to the side mirrors, door handles, grills, tail-light rings and diffuser.

Other highlights here make the headlights, the 17 inch rims and wheels and the exhaust-end pipes that were decided in matt-grey. Inside, the luxury treatment continues with the extensive use of nabuck, Nappa and carbon leather. Of course, these materials come to support a complete re-design of the interior.

Further modifications inside include the plastic elements that were metallized and now sport aluminum effect, front seatbelts in red and accents on the floor mats in the same color. An individual traveling bag made in the same style and materials as the car was also exclusively provided for this project. Vilner Alfa Romeo Mito has a price of 13 000 Euro.

Source: Vilner

March 6, 2014

2M Designs Restyles Gumpert Apollo S As Ironcar

2M Designs have captured our hearts with its project on Jaguar XF. The tuners are now moving forward with their next exceptional project – they are transforming the iconic Gumpert Apollo S and making it look like an Ironcar.

In fact, in our opinion, the wrapping experts have done something exceptional – this Apollo S really looks like a superhero itself, or can be perfectly featured in the Ironman movies. To go into details, the car has been wrapped in intensive Centurion Red Chrome, but the roof and bonnet were kept in Black Chrome.

2M Designs have not included regular rims. Instead they have coated them with liquid rubber. Furthermore, carbon film structure refines the two outer mirrors; the hood grille cover was removed and replaced with shatterproof Lexani glass; and headlights were covered with a 5% tinting.

At last, the exclusive rims were matched with Pirelli tyres. This outfit perfectly matches the untamed character of the Apollo S. It produces 780 horsepower (574 kW) and has a Vmax of 360 km/h.

Source: Miranda Media

March 6, 2014

Infiniti Shows 2014 Bobby Unser Q60 Convertible

Infiniti will take part at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance between 7th and 9th of March. The company will share space at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach. More than 300 vintage, classic and historic racing vehicles will be shown at the event, including special classes of show cars that will highlight the 50th anniversary of McLaren Racing, the sports racing cars of Jochen Mass and special Offenhauser-powered race cars.

In order to pay homage to the Offenhauser-powered cars, Infiniti is going to present a special Bobby Unser 1968 Indy 500 race winning, as well as a specially designed vehicle that will celebrate racer’s success. We are speaking about the one-off Q60 Convertible, which will be driven by Bobby Unser himself.

Convertible’s design is inspired by the winning race car. This means that it will be reminiscent of the Rislone livery found on Unser’s Offenhauser-powered Eagle. Particularly, the special wrap includes a striking red, yellow, black and white design finished with the number three. The car will be displayed next to the 1968 Indy 500 race car.

What is more, at brand’s pavilion, visitors will be able to see a selection of vehicles such as 2014 Q70 luxury performance sedan, QX60 7-passenger luxury crossover, QX70 performance crossover, QX80 full-size luxury SUV and the new Q50 luxury sport sedan.

Source: Infiniti

March 6, 2014

Hyundai Reveals Sonata’s First Interior Rendering

Yesterday Hyundai Motor Company showed us a shadowy teaser image of its brand new Sonata model. Today, the South Korea’s largest automaker is unveiling the first interior rendering of the car. The latter is scheduled to make an official debut in its home market in the end of March. Interestingly enough, Hyundai began receiving pre-orders for the midsize sedan since the first teaser was released (this means yesterday).

The debut of the model in the United States will be in April during the New York International Auto Show in April. This new Hyundai model is going to have a rear-drive, exude brand’s emblematic design language and therefore – impress with its “fluidic sculpture”.

As visible from yesterday’s render, the new Sonata will sport softer lines, aggressive hexagonal grille with a chrome surround and redesigned headlights. Speaking about today’s image, it is seeable that the interior if refined too. We can notice that it will be a two-tone interior.

Hyundai stated that high quality materials were used for ensuring occupants ultimate luxury experience. The car will be also equipped with the intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) with a high-mounted infotainment screen, which is present in the current rendering.

More information about the model to be disclosed very soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Hyundai

March 6, 2014

2015 Jeep Renegade Introduced In Geneva

2015 Jeep Renegade is an expansion to brand’s lineup, representing a small SUV and retaining the adventurous lifestyle of Jeep. In short, the new model offers unique combination of great off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, nine-speed automatic transmission, on-road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engines, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology.

The new model offers two of the most advanced and intelligent 4×4 systems in its class: Jeep Active Drive – a full-time 4×4 system, and Jeep Active Drive Low – a class-exclusive full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio. Both systems include brand’s Selec-Terrain system that offers five modes Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud and Rock.

The most off-road capability is secured by the Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 trim level, due to the following features: Standard Jeep Active Drive Low (20:1 crawl ratio), Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode, increased ride height 20 mm (0.8 inches), skid plates, and red front and rear tow hooks, 17-inch all-terrain tires, Hill-descent Control, up to 1,500 kg (3,300-lb.) towing capability with MultiJet II diesel engine and 907 kg (2,000-lb.) towing capability with 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, and more.

Inside, 2015 Renegade is precisely crafted to the tiniest detail, and includes innovative and high-quality color and material appointments, innovative technologies and clever storage features. The major surfaces such as the sculpted soft-touch instrument panel is intersected with bold functional elements like the passenger grab handle.

Furthermore, the new vehicle also offers open-air freedom with two available My Sky open-air roof systems. The honeycomb fiberglass polyurethane roof panels are lightweight and stow neatly in the rear cargo area.

The Jeep has an entirely independent suspension capable of up to 205 mm (8.1 inches) of wheel articulation and 220 mm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance (Trailhawk). Extensive use of advanced steels, composites and advanced computer-impact simulations enable the model to deliver great torsional stiffness.

What is more, Renegade is the first Jeep to be equipped with Koni’s frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system, which enables it to deliver road-holding and handling characteristics.

More importantly, the brand is offering here up to 16 powertrain combinations. Precisely, the engine options include: four MultiAir gasoline engine offerings, two MultiJet II diesel engine offerings, efficient and flex-fuel capable E.torQ engine, emissions and fuel-saving Stop&Start technology, nine-speed automatic transmission, two manual and one dual-dry clutch transmission (DDCT).

Segment-exclusive technologies are fitted withing the Renegde. These include the Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreen radio systems with 5.0-inch or 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, single or dual-turner, radio data system capability (RDS), digital audio broadcast (DAB), HD Radio, digital media broadcasting (DMB), SiriusXM Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Travel Link, USB port and auxiliary audio jack input; as well as large full-color instrument cluster display.

Exactly 70 advanced safety and security features were added in this car – as a standard or as an optional feature. Some of these include Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags.

2015 Jeep Renegade is currently making a world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Jeep

March 5, 2014

Onyx Range Rover Sport San Marino – Sportier Than Ever

Onyx Range Rover Sport San Marino has it all: sports-stance, -drivability and –style. The reason or this is that the tuning enhancers at Onyx Concept have equipped the model with new upgrades to its exterior design. The result is obvious – more sporty and powerful look.

The V8 5.0-litre supercharged engine under the bonnet of this Range Rover has been reworked with full carbon and polycarbonate exterior styling package. A lot of carbon fiber has been used here in order to optimize the weight as well as to create an eye-catching visual effect with the pillars, mirrors, aero fins, diffusers and front air dams.

Onyx also has focused here in increasing the aero efficiency under the new power gained through stringent wind tunnel testing on every component. The exterior also sports front, rear, sides and bonnet that have all been upgraded. Moreover, the vehicle has a wider track and 25-mm lower ride height which defines how the upgrades help provide 12% more stable cornering.

Going inside the vehicle, we can see luxury treatment all-around. Range Rover Sport San Marino is wrapped in Nappa leather, in fact – one of the best in the world which have only been used for the most luxurious marques.

Source: ONYX

March 5, 2014

Lexus To Reveal The New NX Crossover

Remember when last year Lexus revealed the LF-NX Compact Crossover at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show? Now, the company is surprising us with the great news that the car will go in production and will carry the name Lexus NX.

The NX Crossover will make a 2014 Beijing Motor Show debut in April, and will also make an entry to the growing segment of premium mid-size crossovers. It will be positioned below the RX in the Lexus product range. We are wondering whether there will be any differences between the concept and the production car.

LF-NX Compact Crossover Concept is the embodiment of city-compact premium crossovers. It is only 182.7 inches long and has a wheelbase of 106.3-inch. Its exterior is bold and offers more distinctive and sculpted styling, by offering a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille.

The aggressive appearance is further reinforced by vehicle’s wide front track, three diamond-shaped LED headlamps and independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL). LF-NX concept is equipped with a full hybrid powertrain, and we are probably to see it also in the production version. Precisely, the full hybrid drive system includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine and a powerful electric motor.

Source: Lexus

March 5, 2014

Geneva World Premiere: Range Rover Sport by AC Schnitzer

At the 84th Geneva Motor Show the tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer are presenting their take on the Range Rover Sport 3.0L SD V6 Diesel. They have added to the vehicle an extensive range of technical and aesthetic enhancements.

The Range Rover got a complete facelift. In fact, the tuners have expanded the limits of the Range Rover Sport via a special performance kit that upgraded the production 215 kW / 292 hp / 600 Nm to a stunning 250 kW / 340 hp / 720 Nm.

And there are no worries in terms emissions. Despite the additional power, the CO2 gases stay the same. This means that the CO2 emissions per horsepower have fallen and this is due to the “Efficient Performance by AC Schnitzer”.

Furthermore, the exhaust gas flow of the Range Rover Sport is improved by the fitting of the AC Schnitzer twin silencer of stainless steel, with two “Sports Trim” tailpipes or with four “Sport“ tailpipes, which both come in right/left combination.

The height of the car has been lowered by up 30 or 35 mm via a lowering module. Then, aerodynamic elements were added. Example – the AC Schnitzer front and rear skirts with integrated rear diffuser.

Range Rover Sport by AC Schnitzer runs on Type VIII forged racing rims in size of 10.0J x 22 inch, or 10.5J x 23 inch, matched with the corresponding tyres in the dimensions of 275/40 R 22 or 305/30 R 23. At last, inside hasn’t been done much. One can find only AC Schnitzer key-holder and velour footmats.

Range Rover Sport by AC Schnitzer Characteristics:

Basic car: Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0L SD V6 Diesel
Engine: AC Schnitzer performance upgrade for 3.0L SD V6 Diesel with 215 kW/292 HP to 250 kW/340 HP
AC Schnitzer engine optics
Exhaust: AC Schnitzer twin silencer, with two “Sports Trim” tailtrims in right / left combination or with “Sport” tailtrims in right / left combination
Suspension: AC Schnitzer suspension lowering module, lowering adjustable: 30 or 35 mm
Aerodynamics: AC Schnitzer front skirt, AC Schnitzer rear skirt with integrated diffuser
Interior: AC Schnitzer key holder
AC Schnitzer floor mats, velours
Wheel/Tyre Sets: Type VIII Racing Forged Wheels
- front 10,0J x 22″ offset 36,5 with tyres 275/40 R 22
- rear 10,0J x 22″ offset 36,5 with tyres 275/40 R 22
- front 10,5J x 23″ offset 34 with tyres 305/30 R 23
- rear 10,5J x 23″ offset 34 with tyres 305/30 R 23

Source: AC Schnitzer

March 5, 2014

At Last: Mazda HAZUMI Concept Officially Unveiled!

Mazda has finally unveiled its next-generation subcompact concept model, called Mazda HAZUMI. The official premiere of the car happened at the Geneva Motor Show, and so far we have seen many (unofficially) leaked images of it.

Mazda HAZUMI embodies the four key pillars of Mazda’s vehicle engineering; SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, KODO—Soul of Motion design, Mazda Proactive Safety, and next-generation car connectivity system MZD Connect.

In the new HAZUMI the essence of KODO has been captured in a compact body. The concept car is fitted with the newly developed 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine which delivers great fuel economy without making a compromise on performance. The unit was also shown at the show.

Furthermore, the car offers enhanced safety. Precisely, the car has raised driving position and better field of view, and is equipped with i-ACTIVSENSE safety features. All in all, the HAZUMI Concept points directly towards brand’s next generation B-segment car.

Mazda HAZUMI Concept main characteristics:

Body style	5-door hatchback
Seating capacity	4
Length x width x height (mm)	4,070 x 1,730 x 1,450
Wheelbase (mm)	2,585
Engine	SKYACTIV-D 1.5
Transmission	SKYACTIV-Drive (six-speed automatic)
Key auxiliary systems	i-stop (idle-stop system)i-ELOOP (brake energy regeneration system)
Tyres	215/45 R18
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0J

Source: Mazda

March 5, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova