Lidia Todorova – Page 185 – Automobiles Review

Kahn Range Rover Sport RS-300 To Be Unveiled At Geneva Motor Show

A. Kahn Design has just sent us the news that a big reveal will happen at the Geneva Motor Show. The luxury tuners will make the grand debut of their brand new Kahn Range Rover Sport RS-300 on 6th of March at the event.

With this new project they are promising the visitors to showcase a true example of perfection. The proof of this will be visible in vehicle’s aerodynamic styling package, from the front and rear bumper replacements through to the chin spoiler and the hand-crafted front grille. Each element will be distinctively accentuated with Valencia Orange detailing.

What was also revealed is that this Range Rover will run on Kahn 23” RS wheels in brushed aluminium, side vent surrounds in piano black, brake calipers colour coded in Valencia Orange and a new twin single exit crosshair exhaust system in polished aluminium.

Inside, the vehicle has been given quilted and perforated Nappa leather interior, hand stitched steering wheel and re-upholstered dashboard in contrasting black and orange. The visitor of the show will be also able to see the Kahn Range Rover RS-600 Performance Edition, Kahn Defender 90 and Kahn Defender 110, Kahn Range Rover 600-LE Luxury Edition and the Kahn Range Rover Evoque.

Source: A. Kahn Design

February 28, 2014

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker Goes On Sale

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker was initially introduced at SEMA show in Las Vegas last November. Since then Dodge dealers ordered the entire production run the model in just four days – this makes a total of 2 000 orders, or a 500 orders a day on average.

The Challenger R/T Shaker has five exterior paint finishes: Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed and Header Orange. The model looks extremely aggressive and sports Satin Black center-mounted hood scoop, which also directs cooler air back into the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The unit produces over 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque.

The functional Shaker hood has a Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter, optimized air box, driver-selectable sport-mode powertrain calibration, performance-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and steering calibration.

What is more, the limited edition model also includes the Super Track Pak. The latter comprises of a high-performance steering gear, brake linings and monotube shock absorbers, P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with “full off” mode.

But this is not all: the designers have also added here “Shaker style” Satin Black hood, roof and deck-lid stripe graphics, and Satin Black deck-lid spoiler. They make a perfect contrast to the body-color grille surround and Gloss Black fuel-filler door.

The Shaker runs on 20 x 8-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black pockets and a satin “matte” clear coat in a five-spoke design. Other details here include “Shaker” badges on the sides of the hood scoop, “HEMI” fender badges and a new “Challenger” grille badge.

The interior of this Dodge includes three-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped performance steering wheel with black accent finish and integrated vehicle controls. In harmony with the steering wheel is the “K-Black” painted instrument panel and center-console bezel.

Furthermore, one can also see on the inside high-performance front seats in Nappa Leather in Dark Slate Gray with Sepia accent stitching. The other option for the seats is the Radar Red color with Radar Red stitching. In both cases, they include the “Shaker” logo embroidered on the seat’s back. Moreover, the center console armrest is also leather wrapped. The car is fitted with an available 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen.

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker is currently available in dealerships with a starting price of $36,995 USD.

Source: Dodge

February 27, 2014

Render Of Mazda HAZUMI Concept Leaks!

At the end of last week, Mazda has officially unveiled the first teaser image of the upcoming HAZUMI concept, showing its head-lights and part of the front and exclusive wheels. There weren’t revealed much about the vehicle except for a translation of its name – HAZUMI in Japanese stands for “bound” or “spring up”.

Mazda also disclosed that the concept will be a small car, and this statement makes us think that the car will be probably the next Mazda2. The sketch we present to you is a rendering which goes around the Internet for some while. And it wasn’t officially released by the company.

What we can see from it is that Mazda’s unique KODO design language has been applied here. In fact, the new concept has compact proportions, runs on very big wheels and we actually can’t see the rearview mirrors. Just one week is paring us from the show in Geneva, where we will get a full glimpse of the HAZUMI, and will know whether it will be the next generation Mazda2.

In fact, the next Mazda2 is expected to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year as a 2015 model. Stay tuned!

Picture Source: www.jalopnik.com

February 27, 2014

2014 Fiat Freemont Cross To Be Shown In Geneva

At the Geneva Motor Show, next to the new 2014 Fiat Panda Cross, the Italian brand will also showcase the 2014 Freemont Cross model. The top-of-the-range crossover has a design which targets balance between functionality and appeal.

Precisely, the Freemont Cross has tough and distinctive appearance due to its new front and rear bumpers which are adorned by Platinum Chrome details. Adding to it are the front glossy black grille, five-spoke 19″ Hyper Black wheels and Platinum Chrome-colored side skirts. The black frames of the front and rear light clusters are also a highlight here.

2014 Fiat Freemont Cross features the same distinctive style inside. The interior spors leather seats with sports mesh inserts and light ardesian grey top stitching. The coupe is finished in the shade of Liquid Graphite. Inside, one can also find 8.4″ Uconnect touchscreen satellite navigator, rear parking camera and Premium Alpine audio system with six speakers, 368 W amplifier and subwoofer.

Other features that need to be mentioned are the electric heated and folding door mirrors, six airbags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Entry and Keyless Go with starting button and audio and driving speed regulation controls on the steering wheel.

Furthermore, the Freemont Cross is going to be equipped with the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II engine coupled with six-speed manual gearbox and including front-wheel drive; or the 170 hp (125 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II, both in a 4×2 version with manual gearbox and an active AWD version matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

2014 Fiat Freemont Cross will be available in showrooms from the Autumn of 2014.

Source: Fiat

February 27, 2014

Eibach Launches Enhanced Renault Captur

This Renault Captur was given some modification from the suspension specialists at Eibach. They were familiar that the modern SUVs have been created exclusively to city life and motorway travel.

Triggered by this, the tuners wanted to develop a new Pro-Lift-Kit Performance Lift Springs to open up new terrains for the owners of these vehicles. In the present case, the ride height of the Captur model was increased up to 30mm.

Nevertheless, the comfort and agility of the SUV was retained at a high level. Another advantage of the raised height is the better view of the traffic. In addition, the car also looks much more muscular, assertive and keeps staying fully in line with an SUV’s design.

Other models which can be equipped with the kit are Dacia Duster, Hyundai iX35, Hyundai Santa Fé, Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage. More models are to be included in the near future.

Source: Eibach

February 27, 2014

Lamborghini Updates Ad Personam Personalization Program

Exclusive news for all Lamborghini admirers! The Italian brand has just unveiled that it will present its renewed Ad Personam program at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The personalization program is to be available for the Aventador range, but will soon be offered also for the Huracán.

The customers will have the unique chance of refining even better their own supercar to the smallest details. Passenger compartment color combinations have been increased, with an expanded choice of leather and Alcantara colors, range of colors for floormats and seatbelts. There is also available a new dual-color exterior paint finish as well as the same livery theme.

To go further into details, the Ad Personam features a range of new materials such as semi-aniline leather, Forged Composite, a Lamborghini patented carbon-fiber material offered for the hard top, interior and exterior details. The program also adds to the interior via hand-stitched seat emblems and monograms and custom interior colors.

At the show the brand will present an example of the infinite range of combinations offered by Ad Personam. It will be of course an Aventador Roadster, which will sport a range of high customizations to both its interior and exterior. Further highlight here is that it is the first vehicle with Forged Composite inserts on the front spoiler, air intake, rear spoiler; and, in the interior, on the door sills, instrument cluster cover, infotainment controls and screen trim.

Moreover, the mirrors and transparent engine hood details have been refined with the choice of a matt silver paint instead of black. The body is decided in shimmering blue a.k.a. Blue Sideris that matches the dual-color rims and the Forged Composite roof with blue highlights and special Y-shaped livery.

Source: Lamborghini

February 26, 2014

Believe It Or Not MINI Clubman Concept Has Six Doors!

MINI Clubman Concept showcases brand’s new design philosophy and vision for a higher class of vehicles. The model is 26 centimeters longer and around 17 centimeters wider than the current Clubman. In addition, the concept is also more sophisticated and elegant.

The vehicle is envisioned as a four-door one and sports five seats. As a classic MINI, it features hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights. Clubman Concept is 4223 mm long, 1844 mm wide and 1450 mm in height. The car is decided in Berry Red exterior color, while the roof is in a metallic grey color, called “Blade”.

Seen from the front, the radiator grille incorporates black chrome bumper in the front section. The three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille additionally improves the front section. In the lower area one can see a continuous air inlet, while a finely wrought chrome rib appears to hover inside the air inlet. In the outer section of the front apron there are the AirCurtains. They give the wheel arches an aerodynamically optimized closure.

Continuing to the sides, there are three chrome elements which give the side section a sense of exclusivity with modern understatement. At the front, the Side Scuttle includes filigree mirror base and turn indicator in an elongated element. Above this, the surrounding shoulder line in chrome offsets the corpus of the car from the greenhouse and roof in hallmark MINI style. At last, the 19″ light alloy rims decided in bicolor Black Chrome and Chrome finish round-out the side view.

At the rear, the Clubman Concept is broad and athletic. The highlight at the rear is the characteristic split doors. In addition, the horizontally positioned rear lights have a highly detailed finish. Here one can also see an aerodynamically enhanced bumper, and a Smart Opening function which is a sensor underneath the bumper.

Inside the concept car also shows exclusivity. The interior has o larger dimensions and offers plenty of space. Unusual materials were utilized here. Some of them include nubuck leather in a light Sky Blue, patent leather in rich Berry Red and black soft nappa leather. In between, elements in patinized silver add accents. Two fabrics were used – Tweed Grey and Black Twill, while the small details such as the buttons with Union Jack embossment on the seats and central console, contrast stitching, piping or red accentuation surfaces in the sun blinds add a touch luxury.

The most powerful presence inside however is attributed to the leather-covered instrument panel. It has a surround in blue limed ash grain and a white porcelain finish. The linear air vents have patinized, silver-plated surrounds; while between them there is an area in Black Chrome which can be back-lit. The lower section of the instrument panel is finished in Berry Red patent leather, which contrasts the discreet design of the upper half.

Source: MINI

February 26, 2014

Nissan Note Range Gets Enhanced With DIG-S Model

The next news from Nissan for the day is that it has just enhanced the Nissan Note range with the DIG-S trim level. The car will be powered by company’s supercharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, thus promising best in class efficiency and low running costs.

However, the unit sports low-friction, it is lightweight and highly efficient, and has a displacement of just 1,198cc. Despite the compact dimensions, the Direct Injection Gasoline – Supercharged generates 98 hp (72 kW) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque for CO2 emission and fuel efficiency figures of 99g/km and 65.7mpg, respectively.

Furthermore, the DIG-S has Nissan’s Idle Stop/Start system that switches-off the engine when the car is stationary. The brand has made some improvements to the system that result in reduced noise and vibration during the restarting process.

The new powertrain can be matched with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional XTronic one. XTronic is a low friction technology which makes the Note more efficient than ever.

What is more, in terms of exterior and structure enhancements, the DIG-S models benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, revised suspension including new springs, dampers and roll-bars, revised steering settings, changes to the VDC and ESP software.

As an option, the brand is also introducing a very special Style Pack. It adds two-tone diamond cut 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, carbon look rear bumper, neat rear roof spoiler, side sills, aggressive front bumper with a glossy black grille and topped by black bezel headlamps.

The interior here is adorned with a three spoke steering wheel, and features Nissan Safety Shield, which brings together a number of features that use cameras and sensors to monitor the area around the car at all times. These include Blind Spot Warning, Land Departure Warning, Moving Object Detection and Around View Monitor.

Source: Nissan

February 26, 2014

Nissan Sharing A Glimpse Of 2015 Juke

2015 Nissan Juke is to be revealed for the first time at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The brand is teasing the public by releasing an image of the side of the new car, which is wrapped in something like a net.

Juke is undoubtedly a car which has triggered the birth of many opinions, and Nissan is promising that people will continue to talk about it. The latest version of the premium B-segment crossover promises even more striking design, and we are definitely already eager to see it.

Furthermore, the new Juke will also offer improved efficiency and enhanced refinement, thus ensuring its place among the stars at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. Until then, the brand is starting a campaign: it will unveil the 2015 Juke gradually via its social channels (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). There the image of the model will become clearer and will define some new design cues.

Source: Nissan

February 26, 2014

Hyundai Unveils Intrado Concept Ahead Of Geneva

Hyundai Intrado Concept is set to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, where it will showcase the brand’s belief that advanced vehicle technologies and intelligent design. The model is an embodiment of a car which is easy to use, intuitive to interact with, and readily adaptable to the varying demands of a busy and active lifestyle.

The name of the concept stems from the underside of an aircraft’s wing – the area that creates lift. The designers have used here advanced materials and technologies also inspired by the aircraft. Of course, the shape of the car is dictated by the need to be aerodynamically efficient. What I personally like very much in this concept is that it is free of unnecessary adornments and features minimal detailing.

The interior of the concept car is as practical as the exterior and puts the man focus on the usability and adaptability. It is also built with advanced materials. Inside, one sees how the seals of opening panels shut directly against the central carbon frame, showcasing the carbon fibre whenever doors, hood or trunk are opened.

In fact, inside, the components which are usually hidden are here emphasized. Such are the ‘see-through’ air vents and exposed frame onto which the seats clip directly. The interior theme is decided mainly in bright ‘Beaufort Orange’, which contrasts with the exposed carbon fibre.

Intrado is built with the use of Hyundai’s super-lightweight steel, thus giving the concept a lighter and stronger structure. In addition, the central carbon frame structure is constructed using new, patent-pending manufacturing and joining techniques.

In terms of power, under the hood of this Hyundai concept sleeps the next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that uses a Li-ion 36 kWh battery. The latter is refueled in just a few minutes, and gives the Intrado a range of up to 600 kilometres, and of course – it emits only water.

Source: Hyundai

February 25, 2014

Volvo V40 D4 Adds New Drive-E Powertrains

Volvo Drive-E powertrains will now be available for the Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country. Precisely, the Volvo V40 D4 delivers 190 hp (140 kW) alongside the 85 g/km CO2 emissions. The V40 model can be equipped with two engines from the Drive-E engine family, the 245 hp (180 kW) petrol turbo T5 one and the turbo diesel D4 that provides 190 hp.

Both engines are matched with an 8-speed automatic gearbox which contributes to the refined drive. As an option there is also available the enhanced six-speed manual transmission which was tuned for improved fuel economy, as well as versions with the automatic gearbox that have paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting.

To go even further into details, the D4 turbo diesel not only delivers 190 hp but also can secure 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This is due to the world-first i-ART technology which uses pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail.

In details, each of the injectors has an intelligent chip on top of it that monitors injection pressure. With the gathered information, the self-adapting i-ART system injects the ideal amount of fuel during each combustion cycle. The diesel powerhouse also includes modifications such as a state-of-the-art twin-turbo, reduced friction and a smart valve solution on the cooling system.

V40 D4 has a fuel consumption estimated at 3.3 l/100 km on a combined cycle, which corresponds to 85 g/km CO2 emissions. The figure for the V40 Cross Country is 4.0 l/100 km and 104 g/km CO2 when it is equipped with the manual gearbox. On the other hand, the four-cylinder petrol turbo T5 unit produces has 245 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel efficiency here is rated at 5.8 l/100 km (136 g/km).

Source: Volvo

February 25, 2014

Jaguar Introduces XFR-S Sportbrake

Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake is the third model to join the high performance R-S range of the luxury company. The car incorporates engineering characteristics from XKR-S and the F-TYPE two-seater, thus delivering focused, agile and responsive driving qualities.

XFR-S Sportbrake is equipped with 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which is capable of producing 550 hp (404 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft). The unit is coupled with an eight-speed transmission which also includes the ‘Quickshift’ technology that was developed for the F-TYPE. The result is acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

Furthermore, Sportbrake’s rear suspension was modified with revisions to both rear spring rates and the adaptive damper tune. In addition, the recalibrated active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control settings were also tuned for this model.

In terms of exterior design, the car features deeper front bumper with larger carbon-fiber lower central and side air intakes. The front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper was aerodynamically enhanced, while the extended side sills and aeroblade mouldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break-off point between the lower bodywork and the road surface. The same design philosophy was applied to the deeper side mouldings behind the rear wheels, where the extended rear bumper also includes a central, carbon fibre diffuser.

The new Jaguar model runs on wider, six-spoke, 20-inch lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels. In addition, the assertive appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake was further enhanced via the gloss black trim in place of chrome around the grille, within the side vent, around the front and rear screens, windows and across the bootlid.

The exterior colors offered here are: Ultra Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. On the other hand the interior trim is standard and features Warm Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors enhanced through the use of carbon effect leather. Also on the inside, the XFR-S Sportbrake is equipped with as standard with a 825W, 18-speaker Meridian system.

The tyres for the model were specifically developed in conjunction with Pirelli and are are 10mm wider all round, namely 265/35 and 295/30 at the front and the rear. The difference between the wheel rim and tyre width increases has the effect of pre-loading the sidewall to improve handling and steering response without adversely affecting refinement.

The revised electronic programmes controlling the Adaptive Dynamics, active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems, work in harmony with the refined suspension, wheels and tyres. Jaguar’s active electronic differential on the other hand can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary. Furthermore, the car is fitted with High Performance Braking System. The 380mm front and 376mm rear discs are internally ventilated and assure repeated stopping power.

Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake Technical specifications:

Engine	5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
Capacity (cc)	5000
Bore/Stroke (mm)	92.5/93
Peak Power (PS@rpm)	550@6500
Peak Power (kW@rpm)	405@6500
Peak Torque (lb/ft @rpm)	502@2500-5500
Peak Torque (Nm@rpm)	680@2500-5500
Transmission	Eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic
0-60mph (secs)	4.6
0-100km/h (secs)	4.8
Top Speed (mph \| km/h)	186 \| 300 (electronically limited)
Combined Economy (EU mpg \| l/100km)	22.2 \| 12.7
CO2 Emissions (g/km)	297

Source: Jaguar

February 25, 2014

Author: Lidia Todorova