Lidia Todorova – Page 197 – Automobiles Review

US Debut For Jeff Koons’ BMW Art Car

Artist Jeff Koons presented the North American premiere its own BMW Art Car. The latter is based on the M3 GT2 race car and made its debut at the opening day of Art Basel in Miami Beach.

At the event, the visitors also saw the popular Art BMWs by Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Stella, and Calder. Koons proudly stated that he is happy that his project is there alongside the work of these masterful artists.

The true legend on display in Miami was the legendary “rolling sculpture” created by Andy Warhol. It will be on display in Art Basel’s Collectors Lounge. The pop art icon painted used as a canvas a BMW M1 which raced in the 24-hour race at Le Mans in 1979.

As a matter of fact, the BMW Art Car Collection started when French racing driver Hervé Poulain invited his friend Alexander Calder to design his BMW Le Mans 24-hour race car in 1975. And this is how the first BMW Art Car was born. Since then it is a tradition the greatest names in contemporary art to be featured in this collection by the creation of an interpretation of a BMW. As a result there are exactly 17 BMW Art Cars today.

Source: BMW

December 6, 2013

Citroen DS3 by Benefit Explores The Female Side Of The Range

Have you ever wondered how the ultimate woman’s car would look like? Well, Citroen and Benefit Cosmetics have the answer. Both brands have collaborated on a one-off version of DS3.

The colorful model is based on a range-topping DSport and is powered by Citroen’s THP 155 engine. The exterior of the model is inspired by colours from the Benefit palette and features brand’s signature pink and yellow ‘Candy Stripes’ motif and a graphic of the San Francisco skyline.

Everything in this car is made is stylish and even the alloy wheels exude a sweet candy-like character. They have been detailed in white and pink with the Benefit logo on the wheel rims, alongside the Citroen chevron centre caps.

The yellow wing mirrors harmoniously match the roof and give a slight contrast to the pink body. The same girlish design is transferred to the interior which has been upholstered in fine Italian leather with the Candy Stripe design on the seats, headrests and parcel shelf.

Pink detailing can be seen everywhere throughout the car, including the steering wheel, dashboard and centre console. There is also a “hello gorgeous” graphic on the passenger side of the dashboard.

In addition, in the coupe are featured bespoke LED lighting, luxurious deep pile floor mats with pink leather edging and Benefit ‘Iconic words of wisdom’ scatter cushions. Interesting feature here is the armrest, which has even been converted to house a custom makeup kit. Other highlights which will impress any woman include a handbag hook, fragrance dispenser, and an ornate vanity mirror emerging from the dashboard.

Source: Citroen

December 6, 2013

Infiniti To Reveal Q50 Eau Rouge At Detroit Show

A Formula One inspired concept car which will be based on the current Q50 premium sports saloon will make its official premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It will carry the name Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge and will be unveiled during press conference on 13th of January.

Eau Rouge concept is Infiniti’s design vision for high performance. Even its name is inspirited by the world-famous corner at the Formula One track in Spa-Francorchamps. As a matter of fact this is a corner which requires extraordinary strength, courage and commitment and has seen some of the most incredible driving feats in Formula One’s history.

Q50 Eau Rouge concept combines road car technology and motorsport vision. It includes aerodynamic styling and design elements which are directly inspired and influenced by Infiniti’s partnership with Formula One world championship-winning team Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

The design of the Q50 Eau Rouge embodies extreme performance and expresses deepened design interpretation of that. The car will feature wide variety of technologies and will provide grat driving experience.

Source: Infiniti

December 6, 2013

Arden Range Rover Equipped With Supercharger Kit

The tuners at Arden have developed a special Supercharger Kit for Range Rover’s V8 SC Engine. The have gone under extensive development and testing which has eventually resulted in the creation of the power kit.

The latter exacerbates the horsepower capability of the unit with approximately 138 hp (101KW) and 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, Arden has also applied a new Supercharger-engine made of high-alloyed aluminum in combination with an additional ECU.

Of course, the vehicle is equipped with tuning brand’s high-end exhaust system which features a sport catalytic converter. What is more, next to the enhanced throttle response there has been also added a significant power throughout the entire rpm-range.

In fact, thanks to theses modifications the power of the Range Rover reaches the enviable 650 hp (478 kW) with a V-Max-extension up to 260 km/h.

Source: Arden

December 5, 2013

Ford Ka Concept Vision Revealed In Barcelona

In November we have seen the birth of a new concept – Ford Ka Concept, which back then was unveiled in Brazil. Now the brand is showing for the first time the model in Europe, along with the new 2015 Mustang and Edge Concept.

The Ka Concept is Ford’s vision for a practical global small which offers advanced technology and clever design, efficiency and precision. The car features bold, elongated headlamps and a long, lean look with sweeping, curved lines. The five-door concept is equipped with technology which is typical for larger cars.

For instance, MyFord Dock gives the occupants the abiltiy to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and satellite navigation systems. In addition, SYNC with Voice Control and AppLink enables drivers to activate apps, play music and make phone calls, while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Ka Concept’s engine range will include a 1.0 liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit which generates 80 horsepower (59 kW), a 1.5 liter petrol/ethanol that delivers 111 horsepower (82 kW) on ethanol and 107 horsepower (79 kW) on gasoline.

Ford Ka Concept is readied for a production version that is scheduled to reach European showrooms by 2017.

Source: Ford

December 5, 2013

Alcraft Motor Company Range Rover Study

The designers and engineers at Alcraft Motor Company have launched a design study of the iconic British vehicle Range Rover. They have worked together with the students from London’s Royal College of Art with the aim to create the ultimate vehicle.

The final outcome originates from Alcraft’s RCA project. The car has been developed further by Alcraft design consultant Matthew Humphries, who was chief designer at Morgan Cars. In addition to Matthew Humphries, Alcraft also works with Christopher Macgowan OBE.

The Range Rover study is just one of other projects which the company sets to explore. The following transformation can be done on the Range Rover flagship and the Sport and Evoque models, Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

In the case of the Alcraft Range Rover the company has simplified its lines and detailing, yet given it a more limousine-like presence. The new design has definitely accentuated the vehicle’s off-road capability and heritage, however evoking more luxurious stance.

The same approach has been implied throughout the interior of the car where a lot of additional textures have been used. Precisely, Alcraft interiors are improved by the utilization of traditional materials like wood and leather, or contemporary finishes like carbon and chrome. In other words, the designers have created a project which expresses the ultimate luxury.

Source: Alcraft Motor Company

December 5, 2013

2014 Yaris And Yaris Hybrid Get Upgraded Equipment

2014 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hybrid have been upgraded for the new model year and include features that customers value most. First of all the new Yaris will have four trim levels: Active, Icon, Icon Plus and Trend. The Active and Icon replace the previous T2 and TR grades, while Icon Plus and Trend gain additional equipment.

To be more precise, the Icon Plus now will sport Selena 10-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED rear light clusters and front fog lights. Those who will chose the Glacier Pearl paint finish will also get a bright chrome tailgate trim.

Other equipment in terms of safety and comfortability features the following: automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, power windows front and rear, automatic climate control and higher-set centre console design.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris range:

ACTIVE	ICON adds	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
Six-speaker audio system	15-inch alloy wheels	Selena 15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch machined-face alloy wheels
Aux-in and USB connection	Body-coloured, electric, heated door mirrors	Front fog lights	Exterior chrome trim details
Audio controls on steering wheel	Body-coloured doorhandles	Rain-sensing wipers	Chrome-finished door mirrors
Electric front windows	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Dusk-sensing headlamps	Rear privacy glass
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Rear-view camera	LED rear lights	Matt black C-pillar decal
Seven airbags	Tachometer	Automatic dual zone climate control	Chrome side sills
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Air conditioning	Electric rear windows	Leather handbrake and steering wheel trim with yellow contrast stitching
	Leather gearshift and steering wheel trim	Raised centre console	Trend interior trim with white dashboard inserts
	Bluetooth	Cruise control with speed limiter
		Air conditioned glovebox with interior light

Of course, in addition to the standard features Toyota will offer its customers a wide variety of available equipment. Option packs have been added for the Icon Plus and Trend models. First, a Smart Pack makes features keyless entry and push-button start, while the Appearance Pack adds a matt black C-pillar decal, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass and a fixed panoramic roof.

The third pack is called Protection Pack which provides front and rear parking sensors, floor mats, mud flaps, black side mouldings and boot liner and a rear bumper protection plate. On the other hand, the Style Pack includes LED daytime running lights, aluminium scuff plates and chrome trim on the tailgate and exhaust pipe.

The second model, 2014 Yaris Hybrid adopts a new grade structure. Here again the Active and Icon Plus grades replace the previous T3 and T4, while the Trend takes on the role of flagship in place of the T Spirit.

The standard features here include C-pillar decal to create the floating roof look, rear spoiler, 16-inch Trend alloys and part-leather seat upholstery, auto headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power windows all-round and keyless entry with push-button start.

Key features across 2014 Toyota Yaris Hybrid range:

ACTIVE	ICON PLUS adds	TREND adds
LED daytime running lights	15-inch alloy wheels	16-inch Trend alloys
Automatic climate control	LED rear combination lights	C-pillar decal
Electric front windows	Front fog lamps	Part-leather seat upholstery
Six-speaker audio system	Cruise control	Rear spoiler
Aux-in and USB connection	Toyota Touch multimedia system	Keyless entry and push-button start
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Bluetooth	Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Seven airbags	Rear-view camera	Electric rear windows
Vehicle Stability Control and traction control	Rear privacy glass	Dusk-sensing headlights
	Electric, heated, body-coloured door mirrors	Rain-sensing wipers
	Leather steering wheel and gear selector trim
	Chrome tailgate trim

Source: Toyota

December 5, 2013

Power Version of BMW M6 Cabrio by BBM Motorsport [VIDEO]

The serial BMW M6 is an upper class athlete which also has the characteristics of elegance and luxury in both coupe and cabriolet forms. The tuners at BBM Motorsport weren’t stopped by these facts and embarked on a project with the aim to make more powerful the exclusive M6.

The project carries the name BBM M700BT and focuses mainly on the area of power enhancement. Precisely, the professionals used chip tuning software and Akrapovic complete exhaust system including down pipes and sports cat.

The result is astounding; the M6 now delivers the following performance values: 705 horsepower (518 kW) at 6.100 to 7.200 rpm and 864 Nm (638 lb0ft) of max torque. This means an addition of 145 hp and (107 kW) and 184 Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, the exhaust system features carbon fiber end pipes.

In terms of suspension, there has been installed a KW suspension set in order to maintain the “dynamic damping control” (DDC). This BMW was also equipped with Breyton Spirit R 21” rims. At last, what needs to be mentioned is the exclusive car wrapping by SFT Carwrap in „Mat Steel Blue“ and the sportive accents in „Gunpowder“ by Sott/Arlon.

httpv://youtu.be/OahwvlOwKkI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Miranda Media

December 4, 2013

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI SW 90 Chelsea Wide Track Edition

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI SW 90 Chelsea Wide Track Edition is undeniably unique in its appearance. It has powerful visual credentials which include a combination of fine detailing, diverse design, cutting-edge technology and individuality further strengthened by the fungus green exterior color.

As a basis of this project the designers at A. Kahn Design used a Land Rover Defender from which they have managed to make an exclusive vehicle that exudes powerful stance. They have equipped it with a styling package which additionally strengthens the capabilities of this vehicle.

Precisely, the styling package comprises of front and rear wide wings with integrated vents and bolt apertures, extended wheel arches in satin black, front grille with mesh stainless steel, Chelsea Truck Company Spare wheel cover, Kahn prototype tailgate logo, side vents and bonnet vents with mesh stainless steel, Kahn oval tailgate logo.

All this exclusivity of the vehicle is transferred on the road via the outstanding 1948 Defend wheels which come in size of 8×16”. In addition, the brand has also added Kahn prototype wing badges that round off the exterior modification.

The exclusive tuning can be seen in the interior as well since we are familiar with the capabilities of the designers. This particular Land Rover features roof grab handles with Harris Tweed covers, rear door panel and handle in Harris Tweed, rev counter facia in red, fire extinguisher, passenger dashboard top and grab handle in Harris Tweed and rear passenger knee protectors in Harris Tweed.

They have also included an exquisite single spoke leather steering wheel, hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats, front sports GTB seats and rear folding seats in quilted and perforated leather, instrument binnacle in Harris Tweed, Churchill time clock facia insert in red and vented foot pedals in machined aluminum.

Source: A. Kahn Design

December 4, 2013

Mazda6 To Enter 25 Hours Of Thunderhill

Mazda enters three modified-for-racing 2014 Mazda6s in the longest endurance race in America – the National Auto Sport Association (NASA)’s US Air Force 25 Hours of Thunderhill. The event will take place on 7th and 8th of December at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California.

At the race, the visitors will see how two teams of Mazda dealers are set against one team of MNAO employees, along with nearly 80 other teams. All of the three teams will race brand-new 2014 Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel racecars.

Of course the vehicles are based on the production models but have been modified for the competition and are ready to enter in NASA’s E1 class. To be more precise, the cars remain nearly stock, but the interiors were removed to accommodate an Anthony Woodford Racing roll-cage, a Sparco Pro-ADV racing seat, Safecraft racing seatbelts and plumbed-in fire systems and AIM MXL Pista dashes and data acquisition.

Under the hood, the cars hide the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual SKYACTIV-MT transmission. The suspension is custom-designed by ProParts USA and utilizes Koni dampers and Hypercoil springs as well as custom ProParts rear stabilizer bars.

Connecting all this to the track are 17×8” Enkei Kojin wheels wrapped in 245/40R-17 BFGoodrich g-Force R1 tires. The force of the Mazda6s is slowed down via four-piston STR-40 calipers and AeroRotors, delivered by the experts at StopTech.

Next, the drivers representing the Dealers in cars 55 and 56 will be Richard Fisher, Joel Weinberger, Taz Harvey, Chris Wilson, John Finger and Taylor Hacquard. The Factory Guys will be in car 70, represented by Randy Miller, Ken Saward, Dave Coleman, Nathan Edmonds, Mike Allen and Jason Meise.

The Mazda6s will race alongside 70 other cars competing in six different classes. In addition at the contest there will be also 13 other Mazdas.

Source: Mazda

December 4, 2013

Honda Shows The First Render Of 2014 WTCC Civic Challenger

The first ever image of the 2014 World Touring Car Championship Civic has been released. The WTCC Challenger is built according to all new technical regulations for the FIA WTCC which will come into force for 2014.

The render shows the exclusive visual credentials of this Honda vehicle. It features wheel arch extensions, larger diameter wheels, sleeker aero package and extended rear spoiler. Of course, the engine has been also modified and now delivers more power. This will enable the drivers to compete courageously for the World Champion title.

In the competition, the brand will enter two works cars which will be driven by JAS Motorsport for Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, and in addition there will be other Civics to be entered by private outfits Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing for Norbert Michelisz and Mehdi Bennani.

This announcement follows hot on the heels of the recent reveal of the new 2014 BTCC Honda Civic Tourer racer which will debut in March at next year’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Matt Neal and Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden were confirmed as the Honda Yuasa Racing drivers for another season.

Source: Honda

December 4, 2013

Volkswagen Releases Touareg X Special Edition

The Touareg model was introduced for the first time ten years ago. Since then, 700,000 have been sold around the world. In order to celebrate its anniversary, Volkswagen introduces Touareg X Special Edition models model which will be produced in only 1000 examples and will be based on the TDI Clean Diesel Lux trim.

On the top of the standard Touareg TDI Lux, the X Special Edition adds also 19-inch “Moab” aluminum-alloy wheels, striking Moonlight Blue Pearl paint, LED taillights, and Touareg X-specific badging.

The interior of this SUV features Vienna leather seating surfaces in Black Anthracite and a complementing black headliner. Other accents throughout the interior include Engineered Ebony Wood on the dashboard and doors and a piano black center console. Aluminum door sill scuff plates with front illumination, aluminum-appearance pedal covers, and ambient lighting round off the luxury treatment.

Powered by 3.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection V-6 TDI Clean Diesel engine the Touareg X is effortlessly producing 240 horsepower (177 kW) and a stout 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission which delivers EPA estimated 29 mpg on the highway. As a standard the model is equipped with a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system is standard.

Furthermore, Touareg X has features a wide range of standard equipment: panoramic powered sunroof, keyless access with push-button start, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, front fog- and cornering lights, sophisticated RNS 850 navigation system with an eight-inch color touchscreen, 60GB hard drive, and rearview camera, Bluetooth technology, Climatronic dual-zone air conditioning, 12-way powered and heated front seats with driver seat memory and power adjustable lumbar and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

2014 Volkswagen Touareg X is priced at $56,170 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

December 3, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova