Author: Lidia Todorova

  • Range Rover Evoque Ember Special Edition is a Must See Model!

    Range Rover Evoque Ember Special Edition front viewRange Rover Evoque is one of the best-selling models out there. With its SUV proportions and good looks, since it was introduced back in 2011 it was sold in more than 520,000 units. Now, Land Rover is introducing a very special Special Edition called ‘Ember’. It features bold red and black theme boosting its overall cool appeal.

    In addition, just like the other Evoques from the new model year, this one will be fitted with next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment, delivering 10.2-inch tablet-style pinch and zoom touchscreen control and an adjustable home screen.

    Ember’s Exterior

    As mentioned, the Ember is all about black and red. This edition is built over the Evoque HSE Dynamic. Painted in Santorini Black body colour, the model also has contrasting Firenze Red roof as well as matching exterior design elements, including front and rear tow eye covers.

    SEE ALSO: This Evoque Black Label Edition by Kahn is One-Off Bijou You Must See

    Furthermore, what differentiates the other Evoques from this one is the one-off ‘EVOQUE’ tailgate badging in black, with a silver surround, and Narvik Black ‘RANGE ROVER’ lettering on the bonnet. The Black Pack elements, namely the Satin Black 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic black exhaust finishers, Dynamic Narvik Black grille and darkened front and rear lights, further support the straightforward appearance of the car.

    Interior

    Range Rover Evoque Ember Special Edition Interior

    The cabin has harmonious design with Ebony Black seats contrasted by Pimento Red stitching. Everything is complemented by black and red premium carpet mats and Gloss Black trim finishes.

    Range Rover Evoque Ember is going to be strictly limited to purchase for a three-month period this summer. The first deliveries are expected this September and prices are starting from £47,200.

    Source: Land Rover 

  • Sophisticated and Dramatic: This is Tuningsuche’s Version of BMW 328i Touring

    Tuningsuche BMW 328i Touring F31 Front viewTuningsuche is a customization company based in Germany, which specializes in boosting the performance and styling characteristics of many cars. But it seems that the Bavarian models are their favorite, since their last work involves the BMW 328i Touring (F31). And this BMW is a good example to get introduced to tuner’s work. So, here are the details.

    As a basis, the expert worked on a F31, which featured high-end leather interior, M-Performance-Package, navigation-system and bi-xenon headlights. Its original stock output is rated at 245 hp (180 kW) and 474 Nm (350 ft-lb) of torque.

    However, there was a software optimization, which wasn’t performed in-house but by the specialists at InsidePerformance. As a result, the Bavarian sports-car has been boosted up to 316 HP (232 kW) and 596 Nm (440 ft-lb) of torque. The same company provided the 335i styled exhaust system and the rear diffuser.

    SEE ALSO: Eyes of Gigi: BMW’s Challenge for Fans and Enthusiasts [w/video]

    Other cool features, which optimize the driving behavior of the BMW are the adaptive DCC-Plug&Play-coilover suspension system by KW, and the 20-inch CI-R alloys fitted with ContiSportContact tires. By the way, the coilover system has three settings: sporty, regular and comfort, which can be changed by the BMW-adventure-switch inside the car.

    Tuningsuche BMW 328i Touring F31 Rear and Side View

    The change of the original color of the car must be attributed to the work of the team at Putscher Car Wrapping. It has covered the Estoril blue metallic color with the vinyl called Satin Canyon Copper. There is a very cool styling feature of the exterior: laser-cut mirror covers made of Alcantara leather!

    Tuningsuche BMW 328i Touring F31 will be premiered at the Tuning World Bodensee between 4th and 8th of May, in case you are in the vicinity.

    Source: Tuningsuche via Miranda Media 

  • Capristo Automotive Shows the Real Capability of Ferrari 488 GTB

    Capristo Automotive Ferrari 488 GTB Side viewFerrari 488 GTB is hell of a car. But Capristo Automotive has ways of bringing out even more from it, without adding too much extra equipment. Hence, the company has developed innovative twin flow catalyst and carbon styling parts for the Italian sports car. Oh, and as a matter of fact they will pull out way more than the standard (but impressive) 670 hp from the twin-turbo V8 engine it uses.

    At the core of Capristo Automotive’s Ferrari 488 upgrade is the high quality sports exhausts that delivers more power and a far greater sound. The system also features valve control and a unique twin flow catalyst.

    SEE ALSO: Prior-Design with Yet Another Breath-Taking Ferrari 458 Italia Transformation 

    In this project the development engineers set goals to achieve including to bring out maximum performance and best possible sound, as well as to make the changes fully compatibility with the factory electronic systems.

    Capristo Automotive Ferrari 488 GTB front

    When the engine is started, the twin flow catalyst system sends a portion of the exhaust gases through a high-density catalyst field. In addition, there is a Lambda sensor taking measurements for the ECU. The rest of the exhaust gases are routed through the integrated catalytic converter replacement pipe, which optimally tunes both gas flow and soundtrack.

    Furthermore, the Ferrari underwent a development program, including 2,000 km of road and track testing. With some other modifications, the dynamometer recorded 740 hp coming out from the tuned 488 GTB, which is an addition of 70 hp!

    Besides the performance update, the supercar also received styling kit. It is entirely made of carbon-fiber and it serves in means of differentiating the Capristo Ferrari 488 from the standard ones. There is for example a front splitter, which gives the nose a more aggressive appearance. In addition, it provides more downforce at speed. At last, the carbon fiber side sill extensions, the aerodynamic exterior mirrors and fuel cap round out the tuning of the Ferrari GTB.

    Source: Capristo Automotive

  • Honda Adds New Sport Variant to the Civic Lineup

    Honda Civic Sport Front ViewHonda has launched a brand new Sport variant to the popular Civic family. Precisely, the 1.4 i-VTEC Civic Sport will become the entry level product in the range, and will hit the UK showrooms next month. Yes, this is a brand new 1.4-litre petrol engine variant, which will accompany the 1.6-litre, 120 PS diesel unit and the 1.8-litre, 142 PS petrol engine in the line-up.

    As you can see on the couple of pictures in the gallery below, the model has been styled more sporty and aggressively than the family hatchback. By the way, it seems that the design of this variant is closer to this of Type R!

    Some of the styling cues that both models share, include color-coded rear spoiler and 17-inch alloys wheels, lower grille mesh and a black roof lining for the cabin. Therefore it is very easy to mistaken the Civic Type R with the Civic Sport, due to those design characteristics.

    SEE ALSO: Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype Debuts in New York. To be Driven by a Six-Speed Manual

    The advanced 1.4-litre i-VTEC SOHC (single overhead camshaft) is mated as a standard to a manual transmission. In addition, the engine has been fine-tuned, thus boosting the dynamic performance, fuel efficiency and emissions. Precisely, the CO2 emissions are rated at 131 g/km. In terms of performance, the powertrain produces maximum power output of 100 PS (74 kW) and a torque of 127 Nm (94 lb-ft).

    At the Geneva Motor Show this March, Honda unveiled the next generation Civic concept. It is due in showrooms in the beginning of 2017, when the Sport variant will become the entry level with the SE and SR grades.

    Honda Civic Sport equipped with the 1.4 i-VTEC will be available from May with a starting price of £18,360.

    Source: Honda 

  • Volkswagen Teases Hybrid SUV Concept Ahead of Premiere in Beijing

    VW Beijing Concept SUV front viewVolkswagen has big news. Not only for those visiting the Beijing Motor Show, but also for everybody else. We are looking forward to see this machine on European and US roads soon, despite that it is obviously dedicated to the customers in Beijing. There are many reasons to want this SUV coming to the Old and New Continents, and here we will try to make a review why it will be beneficial to have such vehicle here.

    But first, ahead of the official debut, Volkswagen has released both information and four exclusive teaser images to promote the car. You can see the latter in the gallery below, since they reveal a lot of and give a general impression of what the car will look like.

    SEE ALSO: BBM Motorsport Releases Video of 815 HP Volkswagen Golf Gen One During Dyno Testing

    First, what VW says is that this concept is actually one of the most advanced luxury SUVs in the world! It is about to move the luxury SUV design to a sportier and more elegant level, so this makes us really excited and impatient.

    Beijing Concept SUV rear view

    Furthermore, the vehicle also shows company’s “continued digitalization” of the automobile. The SUV will have a brand new digital operation and display system, which will enable a completely new level of interactivity. In addition, the Active Info Display and infotainment system are about to merge in this concept. The lounge-style interior and digitized operation will be centered on passengers more than ever before.

    In terms of power, Volkswagen has revealed a lot. The Beijing SUV concept will be a plug-in-hybrid. Its total output is measured at 376 horsepower (276 kW) and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of torque. The fully electric range of the vehicle will be of about 50 kilometers or 31 miles, while its predicted NEDC combined fuel consumption is expected to be 78 mpg. At last, VW said that the concept accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 139 mph.

    We’ll keep you posted as soon as there is any new information about this hybrid concept.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Achieves Big Success in Japan

    2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Front viewCan you believe that an American-made vehicle is going to qualify for Japan’s Eco-Car tax incentive? Since we know how eco-minded the people from Japan are and how fuel efficient their cars are, this news seams almost unbelievable. However, it is the absolute truth, since Jeep has announced that its 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is actually to qualify for the Eco Car tax incentive in Japan.

    This is actually the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to achieve this. And (of course) there are some secrets behind its success. When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk actually meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the ¥58,000 consumer tax break!

    SEE ALSO: Jeep Celebrates its 75th Anniversary With Limited Edition Lineup. Check it Out!

    The other details: the Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk is capable of achieving 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan, Four-Star emissions rating, and thus can qualify for Japan’s Eco-Car tax incentive, because these are the two requirements. The secrets behind the low emissions are the two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors.

    2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk's 3.2 liter Pentastar engine

    What is more, the 3.2-liter Pentastar is powerful and capable, despite of the low fuel efficiency and emissions. It is rated at 272 hp (200kW) and 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque. In addition, it also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology. This helps in increasing the fuel economy by shutting the engine off when the vehicle has stopped, and restarts when the driver has their foot off from the vehicle’s brake pedal.

    Another cool efficiency-bettering feature is the TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is designed to ensure optimum performance. It has four overdrive ratios, which are beneficial in highway driving. At the same time they minimize the overall noise, vibration and harshness.

    The Jeep Active Drive Lock, which is Cherokee Trailhawk’s 4×4 system, has a power transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that engage and then disengage automatically. This of course, reduces spin losses and saves fuel.

    When combined, all of these features contribute for the achieved milestone by the model. But they also make the SUV the most capable one in its class. 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is going on sale in Japan this May.

    Source: Jeep 

  • McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car Revealed. Official Guard at the British GT Championship

    McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car Front viewMcLaren is the official Safety Car partner of the SRO-run British GT Championship this season. After the opening round this weekend at the famous Brands Hatch circuit, the car was revealed in all of its opulence and powerful characteristics. McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car has taken the lead role in safety and management of the field of GT cars. Some of the latter include other McLaren models like the 650S GT3 and the 570S GT4.The vehicle will be on the track in all nine rounds over seven race weekends. It will take care for the optimum safety of the participants at all times.

    In fact, safety is a feature substantial for the 570S Coupe, because of its lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis! If you remember well, the model was the firs one introduced as a McLaren Sports Series. This means that it features motorsport-derived technologies and excellent performance.

    SEE ALSO: Gemballa Breaks the Long Term Sleep with Uprated McLaren 650S GT

    For example, its power is transferred onto the rear wheels from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine. It produces 570PS (562bhp) and 600Nm (443lb ft) of torque. In addition, due to the lightweight chassis, it is capable of power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne.

    McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car on the track

    In terms of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph), the McLaren 570S Coupe is capable of covering it in just 3.2 seconds, while the 200km/h (124mph) is achieved in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is of 328 km/h (204mph).

    With this partnership between McLaren and the British GT Championship, the brand highlights the common links between its road-going and track-dedicated models. And by the way, there is the news that McLaren is going to develop its all-new 570S GT4 car exclusively in British GT this season!

    Source: McLaren 

  • Kahn Says Farewell with The End Edition of Land Rover Defender

     Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 90 The End Edition Front ViewLand Rover Defender has been on the market for a total of 68 years before it rolled-off the factory line in January this year. There are a lot of people disappointed and dissatisfied from this fact, but creatives always search new ways for making the world a better and more beautiful place: in other words – continuing to keep a good memory of the iconic Defender.

    As we know, Kahn Design is one of the best tuning brands over there, which are the most skillful when it comes to customizing a Land Rover vehicle. To say last goodbye and pay homage to the icon, they have released a second variant of The End Edition of the Defender. And it definitely looks captivating.

    The Exterior Styling

    On the outside, the masterful model has been adorned with custom front and rear wide wings, which feature integrated vents and exposed bolt apertures. There is also a new front bumper that incorporates integrated lighting and a sump guard. An X-Lander front grille and mesh hood vents round out the facelift.

    SEE ALSO: The End Edition is Kahn’s Best Land Rover Defender Project So Far 

    The tuning continues with a set of 9.0 x 20 Mondial wheels in Volcanic Black that were fitted with 275/55/20 tires. Behind the wheels we see painted brake calipers, which are supported by suspension lift, twin cross-hair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps in delivering better off-road performance.

    At the back, the changes include only Chelsea Truck Company’s spare wheel cover.

    Kahn Power Upgrade

    Like the first End Edition, this one is fitted with Kahn’s Power Upgrade. It plugs directly into the engine’s connection points, thus boosting the output, power delivery and fuel economy. The hardware works perfectly with the original equipment connection points, which enables easy fitting in minutes. So far, we haven’t received any detailed information about the benefits it gives to the Defender.

    Luxurious Interior

     Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 90 The End Edition Interior

    The cabin of the car features “wealth of custom tailored opulence”. Here have been included new front and rear GTB seats in quilted and perforated leather with Harris Tweed inserts. The same design approach have been used for the centre glove box, passenger dashboard, handles, door panels, instrument binnacle, sun visors and the headliner. At last, the Churchill time clock, Kahn billet and leather steering wheel and vented machined aluminium foot pedals round out the tuning pack.

    Kahn’s Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 90 The End Edition is currently being produced. It will have a starting price of £49,999 and the team at Chelsea Truck Company will create a total of 25 units.

    Source: Kahn Design  

  • Larte Design Finally Reveals the Secret Tuning Project Based on Lexus LX 570

    Larte Design Lexus LX 570 Do you remember when we spoke about a secret project by Larte Design based on the luxurious Lexus LX 570? The news about it was spread almost a month ago, where the tuning company sent us the first couple of teaser images. It seems that design studio is ready to reveal more about it: we have plenty of photos, which you can see in our gallery below as well as detailed information about the customization options available for the SUV. And by the way, the kit is already on sale, so you can contact the brand if you have the interest.

    Larte Design specialists say that this project is actually a designers’ dream that has made it into reality. The set will comprise of many overlays for the exterior of the SUV. We haven’t got any information, whether the interior of the vehicle was changed or not.

    SEE ALSO: Larte Design Reveals its Top Secret Project: Lexus LX 570

    Starting with the front, there are new overlays for the original front bumpers and front skirt. The latter is available in two sizes: big and small one. The bigger one features little spoilers and air vents, framing the standard boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

    Furthermore, the mesh is divided by horizontal protrusions, which are continuation of the bars of the main radiator grille. In other words (and as you can see from the images), the kit is underlining the width of the car, making it appear more masculine and powerful. For the front, there is also a very sporty three-part splitter, which can be ordered in contrasting or the same color of the car.

    Larte Design Lexus LX 570 Rear View

    Continuing with the back, the new rear looks elegant, because it has received an overlay for the rear bumper. In addition, there are three types of pads available, which can be also painted in different colors as well as additional overlays for the sides of the car at the rear. We can not skip the big central brake light.

    In other words, with this project every driver is invited to choose their personal style. After all, Larte Design is offering so many options.

    Source: Larte Design 

  • Racing is in Aston Martin’s blood. The Proof: the Newest Vantage GT8! [w/video]

    Aston Martin Vantage GT8 front viewAston Martin Vantage GT8 is hell of a car! With racing heritage behind its back, the GT8 possess sporting DNA but it is dedicated to the road. With the focus put on the weight savings and aerodynamics, the V8 Vantage has been taken to entirely different level of agility and sports attitude.

    The road-racer has been inspired by the MY2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE race car. This is the reason why, the Vantage GT8’s dramatically sculpted carbon fibre bodywork has race-bred aerodynamic shape and functions with this in “mind”. In addition, its chassis is super-sharp and is tuned as a racing car.

    SEE ALSO: Aston Martin Gears V12 Vantage S With Manual Gearbox And Tons of Goodies!

    Furthermore, Aston Martin Racing’s WEC contender has served as an inspiration for the wide-bodied aerodynamics. As mentioned the body kit includes wide amount of carbon fiber. Namely it has been utilized for the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser. A particular highlight is the cutaway front wheelarch, which mimics that of the GTE racer.

    Aston Martin Vantage GT8  Rear View

    But there is more to that. Those who want to have the most extreme aero configuration can specify the optional Aero Pack, which includes large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.

    Under the hood, there is the revised 4.7-litre V8 mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed SportshiftTM II paddle-shift transmissions, and rated at 446PS.

    Other goodies beneficial for the Vantage GT8 are the 5-spoke alloy wheel, or the optional lightweight seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium rims. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres come as a standard. In terms of exterior, there are three optional ‘Halo’ paint schemes; striking combinations of China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green or Stirling Green and Lime that perfectly express the dynamic character and performance of the Vantage GT8.

    Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Interior

    In the beginning we have mentioned that the improved performance is due to significant amount of weight saving. They were achieved not only through the aero pack, but also with the help of a standard-fit lithium ion battery, the carbon fibre roof, polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows, the titanium centre mounted exhaust, the  lightweight carbon fibre sports seats and carbon fibre door panels. These measures save more than 100kg, making the Vantage GT8 the lightest Vantage ever.

    At last, the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 will be very appealing to collectors when it comes out on the market. It will be produced in only 150 examples, each having a starting price of at least £165,000.

    httpv://youtu.be/wQ-zWD7hJDY

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Aston Martin 

  • Gemballa Breaks the Long Term Sleep with Uprated McLaren 650S GT

    Gemballa GT McLaren 650S Front ViewGemballa is a tuning company we haven’t heard of lately. However, it is time to spread its name once again because it has published a brand new project based on the McLaren 650S. The supersports car has been slightly modified and features minimal changes, but still it is one to dream of.

    Starting-off with the carbon fiber body package, it comprises of subtle additions. Such are the new side skirts, which make the vehicle appear much lower and sleeker. For the badass look takes also care the new rear bumper, which is fitted with an integrated diffuser. The latter serves in terms of reducing the lift. Although these changes might seem not enough, the experts at the tuning company say that they help the McLaren 650S get additional downforce at cornering speeds.

    SEE ALSO: Gemballa GTP 720: One Faster Panamera

    Next, we continue with the wheels which are of two dimensions: 20- and 21-inches and are of the GForged-one type. The new alloys are relatively big and this means that they need new wheel arches where they can fit harmoniously. So the next logical step for Gemballa was to mount new carbon-fiber inner wheel arches, which deliver more space for the bigger wheels.

    Gemballa GT McLaren 650S Rear View

    Unfortunately, there are no details disclosed regarding the interior of this project, but we are sure that the tuning specialist can offer a lot options for a bespoke cabin.

    At last, but not least, there is also an uprating done here which boosts the output with 20 horsepower and 49 Nm of torque. The optimization happened with the help of an ECU, which improved the biturbo 3.8-liter V8 engine and it now generates 670 horsepower (493 kW) and 726 Nm (536 lb-ft), instead of the standard 650 hp and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft). There are no details how the acceleration time was changed or whether the top speed was freed from the electronic limiter.

    The pack for the McLaren 650S by Gemballa is priced at $38,286 USD.

    Source: McLaren 

  • Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith is the Best Luxurious Car You’ll See Today

    Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith Side viewRolls-Royce had just revealed on its official Facebook page and interesting project inspired by the deep blue ocean… or at least by yachts. Work of the Bespoke division of the brand, this car is beautiful expression of the unlimited possibilities and the craftsmanship of the luxurious brand.

    Exterior

    Called, Nautical Wraith for a reason, the car is dressed in bi-color paint scheme in beautiful Arabian Blue (almost skyish) and English White. All of this is linked by a pinstriped coachline, which imbibes the streamlined power of a graceful sea vessel. There are a lot of nautical details inside and outside the car. For instance the exterior paintwork demonstrates the detailed touches of Rolls-Royce Bespoke with the special anchor detailing. The luxurious Wraith runs on exclusive five-spoke alloy wheels accentuated with blue color around the hubcaps.

    SEE ALSO: Rolls-Royce Black Badge: Taken to the Extremes 

    Interior 

    Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith Interior

    Stepping inside, one feels the immediate effect of a Rolls-Royce. The seats are wrapped in Forest Fall leather seating finished with Navy Blue piping. Again the tribute to yachts is expressed with the unique wood trim all over the dashboard. In addition, the anchor motif, intricately inlayed into the dashboard veneer, is a beautiful reminder of the Nautical Wraith’s maritime inspiration. By the way, this anchor motif on the dash was created with different wood trim pieces. Other highlights here include the starlight headliner and the white contrast stitching.

    There are no changes regarding the output of this particular Wraith. This means that it is driven by the biturbo 6.6-liter V12 engine. It generates 624 horsepower (459 kW) and 799 Nm (590 lb-ft) of optimum torque. The unit is coupled with an eight-speed transmission, which helps the car accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The top speed is of 155 mph.

    Source: Rolls-Royce via Facebook