Lidia Todorova – Page 202 – Automobiles Review

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition Celebrates The Nuova Cinquecento

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition is created in order to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the original 1957 Nuova Cinquecento. The car expresses the iconic Italian design and offers engaging driving dynamics and vintage styling.

Nuova 500 was designed to revamp Fiat‘s product range, embarked upon by the company during World War II. It went into production after the war and provided customers with efficient and affordable mobility during Italy’s period of rebuilding and economic recovery.

Since 1957, Fiat 500 Cinquecento became one of the most emblematic automobiles of all time. Fifty-seven years later, the 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition commemorates its roots in uniquely crafted detail.

The car is based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge model, but adds iconic silhouette with a vintage look. This was made possible via the classic exterior colors – including Bianco, or for a bi-color look – the Verde Chiaro or the exclusive Celeste, combined with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps.

This Limited Edition Fiat sits on 16-inch retro wheels that feature a wide chromed lip, body-color accent and large center cap with historic FIAT emblem. The vehicle also includes enhanced handling, sport-tuned suspension and all-season performance tires are standard. What rounds off the visual credentials of the model are the brand’s badges on the front fascia and rear liftgate.

The interior is also inspired by the historic model and its vintage look features an Avorio interior environment contrasted by premium Marrone leather seats. Avorio accent stitching vertically crosses the seatbacks and seat cushions.

To make the contrast even bigger, there are added also a Grigio door panels that include unique Avorio inner panel, while Marrone door armrests and shift boot with manual transmission are color-keyed to the leather seats. The steering-wheel is wrapped in Avorio leather and it is hand-stitched with Marrone leather on the inner ring. It also features a retro FIAT badge.

The theme continues in the uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted “1957” graphic. For the fun-of-driving and ambience of the cabin provide the six-speaker and 276-watt FIAT premium audio system with SiriusXM Radio.

Under the hood of Fiat 500 1957 Edition is hidden the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine which is coupled with a C514 five-speed manual transmission. Both deliver an EPA estimated 31 mpg/city and 40 mpg/highway.

The engaging dynamics include a driver-selectable Sport mode on the instrument panel. In additionally, Fiat offers an optional six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes. In Sport mode, the automatic transmission offers a more aggressive shift schedule and throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition will be available at dealerships in the spring of next year. The pricing will be announced closer to market launch.

Source: Fiat

November 15, 2013

2015 Subaru Legacy Concept With World Debut In Los Angeles

2015 Subaru WRX will make its official debut in the forthcoming Los Angelis Auto Show. In addition, Subaru will also officially reveal another star – 2015 Legacy Concept. The model comes to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy.

2015 Legacy also provides look at the styling cues for future models in the line-up. The car has an exterior decided in the voluptuous custom-made Ocean Silver Metallic paint. Moreover, from what we can assume after viewing the photos, the vehicle has more coupe-like silhouette.

Subaru Legacy Concept is a modern interpretation of the popular model and what is more, it includes more distinguished front design with a new hexagonal grille and a sharper hawk-eye headlamp design. The car runs on 21-inch wheels with flared wheel arches, which also hint at the standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive drivetrain.

The same unique design philosophy can be seen at the back, where the pronounced character line flows into the short rear deck and ends in the rear tail lamps. Of course, the latter, echo the hawk-eye headlamp design and improve the solidity of the overall design. LA Auto Show will start on 20th of November, so stay tuned for more surprises until then.

Source: Subaru

November 15, 2013

2014 Peugeot 308 Built On Innovative EMP2 Chassis

2014 Peugeot 308 has an impressive inside and out credentials. It features pure and contemporary styling, offers compact dimensions, class-leading environmental characteristics and innovative PEUGEOT i-Cockpit cabin layout as well as dynamic drive.

What is new around the model however is the chassis on which it sits – it is the ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2). 2014 Peugeot 308 is the first new model to benefit from this advanced architecture.

The new model is wide 4.25 m, which means that it is 3cm shorter than the outgoing model. Yet the front overhang has been reduced by a massive 6.3cm, creating a ‘wheel in each corner’ profile and more usable space for front seat occupants and their luggage.

Furthermore, 420 litres with the rear seats up contribute towards the fact that the new 308 is the largest car in the segment. The optimal and minimal adjustability of the driver’s seat has been increased; however, the space for rear passengers has been kept.

EMP2 also contributes for the lower and wider stance of the vehicle. The car’s roofline is 40mm closer to the ground, and via an increase in track width the centre of gravity is 2mm lower. The new chassis also accommodates better many of the car’s components, such as the right-hand drive pedal box.

EMP2 platform also delivers underpinnings on which the entire car is e is built. The interior of the model is so striking and contemporary and it carries the name PEUGEOT i-Cockpit premium interior. It is driver-focused and offers one of the most technically advanced touch-screen infotainment systems.

Another benefit stemming from the new chassis is the lowered weight due to the utilization of advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes – including flexible rolling, hot stamping and laser welding. The result is impressive, a loss in the weight of 140 kg.

Source: Peugeot

November 14, 2013

2015 Toyota Harrier Gets Redesigned

2015 Toyota Harrier Front

The redesigned 2015 Toyota Harrier crossover SUV will be launched in Japan on 2nd of December. A hybrid model of the version is scheduled for release on 15th January 2014. The new model will include distinctive design and innovative features, quiet cabin, enhanced suspension and aerodynamic performance.

It will offer its customers elegant and streamlined exterior and an interior that features innovative styling and expresses distinctiveness. In addition, the hybrid model will be powered by a 2.5-liter engine and hybrid system, thanks to which it will achieve fuel efficiency of 21.8 km/L2.

The facelifted 2015 Toyota Harrier has a new long front and short rear overhangs that lend additional dynamism to the side profile, while horizontally accented styling and forward-leaning quarter pillars give a sleek, speedy look. There is also a dramatic curve on the front bumpers which goes towards the rear and creates a powerful, compact front end.

For the lights, Toyota has used LED lamps, which have been made standard in all grades. As an option there is also available are clearance lamps and boldly shaped rear combination lamps with gradient brightness.

Going inside the car, one can see a premium and contemporary interior that includes padded surfaces with accented stitching and wood grain ornamentation. At the center there is a cluster with touch-sensitive electrostatic switches that combines with an arch-roofed instrument panel to create a spacious and sporty interior.

A lot of attention has been paid to the details. Such instances are the door handle with a softly-curving form that flows from the instrument panel, front door trim ornamented with an embossed Harrier seal, console pockets that make optimum use of the space alongside the center console, and the harmonized shape of the door speakers and dashboard instruments.

The vehicle will be offered with the choice of seven exterior colors. A very impressive distinctive dark shades is the new Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine paint. On the other hand, the interior will be made available in three colors, including a Deep Bordeaux one.

The cabin of the 2016 Toyota Harrier will offer its occupants quietness made possible through the utilization of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials. Moreover, the 2015 Toyota Harrier’s suspension is improved through the use of Frequency Adaptive Damping (FAD) shock absorbers which control the degree of vehicle roll and pitch, automatically adjusting shock absorber damping characteristics to compensate for vehicle posture changes.

2015 Toyota Harrier Interior

Furthermore, the electric power steering, handling stability and riding comfort are enhanced via the new Harrier’s more compact body, utilization of high-tensile steel plates, and improved methods for joining body parts.

There are being offered gasoline engine models which feature Dynamic Torque Control 4WD for automatic control of front-wheel and 4-wheel drive conditions. On the other hand, the integrated operation with S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) delivers excellent stability on both slippery and dry surfaces.

There is also available the E-Four system in hybrid models, which controls front and rear wheel slippage, ensuring traction performance on slippery surfaces. Additionally, this system also optimizes torque distribution to the front and rear wheels in response to driving conditions.

2015 Toyota Harrier has shortened exterior proportions. However, it still provides a roomy interior with an extra 47 mm of legroom. What is more, some of Toyota’s most advanced features are available on the redesigned vehicle.

These include a Panoramic View Monitor, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system, Pre-collision System (with millimeter-wave radar), Intelligent Clearance Sonar detects obstacles when starting off, and Drive-start Control.

The Hybrid models will be powered as mentioned by the 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE engine and hybrid system. Together they achieve significantly enhanced fuel economy of 21.8 km/L2 and CO2 emissions of 106 gCO2/km.

Next, the gasoline engine models are equipped with a 2.0-liter Valvematic engine and newly developed continuously variable transmission. Two-wheel drive models also include Toyota Stop & Start System. The later achieves improved fuel efficiency of 16.0 km/L and CO2 emissions of 145 gCO2/km.

2015 Toyota Harrier Crossover SUV Specifications (Hybrid variant):

Engine	Displacement		2,493 cc
	Maximum output		112 kW [152 PS] / 5,700 rpm
	Maximum torque		206 N-m [21.0 kgf-m] / 4,400-4,800 rpm
Motor	Front	Maximum output	105 kW [143 PS]
		Maximum torque	270 N-m [27.5 kgf-m]
	Rear	Maximum output	50 kW [68 PS]
		Maximum torque	139 N-m [14.2 kgf-m]
Complete system	Maximum output		145 kW [197 PS]

Source: Toyota

November 14, 2013

Audi R8 LMS To Compete At ROLEX 24 At Daytona

At the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Audi Sport will join forces with Paul Miller Racing. The race team will contest with an Audi R8 LMS. Paul Miller will campaign the 2014 inaugural season in the GTD-Class starting with a test at Sebring on 16th of November.

A driver from the team will be also Bryce Miller, who is Paul Miller’s son and a former GT race winner in both ALMS and GRAND-AM competition. He will partner for the season with another driver which is expected to be named in the near future. An Audi factory driver will attend the first test in Sebring in order to get ready for the season opening ROLEX 24 at Daytona.

More importantly, the vehicle because of which a lot of success is expected is the Audi R8 LMS race car. The model shares more than fifty of its parts with the Audi R8 street car. For example such elements are the naturally aspirated V10 5.2 liter engine and the Audi Space Frame as well as a variety of other components.

As a matter of fact, the R8 has won all of the major 24 hour races around the world, including the 2013 ROLEX 24 at Daytona. This fact proves that the street car can be confident in its race-tested performance and durability. Another great advantage for the race teams is the first service interval at 12,000 miles under race conditions translate into considerably lower operating costs.

Source: Audi

November 14, 2013

2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition Goes On Sale

2014 Honda Ridgeline Special Edition is going on sale and it will join the rest of the rich and versatile Ridgeline lineup which went on-sale in September. The model is extremely aggressive but at the same time – handsome, and in addition it is exclusively equipped with wide range of complementary features.

The vehicle offers a spacious five-passenger cabin. It has car-like ride and handling, but on the other hand retains all of the truck’s capability with innovative and unique features such as the large In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate.

A host of standard features include a rearview camera, keyless entry and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage. Other Ridgeline SE’s special items include exclusive 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black-trimmed spokes, Special Edition badging on the rear tailgate, a black trim package including black headlight and brake light housings, black tailgate and black honeycomb grille with black surround.

Furthermore, in the equipment is also featured Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System that comprises of Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey restaurant information, XM Radio, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a Multi-information display.

The exterior color choices are Taffeta White, Crystal Black and Alabaster Silver. The interior is only offered with black leather. 2014 Honda Ridgeline SE has a starting price of $37,505 USD and it is currently available in U.S. dealerships.

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings4 (city/highway/combined)

Ridgeline RT	$29,575	15/21/17
Ridgeline Sport	$30,720	15/21/17
Ridgeline RTS	$32,380	15/21/17
Ridgeline RTL with leather	$35,155	15/21/17
Ridgeline RTL with leather and Navi	$37,505	15/21/17
Ridgeline SE with leather and Navi	$37,505	15/21/17

Source: Honda

November 14, 2013

Ford Mustang Need For Speed To Pace Ford EcoBoost 400 Season Finale

On 15th till 17th of November Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway will take its place. There fans from all over the U.S. are going to see stock cars racing side-by-side at breathtaking speeds.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the Ford EcoBoost 400 season finale will be lead led by a highly-customized Mustang. It is this Ford Mustang which is featured as a main star in the upcoming Hollywood movie, “Need for Speed”. The vehicle can also be chosen in the Electronic Arts video game entitled “Need for Speed Rivals.” At the event, the pace car will be driven by one of the film’s stars, Ramon Rodriguez.

Another vehicle at the race will be the F-150 Tremor which will pace the Ford EcoBoost 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event. The third featured car is the Mustang GT500 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300.

Ford Mustang Need for Speed is one-off, being created especially for the film. Its design includes a custom-designed wide body and unique 22-inch alloy wheels. It is capable of producing 900 horsepower (662 kW), and has larger intakes to feed its supercharged V-8 engine.

What keeps the engine cool is the enlarged lower grille with corner air intakes to cool the front brakes. The aerodynamic drag was reduced by the utilization of low profile mirrors and extended rocker panels.

The redesigned splitter on the other hand delivers enhanced handling at high speeds. At the rear, the spoiler and diffuser were created to improve airflow, reducing drag and giving additional traction for high-speed acceleration.

Source: Ford

November 13, 2013

Atlantis Blue D2Forged BMW M3 CV13

BMW E92 M3 is one of the most desired cars around the globe. Its one-of-a-kind Atlantis Blue paint finish contributes towards the exclusive look of this model as well as it corresponds to its aggressive sporty personality.

This paint color is undoubtedly shockingly different, vivid, but what made a particular M3 model even more spectacular was the addition of new wheels. Those responsible for the modification are the tuners at D2Forged Wheels, who are well experienced in delivering unique “shoes” for the exclusive cars on the road.

They have decided to equip this BMW with a set of D2Forged CV13 Deep Concave wheels, in the size of 19×9.5″ at the front and 19×11″ at the rear. They have a brilliant multispoke split design, which definitely matches the lines of the BMW M3.

In addition, the wheels are finished in Brushed Aluminum and include Chrome Lip as well as Gloss black inner. The result is, to say at least, impressive.

Unfortunately no modifications were made regarding the power output. The E92 M3 is powered by the 4.0 liter V8 engine, which produces 420 hp (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. The car needs only 4.6 seconds to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: D2Forged Wheels

November 13, 2013

Chrysler To Develop Human Biology-Inspired CNG Vehicles

A technology based on the human biology will breathe new life into Chrysler’s CNG commitment, was just announced. The human body will serve as an inspiration for the brand to design the next generation of fuel tanks powering compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

To be more precise, Chrysler will take as an example the human lungs, which comprise of countless individual sacks called alveoli. Their function is to expand the lung’s total air capacity. The brand will utilize the same approach in order to improve the packaging of CNG tanks.

The work of Chrysler Group will be supported in part by a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Council’s Technology Innovation Challenge which helps companies accelerate advanced-technology initiatives.

First, CNG-powered vehicles require larger fuel tanks to deliver range that is comparable to that of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles. Secondly, the current design of CNG tank is also limited to cylindrical shape in order to accommodate the pressure at which the gaseous fuel is stored.

Brand’s patent-pending technology addresses both issues via the expansion of the tank’s capacity and enabling designs that conform to the vehicle. Of course the result will benefit from more space for passengers and cargo.

On the market Chrysler has launched the Dodge Ram 2500 Compressed Natural Gas truck, which is industry’s only factory-built CNG-powered pickup. The vehicle is equipped with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that burns CNG.

When that fuel is depleted, it automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. To go even further into details, the truck can travel on a single fill-up up to 255 miles, and a total of 745 miles when equipped with an available 35-gallon reserve gas tank.

Source: Chrysler

November 13, 2013

Chevrolet Colorado To Be Officially Unveiled At LA Auto Show

Chevrolet is one of the brands that are well known in the automotive world to produce excellent and exclusive pick-up trucks. In less than a year, the brand has reengineered its entire full-sized truck portfolio, with the 2015 Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, which debuted in the end of September.

Now it is time for another big reveal for the U.S. company which will happen on 20th of November during at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is where the final piece of Chevrolet’s pickup truck portfolio will be revealed.

The vehicle to debut is the brand new Chevrolet Colorado, which will change the perception and meaning of what a midsized pickup should look like. Scarce details have been revealed so far except for this teaser image from which we can only judge for the size of the truck.

It is said also that the new Colorado is engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and technologically advanced midsized truck currently on the market. The official premiere of the vehicle can be also watched online via Chevrolet’s official YouTube channel.

Source: Chevrolet

November 13, 2013

Toyota 86 Sports Car To Be Modified Into Rally Version

Toyota 86 sports car will be converted into a thrilling rally vehicle by Toyota Motorsport in Germany (TMG). The team there will develop the rear-wheel drive vehicle into an R3 rally car. The aim is to make it available to private competitors. The delivery of the model is expected for the 2015 season.

The modified vehicle will carry the name TMG GT86 CS-R3 and will be constructed in accordance to the R3 regulations. This means that it will be equipped with a six-speed sequential gearbox, limited slip differential, modified engine and adapted brakes.

TMG professionals have promised to tune the 86 to the maximum level permitted within the regulations. The new rally car will be also eligible for all FIA-sanctioned rallies including the World Rally Championship.

The GT86 CS-R3 promises to be a thrilling car on the rally stages. It has a rear-wheel drive and this can only result in dramatic action, which will be undoubtedly entertaining for drivers and fans. Unfortunately, the additional details around the TMG GT86 CS-R3 as well as its price will be announced in the coming months.

Toyota 86 sports car has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, front-mounted, free-revving and horizontally opposed “boxer” petrol engine which drives the rear wheels. It develops a maximum power of 200 hp (147 kW) and a peak torque of 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). All that power is transmitted on the road via six-speed manual or sequential-shift automatic transmissions.

Source: Toyota

November 12, 2013

Kia Soul EV Under Development For U.S. Market

Kia Motors are currently developing an all-electric version of the Kia Soul. The EV model is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 and it will be company’s first electric, zero-emissions car marketed outside of Korea.

Soul EV will benefit from the knowledge gained during development of the Ray EV. Of course, the car incorporates the same design philosophy as the recently-launched 2014 Kia Soul. Kia is also promising a range of more than 120 miles at a single charge, which makes it perfect for urban utilization.

Precisely, this EV will be equipped with a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. In an effort to optimize efficiency and range, the vehicle recycles back into the battery the energy produced while the car is coasting and braking.

The charging of the Soul EV is achieved by plugging it into 240v standard outlet. The time needed for full-recharging is up to five hours, while it takes the car only 25 minutes for a ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The prototype shown on the picture is powered by a 109 hp (80 kW) electric motor that produces 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of torque. The motor transmits its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

In terms of acceleration, this Kia Soul EV is capable to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 90 mph. What is more, this EV is extremely “quiet” due to the absence of the noise generated by the engine and to the sound-proofing materials used for the construction of the car.

In addition, the car will be also equipped with Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) which produces audio signals at speeds below 12 mph and whenever the car is in reverse, so that the pedestrians can be more aware of the vehicle in their vicinity.

Soul EV will also offer projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16-inch alloy wheels and other distinctive exterior features.

The interior is promised to be fitted with Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen. As a matter of fact, the interior will focus on the use of eco-components and will feature increased range of recycled materials such as Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, low volatility organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Source: Kia

November 12, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova