Author: Lidia Todorova

Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla Ready For SEMA [VIDEO]

This year SEMA Show will be definitely enriched by the participation of the Japanese brand Toyota. With the announcement of the company’s competition Toyota Dream Build Challenge several vehicles are coming to live and are currently being on presented.

Such one is the Toyota Dream Build Challenge Crusher Corolla which is the result of the joint forces of BMX rider and Team Toyota athlete Drew Bezanson and Skullcandy. To the car were added custom grind rails added to the front and rear of the vehicle, rally wheels and a rack that mounts two bikes along the vehicle’s back window.

If one removes the bicycles, the trunk is opened and there one sees bike tools, and pair of mountable speakers with light bars. Inside the Corolla there can be found custom iPad, which controls the interior. An interesting highlight is the upgraded speakers shaped in the Skullcandy logo.

For this year Toyota has invited for the popular challenge five athletes and big-name partners to put the athlete’s passion into a vehicle. The winning vehicle will be the one gathered the most votes from fans, and will be announced on 5th of November at SEMA Show.

httpv://youtu.be/Fmb72olIi7s

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota

First Images And Video: 2014 Nissan Qashqai

The first official image of the brand new, second generation 2014 Nissan Qashqai was released few days ago. Although the vehicle was covered, it gave an idea of the forms of its forms, new head-lights and definitely left a sense of exclusivity.

The model was reinvented from the ground up. The reason for this was the aim of the designers to push the boundaries of design, innovation and technologies. What was revealed so far around the new Qashqai is that it will feature advanced aerodynamics and state of the art cabin infotainment systems.

In addition, Nissan will also include in it many active safety technologies, and will count on driver’s comfort as well as the entire refinement. Developed and tested around the world in all weather conditions, 2014 Nissan Qashqai will undoubtedly rewrite the crossover rulebook.

httpv://youtu.be/u49yRgXUvsk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

DeviantART Lexus IS 350 To Debut At SEMA

The winner of the competition organized by Lexus and deviantART, was announced in August this year. The participants had to boost the IS’ already aggressive exterior styling with even edgier designs. Now it is time for the winning design to make its official debut as a multi-dimensional build in the Lexus booth at the 2013 SEMA Show.

The most praised design was Robert Evans’ one, and it includes one-of-a-kind aero styling package, a carbon interior package, special three-piece wheels and a custom paint job. VIP Auto Salon helped bring Evans’ rendering into reality with 10 weeks.

Another benefit, next to having his creation come to life, the talented first place winner, received a one-year lease of a 2014 Lexus IS F SPORT, $2,000 USD, a trip to this year’s SEMA Show to see his IS concept on display, 8,000 deviantART points, and a one-year premium membership to deviantART.

The visitors of the popular event will be also happy to see other tuned Lexus vehicles, such as seven other Lexus IS builds and one-of-a-kind LFA. To be more precise, the other vehicles to be on a display are the following:

Second generation, 2007 Lexus IS 250 featuring 20-inch wheels, an aero package, and F SPORT performance accessories from owner Andrew Atigehchi;
First generation, 2004 Lexus IS 300 with a ProLex Performance Supercharger, custom dual exhaust and JDM Altezza grille from owner Maricar Cortez;
2014 Lexus IS 250 F SPORT all-metal wide body by Paul Tolson and Gabriel Escobedo;
2014 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT featuring 20-inch Vossen CVT directional wheels and Tommy Kaira full aero package and dual exhaust by Vossen;
2014 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT by Seibon Carbon with custom Seibon Carbon exterior, 20-inch racing wheels and A’PEXi SPL suspension;
2014 Lexus IS 340 by Philip Chase with a 2JZ-GTEengineswap and five-speed manual transmission;
2014 IS AWD by Gordon Ting with BrembohighperformanceGTbraking system, TEIN USA custom Street Flex coilovers, and GReddyperformanceexhaust and airintakesystem;
2012 LFA by Guy S. De Alwis of Endles Automotive with an Artisan Spirits carbon fiber aero kit and 20-inch staggered Work Gnosis HS202 wheels in a Brush Silver Clear finish.

Source: Lexus

Scion Tuner Challenge Cars Revealed Ahead Of Official Debut [VIDEO]

The three vehicles from the Scion Tuner Challenge were revealed ahead of their SEMA Show debut in Las Vegas. The vehicles are created by custom car builders and represent the tuner scenes in the East, the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. At the beginning of the competition, Scion gave each builder a stock 2014 tC plus $15,000 to design and modify the car within 90 days.

Josh Croll converted his tC to a first in the world right-hand drive model. The car has a flashy hot rod orange color, European clean lines and shape, and wide wheels for a proper stance. The second Scion is tuned by Walter Franco of Seattle who worked with DTM Autobody.

Together they have created a sophisticated VIP look for the car. The designer brought in a luxury feel through a combination suede and leader interior with diamond stitching and pearl white exterior paint. In addition, he envisioned a powerful audio experience and performance enhancements, including a shot of nitrous for added power.

The third designer, lucky to work on Scion tC is Young Tea of Alhambra, California, who is the co-founder of the Scion FR-S community FRS86. He made a garage-built car and has kept the design cues of the tC while extending the fenders, adding a custom dual-outlet exhaust rear diffuser and including an air suspension system to lower the car for shows.

Scion will announce the winner on 6th of November during the SEMA Show. The victor of the competition will take home a $10,000 grand prize. You can watch below the action of the tC Tuner Challenge finalists finishing their builds:

httpv://youtu.be/EIlAOHx9qLY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Scion

Scion At 2013 SEMA Show

Five of the vehicles that the performance-oriented brand Scion will put on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show have been announced. The event will take place between 5th and 8th of November and the collection of these five super-cars will be located at Booth 20313, next to three 2014 Scion tCs competing in the Scion Tuner Challenge.

First of all there will be presented the Steve Aoki x Scion FR-S. The vehicle was designed by the famous DJ and producer Steve Aoki, and it includes a fully operational mixing station, a custom Pioneer sound system with multiple component speaker packages, a deck lid-mounted LCD display, a fog machine and strobe lighting.

Next, the Bulletproof Scion FR-S Concept One is a result of the partnership between the brand and Bulletproof Automotive. This is a supercar concept that includes a carbon fiber interior, a widened, handmade body, a rebuilt 500 horsepower (368 kW) engine, an advanced turbo system and track-tuned suspension.

The third vehicle carries the name GReddy Performance x Scion Racing Drift FR-S. It is a drifting prototype equipped with a Rocket Bunny Ver. 2 aero kit and a GReddy turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine capable of generating nearly 750 horsepower (555 kW).

The fourth tuned car is the Scion FR-S “Style J” which has a futuristic urban design, but also offers great levels of comfort and technology with concept camera mirrors, custom leather interior features with beige stitching and black accents throughout the car.

At last, the brand has announced that at the show there will be displayed the Strictly Business Cartel Scion xB that was designed by Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs and Dominick Vitelli of Quality Coachworks. This vehicle includes an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple Mac mini, wireless keyboard with mouse and hands-free mobile calling.

Source: Scion

Rolls-Royce Chicane Phantom Coupe Celebrates Goodwood

Rolls-Royce Chicane Phantom Coupe is one-of-a-kind. It incorporates design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood’s rich motor sport history. And this was exactly the initial aim of creating this luxury vehicle.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dubai Brand Manager, Mohammed EL-Arishy, wanted to create a motor car that captures the unique atmosphere and history of the Goodwood Motor Circuit. The entire creativity, vision, skill and attention-to-detail utilized in the crafting of this Rolls-Royce is not only visible inside and out, but it is also unsurpassed in the super-luxury world.

The interior of the Chicane Phantom Coupe was finished not in the traditional interior wood-finish but in carbon fibre. The modern design of the interior is transferred outside, and it is proven by the bonnet and windscreen surround finished in a matte black. The exterior paint finish is decided in Gunmetal color.

To match the latter, coloured wheels were used. In addition, hand-crafted details throughout point to the car’s historic motor racing theme with chequered flag motif stitching to the seats echoed on the exterior with a matching Bespoke coachline.

Source: Rolls-Royce

EXCLUSIVE: Magnum MK5 Revealed

Magnum MK5 which was teased couple of times in the past weeks is now fully revealed. The vehicle is the first track-focused street-legal lightweight supercar produced in Canada.

MK5 has the goal to offer an unforgettable and unique driving experience similar to a one that a real racecar can deliver. For this reason the sportcar was equipped with engine which delivers 250 horsepower (183 kW). It also was put through a completed its development program, including 3 years of extensive track testing.

The open-top Magnum MK5 is not only fast it also includes a cargo compartment that can easily accommodate two race helmets and a briefcase. It also includes full lighting and reverse camera, which reflects the MK5’s dual personality.

As one can see from the revealed pictures, the car has bold and dramatic design. It has sleek proportions and aggressive on-road stance. In addition, the car’s development offers both easy adjustability and maintenance.

What propels Magnum MK5 is the 250hp rear mid-mounted 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6 speed sequential gearbox. The latter delivers very fast shifts, up and down, while the perfectly positioned center-mounted shifter lever provides a level of involvement for the driver. Combined with a limited-slip differential, MK5 provides effortless acceleration.

Furthermore, other advantages that need to be mentioned here formula racecar type pushrod suspension geometry, with front and rear inboard 2-way adjustable dampers. The car runs on high performance street-legal tires in the format 225/40R18 at the front and 265/35R18 at the rear, mounted on 18-inch ultra-lightweight alloy wheels.

The impressive braking performance is ensured by a rear 4-piston calipers and vented brake discs. The ingenious sliding pedal box, completely custom machined out of aircraft-grade billet aluminum, provides easy adjustability from a simple locking lever, to accommodate drivers of different heights.

The theme of the bold exterior styling is continued in the vehicle’s cockpit where a modern look mixes with purposeful ergonomics. There one can see designer-worthy CNC machined aluminum levers, race-inspired carbon fiber seats, 6-point racing harnesses for the driver and passenger.

The pre-orders for the car are already being taken, and it will be built on order at an initial annual production rate of 20 cars. Deliveries are projected to start by late 2014. Magnum MK5 has a starting price of $139,000 USD.

Magnum MK5 Specifications:

PERFORMANCE

Power-to-weight ratio: 460 bhp per tonne
0-100 km/h (0-60 MPH): 3.2 second
Maximum speed: 240 km/h (150 MPH)
Handling: Over 2Gs of lateral force

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Type: 4-Cylinder
Power: 250 bhp
Redline: 11,000 rpm
Configuration: Rear mid-mounted, rear wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox with reverse
Differential: Limited-slip

TECHNICAL

Bodywork: Carbon-fiber composite, easily removable front and rear sections.
Functional aerodynamics: Internal front wing, front splitter, flat underbody, rear diffuser
Cargo area: Fits two helmets and a briefcase
Fuel tank capacity: 35 liters
Fuel filler: Lockable billet aluminum
Length: 3,914 mm (154.1 in)
Width: 1,884 mm (74.2 in)
Height: 1,069 mm (42.1 in)
Dry Weight: 1,200 lbs (545 kg)

SUSPENSION

Type: Adjustable pushrod activated, double unequal length a-arms, front & rear
Dampers: Inboard, two-way adjustable, front & rear
Anti-roll bars: Adjustable, front & rear

WHEELS & BRAKES

Tires: Ultra-high performance, road-legal, 225/40R18 front & 265/35R18 rear
Wheels: 18″, ultra-light alloy, front & rear
Brake calipers: 4-piston calipers, radial mount, front & rear
Brake discs: Ventilated discs, with CNC-machined aluminum hubs, front & rear
Brake bias: Cockpit adjustable
Pedal box: Custom CNC-machined hand operated sliding adjustable

INTERIOR

Gauges: Steering wheel mounted backlit digital dash-display, with integrated laptimer and data acquisition system
Steering wheel: Weather resistant suede, with quick release
Seats: Carbon fiber composites
Harness: 6-point, racing-type
Accessory: Rear-view monitor & camera

Source: Magnum

Suzuki To Unveil Five New Concepts At Tokyo Motor Show

At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki will exhibit five new concept vehicles. The event will open to the public between 23rd of November and 1st of December. For this year’s show, the brand has chosen the theme “Let’s Create a Brand New Story”.

All of the concepts carry another slogan “Small Cars for a Big Future”, and this means that they will offer to the visitors a vision of what cars should be available in the near and distant future.

In order to create a Brand New Story the cars are packed with Suzuki’s attractive products and unique leading-edge technology.

What is more, the design of the vehicles features an S-shaped border that depicts lightness and softness. In addition, a wide panoramic screen measuring 3.6m x 40m is set at the back of the stage of brand’s stand at the show. There all of the videos of the concept cars will be streamed.

The first model to be introduced is the Crosshiker, which is a compact crossover that combines a youthful styling with dynamic weight reduction and highly-efficient power train. As a matter of fact, this particular model is an alternative of the 2011 G70 concept car that was packed with lightweight and fuel-efficient technologies.

However, the Crosshiker utilizes the next-generation lightweight platform and it offers a weight of a minicar – just 810 kg. The model is equipped with a newly developed 1-litre 3-cylinder engine which is efficient and eco-friendly.

The second concept is recognized under the name of X-LANDER and it is a real 4WD hybrid with a distinctive personality. This model is perfect for both the urban area as well as the field. This concept model is based on the Jimny 4WD vehicle and is equipped with a 1.3L engine and a newly developed automatically controlled manual transmission.

It includes a compact lightweight hybrid system equipped with a highly-efficient motor built onto a 4WD system. The vehicle has also an exclusive design and looks like a fusion of off-road power and mechanical precision.

Next, is Suzuki’s HUSTLER Concept which is a “crossover” that suits an active lifestyle. It resembles more a minicar and it is suitable for those who love the nature, outdoors and sports. The car is practical and yet stylish and has plenty of SUV touches, combining a rugged exterior with a roomy, comfortable, and useful interior.

The HUSTLER Coupe is the fourth concept which is based on the previous one, and is again a minicar-crossover coupe that has a beautiful silhouette.

At last but not least, the Suzuki iV-4 is a compact SUV with a powerful design which is equipped with Suzuki’s next-generation 4WD system ALLGRIP and will be launched in Europe in 2015.

Source: Suzuki

TEASER: Subaru LEVORG Prototype To Debut At 2013 Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru has just announced that it is going to make an official debut of a brand new prototype model at this year’s Tokyo International Motor Show. The car will carry the name LEVORG and in fact is currently under development for production model launch in 2014.

The name LEVORG is a combination of the words legacy, revolution and touring, and it aims to represent a vehicle which has brand’s entire heritage but at the same time also has a variety of innovations for a touring car.

Subaru’s latest technologies are included in this model which merges driving, safety, environmental friendliness combined with the practicality of a touring car at an exceptional level. What was also revealed, besides some teaser images, is that the prototype includes an exquisite and stylish design with a sports car feel.

LEVORG also uses brand’s most advanced technologies. An instance is the 1.6-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine. Also included is the next-generation EyeSight with many added safety functions and the newly launched steering support control.

Subaru LEVORG Sports Tourer targets mainly the Japan market. At the show, the company will also showcase other models: Subaru Viziv Evolution Concept, Subaru Cross Sport Design Concept, Subaru Crossover 7 Concept, Subaru Forester X-Break, Subaru BRZ GT300, the production model Subaru BRZ Premium Sport and Subaru XV Hybrid.

Source: Subaru

GTA Spano With Official Premiere At Dubai Internetional Motor Show

In November the MY2013 GTA Spano will be officially showcased for the very first time in the Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Motor Show. The event celebrates this year its twelfth edition, and will take place between 5th and 9th of November.

The Spanish supercar will be presented among over 600 cars, premieres, concept cars and super cars. However, the manufacturer Spania GTA has great expectation in this fair, because it will be strongly featured with an amazing stand of more than 300 square meters.

What is more, according to the collected data so far, at the spectacular event are expected more than 100 000 visitors. Every single one of them will have the opportunity to see the exclusive GTA Spano, which will be presented with a limited edition of 99 GTA Spano.

The supersports car has the capability of generating huge amount of power. We are speaking about 925 horsepower (680 kW) and 1220 Nm (900 lb-ft) of toque. Almost unbelievable, isn’t it?

Nonetheless, it is not a mere illusion, but a proven fact that the Spano accelerates from 0 to 100 Km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of over 350 km/h. Its chassis offers stability at all times as well as exceptional aerodynamics. It has been created by the combination of carbon fibres, titanium and Kevlar. The latter element offers nothing less but great rigidity and its lightness.

Source: GTA Motor

DMC Lamborghini Aventador LP700 DIECI In Kuwait

German Luxury Refiner DMC is probably the best tuning company that is specialized in the modification of Lamborghini supercars. The present project once again shows the premium craftsmanship that the team delivers.

The brand have sold so far 50 Aventador tuning kits on average, and now shows something more special – the Special Edition LP700 DIECI. The latter word is an Italian one and means ten. It is not a random name as one might guess.

The 10th DMC LP700 Kit will receive a special extra. To be more precise, the first car to receive the treatment was one of a lucky customer from Kuwait. The tuners created a styling kit that stays in line with the original design.

The front fascia of this Aventador includes a redesigned spoiler sword and a stunning front-splitter lip. Of course, these elements were all made of pure carbon fiber. In addition, the new side skirt diffusers enhance the overall aerodynamics as well as bring about more stability on the road.

At the rear, one can see a lightened carbon fiber diffusor and an added tunnel system. Both items serve in means of improving the down force on the rear axle. They are additionally complemented by a rear wing spoiler that supports the aerodynamics.

In terms of performance, DMC decided to use 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one per each cylinder. Gasoline pumps and – lines, as well as pressure modulators and injection nozzles were replaced also by new components.

An optimization of engine’s electronics, an electronic load pressure control system and a completely new wiring will also contribute for the rebranding of the engine to LP900. The power-mod is supported by a brand new Titanium Exhaust system.

Source: DMC