Author: Lidia Todorova

  • Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Teased Ahead of Official Debut

    Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Teaser ImageInfiniti has just debuted the first teaser image of the brand new QX Sport Inspiration. The first glimpse of the new SUV concept vehicle happens ahead its official premiere at this year’s Beijing Auto Show. As the company calls it “daring”, the QX Sport Inspiration is actually an exploration of Infiniti’s vision for what the next-generation mid-size SUV would look like. Another preliminary requirement is the vehicle to be as luxurious as possible.

    The details are scarce as is the image given by the brand – it doesn’t show much. The SUV concept is inspired by Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design philosophy. Hence, the QX Sport Inspiration includes brand’s design highlights and characteristic cues and this is how it literally stands out among many other concepts or even models coming from Infiniti’s range.

    SEE ALSO: Red Sport 400, Performance Flagship of Infiniti Q50 Priced Below $50,000 USD 

    As we can see the model has striking design details and is definitely made with sophistication and craftsmanship. The concept teaser image illustrates SUV-like proportions, which are further highlighted with wide muscular lines. It seems like in this case Infiniti’s designers have taken inspiration from the Q60 Concept, because of its floating A-pillars and extra-wide wheel arches.

    The conclusion we can make is that the QX Sport Inspiration have expressive, powerful and purposeful image, which is truly and uniquely Infiniti. The SUV has flowing and natural aesthetics, and demonstrates how the brand is ready to step in the new and unexplored area of future design possibilities.

    So, we can’t wait seeing the full image of the car, when it debuts at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show on 25th of April. Stay tuned!

    Source: Infiniti

  • Tesla Model S Significantly Updated! Comes Out with New Face

    Tesla Model S Front ViewThe new face of the electric Tesla Model S has been finally revealed and it looks better than ever. Still, the car is instantly recognizable as a Tesla. It seems however, that the new design follows the approach of the Model 3 and the Model X, thus adopting new front fascia with slightly slender grille flanked by redesigned full LED adaptive headlights. Besides styling, they also boost safety: 14 three-position LED dynamic turning lights improve visibility at night, especially on winding roads.

    But not only was the exterior of the EV improved, so is everything else. For instance performance and safety have been also refined. Offering unparalleled performance for an electric vehicle, Model S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds! In addition, the car also comes with the recently introduced Autopilot capabilities designed to make the highway driving experience better.

    SEE ALSO: Tesla Version 7.0: Next Step for Brand’s Autopilot 

    Tesla Model S Autopilot

    Speaking of the Autopilot, it allows Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and manages speed by using traffic-aware cruise control. It also manages the digital control of motors, brakes, and steering, thus avoiding collisions from the front and sides.

    Another benefit of this feature is that it allows the car to scan for a parking space and parallel park on command. There is also a new Summon feature, which lets the driver “call” their car from the phone so it can literally come and greet them at the front door in the morning.

    Tesla Model S Interior

    Furthermore, the luxurious interior of the EV, is still built around the driver. There are several new options including heated and ventilated front seats and a medical-grade HEPA air filter. There are two brand new wood trim options for the cabin, including the Dark Ash and Figured Ash.

    The “gem” of the interior is the new 17 inch touchscreen. It is angled toward the driver for enhanced convenience and features day and night modes for better visibility. The touchscreen actually controls most of the car’s functions. For instance the driver can open the all glass panoramic roof, manage the climate control, changing the radio within a swipe or a touch. Another intricate detail is that the Model S periodically receives over the air software updates and this is how it adds new features and refreshes the touchscreen look and feel.

    A lot of attention has been paid to the safety of this car. Much of it is owed to the unique electric drivetrain, positioned beneath car’s aluminum occupant cell in its own subframe. This lowers the car’s center of gravity, and in turn enhances the handling and minimizes rollover risk. In case of side impacts, they are met by aluminum pillars reinforced with steel rails. There are also eight airbags, which protect front and rear occupants, while the high voltage power source is being automatically disconnected.

    Tesla Model S Facelift will soon go into production and will have a starting price of $71,500 USD.

    Here are the details about the performance of the car:

    • Model Variant:
    P90D
    Performance
    AWD
    90DAWD 70DAWD
    • Acceleration
    2.8 seconds 0-60 mph (Ludicrous);

    3.1 seconds 0-60 mph

    4.2 seconds 0-60 mph 5.2 seconds 0.60 mph
    • Torque
    713 lb-ft 485 lb-ft 387 lb-ft
    • Top Speed
    155 mph 155 mph 140 mph
    • Motor Power
    503 hp rear;259 hp front;

    532 hp (Ludicrous)

    259 hp front and rear 259 hp front and rear
    • Range
    270 miles (EPA) 294 miles (EPA)  240 miles (EPA)

    Source: Tesla

  • The Ultimate Truck that Mixes Two Identities: Meet the 2016 Ram 3500 Limited

    2016 Ram 3500 Limited  front and side viewDodge Ram has just released unique details and images for the MY2016 Ram 3500 Limited. The huge and masterful truck seems to mixes two worlds: the one of the towing machines where nothing is impossible and the other of luxury expression and comfortable treatment of the occupants.

    The Towing Identity

    To say it as simple as possible, the unique Ram 3500 Limited has under its skin is utilitarian truck that wants to be put to work. And this is not only because of its size, but also because of its enormous amounts of torque, 900 lb-ft. They come from the 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins turbodiesel, which by the way produces 350, 370, or 385 horsepower, depending on which transmission you choose.

    In addition, for its workaholic character speak also the solid axels, the huge four wheels with unique design and the bed at the back that can be filled with various types of materials.

    SEE ALSO: You Think Dodge Had Enough With Dart Lineup? Think Again! 

    The Luxurious Interior 

    2016 Ram 3500 Limited  Interior

    The Ram 3500 Luxury can be equipped with as few or as many modern luxuries as one can afford. Unlike the standard variant, which features the stripped-down Tradesman interior, the Limited Edition features the Longhorn Limited scheme.

    The cabin is so cozy, that once you enter it you will immediately fall in love. The soft black leather wraps the seats and the steering wheel, and is adorned by stitching. All four seats are heated.

    Depending on the optional features 2016 Ram 3500 can be ordered for as low as $33,480 USD.

    Source: Dodge Ram via WCF

  • 2017 Acura ILX Goes on Sale Today Priced at $27,990 USD

    2017 Acura ILX Front View2017 Acura ILX goes on sale today with a seductive starting price. It keeps the popular enhancements from the last model year and adds significant updates for the MY2016 in terms of power, exterior and interior styling, technology, luxury treatment and safety features. Not to mention the three new exterior color paint schemes. Priced as low as $27,990 USD, this is the most affordable sport sedan in Japanese company’s range.

    For the new model year, the ILX carries over the updates made to the exterior styling. This includes Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights and the signature technologies like the optional AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Reveals the NSX GT3 Racer in New York

    In terms of power, the car is driven by the 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine rated at 201 horsepower. The unit is connected to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission featuring paddle-controlled Sequential Sport Shift.

    2017 Acura ILX Interior

    As mentioned, there are three new exterior paint schemes, namely: Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and San Marino Red. The customers can also choose the already familiar Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Catalina Blue Pearl.

    2017 Acura ILX is available in three grades: ILX, ILX with Premium Package, and the top of the range ILX Tech Plus Package. There is also an A-SPEC Package with Premium and Tech Plus grades, which further highlights the ILX’s premium and performance character of the car. It adds sporty side sill garnishes, trunk spoiler, front fog lights, 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloys, and stylish interior enhancements.

    Here are the detailed price list and economy ratings for each grade:

    2017 ILX Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings:
    Model MSRP EPA MPG Ratings
    (city/highway/combined)
    • ILX
    $27,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with AcuraWatch™ Plus Package
    $29,290 25/35/29
    • ILX with Premium Package
    $29,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with Premium & A-SPEC Package
    $31,980 25/35/29
    • ILX with Tech Plus Package
    $32,990 25/35/29
    • ILX with Tech Plus & A-SPEC Package
    $34,980 25/35/29

    Source: Acura 

  • BBM Motorsport Releases Video of 815 HP Volkswagen Golf Gen One During Dyno Testing

    BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf 1 Dyno Testing BBM Motorsport is lately gathering strength and releasing in a row so nice projects that we just can’t keep our hands off the keyboard and not writing a word about them. Just like the last project, the heavily uprated Chevy Corvette C7 Z06, the tuners optimized a Volkswagen Golf (note!) from the first generation to the unimaginable 815 horsepower. But this is not all! They have captured a dyno session with it on a video, which you are lucky to watch below.

    As we all know (being fans of the tuning world), the after market proof of power before and after modification is a vital part of the development and testing process. In this particular case it is carried out on BBM’s chassis dynamometer, which is capable of measuring outputs of up to 2,000 hp and top speed of up to 320 km/h.

    SEE ALSO: BBM Motorsport Tunes Chevy Corvette C7 to 700HP and 1233 Nm [w/videos] 

    BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf 1 Engine

    Extremely unusual about this project is that BBM typically converts exotic or classic cars. The case with this Volkswagen however, is that it is what they call a “genuine sleeper”, because it eventually demonstrates its unexpected power potential.

    The DMK Motoring VW Golf 1 is driven by the 2.0-liter 16V engine, which the BBM dynamometer has credited with 815 hp! Everything was captured on film, with the incredible demonstration by the BBM Motorsport video crew, who has the task to document the daily work of BBM Motorsport and their visits to events and track days in moving pictures.

    And here it is:

    httpv://youtu.be/h8NIw0NL5bo

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: BBM Motorsport 

  • Which is World’s Fastest Convertible? [w/video]

    Hennessey Venom GT Spyder Front View If you follow us on Facebook, then you should know the answer to this question. There we have published a video with the correct answer. But to stop teasing you, I’ll immediately reveal it: it is Hennessey Performance’s Venom GT Spyder and it has been officially certified by Racelogic, the renowned independent speed testing company. In addition, Hennessey celebrates 25th anniversary this year, and the record is a great way to celebrate it.

    Precisely, Hennessey Venom GT Spyder has set the new world record for open-top sports cars at Naval Air Station Lemoore where Racelogic officially confirmed that the car achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph (427.4 km/h). Behind the wheel of the Venom GT roadster was Brian Smith, who is director of the Ford Performance Racing School.

    SEE ALSO: Hennessey and its Trifecta of Speed and Power at SEMA

    With this achievement, Hennessey has added another milestone to its list of successful achievements. Back in 2014, the company has made a spectacular record-breaking speed of the hardtop Hennessey Venom GT, during which it reached a top speed of 270.4 mph (435.3 km/h). These numbers make it the fastest convertible sports car in the world, beating the previous record holder Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Vitesse.

    Hennessey Venom GT Spyder  Side view plus certification

    Hennessey Venom GT is not a regular vehicle. It is powered by a twin-turbo 7.0L V8 engine, tuned to generate 1,451 bhp at 7,200 rpm and 1,287 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox by Ricardo puts the entire power down to the rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Venom GT is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 mph in less than 13 seconds.

    But there is more to that: Hennessey will produce a limited run of 3 “World Record Edition” Venom GT Spyder’s to commemorate the record run and at the same time pay tribute to the company’s 25thAnniversary.  Each will cost $1.3 million USD.

    And here’s the video, where you can see how the record was achieved:

    httpv://youtu.be/ZWy6GiWJxHs

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Hennessey Performance 

  • DMC Finds Simplicity with the new Lamborghini Huracan [w/video]

    DMC Lamborghini Huracan Simplicity front viewThe newest project of the tuning experts at DMC is called Simplicity. And this of course is for a reason. Based on the Lamborghini Huracan LP610, this supercar instead of being equipped with a full aerodynamic custom made kit, features only two parts of the package. But just like the vehicles that wear the complete DMC kit, especially the Limited Editions, this “partially” tuned Lambo looks just as great.

    The model depicted on the photos, which you can see in or gallery below, wears only DMC’s rear wing and base spoiler. The success of the tuning is that the styling of the Huracan has been kept and stays in harmony with the factory design. So to say, the beauty of this project comes with the innocence of this creation.

    SEE ALSO: DMC Shows Winged Huracan LP610 Cairo Edition 

    DMC Lamborghini Huracan Simplicity  Rear View

    In fact, the wing hardly seems to be made by an aftermarket company, because it looks so integrated, that one could say that it looks like coming straight from the factory. This means that DMC are able to come up with a timeless design, which merges with the car seamlessly.

    If you ask about the wing, well, we must highlight that it is German TUV certified and can be adjusted in three different aerodynamic angles: GT-, Cruise- and Fun-Mode. Now you get the idea behind the name “Simplicity”, don’t you?

    At last, we want to show you a short video of DMC’s booth at the Geneva Car Show. It contains close up scenes of client’s inspecting the company’s LP610 Huracan Wing Spoiler Jeddah Edition, and it is worth the watch!

    httpv://youtu.be/9wLfMS4Xpos

    Video Source: DMC 

    Source: DMC

  • Bilstein Builds Captain America’s Car Based on Fiat 500 Cinquone

    Bilstein Fiat 500 Cinquone USA Front ViewIf you have ever wondered if Captain America had a car what it would be, then we have the answer. And it is the newest tuning project of the specialist at Bilstein. Maybe you’d be surprised at what car they have actually chosen, but we assure you that the result looks just great. As a basis the tuning experts worked on the Fiat 500 from Romeo Ferraris.

    The exterior is in the spirit of the Avenger superhero: it features stars and stripes on the bonnet as well as on the boot. Painted in white, this car seem like it has fought beside the famous hero, because all over its exterior it has worn out elements, which of course have been made on purpose.

    SEE ALSO: Sweet and Handsome, FIAT 500S Received Tons of Attention at the Geneva Show

    The harmonious outfit of the Fiat 500 is continued via multispoke alloy wheels painted in the famous blue color, inspired by the costume of Captain America. They were shod with low profile tires. What we can’t see however is the most interesting part of the tuning of this unique Cinquone USA.

    Bilstein Fiat 500 Cinquone USA rear View

    Underneath the bonnet, the unit of this mini vehicle has been uprated and it now achieves 210 horsepower. This turns the muscular little city car from Romeo Ferraris into an exceptional fast experience.

    Other unique features in the project include the centaur on the radiator grille and Bilstein’s B14 coilover suspension. The latter turns the “shorty” into a hero. Inverted Mono-tube and gas-pressure technology are also two features which need to be highlighted.

    Bilstein Fiat 500 Cinquone USA will be on display at the 14th Tuning World Bodensee Show, which will take place in Germany between 5th and 8th of May.

    Source: Bilstein 

  • Volkswagen Touran Gets Significant Updates for Engine Range and Interior Styling

    Volkswagen Touran Front ViewThe latest edition of Volkswagen Touran went on sale in October stronger than ever before and it has never been so well equipped. The German company is now updating the engine range with two new units. In addition, there is also a brand new design pack, which offers more style for the interior. Here are the details.

    The New Engines

    The expanded range of Touran engines from now features two new powerful variants. The first one is the 180 PS (132 kW) TSI version and the second one is the 190 PS (140 kW) TDI unit. Volkswagen highlights that both powertrains have their “focus on efficiency and driving pleasure”.

    SEE ALSO: VW Introduces The Special Golf 40th Anniversary 

    How does the Touran benefit from the two new top-of-the-range engine options? First and foremost it gets significantly enhanced sporting character. For instance, the 1.8-litre TSI, which produces 180 PS is capable of achieving a top speed of 218 km/h and the maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1250 and 5000 rpm. In addition, the 1.8 TSI benefits from the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The pricing starts at €34,250 and includes the Highline specification.

    On the other hand the 2.0-litre TDI gains significant increase in performance: its 190 PS coming from the four-cylinder engine reaches a top speed of 220 km/h, but it still manages to consume just 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres. This variant in the Highline specification and equipped with 6-speed DSG has a starting price at €37,150.

    Volkswagen Touran Side View

    Extensive “Milano” Design Package

    Besides the two powerful additions to the engine lineup, Volkswagen Touran will also benefit from the brand new pack for its interior, called “Milano” design package. Called “Milano” for a reason, this pack gives the Touran a “trace of Italian elegance”.

    Precisely, it includes ambient lighting, roofliner in titanium black and “piano black” inlays for the centre console, the instrument panel and in the door panels. The centre seat panels have a volcano-brown “ArtVelours” micro fleece, while the seats and the steering wheel com in “Nappa” leather. By the way, the front seats also have heating function. If we got you interested, the “Milano” design package can be ordered for the Comfortline and Highline specifications and has a pricing of €1,675.

    Source: Volkswagen 

  • Red Sport 400, Performance Flagship of Infiniti Q50 Priced Below $50,000 USD

    2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 Front ViewInfiniti’s Q50 performance flagship is called Red Sport 400 and it is now its time to go one sale in the United States. The offers are very seductive and start under $50,000 USD for both the rear-wheel and the all-wheel drive. But how will you benefit if you buy the new Q50 Red Sport 400?

    First and foremost, we must highlight that this is the only car on the market with so much horsepower and priced under $50,000 USD. The 2016 Q50 Red Sport 400 has a sport-tuned, high-output 3.0 liter V6 twin turbo engine, which is rated at 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 474 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque.

    Additionally customers will enjoy wide variety of “performance-intensifying features” like the sport styled front fascia, the sport brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, the sport-tuned Digital Dynamic Suspension and the new rack-based Electronic Power Steering. As an option, they can also opt for the Direct Adaptive Steering.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Infiniti Q50 Offers a Competitive Pricing in a Luxury Package

    At no cost, the new drivers of the model will benefit from leather-appointed sport seats, aluminum-accented pedals and solid magnesium paddle shifters as well as exclusive Red Sport 400 brushed-finish exhaust tips. Not to mention the unique Red Sport 400 19-inch sport alloys as well as the chrome finished red “S” exterior sport badging on the trunk and front fenders.

    An interesting fact is that the new VR-series engine family replaces the 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 in the Q50. Some of the key features for the Red Sport 400 version include a compact, lightweight aluminum-alloy engine block and cylinder heads, Gasoline Direct Injection system, improved turbine blade design, an optical turbo speed sensor, high capacity air-to-water intercooler system with dual water pumps, electronic wastegate actuator, e-motor valve timing control and an integrated exhaust manifold.

    By the way, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 is also offered with three different powertrains, namely the 2.0-liter I4 Turbo, the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid and the 300 hp 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo unit. The Q50 2.0t and Q50 Hybrid Premium models have starting price at $33,950 USD, while the Q50 Hybrid Premium’s price tag begins at $47,050 USD. The newest 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo equipped 3.0t model will have a pricing announced at a later time. And here are the details for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400.

    Model Engine/Drive MSRP
    • Q50 Red Sport 400
    3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo / RWD $47,950 USD
    • Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD
    3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo / AWD $49,950 USD

    Source: Infiniti

  • Tesla Model S Elizabeta is the Next Great Thing in LARTE Design’s Garage

    Larte Design Tesla Model S Elizabeta Front ViewLARTE Design’s Tesla S Elizabeta is a project we have seen so far… but not in the form we are going to present it now. We have just received the latest photoshoot of the famous electric vehicle, which was additionally customized by the Russian-based tuner. You can enjoy the images from the so called “industrial” photoshoot in our gallery below.

    And if we got your interest, here are the details about this special project. The current Elizabeta version by LARTE Design features amazing package, which comprises of unique front and rear bumpers. In addition, after further refinement of some details, the car has become more attractive. For instance, such parts are the fog lamps, which are no longer hidden behind the body parts.

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

    There are three different materials that the kit can be made of and these include: composite material, composite material and additional carbon fiber details, and stronger and lightweight basalt fibers and carbon fiber details.

    Larte Design Tesla Model S Elizabeta Side View

    Depending on what material one chooses, there can be different changes included in the exterior. The carbon fiber details however are the following: attachments for fender flares and side sills, a trunk lid pad and a lightning-like inlay in the radiator grille, and a front lip spoiler and inserts for the rear bumper’s diffuser.

    Elizabeta is a project which aims at creating a brand new visual appearance for the electric Model S. The designers at LARTE Design have managed to create lightning-like clear lines to highlight the sporty nature of the EV. In other words the custom kit of this car strives to deliver an image that symbolizes the art of “transformation, passion for self-expression and individuality”.

    Source: Larte Design 

  • Rolls-Royce Black Badge: Taken to the Extremes

    Rolls-Royce Black Badge front view Rolls-Royce Black Badge is definitely a must-see vehicle. It is so special that it actually celebrates the fact of being most extreme edition in luxury company’s lineup. With it the brand is actually paying tribute to some other extremes from the company’s history. Since 1927 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is based at its flagship showroom in Berkeley Square and for that amount of time it has seen a lot of extremes. Here are some of them.

    First and foremost, the company is offering its customers literally unlimited options for personalization. This means that it allows the buyers to choose a car in a favorite exterior color. One of the most specific color schemes ever desired was a red exterior and a bubblegum pink interior. An interesting detail here is that the customer actually brought in a t-shirt that he wanted to match the pink color to.

    SEE ALSO: DMC Releases Rather Strange “LOVE” Rolls-Royce Ghost SaRangHae

    The next position is for the tradition that Rolls-Royce has in making the delivery of the car a special occasion. In fact, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London makes sure it is an occasion to remember, and takes the new owner through every aspect of their car. It is not a short process but a long one and it actually takes on average three hours for the introduction. Even more, at the end the owner even gets a gift specific to their car.

    Rolls-Royce Black Badge Interior

    Number three: it takes five hours for each car to valet and get just right before it is sold. Under fourth position is the careful exterior painting that every Rolls-Royce car has. The exclusive mirror-like finish is achieved via the application of five layers of paint, which is a process that takes 7 days and uses over 100lb of paint.

    The fifth “extreme” is probably my favorite and it is the starry sky. Called the “Starlight Headliner”, this is one of the most popular bespoke features in a modern Rolls-Royce. It comprises of 1340 individually hand-woven fibre-optics in the interior roof. The customers can even specify a specific constellation, which will be verified by a local observatory.

    Rolls-Royce Black Badge is going to be revealed at company’s London showroom this July.

    Source: Rolls-Royce