Lidia Todorova – Page 220 – Automobiles Review

Volvo Concept Coupe Shows The Future Design Language Of The Brand

Volvo Concept Coupe was inspired by the modern and extremely progressive Scandinavian lifestyle and design. Of course, the concept includes iconic elements for the brand, but it is the first of a series of three concept cars that reveal the design possibilities created by the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

The design of the vehicle is made by Thomas Ingenlath, who is the new Senior Vice President of Design. Through it, he aims to give an idea of the next generation of Volvo models, starting with the forthcoming XC90 in 2014.

When one looks at the concept it immediately creates on them a powerful visual impact, thanks to the new proportions and athletic stance. In addition, the distance between the dashboard and the front axle is extended and the greenhouse has been moved rearwards.

Other new design cues are the new lower hood, roof, and 21-inch five-spoke wheels. A beltline that spans an elegant bow along the whole car additionally highlights the sporty visual characteristics of the car. Entirely new are the topography on the hood and the ‘floating’ grille, flanked by headlights featuring new T-shaped daytime running lights guides.

As a matter of fact, the Volvo Concept Coupé includes design elements which refer back to 1960 Volvo P1800. For the concept, the designer has used elements inspired from the P1800 exterior and interior. For instance, a highlight in the interior is the sparkling crystal gear-leaver which perfectly complements the blue-grey exterior.

Throughout the interior is also visible a leather instrument panel, inlays made of naturally aged wood and the dark blue woven carpets as well as beautifully machined metal details. Furthermore, a large portrait touch-screen is an embodiment of Volvo Cars’ human-centric user experience.

The new Volvo Concept is powered by gasoline plug-in hybrid system. It is the most powerful version in the new four-cylinder Drive-E engine family. The concept vehicle includes a two-liter high-performance Drive-E gasoline engine with a supercharger and turbo. On the other hand, the petrol engine is matched to the electric motor on the rear axle. Volvo Concept Coupé delivers a total output of around 400 hp (294 kW) and over 596 Nm (440 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Source: Volvo

August 29, 2013

Chevrolet Malibu (2014) With Included Stop/Start Technology

2014 Chevrolet Malibu will be going on sale this autumn and will be equipped with fuel-saving stop/start technology. The latter will be standard on the 2.5L base model. Thanks to it the Malibu shows an EPA-estimated 25 city and 36 highway mpg fuel economy.

This means that the stop/start technology will improve the fuel efficiency of this Chevrolet model by automatically shutting off the engine when the car comes to a stop. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes their foot off the brake.

An auxiliary 12-volt battery is utilized during restarts in order to power electric accessories like the heating and air conditioning, power windows and radio. In addition, the same technology monitors car’s speed, climate control system and also determines whether it is efficient to shut off the engine in certain driving conditions.

Furthermore, a valve-actuation technology which is familiar as Intake Valve Lift Control is incorporated into Malibu’s 2.5L engine. This system also improves the fuel efficiency and operates in low-lift mode. This means that the engine pumps only the air it needs to meet the driver’s demand.

When it is in high-lift mode in cases of higher speeds or under heavy loads, it delivers the full output of the engine. What is more, the variable intake valve actuation also helps lower emissions.

The engine is coupled with a six-speed 6T45 transmission that includes refinements in order to minimize the energy required to pump transmission fluid and also contributes towards additional fuel economy savings.

The additional new features on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu include a revised front-end appearance, roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room, redesigned center console, suspension enhancements, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features as an option.

The new Malibu will be available in three grades: LS, LT and LTZ. The base model will be equipped with 2.5L engine powertrain and it will have a starting price of US $22 965 for the LS, US $24 335 for the 1LT, US $26 040 for the 2LT and US $28 515 for the top LTZ trim.

Source: Chevrolet

August 29, 2013

2014 Dacia Duster To Debut At Frankfurt Motor Show

2014 Dacia Duster will make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle has been upgraded for European left hand drive markets, but it keeps its design characteristics that made its success.

The new Duster will sport more emphatic 4×4 design cues. The front end for example has been refined and now includes redesigned grille. The latter is adorned by two chrome-plated strips and houses a new air intake and double-optic headlights with daytime running lights.

These upgrades additionally highlight the vehicle’s on-road muscular appearance and “go-anywhere” character. The overall result is that the new Dacia model has even stronger character while retaining its initial DNA.

On the other hand the SUV character of the car is strengthened by the new roof bars with slatted supports. Moreover, the 2014 Duster runs on new 16-inch “Dark Metal” alloy wheels which are coupled with Mud and Snow tyres.

Another new design element is visible at the back of the car and it is the new rear-lights. Their design is made to echo the styling cues of the front end, notably though the utilization of chrome. In addition, the chrome-plated tail pipe and the brand-new badging round out the entire exterior.

Source: Dacia

August 28, 2013

World Premieres Of Volkswagen e-Golf And e-up! In Frankfurt

Volkswagen will make a double world premiere at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing two new and extremely efficient electric vehicles: Volkswagen e-up! and Volkswagen e-Golf. Both cars are zero-emissions and will offer everyday practicality, the comfortability of four doors, and attractively equipment.

The standard features they are going to be equipped with are automatic climate control with parking heater and ventilation, radio-navigation system, windscreen heating, LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.

The two new cars also set records in terms of energy efficiency. Volkswagen e-up! consumes only 11.7 kWh of electricity per 100 km. On the other hand, the e-Golf consumes 12.7 kWh per 100 km. Both vehicles are intuitive to operate and very practical. They were manufactured with the same high-volume production systems as their counterparts with combustion engines.

Volkswagen e-Golf has an 85 kW (115 hp) electric motor, which generates a maximum drive torque of 270 Nm (200 lb-ft). Therefore it is effortless for the front-wheel drive vehicle to reach 100 km/h from standstill in 10.4 seconds on its way to an electronically limited Vmax of 140 km/h.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen e-up!, which will also make a debut, is driven by an electric motor that delivers 60 kW (82 hp) and generates 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque. The front-wheel-drive e-up! finishes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds. The top speed here is 130 km/h.

Furthermore, regarding the driving ranges, the e-up! can drive 160 km on one battery charge (18.7 kWh), while the e-Golf with its larger battery (24.2 kWh) has a range of 190 km. In addition, in both model is included two very efficient driving modes: Eco, Eco+ and four just regenerative braking modes: D1, D2, D3 and B.

The new Volkswagen models also ensure fast charging by using CCS charging stations. They utilize direct current and the result is shorten time to charge the battery. For instance, 80 percent of the capacity of the battery is charged for less than 30 minutes.

The new zero-emission Volkswagen vehicles aim to deliver to the electric car segment innovative technology, everyday practicality and a dynamic driving experience.

Source: Volkswagen

August 28, 2013

Pricing Announced For 2014 Toyota Corolla

2014 Toyota Corolla was exclusively revealed in the beginning of June showing its dramatically elevated design and great efficiency. Now, Toyota is revealing the pricing of its emblematic model which will be available at an attainable price.

The new Corolla will be available in four trim levels: L, LE, S, and LE Eco. The L grade will be equipped with a new 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic one. This trim level will include a wide range of standard features: LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, Standard Bluetooth connectivity, driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) seats, and eight airbags.

Next, the Corolla LE offers a list of convenient standard features on the top of the L grade: Backup monitor, Climate control, Cruise control, Keyless entry, Entune Audio which includes 6.1” touchscreen and enhanced fuel economy delivered by the new CVTi-S transmission.

The sporty Corolla S not only offers more athletic visual stance, but it is also equipped with the following: aggressive lower front grille with a piano black finish and chrome surround, unique suspension tuning for the 17-inch wheel package, paddle shifters (with CVTi-S) to actuate sequential 7-speeds, sport cluster gauge with TFT meter, ornate piano black instrument panel, supportive sport seats and leather steering wheel cover.

At last, the Corolla LE Eco trim level will deliver to its customer improved fuel economy, because it is equipped with 140hp Valvematic engine. The model also has improved aerodynamics, and unique CVTi-S tuning.

Furthermore, Toyota has added two new models to the LE, S, and LE Eco grades: Plus and Premium. The first one adds alloy wheels plus selected features as standard equipment, while the Premium model adds alloy wheels and Softex seats also as a standard.

LE Plus: 16” alloy wheels and integrated fog lights
LE Premium: 16” alloy wheels, integrated fog lights, and Softex seats
S Plus: 17” alloy wheels and rear disc brakes
S Premium: 17” alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, and Softex seats
LE Eco Plus: 16” alloy wheels, integrated fog lights, chrome beltline, Eco driving mode
LE Eco Premium: 16” alloy wheels, integrated fog lights, chrome beltline, Eco driving mode, and Softex seats

2014 Toyota Corolla Complete Model Pricing

Grade	Transmission	MY14 MSRP	MY13 MSRP	Change
L	6MT	$16,800	$16,230	$570
L	4AT	$17,400	$17,060	$340
LE	CVTi-S	$18,300	$18,180	$120
LE Plus	CVTi-S	$18,700	-	NA
LE Premium	CVTi-S	$19,400	-	NA
S	CVTi-S	$19,000	$19,060	-$60
S Plus	CVTi-S	$19,700	-	NA
S Premium	CVTi-S	$20,400	-	NA
S Plus	6MT	$21,300*	$18,230	$3,070
ECO	CVTi-S	$18,700	-	NA
ECO Plus	CVTi-S	$19,400	-	NA
ECO Plus	CVTi-S	$20,100	-	NA

2014 Toyota Corolla Option Pricing

Package

Contents

MSRP

Model Applicability

Moonroof

Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade

$850

LE Plus, LE Premium, S Plus*, S Premium*, LE Eco Plus, LE Eco Premium

Drivers Convenience Package

Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, panic, trunk-release, and liftgate functions

Entune Premium Audio – includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle with navigation and app suite, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod® connectivity and control, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology and 6.1 in high resolution touch-screen display with HD radio with traffic and weather, SiriusXM Radio with 90-day All-Access trial, Gracenotes

$1510

LE Plus, LE Premium, S Plus*, S Premium*, LE Eco Plus, LE Eco Premium

Source: Toyota

August 28, 2013

Ford S-MAX Concept Offers Sharp Design And Advanced Technologies

Ford S-MAX Concept is a new sport activity vehicle which has just been revealed. It is a refined version of the popular current S-MAX and it takes its characteristics to new levels delivering sharper design, many advanced technologies and high-end craftsmanship.

The new concept is created according to the latest Ford global design philosophy and includes a high mounted grille, swept-back headlamps and a one-of-a-kind new lower fascia. The profile of the vehicle features a front bonnet which sweeps effortlessly into the sharply raked front screen, which in turn flows into the dynamic arc of the roof.

In addition, the stance of the car is further emphasized by its sculptured muscular shoulders, and distinctive headlamps which include Organic LEDs. They are the latest development in lighting and offer better flexibility, fast response and colour range.

Inside the vehicle is offered a versatile interior which can be used from four to seven people. In fact, the interior expresses new design and delivers more convenience, connectivity and flexibility.

The front cabin includes dynamic shapes and forms which are fully visible through the high-set instrument panel in the centre console, while the innovative interior roof design optimizes the feeling of spaciousness. Throughout the interior are utilized high quality materials such as ultra-soft leather wrap for the instrument panel, and leather and carbon fibre detailing for the sculptured seats.

Other highlights here are in terms of the technology included. Ford SYNC system sits at the heart of the vehicle’s advanced connectivity features. It uses MyFord Touch which delivers wireless internet access and is supported by a tablet docking station. Next, the SYNC AppLink enables the driver to voice-control smart phone applications.

Communication and sensor systems on the other hand provide the Ford S-MAX Concept with detailed information about the driving environment. For instance, here are available the Ford’s advanced car-to-car communications technology, Ford Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist, advanced version of Active Park Assist and Cross Traffic Alert. In the interior are also offered a range of smart solutions such as Thin Seat Technology and Dual-View Display.

Under the hood of this model is positioned the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with turbocharging, twin-independent variable camshaft timing. It also features advanced technologies which enhance the power and fuel economy of the car.

Source: Ford

August 28, 2013

Vilner Revives Mitsubishi Pajero

Art Studio Vilner has given a new and more luxurious life to the old and plain Mitsubishi Pajero. The professionals have broken the myth that this Mitsubishi can not look luxurious.

The story of this project began when a few months ago a client who lived in Denmark and who was delighted by the tuning company’s projects came to the designer’s studio with a big plea: to breathe a new life to the sentimental for him Mitsubishi Pajero. And not just any life, but one which is luxurious and impressive.

In fact, the project was worth several times the value of the car. The working process began with the complete disassembling of the automobile. Then it was cleaned of rust, diligently restored down to the tiniest detail, and then repainted.

Next, the tuners isolated the entire coupe with vibration and noise insulation for maximum comfort, and then they began with the interior. The client have chosen color scheme in brown and black, and due to the fact that that everything originally was in grey, there was a need to remake every single detail in the interior – from the floor mats to the door seals.

All of the dashboard plastic elements were repainted in high-gloss black, and the others were covered with Alcantara. Details and engraved plaques were built in and they were made of real Walnut veneer, which was then treated with satin varnish for more natural feel.

Another highlight here is the decision to suture the veneer to other materials. Moreover, this Mitsubishi was also equipped with built in a high-quality audio system, which is controlled via an Audison processor for finer adjustment of the sound.

At last, in order to enhance the feeling of luxury, Vilner created an individual travel bag made of the same leather as the interior and carrying company’s logo.

August 27, 2013

Peugeot 308 R Concept To Debut In Frankfurt

Peugeot 308 R Concept is ultra sporty vehicle which was refined to the extreme. Its bodywork has received a two-tone treatment – the combination of red and black, with a clean line of separation.

The new concept of the French brand is powered by the engine of the new RCZ R, and it is capable of generating 270 hp (199 kW). In addition, the low posture of the car, its wide track, its toned bodywork show that its sports vocation.

The sportiness is fully-expressed first through the colors used. The front is plain red and has a fluorescent base for flamboyance. The contrast is made at the rear where a textured blue-black at is visible. The oblique cut line is inspired by the Onyx Supercar Concept.

Furthermore, the doors, front wings, the body sides and sills, bonnet and bumpers are made of carbon fibre. The front face has exudes aggressiveness and includes three air intakes in the lower section. They stretch across the entire lower front panel, which covers a track widened by 30 mm. To be more precise, the central intake comprises of thin horizontal bars framed with a bluish Dark Chrome bead, while the side intakes are covered with a carbon mesh.

The radiator grille is finished with a bluish Dark Chrome bead surround. In addition, Full LED headlamps are positioned within the lower front panel. They further enhance the attitude and stance of this concept. The exterior mirrors are also made of carbonfibre and include the direction indicator with LEDs.

In profile, the concept is lowered by 26 mm which is highlighted by the body sills that have a matt black trim finish. This Peugeot was fitted with 19” bespoke wheels. At the rear, 308 R Concept shows its rear lights, with the three claws outlined by LEDs. Two symmetrical exhaust tailpipes protrude through black lacquered trims, which frame the air vents.

Going inside the car, the controls are clear and simple, and the steering is communicative. The instrument panel is located in such way that it can be viewed over the steering wheel. At last, a large 9.7” touch screen brings the vehicle environment controls together.

Under the hood of the Peugeot 308 R Concept is hidden the 1.6-litre THP 270 engine, which develops its maximum power at 6000rpm and generates 330 Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque available from 1900 to 5500rpm. The power is transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and exploits its potential through the front axle via a Torsen™ differential.

The braking system of the vehicle comprises of Alcon discs in impressive dimensions: 380 mm in diameter and 32 mm thick at the front, 330 mm and 22 mm at the rear. They are fitted on an aluminium hub, and equipped with four-piston calipers. This astonishing braking power passes to the ground through 235/35 R19 tyres.

Peugeot 308 R Concept will make its official world debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Peugeot

August 27, 2013

First Image Of Infiniti Q30 Concept Revealed

After revealing a sketch of the new Infiniti Q30 Concept, the brand now reveals the first image of the car. The world premiere of the concept will happen at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The Infiniti Q30 Concept will be a preview of the contemporary design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle. The aim is to attract as many customers from the new generation as possible. In fact, the Q30 Concept is a full embodiment of company’s vision to deliver head-turning design, innovative materials with precise fit and finish, exquisite craftsmanship.

As one can see, the shape of the new concept can’t be categorized. It is neither a coupe, nor a hatch or a crossover. It seems like it is a mix of those three body styles. It is designed for those who seek an alternative to traditional premium compact cars and are open to the new.

The combination of the three body styles means that the concept will merge the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover. Infiniti Q30 Concept clearly signals that the brand has a new strategy to extend the into new premium segments.

Source: Infiniti

August 27, 2013

M&D Exclusive Cardesign Transforms Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe

M&D Exclusive Carstyling has presented to us a complete conversion done on the Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe. The Mercedes is powered by the classical 5.5 litre V8 engine.

The main highlight of this conversion is the multi-part PD850 Black Edition wide body construction kit. In addition to the front of the coupe were also added front bumper bar, engine hood attachment, a set of completely new fenders and a front spoiler lip painted in red.

The connection between the front and the rear was made by the curved side skirts. On the other hand, the rear was broadened with the help of new side panel extensions and new rear fender skirt with integrated diffuser.What is more, a trunk cover spoiler delivers compacting pressure on the rear axle.

The engine under the hood – the V8 one with a cubic capacity of 5,461 ccm, generates 387 horsepower (285 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. However, this wasn’t enough neither for the designers nor for the customers. Hence, there was made a performance boost up to 401 horsepower (295 kW) via a software optimization. The torque was also enhanced and it is now 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

To make the tuning even more exquisite, the M&D manufactured especially for this car a sports exhaust system from stainless steel. Its ends were fitted with a set of original SL65 AMG end-pipes. Additionally, the cover of the engine compartment was fitted with bicoloured painting in red and black to match the colour concept.

M&D Exclusive Cardesign Mercedes-Benz E500 Coupe runs on light alloy wheels in the format 9×20 inches and 10.5×20 inches for the front and the rear, which were then fitted with 235/30R20 and 285/25R20 Falken FK452 tyres. Next, performance springs delivered by H&R Company contributed for the lowering of the chassis. Moreeover, two individualised brake callipers painted in red are visible behind the rims.

The tuning did not stop here however. M&D thus constructed an AMG facelift airbag steering wheel with shift paddles and an AMG gear selector lever and painted all decorative wooden parts in deep black. A complete LED surroundings illumination was also added.

Source: M&D Exclusive Cardesign

August 27, 2013

BBM Motorsport Introduces BMW E91 330d

BBM-Motorsport-BMW-E91-330d-651 The German based tuning specialists at BBM Motorsport are introducing their latest work done on the BMW E91 330d. The main highlight here is that this BMW’s power output was increased from 231 horsepower (170 kW) to a 274 horsepower (201 kW) and the maximum torque from 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) to 659 Newton meters (488 lb-ft).

This power enhancement was achieved via the utilization of BBM chip tuning system. The latter was developed on the basis of the company’s own Dynojet 224xLC performance test platform.

What is more, a mojor share of the power boost can also be attributed to the software optimization as well as the complete Supersprint exhaust system. This BMW station wagon was given a KW Street Comfort coilover kit for to facilitate a spinal disk-friendly drive. The vehicle was equipped with a combination of the 8×19 and 9×19 inches BBS CH-R rims and the 225/35 and 225/30 tyres.

And in order to catch more attention, the vehicle was entirely wrapped with matt red foil highlighted in matt black with the help of SFT Carwrap. To make it even more attractive, the BMW emblems and the side markers were tinted in dark shade. The same theme is continued in the interior where the strips were adapted to the look like the matt red exterior wrapping.

Other highlights here are delivered by FM-Coding and include the following: side markers and daytime running lights, a digital speed display system and a comfort eject function. The latter automatically ejects the car key as soon as the “Engine off“ button is pressed.

A video giving an example of the sound of the BBM Motorsport BMW E91 330d can be previewed below:

httpv://youtu.be/8CcE6b44MhE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BBM Motorsport

August 26, 2013

Totally Transformed: New Ad For 2014 Kia Soul

2014 Kia Soul was revealed last week and it was also disclosed that the vehicle is going to make its official European debut next month at Frankfurt Motor Show. Now it is time for Kia to present the advertising campaign of the new model.

The brand has already released an official video, which to be honest is my favorite commercial so far. In it the famous brightly clothed hamsters are appearing again. After their debut in 2009 they have become nearly pop icons, and I must confirm that thanks to this video their popularity will become even bigger.

Five years later, the hamsters have slimmed down and slicked their hair back, and come to introduce the latest version of 2014 Kia Soul. The ad carries the name “Totally Transformed” and it features Lady Gaga’s newest hit “Applause”.

In “Totally Transformed”, the hamsters have followed suit by getting fit and developing a new fashion sense that reflects the sophistication of the newly refined Soul.

The redesigned Soul is more refined and functional than ever. It offers more room, more available premium features and materials, improved driving dynamics and an instantly recognizable fresh appearance.

The vehicle’s design was inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, but it adds more freshness and attitude. It retains the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height. 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider.

In addition, the enhanced torque and significant suspension upgrades make the new Soul an agile companion in city environments. The interior of the model is made via higher quality materials and now has more driver-focused design. It offers a wide range of standard comfort and convenience features, including Bluetooth wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Source: Kia

August 26, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova