Lidia Todorova – Page 224 – Automobiles Review

Acura NSX Concept To Make Special Appearance At 2013 Pebble Beach

Acura NSX Concept is going to make a special appearance at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 18th of August. In fact, the Acura brand is the Official Sponsor of the event, where all kinds and models of luxury vehicles will be on display.

The Concours is a celebration of style and refinement and this makes it the perfect place for a display of such exquisite model as the NSX Concept. The alignment between the brand and the prestigious event is a triumph of the ultimate celebration of the automobile.

Currently, a production model of the SX is being developed by the engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Raymond, Ohio. In addition, the next-generation Acura sports car will go on sale in 2015.

The with the production of this model is to deliver to customers supercar dynamic capabilities and advanced environmental performance. The NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine which will be matched to Acura’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

The latter is a three-motor high-performance hybrid system which mixes torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency. This happens through the utilization of three electric motors: one is integrated with the V-6 engine and its all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the rear wheels, while the two motors drive the front wheels.

Moreover, the system delivers immediately negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The aim is to achieve a new level of driving performance which is unparalleled by current AWD systems.

Source: Acura

August 13, 2013

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor To Pace NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is the first EcoBoost®-powered sport truck which has been chosen to pace the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Michigan National Guard 200 on 17th of August. In fact, the Michigan International Speedway is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. This made the choice for the vehicle pacing the field very easy because it also needs to be fast.

F-150 Tremor not only will deliver high speeds when needed, but also thanks to its light-weight configuration, EcoBoost engine and launch-optimized performance, is perfect for this task. The new truck will feature the style of the FX Appearance Package and launch-optimized 4.10 rear axle in order to deliver customers with fast acceleration.

To be more precise, the FX Appearance Package includes stealthy, flat-black accents with unique 20-inch wheels, stylized bodyside graphics and black badges with red lettering. In addition, the Tremor will also offer flow-through center console and bucket seats.

The interior of this Ford model include black leather seating surfaces with red piping, brushed-metal accents and a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also featured Alcantara seat inserts which add texture and style.

More importantly, the F-150 Tremor is powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The latter delivers 365 horsepower (268 kW) at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel and generates 570 Nm (420 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine also includes twin independent variable camshaft timing for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.

The vehicle will be offered in two- or four-wheel-drive versions, both of which will include an electronic locking rear differential. The F-150 Tremor also comes standard with SYNC® with MyFord Touch, which comprises of a large 8-inch LCD color touch screen, media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.

2014 F-150 Tremor will go on sale this autumn.

Source: Ford

August 13, 2013

Mercedes-Benz GLA Teased Ahead Of Official Reveal

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA has just been teased on brand’s official Facebook page with couple of sketches. They give a vague idea of what the new model will look like. The two design sketches show the front and the rear of the car and we can surely say that it will look astonishing when it will be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The A-Class based small crossover is going to enter a full production starting from next week, and it is expected to be seen in dealerships in the beginning of next year. This Mercedes-Benz vehicle has been revealed already in the form of a concept, which made a debut in June this year at Auto Shanghai.

So we are very much to see the same model in Frankfurt which is 4,380 mm long, 1,970 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall and has a 2,690 mm long wheelbase. The GLA concept is also powered by the familiar 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol unit used in the A250. It generates 211 hp (155 kW).

The engine is matched to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox sending the power to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Additional highlights of the concept feature bulging hood, raked windscreen, protection plates under the bumpers, roof rails, muscular wheel arches (with moldings), dual exhaust and 20” alloys covered by 255/45 R20 tires.

The only thing left in question is whether we are to see the same specifications in the production vehicle.

Pictures Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

August 13, 2013

Design Triumph: Vilner Ducati Diavel AMG

Vilner Ducati Diavel AMG is the name of the latest project of the Bulgarian luxury tuning specialists at Studio Vilner. Although they mainly work on elaborate exterior and interior designs of automobiles, we have seen so far that they can make a motorbike look as exquisite and special as never before. The same is the case with this Ducati model.

The professionals at Vilner revealed that they have reworked this muscle motorbike not because they weren’t satisfied with its design, but because of the simple reason that their client wanted to be the only one in the world to posses the most expensive Ducati Diavel AMG.

They also disclosed that it was very tough and responsible task to rework a model which has been in the hands of AMG. To finalize the project they needed four months for designing it and three weeks to diligently work on it.

The designers kept the angel-pearl white color of this limited edition Ducati and synchronized it with white tube frame, thus giving the Diavel its gloomy view. The effect was additionally enhanced by the new mask on the front-light.

Precisely over the radiators, Studio Vilner mounted entirely new air-ducts, trimmed with black leather straps and contrasting white stitching. Furthermore, there were also created brand new wings of the telescopes. The result is even more sophisticated and unique vision of the front part of the motorbike.

Another entirely reworked part is the tail. As a matter of fact, it was the only element of the Diavel which the luxury designers didn’t like. To make it in resonance with their taste, they have narrowed it and therefore gave a lighter vision to the motorbike’s rear. In addition, there were also added some new white elements around the tail-lights.

What was left untouched are the already perfect AMG wheels, the embossed seat made of Alcantara and the AMG sports exhaust. The latter is capable of producing a sound like it is coming from the depths of hell. Vilner Ducati Diavel AMG is equipped with 1198 cc engine.

All in all the end result is unique. It not only costs ridiculous amount of money, but it is also one-of-a-kind around the globe. Of course, a serial number comes to testify this, and it is 0350.

August 12, 2013

2014 Toyota Hilux Invincible Combines Power And Style

2014 Toyota Hilux Invincible is going to extend Hilux’s presence on the automotive market. The model became renowned throughout the world for its excellent quality, durability and reliability. The Invincible model is going to complement the current DLX, DLX+, SR and SR+ Hilux model range and thus to deliver even better choice to customers.

In fact, this Toyota vehicle is perfect for those who wish to have a pick up that combines power and dependability with greater comfort and style. The Invincible model is to be at the top-of-the-range and will be available in a choice of Extra Cab or Double Cab body styles and ‘Active’ or ‘Sport’ versions.

First, the Hilux Invincible Active includes a silver front underguard, chrome air-intake, fog lamp and rear lamp bezels, and ‘Invincible’ door badging. It has an all black interior which features black fabric seats, a soft padded armrest, a leather handbrake, a light grey roof lining and ‘Invincible’ scuff plates.

Next, the Hilux Invincible Sport adds to the previous specifications chrome hi-bars, and the optional availability of a new hard-top, chrome side bars, new 17″ dual-tone alloy wheels and black, full leather seats.

2014 Toyota Hilux Invincible is to be offered in eight exterior body colours and with a choice of four powertrains: a 2.5 litre D-4D engine with manual transmission and either 2WD or 4WD, and a 3.0 litre D-4D unit with manual or automatic transmission and 4WD. The model will go on sale throughout Europe in the second half of 2013.

Source: Toyota

August 12, 2013

Mercedes-Benz E200 Natural Gas Drive And E220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes-Benz E 200 Natural Gas Drive is the economical and environmentally friendly variant to the E-Class. What is so special around it is that it features bivalent drive. This means that it can run on both petrol and natural gas.

When this Mercedes-Benz runs on natural gas, this means it delivers 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, which in this particular case are estimated at just 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In addition, the new model – Mercedes-Benz E220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition also highlights how environmentally friendly the E-Class is.

To be more precise, the E200 Natural Gas Drive utilizes only 4.3 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometres. If the new E 200 NGD automatically switches seamlessly to running on petrol because the gas tank is empty, then the fuel consumption is just 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions in this case are 147 g per kilometer.

In addition, the car’s driving range is also enhanced. The car covers more than 400 kilometres when running on natural gas. As soon as the gas tank becomes empty, the vehicle automatically switches to run on petrol and can run up to 1300 kilometres.

To go even further into details, the natural gas is stored securely in three containers: one behind the rear backrest and two under the floor of the boot. They have the capacity of holding 121.5 litres (19.5 kg) of natural gas together.

In fact, the heart of the E200 NGD is the new four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection. The unit develops an output of 115 kW (156 hp) and maximum torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) at 1250 revolutions per minute. The acceleration time for the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is 10.4 seconds, and the top speed is 220 km/h. Moreover, there is also included in the car an ECO start/stop system which adds to the efficiency of the drive system.

Next, the Mercedes-Benz E220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition: utilized Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. It is fuel-efficient, but it is still capable of generating 125 kW (170 hp) with an engine displacement of 2143 cubic centimetres.

The model also develops staggering torque of 400 Nm (294 lb-ft). The special model’s unit is matched with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission that has been optimized and includes ECO start/stop function.

The car is also equipped with low-resistance tyres on 16 or 17-inch wheels, has a lowering of the chassis by up to 15 millimetres and a radiator blind that directs the flow of air as required and thus improves aerodynamics.

All in all, the fuel efficiency of the model is estimated at 4.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of 114 grams per kilometer. The acceleration time of the car from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at 8.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 227 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz E220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition will be available from September with a starting price of EUR 47,272.75. Mercedes-Benz E200 NGD will be available from December for EUR 47,808.25.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 12, 2013

First Glimpse Of 2014 Honda Civic Tourer

Last week, Honda announced that it is going to display the new Civic Tourer in September at Frankfurt Motor Show. The car was developed and designed in Europe and now the brand is officially revealing the pictures of the car as well as more information about it.

It has a sleek and sophisticated profile, and delivers great practicality through its versatility and functionality with class leading interior space of 624 liters. Honda Civic Tourer will be equipped with either the 1.6 i-DTEC engine from the Earth Dreams Technology series or the 1.8 i-VTEC engine. Both can be matched with manual or automatic transmission.

To go further into details, the exterior design of the Civic Tourer is sophisticated and sporty. It has a unique style which is achieved through the bold line that runs from the front A-pillar to the D-pillar. This creates the impression of a floating roof line.

What is so enchanting about the new Civic Tourer is the new class leading interior space that it offers. When the rear seats are up, the volume is estimated at 624 liters, while when the rear seats are down, the trunk volume grows to 1668 liters.

Furthermore, the designers of the vehicle have created an additional under floor storage in the boot which makes carrying tall objects in the boot easy. In addition, the height of the loading lip has been reduced by 137 mm in order to make easier the loading process.

As mentioned, the Civic Tourer will feature either the1.6 i-DTEC engine from the Earth Dreams Technology series or the 1.8 i-VTEC engine coupled with manual or automatic transmission. First, the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine delivers great balance between fuel economy and driving performance.

The unit comprises of an aluminium cylinder head joined to an open deck aluminium block and is the lightest diesel engine in its class. Additionally, every rotating part has been carefully maximized to reduce their friction. This in turn provides better fuel efficiency.

Moreover, a new Adaptive Damper System (ADS) will help to enhance stability and comfort. The system features three settings – comfort, normal and dynamic. In the car are also featured advanced active safety systems, which will deliver a high standard of safety for the driver, passengers and pedestrians.

2014 Honda Civic Tourer will be launched in Europe from early 2014.

Source: Honda

August 12, 2013

Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept Shows Innovative Engineering Inside And Out

Mazda Deep Orange 3 Concept vehicle was born out of the collaboration between Mazda and the automotive engineering students at Clemson University. We must admit that the car looks impressive and immediately stands put.

This next-generation Mazda concept vehicle features body panels designed by student Frederick Naaman at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. On the other hand, Derek Jenkins, who is the design director for Mazda North American Operations, shared that taking part in this college program of was automaker’s dream come true.

The students who took part in the program had free rein to push the boundaries of conventional design and engineering. The result is visible and extremely impressive: Deep Orange 3 includes a unique hybrid powertrain that automatically chooses front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

In addition, the concept also features a load-bearing structure which is based on innovative sheet-folding technology patented by Industrial Origami. The very highlight of the car is the groundbreaking 3+3 seating configuration, which is to be seen for the first time in sports car architecture.

The collaboration program between the automotive brand and the university provides the students with experience in vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. In fact, a prototype vehicle is developed annually, and it focuses mainly on innovation.

Furthermore, the project not only displays advanced vehicle technologies but also provides students with the chance to cooperate and work directly with automotive industry companies in order to manifest their ideas.

Source: Mazda

August 9, 2013

TEASER: Kia B-Segment Concept To Be Revealed In Frankfurt

Kia’s dramatic new European concept is going to be revealed on 10th of September at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Two teaser images have been just released showing some glimpses of the car.

It is being rumored that the model is to be the possible future B-segment of the brand, which will undoubtedly take on the urban environment with style and tenacity. As a matter of fact, this concept vehicle combines a mischievous character in very robust but stylish bodyshape.

In addition, it was unveiled that the vehicle will include a mix of contrasting materials in compact and purposeful dimensions. This concept vehicle was born out of Kia’s determination to find new compact-car options. It aimed with it to deliver to the more individualistic and demanding driver better and compact size, intriguing elements and exquisite technologies.

Kia has no current plans to enter the vehicle in production. Its debut in Frankfurt will be used to gather customers’ response for future models.

Source: Kia

August 9, 2013

TEASER: Chevrolet Colorado And GMC Canyon Pickups

General Motors has just released a first teaser image of the new upcoming Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The firs look of the new vehicle was provided by General Motors Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Ammann at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars.

He has revealed that the new models are going to be even more capable, versatile and fuel-efficient. They will come as an additional choice next to the already presented to the market 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500s.

Just recently GM has also announced that the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will be equipped with the most capable standard V6 engine in any full-size pickup truck. The new 4.3 liter V6 leads the segment in city fuel economy. It generates 285 hp (212 kW) and 413Nm (305 lb-ft) of torque. The unit also gives the trucks the highest-available payload rating of 956 kg (2,108 lbs) and the highest-available towing rating of 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs).

What we are also to see in the future are the new Silverado and Sierra HDs, that aim to give Chevrolet and GMC the industry’s most comprehensive lineups of pickups. The production of the teased Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon is scheduled to start in 2014.

Source: GMC

August 9, 2013

DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition

New exciting project of the luxury tuners at DMC has just shown up. This time they have worked not on a Lamborghini but instead on Ferrari. The project is called DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Middle East Special Edition.

The production Berlinetta generates 740 hp (544 kW), but this wasn’t enough for the professionals from Duesseldorf. This was the reason of the development of a performance package that enhances the power output of the sportscar up to 766 hp (563 kW) mark. The top speed after the tuning is nearly 354 km/h.

This new power is mainly achieved thanks to the new Titanium Exhaust System. An ECU refinement added also additional power for F12.

Of course, DMC couldn’t resist not improving the exterior stance of the car. They have equipped it with new set of forged Rims and Sport Springs. A combination of 21″ at the front and 22″ at the rear was used.

An effect of this step is that the overall handling of the vehicle was improved,. The sport springs on the other hand round-off the new appearance by supporting the new weight-ratio and handling. The new wheels were matched with Pirelli Sport Tyres in dimensions of 255/30 for the front and 335/25 for the rear.

In addition, DMC stayed true to its tradition and gave a carbon fiber body kit to this Ferrari, which adds aggressive new look and improved aerodynamics. To be more precise, the front diffuser is substituted with a prominent new lip splitter. The latter extends the car and includes own centric sword, which enhances the road stability.

Furthermore, the front hood is also replaced this time with a carbon fiber version. There is also an optional roof scoop. The extended side skirts use a pair of diffuser plates and stand out with flaps that match the ones that are also found on the front diffuser. Next, the trunk now has 599XX esque spoiler wing, which goes well along with the newly designed rear diffuser.

At last, what finalize the package are the interior refinements included. For example, inside the car there is an extensive use of Italian fine leathers and carbon fiber. In addition, there are also plenty of new buttons and trims and redesigned steering wheel.

Source: DMC

August 9, 2013

Carlsson Personalises Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz B-Class is not an ordinary vehicle. In fact, it is a true masterpiece due to the work of the tuning specialists at Carlsson. In this project were used head turning aerodynamic styling additions and alloy wheels, which were supported by upgraded suspension and performance kits. The result is 42 horsepower (31 kW) more.

To go further into details, the kit for this Mercedes-Benz model includes a front spoiler which contributes to car’s more dynamic face. At the same time this kit improves the high-speed stability.

In addition, there are more sculpted side sills which make easy the airflow along the cars flanks and then lead to the new rear apron. The latter now has an integrated diffuser flanked by cut-outs for two pairs of rear exhaust outlets. There is also added a new and larger roof spoiler which helps reduce the drag and lift at speed.

Furthermore, the professionals at Carlsson have also added lowering springs. They drop the ride height by 35 mm. This means that now the handling and grip are enhanced as well as the car exudes more purposeful stance.

And in order to complete the masterful visual appearance of the car, Carlsson’s 1/10 design alloy wheels were used. They are available in Titanium, Diamond and Graphite Editions in 18, 19 or 20-inch sizes, properly matched with 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19 and 235/30 R20 tyres from Dunlop or Vredestein.

What is more, a racier exterior can be achieved via Carlsson’s C-tronic CB kits, designed to increase output of the B-Class four-cylinder petrol engines. The effect is increase of B-Class’ output. The B250 horsepower rise from 211 hp (155 kW) to 253 hp (186 kW), while those of B200 go from 156 hp (115 kW) to 187 hp (138 kW), B180 achieves 146 hp (107 kW) from 122 hp (90 kW).

The interior of the vehicle has been also upgraded thanks to the new carpet mats, alloy pedal set and door pins, bespoke leather upholstery and wood or carbon-fibre trim.

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz B-Class as well as other vehicle tuned by the company can be seen at this year’s 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Source: Carlsson

August 9, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova