Author: Lidia Todorova

Vauxhall Cascada To Be Equipped With New Engine

The new Vauxhall Cascada is going to be equipped with new and more powerful engine which is to deliver 200 hp (147 kW) and generate 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed of the vehicle is 146 mph. These figures are due to the high-performance version of the new 1.6 SIDI turbo engine.

The latter is going to make its world premiere next month at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Moreover, the unit is one of the newly-designed Vauxhall four-cylinder SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) units. It will joins the existing 170 hp (125 kW) 1.6 SIDI turbo unit, which is standard on the production Cascada.

The 1.6-litre SIDI turbo unit delivers 11 per cent more power, but also 300 Nm maximum torque with overboost. This adds 70 Nm more, which is an increase of 30 per cent.

What is more, at the heart of the SIDI turbo is a new engine block. The latter is optimized and can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The block is made of grey cast iron with an aluminium baseplate.

Another highlight that needs to be made is about the type of piston which was specifically developed for this unit. Its compression ratio was reduced from 10.5 to 9.5:1. Vauxhall engineers also aimed to achieve high power output with refinement. This was made possible through the optimization of vehicle’s induction and exhaust systems.

The end result is that the drivers and passengers will appreciate quiet and smooth ride regardless the road speeds, engine speeds and loads. Additionally, the HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension improves more the optimized driving characteristics.

The new top-of-the-line petrol engine extends the Cascada powertrain portfolio. It joins the 1.4 turbo 140 hp (103 kW) as well as the 170 hp (125 kW) 1.6-litre petrol direct injection unit. The diesel units available are the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 165 hp (121 kW) and the 195 hp (143 kW) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI one.

The new Vauxhall Cascada equipped with 1.6 SIDI turbo engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission can be ordered from October.

Source: Vauxhall

August 8, 2013
Subaru Announces Pricing For 2014 WRX And WRX STI

2014 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are going on sale today. The iconic WRX will now deliver its biggest performance value in a competitive set. The car for the model year 2014 will offer to its customers more power and all-wheel drive.

The engine under the hood of this Subaru is the 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled four-cylinder BOXER one, which generates 265 horsepower (195 kW) and 331 Nm (244 lb.-ft.) of torque. The unit is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System.

The latter utilizes viscous coupling locking center differential, which splits the power 50:50 under normal traction conditions. In case of a wheel slippage, the center differential transmits the power to the wheels with the best traction.

In addition, the standard equipment for this vehicle features sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and an AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity and iPod® control.

Furthermore, there is an option package WRX Premium which delivers more comfort. It comprises of fog lights, a power moonroof and body-color trunk spoiler. All five-door models have a rear spoiler. The All-Weather Package is also standard and it features heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

2014 Subaru WRX Limited adds leather-trimmed upholstery and high-intensity discharged (HID) headlights. The option package here will offer its customers the addition of Navigation System with AHA Connected service, which includes a 6.1-in. touch screen, voice-activated controls, SMS text messaging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, iTunes® tagging, SD card map upgrades.

Next, the 2014 Subaru WRX STI takes the company’s rally-bred road performance to the highest level. It is equipped with 305 horsepower (225 kW) turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Also standard on this model are the performance suspension and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Moreover, the WRX STI also includes Brembo® Performance Brake System, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system which features track performance-optimized mode.

All WRX STI models include as a standard HID headlights and the All-Weather Package. The latter comprises of heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. Also standard here are the BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels, along with fog lights, rear window wiper/washer and special cargo area features.

The Limited edition of this model add on the standard specification the following: power moonroof, fog lights, leather upholstery and BBS wheels. As an option, there is being offered Navigation System.

Brand’s iconic line of sport models has a starting of $25 995.

Source: Subaru

August 8, 2013

2014 Nissan Altima Goes On Sale

Nissan has just announced that its model 2014 Altima is ready to go on sale and it is currently available in the dealerships throughout United States. The new model has redesigned exterior as well as interior and in fact it is the fifth generation of the Altima – Nissan’s top-selling vehicle.

What is new in the 2014 model is the inclusion of the NissanConnectSM connected car services with NissanConnectSM Apps, which include SiriusXM Travel Link® System (weather, fuel prices, movie times, stock updates) and revised button labels, a global smartphone integration platform that includes in-vehicle smartphone integration for Android and iPhone® operating systems.

In addition, other improvements found in this particular model include revised seat cloth; enhanced noise isolation and chrome exhaust tips. As an option there is being offered a new Sport Value Package comprising of 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, remote engine start and trunk lid spoiler.

On the other hand the new Technology Package features NissanConnectSM with Navigation, NissanConnectSM Apps smartphone integration and SiriusXM Travel Link®, plus Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Lane Departure Warning.

Next, the new Display Audio Package includes a 5.0-inch color display, RearView Monitor, USB port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (standard on 3.5 S, SiriusXM subscription required) NissanConnectSM Apps and diversity antenna.

2014 Altima Sedan is offered in seven models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL featuring a 182horsepower (134 kW) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and the 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL with a standard 270 horsepower (199 kW) 3.5-liter V6 engine. Every engine is mated to a standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

2014 Nissan Altima Sedan Pricing:

Altima Sedan 2.5 CVT	$21,860 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 S CVT	$22,380 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 SV CVT	$24,180 USD
Altima Sedan 2.5 SL CVT	$27,760 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 S CVT	$26,160 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 SV CVT	$28,360 USD
Altima Sedan 3.5 SL CVT	$30,660 USD

Source: Nissan

August 8, 2013

Chevrolet Spark Bubble To Be Officially Revealed At 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Chevrolet brand is going to display host of new convenience and safety enhancements to its line-up. Among the highlights at the show will be the new Chevrolet Spark Bubble Edition.

The new models will include as a standard the Chevrolet MyLink connected radios, more safety and comfort features as well as there will be offered new engines with lower emissions. An example for one is the 1.7L diesel unit which emits only 99 g of CO2 per 100 km that can be found in the Chevrolet Cruze Saloon.

The main highlight at the show – the Spark Bubble will deliver its customers more convenience and improved looks. The car will be equipped with sporty bumper, side rocker moldings, 15-inch white painted alloy wheels as well as frisky white or pink-colored Bubble decals on the front fenders.

In addition, the center console and inserts have been properly designed in order to match the cheerful color pattern that can be seen on the exterior. The interior also include seats made of leatherette.

Other accents throughout the interior include instrument cluster and trims which have been restyled. A new radio with Bluetooth connectivity is standard on most trim levels, as well as the CD player, USB and aux-in jacks.

Furthermore, the Spark Bubble Edition is now going to deliver its occupants enhanced safety, thanks to the inclusion of the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Another car that is going to be on display in Frankfurt is the Chevrolet Aveo which now receives rearview camera. The device is connected to the radio’s seven-inch high resolution touch screen and makes maneuvering more convenient. In addition, the LTZ trim of the Chevrolet Aveo will have stylish LED turn signals mounted in the outside mirrors.

Next, the Cruze will now be offered with a broader choice of powertrains and new safety features. To be more precise, the choice of four petrol engines will be available on all body styles of the Cruze – a naturally aspirated 1.4L (100 hp/75 kW), a 1.4L turbo (140 hp/103 kW), a 1.6L (124 hp/91 kW) and a 1.8L (141 hp/104 kW) engine.

On the other hand, the diesel line-up comprises of a 1.7L (130 hp/ 96kW) and a 2.0L (163 hp/120 kW) unit. They will be complemented by a 110 hp (81 kW) variant of the1.7L diesel, which emits only 99 g of CO2 per 100 km.

Moreover, the LTZ trim of the Cruze family will include Side Bind Zone Alert. The latter is a safety feature which can spot approaching vehicles in the side blind zone via radar. The same as in the Aveo, the outside rearview mirrors will sport integrated LED turn signals.

Chevrolet Orlando in turn will be equipped with Advanced Parking Aid and Side Blind Spot Alert. This system utilizes ultrasonic sensors which detect approaching vehicles in the blind spot and warns the driver through an illuminated icon in the outside rearview mirrors.

The Advanced Parking Aid will aid identifies suitable parallel parking slots at low speeds and will give the driver instructions on how to steer the vehicle. The model will also be equipped with new radio as a standard as well as a rearview camera and an integrated navigation system (depending on the trim).

Other changes throughout the exterior include LED turn signals in the outside rearview mirrors, 16-inch wheel covers and 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Orlando will hide under its hood 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

At last, Chevrolet Trax will now be offered with FWD variant of 1.4L Turbo engine. When the latter is matched to a six-speed manual transmission, this variant of the Trax is capable of zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Source: Chevrolet

August 8, 2013
The White Phoenix: Famous Parts Audi R8 Wide Body PD GT-850

The German tuning specialists at Famous Parts have been lately cooperating with the aerodynamic masters at Prior-Design. They have joined forces in order to create a stunning project in which the main star is the Audi R8.

Of course, Prior Design gave its best and delivered all parts of the coveted GT-850 body kit. The work of the technicians of Famous Parts was to properly install the as well as to do the remaining conversion works.

Thanks to the GT-850 wide body kit the Audi is now six centimeters wider at the front and eight centimeters wider at the rear, when compared to the production version. Instead of wrapping the car, Famous Parts decided to paint the R8 in the limited serial colour “Pearl matt white“.

To complement even further the masterful appearance of the car, the tuners equipped it with a proper set of shoes. In particular, these are the exclusive three-part Rotiform forged alloy wheels in size of 10Jx20 inches matched with 255/30R20 at the front, and the extremely broad 13.5Jx20 inches matched with 345/25R20 Continental Sport contact tyres at the rear.

In addition, on the four ends of the R8 chassis frame there has been installed adaptive damper system called “Magnetic Ride“. And in order to match the painting, the outer rims of the Rotiform wheels were wrapped in white.

More importantly, the driving unit of this vehicle was also enhanced. This happened with the help of the installation of premium Capristo flap sports exhaust system. The latter is made of stainless steel and it also includes remote control and four-fold sound selection. In addition to this, there was also a complex software optimization, as well as installation of company’s own modified air piping system.

Source: Famous Parts

August 8, 2013
Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro Featured In Ender’s Game Movie [VIDEO]

Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro can be described with those three words: futuristic, progressive and cutting-edge. The fiction car was designed specifically for Summit Entertainment’s film adaptation of the award-winning best-selling novel “Ender’s Game”.

The visual stance of the car is extremely futuristic which makes it fit perfect in the world of the science fiction feature film. Next to the impressive design of the car is to be mentioned the groundbreaking technology it is envisioned with.

In fact, Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro which one can see in the movie marks the first time the company has revealed a purely virtual Audi in a feature film. For the project Audi collaborated with the director Gavin Hood and the production team in order to utilize the latest technology to digitally integrate the car into the futuristic film.

The car appears in key scenes in the film, which have a lasting impact on the life of the protagonist. With this, the Fleet Shuttle Quattro becomes a part of this fictional world. With this project the brand showed that it already has a very forward thinking, which was the reason of its inclusion in Ender’s Game movie (you can view its trailer below).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ev-nOWJH8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Audi

August 8, 2013
Infiniti Q30 Concept To Be Revealed In Frankfurt

Infiniti Q30 Concept is going to make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The model will showcase a contemporary design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle.

Q30 Concept is to be revealed at brand’s press conference, which is scheduled for 10:15 am CET on 10th of September in Frankfurt. In fact, the new car embodies Infiniti’s vision of creating head-turning design, in which innovative materials were utilized with passionate craftsmanship.

Furthermore, in Frankfurt the brand will also show that Infiniti Q30 Concept has a distinctive style and reaches new levels of product quality. In fact, it is a continuation of the designe philosophy introduced with the Infiniti Q50. The latter debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Similarly to the Q50, the Infiniti Q30 Concept also has dramatic design drawn from the visionary Infiniti concept trilogy – Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e. We can surely say that the design of the car we see on the sketch exudes adventurous spirit and graceful athleticism.

Source: Infiniti

August 8, 2013
TEASER: Brand New MINI Model To Be Revealed In November

A brand new MINI model is going to be unveiled on 18th of November 2013. On this date will be celebrated 107 years since the birth of the man who started an automobile revolution, Sir Alec Issigonis.

The premiere will be hosted at MINI Plant Oxford and then the new model will be showcased in front of international audiences that same week, with an almost simultaneous reveal in Los Angeles and Tokyo.

The car will make its debut in Tokyo on 20th of November 2013, followed just hours later by the Los Angeles Motor Show in California. The new MINI will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014.

Similarly as its predecessor, the new MINI model will be produced in Oxford. The start of its production and the world premiere highlight additionally the jubilee year for the MINI Plant. In fact, in it automobiles have been built for more than 100 years.

Moreover, the world premiere will pay homage to MINI’s origins and to the father of the iconical vehicle. The first MINI was introduced back in the 1959. With this act Sir Alec Issigonis revolutionized the automobile industry. The car featured transversely mounted engine, front wheel drive, wheels set in all four corners and an advanced undercarriage.

The concepts Issigonis have created were later used as a foundation for many generations of small and compact cars. In their most modern form, those principals are still being utilized. However, the today’s models include new engines and chassis technologies, MINI Connected innovations and refined premium quality. They all contribute towards the continuation of the emblematic position that the car has in the automotive industry.

Source: MINI

August 7, 2013
Honda Civic Tourer To Debut At 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

It has just been announced that Honda Civic Tourer will be making its first public appearance at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Next to it will be also on display the refreshed Civic hatchback. Both debuts will be accompanied by the presence of the ultimate sportscar – the NSX Concept.

First, the new Civic Tourer and the refreshed Civic hatchback were developed and designed in Europe. As one can see from the picture above, the new Civic Tourer has sleek and sophisticated proportions which in addition are combined with class leading interior space.

The new model is expected to be launched in early 2014.

Next to the new addition to the Civic family, Honda is strengthening the Civic range with a refreshed hatchback model. The latter includes exterior and interior design refinements and will also be displayed for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new Honda NSX Concept II was shown to the European public earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle suggests a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design. In fact, the NSX acts as the halo of the Earth Dreams Technology series, embodying Honda’s philosophy of balancing dynamic performance with environmental efficiency.

Source: Honda

August 7, 2013
Vorsteiner Introduces Program For BMW F10 M5 [VIDEO]

Everyone can admit that the BMW M5 has achieved an iconic status in the automotive world. The latest form of the four door supercar – the F10 M5 comes straight from the factory with a fairly aggressive appearance. This provoked the tuners at Vorsteiner, which have recognizes the need for a truly graceful and yet aggressive shape.

This was the reason that stood behind the creation of their new carbon fiber aerodynamic program. As usual, they have utilized the highest possible quality and materials as well as the most modern technology and production methods.

To be more precise, the Vorsteiner BMW F10 M5 program features Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Add-on Front Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Add-On Rear Diffuser, Carbon Fiber Pre-Preg Add-On Boot Lid Spoiler and 21 inch VS-190 Forged Monoblock Wheels.

Each of the aforementioned parts has been modeled using a 3D scanner for perfect and exact accuracy. Pre-production sections were wind tested and formed for minimum drag coefficient and maximum effective downforce, reducing lift at the front axle.

In addition, every single segment was specifically designed in order to improve the appearance of this BMW but still seamlessly mesh into the existing bodywork. What is more, the Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber structure gives the parts better stiffness, aerospace strength and durability when compared to traditional hand laid carbon fiber elements.

httpv://youtu.be/gABx7BUXNPw

Source: Vorsteiner

August 7, 2013

2014 Honda CR-V With Enhanced Equipment Goes On Sale

2014 Honda CR-V now comes to offer enhanced styling, excellent fuel efficiency and impressive list of standard convenience features. In addition, the new generation CR-V will provide its occupants with more comfort, smooth and quiet ride and innovative features.

As a matter of fact, the CR-V finished 2013 as the best-selling SUV in North America. The new line-up begins with the remarkably well-equipped CR-V LX with standard one-pull fold-flat rear seats, cruise control, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™, air conditioning, rearview camera, 160-watt 4-speaker audio system with Pandora® interface (with compatible smartphones), etc.

Furthermore, the CR-V EX which is the most popular trim, adds premium features such as power moonroof, upgraded 6-speaker audio system and 17-inch alloy wheels. On the top of this trim builds the EX-L, which adds leather-trimmed interior, a 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM® Radio3, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 with Voice Recognition™ and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System5.

Real Time All-Wheel-Drive is available on all models. The new Honda SUV offers highly rigid unit-body which is specifically designed in order to contribute to higher fuel efficiency and vehicle safety. All CR-V models include an Expanded-View Driver’s Mirror that adds an additional 5.5 degrees of visibility at the outer edge of the mirror’s field of view.

The interior of the car offers plenty of space for 5 passengers interior, abundant storage, and a large center console. In addition, in the car is included the innovative Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback which now folds quicker and utilizes levers located near the tailgate opening.

Moreover, the 2014 CR-V also includes features such as standard full-color “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID), standard multi-angle rearview camera, optional navigation screen.

In terms of safety, the standard equipment comprises of VSA® electronic stability control system; ABS with Brake Assist; driver and front-passenger airbags; side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

2014 Honda CR-V models will be powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine which delivers 185 horsepower (136 kW) and 221 Nm (163 lb-ft.) of torque. The engine is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. Real Time AWD with the Intelligent Control System further harnesses available traction in low-grip driving conditions.

The EPA fuel economy figures of the vehicle are estimated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined for the front-wheel-drive model and at 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined for the AWD model.

In addition, to this now the new model will offer better and more responsive chassis, thanks to its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link fully independent suspension. In fact, the CR-V chassis is created to optimize the joy of driving, passenger comfort and confidence.

All CR-V models include Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) that operates with the VSA and Electric Power Steering. The result is detection of the instability in slippery road conditions which in term automatically initiates steering-wheel inputs that prompts the driver to steer in the correct direction.

2014 Honda CR-V goes on sale today with prices starting at $22,945.2

2014 Honda CR-V Pricing and EPA Data
Model	Transmission	MSRP2	EPA MPG Ratings6 City/Hwy/Combined
CR-V LX (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$22,945	23/31/26
CR-V LX (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$24,195	22/30/25
CR-V EX (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$25,045	23/31/26
CR-V EX (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$26,295	22/30/25
CR-V EX-L (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$27,695	23/31/26
CR-V EX-L (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$28,945	22/30/25
CR-V EX-L w/ Rear Ent. Sys. (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$28,395	23/31/26
CR-V EX-L w/ Rear Ent. Sys. (4WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$29,645	22/30/25
CR-V EX-L w/ Navi (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$29,195	23/31/26
CR-V EX-L w/ Navi (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$30,445	22/30/25

Source: Honda

August 7, 2013

2014 Hyundai i10 Revealed And To Debut In Frankfurt

Hyundai has just revealed the first official pictures of the new generation 2014 Hyundai i10, which is brand’s completely-new A-segment car that will be distributed across the European continent. The new model appears five years after its predecessor.

2014 i10 shows significant progress for Hyundai in the segment. It now offers new attributes and generous levels of equipment, space and functionality. Adding to them are the new sophisticated design, refined ride qualities and a quiet cabin.

Moreover, the customers of the new model will also be offered better comfort and safety equipment including stability control and front curtain airbags. In addition, there is also being available optional equipment such as automatic climate control, heated leather steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter.

The car is now longer (+80 mm), wider (+65 mm) and lower (-50 mm) than the previous model. This results in more spaciousness in the cabin as well as best-in-class legroom and cargo capacity. Front and rear passengers benefit from combined legroom of 1,890 mm, while boot capacity has been enhanced to 252 litres.

The new generation i10 has as a basis new platform which includes 5mm-longer wheelbase and relocated rear dampers. The latter now deliver better wheel control over all types of road surface. In addition, i10 has also been carefully tuned to offer refined driving dynamics and low noise levels.

The design team has made the car with dynamic shape which follows fluidic sculpture that emphasizes athletic proportions and generous exterior dimensions. The new and refined exterior is continued in the interior, which in turn is stylish and includes high-quality materials on key surfaces.

2014 Hyundai i10 will enter production in September this year. More information will be released ahead car’s debut at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt in the same month.

Source: Hyundai

August 7, 2013