Author: Lidia Todorova

  • Exclusive: Honda Teases Brand New MPV

    honda-mpv-THUMBExclusively Honda has just released a sketch which teases the brand-new Honda MPV. The official global premiere of the vehicle is to happen at the upcoming 21st Indonesia International Motor Show. The event will take place between 19th and 29th of September in Jakarta, Indonesia.

    The new Honda MPV was created specifically for the Asian market. In addition this model will be the first brand’s product in Indonesia which is to be featured in the entry level MPV segment.

    What has been revealed so far is that the new MPV is going to be based on brand’s model Brio and is to offer seven seats in a 3-row configuration. Of course, as it is visible from the sketch, the model will also feature an innovative design. Being a MPV it is to offer a spacious cabin, and Honda’s popular advanced safety.

    More importantly, the Honda MPV will be powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine, which will provide not only great levels of fuel efficiency but also sporty performance.

    This model will also be locally produced in Indonesia as the first product of the new Second Plant in Karawang which will start working in the beginning of 2014. Honda India probably will also show the MPV at the 2014 Auto Expo in February.

    Source: Honda

  • Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth By Kahn Design

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Sport-RS300-Cosworth-THUMBKahn Range Rover Sport RS300 Cosworth comes to show exceptional quality and exquisite high-tech engineering next to a great level of glamour and luxury. This unique Range Rover is painted in the stunning Imperial blue color thus contributing to even more powerful stance of the vehicle.

    The outstanding design language of A. Kahn Design is fully expressed in this project. The Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 RS300 Cosworth imposes elegant curves and firm body elements as well as dynamic proportions.

    In order to implement the lightweight design philosophy, the tuners have equipped the vehicle with a six piece wide arch body styling package. The latter comprises of a RS front grille with 3D mesh, extended front lower lip spoiler, lower bumper bar section in body colour, pair of bullet side vent inserts, front wheel arch LED light strips, lower front bumper lip extension.

    In addition, the package also includes the Kahn branding visible on the bonnet and tailgate. This Range Rover Sport runs on RS black and blue stripe alloy wheels which are in sizes 9.5 x 22 and 10 x 22 at the front and rear respectively. Furthermore, what makes the car even more exclusive in terms of appearance are the Kahn enamel wing shields, painted floating roof and the privacy tinted glass.

    Thanks to Cosworth, the engine of this emblematic model is enhanced via an engine upgrade. It consists of an arrangement of alterations to the ECU programming, ensuring a boost in power from 245 hp (180 kW) to 290 hp (213 kW). Of course, this results in a more intense driving experience and far greater performance of the car.

    Inside the car has been also transformed in order to keep up with the astonishing new exterior look. Various comprehensive improvements to the interior have been made. For instance the front and rear seats with armrests were wrapped in quilted and perforated black leather. There are also present vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, leather binnacle (instrument surround) quilted, diamond quilted centre glove box and a colored rev counter and time clock.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Ford F-150 Crimefighter Bat Truck Customized By Galpin Auto Sports

    Ford-F-150-Crime-Fighter-Bat-Truck-THUMBSince Comic-Con has just started we have already seen some unique vehicles made for this event. An example from yesterday is the Kia Sorento Justice League Car. Now it is time for more aggressive vehicle to take our attention – the Ford F-150 Crime Fighter Bat Truck.

    This magnificently tuned Ford pays tribute to the original Batmobile. The reason for its existence is the work of the specialists at Galpin Auto Sports, who have built it after the design of Jared Barris.

    As a matter of fact, Jared is a grandson of George Barris, who designed and built the iconic first Batmobile back in 1965. George used parts found at a hardware store and the body of a Ford Futura Concept Car.

    The result was stunning and made Barris a legend among custom car designers. The original Batmobile was auctioned in January this year for the amount of $4.2 million.

    Now Jared Barris is debuting his own version of the Batmobile which is built on the emblematic Ford F-150 and pays tribute to his grandfather’s Batmobile. He envisioned the new version of the superhero’s vehicle as a Bat Truck and has given it the name “The Crimefighter”.

    The Ford was customized by Galpin Auto Sports with a tuxedo black paint job and Ferrari red accents, thanks to which the resemblance with the original Batmobile is stunning. In addition, the bed of the Crimefighter has even been adorned with fins. The vehicle is powered by a Ford 5.0-liter V8 engine.

    Source: Galpin Auto Sports

  • Soy Body Sealer Featured In The 2014 Jeep Cherokee

    2014-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-THUMBIt has been announced that the 2014 Jeep Cherokee will include a revolutionary body sealer. The latter will deliver a tranquil driving experience and at the same will contribute towards enhanced weight-reduction, cost-savings and sustainability.

    To be more specific, special applicators inject unique acoustic foam into strategic locations of the Jeep’s body structure. The injected foam blocks additional and unwanted noise which gets inside the cabin.

    Additionally, because of the density of the foam it is much lighter than the traditionally utilized acoustic material. The result is weight savings of up to 1.5 lbs. per vehicle, which also effects in an enhanced fuel economy and better handling.

    Another good benefit of the newly use material is that it also minimizes the impact on the environment. It was developed with and supplied by Dow Automotive Systems, BETAFOAM™ Renue. In fact, the foam comprises of a soy-based product instead of the usually used petroleum.

    Again, because of the lower density of the material, the vehicle requires less of it, and this eventually results in achievement of the desired performance and to reduced cost. Furthermore, the new foam bolsters 10 locations of the Cherokee’s body structure.

    They feature the A- and B-pillars and rear wheelwells. Due to its lower viscosity, it also is easier for the engineers to operate with and affords greater logistical flexibility for the plant.

    Source: Jeep

  • Announced Pricing For The Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition

    2013-Volkswagen-Beetle-GSR-LE-THUMbVolkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition was revealed to the world in May this year. Now the famous German brand is announcing the pricing of this special edition version of the iconic Beetle.

    One of the reasons that make this Volkswagen unique is that only 3500 of it will be built globally. Secondly, the car is inspired by the GSR “Yellow Black Racer” which was famous in the 70s. This means that the new model will also include a yellow-and-black exterior.

    To be more precise, the body and R-Line® bumpers are finished in yellow, while the hood is mainly black. The trunklid, roof, and the exterior mirror caps are also black.

    In addition, the vehicle has yellow/black stripes with “GSR” lettering above the side skirts and a large rear spoiler. What completes the look of this GSR are the 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels matched with 235/40 tires. They also feature black-painted brake calipers.

    The interior of the Beetle is unique as the exterior and it is finished again in the same color scheme, visible in the sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. In fact, the black-trimmed leather seating surfaces and high-grip leather-wrapped steering wheel have contrasting yellow stitching.

    Moreover, one can see inside the car a R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, a leather-wrapped handbrake lever, and black floormats with contrasting yellow embroidery. A badge on the steering wheel is marked with the special-edition number which highlights the uniqueness of the car.

    What is more, under the hood of this car is the EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI® engine. It is capable of generating 210 horsepower (155 kW) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the limited edition car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds and to reach a top track speed of 130 mph.

    The unit is mated as a standard to a six-speed manual transmission. However, as an option Volkswagen offers a choice of a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic transmission.

    The GSR is based on the R-Line with Sunroof and Sound with Navigation model, therefore it will offer to its customers wide range of technology features including the following: Fender® Premium Audio System, panoramic sunroof, RNS 315® navigation system, keyless access with push-button start, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, LED license-plate lighting, heatable front seats, Bluetooth® connectivity, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable, three-color ambient lighting, aluminum-alloy-look pedals, clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge.

    Beetle GSR Limited Edition will have a starting price of US $29 995 for the models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the price tag for the version with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is US $31 095.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Aston Martin To Debut Three Models At Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

    Aston Martin is going to make a premiere of its three new models at this years Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which is going to take place between 14th and 18th of August in California. The models that are going to have their premiere are the new Vanquish Volante , the V12 Vantage S and the CC100 Speedster Concept.

    This year the iconic British brand is making centennial celebrations around the world. The Vanquish Volante will make its global debut at Pebble Beach, while the V12 Vantage S and CC100 Speedster Concept are making their first appearances in the United States.

    First, the Vanquish Volante draws its power by the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. The latter is matched with a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The car is able of producing 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and has a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

    Next, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is powered by an AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. It generates 573 hp (421 kW) and 620 Nm (459 lb-ft) of torque at 5,750 rpm. It covers the aacceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The engine is mated to a Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) which powers the rear wheels.

    At last, in the CC100 Speedster Concept new materials were used for the build of its body and interior. For instance, carbon fibre can be seen prominently in the design of the new concept.

    In addition, the CC100 utilizes the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated V12 gasoline engine which is connected to a six-speed hydraulically actuated automated sequential manual transmission. The new concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in little more than 4 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Fiat Catches A Wave On Vans US Open Of Surfing [VIDEO]

    fiat-500-surf-THUMBFiat is going to display its entire product portfolio including the all-electric Fiat 500e at the Huntington Beach, California. The Italian brand will team up with Vans US Open of Surfing there.

    The event will take place between 20th and 28th of July, where Fiat will celebrate the recent launch of the all-new, all-electric Fiat 500e in California. In addition it will also display the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio and the new Fiat 500L and 500L Trekking models.

    A special edition model will be also displayed. Its name is Fiat 500c “Beach Cruiser”. And for those who are to visit the event, there will be Fiat brand giveaways such as Wayfarer sunglasses, sunscreen, t-shirts and other FIAT-branded items.

    With the participation at this event, fiat is again encouraging people to be in charge of their lives, live confidently and celebrate the smallest of things with great excitement. This philosophy is visible throughout brand’s car range, including the iconic Fiat 500 or Cinquecento.

    The latter is one of the smallest cars that have been ever offered on the market. It is Italian at heart and rooted in a rich heritage, Fiat 500 is synonymous with modern, simple design blending form and function.

    As a matter of fact, the new Fiat 500 and 500c models are reminiscent of the original Cinquecento, and have been launched in 2007. In total, more than 1,000,000 Fiat 500 vehicles have been sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

    Now the Fiat brand portfolio in North America expands even further with the launch of the high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the fully-electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L. The 500L is a five-passenger model which ads style and efficiency into the growing B-segment.

    httpv://youtu.be/7WDupghLSfk

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Fiat

  • Kia Reveals Unique Justice League Car At Comic-Con

    Kia-Justice-League-Car-THUMBComic-Con has just started, taking place in San Diego. There was revealed the artistic Justice League-inspired Kia Sorento, which is the eighth and final custom vehicle built as a result of the partnership of Kia and DC Entertainment.

    The car has a stunning design which was penned by legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The car is part of the campaign “We Can Be Heroes” which aims to raise awareness fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Up to date there has been raised over $2.3 million and helped over 5 million men, women and children there.

    As part of this campaign Kia and DCE created a collection of all eight Justice League-inspired Kia, which will be shown at the Comic-Con at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park. Furthermore, the newly revealed Justice League car will be part of a special online charity auction on eBay which benefits the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign.

    As a matter of fact, the seven-seat Sorento marks the final chapter in a 10-month, eight-vehicle partnership between DC Entertainment and Kia based on the iconic characters of Justice League: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.

    Each one of them has been featured with a special car, designed by Lee. This final car catches the entire Justice League. Jim Lee’s artwork has been hand-painted via custom air-brushing by the world-famous West Coast Customs.

    Like all of the Justice League-inspired vehicles this customized Kia Sorento mixes the automotive and pop-culture worlds. In addition, it also allows Kia to extend its philanthropic efforts.

    Source: Kia

  • VOLAR-e Applus+Idiada To Include Interior By Vilner [VIDEO]

    VOLAR-e-Applus-Idiada-With-Interior-By-Vilner-THUMBThere has been just released some hot news at the official Facebook page of the Bulgarian luxury tuning brand Vilner. The specialists are disclosing with their fans that they are going to be those to create the interior of the fastest electric vehicle ever produced – the VOLAR-e Applus+Idiada.

    There hasn’t been unveiled much information about the ongoing project except for two pictures of the future interior, which you can see in the gallery below in full resolution. From what we can see, inside the car is decided in black and includes some contrast orange stitching and elements. There is also some carbon fiber treatment visible.

    VOLAR-e features a four-wheel drive system with regenerative braking. In addition the car borrows Rimac’s battery system which has a capacity of 38 kWh. The power is generated from the four in-wheel electric motors.

    Their combined work results in a total output of 800 horsepower (596 kW) and 1500 Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h therefore is stunning. The VOLAR-e needs just 3.5 seconds to cover it.

    We are impatiently looking forward to see this project entirely finished and showing-off its full glory.

    httpv://youtu.be/uMd0iy8JkKI

    Video Source: YouTube

    News And Pictures Source: Facebook

  • TEASER: Wald International Audi A7 Sportback

    Wald-Audi-A7-Sportback-THUMBWald International is developing a tuning program for the Audi A7 Sportback. There have been released only two images showing how the car will look like.

    It hasn’t been revealed much information about the project, however judging from the photos we see that this Audi will be dressed in all black. Probably, there will be included also a front and rear bumper accompanied by side skirts.

    Obviously the A7 will receive new wheels and an exhaust system, which will feature quad-pipes. This means that the airflow has been improved thus we can expect that the car will generate more power.

    The standard Audi A7 most powerful engine is the 4.0 liter V8 one which can develop 414 hp (305 kW) on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. The unit is mated with a seven-speed tiptronic transmission.

    Source: Wald International

  • Ford Focus ST And Fiesta ST To Feature Mountune Upgrades [VIDEO]

    Ford-Focus-ST-THUMBFord Focus ST and Fiesta ST are going to get even hotter because they will feature Mountune upgrades. The packages are developed by race engine and road-car performance specialist Mountune.

    The result is an enhanced power output. For instance, Focus ST’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine now can generate up to 275 hp (202 kW), which is 10 hp more a Porsche Boxster. RS500 would be left with a rear view of the Mountune-upgraded Focus ST. The latter can sprint form 0 to 100 km/h in only six seconds.

    A Mountune upgrade is also offered for the Fiesta ST, thanks to which the increase of power will result in total 215 hp (158 kW). This will enable the Ford model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7seconds (in comparison to the factory 6.9 seconds).

    The upgrades boost the vehicles in terms of in-gear acceleration too. Peak Focus ST torque is heightened to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), while the peak Fiesta ST torque is enhanced up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

    The Focus ST Mountune upgrade features a cast alloy inlet duct in silver or black powder coat finish, high-flow air filter element, larger alloy intercooler in silver or black powder coat finish and unique calibration.

    On the other hand, the Fiesta ST version has a re-modelled air box base with secondary inlet duct, a high-flow filter element and unique calibration. Ford’s ST models will deliver blistering performance thanks to these Mountune upgrades. The effect will be great driving fun and passionate performance.

    httpv://youtu.be/-196_RyZO_Y

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Ford

  • DMC Transforms Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

    DMC-Ferrari-458-Italia-Spider-THUMBDMC are known for their tunings on Lamborghini. We have seen recently however, that they had a great success on their modification on the F12 Ferrari. Now, their latest work is on the 458 Italia Spider which includes a DMC 458 Performance Package and Forged Rims.

    The standard power that this Ferrari model produces is estimated at 570 hp (420 kW). This wasn;t enough for the tuners from the German brand, hence they have developed a performance package that makes the car generate 608 hp (447) and 568 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. The newly gained power is mainly due to the remapped engine management system for maximized ignition and injection, and the Stainless Steel Exhaust.

    Adding to this is the new set of forged Rims and Sport Springs. They were created in order to enhance the OEM wheels. Having this in mind DMC decided to give the supercar a combination of 21″ wheels at the front and 22″ ones at the rear. This results not only in the better on-road presence of the car, but also enhances the overall handling.

    Furthermore, the sport springs finalize the new appearance of the Ferrari in terms of supporting the new weight-ratio and handling. The rims were matched with Pirelli Sport Tyres in size of 255/30 for the front, and 335/25 for the rear.

    The Body Kit on the other hand includes new aggressive look, which is put together by a complete aerodynamic package. For instance, at the front one can see a new lip splitter extends the car and at the same time enhances the overall road stability.

    The front hood is completely replaced with a vented version. The extended side skirts deliver better road stability via a pair of diffuser plates, and also stand out with flaps that perfectly go with the ones that are also found on the front splitter.

    Next, the trunk has received a new blade wing, which serves in terms of suiting the aerodynamic flow on top as well as under it. Carbon Fiber mirrors, front wings, rear diffusers and fog light covers are the additional highlights which have to be mentioned.

    At last, the interior has received treatment as well. Throughout the cabin were utilized the finest leathers and carbon fiber. Plenty of buttons and trims are available as well as a redesigned steering wheel.

    Source: DMC