Author: Lidia Todorova

2014 Callaway Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Under Development

The engineers at Callaway have just disclosed that they are working on the development of supercharged versions of 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Both models will go under testing and validation, which is going to happen over the next weeks.

This means that behind the forceful machines will lay in the future the supercharged 5.3L and 6.2L engines. The specialists are expecting to finish the work on the project later this year, and in addition they are aiming for a premium performance, quality and value.

When the Callaway’s proven supercharging techniques are applied, the vehicles are expected to exceed 450 horsepower (330 kW) for the 5.3L configuration and to produce more than 540 horsepower (398 kW) in the 6.2L engine.

On the other hand, it is promised that the new 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 engines will be equipped with technological advances as direct injection and variable valve timing. The result will end up in better and higher control of engine operating parameters.

The goal is to deliver additional tools for improved compatibility with supercharging positive manifold pressure, as well as a clearer path for 50-state emissions compliance and extended durability.

Furthermore, the wheel, tire, suspension, interior and body are also to be upgraded. Other features which are currently in development are the legendary Honker air intake and DD exhaust systems.

Source: Callaway

Honda Introduces Jazz ES Plus

The most current news that Honda has prepared for us is the one about the expansion of their Jazz range. Now the popular model range will be additionally revitalized by the introduction of the Honda Jazz ES Plus.

What has to be mentioned here is that the new ES Plus comes in order to replace the ES model and in addition it will also bring about some more features. Some of the exclusive highlights featured in the model are the 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, privacy glass, driver’s front armrest and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear stick.

All those goodies mentioned come on top of the standard equipment, which is to be found on the outgoing ES model. Moreover, the ES Plus will be powered by one of the most efficient engines in the range – the 1.4 i-VTEC unit. It is matched with a front-wheel drive five speed manual transmission.

The acceleration time of the car for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is 11.8 seconds, and the tip speed here is 113 mph. The unit is able to deliver its driver combined efficiency of 50 mg, while the CO2 emissions of the car are estimated around 129 g/km.

Honda Jazz ES Plus will be available at dealerships from 30th of September and will have a starting price of $21 940 (£14 495).

Source: Honda

KW Enhances Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

KW Automotive has recently put some attention on the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. It has given the vehicle a brand new visual stance. The suspension manufacturer has created a coilover spring kit for this AMG which adds to the versatile alloy wheels that the driver can chose.

As a matter of fact, the KW coilover spring kit offers the opportunity of continuous lowering. This means that the person behind the steering-wheel of this Mercedes-Benz can set the lowering according to their wishes within the range of 25 to 40 mm at the front and 15 to 35 mm at the rear. In addition, for this KW spring kit with height adjustment, no modifications at the adaptive AMG dampers or AMG Ride Control are needed.

The coilover springs are made of high strength chrome silicon steel and lower the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake via the height adjustment. At the front axle, an AMG Performance Center or specialist dealer just changes the standard springs, while the lowering at the standard air springs on the rear axle happens via the KW articulated rods. For instance, if a lowering of 40 mm is too much, then the KW coilover springs can be adjusted continuously via the height adjustment.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake comes equipped with 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine as a standard. It has a power output and torque levels of 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm respectively. This means that it easily accelerates from zero to 100 km/h for 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h.

Source: KW Automotive

World premiere for NOVITEC TORADO Lamborghini Aventador

NOVITEC tuning company has just unveiled its exclusive refinement for the latest Lamborghini Aventador. The NOVITEC TORADO Lamborghini Aventador is more exquisite than ever thanks to the aerodynamic-enhancement kit, which was especially developed in the wind tunnel. Other highlights are the high-tech forged wheels, the engine tuning thanks to which the car produces 1000 hp, high-performance exhaust system with electronic sound management, a coil-over suspension and exclusive interior options.

The enhanced Lamborghini Aventador now features aerodynamic-enhancement components, which depending on customers’ preferences are painted in the exterior color of the vehicle or in contrasting one. They are all also offered in a clear-coated carbon-fiber version.

The front fascia of this Lamborghini has more aggressive look thanks to the new body components featured. They have demonstrated in the wind tunnel that they are capable of reducing the negative lift on the front axle and therefore to additionally further enhance the handling stability at high speeds.

In addition, to the front is also added an upgrade with the two-piece NOVITEC TORADO front spoiler on the left and right, the central front blade, newly designed air intakes, new trunk lid with integrated air ducts and the new air vents in front of the windshield.

Going to the side of the Anentador, the refinement includes new rocker panels, carbon-fiber mirror covers and the new side air intakes on the rear windows. Next is the rear of the sportscar, which is dominated by the NOVITEC TORADO rear wing. The latter is being offered in two versions and increases the downforce on the rear axle.

The aerodynamics of the car was further improved thanks to the new diffuser for the rear fascia. On the other hand the larger air intakes and outlets for the hood, combined with the new air vents in the rear, deliver enhanced ventilation of the engine compartment.

The Lamborghini runs on NOVITEC TORADO three-piece NL1 alloy wheels which have five-twin-spoke design and are engineered to fill out the available space under the wheel arches. For the front are utilized wheels in size 9Jx20 matched with 255/30 ZR 20 Pirelli P-Zero high-performance tires. And at the rear the tyres are in size 355/25 ZR 21 and are mounted on 13Jx21 rims.

Furthermore, NOVITEC TORADO sports suspension deliver high adjustability and also offers adjustable dampers. But more importantly, is the tuning done on the engine of this special sports car. The first thing being offered here is a conventional tuning for the V12 engine, which is rated at 515 kW (700 hp). After the enhancement, the engine is able to generate up to 550 kW / 748 hp. Secondly, through the development of a Bi-compressor engine, the car will be capable of producing some 736 kW (1000 hp).

The exhaust system which is being offered here has new design and quasi three-and-a-half tailpipes, where the two center pipes are connected. It can be made from either stainless steel or from the even lighter INCONEL material used in Formula 1 racing. The program also features lighter and more efficient sports catalysts.

What is left to be mentioned is the refinement done throughout the interior. Clear-coated carbon-fiber trim from the door panels to the cover of the instrument cluster are what instantly catches the attention. In addition, the seats are wrapped in high-quality all-leather crafted from the finest leathers and Alcantara. The interior also features audio system made by the specialists at Revox.

Source: NOVITEC

Honda Starts Production Of The 2014 Cider Model

Back in April, the Japanese brand Honda has revealed the new Crider Concept at the 2013 Auto Shanghai. It was also disclosed that the manufacturer will produce the Crider alongside the new Accord in China as part of the Guangzhou-Honda joint venture.

Now, the brand is ready for production and sales of the Cider. As a matter of fact, the new-middle class sedan is the first model developed in China for the Chinese market. It aims at to capture the minds and hearts of the young generation and offer them energetic driving experience.

The new Honda Cider production vehicle includes a dynamic exterior design, which was inspired by an image of a dragon. It also delivers outstanding driving performance which manifests in both power and fuel efficiency.

Its characteristics in terms of spaciousness and comfortability are proven by the large cabin space, plentiful equipment and technological advancements included. For instance the car is equipped with a display audio system, which is able to display information for comfortable driving, including a navigation map obtained in coordination with a smartphone.

To go further into details, the dimensions of the new car are length of 4650 mm, width of 1750 mm, and height of 1505 mm. The wheelbase is 2650 mm long. The car is equipped with the 1.8L i-VTEC engine, which is promises to deliver excellent fuel economy rated at 6.7L/100 km, when the unit is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. When the engine is coupled with the for five-speed manual transmission, then the Cider delivers 6.5L/100km of fuel efficiency.

Source: Honda

First Datsun Model Sketches Released [TEASER]

The sketches of the first Datsun model has been exclusively revealed and they come to show the dynamism of the new generation car. The vehicle will have its world premiere at a special event in New Delhi, India on 15th of July.

The car will be the first of the future Datsun model line-up to be launched from 2014 and it will be exclusively aimed for the Indian market. – and the first of the future Datsun model line-up to be launched from 2014. The premiere event will also introduce the return of the brand in the automotive world.

Other markets in the field of vision of Datsun are in Indonesia, Russia and South Africa, later in 2014. Furthermore, it has been disclosed that the production vehicles will be individually developed for the different markets, however they will share a common concept inspiration.

All future Datsun models will offer to their owners an engaging driving experience, durability, ease of accessibility and competitive pricing. The cars will be also supported by Nissan’s experience and technical expertise.

Source: Nissan

Subaru Releases WRX tS Type RA NBR Challenge Package

Subaru has just announced the release the exclusive Subaru WRX STI tS TYPE RA, which in addition is currently going one sale through the dealerships in Japan. The architecture of the new car focuses on suspension tuning.

In addition there are also especially-made items for this performance edition which has been adopted for its exterior and interior designs based on the 4-door WRX STI spec C. The driving was dynamics were also enhanced via sharper handling response.

Furthermore, there are also included quick steering gearbox (steering gear ratio 11:1), “Brembo” front monoblock opposed 6-pot brake calipers and grooved disc rotors. They all contribute achieving higher driving performance. The tuning of chassis and body performance combined with STI’s unique flexible parts, basic vehicle attributes such as “running”, “turning” and “stopping” have been harmonized at a high level.

The car comes with “Tangerine Orange Pearl” exterior color and also has some detailed elements such as a “tS” ornament. The exquisite body color contrasts the black colored door mirror cover, side garnish and aluminum wheel, contributing to a sharper and more aggressive visual stance.

Another highlight is the NBR Challenge Package for this model, which includes special equipments such as a STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler, “BBS” designed 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and “Recaro” designed front bucket seat with Alcantara®.

Subaru WRX tS Type RA NBR Challenge Package Details:

Mechanism:

STI tuned upside down strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
STI designed lateral link with pillow ball bush (front inside, rear inside) Brembo front monoblock opposed 6-pot brake caliper (gold with STI logo) Brembo front 18-inch 2 piece type grooved disc rotor
Brembo rear opposed 2-pot brake caliper (gold with STI logo) Brembo rear 17-inch grooved disc rotor
Exclusively-tuned Potenza RE070 245/40R18 tires
STI designed 18-inch x 8 1/2J aluminum wheels (black) STI designed flexible tower bar, front
STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front & rear
STI designed support, front kit
STI designed flexible support, rear
Exclusively-made quick steering gearbox (steering gear ratio 11:1)

Exterior:

STI designed front under spoiler
Exclusively-made “tS” ornament (front & rear), “TYPE RA” ornament (rear) and “STI” ornament (rear) STI designed side garnish with STI logo (black)
Black colored electric folding door mirror with LED side turn signal lamp

Interior:

Exclusively-made leather lapped steering wheel with red stitch
STI designed leather shift knob with “STI” logo Front bucket seat with STI logo and red stitch Exclusively-made side sill plate with “tS” logo (front) STI designed leather key ring (red)

Equipment for NBR Challenge Package:

STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable)
BBS designed 18-inch x 8 1/2J forged aluminum wheels (black) Exclusively-made Nürburgring Challenge sticker (side)
Recaro designed front bucket seat with STI logo and red stitch (Alcantara® / Leather)

Source: Subaru

Chevrolet Announces Production Of 2014 Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition

The production of 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition will soon start and the new exclusive model will be offered to a limited number of customers. To be more precise, the Premiere Edition will be built in only 500 examples.

Every car will be based on the top-of-the-line 3LT. In addition their exterior colort will be specific – Laguna Blue Tintcoat, in order this special edition to be recognized instantly. For the interior, the designers of this Chevrolet have chosen the Brownstone suede shade.

What is more, throughout the suede-wrapped interior trim, the driver and the occupants will enjoy many carbon-fiber elements. Other highlights here are the visible carbon fiber roof, variable tuned performance exhaust system, and Z51 Performance Package with Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

As a true Premiere Edition in limited run, this Corvette Stingray will be equipped with wide range of unique accessories. Some of them for instance, will include the “stinger” hood stripe, “Stingray”-logo interior sill plates and wheel caps, and custom Corvette-branded luggage from Thule.

At last, all of the 500 examples will have a unique vehicle identification number, starting with 300001, as well as an exclusive dash plaque commemorating the limited-edition model.

Source: Chevrolet

Ram Announces The New 2014 Heavy Duty Line

2014 Ram Heavy Duty line comes to offer best-in-class towing capacity. The range of vehicles are equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine which is capable of generating 410 horsepower (300 kW) and 582 Nm (429 lb-ft). And the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is estimated at 37,600 pounds with Ram 3500.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty are also equipped with innovative technologies, 5-link coil suspension with optional air suspension on Ram 2500 and a supplemental air bag suspension option on Ram 3500.

The five-link coil rear suspension system aims to deliver better ride and handling and also to provide better articulation over obstacles. In addition, the robust coil springs are now capable to handling the loads required of a Heavy Duty Ram 2500 — up to 17,940 pounds for towing.

The segment exclusive rear air suspension system is also to be found in the Ram 2500. An air bag replaces the coil spring which increases the load-leveling capability. In fact, the air pressure enhances until the vehicle reaches normal ride height, leveling the truck, improving stability and loaded ride.

Furthermore, the Ram 3500 keeps the rear Hotchkiss leaf spring system but will also include supplemental air suspension system on SRW and DRW applications. This addition softens the leaf springs thus allowing for more unladed suspension movement.

At the front, the Heavy Duty line includes an advanced three-link front suspension. It in turn secures better roll stiffness. The latter is very important for heavy payloads and is measured by the amount the truck’s body tips side-to-side, independently of the wheels, during cornering.

2014 Ram 2500 also comes with gooseneck (center-positioned ball in the bed) or fifth wheel capability, an in-box connection junction, and a standard Class 4 and 5 receiver hitch with a four or seven pin connector on the bumper.

The Ram Power Wagon also benefits from the new five-link rear suspension, the unique front suspension system and modified front three-link system. The latter includes high-movement links, allowing for additional flexibility and axle articulation. This model is powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which makes the Power Wagon the most capable production off-road truck in the industry.

Moreover, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 was optimized specifically for the Ram Heavy Duty lineup. The result is improved low-end torque without sacrificing high-end power. It comes mated to a 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission as a standard.

Other engine options include the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, which is the standard equipment for the Ram 2500 and 3500 (SRW). This unit generates 383 horsepower (282 kW) at 5,600 rpm and generates peak torque of 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) at 4,000 rpm. The engine is matched also with the 66RFE six-speed automatic transmission.

Furthermore, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 is available in three versions. The first one is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that includes a wear-compensating clutch for lifetime like-new performance and a dual-trunion shift tower to accommodate a compact shift pattern. The result is 350 horsepower (257 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 895 Nm (660 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,400 rpm.

The next option, matches the unit to the 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission, with a power estimated at a 370 horsepower (272 kW) at 2,800 rpm with an unsurpassed in ¾-ton trucks 1084 Nm (800 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,600 rpm.

At last, the third option matches the unit to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (AS69RC), which helps the Ram generate 385 horsepower (283 kW) at 2,800 rpm and a torque of 1152 Nm (850 lb.-ft.) at 1,700 rpm.

Another highlight featured here is the Ram Active Air intake system. When the intake system senses extreme heat, it draws cooler air from the front of the vehicle. In case of wet, snow, ice or water-fording conditions, the same system pulls air from an under-hood inlet, clear from snow packing and water.

In addition, there are available two Borg-Warner part-time transfer cases for the Heavy Duty line-up. The BW 44-46 is an electric shifting part-time transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral, while the BW 44-47 is a manual shifting transfer case with 2WD, 4WD High, 4WD Low and Neutral.

Next to be mentioned is that the 2014 model can be equipped with range of new 18- and 20-inch wheels, including forged aluminum, polished with painted, white gold painted pockets and cast aluminum with silver inserts. Moreover, a cargo-view camera, mounted in the center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) will deliver a view of the bed for easier fifth wheel or gooseneck trailers as well as monitoring bed loads.

At last, the 2014 Ram Heavy Duty will be offered in twelve different colors, including two new ones: Blue Streak and Granite Crystal. It can be ordered in a monotone and/or two-tone, depending on the model.

The production of the 2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty will start at the third quarter of this year. The initial price of the models is estimated at $29 600.

Source: Ram Truck

Audi R8 GRAND-AM Returns At Watkins Glen Race

Audi R8 GRAND-AM made a return yesterday at the 6 Hours at Watkins Glen race as part of the endurance championship. Two Audi motor-sport cars took part in the contest: the GRAND-AM and the new Fall-Line Motorsport.

The winning Audi R8 GRAND-AM that won the Daytona 24 Hours earlier this year was driven by Felipe Albuquerque (Portugal) – the same driver took the checkered flag at Daytona; Eduardo Mortara (France/Italy) and Dion von Moltke (South Afraica) piloted the number 24 car. The official results of the race, hasn’t been released yet, but we are impatiently looking forward to hearing some good news for the Audi team.

In fact, Fall-Line Motorsports number 46 R8 GRAND-AM in the B+ (Be Positive) livery made its debut at the event. The successful team brought great enthusiasm to the event. The piloting-trio Al Carter, Charles Espenlaub, and Charlie Putman has worked together for several years and has won many races including Fall-Line’s team and drivers’ 2010 Continental Tires Sports Car Challenge Series championship with Espenlaub and Putman.

Audi R8 GRAND-AM differentiates approximately by 50 percent of the R8 production car in terms of parts and equipment. For instance, the 5.2 Liter V10 naturally aspirated engine is fitted to the race-car, and was previously tested for maximum durability on the track.

In addition, the new Audi R8 production car has been also enhanced and now is offered as V10 Plus model which is capable of delivering 550 horsepower (405 kW). The model has an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds. The engine is matched with a new in-house developed seven-speed double clutch S tronic transmission that is exclusively utilized in the R8.

However, the six-speed manual gated shifting transmission is still available on all models as well as the new full-LED lighting design. New cross-stitched leather seats and door inserts finish the improvements on the interior of the 2014 R8 production car.

Source: Audi

2014 Range Rover Sport – The Official Pace Car At PPIHC [VIDEO]

The exclusive 2014 Range Rover Sport is the official Pace Car for the 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC). The race is familiar as the “Race To The Clouds” and it takes place annually at the Colorado Mountains in the USA. PPIHC is famous for the spectacular location which in addition has unforgiving nature with its 12.4-mile-long course lined by sheer drops down the mountainside.

This Land Rover model will be the course-opening car. To remind you, the vehicle achieved own record-setting run: a new best time up the hill for a standard SUV and additionally it broke the long standing record for any type of production-standard vehicle.

The 12.42-mile course goes up to 9 390 feet (2 860 m) and has 156 corners. The Rover Sport was able to conquer them in only 12 minutes and 35.61 seconds with an average speed and from a standing start of 59.17 mph (95.23 kph).

The new sport modification based on the highly-acclaimed Range Rover delivers the brands best-ever on-road dynamics combined with class-leading all-terrain capability. It now offers more assertive and muscular exterior as well as more luxurious interior which in addition feature the flexibility of an optional third row seating.

Moreover, for the construction of the 2014 Rover Sport has been utilized aluminium architecture thanks to which has been achieved a weight saving of more than 800 lbs. This SUV also exploits Land Rover’s breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies.

The record-breaking vehicle was equipped with 510 PS 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 engine. The only thing that differentiated it from a production-standard car was the fitment of a roll cage and harness seatbelts, which were additionally added in order to meet racing safety requirements. Behind the wheel of the 2014 Range Rover Sport was Paul Dallenbach.

The special Pace Car, however, will be driven by motorsports competitor and official Gay Smith, who was the 1974 Rookie of the Year on Pikes Peak and has served on the event’s Board of Directors for 20 years.

2013 PPIHC attracted 157 competitors, from which 70 are cars and 87 – motorcycles). The entry was headlined by World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb. In addition, Land Rover released a new four-minute documentary film about the Range Rover Sport’s record run at Pikes Peak, which happened in June. You can of course view it below.

httpv://youtu.be/BaPiM_mish4

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Land Rover