Author: Lidia Todorova

Aston Martin Unveils Winning Le Mans Gulf Livery

Aston Martin and Gulf have just unveiled the winner of their livery design competition. The design of the car was inspired by the change in atmosphere in this moment when the day gives way to night during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The winning design was created by Jonathan Wesley and will adorn the number 97 Vantage GTE throughout race week. The drivers of this particular car will be Darren Turner (GB), Stefan Mücke (D) and Peter Dumbreck (GB). They were also those one responsible for the choice of Wesley’s design among hundreds of other entries.

Wesley is going to attend the race weekend as a VIP guest of Gulf and will have the opportunity of seeing his winning design compete in the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although he found it quite difficult to design an already perfect Gulf Aston Martin, he accepted the challenge and just sketched a few thoughts out.

In the end, he put his attention on the idea of the car being in a different colour on both sides. He also used Gulf’s corporate colours – dark blue, light blue, orange and white, to make its livery come to reality. The idea for it, he calls “daylight to dusk”, because this was for him the most exciting part of the race.

To be more precise, the livery moves from the white with the broad orange stripe dividing things to the dark blue of the night. The orange and blue lines visible on the exterior of this Aston Martin represent the streaks that one often sees in photos of the cars at night.

Gulf and the iconic British brand have been partners for five years and have signed a further three-year deal. With the livery competition they have allowed fans to participate in the team’s most ambitious Le Mans campaign.

The number 97 car is one of the five Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTEs that are going to compete in the 24-hour race. Only one of them however, will be adorned with the competition-winning design. The car will first be seen on the Circuit de la Sarthe at the first free practice session on 19th of June.

Source: Aston Martin

Jaguar F-Type Is The Official Pace Car At Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Jaguar has just announced that their F-Type model is going to be the official pace car of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The event will take place on 21st of July and will be a ten day celebration.

In fact two Jaguar F-Type vehicles will carry the emblem of the official Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The cars will also serve as the official mascot of the event. In addition, the model will go on sale this summer and will introduce the new sports car design language for the brand.

It embodies bold but clean lines, and includes highlights in terms of technology such as a deployable rear spoiler and hidden door handles. Moreover, the car is the first new sports car that the brand has introduced in over 50 years.

With its front-engine, lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel drive, the F-type is designed to bring about real high-performance to the automotive world. Under the hood, there is hidden the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, or the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 one.

The firs one is offered with 340 hp (250 kW) and 380 hp (280 kW) outputs, and the second – with 495 hp (364 kW) output. With this model, Jaguar basically aims to continue its sporting heritage in a thoroughly modern way.

The mission of the race is to produce a world-class vintage racing event with the aim of raising funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

Jaguar F-TYPE sports car has a starting $69 000 and is currently available in showrooms.

Source: Jaguar

Champion Michael Caine To Compete In Special Autoglym BTCC Car

The motorsport specialists at Autoglym and the British GT Champion Michael Caine are going to join forces in order to take part at North East’s Croft circuit this coming weekend. The special car for this event is the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), which is to return to the race track after its victory at the Avon Tyres British GT at Snetterton.

This is the third Mountune-powered Ford Focus ST NGTC which will its maiden race appearance in the stunning red, white and black livery delivered by the British Car Care Company Autoglym. As a matter of fact, the Livery puts an emphasis on one of Autoglym’s class leading and innovative products – LifeShine.

LifeShine, offers an advanced system of protective treatments, which are created with the aim of keeping the good condition of the car, allowing paintwork, upholstery and glass to maintain an “as new” demeanour for many years.

Combined with the BTCC profile, LifeShine is expected to deliver stunning results and Autoglym expects to show again the perfect way of conveying its philosophy. The brand strives for the perfect finish every time and it is sure that during this weekend these aims will be proved via good set of race results.

In addition, this event will be also marked by the return to the BTCC of the 43 year old Caine, who is given the chance to get back out on the grid once more. He states that he is looking forward to being able to support the team once again, and hopefully achieve the results they deserve.

Source: Autoglym

The Ultimate Convertible Super GT: Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

The ultimate luxury brand Aston Martin has just unveiled the premium convertible GT – Vanquish Volante. The coupe sibling of this model was launched globally last autumn and made a huge furore.

The cabrio version also benefits from the same technical, engineering and design advances. However, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting open-top driving.

Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in Aston Martin’s one hundred year history. Furthermore, vehicle’s triple-skin lightweight fabric roof can be manipulated at speeds of up to 30 mph and it needs just 14 seconds to fold.

The exterior design of the new car is a result of brand’s iconic visual language and includes styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades. On the other hand, the windscreen is now full height; therefore the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thus reducing visual “clutter”.

Furthermore, the new models “suit” of carbon fibre panels cloaks a comfortable and luxury 2+2 cabin. The latter is created via sophisticated materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, Alcantara and satin chrome.

One of the highlights in the interior is the centre stack with refinements which results in more elegant form. Car’s set-up keeps the familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button, gear selection buttons, but at the same time offers new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design.

More importantly, the new Vanquish Volante is powered by the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. It is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox and is capable of generating 565 hp (415 kW) at 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm.

The driving dynamics are also enhanced and tuned precisely via the new springs and damper settings, which are calibrated with the goal of delivering crisp handling and compliant ride. Vanquish Volante also utilizes Vertical Horizontal (VH) architecture which comprises of lightweight bonded aluminium structure with excellent strength and rigidity. The Vanquish also features significant semi-structural carbon fibre components.

What is more, in order to take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the vehicle uses a battery of sophisticated technologies such as Dynamic Stability Control and Positive Torque Control. In addition, the Adaptive Damping System (ADS) gives the driver the ability to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track.

What ADS basically does is to automatically change the suspension settings and to ensure that the driver has high levels of control at all times. The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit. The latter takes sensor information from the systems of the vehicle, featuring throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed.

Next, this cabrio’s braking system comprises of the third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, which offer shorter stopping distances. The front brakes utilize 398 mm x 36 mm CCM brake discs with larger front brake pads and six-piston brake callipers. On the other hand, the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM brake discs with a four-piston calliper.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has a starting price of $297 995, and its first deliveries are expected to begin next year.

Source: Aston Martin

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Altitude Special Edition Includes More Equipment

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Altitude Special Edition is set to strengthen its position in the automotive world because it gains more in-demand features. First of all, the new special edition is offered with premium paint – metallic or pearlescent, as a standard, and even more – it will be equipped with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and a range of luxury interior appointments.

Those who will chose the eight-seat special-edition wagon will be cosseted in a black leather-accented interior with premium steering wheel and gearshift knob. Furthermore, they will have the comfort and convenience of driver and front-passenger seats with power-operated slide, recline, height and cushion tilt. In addition, driver’s seat also is equipped with power lumbar adjustment.

Next, the occupants can now keep their drinks and snacks fresh, because of the addition of a cooler box within the centre console. More importantly, this special edition LandCruiser is powered by Toyota‘s twin-turbo V8 common-rail diesel engine. The unit is matched with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.

The powerplant is capable of generating 266 horsepower (195kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft). The fuel economy it achieves is rated at just 10.3 litres/100km.

Other updates included are the trailer sway control which is created with the aim to assist if a towed vehicle becomes unsettled by crosswinds, bumpy roads or sharp turns of the steering wheel; eight airbags; vehicle stability and active traction control.

There is also present 6.1-inch LCD screen which shows the images from the reversing camera and satellite navigation system. LandCruiser special-editionis fitted with a Multi-Terrain ABS which adapts to driving conditions by detecting engine output, acceleration and wheel speed.

It also includes Toyota’s off-road cruise-control system called CRAWL. The latter has five low-speed settings and disengages at speeds over 25km/h. It also automatically manages the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure.

At last, the choice of exterior colours which is currently offered to the customers for the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Altitude Special Edition is the following: Crystal Pearl and Eclipse Black, Silver Pearl, Graphite and Shimmer.

Source: Toyota

2014 Buick LaCrosse Goes On Sale

2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan will go on sale later this year and will be equipped with next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, eight air bags and an eAssist powertrain as standard equipment.

On the other hand, as an option is being offered the new Ultra Luxury interior package. The latter features unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color.

What is more, the 2014 LaCrosse will be equipped with full range of active safety technologies and two available package groups. The first one is named Driver Confidence I package and it features Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display.

Next, the second package is the Driver Confidence II one, which adds over the first package and it comprises of Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a patented Safety Alert Seat.

As an available option there is offered all-wheel drive. On-demand traction is delivered through an advanced Haldex all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip rear differential. Moreover, the Buick is equipped with 304 hp (224 kW) 3.6L V-6 engine. Its fuel efficiency is rated at 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive.

Other options that are being offered are the various wheel choices, Bose audio, navigation, rear seat entertainment, and a sunroof. In addition, the available equipment features rear park assist, rear vision camera, passive entry and passive start, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, and real-time dampening.

2014 Buick LaCrosse will have a starting price of $34 060.

Source: Buick

First Pictures Of Fiat 500L MPW Released

Fiat 500L MPW has just made its online debut and the first pictures of the model have been released. This new Fiat vehicle will have its world premiere in July on the sixth anniversary of the 500 family.

The 500L MPW has many attractive assets: the charm of the 500, the agility and compactness of a city-car, the comfort and contents of a C-segment station wagon and the space of an MPV. Therefore the car offers an effective utilization of space and design. Its design includes additional third row of seats (5 + 2-seater) and this means proportions of 435 cm length, 178 cm width and 167 cm height.

Furthermore, although the new Fiat is 20 cm shorter than a C-segment Station Wagon, it still offers great values in terms of comfort, space and load capacity, because of its volume of 638 litres.

At launch, Fiat 500L MPW will be offered with two petrol engines – the 95 hp (70 kW) 1.4 16v and 105 hp (77 kW) 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, and with two turbodiesels – the 105 hop (77 kW) 1.6 MultiJet II and 85 hp (63 kW) 1.3 MultiJet II. The latter engine will be also available with an automatic transmission.

The range of the new model will also be offered in a choice of two trim levels called Pop Star and Lounge. Both will include 5 or 7 seats, and moreover the customers will have the choice of 19 body colours, including 11 two-tone combinations as well as 6 interior trims, 15 different types alloy wheels and hub caps.

The equipment featured in the range is demonstrated by the new leather interiors, integrated navigation system and rear camera which assists the reversing manoeuvres. First orders of Fiat 500L MPW will begin in July.

Source: Fiat

Vilner Restores 1938 Opel Olympia

Opel Olympia is one of the icons in the automotive industry. The compact car was in production from 1935 to 1940, and from 1947 to 1953, and then again from 1967 to 1970. As a matter of fact, the first Olympia was Germany’s first mass-produced car with an all-steel unitized body which delivered an enhancement of the weight of the model.

In addition, Olympia was a revolutionary car, because for he first time in the automotive world, there has been used spot welding, advanced types of steel, and a new production line layout.

At first, the vehicle was equipped with 1.3 litre engine, but from 1937 the latter was substituted by the 1.5 litre overhead valve unit. The new powerplant was able of generating 37 hp (27 kW) on its way to a top speed of 112 km/h (70 mph).

And today we would like to introduce to you a very interesting project on a 1938 Opel Olympia done by the luxury tuning specialists at Vilner. Not many professionals in this industry can make a 75-year-old car look like it has just come out of the factory.

As one can judge from the pictures below, they have entirely restored this Opel. However, the client didn’t want the production exterior color, so the tuners painted the car in new dark brown and cherry dye.

Of course, some modern touch was added to the interior as well, and hence it was equipped with brand new leather wrapping of the seats in light color with some contrasting elements included. Reupholstering has been also done on the ceiling, seats and the doors.

Novitec Maserati GranCabrio MC Becomes Supercharged

Novitec Maserati GranCabrio MC is now supercharged thanks to the engine enhancement done by the tuning specialists. Novitec Tridente improved the unit of this Maserati and it now generates 475 kW (646 hp) at 7,500 rpm and has a peak torque of 624 Nm (460 lb-ft) at 5,600 rpm.

Another result is that the tops speed of the car now exceeds 305 km/h. The tuned Maserati accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and to 200 km/h in a mere 11.4 seconds. The tuning program also includes high-tech forged wheels, a hydraulically height-adjustable coil-over suspension and exclusive interior options.

As a matter of fact, the supercharger conversion in the Maserati GranCabrio MC delivers excellent performance paired with durability and everyday suitability.The 4.7-liter eight-cylinder four-valve V8 engine drives the mechanical supercharger via a V-ribbed belt. The maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.43 bar.

In order to retain the temperature of the charge air as cool as possible, the tuning specialists have included a supercharger system with water-cooled intercooler. The katter has an operating temperature ensured by a separate cooling circuit with two heat exchangers.

In this conversion is also featured voluminous intake manifold, larger injectors and newly calibrated mapping for the engine electronics. The end effect of cours is no less than outstanding power.

Furthermore, Novitec has also included a new hood, which includes centrally positioned air. In order to optimize the venting of the engine compartment, the hoodwas was also equipped with big air outlets.

In addition, the exhaust system has been visually refined and comes with electronic sound management, two 105-mm tailpipes available with in black-coated or polished finish. The dynamic handling of the vehicle was also futher enhanced via tailor-made tire/wheel combinations.

This particular car runs on Novitec NM4 wheels with five delicate twin spokes. They are in dimensions of 9Jx21 and 12Jx22 for the front and rear respectively. The weels were matched to Pirelli PZero high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22.

Furthermore, the tuners have equipped this cabrio with sports suspension, which was specifically calibrated to the high-performance tires. Moreover, it allows an adjustment of the dampers, thus delivering the desired ride height.

Source: Novitec Tridente

Phantom Black Panther: OK-Chiptuning Audi R8 V10 Coupe

Phantom Black Panther is the latest project of the tuning professionals at OK-Chiptuning, which this time have enhanced the emblematic Audi R8 V10 Coupe. They have enhanced the model in terms not only of visual characteristics but also of performance.

First of all they have equipped the Audi with phantom black metallic carbon-front lip and rear diffuser. The taillights have been changed and now resemble those of the R8 GT. Furthermore, the radiator grill is painted in carriage color.

In this tuning can also be seen the KW-thread springs with „magnetic ride”. They have the ability to adapt their hardness in fractions through a magnetic field of the current driving situation within seconds.

However, the main focus of OK-Chiptuning was the engine. The modifications done on the unit, gear box as well as the associated software, result in more power delivery. The original engine generates 520 hp (382 kW) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque.

Nevertheless, through software- optimization, the Audi R8 V10 now is able of producing 620 hp (456 kW) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft). In addition, thanks to the support of flaps exhaust system the mid-engine-Audi lies down the sprint from 100 to 200 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. What is more, the software optimization of R tronic done by the team at Kai Uwe OTTLINGHAUS offers a significant reduction of switching times.

Source: Miranda Media

Audi Announces Pricing For 2014 SQ5 [VIDEO]

Audi has just announced the U.S. pricing for the all-new 2014 Audi SQ5 high-performance luxury crossover. This vehicle is the first S variant of any Audi Q model, and it mixes sportiness with space and functionality.

2014 SQ5 adds to the model lineup of the Q5, which is the second best-selling model line for Audi last year. In addition, the Q5 model line includes also improvements for the 2014 model year with the introduction of the fuel-efficient Q5 TDI® clean diesel model, which joins the current lineup of 2.0T, 3.0T and hybrid variants.

To go further into details, the SQ5 is equipped with a supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI® direct-injection V6 engine. The unit is capable of achieving 354 hp (260 kW) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque, which contribute for a 5.1 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top track speed is 155 mph.

The engine is matched with an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission, and in addition, this Audi model includes the Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system for superior traction and handling.

Furthermore, the 2014 Audi SQ5 comes equipped with an aluminum roof rails and sloped roof, standard 20-inch wheels or the optional 21-inch wheels. It also features the emblematic S model’s front and rear bumpers with Platinum Gray grille and diffuser, Aluminum exterior mirror housings and quad exhaust tips. In addition, the Audi Singleframe® grille and Audi Xenon plus headlights with automatic self-leveling and LED daytime running lights, contribute to SQ5’s exceptional appearance.

In terms of interior, this SUV is sporty and spacious. The steering wheel is three-spoke multifunction and flat-bottom with alu-optic shift paddles and contrast stitching. Leather and Alcantara has been used for the sport seats as a standard, while the Fine Nappa interior is to be found in the available comfort package. New layered Aluminum/Black wood decorative inlays are also available in the SQ5.

A wide range of advanced technology and driver assistance features is offered in the SQ5 as a standard. Some of the optional features here are the Audi side assist, Audi adaptive cruise control, Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers and Audi connect®.

2014 Audi SQ5 has a starting price of $51 900 and is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms later this summer.

httpv://youtu.be/mHumcxyvvV8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Audi