Lidia Todorova – Page 236 – Automobiles Review

MG Unveiles 2013 MG3 Urban Vehicle

MG3 was officially unveiled in all its glamour at the Birmingham-based European Design Centre. It showed its inherent visual attributes which aim to grab the attention of the young and style buyers.

MG3 is all about personal style, because it offers the ability for individualization. It is going to be offered with three trim levels, 10 colours and a range of at least 10 graphic packs, making the combinations almost endless.

Some of the exterior highlights feature 6” Diamond cut alloy wheels, unique LED ‘hockey stick’ daytime running lights, sport-design bumper, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, sports-design rear valance, chrome exhaust finishers and MG insert headlamps.

To go even further into details, from the front of the car there is an immediate flash of style hanks to the impressive ‘hockey stick’ LED daytime running lights, full width black mesh grille, black A-Pillar and ‘visor’ wraparound style windscreen.

The side of the car is also striking with its dual color side skirts, lowering the stance, diamond-cut, dual colour wheels. At the rear is visible the rear valance insert inspired by generations of MG racing cars, a unique superelliptic tail pipe finished in chrome and a body coloured tail spoiler.

Depending on the chosen trim level, the interior of the MG3 includes air conditioning system, six-speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, DAB radio, USB/Aux input, automatic lights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors, ‘ZERO’ design fabric seats and part-leather trim.

In addition, inside the car the occupants will experience comfortability, ambience and spaciousness. For instance, MG3’s ‘rolled and raised’ front dashboard design delivers an airy forward cabin space and increased legroom. In addition, in the rear of the car, the front seats are sculpted to allow rear passengers excellent space to travel in comfort.

One of the main strategies used in the design of the MG3 was to bring about real fun of driving. Here the MG chassis engineers have delivered footed handling and impressive ride comfort.

The other main strategy was to offer customers the opportunity to optimally personalize the vehicle. The available options here are roof, side and bonnet graphics, interior trims, wheels, vents, surrounds and mats in a choice of designs, colors and finishes.

More importantly, the car will be powered by a VTi-TECH petrol engine, which produces 105 hp (77 kW). The dynamic and responsive unit is matched with a five-speed manual transmission. In addition, the model offers compact dimensions. It is just 4-metres long and thus it is really easy to drive and park and additionally it is very practical.

Full specifications and prices of the MG3 will be announced nearer to the public launch by the beginning of September.

MG3 Early Specification Information:

Engine and Chassis
Type			SOHC VTI-TECH
Output			105PS TBC
Aspiration			Naturally Aspirated
Delivery			Multipoint injection
Fuel			UNLEADED 95 RON
Cylinders			4
Valves			16
Camshaft drive			Chain
Front suspension			MacPherson struts
Rear suspension			Twist Beam
Steering system			HPAS
Throttle			Drive by wire

Fuel Consumption
Emission Standard
Dimensions (Exterior)			EU5 plus
Overall Length
Width		mm	4015
Height			1728
Wheelbase (mm)			1520
Dimensions (Interior)			2520
Front
Rear	Legroom (max)	mm	1063
	Headroom (max)		954
	Shoulder room (max)		1365
	Legroom rear (max)		875
	Headroom rear (max)		972
			1318

Source: MG

June 13, 2013

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts Go Beyond The Standard

AC Schnitzer MINI Color Concepts offer striking and individual visual attributes which enhance the expressive the unique appearance of the emblematic model. The tuning company AC Schnitzer has given the MINIs a combination of innovative technology with stylish and cheeky design.

In addition, they have equipped the vehicles with new AC Schnitzer sports wings with integrated fins. They convincingly stand out and in addition complement perfectly the paint scheme thus gathering more attention.

Furthermore, the cars also run on new wheels, namely the AC Schnitzer Mi2 alloys in 18-inch sizes. The mirror covers are also colored in the corresponding dye. The colourful styling is continued through vinyls in four fluorescent Color Line shades: Red, Yellow, Blue and Green.

At last to mention is the fact that the AC Schnitzer Color Line Decor Set comprises of films for driver and passenger sides, tailgate stickers and bonnet films. They go along with the vinyls for the vehicle roof and are available in four expressive colors. Of course, they can be combined individually with paintwork in any color.

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 13, 2013

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci represent the perfect example of the combination between Italian craftsmanship and style. In addition, one can find all this exclusiveness in a small and compact car. Of course, the models will be produced in a limited edition run and will deliver their customers discrete appearance inside and out.

As a matter of fact, this is the fastest-selling Fiat 500 on the US market now and this success is a pure instance that the customers appreciate high-quality small vehicles which can offer craftsmanship, technology and the style.

These Gucci Edition models offer for the 2013 model year a new Nero monotone interior environment. On one hand it can complements Gucci Nero exterior or make the perfect contrast to the Gucci Bianco glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and the Gloss Nero lighting bezels.

The new interior is nothing less than stylish and at the same time extremely functional. One can see chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature “Guccissima”. In addition, there are also Premium Nero leather accents that can be seen inside, and particularly found on the door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For those who are keen on two-tone interior, the models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. To be more precise, tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.

How about the exterior changes featured in this year’s models. First of all they include several exclusive design elements which refer to Cinquecento’s iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model.

Next, a chrome cursive “Gucci” completes the door frames and hatchback. It also complements the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear.

The vehicles also include sculpted fenders which offer one-of-a-kind design, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior pain, wheels’ center caps with interlocking “GG” hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde.

2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting price of $23 750, while the price tag of 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition starts at $27 750.

Source: Fiat

June 12, 2013

Cenit Verde Presents The SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype

SEAT Leon Verde Hybrid Electric Prototype has just been unveiled. The environmental-friendly vehicle is based on the new Leon and is a culmination of a four-year research project called Cenit Verde, which translates as Green Zenith.

The project was headed by SEAT’s Technical Centre in Martorell and in addition was supported by the Spain’s Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Next to the presented car today, the Cenit Verde project also includes the development of an innovative smart car charging system.

The latter aims to charge the car during those times, when the electricity grid is experiencing low demand. This saves the both money and reduces the strain on the energy grid. In this sense, the SEAT Leon Verde is an embodiment of the Cenit Verde project. The vehicle is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 122 hp (90 kW) which is connected to a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor.

The electric-only driving range of this SEAT on a full charge is 31 miles. When the battery is full battery and the 40-litre petrol tank is also full, the total range is estimated around 507 miles. The combined fuel consumption figure here is 176.6 mpg and the CO2 emissions are just 36 g/km.

Furthermore, the Leon Verde is equipped with advanced technologies. An instance is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which has been integrated into a smartphone app. This allows the driver to connect to the car via a wireless network with his or her smartphone and in turn this enables managing of the functions such as energy consumption, battery status, recharge management and estimated CO2 savings in electric mode.

What is more, the Driving Cycle Predictor analyses and memorizes the routines and driving style of the driver. This serves in terms of optimizing energy consumption and decreasing the CO2 emissions.

In the project as mentioned was also developed the ground-breaking system of tariff negotiation and smart energy management. It effectively allows the car to ‘interact’ with the electricity grid and this reduces the pressure on the grid and saves driver’s money.

The system operates by detecting when the overall energy consumption is low on the grid and points to charging during these times. In addition, if the car is left plugged into a power source between 7 pm and 7 am, the same system will only charge the car at times when it detects the overall demand has dropped, using a recharge manager.

The Leon Verde is charged via Lear 20 kW on-board charger, which allows two-way connection to the grid.

SEAT Leon Verde prototype is only in a research and development form. Unfortunately, there are no current plans to put the car into series production.

Source: SEAT

June 12, 2013

Better Performance: Schmidt Revolution BMW 335i F30

Schmidt Revolution BMW 335i F30 delivers better performance. How? By the irreversible evidence of physics that the performance of the unit depends on the mass to be moved. And this is why the tuners have paid attention to the weight saving.

The first visible modification on this BMW is the new rims, which include RADINOX®-technology. The latter offers special stainless steel alloy material which is absolutely corrosion free. In addition it provides compressive strength in the cases of kerbing damage for instance.

To be more precise, this BMW 335i F30 three-piece 20-inch wheels are carrying the name Schmidt Revolution FS Line and are in sizes 8,5×20 and 10×20 inches at the front and rear respectively. They are fitted with Continental 5P tyres in size 235/35-20 and 265/30-20, on the front and rear axle.

Another tuning brand has been involved in this transformation and it is Lightweight, which has offered this BMW an improvement in performance in two levels. The first level enhances the power output to 336 hp (247 kW) and 460 Nm (338 lb-ft) of torque at 5.700 rpm. The second one – the level two, increases the power of this vehicle up to 365 hp (268 kW) and 480 Nm (353 lb-ft) of torque at 5.600.

Furthermore, the muffer made from titanium is also delivered by Leightweight. It includes two 80-mm-tail pipes for the adaptation to the series system and it also contributes to some additional visual accents. In order to optimize the driving dynamics, the specialists have given the car Bilstein-B12-chassis with stabilizers from Eibach.

Source: Miranda Media

June 12, 2013

Bentley Continental GT3 Project In Development

Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer was officially unveiled at the Paris Auto Salon last year. Since then engineers have been working on the Continental GT3 in preparation for Bentley’s highly anticipated return to the track.

For this project the brand has been working with the help of the experts at M-Sport Ltd1. Over the last six months the race-ready version of the Continental has been taking material shape.

More importantly, the model is powered by a race-configured and efficient 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. The unit is mated with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox. In addition, the vehicle’s chassis system includes double wishbone suspension, four-way adjustable dampers and competition brakes.

In addition the Continental GT road car is more than 1000 kg lighter thanks to the removal of equipment and parts such as double glazing, over fifty ECUs and extensive electrical systems. What is more, some other replacements here include the substitution of the exquisitely trimmed Continental GT doors with their race versions. The latter weigh just 12% of the originals.

The doors, boot lid and bonnet are now hand-crafted in carbon fibre. On the other hand the emblematic silhouette of the road car is retained. The bodyshell itself benefits from a comprehensive FIA-specification roll cage.

At the same time, the carbon fibre racing seat has been trimmed and the racing steering wheel includes exclusive stitching. Bentley Continental GT3 will soon be ready to begin a test programme ahead of its race debut, when more details about the vehicle will be announced.

Source: Bentley

June 12, 2013

Exclusive New Images Of VUHL 05 Released [TEASER]

VUHL 05 – the Road-Legal Lightweight Supercar was teased back in March and now it is time to see something more of it. Ahead of its official debut at Goodwood Festval of Speed, the brand has released two new images of the upcoming model.

One of them is showing that the car is currently being tested at a secret location. In addition, VŪHL Automotive has confirmed that it has entered into a technical collaboration with Michelin. The latter will support the new sports car with set of new tyres.

Furthermore, the supercar embodies the optimal automotive technology from around the world. For instance, the vehicle’s handling has been optimised in the UK, it has been tested and developed in the U.S. and Europe, car bodies will be fabricated in Canada with final assembly conducted by the advanced manufacturing concern in Mexico City.

And if you wonder how VUHL is pronounced, well it stands for “vool” which in turn stands for Vehicles of Ultra High-performance and Lightweight. The company is a child of brothers Iker and Guillermo Echeverria, who have a Mexico City-based design company.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until official debut for more information about the vehicle, because no additional information has been disclosed so far. However, you can enjoy the latest two teaser images of the car, showing a glimpse of its powerful exterior stance.

Source: VUHL

June 11, 2013

Peugeot RCZ R Concept Makes International Debut At Goodwood

Peugeot RCZ R Concept is going to make its international debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 12th of July. The car was previewed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and in Paris in a matt black and copper livery that heralds the spiritual stance of a road-going RCZ R.

As a matter of fact, the RCZ R is the peak of the evolution of the original RCZ Concept, the production version of which was three-time class-winning Nürburgring race car. The latter was the inspiration behind the road-going RCZ R.

RCZ R uses 1.6-litre THP unit capable of developing 260 hp (191 kW). This number makes the vehicle the most powerful production Peugeot in brand’s history. In addition, its efficiency will be a benchmark with power/capacity of over 160hp/litre and with CO2 emissions at just 155g/km.

The concept also offers race-bred driving experience thanks to its bespoke suspension set-up, a specific and distinctive wheel design, combined with a Torsen®limited slip differential and masterful torque.

At Goodwood two red RCZ Rs will be showcased for the first time in public. As a matter of fact, this first look at the new Peugeot concept happens ahead of its official launch at the end of the year.

The French brand always aims at the production of vehicles which are compact, durable and have highly-efficient engines. This design strategy always results in the production of successful cars and competition vehicles, and culminates in brand’s most powerful road car – the Peugeot RCZ R Concept.

Source: Peugeot

June 11, 2013

Debut Of Toyota Camatte57s Concept

Toyota Motor Corporation is planning to showcase a sporty open-top and family-oriented concept vehicle at the International Tokyo Toy Show 2013. The event will take place from 13th till 16th of June.

The concept car is named “Camatte57s” and through it the brand aims to bring parents and children closer together in their collaboration on building their ideal car. It also provides the opportunity of both parents and children to gather experience in the fun of driving, car customization and car enthusiasm.

When compared to the previous model – “Camatte” (exhibited last year), the new “Camatte57s” allows an even greater ease and range of customization possibilities. Some of its major features include detachable body panels that enable easy and extensive customization. To be more precise, the car’s body exterior comprises of 57 detachable small lightweight panels. This of course results in more opportunities of various design customizations.

Next, it is important to mention, that this car features an open-top roadster styling with compact and intimate interior. For instance, the roofless design always contributes for more liberating driving experience and enhancement in the visibility.

Furthermore, the seats are in a closely arranged triangular form: there is only one front seat and two rear seats. This puts highlight on the family intimacy and facilitate communication.

The third radical innovation in the design of the “Camatte57s” is that it can be driven even by children. For example, the acceleration and braking pedals and seats can be adjusted in such way that they can be operated by children. In this case, an adult seats in the rear-right seat and assists steering and braking.

Camatte57s Main Specifications

Length	3,000 mm
Width	1,440 mm
Height	1,000 mm
Wheelbase	1,800 mm
Seating capacity	3
Propulsion	Electric motor

Source: Toyota

June 11, 2013

Star On Wheels: XXX-Performance Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

XXX-Performance is already familiar to the automotive world with their interpretation of the bright-green Audi R8. Now the tuning specialists are releasing their second project: an extravagant and exclusive wide body Audi R8.

To be more precise, the wide-body kit it was equipped with is the aggressive GT-X650 which features broad mudguard, stone deflectors and sill-board. Some of the unique elements in the kit include air inlets in the front and rear mudguards and huge openings of the exhaust pipe-end.

Optionally, for this project there are available attached parts such as external rear-view mirrors, roof scoops, side blades and rear diffusers made of carbon fibre. This Audi was entirely wrapped in blue CFC chrome wrapping.

Furthermore, the XXX-Performance has added Audi-Plus full LED headlamps and tail-lamps which also contribute towards the aggressive and sporty stance of the car. In addition, the H&R coilover kit was converted by the tuners from steel springs to air bellows. This simply results in lowering.

The transformed R8 runs on three-part GTR Forgiato forged wheels in the dimensions 9×20 inches and 13×20 respectively for the front and the rear. They are matched with barrel-type 235/30 and 325/25 Hankook tyres.

What is more, the tuning of this vehicle also includes performance-boosting. Via chip-tuning and carbon air-box and also other additional modifications, the V10 gets an end performance output of 650 hp (478 kW). The loudness of the acoustics of the exhaust system can be regulated with the utilization of a valve control system. When the valves are open, the V10 roars out loud.

Going further to the interior, this sportscar is wrapped in real leather and feature some carbon elements and high-grade Alcantara. For instance, with the latter material are covered the centre console, instrument panel, door sheathing and roof liner.

Source: XXX-Performance

June 11, 2013

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300

The tuning specialists at A. Kahn Design seem to be at their best form because they are constantly surprising us with new transformed vehicle every week. In the beginning of this week we are happy to see that they have released their Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300.

This premium vehicle combines legendary and benchmark capability with rich and modern styling. The exterior of this Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 4DR – Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 is decided in bright white which gives it an upscale presence.

To make it even more distinctive, Kahn Design Team decided to give this Wrangler brake calipers finished in Liquid red, pair of xenon crosshair headlamps, fuel filler cap in smoked black, Kahn enamel wing shields and tailgate logo, painted roof, Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, Chelsea wheels, RS Chelsea wheels 7.5×17” in smoked black and door entry sill plates in stainless steel.

We are all familiar that the luxury tuning specialist are masters of the interior and always deliver the best “bespoke touch” in industry. To make it look even more evolved and sophisticated, they have equipped the Wrangler with quilted and perforated front and rear seats in red leather with matching stitching, mud flaps, vented foot pedals in machined aluminium and speedo and rev counter in fascia in red completes.

To sum up, A. Kahn Design again showed how the monotony of mass produced vehicle can be tailored into an individual creation.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 10, 2013

Updated: Buick Lineup Equipped With Active Safety Suite

Buick models Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave are going to be offered with a range of available active safety systems. They are designed with the aim to watch the front, side and rear of the vehicle in order to prevent crashes.

In addition, Buick is the only brand in industry which offers Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, and a Rear Vision Camera on every vehicle.

To go further into details, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning utilize a single forward-looking camera to read traffic and lane markers on the road ahead. Here visual warnings and audible tones alert are used to inform the driver about the lane changes or a slowed vehicle.

In addition, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Warning use radar thus observing the spots the driver may not see. Of course, they also utilize visible and audible warnings to “catch” the attention of the driver.

In the cases when the car is in reverse and the Rear Vision Camera is active, then the Rear Cross Traffic Alert will flash a red icon and directional arrow if another vehicle is approaching from either side.

Furthermore, the Side Blind Zone Alert is the technology which detects when other vehicles are in Buick’s blind spot. If there is a vehicle in the blind spot, then the system alerts the driver with a yellow icon on the glass of either side view mirror. And in the cases when a turn signal is engaged and at the same time another vehicle is detected in the next lane, the system delivers an audible alert.

All of the current Buick models are created with high strength steel and additionally, the Verano compact luxury sedan and Encore luxury small crossover offer 10 standard air bags. On the other hand, the Enclave luxury crossover comes as a standard with front center air bag. The latter helps protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes.

Source: Buick

June 10, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova