Lidia Todorova – Page 237 – Automobiles Review

2014 Range Rover Sport Sets Pikes Peak Hill Climb Record

2014 Range Rover Sport has just made its first record for a production-standard Sport Utility Vehicle and even more – it broke the long standing record for any kind of production-standard vehicle on the Pikes Pike International Hill Climb. The achievement was done at the annual competition known as ‘The Race To the Clouds’.

There the new Range Rover Sport managed to conquer the 12.42-mile course in only 12 minutes 35.61 seconds. The average speed it achieved on this track is 59.17 mph (95.23 km/h). The record was independently timed and sanctioned by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb organisers of the annual competition at the Colorado venue.

TO be more precise, the record was set by this Range Rover model which is equipped with the 510 hp 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 engine. The only thing that differentiated the vehicle from production specification was the fitment of a roll cage and harness seatbelts.

The SUV was driven by Paul Dallenbach who is already known as a Pikes Peak specialist and who has won his division at the Hill Climb six times and won the event outright three times.

The new Range Rover Sport was developed alongside the highly-acclaimed Range Rover with the aim to deliver brand’s best-ever on-road dynamics and all-terrain capability. The latest generation of this model has more assertive and muscular exterior as well as more luxurious interior. In addition, the 2014 specification provides by the option of occasional third row seating.

The lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies are also included in the new Range Rover Sport. This serves in weight optimization and in fact saves mode than 420 kg of the total weight of the SUV.

Source: Land Rover

June 10, 2013

MINI Countryman And MINI Paceman Updated For The Summer

MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman are getting ready for the summer because from July they will be equipped with new customization options and details. The new enhancements will be available starting from July.

For instance, the new sports options feature the John Cooper Works Exterior Package, the John Cooper Works Interior Package and the John Cooper Works Chili Package. There is also an optional storage package for the MINI Countryman which now includes a double cup holder at the rear.

Furthermore, it is promised that in the future, the Paceman model will be equipped with a rear centre console as standard. It will also feature integrated storage facilities and a 12-volt power socket, as well as two cup holders (optionally.

The permanent all-wheel drive system ALL4 can be selected in four model variants of both the MINI Countryman and the MINI Paceman. The top sports models – MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman will be fitted with the system as a standard.

In the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4 the power output is estimated at 90 kW (122 hp) and it is delivered by the 4-cylinder engine. The power is distributed between the front and rear wheels thus improving the traction on slippery surfaces as well as increasing the driving fun. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as a standard or to the optional six-speed automatic transmission.

For the summer there is also available the new John Cooper Works Exterior Package, which consists of sport suspension settings, 18-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black Burnished Design and the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit. To be more precise the latter comprises of a front apron with integrated air ducts for brake cooling, model-specific side sills and a rear bumper with diffuser.

Furthermore, the Dark Style package offers strips in black or white on the bonnet, exterior mirror caps and turn indicator surrounds in Black Checkered, anthracite-coloured roof rails and radiator grille ribs in anthracite.

To go inside the car, the John Cooper Works Interior Package includes sports seats Diagonal Track fabric in John Cooper Works Carbon Black, the John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, Sport Button, Dynamic Traction Control, John Cooper Works door sill finishers and an anthracite-coloured roof liner.

Next, the John Cooper Works Chili Package features all of the additions in the John Cooper Works Exterior Package and the John Cooper Works Interior Package along with the following: fog lamps, rain sensor, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer, lighting package, storage package, height adjustment for the passenger seat and velour floor mats.

In this package, another special feature is the Parallel Lines Light Tobacco fabric/leather combination for the MINI Countryman, and the Hot Cross Carbon Black fabric/leather combination for the MINI Paceman. The package also offers xenon headlights in the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD models.

New paintwork finishes also come to deliver some freshness to the summer. The Countryman and Paceman will be available from July in the exclusive Chili Red color, which was previously seen only on the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman models.

Source: MINI

June 10, 2013

Racer Crashes His £250 000 1924 Bugatti Type 35 [VIDEO]

Bugatti brand is famous for its unsurpassed performance, design and luxury it delivers. The company was found in 1909 by the Italian-born Ettore Bugatti. The focus in this present case however falls on the 1924 Bugatti which is better known as Type 35 and which is associated with many racing victories.

The production of the first models of the Type 35 began in 1924 and the vehicle was equipped with 2-liter unit. The race car won in many competitions till the beginning of the 1931, when the last version of this model was introduced.

The latter was equipped with 2.3-liter engine and included a compressor. It was known in the automotive world as Bentley T35 TC or T35B and it was only vehicle suitable for both road and racing.

In the video below you can vie how a racing driver crashed his quarter of a million Bugatti Type 35 classic racing car. The person behind the wheel was Edmund Burgess, 56, from Lavenhan, Suffolk, and he was competing in the Prescott Speed Hill Climb in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire on 2nd of June.

The reason for the accident was that the brakes on this classical Bugatti failed. More interestingly however, is the fact that although the vehicle flipped right over, and even the driver obviously hit his head, Burgess dusted himself off, and after paramedics assessed him, he headed straight to the bar to have a beer.

June 7, 2013

Audi R18 e-tron quattro Focuses On Safety At Le Mans

This year Le Mans 24 Hours celebrates its 90th anniversary. In it will see many exclusive models competing and among them is the 2013 Audi R18 e-tron quattro. The main focus in this racing car is the active safety systems which defuse dangerous situations in the preliminary stages.

Some of the already available assistance systems in standard Audi models are for instance the ‘Audi side assist’ which facilitates lane changes; the ‘Audi pre sense’ that helps avoid accidents; the night vision assistant which helps the driver in seeing pedestrians.

However, not all of the technologies that are being offered are suitable for racing. Race drivers are expected to demonstrate their skills on the wheel instead of having their most challenging tasks performed by electronic assistants. However, Audi still managed to equip the new 2013 Audi R18 e-tron Quattro with assistance systems which are going to help in the competition.

The first example is that the lighting technology has been improved by extending the headlight sight distance by 85 percent. The drivers will benefit from a light beam that is more than 800 meters long.

In addition, the every headlight comprises of eight LED units and even more, the engineers have used matrix-beam principle which now can divide the light into individual segments. Next, Audi also utilized the technology known as cornering light. The LEDs on the outside of the corner are dimmed and the ones on the inside of the corner emit a brighter light.

Another interesting technology featured here is the digital rear-view mirror, which is mounted on the roof above the driver. On it the driver can see the traffic behind the car with a field angle of 60 degrees. The electric signal is transmitted to a display in the cockpit, featuring innovative AMOLED technology.

This acronym stands for Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode or to say it even simpler – an organic light emitting diode with active matrix technology. The screen has a diagonal of 6.8 inches and the display has a resolution of 600,000 pixels.

This new system has several advantages over the standard mirrors. First of all it remains free from vibrations. Secondly, the blind spot behind the car has been eliminated. Next, when lapping other cars, it is easier for the drivers to judge when they can change lines.

One of the major changes featured in this car is in the steering wheel, which now includes 13 buttons that are located on the front. They can be utilized to control functions such as brake force distribution, traction control, the radio, drink supply, the starter and electronic functions. What is more, there are also rotary controls that help influence the engine and traction control system maps.

Furthermore, a digital display shows the information about the absolute lap times, times in track sectors, the difference to previously clocked lap times or tyre inflation pressure. It is located in the centre of the driver’s field of vision and is accompanied by alarm functions.

The two-way radio communications on the other hand make fast exchanges of important information, in order to help the driver respond quickly and influence the car’s handling by using the steering wheel functions.

Source: Audi

June 7, 2013

Exclusive: 2014 Toyota Corolla Finally Revealed

After it has been teased several times so far, 2014 Toyota Corolla has just been revealed in details! The fresh design will offer more style, quality and craftsmanship, while building on the inherent for Corolla reliability, efficiency and function.

In fact this is the new 11th generation of the model and it makes an immediate visual impression thanks to its more expressive, chiseled exterior design that elaborates on the “Iconic Dynamism” – a theme which we have seen on the Corolla Furia Concept.

The new Toyota has more athletic proportions and now rides on a longer wheelbase (+ 3.93 inches/ +100 mm compared to current model) thanks to a basic shape that tapers at the front and rear of the vehicle to help emphasize the wheel arches and wheels-to-the-corner stance.

The new Corolla features an expressive front fascia with sharper, more pronounced details above a large trapezoidal grill that rests beneath a thin intake inlet below the hood.

Basic Exterior Dimensions Compared to Current model (change in parenthesis)
Overall length	182.6 in. (+3.90 in.) 183.1 for S-grade	4639 mm (+99), 4650mm for S-grade
Overall width	69.9 in. (+0.63 in.)	1776 mm (+16)
Overall height	57.3 in. (-0.39 in.)	1455 mm (-10)
Wheelbase	106.3 in. (+ 3.93 in.)	2700 mm (+100)
Front Overhang	37.7 in. (+0.90 in.)	958 mm (+23)
Rear Overhang	38.6 in. (-0.94 in.)	981 mm (-24)

The front view of the new Corolla reveals a continuation of the design themes seen in recent Toyota sedans such as Camry and Avalon, and it creates a sleeker, more assertive impression of a Toyota compact sedan with its more precisely sculpted surfaces.

The sleeker image of the Corolla, the thick structure of conventional headlamps, the compact LED lamp assemblies which now come as a standard, are some of the new elements featured in the design.

When looked from the side, this Toyota’s athletic profile reveals door handles that have been sculpted into the body to align with a character line that spans the length the door surfaces, using a vertically asymmetrical door handle design. In addition, the new C-pillar features a “faster”, longer sloping angle. The rear is accentuated by large, sharply-sculpted rear taillight assemblies.

Basic Exterior Dimensions Compared to Current model (change in parenthesis)
Overall length	182.6 in. (+3.90 in.) 183.1 for S-grade	4639 mm (+99), 4650mm for S-grade
Overall width	69.9 in. (+0.63 in.)	1776 mm (+16)
Overall height	57.3 in. (-0.39 in.)	1455 mm (-10)
Wheelbase	106.3 in. (+ 3.93 in.)	2700 mm (+100)
Front Overhang	37.7 in. (+0.90 in.)	958 mm (+23)
Rear Overhang	38.6 in. (-0.94 in.)	981 mm (-24)

The “Iconic Dynamism” theme is continued as a design philosophy throughout the interior as well. It results in a stylish, highly functional, and inviting interior space made with craftsmanship sophisticated materials and attention to detail. Moreover, the interior includes a piano-black gloss trim highlighted by metallic ornamentation and trim that conveys an upscale yet sportier image.

Blue, black or amber pinstriped accents are utilized in conjunction with the dash and door panel ornamentation. Ornamental stitching along the leading edge of the dash pad is also present. And the available decorative boot with ornamental stitching surrounding the shift lever contributes to a sportier and premium look.

The increase in exterior size, leads to the same in terms of the dimensions of the coupe inside. This results in better comfort for the passengers and a considerable legroom for the rear seat occupants. Additionally, the rear seat comfort is also improved by denser urethane pads and foam inserts within the seats.

The acoustic glass windscreen, improved floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, a fender sound insulator, and an inner dash silencer pad all serve in terms of bringing about more quietness. In this way the environmental noise, the road and engine sounds entering the cabin are reduced.

The new models standard gauge cluster includes three dials with sharp image detail and clear blue illumination, surrounded by chrome trimmed rings. Within the speedometer dial is a multi-information display. It shows information such as the current fuel consumption, the average fuel consumption, the cruising distance and the average vehicle speed. In addition there is a S-grade meter cluster which offers a high technology feel with a 3.5-inch black and white TFT display.

As expected the new 2014 Toyota Corolla is going to be available in four distinct grades: L, LE, S, and the new LE Eco grade. Although all of them offer versatility, they have also some features as a standard. Such are the LED lowbeam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, an in-glass AM/FM antenna, color-keyed outside door handles, color-keyed outside mirrors, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power windows with driver-side one-touch up/down, air conditioning with pollen filter, Bluetooth connectivity and eight airbags.

On the other hand in the range of optional features are present the Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, auto air-conditioning with pollen filter, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and audio controls, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth hands-free phone voice-command controls, SofTex™-trimmed heated front seats, and a range of audio capability that will offer navigation and Entune™ apps accessible through the head unit.

The fuel economy was priority in the development of the engines. 2014 Corolla LE Eco model for instance targets an estimated EPA highway fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg thanks to its 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic technology, low rolling resistance tires on 15-inch wheels and the efficient CVT. The model is also offered with an available 16-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.

In addition, the airflow has been refined and now the turbulence over the front and rear edges of the car is reduced. The Corolla’s underbody features a smoother. In fact, both the LE Eco grade and S grade deliver strategically placed vehicle under covers located below the bumper fascia, engine, front floor, rear floor, and fuel tank. This helps managing the airflow under the vehicle for improved efficiency.

What is more, the new Toyota model is going to be offered with two efficient 1.8-liter, all-aluminum four-cylinder engines. The standard unit is the 1.8-liter with VVT-i and it is available on the L, LE, and S grades. It is rated at 132 horsepower (97 kW).

On the other hand the LE Eco trim level is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic. The latter is a valve train technology that offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) in order to deliver optimal intake valve (not on exhaust side) operation relative to engine demands. The output of this engine is estimated at 140 horsepower (103 kW).

2014 Corolla Engine Specifications
Engine Type	2ZR-FE	2ZR-FAE
Number of Cylinders/arrangement	4 cylinders, in-line	4 cylinders, in-line
Valve Mechanism	16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i	16-valve DOHC with Valvematic
Bore x Stroke mm	80.5 x 88.3	80.5 x 88.3
Displacement c.c.	1798	1798
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	10.6:1
Fuel System	EFI	EFI
Max Output	132 Hp/ 6000 rpm	140 Hp/6100 rpm
Max Torque	128 lb-ft/ 4400rpm	126 lb-ft/4000 rpm

Furthermore, the fuel efficiency is further optimized by the advanced Continuously Variable Transmission. This CVTi-S is going to be available on the LE, S, and LE Eco models. As a matter of fact, with this transmission now the new Corolla has improved drivability.

All of the models that are to be equipped with the CVTi-S offer the capability of either an ECO or SPORT driving mode. The first one makes accelerator control become non-linear to suppress the vehicle’s response to choppy driving and contain acceleration from standing start to help reduce fuel consumption.

Next, the SPORT mode delivers a more dynamic driving experience with software tuning that alters shift points, creating transmission behavior during acceleration that enhances the sporty character of the S-grade.

All of the customers who are going to opt for the 2014 Corolla S equipped with CVTi-S are going to receive steering wheel mounted paddle shifters which are going to make fast, sequential, stepped shifts through “7-speeds” to help enhance the driving experience. The base model Corolla L on the other hand is going to be offered as a standard with a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission as an option. The latter is also optional on the Corolla S.

2014 Corolla offers also enhanced handling and steering thanks to a rigid unibody. The latter also benefits from an improved suspension tuning. The utilization of high tensile-strength steel allows for reduced thickness and maximizes the shape of structural panels while enhancing the strength to help improve collision performance.

To be more precise, the new Corolla’s suspension utilizes Macpherson strut design for the front with a new, more rigid control-arm design. A rear torsion beam arrangement is used for the rear.

In addition, the S-model comes as a standard with 17-inch wheels and features unique coil, damper, and bushing tuning to deliver a sportier driving characteristic.

The new Corolla also includes an electric power steering system. The braking system includes a 10.82-inch (275-mm) ventilated front disc, and either a 10.19-inch (259-mm) solid rear disc (available on S-grade) or nine-inch (229-mm) rear drum (all other grades).

2014 Corolla is also equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ as a standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system and an electronic tire pressure monitoring system.

The wheels and tyres combination for the different grades is the following. 15-inch wheels with covers can be found on L and LE Eco grades, while the 16-inch steel wheels with covers – on the LE and S trims. The 16 inch aluminum wheels are specifically made for the LE, the 16-inch aluminum design is unique to the Eco grade and the 17-inch alloy wheels – to the S grade.

Moreover, the 15-inch wheels with covers are matched with the low rolling resistance 195/65R-15 tyres, while the sportiest grade of Corolla S that wears the available 17-inch alloy wheels covers in more performance oriented 215/45R-17 rubbers. The 16-inch wheels found on the LE and the 16-inch aluminum aero-wheel on the LE Eco model use a 205/55R-16 tyres.

2014 Toyota Corolla’s pricing, final grade content, and option packages will be announced closer to launch.

June 7, 2013

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive Production Car

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive Production Car has made a record time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (“north loop”) circuit of a 7:56.234 minutes. This means that this Mercedes-Benz is at the same time the first electrically-powered series production vehicle, which masters the legendary race track less than eight minutes.

The record for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive shows the special position of compnay’s innovative and unique drive solution. Thanks to its efficient battery technology deriving from Formula 1, four electric motors positioned close to the wheels, the individual wheel torques “AMG Torque Dynamics”, the SLS eSound and the”AMG Lightweight Performance” design strategy, the vehicle is capable of doing miracles.

The total output of the four electrical motors of the car is of 552 kW (751 hp) and the maximum torque is of 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft). 2014 SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in a less than 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h.

In addition, the powerful highvoltage battery for this car is an end result of the collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in an aim to deliver more power density and efficiency.

Furthermore, the car delivers agile response to movements. The reasons for this are the accelerator pedal and the linear power output: unlike with a combustion engine, the build-up of torque is instantaneous with electric motors – maximum torque is effectively available from the beginnig.

The driving dynamics of this model are ensured by the four motors, four wheels and the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive. At the same time the latter provides the best possible active safety. Here the AMG Torque Dynamics feature is constantly active and allows for selective distribution of power to each individual wheel.

Furthermore, the same feature boasts a high degree of versatility by offering three different driving modes: Comfort (C) which delivers comfortable, forgiving driving characteristics, Sport (S) that is dedicated for sportier, balanced driving manner, and Sport plus (S+) which delivers sporty and very agile driving characteristics.

The production version of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive will be officially launched this month. Its starting price is of 416 500 Euros (circa USD $549 780).

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive Production Car Characteristics:

Max. output	552 kW (751 hp)
Torque	1000 Nm (738 lb-ft)
0-100 km/h	3.9 s
Top speed	250 km/h*
Range	250 km (according to NEDC)
Battery energy content	60 kWh
Battery voltage	400 volts
CO2 emissions	0 g/km
*Electronically limited

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 7, 2013

D2Forged Chevrolet Camaro SS MB1 With Enhanced Looks

It is no secret that one of the most attractive cars around the globe is the Chevrolet Camaro. Being a true muscle car, it grabs the attention immediately thanks to its powerful stance, exuberance and aggressive attributes.

Surely, the red color further emphasizes all this attractiveness and brings forth emotions and wishes for an instant touch with this Chevrolet. This is the case with the latest project of the specialists at D2Forged Wheels, who have equipped this Camaro SS with brand new set of shoes.

They have added to this incredible sports car their D2Forged Monoblock Wheels which features a clean and imposing wheel design, deliver fitment and has an inherent build quality. To be more precise, the sizes of the wheels they have chosen are 20×10 inches for the front and 20×12 inches for the rear. In addition, the wheels include Brilliant Brushed Cleared finish with Chrome Lips.

Although no enhancement in terms of power has been done on this Chevy, it is still capable of delivering the spectacular 426 horsepower (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 567 Nm (419 lb-ft). These numbers are due to the 6.2L V8 engine it is equip with. The Vmax here is estimated at 250 km/h and the acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h – at 4.7 seconds.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

June 6, 2013

Audi Q7 Quattro Wide Track by Kahn Design

Kahn Audi Q7 Quattro Wide Track is the latest creation of the talented luxury designers at A. Kahn Design. In this project they have mixed the club-class quality and the high-tech engineering in order to deliver stance of glamour and individuality.

The exceptional design language of the carbon black Audi Q7 Quattro is additionally emphasized via Kahn’s Wide Track tuning and in addition the latter ensures that this vehicle is dynamic in proportion and distinctive in appearance.

In this project has been kept the basic principle of lightweight design. The professionals at the British tuning company have thus included in this Audi a new front replacement wings with air vents (X2), wide wheel arches with rear vented spats, rear vented bumper, S-line front grille, brake calipers, RS-X alloy wheels (9.5 x 22), door entry sill plates in stainless steel, privacy tinted glass and exhaust tailpipes in stainless steel.

The interior has also been transformed in order to bring about more personalization. A multitude of detailed improvements is present and many details have been restyled. For instance one can see that the speedo and Rev Counter fascia is adorned with red and white livery, vented foot pedals are in machined aluminium and front and rear seats in quilted and perforated black leather with red stitching.

Nothing in terms of power in this Audi has been changed. Nevertheless, the Audi still delivers an immense force of 245 hp (180 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 6, 2013

Fiat Ducato Receives ESP As Standard

Fiat Professional is now going to equip the versatile Ducato with greater safety and value as a standard. The vehicle receives ESP which will be present on the model from April this year. The Electronic Stability Program is an important safety feature will bring about more confidence and security to its drivers.

The program utilizes information supplied by various sensors in order to find out whether the vehicle is cornering safely or not. For example, if the ESP computer determines that the Ducato vehicle is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces the power from the unit.

In addition to this it is important to mention that the ESP also includes a range of other technologies such as Load Adaptive Control (LAC), Hill Holder, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR).

To be more precise, the LAC identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This in turn enables the systems to operate at peak effectiveness. Next, the Hill Holder makes starts on slopes easier by holding the brake on momentarily after the driver’s foot has released the pedal.

On the other hand, the HBA enhances the braking pressure when it identifies emergency conditions, while the ASR is utilized in terms of reduction of the engine power. In this way it counteracts the effects of one or both drive wheels skidding. At last, the MSR makes sure that the torque remains at the wheels following a sudden downshift on an incline.

As an option, customers can chose to include in their Ducato the Traction+ system. This is an innovative traction control system which enhances the handling on difficult terrain with poor grip. It also operates via the ESP computer thus simulating the behavior of a self-locking differential.

This basically means, that when one of the front wheels spins on a slippery surface or encounters a bad terrain, the brakes are immediately applied to this particular wheel as simultaneously engine torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip. Traction+ delivers the advantage of lower kerb weight and lower loading height.

Source: Fiat

June 6, 2013

Kia Introduces 2014 Cadenza Ad Campaign [VIDEO]

2014 Kia Cadenza was recently unveiled on the North American being the the most technologically-advanced vehicle the brand has ever created. The model is powered by a 3.3 liter GDI powerplant which is capable of producing 293 horsepower (215 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm (255 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5,200 rpm.

The powerful unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission thus transferring the power to the front wheels. In addition, the automatic transmission includes Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters.

Now it is time for the Cadenza to be officially presented to the general public. Kia has just released its new commercial, in which the new model navigates the streets of New York City. Eventually the car confidently delivers its stiletto heel-wearing driver to her 20-year reunion as stunned spectators realize they may have not noticed her in the past, but now she is truly “impossible to ignore.”

The 2014 Cadenza comes to signal a new era for the Kia brand. It has all of the attributes to take people by surprise, because once they are in the car they will surely experience all of the technology and premium amenities it has to offer.

The advertisement “Reunion” was created by David&Goliath and you can view it below:

httpv://youtu.be/WouuNVH9RO8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

June 6, 2013

2014 Skoda Octavia vRS Debuts At Goodwood

2014 Skoda Octavia vRS will make its official debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed on the 10th of July. The third generation Octavia vRS is equipped with a range of powerful and efficient engines, racy design and innovative technology.

Two new engines power the new Skoda model: the two-litre petrol 220 hp (162 kW) unit or the two-litre diesel 184 hp (135 kW). When the vehicle is equipped with the 2.0 TSI-petrol, in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds on its way of a top speed of 154 mph.

On the other hand, the new Octavia vRS 2.0 TDI-diesel manages 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph when it is equipped with six-speed manual gearbox. In addition, to ensure better efficiency, Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration are fitted as standard. Manual gearbox and DSG dual clutch transmission are available as options for both engines, each with six gears.

Furthermore, 2014 Skoda Octavia vRS is fitted as a standard with sports suspension. The body of the vehicle also has been lowered by 12mm compared to the standard Octavia. There is also a MacPherson strut with underlying triangle wishbone present. Technologies such as Electronic differential lock XDS and electronic stability control (ESC) are now standard.

In terms of design it is visible that the new Octavia vRS embodies brand’s new design language and exudes aggressive and sporty appearance. The front fascia includes the standard grille sporting the vRS badge, distinctive honeycomb air intakes, a new vRS-style front bumper and fog lights as well as the new bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

The vehicle now runs on new light-alloy wheels which give the car exclusive sporty look. The designers have created four new 17”, 18” and 19” wheel designs: the standard ‘Dorado’ 17” light alloys fitted with 225/45 tyres, the optional 18” ‘Gemini’ and ‘Pictoris’ alloys (each for 225/40 tyres), and the optional ‘Xtrem’ 19” light alloys in black.

At the rear a black diffuser element and the overlying wide reflector spotlight are visible at first glance. Other distinctive features of the new Octavis vRS include two large, trapezoidal-shaped chrome exhaust tailpipes, rear lights fitted with LED technology in C-shape, a spoiler fitted as a roof-edge spoiler.

To go further into details, throughout the interior of the new Skoda Octavia vRS predominates sportiness in black. For instance, the interior of the front doors is equipped with integrated ambient lighting for the internal door handles.

In addition, the designers have developed vRS-design sports seats for all of the occupants of the car. They have also created a new sporty three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather. The gear stick and handbrake are also made of leather, while the sill plates and the pedals are made of stainless steel.

In terms of safety and security, the 2014 Octavia vRS features the following technologies: Front Assistant with city emergency braking, Lane Assistant, Automatic Post Collision Braking System with automatic brake intervention, Crew Protect Assistant and the Driver Fatigue Sensor. What is more, other technologies included in the car care about the comfort of the occupants. Such are: Adaptive Cruise Assistant, Intelligent Light Assistant, Automatic Parking Assistant, Traveller Assistant’ package and KESSY Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System.

Source: Skoda

June 5, 2013

2014 Toyota Corolla Teased Again

2014 Toyota Corolla is going to make its official debut tomorrow – on 6th of June and just ahead of its reveal, the Japanese brand decided to tease the public once again. This time, what has been disclosed are parts from the front fascia of the car, which of course you can view below.

According to the rumors all over the web space, the 2014 model is going to look like the Toyota Corolla Furia Concept. The latter debuted in the beginning of this year at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.

The current images that have been released show part the grill, the new headlights and the emblem. In addition, it is also certain is that the redesigned Corolla is going to have aggressive new styling and new 17-inch alloy wheels next to the LED lighting clusters and the available touch screen audio system.

In addition, it has been also rumored that 2014 Corolla is going to be propelled by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine probably mated to a four-speed automatic transmission as a standard or an optional six-speed manual transmission.

We are definitely eager to see what tomorrow will bring after the official release of the car.

Pictures Source: Toyota Official Facebook Page

June 5, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova