Lidia Todorova – Page 239 – Automobiles Review

Lexus To Introduce New ES 350, 300h and GS 300h Models

Lexus is going to introduce three new models that are going to expand brand’s model range in the next twelve months. Two of the new cars will be hybrid models and one –a standard petrol model.

To be more precise, the new vehicles will be the ES 350 petrol, the 300h and the GS 300h hybrids. The latter will be equipped with the 2.5-litre hybrid drivetrain, while the ES will be offered with the option of two drivetrain variants. In addition the luxury marque secured production of right-hand drive ES models for the first time in seven years.

What is more, the introduction of GS 300h model will add one more to the three already available drivetrain options of the GS range – the 2.5-litre V6 of GS 250, the 3.5-litre V6 of GS 350 and the powerful hybrid drivetrain of the GS 450h.

The new unit in ES 300h is expected to deliver 205 hp (151 kW) from its 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain, while the GS 300h will be capable of generating 223 hp (164kW) with the help of direct injection.

The addition of the two new hybrid vehicles will bring the luxury brand’s total hybrid vehicle line-up to seven across the CT, GS, LS, RX and forthcoming IS and ES Lines. The third new model, the ES 350, is expected to generate 277 hp (204 kW) from its 3.5-litre all-alloy quad-cam V6 engine.

Lexus ES 350 and 300h are designed with the aim to deliver spacious and comfortable ride, alternative to the dynamically focused IS and GS. At last, what has been disclosed as an expectation is that the GS 300h will deliver a sub-6.0-litre* per 100km fuel efficiency figure. It is going to be launch in the first quarter of 2014.

Source: Lexus

May 31, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Vilner Bentley Continental GT Finally Revealed!

At last! Vilner Bentley Continental GT has finally been revealed in its entire glorious and magnificent stance! After the project has been teased several times, the time has come for it to be fully disclosed to the automotive world! And everything that we can add is that it was worth the wait!

Eight months ago in Studio Vinler came a client who brought his first generation Bentley Continental GT. It was an ordinary day like any other days of the week and the client had the typical Bentley in Racing Green exterior color with the standard production interior in Saffron color with some brown wooden accents as applications.

The desire of the client was to achieve a distinct individualization for his automobile: this meant that his favorite vehicle should express optimally his own style of luxury, comfort and individuality. The luxury tuning company Vilner has paid great respect to the majestic and imposing design of this Continental GT, and on this sound basis they have created a project that is fully produced in Bulgaria.

The professionals have worked in three directions: firs of all, they have set the goal to achieve more aggressive exterior transformation resulting in unique visual stance. Secondly, they have equipped this Bentley with entirely new interior. And at last, the power output of the car was increased.

The project of the exterior and the interior of the car was created by the designers at Studio Vilner and it was completely in accordance with the wishes of the client. As you can see, the exterior of the automobile is considerably changed. And to be even more precise, to its length were added 13 cm and to its rear – 16 cm.

Throughout the exterior can also be seen the extensive use of carbon fibre elements, and in addition all of the elements were totally renewed except for the line of the roof. The aim was to achieve more personalized and aggressive appearance.

We surely should make an emphasis on the absolutely new fenders that were designed and produced especially for this project and which add 5 cm to the stock ones at the front and 8 cm at the back.

Furthermore, the front fascia of the vehicle is lengthened with 8 additional centimeters while the back – with 5 cm. The idea and the design of the front carbon spoiler, rear carbon spoiler and the rear diffuser are attributed to Vilner as well. Entirely changed were also the tips of the exhaust-pipes.

The stock Racing Green exterior color of the car was of course changed. This Coninental GT was re-dyed in gray graphite matt. Another accent in the exterior design is that the inner part of the head-lights was created from carbon fibre. The stops-lights got also some “make-up”.

Going further to the second point, the interior has been modified from the stock one in Saffron color with brown wooden applications to something exceptionally striking. It was precisely created in black color and received some Bordeaux accents.

The materials utilized are black Alcantara, Black Leather and Black Exotic Lether with Cobra Pattern. The stitching and the seat-belts are in Bordeaux. Additionally, the dark red color can be discreetly seen on the door pockets, armrest and gearshift lever.

The “wings” – the symbol characterizing Bentley brand, has been embroidered in Bordeaux stitching on the seats and it also can be seen on the lateral part of the seats. The “feathers” were incorporated in all wooden elements in the interior as powerful and at the same time not-disturbing-the-sight-and-attention accents. They were finely and assiduously aerographed and then covered with varnish.

Next, the ceiling was wrapped in Black Alcantara with decorative pattern which is also present on the seats. The steering wheel got a change in its form and the new one was created in accordance with the grip of the driver.

At last, the tuners have worked on this project with the aim to bring about more power from the unit placed under the hood. After the modifications done, the increase in horsepower was from 559 (411 kW) to 660 (485 kW), while in Newton Meters – from 650 (480 lb-ft) to 780 (575 lb-ft). This basically means that the maximum speed has also been enhanced and now this Vilner Bentley Continental GT offers its driver 325 km/h instead of stock’s 318 km/h.

May 30, 2013

2014 Cevrolet Corvette Stingray Rated At 460 Horsepower

The latest SAE certifications have confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray has the most powerful standard engine ever. Namely, the new LT1 6.2L V-8 engine has been rated officially at 460 horsepower (343 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system.

The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. These numbers signify that the particular Corvette model has the highest standard power ratings ever. In addition the efficiency that it shows is expected to exceed 26 mpg on the highway.

Therefore, drivers can expect to experience even greater acceleration because the power and torque of the unit surpass many other engines offered on the market. As a matter of fact, at 74 horsepower per liter, the LT1 offers greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7.

In addition, it also generates torque up to 4,700 with 316 lb-ft available at only 1,000 rpm and 90 percent of peak torque available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm. This of course results in nothing else but outstanding acceleration at all speeds.

What is more, the official results show that the Chevrolet can sprint form standstill to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. The high power density and efficiency of the engine are due to several advanced technologies such as direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing.

First of all, the direct injection is the main reason for unit’s combustion efficiency. It also ensures that there is a complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture which is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. The same technology also keeps the combustion chamber cooler resulting in higher compression ratio and reduced emissions.

Secondly, the Active Fuel Management is a synonym of cylinder deactivation. It is the first-ever application which helps save fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders in light-load driving. Thirdly, the continuously variable valve timing is now upgraded and it support the LT1 AFM and direct injection systems. The effect is additional enhancement of the performance, efficiency and emissions.

These three technologies on other hand support the new advanced combustion system. The latter includes new cylinder-head and sculpted piston design, which in turn contributes towards high-compression.

It is also important to mention the other engine features include that play their part here. These are the advanced oiling system with oil-spray piston cooling and available dry-sump oiling, engine-mounted camshaft-driven fuel pump, intake manifold with “runners in a box” design, four-into-one exhaust manifolds based on the design of the LS7 engine, Small Block legacy.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe will be available at dealerships this autumn while its Convertible sibling – by the end of the year.

Source: Chevrolet

May 30, 2013

ROUSH Ford Focus ST Gets Upgraded [VIDEO]

ROUSH Performance has just announced that it is going to offer the Ford Focus and Focus ST models an enhanced upgrade program via exclusive components. The transformation began with the powertrain and continued through the cold air intakes and exhausts.

To be more precise the additional equipment offered by ROUSH for the 2013 Ford Focus ST is the following: ROUSH Focus ST Cold Air Inztake Kit, ROUSH Focus ST Cat-Back High, Performance Exhaust System and the undergoing development PCM calibration upgrades, suspension components, wheel and tire packages as well as interior and exterior accessories.

On the other hand the Focus-es produced between 2012-2013 can be equipped with ROUSH Focus (Non-ST) Cold Air Intake Kit. They can also get the PCM calibration upgrades, suspension elements, new wheels and tires as well as additional interior and exterior features.

In the video below you can see and hear the new exhaust that the tuners have given to the Focus ST.

httpv://youtu.be/KHG4oSkhqi0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: ROUSH Performance

May 30, 2013

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 In Striking Orkney Grey

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 Orkney Grey definitely stands out in the crowd. With its performance-oriented design and special Orkney Grey paintwork, as well as the bespoke interior, it comes to show the meaning of the word masterpiece.

In order to keep the lightweight design philosophy, Kahn decided to equip this Range Rover model with front and rear bumper replacements with integrated vents, front bumper mesh in matt black and silver, front bumper centre section graphic and 3D mesh inserts (front), front grille with 3D mesh, side vent inserts in copper, door entry sill plates in stainless steel.

In addition, there were added LED daytime running lights in the front bumper vents as well as lower boot lid spoiler, floating roof stripe, privacy tinted glass, side sill trim in gloss black and brake calipers finished in Vesuvius orange which further maximize efficiency.

What grabs the attention immediately in this project is the exclusive Orkney Grey colour. It was composed of a particularly concentrated glistening effect. Other words, the structure of this paintwork features a layer of transparent and highly reflective particles, which highlight Evoque’s silhouette. The vehicle runs on Kahn 9.5 x 22” RS600 wheels which are finished in matt pearl grey and rounding off the design.

On the inside of the car, there can be seen only the finest materials used. The front and the rear seats for instance feature Alcantara and Vesuvius orange details. Next, a diamond gear selector, diamond quilted glove box with contrast stitching and four door armrests (diamond quilted) are also other accents here.

Moreover, the centre dashboard trim is now in Alcantara and also features contrast stitching. There are also to be seen dashboard stitching, vented foot pedals in aluminium, quilted and perforated dashboard, transmission tunnel in Alcantara with contrast stitching and floor mats.

Source: A. Kahn Design

May 30, 2013

Premium Interior: Carisma Auto Design Mercedes-Benz Viano

Carisma Auto Design has just unveiled a bespoke conversion of the Mercedes-Benz Viano which comes to offer ultimate luxury, hand craftsmanship, exclusivity and highly discreet travel. The vehicle’s interior is created via exotic materials and includes exclusive audio and visual equipment.

As a matter of fact, Carisma has redesigned and revolutionized the interior of this Mercedes-Benz. No two interiors of any Viano transformed by Carisma Auto Design are ever the same. The specification and design of each conversion is totally one-of-a-kind because it has to meet the individual customer demands.

Carisma Viano is equipped with leather carefully sourced from barbed-wire free environments. In addition it is complemented by a choice of real wood veneers, hand-built and fitted to the vehicle. Another highlight that has to be mentioned here is that Carisma’s tuners focus on Viano’s interior so that it ensures that there is no hint from the outside of the special environment within.

A wide range of multimedia options is offered here in accordance with customers preferences. For instance the Viano V1 Pack includes WinWdows or Apple operating systems, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, audio equipment from Bang & Olufsen. And in other words all of them are there to deliver the ultimate and discreet luxury travel.

Furthermore, there are also optional elements that can be added. Such include solid crystal ash trays, champagne flutes, integrated premium pen sets with tailored housing, customised seat embroidery, 42” televisions and refrigeration units.

Source: Carisma Auto Design

May 29, 2013

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept Debuts At Hot Rod Power Tour

1967 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept will lead a caravan of Chevrolet high-performance production and concept vehicles at the beginning of the Hot Rod Power Tour, which is a weeklong road trip. Some of the other models which are going to be included in this event are the Camaro ZL1 Convertible, Camaro Hot Wheels Edition and the Corvette 427 Collector Edition Convertible.

The Power Tour starts on 1st of June in Arlington, Texas and will end in a week later. The Hot Wheels Camaro Concept pays tribute to the Custom Camaro that was part of the original 16 Hot Wheels toys produced in 1968. In addition the model is a true example of Chevrolet Performance’s brand new emissions-compliant LS3 E-ROD Connect and Cruise crate powertrain system.

The latter system features 430 horsepower (316 kW) LS3 engine mated to a 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Other engines and components that are going to be on display at the Chevrolet Performance trailer are the LSX454R, ZZ572 and ZZ383 crate engines; a partial chassis with an LS376/575 engine and 4L85E transmission installed; an LSA engine/4L85E transmission Connect & Cruise powertrain package; and a parts board with critical components like engine controllers and vehicle-specific parts.

What is more, at the event, Chevrolet will also drive the one-of-a-kind “Motor Medic” Silverado support vehicle. It is equipped with tools and parts that are designed in order to help Power Tour drivers keep their cars on the road.

Source: Chevrolet

May 29, 2013

Power, Beauty and Soul: 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S has made its debut today and it is going to take the place of the outgoing V12 Vantage in the world-wide markets, except for the One-77 Hypercar. In fact, this model is the fastest road-going Aston Martin ever produced.

V12 Vantage S comes equipped with the new AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. Thanks to it this Aston Martin model is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 mph. With it it generates 573 horsepower (421 kW) and 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm.

In addition, the model is equipped with race car technology, for example there is the CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts. Another instance is the new gearbox – the Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) which is a development of the automated manual gearbox seen in the current V8 Vantage S.

Furthermore, in the car debuts the three-stage adaptive damping, which allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. It offers ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes that are made to better suit the driver’s requirements.

Other new highlights here are the exhaust system that has been “taken” from the One-77 Hypercar and the ZF Servotronic power assisted steering. The latter delivers quicker 15:1 ratio and is linked to the adaptive damping button.

I terms of exterior, the car stands put with its exclusivity and aggressive presence. The first elemnet that grabs the attention is the grille which includes a carbon fibre arrangement of the famous aluminium vanes. The new grille is designed to optimize the airflow to the V12 engine, and it is inspired by the CC100 Speedster Concept.

In this car also a debut make the new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels and the exterior graphics pack that features black painted roof and part-painted boot panel. What are kept in this model are the proportions and the masculine stance.

Next, the interior of the vehicle also reflects the sporty nature of the model. It includes new-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather grade options – Luxmill and semi-aniline – plus the possibility to include Alcantara. Furthermore, there is an optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack that that adds carbon to V12 Vantage S facia and door pulls.

Source: Aston Martin

May 29, 2013

DEBUT: 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS Delivers 576 Horsepower

The new 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is equipped with Eaton supercharger and 6.2-litre LSA V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This means that it is capable of delivering nearly 600 hp (441 kW) and a soundtrack guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end.

The vehicle is based on HSV’s GEN-F GTS and it is propelled by the new supercharged LSA V8 unit that is identical to that utilized in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL. To be more precise it delivers 576 hp (426 kW) and 739 Nm (545 lb-ft) of torque. This means an addition of 150 hp (110 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) respectively over the outgoing LS3-engined VXR8.

In addition, the other highlight featured in this Vauxhall GTS model is the new VXR8’s Eaton supercharger which has 4-lobe rotors, 9 psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. The supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Moreover, the other LSA features are the stand-alone water to air charge cooling system, the separate transmission and differential cooling system, the water to oil engine cooling system, the Bi-modal air-intake system and the high-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers.

This unique engine is matched with the latest MG9 spec six-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch as a standard. There is also available an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

The VXR8 GTS has a brand new front-end design: bold graphics and shallow ramp angles emphasize vehicle’s width and stance. However, the highlight of the front fascia is the ‘twin-nostril’ grille which effects in more aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8. The daytime running lights now work when the headlights are turned on. What complete the design are the 20-inch ‘Blade’ forged alloy wheels.

On the other hand, there are also some changes made to the rear. For instance, this vehicle is equipped with distinctive LED tail lamps, a ‘diffuser’ with exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome and body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents.

The interior of the car has also received numerous changes when compared to the previous model. There is an upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliqués and door trims. In addition, there can also be seen VXR Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters.

Some extra performance is ensured by Brake Torque Vectoring technology that helps decrease the understeer by producing a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. What is more, there is also featured an Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track, hardware and software improvements.

Vauxhall VXR8 GTS runs on wide tyres, namely the Continental 255/35 R20 at the front and 275/35 R20 at the rear. Additionally, vehicle’s braking capacity has been enhanced thanks to the fitment of AP forged 6-piston calipers with two-piece discs front and rear.

Finally, the range of technologies included in the VXR8 feature Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front, Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera, Passive Entry/Push Button Start, Head Up Display, Forward Collision Alert, a camera above the rear-view mirror and Lane Departure Warning.

2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS has a starting price of £54 999.

Source: Vauxhall

May 29, 2013

Vilner Teases The Tuned Interior Of Bentley Continental GT [VIDEO]

In the beginning of this month we have received the second of two teasers that gave us a glimpse of what the exclusive Vilner Bentley Continental GT would look like. Now it is time for the third one, and in its case the luxury tuning specialists at Vilner are sharing with us some insights around the working process regarding the interior of the vehicle.

The exclusive video, which you can view below, reveals some of the highlights that are going to be featured in this premium and entirely new interior. Judging from what we see from it, we can surely tell that the seats will be given new cloth in different from the original color (black instead of yellowish), there will be some very special hand-made elements and there will also be an entirely redesigned steering wheel.

Studio Vilner has already established an emblematic position in the creation of superior interiors. So we are definitely eager to eventually see this project inside and out. As a matter of fact, this Bentley Continental GT is their first entirely reworked automobile, which as we can tell from the spoilers, doesn’t have the typical for Continental appearance.

httpv://youtu.be/2OOFdpD1IOs

Video Source: YouTube

May 28, 2013

2013 Life Ball: MINI Paceman by Roberto Cavalli

2013-MINI-Paceman-by-Roberto-Cavalli-THUMB One of the biggest charity events has just happened this weekend and as we are familiar MINI brand is a big part of its history. The partnership began in 2001 and since then 13 one-of-a-kind MINI models have been designed and produced.

They were of course all auctioned with proceeds of more than half a million Euros flowing into projects dedicated to the battle against AIDS. This year, the designer under the lights was Roberto Cavalli who created a unique and classy MINI Paceman.

The Italian designer transformed the newest model in the brand family in his highly distinctive style. It is all adorned by gold elements inside and out, iridescent paintwork that shimmers from black to brown depending on the angle of light and the use of his hallmark animal prints.

In other words, this Paceman is a true work of art and few hours before its premiere, it was auctioned for a record price of 150,000 euros. Besides Roberto Cavalli, a whole line-up of iconic designers rendered their own MINI for this good cause. Among them are Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED, Renzo Rosso for Diesel and Donatella Versace.

2013 Life Ball went under the motto 1001 Nights” bringing together many celebrities, including Sir Elton John, Hilary Swank, Melanie Griffith, Barbara Eden, Carmen Electra, Bill Clinton, Anna Netrebko, Erwin Schrott and Fergie. They were all gathered around the mission to raise the awareness of the HI virus and its consequences.

Each year millions of people are being infected with the HIV. Since AIDS was recognized as a clinical disease on 1st of December 1981, many advances have been made in terms of research and prevention. However, the virus is still one of the biggest challenges for the human health.

Source: MINI

May 28, 2013

KW Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Offers Better Driving Dynamics

In the beginning of the year we have seen the birth of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Through the adoption of the design of the Concept Style Coupé, Mercedes-Benz has established brand new segment in the automotive industry. The CLA was initially offered with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 211 horsepower (155 kW) and sports suspension.

KW Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes to offer more driving dynamics to those who are impatient to wait for the AMG version of the CLA. The model is equipped with special KW stainless steel coilovers which allow continuous lowering of up to 60 mm.

There are two variants of the coilovers offered – Variant one and 3+, the later from which additionally allows a targeted damper setup. In addition, the rebound and compression forces can be adjusted to the individual driving style.

To go further into details, the Variant 1 coilovers come with fix configured damper setup, thus giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class an extended balance, sportiness and practicality. On the other hand the KW coilovers Variant 3+ additionally adjust the rebound and compression damping independent of each other.

In fact, the compression damping can be adapted via an integrated adjustment wheel at the bottom of the damper housing. There are needed only twelve precise clicks. In addition, the separately adjustable rebound valve allows fixation of the characteristics of the damper with only sixteen clicks to new tires and larger rims. At last, at the rear axle, the lowering is achieved through the rear axle height adjustment, which has a range from 30 to 60 mm.

Source: KW

May 28, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova