Lidia Todorova – Page 255 – Automobiles Review

TEASER: Is DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA Company’s Next Big Thing?

After it was revealed that the tuners at DMC are currently working on a Bentley model, today was just unveiled that they are going to debut this week their “next big thing”. In particular they have disclosed a teaser image of the DMC Ferrari F12 SPIA project which has been widely anticipated worldwide.

This modified Ferrari hides under its hood 6.2 liter V12 unit which delivers 764 hp (562 kW) and has a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The exceptional sound of the hyper-car is even better with the new pipes. In addition, the exterior boasts a complete carbon fiber body kit.

However, the luxury refiner became famous with their aggressive project on Lamborghini Aventador called “MOLTO VELOCE”. The latter was in pressure to deliver and there was no option other than to top what they did on the LP900. The great news regarding the Lamborghini is that DMC has already confirmed that the car has been eventually built and is launching later this week.

Source: DMC

March 18, 2013

Kahn Land Rover Defender XS90 Chelsea Wide Track

Kahn Land Rover Defender XS90 Chelsea Wide Track is more striking than ever. It combines mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. The impressive intensity of this vehicle will leave a distinctive mark on literally everyone.

To be more precise, the range of enhancements don on this model include the following: brake calipers finished in liquid red, front and rear wide wings with integrated vents and bolt apertures, extended wheel arches in satin black, front and rear wing vent mesh inserts, roof in satin black, bonnet vents with mesh, diamond LED B6 headlamps, front grille with embossed Kahn branding & mesh, Kahn prototype wing blades, side vents with mesh, hardwearing mud flaps, Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover and undercar Kahn logo projection floor light.

A privacy tinted glass is also included as well as the Kahn cross hair exhaust system which silently and effortlessly operates.

The interior of this Land Rover model on the other hand includes the emblematic “bespoke touch”: front and rear racing seats in black leather with Harris Tweed inserts & silver stitching, billet machined leather steering wheel, Kahn fire extinguisher, rev counter facia in red, front and rear cabin floor mats, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, interior entry LED lights for rear cabin and Churchill time clock facia insert in red.

What is left is the wheel on which this incredible Defender runs on. We are speaking here about Kahn RS Defender Wheels which are in size 8 X 18” and are in satin black. The have simple lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

Source: A. Kahn Design

March 18, 2013

SR Auto Enhances Aston Martin DBS

SR Auto Aston Martin DBS is a true masterpiece showing off its sophisticated spirit and included enhancements. Being a true DBS behind the hood of this model hides a hand-built all alloy 6.0-litre V12 engine.

The latter generates 510 bhp (380 kW) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft). This power gives the possibility for the model to have a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h) and to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in only 4.3 seconds.

On the other hand, Aston Martin is a brand that screams for unprecedented luxury and class and an undeniable attention to quality. For this reason, the specialist at SR Auto decided to work on this project with the same level of quality and care.

They have equipped the British vehicle with PUR 9INE Wheels that include a two tone finish on their ninth application. They are in sizes 21×9 for the front and 21×10.5 for the back. In addition, they have also been paired with a set of H&R lowering springs that eliminate all the natural wheel gap.

Source: SR Auto

March 18, 2013

Petrolicious: Never Enough Alfa [VIDEO]

The team at Petrolicious has just released their latest project showing the 1972 Alfa Romeo Berlina and the story of its owner – the Alfa Romeo collector Manuel Leon Minassian. He prefers cars that leave him with satisfaction and joy and this is why he often buys cars that have been neglected or are unwanted by the average buyer, and he is extremely picky as to how he will bring them back to life.

In the video below you can hear and see his story and how he has bought and sold countless amounts of cars in his lifetime. However, Minassian is not disclosing the exact number of vintage cars he has in his garage. What is more this video is about an Alfa Romeo model which he holds very close – the 1972 Berlina that was specifically customized to his personal preference.

httpv://youtu.be/nx2sPfgqlkg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Petrolicious

March 18, 2013

TEASER: 2013 DMC Bentley Continental GTC DURO

2013 DMC Bentley Continental GTC DURO has just been teased. The new project of the talented tuners at DMC Exotic Car Tuning has been disclosed, showing their work on the new 2013 Bentley Continental GTC. Only one image of the white stunning front fascia of the GTC has been released with no additional information around it.

All interested in this particular project have to wait until the 18th of March when the official unveiling of the car will happen. Although we have seen DMC working extremely on Italian cars, with this Bentley model they are also confirming their strong interest in British Marques.

The photograph doesn’t show the whole Continental but brings the attention on the redesigned front bumper which is now more aggressive thanks to the new design elements added. It’s almost certain that a complete package will be launched. It will include rear bumper, diffusers, side panels and a decent yet strong trunk lip along with new wheels and an engine make-over.

Source: DMC

March 15, 2013

2014 Volvo V40 Range Includes New D2 Automatic And T2 Petrol Engines

The new 2014 Volvo V40 range is now going to be equipped with two engines that deliver further CO2 reductions. The customers can now choose between the D2 unit with improved emissions and included transmission options and the T2 engine which delivers 120 hp (88 kW). In addition, there is also the new Sensus Connected Touch system included in the new V40 range, which offers unique on-line possibilities, including voice-activated Spotify.

Firstly, the V40 D2 and V40 R-Design D2 will now benefit from the choice of an automatic gearbox. The CO2 emissions here are 102 g/km (72.4mpg) in the standard and R-Design versions and 108g/km (68.9mpg) in the V40 Cross Country.

On the other hand the manual versions of the V40 D2 and V40 D2 R-Design (115 hp / 85 kW) also have reduced CO2 emissions of 88g/km (EU Combined), which translates into a fuel consumption improvement of 4.6mpg, to 83.1 mpg. Respectively, the figures for the V40 Cross Country with the D2 engine are 99g/km (74.3mpg).

Secondly, the T2 unit will be also available on the V40 and V40 R-Design. The new variant of the four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine delivers 120 hp (88 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. The CO2 emissions with the manual gearbox here are 124g/km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), and the fuel consumption – 53.3mpg.

The other new highlight featured in this Volvo range is the Sensus Connected Touch, which enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the 7-inch display into an infrared, beam-scanned touch screen. The connection is possible thanks to the car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or the driver’s mobile phone.

Prices of the new 2014 V40 Range equipped with the new engines and Sensus Connected Touch will be announced in the beginning of April.

Source: Volvo

March 15, 2013

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 Near-Series Show Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 Near-Series Show Vehicle is an off-roader that delivers 400 kW (544 hp) of power, has inherent 6×6 drive, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, tyre pressure control system and a special chassis. The Dakar-Rally-style vehicle in addition comes with interior enhancements from the AMG thanks to which the occupants enjoy the highest possible degree of comfort.

G 63 AMG 6×6 combines the best of the latest revised G-Class series-production models which gives the vehicle superiority and refinement. It also includes the source of the up-to-date interior concept with impressive new instruments and a large, central colour display. What is more, the renowned Mercedes-AMG has supplied the model with superior engine technology and interior which is as luxurious as it is comfortable.

First of all, the 6×6 technology – in other words six driven wheels, the off-road low-range ratio in the transfer case, portal axles, five differential locks which can be engaged on the move and a tyre-pressure control system which allows the pressure in the huge 37-inch tyres to be adjusted in record time while the vehicle is running, are those features are ideal for conventional cross-country vehicles.

They all make the driving dynamics perfect for the toughest terrain. The result is that the show vehicle is able to conquer the highest sand dunes and rocky terrains. In addition, it also hides exclusive series-production components under its skin.

In particular, there are the AMG V8 biturbo engine that delivers 400 kW (544 hp) and 760 Nm of torque, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission paired with the front drive system from the G 63 AMG, a rear twin drive train from the 6×6 version and ingenious portal axles.

Furthermore, the chassis is based on the current production configuration, with the exception that the helical springs and dampers have been adjusted to take account of the changed characteristics of the three-axle model. The springs, for instance, have inherent no less than 15 different spring rates.

On the other hand, the front axle is built with the help of armored special-protection variant, the first rear axle has harder spring rate and the second one is softer. All this combined with the rally-proven, adjustable gas-pressure shock absorbers, end up in a perfect symbiosis of sporty dynamism and composed comfort.

In terms of exterior, this special edition of Mercedes-Benz is equipped with large tyres on the three axles, which gives it a height of almost 2.30 metres. In addition its width is some 2.10 metres and its total length of 5.87 metre.

AMG brand face is very well visible thanks to the “twin blade” radiator grille. Moreover, one can be captured immediately by the carbon fibre which is to be found in the integrated LED light strips above the windscreen as well as in the large flared wheel arches. At the same time, the rear load area section has a distinctive stainless-steel roll-over bar.

Luxurious treatment is to be found in the interior, which is defined by AMG. Inside the cabin, the occupants will be pleased to see classic red or light brown designo leather with contrasting topstitching and attractive diamond-pattern quilting.

The four seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated. The rear compartment is equipped with a special centre console while the roof liner and pillars are finished in an Alcantara® covering. The rear panel is trimmed in leather.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 15, 2013

Ultimate Athlete’s Car: Kahn Jeep Wrangler In Matt Grey

Jeep Wrangler is indeed one of the most iconic vehicles ever built in the automotive history. In fact, it was practically designed to be customized. And here is where the tuners at A. Kahn Design studio step in.

They have created this unique Kahn Jeep Wrangler which has astonishing exterior including a matt grey contour and split level Targa roof. Here, the elements that have diametrically opposite functions appeal even more to customers far and wide.

The design philosophy behind this particular tuning was to be combined mechanical perfection with exterior beauty. In addition, the interior is a true masterpiece. To go further into details, in general what has been included in this project are the following features: brake calipers, colour coded side rear panels, door handles, body colour door mirrors, fuel filler cap, headlamps – smoked, horizontal LED daytime running lights, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, military smoked headlamps and side repeaters, privacy tinted glass, rear sections and rear wheel.

For instance the new Jeep front grille endows the Jeep Wrangler with the classic A. Kahn Design mind-set whilst maintaining the classic wrangler signature style. In addition, Kahn’s cross hair exhausts in stainless steel was also included in this tuning with the aim to reflect an attraction to the pluto-matic lifestyle.

Next, to make it even more perfect, the professionals have equipped the vehicle with a set of Kahn RS wheels in size 9 x 20 in smoked black which convey Wrangler’s essence and identity. They were created using state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology and fit all original centre caps.

Source: A. Kahn Design

March 14, 2013

Project Black Diamond: SR Auto Maserati Quattroporte

Under the name Project Black Diamond hides a unique vehicle by nature. We are speaking here about version of the exceptional Maserati Quattroporte tuned by the talented specialist at SR Auto Group. This Maserati model is powered by an impressive 400 hp (295 kW) 4.2 litre V8 engine.

The latter allows the vehicle to have a Vmax of 167 mph. In addition it also highly contributes towards the stunning acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, which is 5.6 seconds.

This powerhouse sedan has been fitted with a set of Black Diamond monoblock PUR 1NE’s in a twenty one inch profile. To be more precise the sizes were exactly 21×9 for the front and 21×10.5 for the rear. The sleek and mysterious motif can also be seen onto the Larini Exhaust System with remote valves. There the tips include also a bespoke crystal black finish.

Source: SR Auto Group

March 14, 2013

2014 Toyota Highlander SUV With World Debut in New York

It has just been announced that the strongly anticipated next generation b is going to make its world premiere at this year’s New York Auto Show. Details around the new version of the model weren’t disclosed so far.

It was only revealed that Toyota will stage the world debut of the 2014 Highlander mid-size SUV and at the press conference at the Auto Show. The reveal of the new SUV will happen on 27th of March at 9:10 a.m. Eastern Time in the Galleria Level Four at the Jacob Javits Center.

The previous generation of the same model was from the 2011 model year. And in it was featured an engine choice of two petrol engines: four and six-cylinder. They were mated to either a five-speed or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) are also available on all trim levels. On the other hand, the Hybrid version of the 2011 Highlander back then was equipped with 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine plus electric motor with overall power of 280 PS. And these facts put the question out: what are we to see in two weeks? Stay tuned!

Source: Toyota

March 14, 2013

Pagani and Sonus Faber Create High-End Huayra Audio System

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show was made a very interesting announcement of a collaboration between the high-end luxury audio speaker manufacturer Sonus Faber and sports car manufacturer and design atelier Pagani. Both companies have joined forces and have created in co-design an exclusive premium high-end audio system for the Pagani Huayra.

This was the first step of the beginning of a partnership between two iconic Italian brands. Furthermore, the vehicle – Pagani Huayra, has been adored so far because of its exceptional attributes. For instance it delivers smooth supple ride, has light cabin interior and confident and inspiring handling.

Therefore, the new high-end audio system only enhances the unique nature of the car. Sonus Faber stepped in and gave all of its music reproduction skills for this supercar challenge: from the immutable harmony of interiors to the rhythm “on the road”.

The leading leitmotiv in the working process was “power versus featherweight”. Yes, this basically means that carbon fibre is involved. In fact, carbon cones have been developed, marrying extreme rigidity to lowest weight, inspired by the Carbo-Titanium nature of Huayra.

Neodymium magnets were also utilized in order to bring about highest performance and lightest weight possible. In addition, Sonus faber audio system provides an amplifiers’ structure which offers a total amount of 1.200 Watt power output.

What is more, when the AMG V12 engine under the hood of this Pagani isn’t working, a Digital Sound Processor creates a refined atmosphere where both driver and passenger can enjoy hearing a rich sound experience. There is even more to that, the same system – the DSP, allows the whole sound to be uniquely customized according to customer’s own musical taste. He or she for example can transcendent the Huayra cabin into a concert hall, stadium, or whatever environment they seek.

The baskets of the bespoke speaker units is made like the technology developed for the most extreme Sonus fabers loudspeaker systems, such as the Aida and “The Sonus Faber” itself. This means that it includes a vibration-free CNC made hybrid avional/gunmetal structure. Speakers on the other hand have diaphragms made in a special ultra light carbon fibre, which was enhanced for acoustic applications.

Source: Pagani

March 14, 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Vilner Resurrects Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster

Almost a month ago we have seen an upcoming project heading our virtual pages. The exceptional Bulgarian tuning specialists from Vilner has just disclosed their unique restoration work on the emblematic and legendary Alfa Romeo Zagato Roadster.

The two-seater convertible was produced from 1992 until December 1994. More interestingly is the fact that only 350 units of it were planned for production. However, only 284 cars of the model were eventually made.

A logical conclusion is that this makes the RZ the lowest production Alfa Romeo in the automotive history. And even more, this fact makes the car a true collectible which is now searched worldwide.

The car has received a full treatment and is fully serviced, despite the difficulties that professionals at Vilner have encountered in finding the needed parts. Firstly, they have put their attention and endeavors on the chassis, exhaust system, engine. Here, the engine covers are painted in red matt, which entirely reminds of Ferrari style.

Secondly, Vilner replaced all seals which needed substitution and then created all new hood for the Zagato Roadster. In order to make the vehicle look like it has just come out of the factory, it was painted in its original red color, and in addition everything throughout the interior was renewed.

To be more precise, Vilner has resurrected the interior of the RZ by equipping it with new floor mats, door panels, dashboard, center console, two seats, steering wheel and transmission. The only element which is absolutely new to this car is the sport wheels.

In the end, the tuning company revealed that all the work done on the Alfa has led to one more new happy customer who is based in Germany. And if you want to see more pictures of this project’s working process you should definitely visit Vilner’s official Facebook page, where in addition you will get inspired daily!

March 13, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova