Lidia Todorova – Page 259 – Automobiles Review

Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track Revealed Ahead Of Geneva

After it was announced this week that three vehicles tuned by the design specialists at A. Kahn Design will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, the last one of them isn’t kept as secret any more. We are talking here about Kahn Porsche Cayenne Supersport Wide Track – an accomplished vehicle that has been accepted within the Porsche firmament.

Next to the Porsche, a pretty impressive lineup of vehicles will presented at the Show. The first one is the impressive and stylish Kahn Range Rover Evoque Fuji White RS250 and the other is Kahn Land Rover Defender Concept 17.

The seductive proportions of the Cayenne however leave a distinct impression due to the visible enhancements which it includes: vented front and rear wide wheel arches with integrated front and rear air dams, LED daytime running lights for the front wheel arch vents, lower boot lid spoiler, welcome ambient package, sports lowered suspension springs, brake calipers finished in liquid gold, door handles in satin black, Kahn enamel wing shields and Kahn enamel tailgate logo.

In addition, the driver of this amazing project will sit behind a privacy tinted glass and pilot the engine while listening to the Kahn cross hair exhaust system. Furthermore, the interior of the model is a true masterpiece, where one can see the emblematic for Kahn “bespoke touch”.

The front and rear seats are in black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with ivory contrast stitching, the centre glovebox is in black and carbon quilted leather, the vented foot pedals are in machined aluminum, the speedo and rev counter fascia are in red are cream, and there are also included floor mats.

Another emblematic element included in this particular design is the Kahn wheels. In the present case, the vehicle runs on RS t Wheels in sizes 9.5 X 22” at the front and 10.5 x22” at the rear. They have simple and clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

Source: Kahn

March 1, 2013

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept Debuts In Geneva

Volkswagen e-Co-Motion Concept will be unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show next week. The transporter concept vehicle has a large cargo capacity but at the same time is compact and maneuverable.

It has 800 kilograms of payload, but still manages to deliver zero emissions on the road thanks to its electric drive system. This special Volkswagen model is exclusively conceptualized with an electric drive, and in addition has great vehicle properties: high maneuverability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through, a low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity.

As one can see, the exterior of the e-Co-Motion combines what at first appear to be contradictory development specifications: maximum space on a minimal vehicle footprint. It has a length of just 4.55 m, width of 1.90 m and height of 1.96 m.

This concept delivers maximum cargo capacity of 4.6 m3 and an 800 kg of payload thanks to the lower driving-relevant zone containing an underfloor drive unit, battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is relevant to delivery tasks.

The result is that there are present ideal conditions for maximum space use and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions. For example, it can be a driver’s cab in front of a cargo box or a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box.

Source: Volkswagen

March 1, 2013

Audi A3 Sportback g-tron Supports Renewable Energies

After the recent introduction of 2014 Audi A3 e-tron the brand is now ready to enter the A3 Sportback g-tron. The latter is a compact five-door car, powered by the CO2-neutral fuel Audi e-gas. This new Audi vehicle innovatively combines ecological balance, economy and high-tech solutions.

To go further into details, the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron is equipped with the full gamut of company’s technology expertise. Starting from ultra-lightweight technology, and infotainment, and ending with the driver assistance systems. However, what is the most important feature here is the state-of-the-art CNG drive technology, with included fuel storage.

The fuel storage has two tanks under the luggage compartment floor. Each of them can hold seven kilograms (15.43 lb) of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure. At the same time each tank weighs 27 kilograms (59.52 lb) less than its conventional counterpart.

Even more, the tanks consist of a new type of matrix, where the inner layer comprises of gas-impermeable polyamide polymer, while the second layer – of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) that gives the tank its extremely high strength. In addition, the third layer is made of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), which provides rugged protection against damage from the outside. High-strength epoxy resin is used to bind the fiber reinforced materials.

Another highlight in the A3 Sportback g-tron is the electronic gas pressure regulator, which is compact and lightweight and therefore reduces the high pressure of the gas flowing from the cylinders down to around five to nine bar in two stages.

For instance, if the pressure in the tank drops below ten barr, the engine management system automatically switches over to gasoline operation. The model is fully bivalent, this means that its performance figures are identical in CNG and gasoline modes.

Furthermore, the CNG provides a range of around 400 km (248.55 miles), with gasoline providing another 900 km (559.23 miles). All in all, the total range is approximately on a par with an Audi TDI.

The information of the fuel level is visible on two displays in the instrument cluster. The driver information system also displays the current fuel consumption based on the particular operating mode.

The engine under the hood of this Audi is based on the new 1.4 TFSI, which develops 110 hp (81 kW) and 200 Nm of torque. Key modifications relate to the cylinder head, turbocharging, injection system, and the catalytic converter.

The Vmax here is 190 km/h (118.06 mph), with an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 11 seconds. Additionally, the fuel consumption here is also impressive: the five-door car consumes on average less than 3.5 kilograms per 100 km of CNG or Audi e-gas – the fuel that is generated from eco-electricity in the Audi e-gas project. CO2 tailpipe emissions are less than 95 grams per km (152.89 g/mile) in gas mode.

What is more attractive however, is the greenhouse gas balance in a well-to-wheel analysis that accounts for all factors from the fuel source to the car’s wheels. When the A3 Sportback g-tron is powered by Audi e-gas, no more CO2 is released. Buyers of the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron will presumably obtain the e-gas at the public CNG refueling stations via an ecological accounting¬ method.

This so called e-gas project makes Audi the first automobile manufacturer to develop an entire chain of sustainable energy carriers. The start of the chain has electricity produced from renewable energy sources and the end products are hydrogen and the synthetic Audi e-gas.

What is more, the construction of the world’s first industrial plant to produce synthetic methane (e-gas) from CO2 and renewable electricity is almost complete in Werlte in Germany. The Audi e-gas plant will make a way for tapping into the natural-gas network with its huge capacity as storage and transport system for hitherto excess electricity capacity.

The CO2 used in Audi’s e-gas plant is a waste ¬product from a nearby biogas plant, operated by power utility EWE. The CO2, which would otherwise pollute the atmosphere, is chemically bonded into the fuel at the Audi e-gas plant. In addition, it is expected that the e-gas plant will annually produce about 1 000 metric tons of e-gas and will chemically bind some 2,800 metric tons of CO2.

In other words, the CO2-neutral e-gas derived from the plant will be able to power 1 500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles every year. The electricity-gas technology is an aim to significantly foster the expansion of renewable energies.

Source: Audi

March 1, 2013

Ferrari’s New Limited Edition Car To Be Unveiled In Geneva

Ferrari is going to exhibit its brand new limited edition special series vehicle at Geneva Motor Show, where it will also make a first world appearance. The unveiling will happen on Tuesday, 5th of March where additional details around it will be disclosed.

Few days ahead of the debut, this news leaves huge sense of anticipation. In addition, all fans will be able to follow intriguing hints about the model by keeping a daily eye on the Maranello marque’s website and official Facebook pages.

All that is known so far is that this limited edition Ferrari will be the highest expression in technology transferred from racing to production: from the GTO to the F40, up to the more recent F50 and Enzo.

Source: Ferrari

March 1, 2013

SR Auto Fisker Karma CEC C881 With More Aggressive On Road Presence

SR Auto Fisker Karma CEC C881 is ready for the showroom exuding its perfect stance and electrifying charm. Being a true four-door Fisker model, this one brings to reality the astonishing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Despite this great performance the model is able to achieve an impressive consumption of more than 100 miles per gallon and 83 g/km CO2 emissions. Now the bold electric saloon is being further enhanced and has a complete new set of modern “shoes”.

The specialists at SR Auto have equipped this white Fisker Karma with a brand new set of wheels courtesy of CEC Wheels. They are named C881 and they fit perfectly the factory diameter of twenty-two inches and feature a Machined Silver finish.

In addition, their split five spoke design gives the model a sportier appeal and even more aggressive on road presence. In details, the car is fitted with CEC C881 in size 22×9 at the front and 22×10.5 at the rear.

Source: SR Auto

February 28, 2013

2013 Land Rover Electric Defender With Premiere In Geneva

2013 Land Rover Electric Defender is going to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The research vehicle delivers zero emissions but at the same time keeps it’s tough and go-anywhere capability.

The standard diesel engine and gearbox in the 110 Defenders have been replaced in this electric version with a 70kW (94 hp), 330 Nm electric motor twinned with a 300-volt, lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27 kWh. The latter gives a range of more than 50 miles.

As a matter of fact, when the car is driven in low speed and off-road the battery can last for up to eight hours before recharging. In addition, it can be fully charged by a 7kW fast charger in four hours or a portable 3 kW charger in 10 hours.

Furthermore, the Electric Defender keeps the legendary four-wheel drive system and the differential lock. The electric motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, therefore there’s no need for gear shifting and the transmission comprises a single speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender four-wheel drive system.

In addition, another technology included is the modified version of brand’s Terrain Response System. Moreover, the vehicles were developed by Land Rover’s Advanced Engineering Team. As a basis for their construction served the successful Defender-based EV – Leopard 1.

Of course, the vehicle has been tested in extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions. Trials included pulling a 12-tonne ‘road train’ up a 13 percent gradient and wading to a depth of 800 mm.

Other details disclosed around this model ahead of its debut are that the battery weighs 410 kg and is mounted in the front of the Defender in place of the diesel engine. The kerb weight is 100 kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055 kg to 2162 kg.

The most prominent elements in the electric powertrain – such as the battery, inverter and motor – are air-cooled which saves weight and complexity and adds robustness. In addition to this, this Electric Defender includes an optimized regenerative braking which utilizes Hill Descent Control.

Unfortunately, there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter production so far. More details around this EV will be disclosed next week at Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Land Rover

February 28, 2013

Alfa Romeo Zagato Stradale TZ3 Set To Debut At The Amelia Island Concours d’ELEGANCE

Alfa-Romeo Zagato Stradale TZ3 will make a debut at the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on 10th of March. It will be the last of only nine custom built models, known as the Italian sports car with “the heart of a Viper and the soul of an ALFA”.

These nine cars were constructed in order to celebrate the centenary of Carrozzeria Zagato in 2010. And this Azzurro California hued example is the final car in the exclusive series. As a matter of fact, the model was built by Carrozzeria Zagato as a design study.

The Stradale TZ3 wears the traditional Alfa-Romeo badge of the serpent and the 1925 world grand prix champion’s wreath. Under its carbon fiber bodywork, the model hides a 8.3 liter 600 hp (441 kW) V-10 engine, known from the SRT Viper. At last, it is good to mention that this supercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds.

Another interesting fact is that Zagato calls the Stradale TZ3 “the first American ALFA in automotive history” that combines “unbridled American power and Italian grace”. The astonishing model was inspired by the motto “bellazza necessaria”, which means “beautiful necessity”. This is proven by the Kamm tail, “double bubble roof” and round taillights.

Source: Alfa Romeo

February 28, 2013

Iconic Mazda CX-5 Gets Enhanced!

Mazda is making its outstanding CX-5 a little bit more attractive with a series of drivability, design and functionality improvements. For instance, the model will include range of SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions.

The latter will utilize kickdown detent, which will help drivers prevent unwanted downshifts or initiate faster ones when more torque is desired. Furthermore, the CX-5’s engines are being improved and include even more free-revving than ever due to an enhanced power train control module. The tachometers have been updated accordingly with higher redlines.

What is more, the interior has also undergone some transformations with a focus on letting the driver concentrate on driving the vehicle. First of all the Bluetooth functionality has been enhanced and now is available for the audio system. It includes a voice command feature for music management as well as display and readout capability for email and SMS received via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone.

More style is added via the new silver accent for the audio panel button. This modification also contributes for a better utilization. Robust vinyl door armrests have been added on models with fabric upholstery to improve durability.

Soul Red adds more emotion to the exterior of the CX-5. It was especially developed using a unique process by combining two different base coats. The result is an intensive red that seems to radiate from within when lit up, in contrast to its blackish appearance when shaded. Soul Red adds to the range of three new body colours for the Mazda CX-5: Stormy Blue, Meteor Grey and Jet Black.

Source: Mazda

February 28, 2013

Sbarro React EV Concept To Be Revealed At Geneva Motor Show

ESPERA Sbarro students introduced last year their first electric car called ‘Intencity’. This happened at the Geneva Motor Show. Now, at the same Auto Show, the students are proud to present a new challenge: a hybrid car.

Exactly 30 Students were involved in the project which they have completed for 13 weeks. The concept is called REACT’E EV and won’t stay only as a study, but instead will participate in the Monte Carlo New Energy Rally.

Some of the technical specifications of this model disclosed so far, state that the car will be equipped with one V6 unit which will generate 210 horsepower (155 kW) and two electrical motors – DC Brushless each producing 136 hp (100 kW) and with 750 Nm (554 lb-ft).

The power from the motors will be translated through a five gear manual transmission. In addition, the drivetrain for the combustion engine will be a rear wheel drive, while the batter of the electric motors will be LFP – 24 kWh and the motor controller – MicroAutobox dSPACE.

No pictures of the concept were released so far, so we are eagerly looking forward to Geneva when more details around the Sbarro React EV will be announced.

Source: Sbarro

February 27, 2013

Range Rover Evoque Equipped With World’s First 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Great news from Land Rover! The brand will showcase at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car. It is named ZF 9HP transmission and especially created for transverse applications.

It is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle and in particular the new Range Rover Evoque will be equipped with it. The number of gear ratios has been increased from six to nine and this gives significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

In addition, the smaller ratio steps deliver enhanced response during acceleration, improved shift quality, drive and refinement. What is more, the higher top gear not only decreses fuel consumption but also the lower engine revs improve comfort and reduce noise when cruising at high speed.

To go further into details, the lowest ratio in the 9HP is specifically designed for off-road use, towing and more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude. The 9HP is also highly responsive and versatile too.

If the existing six-speed transmission makes shifts sequentially, the new one includes a skip-shift function for much swifter downshifting under rapid deceleration or from greater driver input demands. The torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pulling away and enhanced refinement.

Furthermore, the “fast-off” mode measures the rate of throttle release, anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds the gear if necessary. For instance, if there is requested a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast, the transmission will remember this request and make the shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level.

The extra three gear ratios add just additional length of 6 mm. Despite that, the transmission weighs 7.5 kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The small package space is achieved through a new hydraulic vane-type pump, which also delivers improved efficiency, two patented dog clutches replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and an Intelligently Nested gear set.

Source: Land Rover

February 27, 2013

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale With Debut In Geneva

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale alongside the Quattroporte will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show thus making their official European debut. The new four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale has combined many positive attributes starting with its expression of sportiness and ending with the luxury that a coupe can deliver.

The Quattroporte is the first Maserati to be built at the new Giovanni Agnelli plant in Grugliasco (Turin). And on the other hand, the GranTurismo MC Stradale will be built at the historic factory in viale Ciro Menotti in Modena.

The four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale, like its sibling two seater, takes its inspiration from the racing version which competes in the Maserati Trofeo Championship. It will offer its customers the perfect combination of sportiness, luxury and elegance, comfort and style, functionality and dynamism.

In addition, this new Maserati model has enhanced aesthetic exterior features such as carbon fibre bonnet which frames a central air intake and two rear extractors and by the new forged 20″ alloy rims. Inside the cabin are also included new materials that contribute for an impressive new style.

Under the hood the four seater MC Stradale will have a 4.7 litre, 460 hp (338 kW) aspirated V8 engine. It will be mated to a MC Race Shift 6-speed robotised manual gearbox and will excellent performance with a top speed of 188 mph.

In terms of safety and security, the vehicle utilizes Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs. The new GranTurismo MC Stradalealso benefits from the work carried out on the latest engine range to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Source: Maserati

February 27, 2013

Final Information For The McLaren P1 Revealed

The final specifications, numbers and photos of the McLaren P1 have just been unveiled by the automotive brand ahead of a global reveal in just a few days in Geneva. After seeing some astonishing pictures made in Bahrain, now we are to be amazed by the official ones that are showing even more assets of the new McLaren model.

The P1 includes a race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) that gives it exceptional performance. For instance, the acceleration time from 0 to 100km/h is covered for less than 3 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h – in under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds. The Vmax here is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

Another important information disclosed here is that the P1 model will be produced in number of just 375 units. This basically means that this McLaren model will remain a rarity and, when spotted on the road – an unforgettable sight.

What is more, it also has been announced that the Base price of the car in the US dollars will be $1 150 000. The base model will be fully equipped for both road and track use. The P1 will be comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of colour and trim alternatives from which the customer will be able. In addition, the standard model will also include visible carbon fibre in the cabin.

It was already announced, that the McLaren P1™ will be equipped with two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. The first one is the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and a highly effective electric motor.

With the efforts of both the mode will generate a combined output of 903 hp (664 kW) and will have a maximum torque figure of 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). Despite this incredible amount of power, the emissions here are less than 200g/km on the combined cycle and in addition are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode.

The tyres fitted to the McLaren P1 are the special P Zero Corsas developed by Pirelli. They were optimized during testing in order to deliver enhanced performance and handling characteristics. In addition, the supercar will offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car.

To be more precise, it will be developed by McLaren’s Formula 1 partner Akebono and the system will include a new type of carbon ceramic disc, never before used on a road car. This material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. Another asset of the car is that it can be also driven solely in electric mode. For example, when driven in urban area at the average speed of 30 mph, the PM could go up to a 20 km range.

Source: McLaren

February 26, 2013

Author: Lidia Todorova