Lidia Todorova – Page 274 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen Golf Plus LIFE

Volkswagen Golf Plus LIFE is a five-door attractive special model of the Golf Plus line. It comes equipped with a comprehensive set of features and is thus perfectly tailored to customers’ wishes.

What grabs the attention here is the vehicle body height, flexibility and functionality. The level of comfort is further enhanced by the raised seat position, from which both driver and front-seat passenger benefit.

In addition, the rear bench seat can be asymmetrically split and folded and slid lengthways by up to 16 centimetres. On the other hand, the front-seat passenger’s seatback can be folded right down, and therefore the interior cargo space and can be extended to 2.3 metres in length.

Some of the special features included as an equipment here are the Climatronic automatic climate control, a winter pack (including heated front seats and windscreen washer jets), the RCD 310 radio, ParkPilot, the Light and Sight pack and the multifunction Plus display.

In addition, other standard features include high-comfort seats in the ‘Matrixline’ seat fabric and a central armrest. There is also added a multi-function leather steering wheel. When it is combined with the leather gearlever knob and handbrake handle, it gives the interior a high-class ambience.

Furthermore, in terms of exterior the Volkswagen comes as a standard with 16-inch ‘Spokane’ alloy wheels and the wording ‘LIFE’ on the wings. Chrome rims on the air inlet grilles, an LED registration plate light, fog lights and tinted rear and side windows are also something worth the attention.

More importantly, the Golf Plus LIFE is being offered with seven petrol and six diesel engines. The petrol engines deliver between 59 kW (80 hp) and 90 kW (122 hp). On the other hand, the diesels cover a performance range from 77 kW (105 hp) to 103 kW (140 hp).

The engines can be mated to either a six or seven-speed DSG transmission. As an add-on there is also the LIFE Plus pack which improves the specification with extra features. In particular it features an electric slide-and-tilt panoramic glass sunroof and the choice of either ‘Orlando’ or ‘Seattle’ 17-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of comfort and safety, the Plus LIFE model includes six airbags and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), a range of driver assistance systems such as the XDS electronic differential lock, the ‘Park Assist’ parking assistant and the ‘Rear Assist’ reversing camera.

Volkswagen Golf Plus LIFE has a starting price of €21 200.

Source: Volkswagen

December 21, 2012

Lexus IS F Race Car Generates 600 Horsepower

Lexus IS F Race Car is a purpose-built vehicle which will share the limelight with some of the world’s leading tennis players at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament next month, where it will be unveiled for the first time. It is a highly modified touring car, which is based on IS F performance sedan.

This Lexus will be powered by the same TRD-developed 4.7-litre V8 engine that is found in several Daytona prototype race cars. The unit generates up to 600 hp (441 kW). Furthermore, in order to be a true race car, it was equipped with Motec engine management systems, ZF Sachs dampers, H&R springs, AP racing clutches and AP airjacks.

However, the vehicle won’t be used as a racing car, but as a customer experience vehicle and will be on display on promotional events.

Technical Specifications:

• Vehicle: 2012 – Wide body, caged monocoque Lexus IS, weighing 1290kg

• Engine: TRD 4.7L V8 developing approximately 600hp

• Transmission: Six-speed Hewland, rear mounted transmission

• Wheels: BBS 11×18″ centre lock front, 12.5×18″ centre-lock rear

• Tyres: 295×30″ 18″ Front, 335×30″ 18″ rear

Source: Lexus

December 21, 2012

2013 BMW Z4 sDrive18i Unveiled

2013 BMW Z4 sDrive18i is the latest version of the popular Z4 roadster which is set to go officially on sale in March next year. The new model comes with a new entry-level sDrive18i, while at the same time the Pure Traction Design package enhanced the level of sophistication and high specification never seen before on Z4.

The engine is a de-tuned version of an existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged one. It generates 156 hp (115 kW) at 5,000rpm from its 1,997cc powerplant. This means that the vehicle effortlessly accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. It manages to do this while still recording 41.5mpg and emissions of just 159g/km.

The other engines included in the model range are the sDrive20i, which comes with a 184 hp (135 kW) that achieves 41.5mpg and 159g/km CO2, and the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged sDrive28i, and the six-cylinder twin-turbocharged sDrive35i and the sDrive35is which produce respectively 245 hp (180 kW), 306 hp (225 kW) and 340 hp (250 kW). All variants are rated at an electronically-limited 155mph top speed.

The power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers can also specify an eight-speed automatic with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel, while buyers of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is have a seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles, as standard.

All versions come as a standard EfficientDynamics programme, which enhances engine’s performance, economy and cuts emissions. The programme includes Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering with Servotronic, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillaries and Optimum Shift Indicator on manual transmission cars.

In terms of exterior design, the Z4 has minor enhancements. For instance, the headlights now include white LED corona rings and a white ‘eyebrow’ with additional chrome detailing, while in profile the side gill features chrome detailing and LED side repeater lights.

However, BMW introduces here the Pure Traction Design package, where the car is in Valencia Orange with an optional black contrast roof. The model also comes with Sport seats in Alcantara and leather with contrast stitching, Anthracite headlining and a unique metal weave interior trim.

Standard equipment across all models now includes DAB radio, Xenon headlights, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and Sport multi-function steering wheel. Three new colours of Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Valencia Orange are offered while two new styles of alloy wheel, 17-inch and an 18-inch V-spoke styling wheel are available as an option.

Another important feature here is the standard Drive Performance Control function that is another first and this allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.

Model	Price from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	Zero – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2Emissions g/km
BMW Z4sDrive18i	£27,610	156	240	7.9 (8.1)	137	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive20i	£29,710	184	270	6.9	146 (144)	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive28i	£34,095	245	350	5.7 (5.5)	155	41.5	159
BMW Z4 sDrive35i	£39,915	306	400	5.2 (5.1)	155	30.1 (31.4)	219 (210)
BMW Z4 sDrive35is	£45,795	340	450	(4.8)	155	31.4	210

Source: BMW

December 21, 2012

Crown Jewel for Mercedes-Benz CL, CLS and SL from PP Exclusive

PP Exclusive created a massive and bulky design of the crown jewel alloy wheel rims for the Mercedes-Benz model series. The refitted CL of the construction series C216 with a 21-inch diameter rim now revolves in the wheel houses of the grand coupé and it does this for the first time.

Furthermore, the rim is an absolute custom-made product. The wheel was built on the front axle in 10.5 x 21 inches with a 4-inch outer rim and comes in combination with Michelin tires of the format 265/30R21. The crown jewel alloy wheel rims revolve in the rear axle in 12 x 21 inches with a 5-inch outer rim and tires of the format 305/25R21.

PP Exclusive offers lowering of the CL. This was done with the utilization of the lowering module that was so effortlessly installed through the plug-and-play method. Moreover, the lowering can be individually adjusted through the steering wheel buttons.

The same crown jewel wheel is also available for CLS C218. This time for the front is used 10.0 x 20 inches with a 3.5-inch rim and 12.0 x 20 inches with a 5.5-inch rim in the rear. PP Exclusive opted for the tires Hankook-Pneus in the formats 255/30R20 and 305/25R20.

In addition, the vehicle is also lowered to the ground with the help of the same lowering module. The SL of the construction series R230 is also fitted with the crown jewel rims and Hankook tires of the same dimensions.

Source: PP Exclusive

December 21, 2012

Teaser: Vilner Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

How do you think the perfect present for Christmas would look like? I personally would love to have a white Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG wrapped with a big red band – not under my Christmas tree but in front of my house. In addition it has to be a very special kind of Mercedes-Benz, and this means that it has to be unique and full of enhancements.

For this reason, I would imagine that it is tuned by Vilner, which I am sure will make the best and most beautiful interior design! Just try to think about it in an exhilarating red color which includes all the smallest details that the tuners will make. My dream sounds very exciting, doesn’t it?

Although I won’t be the lucky one to drive this exceptional beauty, there is a particular person who has the same taste as I do. And this fact is proved by the latest teaser images that Vilner has released. They clearly show that the professionals are currently working on an SLS AMG model with white exterior and red interior. Form the pictures we can also judge that the car will include brand new headlights and bumper.

All we are left to do is to wait for the car to come out of the dark and show itself in its true glory. And if you are eager to know what’s going on in Vilner’s garage, you simply have to follow them on their official Facebook page where you will be daily updated.

Pictures Source: Vilner

December 20, 2012

Petrolicious: Napa Valley Roadsters [VIDEO]

Napa Valley, Callifornia: fields full of grape vines, sun is constantly shining and birds are literally singing all the time. Sound like the place for the perfect vacation and it undoubtedly is. However, it is also the place where there is a community of people who are keen on vintage automobiles.

More importantly, they help one another with everything that concerns the parts and maintenance of those vehicles. On the spot this time, through the lenses of the professionals from Petrolicious are the vintage Datsun Roadsters, which are definitely one-of-a-kind and have thrilling engine “voice”.

Being a rear wheel drive the roadster is still capable of accelerating the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.4 seconds. It reaches its tops speed of 108 mph effortlessly, thanks to its naturally aspired I-4 engine. The latter generates 135 horsepower (100 kW) and has a 179 Nm (132 ft-lbs) of torque rated at 4400 rpm.

Now take a look at the video below and experience through the words of those lucky men what it is like to have a car such as the Datsun Roadster.

httpv://vimeo.com/55825845

Video Source: Petrolicious via Vimeo

December 20, 2012

2013 Carbon Motors TX7 MMV Shows Versatility

2013 Carbon Motors TX7 MMV is indeed a very special kind of vehicle standing under the name of Multi Mission Vehicle (MMV). It will offer integrated incident command, surveillance, prisoner transport and personnel carrying capabilities in an innovative and flexible package.

To go further into details, the TX7 is powered by a V-8 diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The latter drives all four wheels in 4×4 configuration with ten-person seating capability.

Furthermore, in the future there will be an environmentally responsible version of the car, which is going to be powered by a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powertrain. Innovations in power management, including piloting of certain solar array technologies, are also planned.

The TX7 is positioned to bridge the gap between patrol vehicles and the highly specialized vehicles which are utilized in situations such as disaster management, search and rescue, warrant service, perimeter security.

As a matter of fact, this MMV is so versatile, that it allows for a more affordable and flexible vehicle that is deployable more frequently and under a broader scope of scenarios reducing government expenditures. Additionally infrared, thermal imaging and weapons of mass destruction sensors (chemical, biological and radiation) further improve its mission readiness.

2013 Carbon Motors TX7 MMV will have a starting price of $ 149 950 and its production is slated to begin in late 2013.

Source: Carbon Motors

December 20, 2012

Pure Style: D2Forged Cadillac CTS-V FMS-11

D2Forged Cadillac CTS-V FMS-11 is a truly unique family car. Simply very few other cars in the same class can show the same style and luxury as this one. And even more, the Cadillac has new one-of-a-kind set of shoes, thanks to the work of the specialists from D2Forged Wheels.

The road presence of the vehicle is now greater than ever, because of its new forged FMS-11 Wheels, which break any boundaries that can be imagined. Here we see a multispoke setup in sizes 21×9.5 and 21×11 for the front and the rear respectively, step lips, tinted brushed wheel face, hi-polished step lips.

This undoubtedly will bring more pleasure to the driver and occupants, while enjoying the ride. Cadillac CTS-V draws its power by the 6.2 liter supercharged V8, which can generate up to 564 ho (415kW) and 747Nm (551 lb-ft). This means that it easily accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h for only 4.0 seconds on its way to the top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: D2Forged Wheels

December 20, 2012

Schwabenfolia BMW 1M Coupe Foiled in Irie Green

Schwabenfolia BMW 1M Coupe was originally in Black Sapphire Metallic. However, after the work of the professionals from Schwabenfolia it was given an Irie Green color. Of course, this was achieved through foiling.

In addition, there are some details and extras added. For example, the glossy black roof and original shiny chrome side indicators were also foiled in black. The same thing happened to the rim rings with inlays in the body color. In addition, the start button is now in irie green, and black BMW emblems, mounted carbon-mirror caps, a rear spoiler are made of the same material as well as the black BMW-reins.

The interior of the BMW was also improved. The seats for instance were additionally adorned with orange stitching. The same pattern can be seen on the steering wheel as well. The rims were coated by universal black and provided with high-gloss coating.

Source: Miranda Media

December 20, 2012

Adaptive KW Coilover Kit With iPhone Control For Porsche 911

KW Automotive is known primarily with numerous racing and coilover kits for Porsche models. Now for the new generation of the 911 the company has released KW iSuspension and offers for the first time adaptive coilovers for the Porsche 911.

The KW DDC ECU coilover kit offers to the driver’s three driving modes: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. In addition, it also stores five personal damper setups per KW DDC App. For the App control via iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, only an optional WLAN module is required.

The adjustment of the Porsche via iPhone for the use of different wheel / tire combinations is done directly from the App.For the wireless connection between KW DDC ECU suspension control unit and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, an optional W-LAN module is required.

Furthermore, the adaptive KW DDC ECU coilover kit with electronic damper adjustment also allows lowering with 20 up to 40 millimetres. As a matter of fact, the afore mentioned kit is an alternative to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with optional Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC).

To go further into details, the balanced “Comfort” mode adjusts the damping characteristics automatically to the driving speed. On the other hand the driver will experience his Porsche in “Sport” and “Sport+” mode directly and pure. At last, in the next months, KW automotive will develop further suspension solutions with smartphone compatibility of the product family KW iSuspension.

Source: KW Automotive

December 19, 2012

Cadillac ELR Luxury Coupe to Debut at NAIAS

An exciting new vehicle which is going to make its world debut on 15th of January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is the 2014 Cadillac ELR extended-range electric luxury coupe.

Cadillac has just teased the general public with the image above, showing the flowing lines of their new luxury coupe. As a matter of fact, the car will be based on the Cadillac Converj Concept, which was a revolutionary luxury EV.

In addition, the new ELR will combine a dramatic design with industry-leading extended range electric vehicle technology in a unique luxury form.

However, definitely expect to see more here than we did in 2009 with the Converj. To recall some details, the latter generated 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 163 hp (120 kW) of power.

Source: Cadillac

December 19, 2012

Tata Aria Pure LX Launched

Tata Aria Pure LX is the latest vehicle which Tata has launched. The new model is promised to deliver new range of features, more comfort, refinement, safety, styling and a powerful yet fuel efficient engine.

First of all the car is suitable for seven persons. A driver info system and the instrument cluster on the dashboard keep the driver informed about the car’s performance. The car also has keyless entry with a remote integrated key. Flat folding second and third row seats, with a sliding second row, deliver extra room.

More importantly, the new Tata model comes equipped with BS-IV grade 2.2L Dicor engine which produces 140 hp (103 kW) power and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) torque. It has an overall length of 4780 mm, width of 1895 mm and height of 1780 mm. The Aria Pure LX also has a wheelbase of 2850 mm, with an astonishing ground clearance of 200 mm.

Next, the car runs on its 16-inch wheels, and it’s adorned by dual barrel headlamps with projector beams and an elegant chrome waistline on all windows. Moreover, the disc brakes on all four wheels deliver efficient and powerful braking.

Source: Tata

December 19, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova