Lidia Todorova – Page 278 – Automobiles Review

Launch of the new 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition comes to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the powerful and legendary Corvette model. The car exemplifies a true sports car, having great amount of style and delivering exceptional performance.

In those past six decades the Corvette has grown up and changed a lot. Examples from the last decades include extended mobility tyres (also known as run-flat tyres), the head-up display, magnetic selective ride control which enables real-time damping.

And now it is the time when the launch of the new 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is coming to realization. The model is especially built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this legendary sports car.

Under the hood is the LS7 7.0 liter (427 cubic-inches) engine, which generates 505 horsepower (377 kW) and has 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm). It is mated to a compulsory 6-speed manual transmission. The 0 to 60 mph sprint here is just 3.8 second and the top speed exceeds 190 mph.

In fact, this is the fastest Corvette convertible ever built and includes the high-tech features that the nameplate has become renowned for. In addition, it delivers incredible performance. In other words, the iconic Chevrolet model continues to embody both technological advancement and fame.

Source: Chevrolet

December 5, 2012

World Premiere of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking

Fiat 500 is undoubtedly an icon in the automotive world. The latest model in the famous line-up is the new 2014 Fiat 500L which expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering more than 42 percent more interior space, engaging driving dynamics, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a best-in-class 160 horsepower (118 kW) and two six-speed transmission.

Here the letter ‘L’ sums up the six dimensions of the Fiat 500L: “Leveraging”, “Large”, “Loft”, “Lifestyle”, and “Light”. The vehicle is paired with tight European handling and quick steering, and comes equipped with the fuel-efficient MultiAir Turbo engine

The latter generates the highest output-per-liter and great horsepower 160 hp (118 kW) and torque of 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.). The unit can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or segment-exclusive six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT).

More importantly however, is the new debut of the 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking, which shows the adventurous side of the 500L. Its premiere expands the appeal and practicality of the Fiat 500L with distinct, rugged looks.

The model includes sporty two-tone interior environment, unique front and rear fascia designs in Nero (black) accents, flared wheel arches and larger 17-inch wheels, which match perfectly to its athletic personality.

Furthermore, the interior of this Fiat model continues the two-tone theme, here in Nero/Marrone (black/brown) color. In the cabin is where the driver can enjoy the Uconnect 5.0 system, which includes a 5-inch intelligently and intuitively designed touchscreen interface, handsfree calling and Bluetooth-streaming audio, and a voice-command control of the radio and a media hub.

2014 Fiat 500L and 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking will be officially launched on the market in the middle of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

2013 Fiat 500e Recharges the Electric Vehicle Segment

2013 Fiat 500e is city-friendly, environmentally responsible and fun-to-drive and in other words – all that you want to see in an urban vehicle. Through its iconic style, engaging dynamics and an environmentally responsible zero-emissions design, this EV is ready to show what true Italian style and performance mean.

The 500e builds on the Cinquecento’s small-car formula, but adds battery-electric powertrain which generates 111 horsepower (83 kW). In addition, it is rechargeable in less than 4 hours with its Level 2 (240 volt) on-board charging module (OBCM) and delivers more than 80 miles of estimated range.

What is more, there is a brand new chassis and suspension designed for the new EV powertrain. The wind-tunnel-sculpted shape and retro-futuristic dot-matrix styled cues are those details which give the vehicle a cutting-edge look.

Improvements in aerodynamics here were achieved through exterior enhancements and more than 140 hours of wind tunnel testing and refinement. The result is a purposeful design that enables this Fiat to achieve an additional five miles of range.

The interior of the new EV is retro and futuristic at the same time. For example, a 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster displays full-color picture graphics to illustrate vehicle functions, charge levels and trip summary.

In addition, the driver will benefit also from the TomTom Navigation unit, which will enable them to view the vehicle’s charge schedule, range, and power-flow gauges, and can even request nearby charging stations with real-time availability.

Those who want more style, the interior environment is available in Nero (black) or exclusive Steam (white) themes, highlighted by Electric Orange.

2013 Fiat 500e will be officially launched in the second quarter of 2013.

Source: Fiat

December 4, 2012

First Performance Details: 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT

Last week 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT was teased for the first time. There was unveiled only one picture, which showed the sporty lines of the model but no additional details were disclosed.

Now Kia decided to reveal the first performance details not only for the pro_cee’d GT but also for the five-door cee’d GT. In addition, it was confirmed that both vehicles will go on sale in the middle of the next year.

The two new GT models will be powered by the new Kia’s 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine. It will include a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. What’s more, the power and torque outputs are now increased.

To be more precise, the maximum power is 204 hp (150 kW), which is up 51 per cent over the non-turbo engine. The torque was increased with up to 61 per cent and now reaches the number of 265 Nm (195 lb/ft).

The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the models’ performance targets include 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 7.9 seconds. On the other hand, major developments to the chassis and suspension systems ensure the exceptional dynamic characteristics.

Exterior-wise, here we can see new grilles and lamp clusters, deeper bumpers, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and special paint finishes, which all contribute to more aggressive stance. The look of the GT models is also distinguished by pairs of jewel-like, four-point LED daytime running lights.

What has been disclosed about the interior is that now the models will include the addition of Recaro sports seats, alloy pedals and bespoke surface materials.

Prices and detailed specifications for 2013 Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT will be confirmed closer to the on sale date.

Source: Kia

December 4, 2012

Red Temptation: D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2

D2Forged Porsche 997 Turbo CV2 comes to bring more excitement in our lives in the cold winder days with its exuberant red skin and its thirst for speed and acceleration. The Porsche will take your breath away with its 500 horsepower (370 kW) which it draws from its six-cylinder 3.8 liter boxer engine.

The unit is mated to a manual seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. The vehicle also includes sport-chrono package, featuring the availability of an electronically controlled launch-control and an overboost-function for temporary increasing the turbo-pressure.

Therefore whit this amazing amount of horsepower it is no wonder that this “red dragon” accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed reached by the 997 Turbo is 194 mph (312 km/h).

What specialist from D2Forged have done on it in order to make it even more special, is to give it concave, custom finished D2Forged CV2 Brilliant Brushed Cleared Wheels. The size used for the front is 20×9 with tires in size 245/30/20, and for the rear – 20×13 with tires in size 345/25/20. The shallow concave front and rear is obvious as well as the Red D2 cap.

Source: D2Forged Wheels

December 3, 2012

Project Kro: SR Auto Aston Martin Vantage

Project Kro is the name of an undertaking that the specialist of SR Auto have begun and finished exquisitely. The car that is being tuned is the Aston Martin Vantage. It is popular because of its unique characteristics, sublime nature and exceptional driving experience.

The stunning pictures show that Project Kro is in fact a true prince of the night. What adds to it is not only the modifications done, but also the true Aston Martin spirit that it carries within. And to be more precise this spirit is due to the 4.7 liter eight-cylinder petrol engine.

The V8 unit generates 426 PS (313 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. On the other hand the five spoke design and Project Kro go hand in hand perfectly.

SR Auto obviously kept the classic look of the vehicle but adding a bit of a modern twist. Te spice here is due to the PUR 8IGHT Wheels in Modern Black added. Weight and strength is what dominates in the choice of those wheels. They are in size 21×9+42 for the front and 21×10.5+55 for the rear. The wheels itself weigh in at 23lbs each and include a forged mono block design.

Source: SR Auto

December 3, 2012

Saleen Ford Mustang 351 Delivers 700 Horsepower

Saleen Ford Mustang 351 is an enhanced version of the popular muscle car done by Steve Saleen. This modified Ford model comes to show-off exciting list of technological and design offerings.

First of all, the most notable component in the 351 is the Saleen engineered 351 cubic inch V8 engine. It generates 700 hp (515 kW) and 888 Nm (655 ft-lb) of torque when paired with Saleen 296 supercharger system.

In fact, this is probably the most potent Mustang currently on the market. In addition, the engine is mated to a six-speed transmission equipped with a high performance Saleen clutch system, and a 3.73:1 final drive ratio. They both ensure that the power will be where it’s most required – on the ground.

Next, the incredible machine got wheel and tire combination as well as Saleen S4 suspension and the Saleen 15″ brake package. What rounding out the performance system are the Saleen 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with high performance tires in sizes 20×9 for the front and 20×10 for the rear.

On the other hand the Red Butterfly Center Ram Air Induction with its Red Butterfly hood allows cold air to intake through the butterfly scoop design as they open-up under throttle. Once the air passes through the butterfly openings it is directed through the engine compartment to the 351’s powerplant where it becomes a tributary to the air intake system.

Even more: additional design components feature full carbon fiber front and side splitters, as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser which houses the F-1 style tail lamp. A complete treatment of Saleen 351 badging and graphics is also available.

Source: Saleen

December 3, 2012

Morgan launches 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition is the latest car made by the popular British brand. With its open-cockpit it is truly an extreme sports car. In fact the unique vehicle was specifically built in order to race in the World Endurance Championship for Sports Cars.

The races in which the car will take place are at Le Mans for the 24 hours as well as Sebring, Silverstone, Spa. Furthermore, it is important to mention that many race-drivers prefer an open cockpit because it has some advantages over the coupe, such as superior sense of speed and vision.

In addition, the driver can develop closer bond with the car and feels safer because he can be more in control. This Morgan also delivers unique combination of economy and acceleration, thanks to its superior V8 engine plus the low overall weight and superb aerodynamics.

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition impresses also with its striking Blue and Orange graphic – the Gulf Oil livery. This represents the years of motorsport success. In particular the car is adorned with “Gulf Edition” text for being the hundred commemorative vehicle.

Morgan 3 Wheeler Gulf Edition Specifications:

• Gulf graphic pack

• Black engine

• Black with orange rimmed mirrors

• Black head lamps

• Roll hoops – black

• Mud Guards – Black

• Black exhausts

• Black exhaust heat shields

• Limited edition badge / embossed leather

• Black dashboard panels

• Standard black leather

• Orange wall tyres

• Gulf blue solid paint

• Orange stitching on steering wheel

Source: Morgan

December 3, 2012

Smart Forjeremy by Fashion Designer Jeremy Scott

Smart Forjeremy by Jeremy Scott is a project which is ready to literally lift-off into a new era of mobility – full of lightness and joie de vivre. The one-of-a-kind Smart has wings, which is the familiar trademark of the American star designer.

The wings make the car look like an igniting rocket, and this definitely makes Forjeremy the perfect showcar. In addition, it will be launched on the market next year as a limited special edition.

As a matter of fact, the wings are the symbol for carefree driving fun. Within eight months, Jeremy Scott developed the Smart Forjeremy together with designers of the “smart Design Division” at the Mercedes-Benz Cars Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. The typical stylish design of the Smart Fortwo to inspire him and the result is that he created this unique piece of art.

Furthermore, the futuristic Smart Forjeremy is painted in bright white, against which the chrome-plated tridion cell glistens like a jewel. On both sides of the vehicle is positioned a wing made of transparent fibreglass and decorated with rocket-shaped elements that light up red, serving as rear and brake lights.

The dynamism of the vehicle is enhanced by wider rear tyres and wider rear wheel arches. The wheel rims are shaped like aeroplane propellers, and this leaves the impression that the electric smart might take off at any minute. Complementing the tridion cell, the eyebrows are bright chromium plated, as are the top half of the mirror caps and the frame around the radiator grille.

What about the interior? There can be see the elegant marriage of white and glistening chrome accents, which is continued in the interior of the vehicle. The luxurious feel is further amplified by the fine white nappa leather which wraps the instrument panel, seats and door trim.

In addition, the instrument panel includes minimalist seams, and the the seat insert areas and the centre panels in the doors boast extravagant diamond stitching. The gleaming chrome surfaces of the main door trim and typical smart elements such as the closing handles, the side boomerangs of the instrument panel and the characteristic rings on the dashboard instruments form an elegant contrast to the matt white.

Next, the bright chromium plated side air inlets are in a shape of a jet engine. This completes the wing theme on the exterior. The white steering wheel with two chrome spokes is open at the top, further enhancing the sporty and futuristic feeling when being inside the car.

At last but not least, the Smart Forjeremy is based on the current Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, which has 55 kW (75 hp) electric motor and can accelerate from 0 – 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 125 km/h. The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in urban traffic without producing any local emissions.

Source: Smart

November 30, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises Nissan Juke Nismo

The Dark Knight Rises Nissan Juke Nismo is a special edition vehicle which celebrates the famous film and in particular the release of the the third film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy on DVD and Blu-Ray. We have to admit that Nissan has produced a truly unique car.

It is called The Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo and it is based on the popular Nissan model. It includes a host of Batman-inspired details. It is powered by the 200 hp (147 kW) 1.6-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The sprint from zero to 100 km/h therefore is achieved in 7.8 seconds. The vehicle also includes Nismo’s bodykit, uprated suspension and enhanced interior. Furthermore, the matt black paint gives a menacing look reminiscent of Batman’s Tumbler, while a shark fin antenna replaces the standard car’s conventional aerial. Aluminium Bat badges adorns the front grille and tailgate.

On the other hand the unique vehicle will ride through the streets on gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels which include bespoke red detailing. The latter goes along perfectly with the eyecatching pinstripe on the bumpers and sills of the standard Juke Nismo.

The interior is all about the Batman theme again: Bat logos on the kickplates and reflective Bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats are immediately seen. In addition, the downlighters mounted under the door mirrors the famous Bat signal can be projected onto the floor area around the doors.

All in all The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo includes the following:

Matt black paintwork
Aluminium Bat logos front and rear
Shark fin antenna
Black 18-inch Nismo alloy wheels with red detailing
Uplighter that projects Bat symbol on headlining
Downlighters in door mirrors to project Bat symbol on floor area by doors
Reflective Bat badges on front and rear headrests
Door sills with Bat logos

Source: Nissan

November 30, 2012

Famous Parts Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG Black Edition Wide Body

Famous Parts have equipped the latest Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG with their Black Edition Wide Body Kit, in thus way transforming the elegant vehicle into a masculine athlete with muscular proportions and broad shoulders.

The tuning is attributed to the work of the company Famous Parts from Ratingen, Germany. What they have done in particular is to give the Mercedes-Benz new front bumper together with spoiler blade, a pair of side skirts, a rear bumper with diffuser, a pair of front mud guards, rear side wall enlargements, a new engine hood and lattice inserts.

In addition, what is good to mention is the integrated Famous Parts in Prior Design front bumper with bright LED daytime running lights with exact fitting molded parts. Of courrse, what grabbs the attention is the powerful stance of the car, achieved by the complete wrapping in the striking color shade of “Frozen Gray Matt Champagne Metallic“ rounded up with the tinting of the rear side glasses and the rear windshield.

To roud of the aggressive presence of the CL63AMG, the specialist have equipped it with high-grade Brabus alloy wheel rims of size 10.5 x 21 inches. Moreover, the “Monoblock E“ rims were fitted with Continental Sport Contact high-performance tires of the dimensions 265/30R21 on the steering axle and 305/25R21 on the drive axle.

Even more, Famous Parts lowered the vehicle through the electronic adaptation of the serially produced ABC chassis frame while spacing discs of the company H&R accounted for the horizontal alignment of the wheels in such a way that they blend perfectly well with the edges of the wheel arch.

At lats and defintely not least, the tuners done some excusite work on the 6.2 liter V8 driving mechanism of the CL63. With the help of a software, they modified and enahced the exhaust gas system, thus achieving a significant power boost of 85 horsepower. The result is 610 horsepower (450 kW) in total.

Source: Famous Parts

November 30, 2012

EXCLUSIVE: Vilner Audi RS6

Absolutely exclusive for the readers of automobilesreview.com is the new hot tuning of the Bulgarian based specialists from Vilner. This time they are going to amaze us with their exceptional and sophisticated work on the Audi RS6.

Vilner Audi RS6 has everything that one wants to see in a car concerning its exterior as well as interior. Absolute craftsmanship and perfectionism grabs ones attention at first sight. The exterior immediately strikes with its provocative color – an effect achieved through a green mate wrapping.

What is more, one is also captured by the alloy wheels, which are in Black Piano Varnish and include green edge that continues the theme of the wrapping. At last, it must be also mentioned that they have supplied the Audi with new grilles and diffuser – of course all made from Carbon Fibre, which contribute to the improved aerodynamism of the RS6.

But the true masterpiece of the work of Vilner can be seen throughout the interior. The ceiling, the door panels, the steering wheel and the gearshift were all carefully wrapped with Alcantara. This undoubtedly contributes to more comfortable feeling of the occupants of the coupe. Adding to it are the seats, which were “dressed” in Nappa.

It is completely obvious that a lot of attention has been put to the details here. The green stitching on the seats for example not only continues the design philosophy of the exterior, but also contributes towards more luxurious driving experience. In addition, what rounds off the modification of the interior are the seat belts, which were changed with such that “shine” in the same challenging color of the exterior wrapping.

On the other hand the RS6 does not need anything in terms of power enhancements or any engine modifications. Thanks to its V10 unit, it produces the staggering 580 horsepower which are equivalent to 426 kW. In addition it has 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque, which adds further to its powerful road presence.

Some impressive data here is that the car reaches 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds on its way to the top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). This Audi model definitely delivers supreme dynamism that makes no compromise in its qualities, and now its aggressive stance is magically amplified, thanks to this exquisite work of the professionals from Vilner.

Source: Vilner

November 29, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova