Lidia Todorova – Page 285 – Automobiles Review

Audi A6 and A7 Black Edition Models

Audi A6 Saloon, Avant and A7 Sportback models are transformed via special Black Edition specification, which gives them exclusiveness and “distinctly darker air”. The three new Black Edition models combine their more emphatic styling with the most extensive equipment list in each range.

The new special edition Audi models are equipped with distinguishing features, starting from the rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and either a 20-inch diameter in the A6 Saloon and Avant, or 21 inches in the A7 Sportback. These wheels perfectly fit to the arches in the A6 helped by lowered sports suspension which is a standard feature of the S line models, and in the A7 Sportback by further lowered S line sports suspension.

In terms of exterior, a black finish can be seen on the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips. In addition, it can also be found at the privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards. Moreover, the A6 Avant Black Edition is also equipped with black roof rails.

The interior here is unique because of its distinctive Piano Black inlays which complement the sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather and the black headlining. The drivers here can enjoy a BOSE surround sound system, DAB digital radio and the Audi Music Interface (AMI) for iPod connection.

Some other exclusive technology features included are the following: satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, Xenon all-weather headlights and LED rear lights, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, the Audi parking system plus, keyless go, powered tailgate operation, electrically adjustable front seats and a powered retractable rear spoiler.

Source: Audi

November 2, 2012

The White Warrior: SR Auto BMW 650i Vossen VVS-CV1

The latest SR Auto tuning is on the outstanding BMW 650i. Being a BMW 6 Series model, this car is a mystery to some and a challenge to most, simply because of its unique size and place in the brand’s family.

Nevertheless, SR Auto BMW 650i Vossen VVS-CV1 is even more challenging and appealing because it is equipped with Vossen VVS-CV1 rims. Bringing forth the staggering stance, these matte silver machined finished rims, fearlessly fitted on 22 x 9.0 / 22 x 10.0 wheels.

On the other hand, the BMW itself has more to offer. This 650i generates 407 hp (300 kW) from its N63 V8 engine. That means the acceleration from a stand still to 100 km/h happens in less than 5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h while the max torque is 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) at 1750-4500.

Source: SR Auto

November 1, 2012

Teased: 2012 Kahn BMW X6 Wide Track Edition

2012-Kahn-BMW-X6-651-1 Details and specifications around 2012 Kahn BMW X6 Wide Track Edition are going to be revealed in the coming weeks ahead. However, the designer has just released some photos of the unique tuning, which are worth seeing.

This BMW X6 is ambitiously redesigned and has received an imposing makeover and plenty of visual presence. As we can see it runs on unique set of “shoes”: Kahn’s RS-XF alloy wheels. Additionally, there are present the wide wheels arch extensions and side skirts, the new aggressive front bumper with voluminous air intakes and a new ventilated replacement hood.

The interior of the BMW is more than outstanding and in my opinion a true masterpiece. Black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with contrast stitching can be seen all throughout it. There is also the leather and alcantara steering wheel, quilted leather centre glove box, speedo and rev counter and much more.

Source: A.Kahn Design

November 1, 2012

2014 Subaru Forester Crossover Unveiled Ahead of Official Debut

2014 Subaru Forester Crossover has just been unveiled with a teaser image ahead of its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new SUV now offers bolder profile, more spacious interior and a purposeful stance.

As a matter of fact this is the fourth generation of Subaru‘s popular Forester. It will be equipped with 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine which generates 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER engine comes as a standard and will offer higher fuel economy due to the new six-speed manual transmission and available Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions (CVT).

The other engine option is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER, which develops 170 hp (125 kW) and has a 235 Nm (174 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. Here the transmissions are again the 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT one. All models, equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine will include high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual modes and Hill Descent Control.

The crossover preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made the Forester one of the Subaru brand’s best-selling models for the past 15 years. However, the new suspension system is refined and delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality.

In addition, the spaciousness is ensured by the increased rear seat legroom and an enlarged cargo area. Optional infotainment features will be offered, including smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera and harman/kardon premium audio amplifier and speakers.

Source: Subaru

November 1, 2012

Emissions Free: 2013 Renault ZOE

2013 Renault ZOE is the new supermini electric vehicle by the French brand which will be available at dealerships next year’s spring. ZOE is equipped with industry’s most advanced technology, including 60 patents designed to deliver user-friendliness, range and connectivity.

This Renault electric vehicle is going to be available in three trim levels – Expression, Dynamique Zen and Dynamique Intens. In addition, the supermini is the first vehicle to be equipped with “Range OptimiZEr”, which combines three major innovations, namely: new-generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and MICHELIN EnergyTM E-V tyres.

Thanks to this the driver will generally achieve around 60 miles in cold weather and 90 miles in temperate conditions. ZOE is the only electric vehicle which includes Chameleon charger. The latter is compatible with all power levels up to 43kW and it takes only 30 minutes to recharge the battery up to 80 percent.

ZOE is also first brand’s vehicle to feature the new multimedia system Renault R-Link, which allows the drivers to control its functions without taking their eyes off the road. In details, the R-Link includes a large seven-inch display, steering wheel-mounted controls and voice recognition.

More importantly, this electric supermini generates power equivalent to 65 kW (88hp) and instantly delivers maximum torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft). Here the top speed is limited to 84mph.

Next, the gearshift-free acceleration vehicle in the Dynamique Zen trim recalls purity and wellbeing. Why? Because it is white, blue and chrome, with a light coloured interior ambiance. Furthermore, it is fitted with “Take Care by Renault” equipment as standard with active scent diffuser, ioniser and toxicity sensor together with Teflon seat protection.

Signature headlights feature LEDs that permanently light up recesses situated either side of the front air intake. In general the vehicle includes Renault’s new design philosophy.

Standard equipment on Expression:

R-Link – voice controlled TomTom satellite navigation with 7” touchscreen and voice control
4x20W radio
USB port and SD Multimedia
Bluetooth®
‘Range OptimeZEr’ – new-generation regenerative braking, a heat pump and MICHELIN Energy E-V tyres
Chameleon charger
Z.E. Connect – remote monitoring of battery charge and range
Z.E. Voice – pedestrian warning
Climate control
Cruise control
LED DRLs
ESC
ASR Traction control
CSV Understeer control
HSA Hill Start Assist
Renault keycard
ISOFIX mountings on front passenger seat and outer rear seats
TFT instrument display
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel
Privacy glass to rear side and tailgate windows
RAID automatic door locking

Additional equipment on Dynamique Intens and Dynamique Zen:

16 » Aerotronic alloy wheels
Renault keycard with hands free functionality
4x35W radio with Arkamys digital sound
Z.E. Interactive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation
Z.E. Digital – remote access to R-Link store e.g. email access)
Automatic headlight activation
Automatic wiper activation
Leather steering wheel
Electric rear windows
Rear parking sensors
Rear parking camera (Dynamique Intens only)
‘Intens’ dark interior ambiance (Dynamique Intens only)
‘Zen’ light interior ambiance with Teflon seat protection (Dynamique Zen only)
‘Zen Take Care by Renault’ – active scent diffuser, ioniser, toxicity sensor – (Dynamique Zen only)

Optional equipment on Expression:

16” Aerotronic alloy wheels
Renault i.d. paint
Metallic paint
Renault i.d. metallic paint
Automatic headlight and wiper activation
Renault keycard with hands free functionality
Rear parking sensors
4x35W radio with Arkamys digital sound
Z.E. Interactive – remote battery charging and air conditioning/heating activation
Z.E. Digital – remote access to R-Link store e.g. email access)
Western Europe map for TomTom
TomTom Live services 3 year subscription
Easy Pack – rear parking sensors and automatic headlight and wiper activation
Comfort Pack – Renault keycard with hands free functionality and electric rear windows

Optional equipment on Dynamique Intens:

17” Tech Run alloy wheels
Renault i.d. paint
Metallic paint
Renault i.d. metallic paint
Western Europe map for TomTom
TomTom Live services 3 year subscription

Optional equipment on Dynamique Zen:

17” Tech Run alloy wheels
Rear parking camera
Renault i.d. paint
Metallic paint
Renault i.d. metallic paint
Western Europe map for TomTom
TomTom Live services 3 year subscription

Source: Renault

November 1, 2012

Hyundai Veloster REMIX Special Edition Now in Production

The eight SEMA bound vehicle of Hyundai has just been unveiled and it is inspired by the brand’s successful REMIX Lab program. The latter debuted a year ago at the same show and provoked big interest among the car enthusiasts.

This year Hyundai is showcasing at the show the production vehicle. This special edition production Veloster includes an aggressive sporty exterior appearance with a unique body kit and gunmetal-finish alloy wheels.

On the other hand the interior here is enhanced with a premium audio system and counts on the premium lifestyle-focused look and feel. Adding to this, the Sprint Gray exterior color is just one of the five offered colors: Century White, 26.2 Yellow, Marathon Blue, Ultra Black and Boston Red.

This customization represents ultimate style, design and performance. With custom audio, distinctive materials and bespoke components throughout, each REMIX is a pure example of creativity, passion and connectivity.

At last, Hyundai Veloster REMIX is to be seen at dealerships before the winter holidays and will have a starting price of $19 900.

The lineup of Hyundai vehicles includes: Hyundai Design and Technical Center “Velocity” Concept, ARK Performance Genesis Coupe R-Spec Track Edition, ARK Performance Veloster Alpine Edition, Bisimoto Engineering Elantra GT Concept, Cosworth Engineering Genesis Racing Series Concept, FuelCulture Genesis Coupe Turbo Concept, JP Edition Veloster Concept

Source: Hyundai

November 1, 2012

2013 MINI Countryman – Refined!

MINI Countryman appeared in the automotive world two years ago. Now it comes back equipped with all-wheel drive and benefiting from an extensive round of modifications. The spacious five-door’s MINI is now additionally improved in terms of ease of use and practicality.

To be more precise some of the modifications include newly designed rings encircling the Centre Speedo and four air vents immediately. They can be found across the board in the colour shade Carbon Black and also have an inner ring in high-gloss black or – as part of the Chrome Line Interior option – in chrome.

Furthermore, the newly designed door inserts also contribute to better comfort and practicality. For instance, remodelled door armrests deliver comfortable support for the arms, and the controls for the electric windows are now also positioned in the door trim. A full control panel is integrated into the door armrest on the driver’s side.

In addition to all these changes, the switches clustered here feature the controls for all the windows, the deactivation facility for the rear window controls and adjustment for the exterior mirrors. Another highlight is that the Countryman will come as standard with a three-seat rear bench.

Additional changes to the model line-up include range of interior colors, interior trim elements and Colour Lines, which will be announced more specifically later this year. Some of them however, include Brilliant Copper metallic and Blazing Red metallic.

An important fact to mention is that the customers are being offered a better choice of engine variants – three petrol and three diesel units. They generate outputs stretching from 66 kW/90 hp to 135 kW/184 hp. Almost all models will be equipped with six-speed automatic gearbox.

And do you remember the sporty MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, powered by the turbocharged 160 kW/218 hp engine? Well, it will go along with ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, which will be fitted as standard. The impressive efficiency of the engines and gearboxes along with extensive MINIMALISM technology will offer to any driver great balance between driving fun and fuel economy.

Source: MINI

October 31, 2012

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept Makes First Appearance at SEMA

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept was just revealed at SEMA, being equipped with turbocharged engine for the first time. And here’s “the deal” it comes not with one but two turbochargers.

In fact, every internal combustion engine has a plentiful source of energy that normally goes to waste right out the exhaust pipe. Here the two turbochargers put together the thermal and kinetic energy in the exhaust gases so that they drive turbines and compressors that force more air into the engine for a big increase in power without most of the parasitic losses of a supercharger.

Furthermore, the design of the turbocharger design was brought to reality after a substantial work on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which we have seen on the F-150 model. And the effect is that this concept has been brought to reality.

However, there’s a disadvantage – the lag. Ford has dealt with it by selecting the smallest possible turbos which can give the needed airflow. Other enhancements have been featured as well in order to improve the responsiveness. The result is very low inertia and very low internal friction.

Here the help was offered by Borg-Warner, which has supplied the brand with smaller, more efficient turbochargers based on the units used in the Focus ST for the Cobra Jet concept. They are smaller than those found in most other drag racing applications. In details, the turbine wheels were made from titanium aluminide – a material which reduces the rotational inertia by 50 percent.

Next to be mentioned are the integrated, electronically controlled wastegates, which were utilized on production EcoBoost engines and which enable the turbos continuous spinning. Additionally, they generate the boost pressure needed for low elapsed times and high trap speeds at the strip.

Another advantage here in my opinion is that the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Twin-Turbo Concept includes unique Racing livery. The white body is accented with an asymmetric black and blue stripe, which runs over the top of the car from bumper to bumper. The Cobra Jet’s flanks blend an upward sweeping version of the stripe with the traditional striking cobra head in black with blue accents.

Source: Ford

October 31, 2012

World Debut For Volkswagen Santana

2013 Volkswagen Santana is a second generation of the model but it has been entirely remade and now shows off more powerful stance. The new Volkswagen model was fully redeveloped with styling that is clear and precise.

Its intelligent space concept and 2,603 mm wheelbase create noticeably more knee room at the rear seats, and the car’s boot is spacious with 480 litres of cargo capacity. In addition, some important points in the development of the car were given to safety, comfort and sophisticated appearance.

Furthermore it is equipped with key features such as ABS, front, side and head airbags, ESC electronic stabilization programme, air conditioning or automatic climate control, electric sliding sunroof, alloy wheels, parking sensors and leather upholstery. The Santana is available in three trim lines: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline versions.

Next, the engines under the hood are naturally-aspirated four-cylinder ones – in particular the newly developed EA 211 petrol engine series. These innovative aluminium engines – with 16-valve technology and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head – are easily recognized by its high efficiency.

For instance, the 1.4-litre version generates 66 kW / 90 hp and has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km. On the other hand, the 1.6-litre has 81 kW / 110 hp and fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km. Compared to the previous model, fuel economy and CO2 emissions were improved by up to 28 per cent.

Source: Volkswagen

October 31, 2012

Fiat 500 Café Racer Exudes Passion And Love [VIDEO]

An interesting video I have just found over the web space is that of how Fiat 500 is getting ready and customized for 2012 SEMA Show. Interestingly enough, the so called “Cafe Racer” is being stripped down to the bare minimum for maximum performance and speed.

Details around the performance figures are still scarce, but we are eagerly waiting to know them around its official introduction. Furthermore, this particular video caught my attention, because a Fiat 500 is not we are used to see getting customized every day. Nevertheless, according to its designers, it is a really good vehicle to modify.

Another thing that provoked my curiosity is why it is called Café Racer. Well the truth here lies in history. There was a time when people have stripped down their motorcycles in order to get the weight down. The aim of course was to achieve a better performance.

Summed up in three words: attention, passion and love, is what can be seen throughout this car. Indeed, a great craftsmanship was needed to achieve the “Café Racer” effect and to bring forth the true personality of the Fiat.

Tires and wheels were changed, new exhaust system was added and basically the specialists have stripped down the car to the very essence of what one needs to drive. In addition, the seats were made lighter as well and have received a clean, sleek a lower profile. And this is how the Fiat 500 is capturing the imagination because it must be more than just a car, it must be a driving experience!

httpv://youtu.be/AgP5LbhZNmI

Video Source: YouTube

October 31, 2012

Mazda3 MPS by MR Car Design

MR Car Design Mazda3 MPS exudes power and attitude. Mazda3 MPS is originally being one of the most powerful series production vehicles with front wheel drive. Here however, we have an aim which successfully has given this vehicle even more strength in horsepower.

The people responsible for that are the specialists from MR Car Design. They have taken this hard task to give the sporting dynamicist even more power. Originally the Mazda is equipped with 2.3 L engine, which includes turbo support.

This means that the vehicle can generate 260 hp (191 kW) and has a maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 3,000 r / min. The crew from MR Car Design gave the engine boost in terms of performance via software. Thanks to that the car is able to produce 310 horsepower (228 kW).

Furthermore, a downpipe with or without catalytic converter, and an exhaust system from the downpipe can be mounted optionally. In addition to this another highlight here is the Forge Intercooler, which includes all turbo hoses.

At last, this unique Mazda runs on a set of wheels with Qxigin 14-inch rims in 8,5 x19 and has a KW coilover suspension.

Source: Miranda Media

October 30, 2012

2013 Toyota Camry Atara R Special Edition Launched

2013 Toyota Camry Atara R Special Edition has just been launched. The model gains benefits in terms of safety, performance, comfort and visual stance. The Camry Atara R is based on Camry Altis, however gets more added features and technologies.

In fact, many of the additions here were available on the more expensive Atara models. Such are for example the front sports bumper and grille, sports side skirts and a dual exhaust diffuser. The latter boosts maximum power by 2 kW.

In addition, this special edition of Toyota includes also 17-inch alloy wheels instead of the 16-inch, front foglamps and a special-edition badge. Furthermore, the Atara R also gets great interior equipment and design.

Here the driver and occupants can enjoy the premium three-spoke steering wheel (with audio controls), 6.1-inch screen display audio and reversing camera with fixed guidelines.

Another important highlight to this trim is that is goes along with big choice of exterior colours: Diamond White, Silver Pearl, Graphite, Eclipse Black, Wildfire, Magnetic Bronze, and Reflex Blue.

In terms of safety and security, the Atara R is well specified with seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag) and vehicle stability control and traction control. At last, but not least the new technologies added are the trip computer and eco indicator, six-speaker audio including auxiliary and USB input with iPod connectivity.

Source: Toyota

October 30, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova