Lidia Todorova – Page 289 – Automobiles Review

Hyundai Velocity Concept Debuts at SEMA [VIDEO]

Hyundai Velocity Concept is a vehicle which is to proudly debut at 2012 SEMA show. Originally the car is a Veloster sport coupe, but being a tuning it adds more aggressiveness and exceptional design language.

This Hyundai runs on 19 x 9.0 inch, HRE lightweight satin-charcoal racing wheels. In addition, the special car is fitted with tarmac-scraping lower body kit with generous front and rear brake cooling ducts, lift-reducing rear diffuser, oversized rear wing, and number one racecar design graphic.

The concept keeps the original silhouette of the Veloster, however adding a note on exponential performance gains and functional design cues. Furthermore, the 1.6-liter, direct-injected engine underwent some transformations thanks to Cosworth, including performance pistons, rods, turbocharger, intercooler, intake manifold, intake-charging design, fuel system and engine management.

All this results in more than 400 horsepower (295 kW) and 350 lb.-ft. (475 Nm) of torque. In addition, Velocity’s suspension and braking modifications handle the acceleration capabilities under hood, with Brembo® 4-piston calipers and two-piece rotors, Bilstein® springs with monotube dampers, and Kumho Ecsta SPT 275/35R19 high performance summer tires.

httpv://youtu.be/ufKu7JY9BgA

The list of Velocity performance enhancements includes the following:

Powertrain

Cosworth engine upgrades: Pistons, Rods, Turbo, Intercooler, Intake Manifold, Intake charge design, Fuel system, and Engine Management system
CPR Fabrication: Custom Exhaust system

Interior

Sparco: A1 WTX 5H Helmets, gloves, shoes, and seat belts.
Race-keeper: Race-Keeper Video GPS data Acquisition System
Katzkin custom suede leather interior:
Raven and scarlet themed suede with red stitching
CPR Integrated Roll Bar

Exterior

Velocity HATCI Design Body Kit:
Front and rear braking airflow ducts
Lift-reducing rear diffuser
Integrated front splitter
Aero side skirt lip
Oversized rear wing spoiler
#1 racing number design motif
HRE P40 model 19 x 9.0″ lightweight satin-charcoal wheels

Brakes

Brembo: 350x28mm two-piece Rotors and 4-Piston Calipers

Suspension

Bilstein: Monotube dampers and spring kit
Kumho: Ecsta SPT 275/35R19 High Performance Summer Tires

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hyundai

October 17, 2012

Market launch of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

The unique Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT can now be seen at dealerships is disguise of both Coupé and Roadster variants. With the highly performance-oriented GT variant, the range has now grown up to five models.

This Mercedes conveys more dynamism and athleticism. It is fitted as standard with AMG forged wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen finish, darkened headlamps and tail lights as well as red-painted brake calipers.

The wing-shaped cross fins and the star recess in the radiator grille, the exterior mirrors and the fins on the bonnet and wings are retained in high-gloss black.The AMG logo on the right of the boot lid also features the additional letters “GT”.

The more important information here however is in terms of power. In details, the maximum output for the 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine is 435 kW (591 hp) at 6800 rpm, while the maximum torque is 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. This means that there will be no problem for the super sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, and to reach a speed of 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. The top speed here is 320 km/h (electronically limited).

The engine is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission located on the rear axle. In addition, the latter is more direct and spontaneous than ever. The automatic double-declutching function when shifting down is also more pronounced.

The new AMG Ride Control Performance suspension is fitted with variable, electronically controlled damping. It includes stiffer spring/damper tuning and dispenses with “Comfort” mode. “Sport” mode is recommended as the optimum setting for undulating road surfaces and routes requiring increased suspension travel. On the other hand the “Sport plus” mode delivers higher damping forces and includes specific control algorithms which have been adjusted for a sporty driving style on routes with a level road surface.

The interior here is decisively sporty as well. For example, the sports seats have embossed badges on their head restraints and centre sections finished in Alcantara. The same mterial can also be found on the door centre panels.

Furthermore, the black interior appointments are combined with red seat belts. In fact, all of the contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats, the centre console and the door panel lining is retained in red too. Even the floor mats feature red edging.

A highlight among the optional extras is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound system. The surround sound system delivers one-of-a-kind music experience. This is due to the amplifier, which provides a 1000-watt output, the 11 loudspeakers, and the precise distribution of the music signals.

The starting price of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is 204,680 euros for the coupe and 213,010 euros for the roadster.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 17, 2012

Debut For Hyundai i30 Premium Trim Level

Hyundai i30 Premium is the new trim level in the i30 line-up which has just made its debut. The model will be available as both Hatchback and Tourer and will deliver new standard features and more comfort.

Premium trim features all the equipment from the Convenience and Individual packs, however they go here as a standard. More importantly these go along with several additional features. In details, the Premium models benefit from a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, chrome door handles with illumination and automatically folding door mirrors, which also incorporate puddle lamps.

In terms of interior the new Hyundai trim level includes a number of additional standard features over the Style Nav such as leather upholstery, automatically dimming rear view mirror, electric driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, keyless entry with engine start/stop button plus supervision cluster with LCD colour display. A height adjustable passenger seat is also now available as an option, however.

More importantly, the Premium will be available with two engine options including a 120 hp (88 kW) 1.6-litre petrol with manual transmission on the hatchback and a 1.6-litre CRDi 128 hp (94 kW) diesel on both Hatchback and Tourer with a choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox.

Furthermore, three new exterior colors will be offered, delivering even more freshness and vitality. These are Cool Red (solid), Ice Blue (metallic) and Blueberry Blue (metallic).

Source: Hyundai

October 16, 2012

Vauxhall Corsa Achieves 85.6 MPG Efficiency Result

2012 Vauxhall Corsa is more economical than ever achieving 85.6mpg while emitting just 88g/km. The environmentally friendly car is equipped with 95 hp (70 kW) 1.3CDTI ecoFLEX Start/Stop engine which contributes to the numbers delivered.

Furthermore, some additional improvements have been made in order to minimize the consumption and emissions. For instance, the turbodiesel is equipped with a variable displacement oil pump which delivers only the necessary oil pressure.

In fact, it changes the oil volume having “in mind” the load so that it can reduce energy needed for oil circulation. The use of special low-viscosity transmission oil also contributes to efficient fuel consumption.

Next to be mentioned is the engineered manual transmissions with a more precise and smooth gear change action. The modifications result in high shift comfort and optimized operation in cold and warm conditions. In addition, what also takes part in the great efficiency are the new 185/65 R15 low-rolling-resistance tyres.

Performance however is not a compromise here, given the achieved results. The maximum torque of this Vauxhall model is of 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) is available between 1,750 and 3,250rpm. The powerful 95 hp (70 kW) turbodiesel gives the Corsa the acceleration time of 12.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.

Source: Vauxhall

October 16, 2012

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Receives Environmental Certificate

Mercedes-Benz-A-Class-THumb The award winning Mercedes-Benz A-Class is now achieving even higher standards thanks to fuel saving numbers it has shown. In particular the fuel savings are of up to 26 percent, emissions as low as 98 g CO2/km, a best-in-class Cd value of 0.27 and all petrol-engine variants complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

This basically means that the A-Class sets new benchmarks in efficiency and in addition has a high environmental performance, which was confirmed by the inspectors at the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority. They have given this Mercedes-Benz model the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062.

As a matter of fact, the aforementioned certification is based on a comprehensive ecological life-cycle assessment of the car, documenting every detail of ecological relevance. The life-cycle assessment means that the brand analyzes the environmental compatibility of its models from production through their long years of service to recycling at the end of their lives.

And this is where the A180 BlueEFFICIENCY causes 16 percent (5.7 tons) less CO2 emissions than its predecessor. The energy balance shows a similarly positive picture, with primary energy consumption over the vehicle’s entire life cycle cut by 15 percent in comparison to its predecessor.

The fuel efficiency is due to the BlueEFFICIENCY technology, which combines optimization measures in the area of the powertrain, energy management, aerodynamics, tyres optimization, weight reduction through lightweight construction and information, which encourages the driver to an energy-saving style of driving.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 16, 2012

2013 Ford Figo Adds New Design Elements and Smart Features

2013 Ford Figo has just been launched in the Indian market. In fact the model has been one of the most successful ones and now comes to offer even more. Figo is now with improved Kinetic design, trendy new colors and a host of enhanced smart features.

The exterior colors are complemented by the introduction of two new bold and exciting colours – Bright Yellow and Kinetic Blue. The new design language of the brand in applied to the front fascia. It now has new hexagonal grill, redesigned headlamps and tail lamps and several other style changes.

Furthermore, the new 14” alloy wheels and wheel cover design were added. They are made in Titanium variant that gives the Ford a sportier look.

The Kinetic design elements are continued throughout the interior, where one can see second instrument panel color – “Riviera Blue”, and new blue seat fabric. In addition, the cabin is now even quieter: New Double Bulb weather strips on doors further reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Inside the cabin, the passengers will have a comfortable ride thanks to the better seating with improved lumbar support and head rest adjustment. And the driver can now enjoy steering column mounted radio controls.

More importantly here is that the new Figo is offering far greater performance. It has improved engine calibration which delivers higher acceleration during first few seconds resulting in better pick up. And what’s left to add is that shifting gears now requires less effort.

Source: Ford

October 16, 2012

Molto Veloce: DMC Lamborghini Aventador LP-900 [VIDEO]

Two weeks ago we have seen an exceptional tuning of Lamborghini Aventador LP-900 performed by German Luxury Tuner DMC. Now we are pleased to see a trailer which showcases this unique transformation.

This tuning in particular is a combination of aerodynamic Carbon Fiber parts including diffusers, lips, and spoilers, exhaust system of Titanium and a staggering 900 hp (662 kW) Engine Performance upgrade.

To go further into details, the expressive front fascia of the Lamborghini includes a redesigned spoiler sword and a stunning front-splitter lip, all made of pure carbon fiber. They fit onto the stock-bumper, installation is very swift.

The new side skirt diffusers enhance the aerodynamics and bring more road stability. The rear fascia is also new. Again it is made of a lightened carbon fiber diffusor and an added tunnel system. As a matter of fact, both items deliver better down force on the rear axle. The rear wing spoiler which supports aerodynamics on the rear axle rounds off the tuning.

But more importantly, here we should pay additional attention to the performance modifications. These feature twelve unique single intake throttle plates, one per each cylinder. Other enhancements include optimized engine electronics, an electronic load pressure control system and a completely new wiring.

Furthermore, a brand new Titanium Exhaust system is added which weighs only a 1/10 of its original weight counting only 3.45 KG. As mentioned in the beginning, the result is whopping 900 hp (662 kW), instead of factory’s 700HP (514 kW).

httpv://youtu.be/B1AvYgDDAmE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: DMC

October 15, 2012

SR Auto Infiniti M35 Fitted With Vossen CV7

SR Auto Infiniti M35 is an exceptional tuning with sinister stance. The reason for this is that the specialist from SR Auto decided to fit the Infiniti model with unique set of Vossen CV7’s.

In details the M35 has overall power of whopping 364 hp (268 kW) and needs just 6.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle. The highway consumption is 5.6 liters per 100 km and the urban – 9.0 l/100 km. The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is only 5.5 seconds and the top speed here is 250 km/h (155 mph) – of course it is electronically limited.

But let’s go back to the main topic. The obstruction was the wheel gap, which we quickly eliminated with a set of BC Racing BR Series coilovers. The BC Racing coilovers offered a wide range of adjustments between dampening and height, which gave this Infiniti a powerful stance.

These coilovers were selected because they perform exactly the same at all heights. And the Vossen Wheels – in particular in CV7 form, include seven distinguishing spokes in a two tone finish. In fact, the face of the spokes was buffed to a bright polish finish, while the sides and windows feature a brilliant silver tone.

And we must admit that these wheels sit perfectly flush against the edge of the fenders, giving this M35 a sinister stance.

Source: SR Auto Group

October 15, 2012

Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supercharged GT

Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supercharged GT is a flashy, striking and technically well-thought-out vehicle. Maintaining their high standards, Kicherer has utilized in this project a lot of carbon-fibre. In fact we can see it all over the interior as well as exterior.

To be more precise the exterior package for the SLS consists of a hand-crafted front grille unit with large, vertical fins. This gives the Mercedes’ front look highly aggressive. On top of that, there is a carbon front lip spoiler, a very discreet rear diffusor and carbon fins for the front fenders and the engine bonnet.

In addition the satin-matte black film covering the complete bodywork further accentuates the lines of the SLS. But what is more important here is that the specialist have designed and produced their own supercharger system, making it world’s first enhanced performance on a SLS.

The newly-developed supercharger system requires that only very few original parts need to be changed out. For instance the upper engine air intake is retained and no additional deflection. The guide pulleys are required for the belt drive in that way preventing annoying background noise and interference.

Furthermore, the supercharging pressure from one of the four outlet nozzles is displayed to the driver in digital or analogue from on the tachometer. A special app has been developed to provide additional telemetry data.

Speaking in numbers the SLS 63 AMG performance is increased to about 700 hp (515 kW) and maximum torque increases to around 840 Nm (620 lb-ft). This means that the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is just 3.4 seconds, and, thanks to the removal of the electronic Vmax (maximum speed) blocker, it can reach a top speed of well over 300 km/h.

Exteriorwise the superchaged car is equipped with tuner’s in-house RS-1 light-weight forged wheels, which are hand-crafted, exclusive and flashy. They come in size 10.0J x 20 inch for the front and 11.5J x 21 inch for the back.

The tyres choice here is Michelin Pilot Super Sport which gives the vehicle perfect adhesion to the road. Moreover, special high-tech coilovers give superb grip and are equipped with lift function which allows the chassis to be raised and lowered by approximately 30 mm with the press of a button.

Source: Kicherer

October 15, 2012

Vilner Nissan GT-R – The Power of the Dragon

It must be a great start of the new week, since the first news we have for you today is from the outstanding Bulgarian tuning company Vilner. I must admit that I have always been keen on the work of these specialists, but this time they have prepared for us something which has surpassed all expectations.

Vilner Nissan GT-R is the name of the project and it is exquisite and more than stylish. The beginning was when the customer contacted the professionals with the plea of non-standardized transformation of his Nissan.

Then, the studio stepped in and decided to manifest an idea which aligns elements of a dragon. After all it is the year of the dragon, the customer is Asian, the car is exotic and sporty – everything fit together perfectly and hence the project was immediately approved.

The next step was doing the hard work and starting the transformation. Vilner began working on the interior design, where the designer drew a dragon, which later was embroidered on the car’s roof, and in the trunk. By the way the latter was covered with Alcantara as well.

Just take a look at the pictures of the interior and you will see how marvelous this embroidering was done: the body of the dragon winds around the seats, and passes through the center console. Furthermore, this effect was further enhanced by the relief effects resulting from the combination of leather and embroidery.

As a matter of fact, every single element of the body of the dragin was hand-drawn personally by the designer on a pattern inside. And the result is that the dragon can be felt for real. Gong further into details, Vilner stayed true to its own pure style, and used black as a base, combining it with black Alcantara and black carbon leather.

Moreover, the same style was given to the dashboard, the door panels and the black console. The red edges emphasize the shape of the seats and correspond with the dragon at the roof and the red decorative seams on the dashboard.

Other interesting details to be highlighted are the carbon used for the steering wheel and gear shifter, and the red chrome paint utilized for some minor details. The red elements are not random, because this was the original color of the GT-R, which eventually received a white mat foiling finish. The exhaust pipes are made of titanium, and the original ones were increased from 440whp up to 530whp.

Source: Vilner

October 15, 2012

2012 Kia Optima Batmobile Revealed at DC Special Event [VIDEO]

2012 Kia Optima Batmobile is a product of the cooperation between Kia Motors America (KMA), DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine. The result is this one-of-a-kind brooding Batman-inspired Optima.

This special Kia was influenced by the artistry of the comic book icon, Jim Lee. In fact, this product is part of the giving campaign of DC Entertainment “We Can Be Heroes” which aims to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa.

The unique style is due to the base model of Optima SX Limited, which was transformed and turned into dark and mysterious vehicle. And as a true Batmobile it has the inherent cutting-edge technology and premium amenities in its sleek, aggressive design customized with several unique Batman elements.

The team – Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine, designed and built the Batman-themed Optima, starting first with the exterior. They have applied matte- and piano-black paint scheme. In addition, there’s also featured a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system.

Some other modification highlights of the outer look of the Optima is the custom front grille (shaped like a batwing of course) which was created for over 40 hours, the yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the HID headlights.

What about the interior of this Batmobile. The first thing one sees of course is the Batman-emblem on the seats. In fact, the seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching.

And is more than sure that the villains will be caught just in time due to the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected engine this Optima hides below its bonnet. To be more precise – it generates 274 horsepower (202 kW) and achieves up to 22/34 mpg3 (city/hwy).

httpv://youtu.be/OKp8S7PH8IU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

October 12, 2012

Lexus LFA Goes Pink in Support of Brest Cancer Awareness

In support of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, Lexus of Brisbane decided to go pink. In brand’s showroom and the dealership in the city can now be seen the $700 000 LFA Supercar painted in the emblematic for the cause pink color.

As a matter of fact, the Brisbane-based LFA will be the only pink version which will appear in Australia, and most possibly – in the world. Of course, as we all know, the model is unmatched in its track-focused performance and hand-crafted quality.

Being a true LFA it has innate great speed and handling. In details, the car is equipped with the 4.8-litre V10 engine, form which it draws maxim power of 562 hp (420kW). This means that the LFA accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7-second. The tops speed is 202 mph (325 km/h).

The engine has forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, and solid titanium valves. The 4.8 litre V10 unit was especially created for Lexus LFA with collaborative partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese specialist engineering company.

Lexus of Brisbane dealer principal Andrew Scifleet said that about this initiative the following; “Along with donations, auction items and support of the Fainga’a Twins Charity Golf Day, going pink is our way reminding all of Brisbane that October is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness.”

Source: Lexus

October 12, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova