Author: Lidia Todorova

  • Lightshow Video Unveils the Future of McLaren [VIDEO]

    mclaren-thumbA full of lights exquisite video has just been published unveiling the next chapter for McLaren Automotive. It is made inn order to make an emphasis on the first ever appearance of the British sportscar manufacturer at the international motor show in Paris later this month.

    In addition, the video serves as a clue of what step is going to take McLaren in the future. It gives initial outline of what is to come. Furthermore the creative short film shows trails of light travelling over a seemingly invisible form. Eventually the airflow creates a dynamic shape with dramatic visual effect.

    The lightshow, which you can view below, offers a glimpse of what will be reveiled at the McLaren Automotive press conference in Paris.

    httpv://youtu.be/JttSo9WiiM8

    Source: McLaren

  • McLaren Bespoke Project 8 in White-and-Red Theme

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - SideMcLaren Bespoke Project 8 features not only one but two unique supercars. They are based on MP4-12C ad F1, but are not a regular McLaren, because they was optimized by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

    As a matter of fact MSO are famous because they create one-of-a-kind models. On good example of these is the breathtaking X-1 model, which debuted in the end of August this year.

    As a reminder, McLaren X-1 Concept has one-of-a-kind body, never seen before, and has been created for an anonymous car enthusiast. The client wished he had a machine which was capable as the 12C but wrapped in a unique body.

    As you can see, McLaren Bespoke Project 8 has a theme in red and white which carries through the exquisite super vehicles and believe it or not even stretches to the key. The client who wished this tuning obviously has a great sense for style and perfection.

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8  - Front Angle

    In details, what have been done here is the following. First to be mentioned is that the F1 model is entirely retrimmed. There was applied a high downforce kit to it. Secondly, the MP4-12C was tuned accordingly as well, in order to match its brother the F1.

    McLaren even went further. The professionals created a new way of coloring the carbon fibre so that the color scheme can match and in addition they’ve made specific wheel for each of the cars.

    Enjoy the outstanding pictures below!

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Front Angle

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Side Angle

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Rear Angle

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Interior

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Interior

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - steering wheel

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Rear

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Wheel

    McLaren Bespoke Project 8 - Engine

    Source: Tomirriphotography.blogspot.com

  • 2013 Kia pro_cee’d With World Premiere

    2013-Kia-Pro-Ceed-THUMB2013 Kia pro_cee’d will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show which will take place on 27th of September. This model is actually the third installment of the second-generation cee’d family.

    The all-new pro_cee’d will debut as a three-door hatchback, and is expected to be available at dealerships in the Spring of 2013. In addition, the sophisticated new Kia includes all the enhancements made to the cee’d five-door and cee’d Sportswagon.

    However, it dramatically adds enhanced sporty appearance and more powerful stance. In few words, this car embodies emotion and energy. Kia offers a distinctive design adventure and the new pro-cee’d will embark upon this journey.

    Source: Kia

  • 2013 Volvo V40 R-Design Debuts in Paris [VIDEO]

    2013-Volvo-V40-R-Design-THUMB2013 Volvo V40 R-Design in stunning Rebel Blue is going to make its debut in Paris. Offering stylish and dynamic look, driver-centric interior it also delivers intense and agile driving experience with performance up to 254 horsepower (187 kW).

    The unique R-Design front includes a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille with re-profiled front bumper and day running lights. In addition to this the sporty stance of the Volvo is emphasized even more with an ironstone rear diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes.

    The exterior enhancements continue with the five-spoke diamond-cut wheels in 17″. Six additional body colors are also available.

    In terms of interior, it has also been improved by gaining one-of-a-kind features such as the embossed R-Design leather/T-Tec upholstery, TFT instrument display, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and unique aluminium inlays.

    For the customers who want even more from their car, the designers have prepared the R-Design Lux which adds additional features. Some of them include embossed full leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system, rain sensor, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting.

    To go even further into details, the new V40 comes equipped with unique interactive dashboard. There is also offered the possibility to choose between three designs with different configurations and functionality, namely Elegance, Eco and Performance.

    The seats are wrapped in a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather, crowned by an embroidered R-Design logo with a blue “R”. Full leather seats are available as an option.

    Of course, the steering wheel is specifically designed for this version. Also new look gain the gear-knob, handbrake and sport pedals. The combination of new aluminium inlays with a perforated look, black leather, matching stitching and black headlining even further improves the “cabin experience”.

    More importantly, the R-Design will be available with all engines offered with the standard Volvo V40. These include the D2 diesel with 115 horsepower (85 kW) and CO2 emissions at 94 g/km, up to the high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 horsepower (187 kW).

    As an option, there is a newly developed Sport chassis, lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, taking effect in a responsive driving pleasure with full control.

    At the rear the V40 is equipped with mono-tube dampers, including turing compression and return damping. This results in shorter and faster fluid flow, hence this leads to the conclusion that the damper responds more quickly.

    2013 Volvo V40 R-Design will go on sale in the beginning of the next year.

    httpv://youtu.be/LQodTdanYqo

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Vovlo


  • Volkswagen Beetle R-Line or the Sporty Chic

    2013-Volkswagen-Beetle-R-Line-THUMB2013-Volkswagen-Beetle-R-Line-6512013 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line is also named by the brand the Sporty Chic. In fact, Volkswagen is now offering two R-Line packages – exterior and interior one – for the Beetle that are based on the top “Sport” version.

    The independent and sporty R-Line options can be combined with any of the twelve Beetle colors. In particular the parts of the exterior package include: front bumpers with independent black grained air inlets and chrome surrounds for the directional indicators, diffuser at the rear, special body side panels and door mirror housings in body color, R-Line logos on the front body beneath the A-pillars, 18-inch “Twister” alloy wheels, Machine-polished 19-inch “Tornado” alloy wheels in black or white with 235/40 tyres (optionally).

    The exterior package can be ordered separately. However, the interior package is always offered as an extension of the R-Line exterior details and it includes the following equipment: sport seat system with seats upholstered with an active-breathing fabric in “Kyalami” design, front head restraints with R-Line badge, leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, the gear shift lever boot and the handbrake grip with decorative seams in “Art Grey” and decorative inlays in “Dark Vanadium”.

    Furthermore, there are also offered some optional features. For example the seats can be ordered in black leather (“Vienna”) with R-Line badges on the head restraints as well as on the door sill plates and the leather-trimmed sport steering wheel.

    The Beetle Sport is available with a 1.4 TSI (118 kW/160 PS), 2.0 TSI (147 kW/200 PS) or 2.0 TDI (103 kW/140 PS). The R-Line exterior package starting price is € 1 290, and when the interior package is included the price starts at € 1 675.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 Offers More Driving Excitement

    2013-Heico-Sportiv-Volvo-V40-THUMB2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 is the latest tuning enhancement done by the famous Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv. In fact this individualization program will coincide with the launch of the new Volvo V40.

    In particular it will include power improvements, exhaust systems, suspensions, wheels and expressive interior and exterior design elements. In the roots of the modification is the e.motion® power enhancement range for the D2, D3 and D4 diesel engines.

    The e.motion® stands for “efficiency in motion”, which centers on a second, equivalent engine control unit that operates in parallel with the original control unit, acting as an independent additional “brain”.

    This means that the V40’s 5-cylinder diesel engine will be boosted to 143 kW / 195 hp (compared to the 130 kW / 177 hp of the series model) and 480 Nm of torque (series value: 400 Nm). This results in 1 second less to end the sprint to 100 km/h and 10 km/h addition to the top speed.

    In addition, Heico Sportiv design team will augment the bi-part front spoiler and rear skirt in diffuser optic. The front spoiler emphasizes the protuberance of the series-manufactured spoiler lip, additionally setting a falcate design feature between the main headlamps and LED daytime driving lights.

    Here the main design element is created from light and flexible polyurethane plastic (PUR-R-RIM) and is mounted on the original bumper. Furthermore, another prominent feature at the back of the vehicle is the rear skirt, citing the form of a diffuser, again made of PUR-R-RIM.

    Next, the rear skirt here is fixed to the original mountings in the same way as the original part. The dimensions of the sport exhaust system’s four stainless steel oval end pipes are exactly 120 mm x 74 mm and. They are black from the inside and high gloss chrome plated from the outside.

    The customers of this tuned Volvo will enjoy a great sound design as well. The exhaust systems are characterized by resonant, voluminous sound, the timbre varying with engine speed and model.

    The new 2013 Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 will run on 8×18” and 8×19” VOLUTION® sport wheels, which will be offered in three design lines VOLUTION® V., VII. and X. Their color choice is Bright Silver, Graphite Matt and Black. The vehicle can also be equipped optionally with sport springs for lowering it by 30mm.

    Source: Heico Sportiv

  • 2012 BMW 1M by BEST Cars and Bikes

    2012-BMW-1M-by-BEST-Cars-and-Bikes-THUMB2012 BMW 1M by BEST Cars and Bikes is a tuning which is definitely going to inspire anyone. The car transformers from BEST Cars and Bikes have done incredible work on this popular BMW model.

    First they have added a KW coil over in Variant 3 in combination with an exhaust system made by Bastuck. In fact it was made from stain steel, which further improves the dynamics and performance.

    Furthermore, there has been done enhancement regarding the power of the car. With the help of professional software optimization the tuners have managed to give this 1M 425 hp (313 kW).

    And in order to make it even more perfect, they have given it more impressive stance using one-of-a-kind wheel and tire combination. The mounted three-piece rims of the FS-Line with matt black coated stainless steel outer rims obviously fit excellent to the BMW.

    The dimensions in particular here are 9Jx20H2 in combination with 245/30R20 tires on the front axle and 11Jx20H2 and 305/25R20 at the rear axle. Almost looks like these wheels were made especially and only for the tuning!

    Source: Miranda Media

  • USAF X1 Ford Mustang GT by Galpin Auto Sports

    USAF-X-1-Ford-Mustang-GT-THUMBWhat would you think will happen when a talented tuning company joins forces with United States Air Force? I didn’t believe such union was possible, until I’ve seen the breathtaking USAF X-1 Ford Mustang GT by Galpin Auto Sports.

    Yes, GAS and USAF have gathered together in order to produce something never seen before – a muscle car which has a jet-plane interior. This is in fact a modification which is worthy of acting in a movie like, isn’t it?

    The ultra hi-tech USAF X1 Ford Mustang GT is destined to be even more than a super car. Just take a look at the images below and you’ll be reassured for yourself. The jet cockpit here includes single-driver ejection seat, short shifter and flight stick.

    The dash on the other hand features a touch screen monitor displaying night and thermal vision. In addition, there is a concealed motorized steering wheel, custom food pedals, GPS transponder and GAS fabricated seats.

    One is sure, when you enter the cockpit, you’ll definitely get the impression of a jet-like feeling. This means that the fellows from GAS have performed their work flawlessly. In short, the X-1 Mustang is a combination of form, function, and futuristic entertainment.

    The super car producing the outstanding 500 hp (368 kW), thanks to its surcharged kit, 3-valve Ford Racing heads and cold air intake.

    Also included in the modification and worth mentioning are the vertical doors, Wildwood super brake lights, carbon fiber rear deck, HRE Performance Wheels, Eibach Springs coil-over suspension, Watts Link rear suspension and the APR wide body kit with carbon fiber accents.

    Source: Galpin Auto Sports via Facebook

  • Peugeot 2008 Concept Revealed

    Peugeot-2008-Concept-THUMBIt is a big day for all fans of Peugeot, because the brand is coming out with another exciting concept – this time the Peugeot 2008 Concept. The car will in fact go in production in 2013 and it is designed to appeal to the young-minded generation who seek practicality.

    The new concept is going to be unveiled in Paris later this month. Although not a big vehicle it combines agility, compactness, versatility and a striking style perfectly suitable for the city as well as for the countryside. In particular, the 2008 Concept has compact dimensions: 4.14 m long and 1.74 m wide.

    Being a true Peugeot, it has all the unique design features which are emblematic for the brand. It has athletic and sleek lines and imposes bold posture. It grabs the attention immediately because it is painted fluorescent yellow with Velvet matt varnish. The car’s presence is further emphasized by its Dark Chrome details.

    Furthermore, the front face of the concept is refined. The bonnet and wings give a reassuring impression of protection and strength. This perception is identical at the rear where the shape combines solidity with dynamism.

    Of course a lot of attention is paid to the details. The “floating grille” has a design cut into the metal, combined with a sophisticated dual-aspect treatment following the instance of the new Peugeot emblem.

    The new concept runs on large Michelin wheel. The design of their wheel arches and the ground clearance represents an active life without restraint and give a perfect sense of agility, versatility and lightweight.

    More importantly, a 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine is going to give power to this Peugeot. The new generation engine perfectly fits the dynamism and power exuded by this concept car.

    In particular, the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine has a turbo and direct injection. It generates power of 110 hp (81 kW) and offers low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

    Source: Peugeot

  • Peugeot Onyx Concept Unveiled Ahead of Paris [VIDEO]

    Peugeot-Onyx-Concept-THUMBThe new Peugeot Onyx Concept has just leaked ahead its official debut in Paris. With its V8 engine in a central rear position, the new Peugeot concept targets the high performance vehicle fans around the globe.

    The Onyx has been made from innovative materials and shows outstanding sculpture. The sharp bodywork is emphasized additionally by striking contrast of materials and colors.

    For instance the wings and doors are pure copper sheet, while the panels of the bodywork are pure carbon fibre painted in matt black. The front fascia of the car combines the vertical grille and full LED lamps.

    The double-bubble roof is also something impressive. At the rear, the exterior of the car is finished by the unique rear lamps, which adopt a light signature with three claws.

    Furthermore, the windows and roof are made of PMMA, which stands for Poly Methyl MethAcrylate. Enclosing the cocoon, this guarantees the occupants great sense of protection due to the ultra-resistant structure.

    Another highlight among the others is the chassis, which is an innovative component. Made from monolithic carbon, this central structure consists of only 12 parts. It incorporates the front and rear chassis legs, which makes it possible to eliminate the connected plates. This results in weight optimization with 100kg.

    More importantly the extraordinary Peugeot concept is propelled by its 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine. In particular the V8 generates 600 hp (442 kW) and it’s mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

    The HYbrid4 technology recovers the kinetic energy which is usually lost during braking. This energy is kept in lithium-ion batteries and then delivered automatically on acceleration, boosting the power by an additional 80 hp (59 kW).

    The dimensions of the car are exactly 4.65 m in length, 2.20 m in width and 1.13 m of height. Surprisingly it weighs only 1100kg. Moreover, the great aerodynamics is complemented by the tyres especially developed by Michelin – 275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, 20 inches in size.

    In terms of interior this car is astonishing. The passenger compartment is bathed with natural light, from floor to roof. Made of felt, compressed and stretched, the passenger compartment is formed as a one-piece pod, with no stitching or joins.

    The feeling is as is it creates a real cocoon around the occupants and fitted into the carbon structure, fulfils the functions carried out in the past by several components: soundproofing, floor, upper console, roof, bucket seats.

    The material used for the compartment is obtained from boiled wool, with intertwined fibres. It is in fact fully recyclable and provides excellent thermal insulation. In addition, it improves the quality of the surrounding air by dehumidifying it.

    The dashboard here is made of a new type of “wood” – Newspaper Wood. It is created with the help of used newspapers, assembled and compressed to create new “logs” from which the parts are made.

    The dashboard also is the place where the driver can find the instrument panel in a head up position. On the instrument panel in turn he or she can see all the information needed such as engine and vehicle speed.

    In addition, there is also a panel of aluminium toggle switches mounted in the roof, where the engine starting switch is positioned. Immediately behind this, a strip displays the images from the two rear view cameras (in the mirrors) and the third, panoramic one – in the rear capping.

    The console is also made from Newspaper Wood. Here one can see one-of-a-kind fuel indicator, shaped from blown-glass. Here is where the level of fuel is displayed. At last, the console houses the dual-zone air conditioning controls, with an aluminium bar with a milled detail finish.

    httpv://youtu.be/ug4auobYEn4

    Source: Peugeot

  • Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept debuts in Paris

    Nissan TeRRA SUV Concept is going to be unveiled the Paris Motor Show in the end of this month. The new concept vehicle is going to show the visitors that it is a perfect combination of an SUV and EV.

    In addition it has an innovative 4×4 fuel-cell electric powertrain and an athletic exterior. This Nissan is designed as a functional and flexible choice in order to bring eco-friendliness along with a secure driving feel under any road conditions.

    The new SUV comes in pack with big tyres, high belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows. However, it also retains the slender waist and a sculptured bonnet of brands popular design philosophy.

    For example, the sharp corners, short overhangs and sculptured lamps lead to a clean and confident presence. An aerodynamically flat body pan in addition is what grabs the attention immediately.

    Nevertheless, the tough exterior isn’t continued as a theme in the interior. The door panel is a sculpted fusion of blond wood trim and colored acrylic, layered in an intriguing pattern.

    At shoulder height one can see a metal frame. The wood-metal contrast continues across the dashboard, a beechwood-acrylic fusion that exudes soft warmth.

    One of the most eye-catching features in this concept is the unique instrument cluster, which consists of electronic tablet. The latter is utilized as an “intelligent key”, which the driver docks when entering the car and removes it when leaving.

    TeRRA’s driver seat is positioned almost in the centre in a unique diagonal layout. This positions the rear passengers over the shoulders of those in front, rather than directly behind.

    A hexagonal motif can be seen carried through various aspects of the inteiror design. Another impressive innovation here is that when the passenger seats are folded down, the boot floor is completely flat, presenting no obstacles to carrying bikes, kayaks.

    The TeRRA also is envisioned with another unique feature – a 4×4 fuel cell electric powertrain. The front wheels are powered by an electric propulsion system currently featured in the Nissan LEAF.

    In each back wheel on the other hand, is an in-wheel electric motor, based on the working prototypes featured in three successive PIVO concepts. Given that no drive shafts are required to power the rear wheels, there is no hump in the floor or on the underbody.

    More importantly, the concept SUV is powered by Nissan’s hydrogen fuel cell stack: a flat, highly compact unit that includes world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L. And although a purely concept car, we are definitely excited to see it as a mass-production vehicle!

    Source: Nissan

  • 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman – Pricing Announced

    2013-MINI-John-Cooper-Works-Countryman-THUMBMINI John Cooper Works Countryman is the latest model by the adored MINI brand which is receiving the badge of John Cooper Works sub-brand. This in fact is a performance model of the range and the first to come with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive.

    In addition, this model is for those who seek racing passion on the road with extreme driving fun on rough terrain. The JCW Countryman is powered by the newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 1.6-litre displacement.

    In fact the latter has a maximum output of 160 kW (218 hp) and a peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft). These numbers makes the model the most powerful drive unit in the MINI model range.

    Furthermore, this vehicle is designed by construction principles and with the help of materials adapted specially from race-trim cars. Thanks to the featured valvetronic technology, the car has a compelling performance and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds.

    Additionally, the engineers didn’t forget about the efficiency factor, for this purpose they have equipped the car with an extensive range of MINIMALISM technology, including Brake Energy Regeneration, Gear Shift Indicator, Auto Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering.

    Six-speed manual gearbox is fitted here as standard. The six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic function and steering wheel shift paddles can be optionally chosen.

    The innovation here however is the MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. As a matter of fact, it makes its debut in a John Cooper Works model. In particular, the distribution of power varies seamlessly between the front and rear axles by an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive.

    The car is exactly 4,133-millimetre-long, 1,789-millimetre-wide and 1,549-millimetre-tall. This means that it gets generous levels of space and seating comfort, which encourage the driver and passengers to admire the qualities of this versatile performance athlete over longer journeys as well.

    The MINI is also equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) including DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) linked up to ALL4 all-wheel drive. And this is as a standard!

    Sophisticated chassis technology is provided of course from MacPherson in the form of struts at the front axle and a central-arm rear axle. Extra-lightweight 18-inch Twin Spoke light-alloy wheels are also to be enjoyed by the customers who opt for the standard equipment.

    Moreover, the customers can choose between seven exterior paint shades. Of course, contrast paint finishes are included for the roof and exterior mirror caps in white and black. The interior has an exclusive John Cooper Works cockpit design with sports seats, sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Piano Black, anthracite-colored roof liner and dark speedometer and rev counter dials.

    2013 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will cost £28 595 in the UK.

    Source: MINI