Lidia Todorova – Page 30 – Automobiles Review

GMC Announces Pricing and More Standard Equipment for Acadia Denali

2017 GMC Acadia Side View 2017 GMC Acadia is going to offer more standard equipment to its future customers when it goes on sale this spring. In addition, the vehicle will be priced at a lower starting price which is announced below. The additional features for instance include high-tech tweaks such as IntelliLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, expanded range of active safety features, including Front Pedestrian Braking, Safety Alert Seat and the Surround Vision camera system.

Furthermore, the new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the outgoing model and includes three rows seating options. Another good news is that the top-of-the-range Acadia Denali returns to the line-up better and stronger than ever. Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

GMC Acadia Rear View

2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain drives along with AWD system with Active Twin Clutch. The other models in the range are driven by the new 2.5L engine as a standard, which drives the front wheels and is expected to offer an estimated 28 mpg on the highway. There is also an available 3.6L V-6 engine, which is more powerful and efficient, rated at 310 hp (231 kW), and offers 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability. This unit is expected to offer 25 mpg highway fuel economy for the FWD models.

As a contemporary crossover designed for families on the go, the The latest active safety features are also included in the new 2017 Acadia. Depending on the model, these include: Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking (standard on SLT-2 and Denali), Forward Automatic Braking (optional on Denali), Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp high-beam control, Surround Vision camera system, Safety Alert Seat, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist and Forward Collision Alert. As a standard all models will also get a rear seat alert that can remind drivers about items left in the second- and third-row seats.

2017 GMC Acadia has a starting price of $29,995 USD and is scheduled to go on sale this spring.

Acadia SL FWD – $29,995
Acadia SLE FWD – $33,375
Acadia SLE AWD – $35,375
Acadia SLT FWD – $39,275
Acadia SLT AWD – $42,375
Acadia All Terrain AWD – $40,040
Acadia Denali FWD – $45,845
Acadia Denali AWD – $47,845

Source: GMC

February 17, 2016

Skoda VisionS Concept is Inspired by Real Crystal

Skoda VisionS Concept Teaser Sketch Skoda VisionS Concept has been revealed with first couple of sketches in the beginning of this month. Now, the brand has released another image and the first of four design films that will promote the car. You can view it below the text.

The video links the VisionS Concept to the crystalline design language in an interesting way. In it the head of Skoda’s design, Jozef Kabaň, who talks about his inspiration when working on the VisionS concept vehicle.

VisionS is going to make its world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show this March. The company is carrying over their new emotive design language into the SUV segment with the unveiling of this innovative SUV show car. In addition, the concept will provide a glimpse of brand’s future large SUV model.

In other words, Skoda’s new design language emphasizes these three aspects: aesthetics, functionality and crystalline effects. The new styling philosophy was first introduced two years ago through the VisionC study, and was subsequently launched into series production with the Fabia and Superb. This means that the design of the VisionS will be probably transferred into a production Yeti.

As mentioned, this is the first of Skoda’s four VisionS promotion videos. In all of them Jozef Kabaň and his team explain what drives and inspires them in the development of company’s design language. Stay tuned, because more are coming soon!

Source: Skoda

February 16, 2016

BMW M2 Coupe Gets Equipped with M Performance Parts

BMW M2 Coupe with M Performance Parts BMW M2 Coupe is finally getting its pack of M Performance Parts which enhance its aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension. The new M2 is one of the top performance cars in its segment. In addition, its typical and charming extrovert design further underscores car’s dynamic character. Now, BMW is offering outstanding M Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe from March this year. Here are the details:

Aerodynamic Parts

The aero components contribute for an improved appearance and driving response. They are made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and feature front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps. Except for the mirror caps, they optimize the airflow around the vehicle, for example, which improves handling and driving performance. The M Performance radiator grille comes in carbon too and includes integrated BMW M logo in the M colors (red, blue and light blue).

Options for Engine, Suspension and Brakes

BMW M2 Coupe with M Performance Parts Rear View

Better sound is delivered via the M Performance flap silencer system. It features two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth. The flap exhaust system further enhances the car visually due to its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. Another option is carbon fibre tailpipe trim available for the M Performance exhaust system with a diameter of 93 millimetres.

M2 Coupé can be also fitted with M Performance coil-spring suspension, which reduces ground clearance by 5 millimetres. There is a coil-spring technology which can be used to lower the vehicle by an additional 20 millimetres. The shock absorbers can be also adjusted to 16 levels. This makes it possible for the driver to make their own suspension set-up according to personal preference.

M Performance sports brake pads with high resistance to thermal stress can stand extreme use. They also offer improved and more direct response than the standard ones.

Interior Options

BMW M2 Coupe M Performance Parts Interior

The interior options for the M2 Coupe are all inspired by motorsport racing. The M Performance Parts cabin include LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side, branded floor mats, stainless steel pedal covers, steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara and three-colour M seam and the optional open-pore carbon fibre trim element.

There is an option of a steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim and integrated function display in the upper rim. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

At last, the range of M Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe is rounded out with M Performance Interior Kit Carbon. It includes parts for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.

Source: BMW

February 16, 2016

Meet Kaege Porsche GT3 RS: Lighter and More Powerful

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Front View One has to be very brave to make any kind of tuning on a Porsche, especially a GT3 RS. This however, didn’t scare the specialists at KAEGE Automobiles, who stepped in when it came to the conversion of this particular model. The main changes are in the engine, there is also a lot of weight optimization done as well as some exterior and interior cosmetic tweaks.

Optimization of Horsepower and Weight

To start with the performance boost, we should first tell you that the stock 3.6 liters engine of the Porsche GT3 RS produces no less than 415 HP (305 kW). First, the experts added club sports packet, and then the additional optimization required an installation of M+M muffler system with fan type exhaust manifold and 200 cells cats. The result is an addition of 8 HP and weight reduction by 7 kg.

This also affects the sound sent into the surroundings, which is now exceptional. An extra 7 HP is ‘received” due to the carbon fiber air box, which ensures higher air inlet. Furthermore, the weight distribution from rear to front was optimized due to the substitution of the hydraulic pump with an electrical power steering pump. This adds 10 HP.

Modified air filters and the Sachs sports clutch lighten the weight of the Porsche additionally. Shortening the distance from the steering wheel to the gearshift also shortens the shift time and this is due to the remodeling of the standard gear shift to CAE-Shifter.

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Engine

Suspension

This project seems to be pretty special, since it rides on in-house made BBS racing sports rims measuring 19-inch. They reduce the unsprung masses by 9 kg additionally, but lend also the desired racing look. The new wheels are matched Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 type tires with typical for Porsche N-code. An adapted aluminum made triple KW competition chassis with completely uniball suspended transverse control arms and track rods ensure the excellent road holding.

The weight reduction proceeds with 15 kg due to the installation of a Liteblox lithium ions battery, and with 20 kg via the demounting the navi device and by modifying the impact protection.

Sportier Interior

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Interior

The interior changes feature retro-style checkered fabric upholstery for the light construction seats. Moreover, the center console, the rollover bar and some of the interior parts are painted in car color, while the steering wheel has been taken from the 4-liters GT3 and the trunk’s appearance has been changed.

And last, but not least, for more comfortable and joyous journey the tuning experts have added a travel and helmet bag matching to the seat upholstery… just like Vilner started adding such goodies to their conversions years ago.

Source: KAEGE Automobiles via Miranda Media

February 15, 2016

World Premiere of Lexus LC 500h and European Debut of LF-FC Concept

Lexus LC 500h Luxury Coupe Fron and Side View Geneva Motor Show is going to be a big time for Lexus and a great experience for all its fans visiting its boot, because there will happen the world premiere of the LC 500h luxury coupe, which is powered by new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System. In addition, the European visitors will also witness the debut of the innovative LF-FC fuel cell saloon concept, which we have seen already at the Tokyo Auto Show last October and later at NAIAS in January.

The hybrid version of the new LC luxury coupe, called LC 500h, is equipped with a next generation hybrid powertrain or the so called Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System. It will provide higher performance values to its future customers, enhanced driving pleasure, and of course, greater efficiency.

Differentiated by its unique styling appearance, its unique performance and craftsmanship involved in its making, position it as one of Lexus’s flagship models. By the way, it was also disclosed that the LC is built on a new Lexus architecture, which is the reason for the greater dynamic capabilities of the model.

Lexus LF-FC Concept Side View

The next big premiere, this time only for Europe, makes the LF-LC concept. The car was revealed back in 2012 when it marked the start of the current design direction for Lexus. Thanks to its outstanding visual appeal the concept car was awarded with two EyesOn Design awards for best production car and interior design at the 2016 NAIAS.

Now the LF-FC is making its first European appearance in Geneva. The visionary new vehicle delivers a glimpse of Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. Powered by a high-output fuel cell system the vehicle also features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

More information for both debuts to come a couple of days before the start of Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Lexus

February 15, 2016

Nissan Pulsar to Get New N-Connecta Grade… And More

Nissan Pulsar Fron View Nissan Pulsar has undergone substantial changes in the line-up, which include the addition of N-Connecta grade. The same grade will be also featured in the Juke and Qashqai, and it will replace the existing n-tec model. Better news is that the Pulsar ownership is even more accessible now for those living in the United Kingdom.

For example, the price is lower for the new entry-level of the Visia DIG-T 115 with manual transmission, and is now just £13,995. But despite the lower price tag, the range is now also available with grade-specific optional extras for enhanced personalization.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the hood of this Nissan produces 190 hp (140 kW), matched to a five-speed manual driving the front-wheels. Nissan has also stiffened the suspension, improved the bodyshell and firmed up the power steering. As a result the Pulsar is way more agile and balanced than the previous generation.

X-Trail: From Five- to Seven-Seater at NO Cost

Nissan X-Trail Front View

Furthermore, the adventurous X-Trail crossover can be upgrade from five to seven seats free of charge for both the 2WD and 4WD models. There are two variants that buyers can choose from: the dCi 130 diesel and the more recently added 1.6-litre DIG-T 163 petrol engines. Both units offer optimum balance of fuel economy with excellent refinement at all speeds. Excellent interior space and equipment levels round-out the pack.

Nissan X-Trail is priced at £21,995.

Source: Nissan

February 15, 2016

BMW to Produce Limited Series of i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition Side View BMW i8 has been already sold in over 5,400 units this year. The big interest demands variety of trims for the customers and for this reason, the company is entering a special Protonic Red Edition that will be limited for only a period of time. Having a clever hybrid drivetrain, the i8 produces 362 hp (266 kW) and covers 22 miles in electric only mode. It also takes BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy to new levels due to emissions as low as 59g/km and a combined consumption figure of 113mpg in the process.

The torque of the powertrain is rated at 570 Newton meters (421 lb-ft) of torque. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is rated at 4.4 seconds and the top speed 155 mph.

Unique for the Protonic Red Edition is that it gives a new visual perspective of the BMW i8 model. Although the paintwork is a Protonic Red finish but features Frozen Grey metallic accents. It is contrasted with BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt. The alloys are fitted with mixed-size tyres. Inside, the interior of this special edition i8 features red double-stitching, a lot of carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition Front View

The styling pack, the powerfully formed wheel arches, the wide track, the dihedral doors opening forwards and upwards, add intrigue to the BMW i8’s design. Being one of the first plug-in-hybrid sports cars, this BMW offers agile performance, near 50:50 weight distribution and excellent efficiency.

For its attractiveness contributes the lightweight and aerodynamically optimized body, which also features passenger cell made from CFRP. The BMW i8 is powered by the eDrive drive system technology, which comprises from a highly turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and intelligent energy management. The high-voltage battery has a liquid cooling system and can be recharged from a conventional household power socket, at a BMW i Wallbox or at a public charging station.

BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will go officially on sale from September this year and will have a starting price of £112,535.

Source: BMW

February 12, 2016

BMW M760Li xDrive Equipped with First of its Kind V12 M Performance Engine

BMW M760Li xDrive Front View BMW M760Li xDrive is the new flagship model for the BMW 7 Series range and we are definitely excited! The reasons are many but the most important one is that it utilizes the absolutely new M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine. It shows exhilarating performance and mind-blowing acceleration. The model also features specific suspension and a rear bias for xDrive all-wheel drive system. Not to mention the one-off exterior and interior design due to the application of the M Performance elements.

As a head of the range, the M760Li xDrive V12 is equipped with the very special V12 engine, which provides stunning performance and refinement. The unit makes its debut in a BMW model and it incorporates TwinPower Turbo technology for the first time.

This M Performance engine generates 600hp (441 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This ensures spectacular performance from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The powerplant is combined with a sophisticated chassis which was specifically created for the M7. The power is transferred onto the road via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system which features rear-bias for more and better dynamic handling.

Due to the addition of M Performance body enhancements, the car is immediately recognizable. Specifics include 20-inch alloys, an active quad exit exhaust system that is very soundy, and a luxurious cabin. By the way, the interior adds M Performance steering wheel and illuminated V12 logo and exclusive M pedals.

V12 Excellence Design Package

BMW M760Li xDrive Rear View

This is an alternative variant for the model, which emphasizes the comfort-related attributes of the BMW M760Li xDrive V12 and shifts away from the M’s sport appearance. On the outside the pack adds Pure Excellence exterior, which features 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design with mixed-size tyres and brake calipers in high-gloss Black.

At the front, the car features chrome bar extending across the full width, Silver kidney grille bars with chrome fronts and surrounds likewise sport bright chrome, LED fog lamps. At the sides bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The rear has a comfort-oriented exhaust system and feature two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers, which are framed in rear apron by additional chrome surround.

BMW M760Li xDrive Iterior

Inside, the Pure Excellence pack benefits from Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles and deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment. In addition, there is a leather steering wheel, which includes wood elements. When the starts the engine the V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster. The speedometer here extends as far as 160mph.

The latest BMW M760Li xDrive V12 is scheduled to go on sale by the end of the year. Pricing is to be announced near market launch.

Source: BMW

February 12, 2016

Ryan Millen in Toyota Rally RAV4 to Chase Multiple Championships This Year

2016 Toyota Rally RAV4 rally car Front View Toyota RAV4 is going to be driven again by Ryan Millen, who piloted it last year to four out of five Western U.S. victories. The car will take a bigger stage this year, participating in rallies all over the U.S., chasing the Atlantic Rally Cup and the Pacific Rally Cup in NASA’s Rally Sport series. The team will probably enter the National Championship.

This year, Millen and his navigator Fate will race in a RAV4 SE for the 2016 model year. The vehicle has new livery which emphasizes the partners of Toyota. Exactly this vehicle was unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show.

There are no changes made to the powertrain, so this means that the car is powered by the standard RAV4 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 176 horsepower (130 kW) and 233 Nm (172 lb-ft) of torque. The crossover was specifically built to compete in the 2WD-Open Class. This is the reason why it is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

2016 Toyota Rally RAV4 rally car Side View

The modifications done here are in terms of safety, communications, and convenience and include a stout roll cage, driver/navigator communications system, air vents and helmet boxes. All of this can be viewed in the gallery below.

Millen and Fate and the team will have their first NASA Rally Sport race this season on March 5. This will happen in Cheraw, South Carolina at the Sandblast Rally where over 60 cars and nearly 40 motorcycles have been already entered.

Source: Toyota

February 12, 2016

You Can Now Order 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury Crossover

2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury Crossover Front View 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the first of its kind, since the brand did not produce any crossovers until now. However, the XT5 is setting a new beginning by entering the popular segment. It will be followed by other luxury crossovers carrying the “XT” designation as part of Cadillac’s product-driven global growth plan.

The XT5 is bold, has the distinctive for the brand visual stance and features sophisticated driving dynamics. It will be offered initially in four trim levels. The range topping is called Premium and it holds the highest market price.

Furthermore, Cadillac XT5 offers seven exterior colors and seven distinct interior environments, wide variety of luxury amenities and high-technology systems, like the Rear Camera Mirror system fitted on Platinum models. The crossover will be offered with all-wheel as an option on the Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while it will be a standard feature on Platinum models.

2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury Crossover Interior

The advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system comes as an option, too. It continuously and automatically delivers outstanding traction. Due to its unusual design, the AWD is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle. This capability has been created for “split-coefficient” surfaces, or in other words when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the road surface than the other. Furthermore, the AWD is driver-controlled meaning that he or she can disconnect the rear drive unit for better fuel efficiency and fewer emissions.

Under the hood of the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produces a peak output of 310-horsepower (228 kW) and 366 Nm (270 lb.-ft.) of torque. The unit is linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is a standard for the XT5. It includes an Electronic Precision Shift, which is the first electronically controlled transmission shifter application in a Cadillac.

2017 Cadillac XT5 is arriving in U.S. dealerships in early April, but you can now order it online. The starting price of the XT5 is $38,995 USD, while the highest level XT5 Platinum is priced at $62,500 USD.

Source: Cadillac

February 11, 2016

2017 Ridgeline Gets Personalized with Honda Genuine Accessories

2017 Honda Ridgeline with Honda Genuine Accessories Side View 2017 Honda Ridgeline which just debuted can be now equipped with Honda Genuine Accessories. Visitors of Chicago Auto Show will be able to see the various personalization options for the pickup truck. The list of things one can add to their Ridgeline includes a variety of accessories that improve the style and outdoor character of the new unibody truck.

To mention some of the accessories that Honda will be showcasing at the show, they include: black roof rails, black cross bars, die cast running board, black fender flares, skid plate, hard tinneau cover and more.

For the enhanced off-road capability take care the 18-inch Black Glint Wheels fitted with all-terrain tires. There is also included a ball mount towing kit and 2-inch trailer ball.

2017 Honda Ridgeline was designed and developed as well as manufactured in America and for America. The official launch of the truck will happen in the first half of this year. Honda promises that the Ridgeline will offer a combination of features and capabilities “unlike anything else on the market today”.

For instance, the pickup will sport a superior on-road performance, due to its unique handling, ride quality, cabin quietness and all-weather traction capabilities. They are all courtesy of its unibody construction, sophisticated chassis, and available i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring AWD system. In addition, the Ridgeline features the largest and most versatile cabin and the only 4-foot-wide flat bed space in the midsize pickup segment.

Exclusive features such as the In-Bed Trunk, dual-action tailgate and the audio system, further enhance the attractiveness of the Ridgeline, but also make it the ultimate tailgating vehicle. In terms of safety, the car is fitted with the next-generation ACE body structure and available Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.

Chicago Auto Show is opened for visitors from 13^th till 21^st of February.

Source: Honda

February 11, 2016

Chevrolet Introduces Midnight Special Edition Pack for the Silverado and Colorado

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 and Colorado Z71 Midnight Special Editions Chevrolet is introducing the Silverado 1500 Z71 and Colorado Z71 equipped with the famous and good-looking Midnight Special Edition. Both models are expanding the portfolio of special-edition trucks, which over last year achieved rapidly growing popularity. It was measured at 27 percent which is a double the increase for the total truck market.

As a matter of fact, Chevy has entered on the market several special-edition trucks that offer versatile equipment and appearance packages designed for specific tastes. The main aim is to appeal to younger, more affluent buyers than the industry average.

Silverado 2500 HD Z71 was added to Chevrolet’s range last September and it is now too getting the Midnight edition. This means that customers can now select from midsize, light-duty and heavy duty Midnight editions, each of which will combines off-road equipment and monochromatic details.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 and Colorado Z71 Midnight Special Editions Front View

Precisely, some of the cool equipment features include off-road suspension, locking rear differential, transfer case shield, Hill Descent Control and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires. Contributing for the appeal of the car are the all-black front end with body-colored grille, bumper, headlamp bezels, tow hooks and fog lamps. In black are also painted the side moldings and beltline moldings, the alloys, the spray-in bedliner and the bowties for the front and rear. There are special Z71 badges on the doors, indicating the exclusivity to the model.

Later this year, Chevrolet is going to announce other special-editions. They will include the Silverado Realtree, Silverado Special Ops, and Colorado Trail Boss.