Lidia Todorova – Page 305 – Automobiles Review

Lexus IS F CCS-R finishes second at Pikes Peak

Lexus IS F CCS-R has finished second in its class at its first attempt at Pikes Peak hill climb. The Lexus team had run over a 20-kilometre course consisting of 156 turns – concluding at 14,110 feet above sea level.

In fact, it is interesting to assume that the thin air at the summit of Pikes Peak robs vehicles of almost 30 per cent of engine power. However, the pilot behind the wheel – US racer Ken Gushi, has completed the feat in 11 minutes, 35.17 seconds. This made him second in class behind a lightweight V12 race car.

The car driven in this competition debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010. In order to be suitable for the race, the vehicle is modified and includes enhancements in terms of performance.

In details, some of them feature lightweight carbon fibre bodywork and interior details as well as polycarbonate windows. These help reducing the standard vehicle’s weight by 314kg.

In addition, this Lexus also has a reinforced monocoque with roll cage, racing brake package, modified race suspension and racing exhaust system. The IS F CCS-R is powered by the 2UR-GSE 5.0-litre V8 of the IS F that generates 311kW (423 hp) and 505Nm (373 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission with paddle shift.

LEXUS IS F CCS-R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 2730mm, Overall length: 4759mm, Overall width: 1815mm, Overall height: 1384mm

WEIGHT: Curb weight: 1400kg (314kg less than standard road car)

ENGINE: Designation: 2UR-GSE, Displacement: 5.0-litre, Power: 311kW @ 6,600rpm, Torque: 505Nm @ 5,200rpm, Fuel system: SFI D-4 direct-to-cylinder injection with secondary port injectors

DRIVETRAIN: Layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive, Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode

EXTERIOR: Orange mica exterior paint, Reinforced monocoque (with roll cage), Carbon fibre hood, door handles, front fender, front spoiler, front canard, rear spoiler, ventilator, Polycarbonate windows, Lightweight doors

WHEELS/TYRES: SSR: 18×8.5J, offset 30 front; 18×9.5J, offset 40 rear; Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA A050 tyres: 245/40 R18 front; 255/40 R18 rear

BRAKES: Brake cooling system; Racing brake kit; Stainless steel mesh brake hoses

SUSPENSION: Adjustable camber front upper arm; Modified race suspension; Reinforced bushings and mounts

EXHAUST: Racing exhaust system

OTHER MECHANICAL: Engine oil cooler; Transmission oil cooler; Differential oil cooler; Mechanical LSD

RACING EQUIPMENT: 120-litre fuel cell; Air jack system; Fire extinguishing system; Data logger; Kill switch; Tow strap

INTERIOR: Carbon fibre dashboard, centre console, door and interior trim; HANS compatible full bucket driver’s seat; Lightened interior (removed power windows, door locks, rear seats, roof lining, etc); Six-point seat belt; Small-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters

Source: Lexus

August 13, 2012

SR Auto Porsche Cayenne with PUR Wheels

Think of a car which is a pure example of luxury and class! Of course a lot of instances come into mind but they disappear in a second when one thinks about the Porsche Cayenne.

This Porsche comes powered by a 3.6 L V6 engine producing 300 horsepower (221 kW). A manual gearbox serves as the standard transmission system here featuring an eight-speed Tiptronic as standard equipment.

However this lucky unit got even prettier. And if you ask how, well the people from PUR Wheels and SR Auto Group have the answer. The owner of this particular Cayenne arrived with the request of wheels which weren’t too flashy.

PUR Wheels immediately supplied the Cayenne with their newly engineered highly coveted 4OUR DEPTH design in a twenty two inch SUV fitment. We can now only admire the owner who drives this beauty.

Source: SR Auto Group

August 3, 2012

Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – Pricing Announced

The most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever produced is the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid. Everyone who is interested in luxury cars which are at the same time efficient will appreciate the news that the brand has just announced the prices and specifications of the hybrid vehicle

The standard equipment here features 17-inch alloy wheels. However, if one still wants to achieve maximum efficiency, there are the 16-inch wheels, which can deliver the lowest possible CO2 and economy figures. The interior includes leather upholstery, Becker Map Pilot Navigation and LED daytime running lights.

More importantly, the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid combines the powerful but highly efficient 2,143cc, four-cylinder diesel engine, which develops 204 hp (150 kW) and 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque, and the 20 kW electric motor. They are both mounted within the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission powered by a 19kW Lithium-ion battery.

The effect is that the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 7.5-seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 150 mph. When fitted with the 16-inch wheels, the vehicle is capable of returning 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting as little as 109 g/km of CO2.

The Hybrid system is packaged within the vehicle. The electric motor, for example, is mounted within the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The gearbox substitutes a torque converter for a wet clutch system, so that it allows the internal combustion engine to be disengaged entirely via the clutch. In addition it also allows the electric-only drive to be maintained for short periods, while at the same time it boosts economy.

The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Saloon has a starting price beginning from £39 645, while the price of the Estate variant starts at £41 435. The deliveries of the new E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid are set to start in November this year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 3, 2012

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is by far the most powerful and technologically advanced, Jeep vehicle ever produced. It not only delivers outstanding driving performance in all conditions, but also delivers world-class ride and handling, interior and exterior qualities.

The Cherokee SRT8 runs from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. These significant numbers are possible thanks to the 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with Fuel Saver Technology. It delivers exactly 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 465 lb.-ft. (630 Nm) of torque.

The efficiency of the vehicle is secured by the Standard Fuel Saver Technology included. In addition for the economy contributes the active valve exhaust system as well.

In fact, the brand is states that the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 has the best handling ever. It is capable of .90 g on the skid pad and includes a SRT-tuned, adaptive damping suspension, stability control, adaptive damping, transmission shift strategy, transfer case torque proportioning, Electronic Limited Slip Differential performance, throttle control and cylinder de-activation.

Here also the driver can manually choose between five dynamic modes for specific driving conditions: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track, and Snow. Other highlights are the 5-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, on which the Jeep rides. They can be fitted on P295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season run-flat tires or on Pirelli P Zero Three-season.

The exterior is now even more aggressive but still – functional. The one-piece front fascia features LED multi-function daytime running lamps. The body-colored front grille with a unique black screen background and chrome bezel inserts add to the aggressive look.

At the rear, the vehicle has a liftgate spoiler that reduces drag and improves downforce. A unique one-piece rear fascia includes a separate air diffuser along with an available trailer receiver and access cover. The dual-sport exhaust system features 4-inch exhaust tips.

What is new for the 2013 are the two special models: the bright white “Alpine” edition and brilliant black “Vapor” edition. Both include the addition of Black Vapor Chrome finish to the standard split 5-spoke, 20 inch wheels along with unique gloss black exterior appointments featuring: Jeep hood badge, Grand Cherokee door badge, Front grille surround and inserts, Rear light bar and step pad.

How about the interior? It is refined and luxurious. The leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel includes a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface. The standard paddle-shift controls are positioned at both sides of the contoured palm rests.

The comfort of the interior is further enhanced by the standard SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats with adjustable headrests. The embroidered SRT logos and contrast stitching accent the two front seats.

In terms of safety and security 45 safety and security features are included: Active head restraints, Active turn signals, Adaptive cruise control, Advanced multi-stage air bags, Anti-lock brake system, Anti-lock brake system with rough-road detection, BeltAlert, Blind-spot Monitoring, Brake Assist, Brake Override, Brake-traction control system, Child seat anchor system, Constant-force Retractors, Electronic roll mitigation, Electronic stability control, Energy-absorbing steering column, Enhanced Accident Response System, Express Up/Down Windows, Forward Collision Warning, High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, Hill-start Assist, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Knee bolsters, Navigation system, ParkSense rear park assist system, ParkView rear back-up camera, Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column with memory, Rain Brake Support, Rain-sensing wipers, Ready Alert Braking, Rear Cross Path (RCP), Remote (fob) operated windows (front windows – down only), Remote keyless entry, Remote start, Rollover crash sensing, Seat-belt pretensioners, Sentry Key engine Immobilizer, Signal mirrors, SmartBeam headlamps, Standard full-length side-curtain air bags, Standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Three-point seat belts, Tire-pressure monitoring, Trailer-sway control, Uconnect Phone.

Furthermore a wide variety of infotainment options are available. For example, the premium navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link are standard with the 730N Media Center CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio.

The optional Vehicle Entertainment System on the other hand includes a DVD player and rear seat overhead screen. The Media Center or the VES remote can control multiple screen inputs and each screen can play something different.

Also there is available 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. It includes a 32-volt Tracking Power Supply (TPS) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has a staring price of $59 995.

Source: Jeep

August 3, 2012

Velos Designwerks Mercedes-Benz C63 Black Series

Velos Designwerks Mercedes Benz C63 Black Series is effect of the work of collaboration between the tuners of two excellent tuning companies: Velos Designwerks and HRE Performance Wheels. With their united forces they have given the unique C63 AMG Coupe Black Series a new astonishing and cleaner look.

Some of the modifications here include new black grille and roof, and the unique P44SC wheels with brushed tinted aluminium finish and a complex five double-spoke design. In fact, they are with modern Conical profile, which creates the strongest and at the same time the lightest P40 up to date.

The professionals from HRE Wheels have also used aerospace-grade 6061-T6 forged aluminum for high strength-to-weight ratio. And in order to minimize unsprung mass and rotational inertia for maximum performance and handling, they have included standard side cuts and backpad pocketing.

Nevertheless no modifications have been done on the power characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz. However, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series still amazes with its 6.3 liter V8 engine, which produces 517 horsepower (380 kW) at 6,800rpm and 620Nm (458 lb-ft) at 5,000rpm.

Source: Velos Designwerks

August 2, 2012

MEC Design Mercedes-Benz SL R230 Wide Body

MEC Design Mercedes Benz SL R230 Wide Body is a comprehensive tuning on the emblematic Mercedes-Benz SL model. It was made via MEC Design‘s wide range of improvement and styling products and packages.

This particular modification includes 3 piece alloy wheels, aerodynamic body kits, serious exhausts enhancements, extreme lowering systems, and other lavish accessories for the interior. For instance here are included high-quality velour floor mats, luxury steering wheels, and other wood accessories.

The MEC Design 3pc wheels included are bespoke, with silver and black color finish combination. Besides those tunings, unfortunately none has done to the power.

The Mercedes stays with its factory characteristics. They are still significant though. It generates 604 hp (450 kW) from its twin-turbocharged 6.0 liter, 5,980 cc V12 engine at 5500 rpm, and accelerates form 0-60 mph time for only 4.2 seconds.

MEC Design Mercedes Benz SL R230 Wide Body - Rear Angle

Source: MEC Design

August 2, 2012

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series by Domanig

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series by Domanig is exquisite tuning creation by the talented designers and engineers from the German based tuning company Domanig Autodesign. Although the C63 AMG Black Series is almost perfect… almost. Exactly this word motivated the tuners to transform and enhance the emblematic Mercedes-Benz.

In particular, they weren’t satisfied with the performance and look of the car. As a standard, the C63 is equipped with 6.3-liter V8 engine, which brings 517 hp (380 kW) on the road. The performance of the car however was boosted with the installation of a Domanig-header, sports catalyst and a modified engine control unit.

The result is that the Mercedes now achieves 600 horsepower (441 kW). The top speed was also enhanced too the number of 320 km/h. In addition, the aerodynamical presence of the car benefit from the fact that the car is 25-30 mm nearer to the ground.

In addition the Black Series was equipped with chrome parts painted in black-gloss paint or body color paint. The exhaust tailpipes for instance are with coating in the same color. The center console is also painted in body color.

Domanig High Quality Wheels are the ext highlight here. The three-piece type wheels come in a shiny black-coating with a polished outer rim edge. The rims have the size of 10.5 x 20 inches at the front axle, and at the rear – 12 x 5 x 20 inches. For the tires, the choice is 265/30ZR20er and 305/25Z20er Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires.

Source: Domanig Autodesign via Facebook

August 2, 2012

2013 Lexus LS Range Launch Event [VIDEO]

Lexus has just unveiled few days ago the reinvented 2013 Lexus LS Range. The look of the Lexus flagship sedan may have changed, however its uncompromising commitment to world-class luxury remains the same.

New intuitive technologies are included, the agility is improved and an all-new F SPORT model is featured in the range. This is how the LS is evolving. Beautiful, isn’t it? In the video below you can watch the LS reveal video from the launch event in San Francisco.

httpv://youtu.be/NJh7pQoSVsk

In other words since its launch in 1989 the Lexus LS pursues perfection, and has become a synonym for precision, craftsmanship and innovation. In fact this year Lexus adds 3000 improvements and component changes to the 2013 vehicle model line-up.

httpv://youtu.be/nSRA8kVh9SI

Videos Source: You Tube

Source: Lexus

August 2, 2012

Jay Leno’s Garage: 1963 Ford Falcon [VIDEO]

After years of looking at the magazine ad for the Falcon, Jay Leno final got his hands on one. Here’s a nice video, where Jay Leno speaks enthusiastically about this 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint.

This Ford was in fact the prototype for the Mustang and Jays revealing how many years he was searching for it. Obviously – a hard one to find. He found it and bought it from Bringatrailer (BaT).

The modified Ford cost Leno $26k, and surprisingly the seller designed the build himself. He summed up the experience with the following; “It was amazing… and the comments below the story certainly justify my approach!” A great response to a really great car!

This hardtop called “Sprint” was introduced in 1963. And this unit was built exactly in the taste of Leno. Instead of its original Fairlane’s 164 hp “Challenger” 260 CID (4.3 L) V8 engine, it is equipped with the 1965 289-cubic-inch one, which generates 360 horsepower (265 kW).

Other modifications were made to the transmission as well. The original Falcon had four-speed manual transmission. This one has a five-speed one. Take a look yourself and find out what else has been done here.

httpv://youtu.be/SYhTQx-NxAU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Bringatrailer

August 1, 2012

MINI Paceman previewed on Facebook

MINI Paceman Concept debuted back in 2011 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Yesterday, the Mini Paceman Prototype was unveiled on Mini’s Facebook page with four spy photographs, which you can view in the gallery below.

Although there was a slight attempt to hide partially the design of the new MINI model, as you can see not so much is left for the imagination. The car is a two-door powerhouse ready to roar onto streets very soon. It is promised to be powerful and agile, with a most exceptional take on Mini design.

The vehicle is practically a Countryman coupe. It has the same dimensions: length of 4 110 millimetres, width of 1 789 millimetres, and height of 1 541 millimetres. However, one of the most fascinating elements here are the 19″ alloys included. Paceman also boasts bold front fascia and a sloping roofline.

If no changes were made after Detroit, then the MINI Paceman is going to be powered by 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 211PS (155 kW) and 260Nm (192 lb-ft).

More information will be revealed around the time of official release at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

Source: Facebook via MINI

August 1, 2012

Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo now generates 195 horsepower

Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch and Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo Sports Tourer are the new two high performance diesels from the brand. Both are generating 195 horsepower (143 kW) and have 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

Both Vauxhalls are the most powerful cars in their class: they offer blistering performance, high levels of practicality and impressive frugality. Their top speed reaches 135mph and can achieve 0-60mph in less than eight seconds.

Despite the boost in performance, they have excellent economy as well: low CO2 emissions of 134g/km and a combined efficiency of 55.4mpg. The great fuel economy is further enhanced by the Start/Stop technology included in the models.

In fact, the twin turbo technology is rare in this class. The Astra uses a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate ‘lag’, providing 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from 1,250rpm.

Furthermore, in the mid-range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre-compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A continuous control over the bypass valve is happening, in order to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. The effect of all this is that the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration.

In addition, some stylish changes have been made as well. The new Astra now has more aggressive look thanks to the revised front grille, new front indicators and fog lamps, and refreshed rear-panel styling.

Other unique features are the fresh 18” alloy wheels, twin rear exhausts, exterior styling pack and alloy sports pedals.

The Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch has a starting price of £24,095 and the Sports Tourer – £25,110.

Source: Vauxhall

August 1, 2012

Porsche 997 Carrera S with Emotion Wheels Concave

This Porsche 997 Carrera S is equipped with new Emotion Wheels Concave. Looks fantastic, doesn’t it? The philosophy behind these alloy wheel rims is pure geometry. In addition, the wheel bears the highly promising name “Concave“ and has a characteristic inward bulging rim-star. Yet this is not the only characteristic of the Emotion Wheels Concave.

In particular the Porsche is equipped with Emotion Wheels Concave in the black matt finishing with the upgraded carbon-wrap finishing of the rim wells. The rims measuring 8.5×19 / 11×19 inches bear the original tires of the dimensions 235/35ZR19 and 295/30ZR19.

Another highlight here is that the rims are factory-fitted with fully winterproof light alloy wheel and a replaceable high-grade steel rim-well. This leaves little possibility for scrapes and damages which can happen even to the most experienced of all drivers.

Porsche 997 Carrera S with Emotion Wheels Concave

Source: Emotion Wheels

July 31, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova