Lidia Todorova – Page 313 – Automobiles Review

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car powered by Land Rover

Bowler EXR rally car and EXR S road car are a result of the work of collaboration between Bowler and Land Rover. Both vehicles will proudly sport ‘Powered by Land Rover’ branding.

Furthermore, they demonstrate great engineering and rally design. The partnership will put attention on the Bowler EXR rally car, but engineering, development and parts supply will be shared with the new Bowler EXR S. The latter is the first ‘all terrain supercar’ designed to satisfy customer’s demand for the ultimate road-going rally car.

In particular, both the EXR and EXR S models use a modified version of the Range Rover Sport chassis. What they also share is the modified versions of the 5.0-litre V8 engine also utilized in Range Rover models.

The difference here is that the EXR uses a FIA-restricted naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine. This one is restricted to 300 hp (221 kW) maximum power and 582 Nm (428 lb-ft) maximum torque. The EXR is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and Ricardo front, centre and rear differentials.

On the other hand the EXR S uses a 550 hp (405 kW) modification of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8. With such power and torque of 702 Nm (518 lb-ft) the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. The EXR S engine is mated to the six-speed ZF automatic transmission and E-diff from the Range Rover Sport 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged.

Bowler will have a large presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed happening very soon: from 28th of June till 1st of July. There it will showcase and run five rally cars on the Activity Field, and where the preview of EXR S will happen.

Source: Land Rover

June 21, 2012

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line in showrooms in September

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will now have a new trim line called Tech Line. We have seen the same Tech Line up already in the Vauxhall’s models Astra, Insignia and Mokka SUV.

Now the Zafira Tourer will also take advantage from the excellent specifications of the new trim line. The wide range of standard equipment were includes Navi 600 satellite navigation system, Bluetooth and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Furthermore, some premium features were added such as chrome lower window mouldings, silver roof rails and high gloss black B-pillar and black mirror accents, and dark tinted rear glass.

The engine choice here consists of two petrol and three diesel options: a 1.4 Turbo and 1.8-litre petrol or one of two 2.0-litre diesel units with 130 hp (96 kW) or 165 hp (121 kW). The third diesel engine is the most special one – the 2.0 CDTi (130hp/96 kW) ecoFLEX start/stop engine combining 119g/km of CO2 with 62.8 combined mpg.

The Zafira Tourer Tech Line will arrive at dealerships in September this year.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line specifications and pricing:

Model Zafira Tourer	Engine	Body style	Trans	On-the-road RRP (£)	CO2 (g/km)
Tech Line	1.8 (140PS)	5 Door MPV	5 speed manual	19,785.00	169
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,095.00	154
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	20,435.00	144
Tech Line	1.4 Turbo (140PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	21,500.00	164
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,495.00	137
Tech Line	2.0 (130PS) ecoFLEX Start / Stop	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	21,725.00	119
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS)	5 Door MPV	6 speed manual	22,110.00	139
Tech Line	2.0 (165PS) Auto	5 Door MPV	6 speed Auto	23,395.00	159

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Tech Line ecoFLEX 2.0 CDTi 16v (130PS) Start/Stop

Equipment	Zafira Tourer Tech Line 2.0CDTi 16v (130PS) ecoFLEX S/S	Ford Grand C-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS)	Ford S-Max Zetec 1.6 TDCi (115PS) S/S
Sat Nav	Yes	No	No
DAB Radio	Yes	Yes	No
USB Connectivity	Yes	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	17”	16”	16”
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	No	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Yes	Yes	Yes

Source: Vauxhall

June 21, 2012

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L extend the C range

Citroen C-Elysee and Citroen C4 L are the new models which are part of the Citroen‘s goal to extend the C range. They come with highly specific personalities, which are designed with a lot of style, technology, innovation and quality.

First, the 2013 Citroen C-Elysee has been developed with the aim to meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers and passengers. As you can see the car is very harmonious, prestigious and robust in styling.

Furthermore it has an innovative interior design which offers a spaciousness and comfort. The rear compartment is befitting of a saloon in the category above and the large boot offers 506-litres VDA – thanks to a 2.65m wheelbase.

On board, one can find comfort-enhancing equipment, which includes air conditioning with digital readout, to an MP3 audio system with Bluetooth®.

c will be equipped with the latest generation VTi 72 petrol engine. It combines great performance with excellent fuel consumption and durability. Furthermore, the model also benefits from new chassis and suspension development.

2013 Citroen C-Elysee will be at dealerships at the end of 2012.

2013 Citroen C4 L is in fact positioned at the top of the C segment. It offers positive energy, style and elegance, range-topping finish, relaxing ride and standard-setting onboard comfort.

The elegant and dynamic lines at the front and rear are complemented by quiet and refined interior. The lounge-like rear compartment is the effect of model’s long wheelbase. It includes wraparound seats, backrests inclined to 29° and headrests designed for added comfort.

Some of the innovative technologies included in this Citroen are hands-free access and start, touch-screen GPS, reversing camera, fully heated windscreen and air ioniser.

The vehicle is fitted with the latest generation petrol engines: the THP 150 and 170, and the VTi 135. All three can be mated to a new automatic and sequential 6-speed gearbox.

2013 Citroen C4 L will be at dealerships in the first half of 2013.

Source: Citroen

June 20, 2012

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish revealed

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish has just been unveiled and this new version of the car is promising every driver the highest level of excitement and thrill.

This breath-taking new super grand tourer comes equipped with the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine. The latter is promised to be even more powerful than before.

The exterior design of the car represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. As you can see it includes new styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades.

One is sure – once you see it you will unquestioningly know that this is an Aston Martin. Furthermore, details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid can also be seen on the new model. This feature counteracts lift at the car’s rear when traveling at speed.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

In fact Vanquish is a true expression of Aston Martin’s design philosophy, engineering innovation and technical ability. It not only offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability, but also is capable to offer unforgettable driving excitement.

As mentioned, the car is powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine. It is mated to the Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. Therefore it is no surprise that the car generates 573 horsepower (421 kW) at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

The acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) is just in 4.1 seconds and the top speed of the Vanquish is estimated to be 183 mph. Despide the great power figures, this supercar is promised to economically and emissions-wise improved.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish Interior

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form. At the same time the torsional rigidity is enhanced by more than 25 percent.

Further practical improvements have been also featured: newly designed and spacious cabin and a boot of 368 litres are just couple of the examples.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish starting price is £189,995 and is expected to be delivered at the dealerships in Europe at the end of this year.

Source: Aston Martin

June 20, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY – pricing announced

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is the third generation of the ML-Class, equipped with a V8 petrol version. Furthermore, it includes new safety features such as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA)*. The new ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY will be arriving at dealerships in autumn this year.

First, the new turbocharged BlueDIRECT V8 of this Mercedes-Benz SUV model is a direct injection petrol engine. More importantly however, it offers excellent performance along with top-class efficiency. The powerful V8 engine generates 300 kW (408 hp) at 600 Nm of torque and is available at a much lower engine speed of 1600 rpm.

Despite reduced displacement, the high output is achieved thanks to the two exhaust gas turbochargers – one for each bank of cylinders. V8 also includes third-generation direct fuel injection system with spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors combined with multi-spark ignition.

All this results in outstanding fuel economy, which is additionally improved by the comprehensive package of BlueEFFICIENCY measures. For example it includes the ECO start/stop function which comes as standard, the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, low-friction axle drives, electric steering, optimised belt drive, on-demand control of the ancillary components.

2013 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY

Summary of key data for all ML-Class models:

	ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC	ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	ML 63 AMG
No. of cylinders/ arrangement	4 in-line	V6	V6	V8	V8
Displacement cc	2143	2987	3498	4663	5461
Rated output kW (hp)	150 (204)	190 (258)	225 (306)	300 (408)	386 (525)
Max. torque Nm	500	620	370	600	700
NEDC combined consumption l/100 km g CO2/km	6.0 – 6.5 158 – 170	6.8 – 7.4 179 – 194	8.5 – 8.8 199 – 206	11.0 – 11.5 258 – 269	11.8 276
0-100 km/h s	9.0	7.4	7.6	5.6	4.8
Top speed km/h	210	224	235	250*	250*
Emissions standard	EU6	EU6	EU 5	EU 5	EU 5

Furthermore the new ML 500 features a comprehensive package of safety features. Active safety is further enhanced thanks to the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA)* with adaptive Brake Assist as standard.

The Mercedes-Benz runs on the elegant 5-twin-spoke 48.3 cm (19″) alloy wheels, included in the ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY delivery package, or on the all-new 5-spoke 53.3 cm (21″) alloy wheels from Mercedes-Benz Accessories.

The interior of the vehicle features multicontour seats for driver and front passenger, which of course offer more comfort due to the new massage functions included. In the cockpit can be found the TFT display positioned between the two instrument dials.

The emblematic exterior of the ML can be further enhanced by the AMG Exterior Sports package, which is optional, and includes special body-colored front apron, rear apron and side skirts, in addition to 48.3 cm (19″) 5-spoke high-sheen AMG alloy wheels.

The same package improves the outlook of the exterior thanks to the luxurious designo Exclusive package in black, maroon or porcelain. This feature includes seats, instrument display, door centre panels, door arm rests, beltlines and centre console upholstered in nappa leather, in addition to the designo roof lining in black DINAMICA microfibre.

The new ML 500 features ON&OFFROAD package. It has six driving modes, which optimize the driving dynamics and handling safety of the vehicle and deliver optimum drive system control. In particular, the driver can select from one automatic mode, two special off-road modes and three on-road modes using a rotary control in the centre console.

2013 ML-Class models prices:

ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€46,550.00	€55,394.50
ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC	€49,700.00	€59,143.00
ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€48,050.00	€57,179.50
ML 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY	€63,050.00	€75,029.50
ML 63 AMG	€91,500.00	€108,885.00

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 20, 2012

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: where fashion and tuning meets

The new Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG shows great style and powerful stance. However, it tells a story not not only about that. It serves the purpose to be „co-acting“ star next to photo model Katja Runiello in her latest photoshoot.

The beautiful model, dancer and actor is a well known personality, since her appearance in the RTL television series “The Bachelor”. SLS AMG’s popularity can be described simply by two words: „living legend“.

But what has Inden Design done to improve this splendind car. First, they have implanted 21-inch light metal rims. Rim stars were painted in high-gloss black as well as gloss-lathed beddings.

Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Katja Runiello

The 10.5 and 11.5-inch wide single part product were combined with Continental Sport Contact high-performance tires of the dimensions 265/30R21 for the front and 295/25R21 for the rear.

Inden Design tuned the serially produced coilover kit of the Mercedes-Benz, so that it now cowers more flatly on the surface.

More importantly, the 6.2 liter V8 engine shows great dynamic portfolio from the gentle rumbling in Piano up until the thunderous roaring of the Fortissimo. This is achieved thanks to the serially produced exhaust system in high-grade steel in non-ostentatious visual appearance with electronic valve control.

However, Inden Design even increased the maximum performance of the high-revolving eight-cylinder powerhouse by further maximizing the engine software from 571 hp (420 kW) in standard production to the present 623 horsepower (458 kW).

The pictures below, are creation of the photographer Olaf Pitzer from Nauroth. Katja’s feminine dress was designed by the Haute Couture designer Elvira Kirsch. And the perfect make-up was made by the stylist Katharina Freitag.

Source: Inden Design

June 19, 2012

2013 Skoda Rapid debuts this autumn

2013 Skoda Rapid is the new compact saloon by Skoda which aims to play important role in the company’s growth strategy and will be released on European markets from the autumn of this year.

The first important highlight about the new Skoda model is that impresses with lots of roominess and has an expressive design. Next, it offers comprehensive safety features and efficient engines.

The Rapid is includes the brand’s newly formulated design language. It stands for: clear, precise, fresh and emotional. As you can see Skoda Rapid has perfect proportions, clear and cleanly modelled surfaces and sharply drawn lines.

The front end portrays a new take on the brand’s typical design elements. The new brand logo confidently stands out on the harmonically rounded front edge of the bonnet. On the other hand, the grille shows a finely drawn chrome frame and is formed by vertical slats.

The body displays a long wheelbase and a coupé-like silhouette. At the rear the car has a large tailgate which acts as a design element. Furthermore, the distinctly shaped taillights in the brand’s typical C shape and the new brand logo join together to make the Rapid unmistakable.

The roominess that is offered by the car is impressive. Despite the compact exterior dimensions of 4.48 metres in length and 1.7 metres in width, the compact saloon offers enough space for five occupants and their baggage.

At last but not least, five petrol and two diesel engine unites are going to be offered with the Skoda.

2013 Skoda Rapid will debut at Paris Auto Salon this autumn.

Source: Skoda

June 19, 2012

Volvo S60 Polestar revealed at Gothenburg City Race

Volvo S60 Polestar is the latest concept road-car created by Polestar. It is based on the S60 model of Volvo and it is going to take part in the 2012 season in the new Swedish racing series TTA – Racing Elite League.

Furthermore, there has been developed not only a race-car model, but also a street-version. The official launch of the vehicle already happened few days ago at the third race round of the TTA series held at Polestar’s home track in downtown Gothenburg, Sweden.

Polestar focuses on the development and competition in racing. The development and marketing of performance products for Volvo cars are based on the experience from racing. Polestar started research and evaluation-program to collect and compile vehicle data from the S60 platform, and eventually ended up creating the following product.

In fact, Volvo S60Polestar is very strong Volvo with great potential for motorsport applications and also an almost ideal platform for a road-going performance car. We all know that Volvo bodies are strong and have solid designs, which make them ideal for building race cars.

S60 Polestar is to a great extent based on standard Volvo S60 T6 components. It is another result motorsport and performance experience in combination with in-depth knowledge about the car and its technology.

Source: Polestar

June 19, 2012

Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF with exclusive upgrade delivers 702 horsepower

Novitec Rosso Ferrari FF received enhancements by adding carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement kit, ultra-light forged wheels and an extra 42 horsepower.

Novitec Rosso upgraded the Ferrari with sophisticated program, which comprises of sty stylish and aerodynamically efficient carbon-fiber bodywork components. Furthermore, the tuners have added ultra-light forged wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches.

In fact, htis performance kit boosts the power output of the V12 engine by 42 horsepower (30.9 kW).

The bodywork components are made from lightweight high-strength carbon fiber. This gives the sportsvehicle even more dynamic appearance.

And as you can see the Ferrarri now has a lower stance thanks to the front spoiler lip for the production bumper. The optimal aerodynamic balance is with a combination of roof and rear spoiler plus a diffuser.

Furthermore, the rear end is additionally transformed with an add-on component for the production fascia and carbon-fiber surrounds for the black taillights. The tuners have also included matching black side markers and LED rear fog lamps.

Even sportier look is conveyed by the new side skirts and carbon-fiber trim for the exterior mirrors. Carbon-fiber roof cladding and a carbon-fiber radiator grille add even more racing-flair highlights.

The Novitec Rosso suspension engineers have developed custom-tailored lightweight forged wheels. They received the NF4 wheel design with five delicate double spokes. The wheels at the front are 21-inch diameter and at the rear are 22 inches. Both are matched with Pirelli PZero high-performance tires. They additionally emphasize the wedge-shaped appearance.

More importantly, the engine specialists have given more power to the Ferrari with the Novitec Rosso performance kit which boosts power output of the 6.3-liter 12-cylinder four-valve engine by an extra 42 hp (30.9 kW).

In particular, the conversion consists of newly calibrated engine electronics and a complete new stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. The exhaust is also available in a version that features a butterfly valve actuated from the steering wheel.

In combination with the quad sport exhaust the custom-programmed mapping for ignition and injection plus a new higher redline speed of 8,200 rpm result in a performance of 702 horsepower (516.6 kW) at 8,200 rpm.

After the conversion the car has new tops speed of 340 km/h, which is five km/h faster than the production car.

The gear shifts are quicker and more precise thanks to the longer carbon-fiber shift paddles. They operate the seven speeds of the dual-clutch transmission of the Ferrari FF.

The interior of the car includes program which is destined to offer maximum level of individuality. The program provides countless options from carbon-fiber scuff plates to fully custom leather and Alcantara interiors. They are of course perfectly finished down to the last detail.

Source: Novitec Rosso

June 19, 2012

2013 Kia Sorento gets upgraded

2013 Kia Sorento SUV is going to get upgraded by receiving a number of significant enhancements. The new upgraded model will go on sale later this year.

In particular, the changes include re-engineered bodyshell, improved powertrains for best-in-class fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional convenience and safety features, fresh look for the exterior.

Furthermore, Kia’s designers have also featured in the new upgrades new headlamps with LED positioning lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lamps, new bumpers (front and rear) with vertical-axis fog lights and a larger area of body-color surface, and an expanded choice of wheels. The latter include larger diameter of 19-inch alloys.

The cabin of the Sorento is five- or seven-seater cabin. It has been also improved: there are included more soft-touch surfaces, a new LCD instrument cluster, new center stack with 7-inch display screen, new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models.

Undoubtedly these enhancements will contribute for Kia’s luxurious character. The style of the interior will be additionally enhanced by the black or beige cloth or leather. Moreover, as an option there is a natural light coming in it through a larger panoramic sunroof.

2013 Kia Sorento will be available at dealerships in the beginning of the autumn. Full specification list and prices will be announced before launch.

Source: Kia

June 18, 2012

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is aerodynamically unique

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia is covered by this splendid red aluminum-alloy couture, thus grabbing the attention of everyone effortlessly. What makes this Ferrari unique is that it is by heart a true Italian vehicle which however received a truly British inspiring blueprint.

Of course, no one else but the tuners from A. Kahn Design were those to take the challenge and redesign this sumptuous car. Now, with the enhancements by Kahn, the 458 Italia is more luxurious than ever!

The transformations done on this vehicle are: front and rear bumper sections in matt pearl grey, rear diffuser, side skirts and roof in matt pearl grey, ceramic brakes and yellow brake calipers. They make even more aerodynamically unique this Ferrari.

It wouldn’t be an A. Kahn Design vehicle if there weren’t a bespoke touch in it. The whole coupe is wrapped in black Daytona leather, including the electric sports seats.

2012 Kahn Ferrari 458 Italia runs perfectly on state-of-the art forged 9×21” front and 12×22 rear alloy wheels. They were finished in matt pearl grey, which color fits all original centre caps. These wheels bring even more elegance to the 458 Italia with their simple clean lines, soft organic surfaces on the edge of the spoke and a purposeful mechanical centre.

However, no change has been made in terms of power. The supercar stays with its original 4.5 liter V8 engine. The latter is able to deliver 578 hp (425 kW) and 540 Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm. This power gives the 458 Italia the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and to have a top speed of over 325 km/h.

Source: A. Kahn Design

June 18, 2012

2012 Toyota 86 GTS with new aerokit

2012 Toyota 86 GTS now will be equipped with new comprehensive aero package, which will reduce the aerodynamic drag and increase the downforce for superior handling stability. At the same time this package is destined to maintain vehicle’s wind-cheating 0.27 drag coefficient.

In details, the aero kit of the Toyota comprises of a new front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and large rear spoiler. It can be ordered optionally to the high-grade 86 GTS model, both with manual and automatic transmission.

What the front bumper skirt does basically is that it has vertical fins to control air entering the front grille. It also includes dual canards at 12-degree angles which optimize the handling stability.

The side skirt design includes a rounded leading edge to assist airflow evacuation from the front wheel housing.

Next, the rear bumper skirt’s profile is projected horizontally. This makes it able to manage the air turbulence from the front and fin and assist in evacuating under-body airflow.

At last, the large rear spoiler of the 86 GTS, which is painted in gloss black, includes horizontal ‘winglets’ on the uprights. They help create downforce and additionally optimize the handling stability.

Source: Toyota

June 18, 2012

Author: Lidia Todorova