Lidia Todorova – Page 35 – Automobiles Review

Jade Pearl Rolls-Royce Phantom is One-Off and Truly Original

Jade Pearl Rolls-Royce Phantom Exterior The current Rolls-Royce Phantom you see is a Bespoke creation and it is literally one-off. The ultra-luxurious car has been specifically created for its owner, Mr. Michael Fux. The company revealed little details about the vehicle, and just posted several pictures of the ultimate Phantom. From what we can tell, this Rolls-Royce features unusual combination of colors, especially when it comes to the interior.

But if the name Michael Fux seems familiar to you, we should remind you that this lucky person has already ordered a stunning Bespoke Wraith, which was revealed in the summer last year. Just like the Phantom here, the one-off Wraith featured unique styling. However, unlike the white exterior of the Phantom, the Wraith has Aqeuus Green and Cornish White exterior finish, enhanced by discreet Jade Pearl accents.

The similarities are inside where the luxurious cabin is decided in vivid Jade Pearl design theme. Everything inside is drenched in Jade Pearl… or green. Literally. Even the smallest details: from steering wheel and floor-carpets to the speakers, instrument dials, vents and rear view mirror casing. Of course, the car has been too personalized with the name of its owner.

Jade Pearl Rolls-Royce Phantom Interior

In terms of power Rolls-Royce did not made any changes, or spoke of such. Therefore, the Phantom is just like the other Phantoms in the range, meaning that it is driven by the V12 engine. The unit generates 453 horsepower (338 kW) and 719 Nm (531 lb-ft) of maximum torque. This makes it enough for the bespoke car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

Would you change anything in this project and if you had the chance to order a Bespoke Rolls-Royce, which one would it be and what color would you select?

Source: Rolls-Royce Official Facebook

January 19, 2016

Subaru BRZ Smashes Guinness World Record for the “Tightest 360° Spin” [VIDEO]

Subaru BRZ front view Subaru BRZ and the stunt driver and former world record holder Alastair Moffatt set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘Tightest 360° spin’. The rear-wheel drive BRZ sportscar and the famous petrolhead made it into the record books at the Autosport International Show over the weekend, by executing the world’s tightest ever 360 degree spin.

But Moffatt is not new to record-breaking. He has previous experience setting extreme Guinness World Records such as ‘Tightest Reverse Parallel Park’ and ‘Tightest Parallel Park’. Now, with this achievement the stunt-driver ace smashed the previous 2.5-metre Guinness World Record, which was made in 2014.

He managed to flick the BRZ into a 360° spin between two obstacles in Autosport International’s Live Action Arena, traveling at a speed of 30mph down a narrow lane of cars. Then he spun his Subaru BRZ 360 degrees then accelerated to the end of the course. Everything has happened in one continuous motion.

Moffatt’s BRZ car was 4.24-metre-long and the gap allowed for just 2.25m of clearance for him to complete the stunt. And this is how he broke the previous record of 2.5m. Of course, if it wasn’t the Subaru BRZ, which is renowned for its low centre of gravity and naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine, he probably wouldn’t make it.

The driver also said that in order to maximize the control over the car throughout the maneuver, the traction control was switched off and ABS disengaged. Alastair also spoke about that he was impressed by BRZ because of the combination it offers, namely: lightweight, rear wheel drive and highly controllable chassis. He admitted that the Subaru BRZ “was the perfect car in which to do it.”

Now hear what he has to add about the Guinness World Record and Subaru BRZ in the video below.

httpv://youtu.be/699J3ig_mok

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Subaru

January 19, 2016

smart fortwo cabrio Brings the Summer Back

smart fortwo cabrio front view The latest variant of the smart fortwo cabrio was revealed in December and now, a month later, the cute mini car is about to enter the market. The open-top two-seater is about to appear in dealerships in February in its form equipped with the 52 kW engine and the twinamic dual clutch transmission. But don’t worry, because a variant with manual transmission will follow soon. The company has prepared for the customers three lines to choose from: passion, prime and proxy. In addition they can also choose from a large range of safety and comfort equipment.

The Design

The benefit of owning a smart fortwo cabrio is that it is multifunctional. Although it is a cabrio, you need only a touch of a button to transform it to a closed two-seater. But if you want to remove the soft top (which happens within 12 seconds) you can additionally invite more fresh air in by removing the roof bars.

The soft top is in fact called “tritop” and is something of an innovation. It has an area of 1.8 square meters, and is four percent larger than its predecessor. The outer covering is made of a particularly lightfast polyacrylic fabric and the inside features a polyester/cotton mix. There is a rubber layer in the middle, making a total thickness of 20 mm. The rear window is heated and is made of glass.

smart fortwo cabrio interior and the folding tritop

In terms of design there is nothing really impressive or different from the typical “smart” design. This means that the car has a well-known profile with ultra-short overhangs, clear lines, shapes and surfaces and a tridion safety cell.

The Safety

Many might regard a smart vehicle or any other mini car extremely unsafe. Especuially when we are talking about cabrios. No worries, because smart fortwo cabrio is made of high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steels. It also includes scissor struts, two torsional bulkheads under the vehicle at the front and rear, and an inner tube in the A-pillars made of ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel.

Advanced assistance systems are also at help. These include the ESP with Crosswind Assist (which comes as an option however) and Hill Start Assist as a standard, forward collision warning and Lane Keeping Assist that are also optional.

The Model Variants

smart fortwo cabrio fromt above

There are three model variants of the smart fortwo cabrio: passion, prime and proxy, two engines and two transmissions. The new three-cylinder engines are rated at 71 horsepower (52 kW) and 90 hp (66 kW). Both will be equipped initially with automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission, and then on the market will appear the five-speed manual transmission.

Smart fortwo cabrio will have a starting price of 15,655 euros for the model with the 71 hp engine and the twinamic dual clutch transmission.

smart fortwo cabrio at a glance:

smart fortwo cabrio engine	71 hp / 52 kW	90 hp / 66 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement	3/in-line	3/in-line
Displacement (cc)	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)	52/71	66/90
at rpm	6000	6200
Rated torque (Nm)	91	135
at rpm	2850	2500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.3	4.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	99	97
Efficiency class	B	B
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.5	11.7
Maximum speed (km/h)	151	155
Prices starting at (euros)	15.655	16.550

Source: smart

January 19, 2016

You Have Now the Opportunity to Buy the Record-breaking Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS Front View Record-breaking 2016 Ford Focus RS is now going on sale in the United States. But even better, those who are keen on the Focus RS can start saving the money, because its production has been initiated in Saarlouis, Germany, and in fact the first ever all-new Focus RS has already rolled off the line there.

The long-anticipated, 350-horsepower hot hatch arrives this spring to bring about potent and attractive hot hatch lineup. In fact the car looks better than ever before and it will definitely improve Ford’s sales. For instance, the Focus ST has increased sales by 9 percent last year while Fiesta ST saw a gain of 4 percent.

In addition, the performance line-up by ford is set to grow by three models this year. The Focus RS will be joined by F-150 Raptor, which is going to debut this fall and the anticipated Ford GT supercar that goes into production late this year. And don’t forget that the lineup already includes Shelby GT350 and GT350R, which debuted last year.

As a matter of fact, Ford has put out the goal to bring the Focus RS to customers globally through 2020. The car is worth it because it has been developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the U.S.

2016 Ford Focus RS Rear View

One of the strongest benefits of the model is its engine. Under the hood of the model is the specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It has been boosted recently and now pumps out 350 horsepower (257 kW), which is an addition of 30 hp when compared to the previous variant. The torque is rated at 474 Nm (350 lb-ft). And have I mentioned that its 4.7-second 0-62-mph sprint makes the high-performance hatchback the fastest-accelerating Ford RS model ever!

Even more, the manual-only hot hatch will debut with a trick feature called stall recovery. This means that there will be no need for drivers to manually restart the engine. Focus RS also introduces innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. This feature will offer new levels of handling, grip and cornering speed. At last, we should also mention that for the first time, the RS model gets launch control and selectable drive modes. Among them is the industry-first drift mode which allows controlled oversteer drifts.

Source: Ford

January 18, 2016

Bentley Continental GT3 with New Livery for Bathurst 12 Hours

Bentley Continental GT3 2016 Livery Bentley Team M-Sport is returning to the Mount Panorama in Australia. The racing event will happen between 5^th and 7^th of February ant the brand will to take on the Bathurst 12 Hours with two Continental GT3s. The good news is that we have received a photo with team’s new 2016 livery, which was also unveiled at the Autosport International Show a few days ago.

Speaking of team’s brand new livery, we should say that it has been significantly updated for the 2016 season. It now incorporates more of the vibrant green that was introduced to Bentley’s colour palette last year and in addition it also features design elements from the Union Flag.

In my opinion, the two Continental GT3s will undoubtedly look fantastic in their new suits. And we are all happy that Bentley has decided to unveil the 2016 livery as soon as possible and feature in the 12-hour endurance race.

This year Bentley drivers will be Guy Smith (GB) and Steven Kane (GB), joined by Matt Bell (GB), Andy Soucek (ES) and Maxime Soulet (BE). But there is another person in the team, who had previously not driven for Bentley and this is Aussie V8 star David Russell (AU).

If you are not familiar with David Russell, we can only say that he has taken class victories in all of Bathurst’s endurance race formats including the 24-hour race last year. By the way it was where he also set the fastest lap of the Mountain track ever completed by an Australian.

In other words, Bentley is returning to Mount Panorama looking to get the podium result! The experience the drivers have is substantial, the line-up is very strong and David Russell will definitely help immensely. Can’t wait to see what happens.

Bathurst 12 Hours takes place on Sunday 7 February.

Source: Bentley

January 18, 2016

Is Hyundai IONIQ the Hybrid Car We Have Been Waiting For?

Hyundai IONIQ Side View Hyundai IONIQ is probably one of those vehicles I have been longing to see due to its versatile forms of fuelling and innovative ecological approach. Well, it is now here… or at least in its hybrid form. If you are not familiar with the car, it is an advanced, alternative-fuel compact vehicle, which will eventually be offered with a choice of three powertrains: electric, plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid, and gasoline/electric hybrid.

The car is definitely a result of Hyundai’s way to go with the trend and ‘spoil’ always-changing customer’s lifestyles by breaking the mould for hybrid vehicles. In other words we have here and average design and great fuel efficiency. And do not expect more. In fact, the design of the car seems to me something of a mix of Ford Focus’ sides (and a little bit of the front) and Prius’ tail. But that’s just an opinion…

Since the IONIQ Hybrid is the first of the trio that has been unveiled we should say a word about it. It is equipped with new 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine and 32 kW (44 PS) electric motor. The latter is powered by a Lithium-Ion polymer battery. The combined output measures 104 kW (141 PS) and 265 Nm (196 lb-ft) of torque. The powertrain is linked to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission (6DCT), which offers responsive performance and a slick gear shift, and of course great fuel economy.

Hyundai IONIQ Interior

In addition, Hyundai also disclosed that the car is based on an exclusive new platform, which allows the driving performance of the IONIQ to be similar to that of a regular compact car. Ride and handling, noise, vibration and harshness were specially tuned to deliver superior ride quality and comfort.

There are also a lot of convenience, safety and connectivity features included like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and 7-inch TFT information cluster. A host of innovative future-ready active and passive safety features protect the driver and passenger. Precisely we have electronic systems like Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

IONIQ Hybrid is another car in the list of the expanding hybrids. Hyundai’s approach will make “electrification and mobility” more accessible throughout the world. Despite the expectations of setting a new benchmark, I think that IONIQ will be just another average hybrid car. But let’s not rush with the judgments and see the other two variants. The trio will be unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March.

And in case you are interested, IONIQ Hybrid will go on sale in Europe during the second half of this year.

Source: Hyundai

January 18, 2016

Civic Type R in Various Forms at the Tokyo Auto Salon

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept Front View Civic Type R has many fans and it is one of those models which make many of us crazy about wanting to see more out of it. And if you are among those people, then Tokyo Auto Salon is your place. This is where a couple of tuners are currently exhibiting their take on the popular car with the red badge. Both the Japanese tuning houses MUGEN and Modulo have unveiled their vision for the Civic Type R. There are also many other customized Honda models, like the various variants of the S660 roadster. On exhibit is the Super GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT as well.

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept

MUGEN is one of those tuning brands famous for making many adaptations of best-selling Honda models. Their Civic Type R concept looks fantastic with its added stylish elements and aggressive body parts.

The pack adds new MUGEN variant of the front bumper, which features contrasting black parts around the lip and wheel arches. The same black theme approach is continued through the rest of the car, including the side and rear skirts for extra an aggressive on road stance. The standard rear spoiler has been replaced with lighter, racing inspired one, and is too finished in black.

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept Rear View

Modulo Honda Civic Type R

Modulo is the other tuner which stands proud at the Tokyo Saloon with its revised Type R. Precisely, the company has added a revised body kit, with flared side skirts. Next, they have replaced the standard fuel filler cap with one of a different design. Red body color accents have been applied to the wing mirror covers and the sides of the rear spoiler and they give the car more versatile stance.

If you are in Tokyo and are intending to visit the show Honda Racing is exhibiting the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, the Super GT GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT and Honda’s entry in the Japanese Super Formula series. Other Honda exhibits at the event are the STEP WGN Modulo Concept, Modulo S660 Study Model, Modulo S660 Drago Modulo Special Model, N-ONE Modulo X, N-BOX Modulo X, N-WGN Daily Luxe Collection + E500 and Modulo FIT, Mugen S660, Honda S660 MUGEN RA Prototype, Mugen STEP WGN Spada and Mugen Vezel.

Source: Honda

January 15, 2016

Kahn Design Builds One-Off Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 Front View Kahn Design are famous for their attraction to the Jeep Wrangler series and it isn’t a secret that we all love watching it how perfectly they transform these models. Under the attention of the specialists this time is the Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 4DR, and off-road monster with a lot of character, untamed attitude and charisma.

The Exterior

The exterior of the Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 SUV is Military inspired and covered in Military Green paint finish. To add some contrast the designers decided to dress the door handles, fuel filler cap and mirrors in Piano Black. Some extra highlight has been given by the custom Shadow Chrome headlights flanked by the four-slot grille with an industrial mesh. At the rear is the emblematic for the Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover.

Continuing to the wheels, this time Kahn Design added a set of 17-inch Satin Black Jeep 1941 wheels which were fitted with 245x75x17″ all terrain rubbers. Behind the wheels we see painted Copper brake callipers, a new set of mud flaps and a cross-hair exhaust system.

The Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 Interior

When entering the door of this Wrangler and stepping inside one sees front and rear seats, which have been adorned with quilted and perforated black leather with matching stitching. The same approach have been applied to the centre glove box and arm rests, while a brand new steering wheel has been added for greater grip and feel for the driver.

At last, we should also say that this vehicle is currently on sale and has a starting price of £39,975.

Source: Kahn Design

January 15, 2016

Believe it or Not This AMG GLE 63 S is capable of the Enormous 702 hp and 1,000 Nm

2016 performmaster Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Front View One of the most controversial models in Mercedes-Benz line-up is probably the GLE. And this is because it shares many similarities with the latest BMW’s X6 in terms of design. However, the SUV definitely made a great furor among enthusiast and Mercedes fans, because its external beauty and powerful presence is undisputable.

What about the performance of the model? Speaking of the AMG GLE 63, it has a stock power of 557 hp (410 kW) and 700 Newton meters (517 lb-ft) of torque. The more powerful variant having the “S” letter behind the 63, puts out even more: 585 horsepower (430 kW) and 760 Nm (561 lb-ft) of torque.

The latter numbers come out from the handcrafted AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine. But if you are a perfectionist like the performance tuning specialists at performmaster, then you will want to put out even more on the road. So here are the details.

performmaster Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 - Rear View

Due to the application of a PEC Tuning Module, the duo now pumps out a lot more. In particular, the upgrade has been based upon an extra control unit with an OEM cable harness. But let’s speak about the result. The AMG GLE 63 is now capable of 702 hp (516 kW) and 940 Nm (693 lb-ft). The “performmastered” GLE 63 S shows the same horses, but the significant change is in the Newton meters that are 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft).

At last, we should also mention about the changed top speed. These SUV icons can now reach 300 km/h instead of the limited 250 km/h.

Source: performmaster

January 15, 2016

Mitsubishi eX Concept: A Leader in the SUV Electric Vehicle Design

Mitsubishi eX Concept Front View Mitsubishi eX Concept was premiered at the Tokyo Auto Show last year and it made the company even more popular due to its innovative take on the SUV Electric vehicle design and engineering. Thanks to its bold “shield” uni-body cocoons, those sitting inside are feeling comfortable and safe. In addition, its lower center of gravity of its high-capacity battery works very well with an integrated vehicle dynamics control system, thus resulting in great quality of the handling and unparalleled stability.

In other words, the eX Concept is actually an evolution of the popular EV technology mixed with the SUV allure. At the heart of the electric crossover is the next- generation EV system. It uses high-capacity and high-performance battery connected with high-output electric motors. As a result, the range reaches up to 400 km. Is the eX a Tesla competitor?

Due to the installation of the drive battery beneath the body, the center of gravity has been lowered, which results in many benefits. Together with its Twin Motor 4WD and S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control systems, it helps provide handling control which faithfully reflects driver inputs and excellent vehicle stability.

Mitsubishi eX Concept Interior

What can we say about the design of the concept? Well, it is definitely futuristic. It brings about thoughts of a sports crossover mixed with “something more luxurious”. All that in compact SUV lines. The front of the car expresses a new interpretation of MMC’s Dynamic Shield front design concept, while the back is a result of the futuristic imagination of the designers. One we know for sure here: both the interior and exterior design speaks very well of the design direction Mitsubishi is taking.

The SUV EV also features application of automated driving technology that combines connected car technology. This happens through the use of the next-generation information systems and advanced active safety technology. If there is a danger in the vicinity it utilizes its safety features and stops or minimizes the consequences of the accident. The vehicle is also equipped with functions which detect malfunctions or abnormalities early and of course advises the driver to go use the servicing.

Mitsubishi eX Concept was very well accepted at the Tokyo Motor Show. You can be also sure that the environment will applaud just as vigorously.

Mitsubishi eX Concept Exterior 1

Mitsubishi eX Concept Exterior 2

Mitsubishi eX Concept Exterior and Interior

Source: Mitsubishi

January 14, 2016

GeigerCars.de Introduces Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 to Europe

2016 GeigerCars.de Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Front View GeigerCars.de is a tuning company which is known as a source for good inspiration when it comes to muscle car. This time in their garage is the unique sixth-generation Shelby GT350 Mustang. The newest version of the popular ‘Eleanor’ (that starred in the blockbuster movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”), is actually paying tribute to the original Carroll Shelby from the 1965.

The benefits of this car are enormous, but probably the most important one is the special V8 sits under the GT350’s long bonnet. When compared to the original V8 Mustang motor, this one, being absolutely street legal and race-inspired, features a weight-optimized Flat-plane crankshaft with a 180-degree firing interval.

This allows the 5.2-litre Ti-VCT, 32-valve V8 to bring about higher revs, thus generating more power. As a result, the car produces 533 hp (392 kW) arrives at 7,500rpm, and the rev limiter cuts in at 8,250 rpm, while the peak torque of 582 Nm (420 lb-ft) is produced at 4,750 rpm. The Shelby GT350 also produces a throaty sound worthy of the aforementioned numbers.

2016 GeigerCars.de Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Side View

Six-speed manual Tremec gearbox puts this power to the rear wheels and a Torsen limited-slip differential helps for the best traction. All of this is backed up with the 10.5 and 11.0×19-inch alloy wheels mixed with 295/35ZR19 and 305/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, sports suspension, adaptive damping, huge Brembo brakes with 392 mm cross-drilled vented discs clamped by six-pot callipers in front, and 380 mm cross-drilled vented discs with four-pot callipers at the back.

Inside we see Recaro sports seats accompanied by premium sound system and other goodies.

Some of the most distinctive for the Shelby GT350 Mustang are also present, including bumper/spoiler combination, sculpted bonnet bulge, and the front wings with 35 mm wider front track. The back includes four-outlet sport exhaust with active valves as well a boot mounted spoiler lip.

2016 GeigerCars.de Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Rear View

Although this particular model isn’t very well distributed throughout the Old Continent, the good news is you can now purchase this beautiful car from the US car specialists GeigerCars.de. The prices are starting at 82,900 euros.

Source: GeigerCars.de

January 14, 2016

BMW Competition Package is About to Make Your M4/M3 Complete

BMW Competition Package on M4 BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible are receiving the best gift for the New Year. The drivers of those models will have the chance to enhance them with the unlimited (almost) BMW Competition Package. The additional equipment will not only make their car look sportier, but will also enhance the dynamics even further. This means that besides the extensive handling upgrades, the pack also adds styling features and raises the power output to 444 hp.

This extra power links of course to improved performance. When equipped with the optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT), the coupe and sedan sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than without Competition Package. On the other hand, the M4 Convertible reaches the same speed in 4.1 seconds with the same difference without the Competition Package.

BMW Competition Package

BMW Competition Package on M4 - Wheels

To go into details, the pack adds Adaptive M Suspension, which has been extensively tuned to the boost the performance and handling. It now includes brand new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and reconfigured driving modes, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Reconfigurations have been also happening to the standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).

Furthermore, if you opt for the Competition Package you will also get brand new wheels. Here we have forged and weight-and rigidity-optimized multi-spoke 20-inch M alloys coupled with tires sized at 265/30 R20 up front and 285/30 R20 at the rear.

BMW Competition Package on M4 - Interior

But the list of goodies does not end here. The M3 and M4 Coupe also get with the pack lightweight M sports seats and seatbelts with woven-in BMW M stripes. On the outside, the exterior highlights feature M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes. The exhaust is not only good looking but very well sounding.

The pack is also topped off by extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. Adding to the standard high-gloss Black finish on some parts, the customers will get gloss Black finish on the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail.

All of this will cost the M3 Coupe and M4 Sedan owners $5,500 USD, while the M4 Convertible $5,000 USD.