Lidia Todorova – Page 353 – Automobiles Review

Mercedess G-Class is now worthy of Cinderella

How do you think a modern carriage would look like nowadays? Of course it have to be worthy of modern prices and princesses. Studio VILNER has the answer and it lies not in the fairy-tale of Charles Perault, but in the magnificent Mercedes G-Class. When you open its door you’ll then plunge into the magical world of the VILNERs atelier.

What you’ll see here is that he interior is entirely made-over and it is definitely perfectly suitable for royalties. First of all the coupe is made with high-quality leather. The bright interior caresses the senses with its relief parts, which can be seen as well in the doors and the roof of the car. The roof itself is separated by a broad black band made from alcantara. As already mentioned the whole interior of the automobile “wears” leather, even the rearview mirror and the plastic elements of the seatbelts! VILNER has done a stunningly great work and has considered in the design all the details! Even more: the small elements of the interior stand out majestically because of the used sleek chrome! The light from the ceilings of vanity mirrors goes out of the round holes of the black alcantara.

No one cares how long the ride from Kingdom A to Kingdom B will take, we are sure that the passengers in this luxury Mercedes G-Class will feel undeniably comfortably. In addition they will have the opportunity to pamper their senses with music, coming out from the “Ground Zero” audio system. All this will happen in the additionally insulated coupe for much greater comfort!

At last but not least, the way will be well lighted thank to the new LED lights, which are especially designed by VILNER for more beautiful and magical fairy tale! Well done tuners!

Source: Vilner

December 7, 2011

2012 Smart For-Us Concept: The Rule-Breaker

Smart is as usual making grate challenges with the ideas that it have presented recently. And more precisely what I consider as a challenging idea is the vision of Smart for an urban pickup. This would probably be the best car not only for the young and people with active lives, but also for those who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space.

As usual the exterior dimensions of the car are designed the minimal possible: length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm. It is so small that it could almost go unseen on the loading area of a pickup. On the other hand this Smart includes state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor. The world-premier of the car will be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit between 14^th and 22d January 2012).

The aim of this Smart pick-up manufacturer is obviously to make them small on the outside and at the same time large on the inside Of course, not forgetting the safety and high comfortability.

The smart for-us is a mobility concept that will be perfect for bringing more flexibility in the city traffic. You might be amazed that it has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them! Moreover you can always charge you batteries thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us. What makes the Smart a special car it is the accessibility of destinations that are out of bounds for other cars. For instance this might be traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The smart for-us not only makes a powerful statement but also its appearance is achieving the one of the conventional mega-pickups. The body is shaped sensuously and with curved lines. Of course the large brand emblem can be proudly seen on the grille. Furthermore the front has a great three-dimensional design (which will immediately catch the attention) with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

Smart manufacturer has used the longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm). Therefore the track has been widened by 50 mm on each side. This also makes an emphasis of the robust look of the vehicle. Meanwhile the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it extremely compact. Furthermore the tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. All of this makes the cargo on the 900 mm cargo area very easily accessable.

However the interior is characterized by contrasts. For example it has the sleek and taut surfaces coloured in white and at the same time has the precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium. Moreover the whole cockpit enhances the aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. On the place of the rear-view mirror it has been placed an innovation: a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. In this way the driver can see the road behind them thank to the integrated video camera.

Smart for-us is definitely full of style and highly functional without being too complicated. Moreover what is really appealing is the fact that it is easy to individualise it. It includes two seats in the concept car which are typical for smart. At the same time the seat shells are open in the middle and are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw which will give the passengers a comfortable seating feel.

What has to be highlighted here is that the electric drive of the smart for-us! It is being based on the brand new drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be presented firstly in the spring of 2012. The 55 kW magneto-electric motor makes the Smart for-us is agile and lively to drive in the city! And not forgetting the 130 Newton metres of torque, which makes the Smart for-us a powerful, lag-free acceleration vehicle, which can overtake other automobiles at ease! To be more precise thee maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. And if you wonder about the power of the lithium-ion battery – it has the capacity of 17.6 kWh.

Source: Daimler

December 7, 2011

2013 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Since 1968 Ford’s Cobra Jet Mustang has achieved to make a legacy of power, performance and triumph. In 2008 this legacy was made anew with the limited run of the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang (of course it quickly sold out). Consequently the models of 2010 and 2012 are as popular as the previous ones, and moreover they are a proof for the continues Evolution of Ford Racing’s Turnkey Race Car Program

On Friday Dec. 2, Ford Racing unveiled their 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, Fla. The 2013 Cobra Jet went through three year period of testing, racing and customer feedback in order to continue the legacy. It was designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition. And we must say that the model is better than ever and features the latest drag racing technology for greater acceleration and consistency.

To be more precise the 2013 Cobra Jet offers two 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine options. Therefore every individual taste will be met. Namely, clients have the opportunity to choose a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high-lift cams and low-drag accessory drive, or a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharged version with CNC port-matched manifold and heads, and a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high-rpm use without belt slip.

Furthermore, there has been made improvements in the chassis of the 2013 Cobra Jet. What I mean are the modifications in the lightweight body, which give better weight distribution. On the other hand the electric power steering provides better drivability without parasitic horsepower loss. Additionally a new roll cage design has been optimized for safety and chassis rigidity. Not forgetting the brake pedal – its ratio has been revised as well in order to have more modulation and stopping power. The rear suspension geometry delivers faster and more consistent 60-foot times.

And if you wonder about the numbers of the price, the 2013 Cobra Jet is at best value, with an approximate MSRP of $86,000 (for the naturally aspirated engine option) and $93,000 (for the supercharged engine)

As usual, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang will be made by the United Auto Workers at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in June 2012, with delivery in the middle of the summer of 2012. The components of the vehicle will be available through Ford Performance Parts. This of course will allow racers to upgrade their Mustangs to Cobra Jet specifications.

Unfortunately 2013 Cobra Jet production is limited to only 50 units.

Source: Ford

December 7, 2011

2012 Fiat Doblo Cargo Price – £11 695

For the second time Fiat Doblò Cargo wins the Light Van of the Year award! The awards are due to its blend of economy, drivability and styling. For sure Fiat Doblo Cargo deserves the label “number one light van of the year” because of its efficiency in fuel-economy, appeal, durability and driving dynamics

The popular load-carrier won the last years both International Van of the Year and Fleet Van of the Year. The vehicle is available with a choice of four low emissions, Euro 4 and 5-specification engines. Moreover the manufacturers offer the new Doblò in eight different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Maxi SX, Combi, Combi Maxi, Platform Cab and Work Up . Undeniably this diversity will satisfy any individual taste.

To go further into details the engine line-up comprises a 1.4-litre 16v 95bhp/70kW petrol unit and three MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp/66kW), 1.6 (105bhp/77kW), and 2.0 (135bhp/99kW). And if you already wonder about the prices, the basic one is £11,695 for the Doblò Cargo 1.4 16v Petrol Euro 4), and or £12,515 for the Euro 5 version. A highlight that has to be also mentioned is the “Start&Stop” function which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the van to a complete halt. Of course it restarts it again when the driver wants to move off again. However this extra goes only with the Euro 5 versions thus improving them with 15 per cent fuel savings and a low CO2 figure from just 126g/km.

Source: Fiat

December 6, 2011

2012 Renault Kangoo VAN Z.E. Price – £16 990

Make a green difference in your life with Renault’s Electric KANGOO Van Z.E. The Van of the year 2012 will amaze you not only because of it high advancements but also because it is inconceivably efficient. The prices of this electric vehicle start from £16,990.00 and it is definitely worth it!

As you have already guessed the Z.E. stands for Zero Emissions, but this is not the only impressive detail about the vehicle. The Kangoo Van Z.E. comes with a 60 PS (44 kW/ 59 bhp) electric motor, which is producing 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. It also will have a range of 160 km (99 mi).

What is more important here is that for less than a fortnight after securing the International Van of the Year title, Renault’s 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E. has been crowned What Van? magazine’s Van of the Year. But this is not the end; Europe’s number one van brand also won in the category: Website of the Year.

As a reminder, the French marque has serious achievements during the last year, got four prestigious awards, including the Van of the Year gong for New Master.

Undeniably Renault KANGOO Van Z.E. is a pioneer in van technology, and we can affirm that it deserved the award. Moreover the price will make it affordable for the mainstream thus making the technology more common and utilized. We have to consider the “green” technology more seriously, haven’t we!

If you still wonder, Renault is the first manufacturer that produces electric vans. In addition, it also aims making them genuinely affordable for businesses and organizations of every type. Given all these facts the future of the electric vehicles seems brighter with every day. Not only because of their zero tailpipe emissions in use, but also because of their impressive performance, low running costs and more relaxed driving experience!

Source: Renault

December 6, 2011

2013 Dodge Dart Compact Car [teaser]

Dodge Dart [teaser] Front Angle
The upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart is going to be a state-of-the-art four-door sedan with refined and class-leading aerodynamics. At the core of the car lies the combination between Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge’s passion for performance. Hence you can certainly expect that the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that is firstly fuel-efficient, secondly beautifully designed and crafted, and lastly agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment.

The aim of the Dodge brand is to deliver high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style. This was made possible because of the unique combination of Alfa Romeo’s DNA and Dodge’s perfection in performance. First of all, an important note is that the all-new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture (adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta). The Giulietta is highly appreciated for its great performance according road-holding, agility and safety, combined with exceptional driving dynamics. The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened space delivering segment-leading levels of interior spaciousness. Furthermore the 68 percent of the body is composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. All that combined with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available 18-inch wheels, makes the Dart valuable in driving experience.

The design is undeniably eye-catching! First the exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology. The reason for that is of course the goal to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. In addition the personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders.

The new 2013 Dodge Dart is not only impressive by design but also with its powerful fuel efficient engines! It will be powered by three sophisticated four-cylinder engines. According to the individual like, drivers can select from a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices, are refining the performance by providing the most various powertrain lineups in their class. To go further into details there is a MultiAir technology that delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions. It allows direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion thus resulting in a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.

The all-new Dodge Dart will be made in America, at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. The all-new Dodge Dart has been designed with high levels of refinement, craftsmanship and engaging driving dynamics. There you’ll get all the extra photos and information about the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart.

Dodge Dart [teaser] - Rear Angle

Source: Dodge

December 6, 2011

Steinmetz Opel Astra GTC

Steinmetz has announced the new tuning program for the latest Opel Astra GTC. “Make good things even better,” the result of the claim can be seen in a range of sporting accessories that are guaranteed to the GTC stylish individualists.

The package includes both exterior and interior modifications. The aerodynamics body kit consists of a new front spoiler mounted on the front bumper, a black front grille and a sport exhaust system.

The stance is optimized by a set of lowering springs, which reduce the ride height by 30mm and huge 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires – 8.5J x 19” ET39 with 245/40-R19.

To complete the aggressive exterior look, Steinmetz offer door handle covers and mirror caps set in polished stainless steel shiny accents and body stripes.

The interior boasts an electronic speed indicator, Steinmetz foot mats with embroidered logo and stainless steel sill plates.

All parts have the necessary expertise or ABE and parts are manufactured in OEM quality

Source: Steinmetz

December 5, 2011

Testing the 2012 Porsche Carrera 911 [video]

Porsche has released an interesting video clip in YouTube, where they show how the new 911 model was developed.

The 2012 Carrera 911 comes with -new 7-speed manual gearbox. It is tested in extreme weather conditions from South Africa to Arctic Circle to show the quality of materials of the famous sports model. The new model is known the 991.

“One may ask, why a car must operate under conditions most owners would never dream of living in, let alone driving in. The reason is simple. Porsche is adamant in believing the measure of a Porsche is its ability to perform just as well here, as it would on a German autobahn, interstate highway in the U.S. or anywhere else a car’s owner might be. This is the Porsche standard.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS90XYXi1xg

Source: Porsche via Youtube

December 5, 2011

Senner Tuning 2012 BMW X6 – VISION à la Senne

The E71, which is commonly known as BMW X6 is a crossover familiar in the USA as SUV, called SAC and coupe by BMW. Since 2008, the BMW’s factory in Spartanburg began its serial production (this is in U.S. state of South Carolina). In addition, such production for the Asian region began in Avtotor in Russia’s Kaliningrad.

The Senner Tuning AG in Ingelheim company is has achieved great results in the Rhine-Hessen symbiosis of earth and the permanent presentation of different series heroes all over the world. This significant company has accepted the challenge to make their own vision for 2010 BMW X6 4.0D X-Drive Bi-Turbo. Hence, he alpine white athlete from the “Senner Tuning AG” house was born! The tuned car is equipped with 225 kW/306 hp and 600 Nm/442.8 lb-ft. Moreover, the car includes the abolition of the Vmax-lock with sport air filter and map adaptation to 247 kW/336 hp and 665 Nm/490,7 lb-ft.

Further modifications were made with the body, which has а BMW performance front bumper with large air intakes in the honeycomb design under the black kidney on the front side. In addition there is a rear diffuser with “special” fins. Not forgetting that there is also a tailgate and a rear spoiler. The tailpipes of the modified exhaust system are given apertures along the way.

To go further into details, the summer tires were manufactured by the boss Benno SENNER team, and precisely they are: front tires – Hamann Anniversary EVO Black Line of 10.5 x 22 inch with 295/30R22; rear tires – 12 x 22 inch with 335/30R22 tires Continental Sport Contact 5P. It has to be also mentioned that the automobile has Bilstein B8 shocks and springs with 25/20 mm lowering feature. Additionally, the lighting of the parking lights was transformed into white light. In the end, we must appreciate that even the tinted rear window and rear bumper corners were partially painted in body color.

At last, the interior gives the driver a pedal set which footrest X6M besides the Power Converter (tuning for the “electric acceleration pedal”). And you won’t get bored in this car, because the DVD movies may be freely watched by inmates during the traveling. The reconstruction cost is circa € 20000.00, depending on the choice of tires. Definitely, SENNER X6 has the minimalist tuning at the highest level (congrats to the designers), and on the other hand it provides an excellent service!

Source: Senner Tuning

December 5, 2011

Torpedo Run 2011: One of the last adventures of our time

Driving, action and having fun – the Torpedo Run is a horsepower-orgy Standing in the light of sports cars and luxury limousines, Torpedo Run – a horsepower-party – combines driving, action and having fun altogether! This is happening for the 7^th time and this time the goal is to promote it on daily events, while in the evening, exquisite gourmet pleasures pleased the sense of taste.

To be more precise the automobile party included participants from all over Europe. It lasted three days and led from Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, through the towns of Kitzbühel and Velden in Austria, till the Mediterranean Coast in Slovenia. What is to be highlighted is that this year’s program offered a new race-track with Formula 1 license, fast bobsled runs and an adventurous off-road excursion in steep mountains!

In these three days there could be seen enormous power and a pure sound party at the Torpedo Run 2011. For instance, you could see rare sports cars and exotics like Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster, Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lexus IS-F or an almost 600 hp/441 kW strong Mustang GT in muscle car design. Moreover, there were Porsches and compact sports cars such as BMW 1 Series M Coupé or Lotus Elise.

All these beauties were driven almost everywhere on this perfect occasion. In addition, the Torpedo Runners enjoyed a lot of nice corners and impressive landscapes with stunningly beautiful sights. The specific roads in the Alps made the Torpedo Run even more exciting and gave pure pleasure to the drivers!

Of course, there was a special arena – The new Red-Bull-Ring, where the Torpedo Runners were speeding on the new Red-Bull-Ring. This Ring is actually the Austria Ring or A1 Ring Red Bull, but more modernized and improved! Thank to it one could hear the sound of the engines and feel their power, while driving skillfully through the fast downhill corners.

A lot of adrenalin got produced these three days: the Torpedo Runners drove down a mountain in a 3535 meters long roller coaster with steep turns and “jumps” with descents of up to 6 meters! Even more, they experienced the legendary Olympic bobsleigh run of Innsbruck. With around 100 kph, the teams sped down the 14 corners on the 1270 meters long run!

On the other hand the Torpedo Runners switched cars to off-road cars! They enjoyed “off-roading” a mountain in the Alps. The route wasn’t a light one and led over a bumpy and narrow gravel road with tight corners, which have been built into the sheer mountain inclination. This is one of the most difficult itineraries in the Alps; however the Torpedo Runners performed their best!

The Torpedo Run 2011 was definitely great fun for all of the participants. It was mentioned as one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. The result is that all of the participants are eagerly looking forward to the next Torpedo Run 2012! The great news is that everyone can join it, but hurry up because the reservations have already started at www.torpedorun.com! The next 2012 Torpedo Run will take place on an extended weekend in September.

December 5, 2011

The most expensive car crash in the world

8 Ferraris, 2 Mercedes and a Lamborghini in collision in Tokio

The most expensive collision of cars in history just happened in Tokio, Japan. In it were involved 14 luxury automobiles: eight Ferraris, two Mercedes and one Lamborghini. The other cars involved were Nissan and Toyota vehicles. The estimated worth of the crashed automobiles is over $4000000.

The accident happened on the highway, where a sports car admirer lost control over his own Ferrari because of the humidity of the road. Changing the lanes, he spun back across the highway and ended up in making an expensive freeway pileup. Fortunately no one is badly hurt and there are nod lethal cases thank to the good safety systems of the cars. However, the accident made really serious damages to the luxury cars and their recovery is impossible.

Among the smashed cars were two Ferrari F430s, two Ferrari F355s, two Ferrari 360Modenas and a Lamborghini Diablo.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAtelRZCFWc

December 5, 2011

Celebrities and Mercedes-Benz [part 2]

Nicole Scherzinger and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Nicole Scherzinger drives the exceptional Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. This sport car is dynamic and full of emotion (I bet Nicole is too), and all this is because of the AMG 8-cylinder engine with larger displacement. The effect is the development of the whole 525 hp (386 kW) and torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft). The AMG SPEEDSHIFT delivers its innovative 7-speed sports transmission, with which Miss Scherzinger won’t be late for any concert! Nicole’s taste is a great one and obviously she is into cars, which combine the sportiness and spontaneity of a manual gearbox with the comfort of an automatic transmission. This will undeniably ensure that she got all the driving a pleasure! Oh and not to forget the price of the car: it costs around $133000.

Nicole Scherzinger - Mercedes SL63 AMG — Nicole Scherzinger – Mercedes SL63 AMG

Denise Richards and Mercedes-Benz GL450

The ex-wife of Charlie Sheen obviously has admirations for bigger cars. She has paid for this beautiful SUV the amount of $80000. For this sum she got one of the best-looking SUV that Mercedes builds. Moreover this car has the luxury V-8 with three rows of seating. However we give an advice to the superstar, which is to look forward to the future with more ”eco”-eyes. This is very easily achievable, because Mercedes offers a very smart diesel – GL320 BlueTec. With it Denise will have the opportunity to show that she cares for the environmental well-being of the planet, just like her colleague – Christina Applegate (for more information see part 1 of the article).

Denise Richards - Mercedes-Benz GL450 — Denise Richards – Mercedes-Benz GL450

Patrick Dempsey

The next celebrity that caught our attention is the movie star from Grey’s Anatomy – Patrick Dempsey. He has not only one, but two vehicles caring the brand of Mercedes-Benz. We are absolutely sure that he enjoy every summer driving his retro convertible, which adds more to his fabulous status! Unfortunately, he has kept the details about the price for himself. Moreover, he not only got the pleasure to drive this cabriolet, but also enjoys driving another Mercedes car. And this is Mercedes SLS AMG. Here, this “joy” has cost him the amount of $200000. And compared to Eddie Murphy we must confirm that he is more into sport type of vehicles. We also have to highlight the unique design of the automobile (see the Gullwing doors), and to mention the 6.3 V8-powered AMG engine (420 kW/571 hp) that this lovely car has! Applauses for Dempsey!

Gerard Butler and Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

Even the Scottish star enjoys driving a Mercedes, and more importantly – a special one! This is Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID – the ultimate combination of eco and luxury car! The vehicle is also special because it is the first hybrid from Mercedes. Butler has paid for this environmental-friendly car the sum of $90000. And if you wonder about the engine in this S-Class Sedan, it is being powered by a hybrid system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas one. The high–power profile of Mercedes is maintained exactly by this hybrid system. In addition the electric-gas combo delivers a total output of 295 horsepower (217 kW), which are channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Definitely Mr. Butler got our admirations for this “green” ride!

Gerard Butler - Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID — Gerard Butler – Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

[part 1]

December 5, 2011

Author: Lidia Todorova