Lidia Todorova – Page 5 – Automobiles Review

Chelsea Truck Company and Kahn Design impress with Defender London Motor Show Edition

The iconic Defender gets exclusive stylish upgrades

Billing Land Rover Fest happened a week ago at Northampton’s Billing Aquadrome, and there were many interesting cars to view. A real jewel among them is the featured Land Rover Defender, which was on display at Kahn’s stand. In the project took also part the specialists at Chelsea Truck Company, thus making it stand out even more. So, the showcased iconic Defender 90 includes vast range of stylish interior and exterior updates. Here are the details.

Exterior

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC rear view

On the outside the extinct vehicle is painted in Santorini Black. At the front, it features Kahn’s special front bumper with Tron lighting, Satin Black sump guard fitted alongside the X Lander front grille. And have you spotted the mesh hood vents?

On the opposite side the rear is governed by the very special edition of the Chelsea Truck Company’s spare wheel cover. Both the front and rear include Satin Black wide wings with body colored arches, integrated vents and exposed bolt apertures. The twin cross-hair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps serve to improve the aesthetics of the Defender.

Continuing with the sides of the vehicle, we see a set of 20-inch Mondial wheels in Volcanic Black fitted with 275/55/20 tires. Behind the wheels there are burnt Orange Metallic brake calipers.

Interior

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC interior

Luxurious Hield fabric is what covers the cabin of the vehicle. The material covers the front GTB and rear folding seats, making the Defender one-off and a true collector’s item. In addition, the centre glove box has been hand trimmed as are the passenger dashboard, top handles, door panels, instrument binnacle and the front door cards. The rev counter has been specifically designed to make the model not only unique but also more appealing.

The other interior upgrades featured here include a Churchill time clock, billet and leather steering wheel, 4 speed auto gear box and vented machined aluminium foot pedals, upgraded satellite navigation system and a reverse camera.

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC is limited to one unit only, making it a collectible. It is currently on sale for £79,995.

Source: Kahn Design

August 8, 2016

Eibach competes WRC with the release of 350 HP Ford Focus RS

Eibach Ford Focus RS impresses with cool tuning pack and a lot of horsepower

Eibach has achieved something that even the WRC team hasn’t. We are talking about their latest project, involving the Focus RS. Its 2.3 litre Eco-Boost four-cylinder engine is now capable of 350 HP (257 kW), as the number plate on the vehicle highlights. In other words, this hot compact car has even more horses than the equivalent WRC rally car.

After the team at Eibach ensured that the horsepower is enough, it then focused on the cornering capability of this Ford, thus enhancing further its performance. Precisely, the tuners fitted Pro-Kit Performance Springs, bringing the Focus RS 20 millimetres closer to the ground. Next to the improved optics, the springs also reduce diving when braking as well as the rolling tendency of the body when cornering is happening.

The next step is the installation of the in-house made aluminum Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers, ensuring there is more stable tracking as well as a masterful appearance. Eibach Anti-Roll-Kit rounds out the suspension package, while the Performance Stabilizer Bars reduce rolling and pitching during cornering.

Eibach Ford Focus RS rear view

HJS specialists are also involved in this exclusive project as they offered tuning catalytic converter. It is the perfect addition to any type of sport exhaust system, providing 35 % reduction in exhaust backpressure. OZ and Michelin are also included in the project, offering Pilot Super Sport and the Cup version in the size 235/35 ZR19 on the wheel design 19-inch Leggera HLTs.

At last, but not least of importance, this road vehicle with 350 HP has received rally livery and as you can see the design is very cool! It is actually the official M-Sport design. Those of you, who already got impressed and are intending to visit the Essen Motor Show (26 November – 4 December) this year, can go see there the car live.

Source: Eibach

August 8, 2016

Which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads? Ford answers in exclusive video series [part two]

Europe's Greatest Driving Roads by ford Ford and BP/Castrol have answered which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads via special video series. We have followed them until number 4 (check out in the link below), and now it is time to reveal the last two tracks that the car journalist Steve Sutcliffe has picked for you. Traveling across Europe can be very exciting, especially when you are on four wheels and well prepared. Since the summer has already started, this is one good way to spend it traveling around Europe, and we promise that it not only would be worth it, but it will leave you with unforgettable memories.

“Europe’s Greatest Driving Roads”, is a video project, which explores six of the most exclusive pathways that could be found on the Old Continent. If you wonder how the routes were chosen, the answer is – with a ranking by the thrill factor they offer, the road surface, the accessibility and hospitality, the scenery as well as the food and drink after the drive. The lucky one to pick up those six tracks is the well-known car journalist Steve Sutcliffe, who has actually covered nearly 10,000 miles in 12 months to identify the most breath-taking drives! A dream job, isn’t it?

In short, the list features five countries: Romania, France, Germany, Spain (with two routes) and the United Kingdom. And the performance cars included in the videos are delivered by Ford, including the Mustang GT, Focus RS and Fiesta ST. What we have seen so far are the first route in Spain, the one in Romania as well as those in the UK and France. Here are the last two you need to know about.

GERMANY, B500, Black Forest Highway

httpv://youtu.be/BFDiQJ0Bmts

The B500 is 40 km long and it is positioned in the middle of the enchanting Black Forest. Sutcliffe says that these are some of the most challenging kilometers he has ever driven. However, he also proudly confirms that they are worth the effort. In this video, he drives the Ford Focus ST TDCI Estate. You will fall in love with every corner of this great driving road!

MALLORCA, MA10, Mountain Road

httpv://youtu.be/0P2k9lRsWOw

Here, Steve says that it’s not just the road but the history, which makes Mallorca’s MA10 extremely intriguing. The road is fun to ride on, especially if you are in Focus ST like Sutcliffe. It features tunnels, passes across lakes and over rocky bridges. But in the middle of the MA10 sits a 13^th century Sanctuary de Lluc monastery, which defines this amazing piece of road.

These roads are for people who love cars and love driving, but also want to make an amazing road trip. So, what are you waiting for?

Source: Ford via YouTube

July 29, 2016

Here is why 1935 Datsun Type 14 is of remarkable historical importance

1935 Datsun Type 14 front view

1935 Datsun Type 14 might actually look like other cars from the 30s but it isn’t. It is way more than that! The Type 14 is an unusual machine, with potent 15 PS for its time and a remarkable history. If it wasn’t born back then, then we wouldn’t have Nissan nowadays.

We must admit that Datsun is kind of strange name, but its origin has an interesting history. The company Kwaishinsha created the DAT (where “DAT-sun” came from) was founded in 1911 by Mr. Hashimoto. He had a dream to make cars that were suited for the Japanese market and to export them. 1914 marked the birth of his first small 2-cylinder 10-horsepower car. For it, he borrowed the initial letters of the surnames of his three investors: K. Den, R. Aoyama, and M. Takeuchi, and respectively the name “DAT” appeared on the automotive scene.

Almost two decades later Kwaishinsha combined forces with Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., thus forming the Dat Jidosha Seizo Co. Its main purpose during those years was to produce military vehicles. However, in 1931 the brand “opened a new door”, developing a new passenger car with 500cc engine capacity and 10 horsepower. It embodied the DAT spirit, but was more compact than the original. Hence it required new name: DATSON, or the “Son of DAT”. However, Japanese people are very superstitious and because in their language “son” means “loss”, they decided to changed it to “SUN”…for brighter way to put things out. The car went eventually on sale a year later.

1935 Datsun Type 14

In 1934 is the ecstatic moment in history when the Jidosha-Seizo Co. became Nissan Motor Co., simultaneously starting a full-scale production. The first car of the new company that came off the line was the Datsun Type 14. It was powered by a brand new 15 HP with 722cc capacity. In addition, it had something that previous generations didn’t: the rabbit mascot created by the designer Ryuichi Tomiya.

Type 14 never made it outside the Japanese market, but there was the option of shipping it to the owner, if he could afford it. This is the case of the here presented example of the 1935 Type 14, which was transported to Britain by the car manufacturing magnate Sir Herbert Austin, the creator and owner of Austin Motor Company. He wanted to inspect every detail for possible patent violation because the car looked similar to the Austin 7 Ruby. No action was ever taken by him, but what was left was a never registered car put into storage.

The good new is that this historically significant vehicle is now part of UK’s National Motor Museum collection. So, if you are in the vicinity, go witness history!

Source: Datsun via Nissan

July 28, 2016

KW Automotive modernizes the iconic Honda S2000

KW Honda S2000 side view

It is the Honda S2000, which is responsible fro bringing such excitement in enthusiasts as no other car in the industry. Well, many might argue about that, but the Japanese roadster is one of the icons out there which thrills the spirits as it has just came off the production line. Because of its key assets, it is still valued as one of the best cars out there. Not to mention its continuous use for races, drags and etc.

This Honda was built from 1999 to 2009 and it was mainly famous (and still is) for its stiff chassis and short shift paths. What is more, it had the ability to rev up to 9000 RPM from its 241 hp or 247 hp strong VTEC two-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

But what would happen if we dare to customize the innate capabilities of the S2000. If done correctly, it could further strengthen the core qualities of the car, right? Let’s see what the team of Christian Scmidt has done to improve its driving dynamics.

KW Honda S2000 rear view

He and his mates at KW Automotive and ST Coilovers, decided to add various types of coil-over, which perfectly fit the all S2000’s, including the local versions Type S, GT, Club Racer and the facelift. There are actually two coilover kits available: the ST X and ST XTA. Both lower the ride height of the car by 55 mm, but the latter comes with adjustable top mounts and high-performance dampers.

Making the ride of the Honda S2000 sportier or more comfortable, the ST suspensions coilover kits take every curve more direct and holds firmly to the road. This also means that bumps and typical transverse joints for bridges are damped easily by the kit.

KW is also offering the option of adding ST wheel spacers for more performance-infused attitude. The ST DZX wheel spacers come with multi hole circle bores, and they enable to widen the track per wheel in 2.5 mm-steps from 5 to 25 mm. On the other hand, the ST AZX wheel spacers, offer a wider track of 25 to 35 mm, which can be reached in 5 mm steps.

Well, whoever’s driving the car on the images seems pretty satisfied by the applied changes, doesn’t he?

Source: KW Automotive

July 27, 2016

How to make your Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG stand out even more with a single step

OXIGIN offers simple way to boost the appearance of the GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE has been revealed last summer and it immediately became the rival of the popular BMW X6. Sharing even almost the same exterior, both large SUVs are now becoming strong part of the automotive market. Nearly five meters long and having over two-tons of weight, the GLE Coupé makes a strong visual impact with its sleek and fastback proportions. For this reason, people are looking for ways to enhance their cars, and if you have to think of the simplest one, it is of course – changing the wheels.

The alloy wheel specialists at OXIGIN, have the perfect offer: they have created various good-looking wheel designs to fill out the big arches of the massive GLE. On the images you will see in the gallery the AMG vaiant of the SUV, has been equipped with 10.5 and 11.5×21-inch sized wheels in classic five-spoke OXIGIN 18 Concave design. They also sport Black Full Polish finish and are shod with appropriate tires sized 275/45ZR21 and 315/40ZR21 at the front and rear, respectively.

Oxigin Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG wheel

By the way, OXIGIN 18 Concave can be specified in other dimensions ranging from 7.5×17-inch, through 18, 19, 20 and 21-inch, and culminating in the massive 10.0 and 11.5×22-inch sizes. In addition, to make the GLE even brighter, the specialists are offering various variants of finish options besides the Black Full Polish. These include Black and Graphite Full Polish, Extra Colour finishes, Colour Polish, Neon and Bicolour finishes.

Among the wide range of alloys and besides everything, the driver of this GLE AMG will enjoy the V6 petrol engine with a direct injection, which delivers 367 HP (270 kW) at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) at 1400-4000 rpm. It is mated to a DYNAMIC SELECT transmission, which has a SPORT+ mode offering exceptional driving qualities and bringing high levels of adrenaline.

Source: OXIGIN

July 26, 2016

Got an old Volvo XC60? Here’s three ways of improving its suspension

BILSTEIN Volvo XC60 side view

Volvo began the production of the XC60 eight years ago. Ever since that starting point, the SUV still remains highly popular for the strength, durability and comfortability it offers. Bu the way, exactly this model has been awarded several times for being the “best-selling premium SUV in Europe”, including in 2015.

In June, Polestar Performance has offered an optimization for the new generation of Volvo XC60. It also made an improvement to other five key areas: throttle response, gearshift hold, agility, speed and overall more aggressive on-road behavior.

Besides these good news for the future XC60 customers, many owners of older model variants, which have a lot of miles on the clock, requiring shock absorbers to be replaced in many cases. Often people want to upgrade to a sportier handling feel, too. For these two reasons, BILSTEIN have developed different spare parts and upgrade options for the Volvo XC60. This includes substitution of conventional parts and improvement of the standard parts.

Precisely, there are three suspension kits B4, B6 and B12. The first one is gas-pressure shock absorber, which makes sure that there is maximum safety through high performance reserves, constant damping under any load, high traction and precise handling.

The B6 damper on the other hand is the one offering better quality and providing optimum performance and comfort through added damping and an extremely long service life. At last, the B12 complete suspension system offers the perfect combination of sporty dynamics, impressive design and highly durable performance. But there’s a reason behind this: it has been developed during driving tests in cooperation with springs manufacturer Eibach.

Source: BILSTEIN

July 25, 2016

Volkswagen Golf or Scirocco? Ingo Noak can’t decide so it tunes both

Ingo Noak Tuning releases wide body kits for both the Scirocco and Golf models

Ingo Noak Tuning isn’t a car company which we hear about very often. Maybe this is the reason why the tuners have surprised us with two tunings on different Volkswagen models. Obviously, the experts couldn’t decide, which one they prefer: the imposing Scirocco, or the athletic Golf. We can’t make this choice either, so we appreciate the efforts done here.

Basically, the specialists from Northern Germany have created high standard custom body kits for the duo. What the couple shares in common is the Ingo Noak Tuning’s wide body conversions, which has been made of high quality ABS plastic in combination with glass-fibre parts.

Some of the highlights of the wide body kit include in-house made wheel arch flares with racecar-style fixing screws, carbon spoiler lip and Cup side skirts. There is also something that the tuner calls R bodykit, which includes extended wheel arches that house the 20-inch diameter wheels. By the way the latter are pushed right to the edges by the new spacers, thus delivering low, wide and purposeful stance.

Ingo Noak Volkswagen Golf front and side view

At the back of the car we see new carbon-look underbody diffusers and massive 100mm outlets of the North Exhaust stainless steel exhaust system. Although both models come riding on 20-inches, the Golf sits Advance Wheels AV2.0 alloys wrapped in 265/25R20 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres, while the Scirocco’s big arches are filled by Keskin KT14 wheels with red painted centers and polished flanges, and are shod with the same as Golf’s tyres.

At last, both models have received ST coilover suspension, which drops the ride height further.

These wide body Wolfsburgers are high class, aren’t they?

Source: Ingo Noak Tuning

July 21, 2016

Ford GT under extensive wind tunnel testing before official release [w/video]

Ford is franticly preparing to release the best car in its range

Ford GT is making WOWs every time it appears, be it even on your computer screen. By the way, its development continues unabated, and everyone is impatiently expecting to see the market debut of the carbon fiber supercar before the end of this year. In other words, the expectations are high and Ford is really making great efforts not to disappoint fans and future customers. Ford GT will probably be the best car in company’s line-up, because it is an example which features the best of Ford: efficient EcoBoost engines, light-weight, aerodynamics, functional design and active airflow management.

The video below shows company’s engineering supervisor, Nick Terzes, who takes us behind the scenes. The scenery is shot in the Wind Tunnel 8 in Allen Park, Michigan, and this is exactly where the Ford GT pre-production prototype is currently undergoing wind tunnel testing.

What happens in the footage below? It previews one of the multiple sessions to prove out the extensive computer aided aerodynamic models with physical wind tunnel data. The airspeed approach is 125 mph (200 km/h). Terzes says that the “prime reason we come to the tunnel is to get the actual physical data on the vehicle” as well as to look at its “interior wind-noise acoustics, and the aerodynamics.”

The clip displays the active rear wing, which is a substantial part of a suite of active aerodynamic features on the 2017 Ford GT. It not only improves performance, but also plays crucial role in the stability and efficiency.

Terzes also reveals some important and interesting facts: “One of the great things about this car, as dynamic and beautiful as the design is, every single opening has a purpose on the car. So If you see a large grille, if you see a scoop, it’s wasn’t just put there to look good. It was put there because it has a function.”

See for yourself!

Source: Ford

July 20, 2016

What it takes to have a life-long passion for vintage Bentleys. Petrolicious answers [w/video]

William Medcalf Vintage Bentley video William Medcalf is a world-renowned vintage Bentley specialist, who has been a subject of this featured video. The film experts at Petrolicious created an evocative film, which perfectly captures the spirit of Medcalf and gives hint into what drives his passion for vintage Bentleys. At the same time, we are sure that it would be the most beautiful video you have watched lately. With its fantastic cinematography (nods to the photographer/s) it not only pleases the senses, but also entertains the viewer and shows exactly how these cars are best used.

Filmed in the Sussex countryside, the 10-minute long piece actually shows the area surrounding Medcalf’s workshop and headquarters in Liss. Why this is so important? Because the location provides the perfect driving roads and also previews England at its very best.

In short, in the video you will hear William’s story about his eternal passion for vintage Bentleys. He also gives some hints of how he thinks cars should be driven today. At one point he actually says that “Anything with wheels should be raced. Everything with wheels should be driven to the limit”. Fair enough!

What is more, in the piece he will also take you on a tour of William Medcalf Vintage Bentley, thus giving you an insight into why his workshop is regarded as the only place to go for vintage Bentleys. He also reveals some surprising secrets of these famously durable and sporting cars. A trained machinist who knows vintage Bentleys better than anyone else, take a look at William Medcalf and his devotion to his life-long passion.

httpv://youtu.be/-Fi_Oe-54Ac

Source: William Medcalf & Petrolicious via YouTube

July 20, 2016

Racing One’s Ferrari is stronger on the race-track with these special LOMA GT COMPETITION rims

Ferrari 458 Italia gets on-track support with one-off LOMA wheels

One of the most triumphant Ferrari-teams in the world is Racing One. Besides leaving nothing to chance, in order to always achieve success they also are updating constantly and developing their innate strengths. By the way, Racing One is a serial winner of the VLN Endurance Championship and it is also an organizer of number of track days.

One of their secrets is that the team is counting on the use of forged wheels made by LOMA. Well, it might sound a little bit strange, but here is why this is so important. The latest developed forged wheel by LOMA is called GT COMPETITION. Its benefits are the innovative spokes ergonomic design, which allows mechanics to change the wheels even faster during critical pit stops. In addition, another advantage is that the spokes fit perfectly into the hand, thus delivering safer and quicker wheel change.

Not to mention that they are also light in weight. This is absolutely necessary for the competitive capabilities of the car. An interesting fact is that this particular rim type was designed and tested specifically for the Ferrari for about two years. The goal was to achieve incomparable result.

LOMA Ferrari 458 Italia GT COMPETITION side view

Since they are only used as racing rims, LOMA GT COMPETITION are totally custom and they are not mass produced, so you can’t buy them in the local shop. What is more, the offsets can be produced as needed, so that they can enhance the track of a vehicle, while the tire pressure can be aligned with high precision, thus allowing more constant performance.

LOMA is currently offering the GT COMPETITION racing rim in 18- or 19-inch size for all Ferrari 458 of the GT-class and for the Ferrari Challenge models.

Source: LOMA Wheels

July 19, 2016

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible or Coupe: PIECHA Design makes both look better than ever

Marcus PIECHA takes his hands on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible and Coupe 207 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 207 Series was released seven years ago, but it brought back the memories of the timeless and elegant 124 convertible and coupe. PIECHA Design is obviously making an offensive to tune Mercedes models, which were famous back in the days. So, what we have here is an interesting variant of the pre-facelift models (those released before 2013), which have the characteristic “rectangular” eyes.

The extensive modular visual package brings about an exciting racing look. Needless to say, the unique bodywork is an elegant extension of the innate AMG looks. So, if you own one and you think it is time for refreshment, maybe this article comes at the perfect time. Let’s see what we have here.

The front and rear get RS styling with the mighty front lip with its integrated air splitter and the rear diffusor insert. More aero-dynamism and assertiveness is thus assured. The top-stretching air box renders the air current beneath the car, while the rear appears flatter and racier, due to the addition of a three-part rear spoiler, which also highlights its width.

PIECHA Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe rear view

Furthermore, the designers added wheel spacers of various sizes and sport-type springs. The latter are 15-20mm shorter than the original ones. There is something very important about the rear of the car: the diffuser insert has been optimized by Marcus Piecha himself in order to fit in the legendary QUADRO 4-pipe exhaust. At its end, the chrome-plated tailpipes add auspicious visuals for the growling sound that come out of the exhaust.

At last, there are several types of wheels for these Mercedes models: at the top are the silver or black 20-inch MP5-LXM alloys. However, if you are keen on smaller rims, then there are available the equally stylish 19-inch MP1-Monoblocks in titanium or black.

Source: PIECHA Design

July 18, 2016

Author: Lidia Todorova