Lidia Todorova – Page 6 – Automobiles Review

Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged under dyno testing [w/video]

2016 Dodge Viper equipped with Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged upgrade get chassis dyno testing

The latest video we have received from Hennessey Performance is showing how the specialists perform a chassis dyno testing on their latest variant of the 2016 Dodge Viper equipped with the Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged upgrade. The video is featured below so that you can enjoy that sweet growling sound of the updated powertrain.

By the way, Hennessey Performance’s Venom GT Spyder has been officially certified by Racelogic as world’s fastest convertible. Back in April it achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph (427.4 km/h). Thanks to this, Hennessey added another milestone to its list of awards. Back in 2014, the company has made a spectacular record-breaking speed of the hardtop Hennessey Venom GT, during which it reached a top speed of 270.4 mph (435.3 km/h).

The here presented Viper features company’s so called Venom 800 Supercharger, which helps the engine achieve equally spectacular results. First, the power has jumped to 808 hp (594 kW) at 6,200 rpm, while the torque to 1070 Nm (790 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm. In terms of performance, the 0-60 mph acceleration sprint is covered in 2.9 seconds, while the ¼ mile is reached in 10.5 seconds at 143 mph.

Hennessey Dodge Viper Venom 800 Supercharged rear view

These fantastic results are due to the addition of a high-flow supercharger system with 5 psi boost pressure, additional air to the air intercooler system, extra high flow fuel injectors and brand new stainless steel 3 inch exhaust system.

Besides the cool engine upgrades, Hennessey is also offering some design tweaks for the Viper, which show its significance and custom individuality. We are speaking of the Hennessey and Venom® 800 & Supercharged emblems for the exterior, the serial numbered dash & engine plaques as well as the premium floor mats.

Enough talk! Are you ready to hear some noise?

httpv://youtu.be/QGuRwgbfXPg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey Performance

July 18, 2016

Single malt Jaguar XJ by Vilner is infused with aristocratism and individuality

Vilner makes substantial interior changes to the 2005 Jaguar XJ

This Jaguar XJ by Vilner has rather strange nick name, “single malt”, which as many of you might now is a type of alcohol. But there is a good reason for that, and it is the aristocratic club atmosphere of this XJ. If it is true that the car actually resembles the owner, then the driver of this Jag XJ has high noble traits. But could a car, an object, really say something about its possessor? Let’s find out.

The basis of this project is the beautiful 2005 Jaguar XJ with 300 hp (221 kW) and 420 Newton meters (310 lb-ft) of torque. The car has extremely sentimental value for its owner, who not only keeps it in perfect condition, but also takes care for it as a part of the family. At one point however, this wasn’t enough and the aristocratic owner wanted to do something more for his Jaguar-jewel. Therefore he contacted the luxury Bulgarian based Art Studio Vilner for help. And he obviously came to the right place.

What he wanted was a fine combination of vintage shades, warmth and a hint of the atmosphere of whiskey and cigars club. The aim was achieved with materials of the highest quality: white-striped beige Alcantara as well as soft brown vintage leather.

Vilner Jaguar XJ Single Malt interior pic two

Besides the central parts of the seats and doors, the striped Alcantara upholstery has been given to the transmission tunnel and sun visors. Traditionally, the steering console is made of hard plastic, but now it is reinforced with brown Alcantara. On the other hand, the design theme of the steering wheel, dashboard and almost the entire interior is made of vintage brown leather, stitched with contrasting white thread. Even the plastic mechanisms of the seat belts have been wrapped with the same material.

The owner wanted to preserve all wooden elements, so Vilner incorporated them in their design vision for the XJ. At last, on the headrests you see the embroidery of the family crest, which somehow seems to add uniformity and completeness of this important Jaguar. As a compliment, the studio has created a special bag made entirely in the style of the car, and this tradition seems to become a trademark of Vilner’s.

The conclusion: a car can really say a lot about its owner as it has been exemplified with this project. And this is because he has treated the Jaguar not as a useful object, but as a substantial part of the family that has own personality. By the way, the fact that this XJ is in the family for more than ten years speaks a lot.

Source: Vilner

July 15, 2016

One-off Jeep Wrangler Sahara in Black Clearcoat is Kahn’s next masterpiece

Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company unveil limited edition Jeep Wrangler Sahara that is available to buy

Did we miss something last Friday? Yes. If you follow us regularly, then you know that on this day of the week we are posting our dose of Kahn Design’s tunings. What we have for you today is a project based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR. Chelsea Truck Company has also participated, thus making this limited edition truly limited.

Exterior

On the outside, the Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE immediately catches the eye with its effervescent Black Clearcoat paint scheme. After the initial amazement, one begins to notice that there is more that has been done on this vehicle. For instance, at the front the two new shadow chrome headlights find their selves on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial mesh.

The rear is governed by the Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, while the sides are dominated by the door handles, mirrors and the fuel filler cap. The dramatic appearance is rounded out by the set of 17-inch Jeep 1941 DC wheels in Satin Black fitted with beefy 245/75/17″ tyres. Not forgetting to mention that behind the wheels there are new brake calipers finished in Liquid Red, while the mud flaps entirely complete the stunning exterior.

Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE interior

Behind the privacy tinted glass one finds wondrous interior. The upholstery is made of quilted and perforated Black Leather and features Silver Contrasting stitching. Even the centre glove box, arm rests and roof lining were made in the same design style. Below the waistline there are vented foot pedals in machined aluminium, door entry sill plates in stainless steel and mud flaps.

By the way, unlike many other Kahn projects, this particular Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR CTC CJ300 LE edition can be ordered. In case you are interested, the price is £31,975.

Source: Kahn Design

July 15, 2016

Another Crystal added to the range of LARTE Design’s exclusive Mercedes-Benz projects

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

LARTE Design is going to reveal a brand new Crystal model at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) in August. If we have to compare the GLS with a “standard” Mercedes car, then it most certainly will be the S-Class. Both are inarguably very impressive.

However, the aforementioned duo is still “mass-production” and offers no or little individuality. LARTE Design has answered the prayers of the uniqueness-seekers with the release of a brand new tuning kit for the GLS. Exactly this package will be premiered at the event, and we can’t wait to see more real life pictures of it, because it promises to be really cool.

So basically, the set consists of a new front and rear bumpers, which feature the bonus of carbon fibre inserts. As you can see on the images, the rear of the car has been designed to look very massive, but at the same time sporty and aggressive. It also sports new air diffuser, four unusual exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber in the form of various parts.

The front, of which we don’t have any pictures, includes brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill with big LARTE horseshow logo. By the way, the new side pads are evocative of LARTE Design’s amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal, and this is why it is the successor of the Crystal family. What is more, the tuner is saying that there will be carbon shielded air intakes at the fenders.

This is the preliminary information we have about this new tuning, but we hope to receive some more details at a later time. Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta.

Moscow International Automobile Salon opens gates on 24^th of August and closes on 4^th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: Larte Design

July 14, 2016

Audi R8 Spyder V10 is one step closer to your garage

Audi is taking first pre-orders for the R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10 made its debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show in March. Now it is time for the first wanna-be owners to make probably the most important step in their lives and purchase the model. The car is exceptional.

It is driven by the 5.2 FSI engine, which produces 540 hp (397 kW) and delivers 540 Newton meters (398.3 lb-ft) of torque, thus accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.6 seconds. The top speed is of 318 km/h (197.6 mph). And the benefit of the open-top experience the car offers is that the driver can enjoy the sound of the engine, when driving with the soft top folded back.

Another advantage of the R8 V10 Spyder is that it is based on the new Audi Space Frame in combination with the aluminum components and structurally-integrated carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. This is important because it accounts for better performance and improved torsional rigidity by 50 percent. In addition, the new lightweight construction results in a curb weight of the supercar of just 1,720 kilograms (3,792.0 lb), whilst its dry weight comes in mere 1,612 kilograms (3,553.9 lb). Thanks to this, the car actually uses ten percent less fuel!

Audi R8 Spyder V10 side view

Speaking of the engine, we forgot to mention that it is connected to the seven-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers power to the newly developed quattro drive system. Depending on the driving situation, the entire power can be directed to either the front or rear wheels.

Of course, all functions are driver-oriented, allowing the driver to keep their hands firmly on the steering wheel and eyes focused on the road. If one asks about the important information, it is displayed on a 12.3-inch fully digital Audi virtual screen, showing everything in cool 3D graphics. In fact, the R8 Spyder is also smart-phone connected, being the first model to feature the Audi smartphone interface.

LEDs with newly developed laser technology are lightning up the way, especially for those who really want to get their booties inside the R8 V10 Spyder. The pre-sales of the hand-built (almost) Audi R8 Spyder V10 begin today in Europe with a starting price of €179,000.

Source: Audi

July 14, 2016

Honda introduces Civic RS Turbo Modulo variant, but there’s one unfortunate fact for all fans

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo side view

We have some sad news for all Honda Civic fans living in Europe and the United States. There is a brand new RS Turbo version currently going on sale in the Philippines. It is called Modulo and it not only looks great but we are sure that it feels fantastic driving it, too! The pack enhances the strength that the Civic has and further highlights its aggressive and sporty appearance.

To make you even more envious, the car will come with two engine variants. The first one, the optional, and it is the naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre unit, which is producing some whooping 141 HP (104 kW) and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque. The standard one is more powerful in terms of horses and torque, namely – the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with 173 horsepower (127 kW) and 216 Nm (159 lb-ft) of torque. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is sending the power to the front wheels in both cases.

The Modulo body kit emphasizes the innate beauty of the new generation Civic. What we have here are new front splitters, bigger side skirts and wider rear valance. New top-ends for the exhaust’s twin tailpipes are also at hand. The car runs on 17-inch wheels in either matt black or polished silver. Everything is rounded out by the Modulo badge at the front as well as the new tread plates.

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo costs approximately $30,000 USD. And if you wonder why it is so costly, there’s this little fact that’s called “taxes”, which seem to be extremely high in the Philippines.

Source: Honda

July 13, 2016

JMS offers distinctive ways for BMW M1 improvement

JMS BMW M1 run on brand new alloys and features upgraded suspension

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is not the typical Bavarian model that the fans would rather go for. In fact, exactly this variant, which was introduced back in 2011, is one of the least seen on the streets. Not only because of the fact that it is 1 Series M, but also because is it the coupe variant. It seems that we are also most likely used to associate the 1 Series with the hatchback variant.

But all of the aforementioned reasons aren’t good enough to say that the life of the little brother of the M3 is meaningless. Instead, many tuning companies are undertaking the task of making the M1 even better and more capable, thus highlighting its core strength. Such example is the tuning company JMS, which did some chassis upgrades for the E82.

They haven’t worked alone, but with the help of experts like KW Automotive. The cooperation of both resulted in better suspension, due to the addition of KW Variant 3 ‘Inox-line’ adjustable coilovers. This “little” extra actually gives great results. Precisely – it lowers the ride height by 30 mm at the front, and 20 mm at the rear.

The lowered ride height requires almost always new alloys. Not because it is a necessity, but just because it highlights the applied change. So, JMS added Barracuda Shoxx alloys in Matte Bronze finish and in 20-inch size. The wheels were complemented by 245/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 rubbers. In addition, a set of 15 mm spacers bring these wheels right to the edge of the big wheel arches, and combined with the new front spoiler lip, the whole picture is more purposeful look and improved stability.

Sometimes small changes account for better taste, don’t they?

Source: JMS

July 13, 2016

2017 Ford F-150 gets 10-speed automatic for better torque results

Ford adds second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic to the options list

2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. The leader in the truck segment will amaze its new customers with the various innovations and exceptional torque delivery. By the way, the newest variant of the F-150 is going to offer segment-leading torque, thanks to the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine under its hood. The other substantial reason for the enhanced torque rating is the addition of the 10-speed automatic transmission.

In its second generation, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost unit generates an extra of almost 70 Newton meters or 50 lb.-ft. of peak torque, if compared with the first-generation engine. The result is a total of 637 Nm (470 lb-ft). This number is of significance, because it beats all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including some of the V8 engines on the market. What is more, the horses have been also improved and now they are 375 hp, which is an addition of 10 hp.

To make the engine more capable of its new torque, Ford engineers have developed an exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, which debuts on the 2017 F-150. Unfortunately, it comes at an extra cost, because Ford didn’t seem to wish to make it standard.

However, in this combination, the powertrain delivers better acceleration and performance, better low-end and peak engine performance, as well as more capability when it comes to hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Obviously, Ford has taken advantage of the strong sides of 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and has developed something exceptional. We do wait impatiently for the first customer’s reviews though.

2017 Ford F-150 new engine and traansmission

Source: Ford

July 12, 2016

Sky blue carbon fiber Mercedes-Benz G500 is one of the best vehicles you’ll see this summer

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

We absolutely love MANSORY and it is needless to say we do love the G-Class, too. But what happens when a tuning company like this puts all of its efforts on a G500? Miracles maybe? To answer the question we are going to talk about the latest MANSORY project, which involves the aforementioned Mercedes model.

Being one of the most noticeable vehicles on the road, the Mercedes G500 4×4 has been made even more dramatic in its appearance. The tuning experts took as a starting point the wide, flared wheel arches and additional height of the off-roader, and built their ideas on top of these innate qualities of the G-Class.

Carbon fibre has been used as far as the eye can see. Literally. Just take a look at the new front spoiler with LED headlights and the new hood made from visible carbon fibre. In addition, the flanks of the off-roader are beautified with air intakes on the front wheel arches, mirror housings, handles and trim. They are also made of the lightweight material as are the roof and roof spoiler, the rear apron and panels.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 stairway to heaven

One of the very cool enhancements that the designers have added here is a step, which automatically extends to help the person entering the vehicle climb into its cockpit, so that he or she could see the unmatched interior treatment.

Basically, the cabin features everything that one needs to feel their selves in a luxurious and at the same time sports environment. Precisely, the sports steering wheel, which features a carbon inlay, was designed specifically for the 4×4. Below the waistline, there have been added aluminium pedals, evoking that feeling of driving a sports-car.

The luxury part is played by the entirely renewed interior. Almost everything was reupholstered and masterfully created by hand from leather and cutting edge carbon fabric. The changes are topped off by logos, decorative stitching and beading. Of course – in the color of the vehicle.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 interior

But it was not just the bodywork. MANSORY has installed its Powerbox and additionally supported it with a sport exhaust system. The extra power given to the G500 is 47 kW (63 PS) as well as 100 Newton meters of torque.

The abundant carbon fiber treatment inside and out, as well as the performance changes, make the G500 one of our favorite projects this summer.

Source: MANSORY

July 12, 2016

G-Power shows how to make the fastest coupe even faster

BMW M4 Coupe gets a comprehensive power upgrade

Did you know that the BMW M4 GTS is almost twice the price of a normal M4 Coupe? It is priced approximately at 142,600 euros ($161,200 USD), but this does not seem to bother enthusiasts. Another interesting fact about the limited edition M4 GTS is that it will be produced in 700 copies, which is one of the reasons for being so expensive. But even this exclusivity could be made better, right? Here step in G-POWER: BMW M-Series tuning specialists, who have more than 35 years of experience in the modification of the Bavarian models.

They have actually recognized that the new M4 GTS is the perfect machine to make full use of their Bi-Tronik 2 V3 ECU upgrade. So they did change not one, but actually four of these significant models.

The goal of G-POWER tuning experts was to achieve more than 615 hp. So what they did is to undertake significant internal modifications to the turbine wheel and housing, add new stainless steel downpipes without catalysts for reduced backpressure, and boost the curves of the Bi-Tronik 2 V3 via custom mapping.

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 front view

As a result, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six engine, has an enhance power output from 500 hp (368 kW) to a whopping 615 hp (452 kW), with peak torque jumping from 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 760 Nm (561 lb-ft). With the help of the Launch Control, the G-POWER-modified M4 GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds on its way to the 320 km/h top speed.

By the way, there is an option which does not include the aforementioned mechanical modifications. This means that there is a basic conversion that uses the G-POWER Bi-Tronik 2 V2 with mapping optimization and boosts the output to 575 hp (423 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft).

If you ask about chassis modifications, here’s only one and it is the new wheels. The reason for this is the ultra exclusive fully adjustable coilover suspension that comes as standard with the M4 GTS. Precisely, G-POWER added in-house made lightweight HURRICANE RR sized 21-inches and fitted with low-profile performance tyres. Enjoy!

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 interior

Source: G-POWER

July 11, 2016

SPEED-BUSTER celebrates the 30th anniversary of BMW M5 with unique tuning program

SPEED-BUSTER offers comprehensive power upgrade for the entire BMW M5 range

BMW 5-Series is 44 years old! Can you believe that? It is almost impossible to grasp that one of the most iconic models in BMW’s lineup has debuted back in 1972 and ever since then it has been praised as being one of the best middle class prestige saloons. Fourteen years later, in 1986, BMW released an M version (M5) of the model, topping a 286 hp of performance and taking the crown as the fastest production saloon in the world! How cool is that actually!

But what happens with the current M5 series. BMW is celebrating 30 years of its introduction with the release of a special edition model. What is more, it has added the unique Gran Turismo variant, which in our opinion shows even better the capabilities of the outstanding Bavarian company.

The current series, M5 F10, has a power output between 560 and 600 hp depending on the variant one chooses. The horsepower is pretty much enough, but for those who want even more there is always someone who will offer “even more”. In this case, such someone is the renowned chip tuning company SPEED-BUSTER. The experts there have prepared a muscle-building program for the German blockbuster.

Speed Buster BMW M5 F10 front view

They have developed a special Chiptuning-Box, which re-maps the electronic brain controlling the TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. If one has chosen to go for the “30 Years” anniversary model, then after the modification he or she will be getting up to 695 hp, which is an increase of 95 hp. The torque has been uprated from 700 Nm to 844 Nm.

Owners of the of the M5 Competition Package variant are getting even more. The power increase has been estimated around 108 hp, thus making the numbers increase from 575 hp to a rousing 683 hp, with peak torque up from 680 to 839 Nm.

The least powerful variant among the M5s is the standard one which comes with “only” 560 hp and 680 Nm. After the SPEED-BUSTER Chiptuning-Box intervention, it is now capable of 631 hp and 820 Nm.

Source: Speed Buster

July 11, 2016

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar is hot and sweaty on the racetrack

Acura reveals first official images of NSX GT3 Racecar

The first official images of the Acura NSX GT3 racecar have been revealed, showing the car sexy and sweaty on the racetrack. The twin-turbocharged NSX GT3 was shot with its exposed carbon fiber bodywork at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI. This happens at the time of continuous development at circuits throughout the United States. Acura is actually preparing to campaign the vehicle in North America in 2017 and at the same time it is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall.

But we believe that this time the task Acura has undertaken is way easier, since the racer is built over the very solid basis of the production NSX. As they both share many similarities, the most major one is the 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine. In both cars are used the same design specifications, including the block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system. However, the GT3 comes equipped with 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels.

To go further into details, the Acura NSX GT3 racecar has been given custom bodywork and aero components, namely large deck wing spoiler and underbody diffuser. We spot enlarged hood vents, which serve to cool down the (probably) uprated engine.

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar side view

By the way, the NSX GT3 has abundant legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships. These include the 1991, 1992 and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights as well as the 2009 American LeMans championships. Acura is currently campaigning a couple of TLX GT cars with Real Time Racing in the Pirelli World Challenge.

The first development stages of the NSX GT3 racecar were conducted on race circuits in Europe and Japan. Besides the additional development testing, the racer is under final homologation to FIA GT3 global racing specifications. Acura NSX GT3 will be produced by company’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, which is also responsible for the birth of the production NSX. More details to follow soon.

Source: Acura

July 8, 2016

Author: Lidia Todorova