Lidia Todorova – Page 65 – Automobiles Review

Polestar Releases Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Scott McLaughlin Editions

Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Scott McLaughlin Editions are going to be marketed throughout New Zealand. There will be only ten examples of these ultra limited edition cars. The vehicles are characterized by exclusive styling upgrades like the new black wheels, embroidered headrests with McLaughlin’s signature, colour-coded side skirts and etc. In other terms, the models are technically identical to the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar.

McLaughlin is the most famous racer in Volvo’s Polestar Racing. He competes in the V8 Supercars where he has achieved four victories, ten podium finishes and ten pole positions and this is only the last season.

But when one buys the car, he or she will not only get to own it. They will get the opportunity to properly drive their Volvo S60 or V60 Polestar under McLaughlin’s tuition.

Polestar Upgrades

Chassis’ rigidity has been increased and features 80% stiffer springs. Combined with the Öhlins shock absorbers and 20” Polestar wheels, the cars will deliver great driving experience and at the same time comfortable.

Furthermore, the brake system was also updated. It features 371 millimetre ventilated front discs and six-piston Brembo calipers. This perfectly complements the increased performance. By the way the latter wasn’t; achieved only by engine tuning, but also via some aero changes.

Great aerodynamic effects have been achieved through new front splitters, which optimize the airflow underneath the car. There are also new rear spoiler and diffusor that increase downforce.

Engine

Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar Scott McLaughlin Editions are powered by a six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine. The unit has undergone extensive modifications and includes new twin-scroll turbo and intercooler. It is capable of producing 350hp (257 kW) at 5700 rpm and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) already at 2800 rpm. The engine is linked to a 2.5” stainless steel exhaust system that also contributes for the throaty engine sound.

The drivetrain is coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox with new paddle shift system. Combined with the Haldex four-wheel drive system, the result is 0-100 km/h acceleration time covered in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Scott McLaughlin Detailing

The cabin features new details, materials and Polestar colors. This is visible throughout the numbered plaque in steering wheel décor inlay steering wheel as well as the seats with embroidered headrests with Scott’s signature.

The exterior is characterized by Scott McLaughlin Limited Edition exterior badges, colour-coded side skirts, black wheels and grille surround.

Source: Polestar

June 26, 2015

2016 Kia cee’d Facelift Debuts with Minor Styling Updates and New Engine

2016 Kia cee’d Facelift has been just unleashed! The car looks fantastic and includes upgrades in any aspect. Kia is also introducing a GT line specification for the first time in the cee’d range. More styling upgrades for the interior and exterior, new engines in the line-up and better transmission, are defining the feacelifted car.

The changes will be applied to every model in the cee’d range. It comprises of the following: five-door cee’d hatchback, Sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d as well as the high-powered cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT models. On the other hand, the exclusive GT Line specification will be available only to the first three cee’d body types.

Exterior

2016 Kia cee'd Facelift Rear View

The outer shell of the car now looks more contemporary than ever. 2016 Kia cee’d Facelift keeps the sleek and bold appearance and its characteristic elements like the grille, but adds more angular and wider bumper, with chrome trim around the fog lamps, and new oval-shaped grille mesh.

At the back, changes include new shapes for the bumpers and sporty-looking reflectors. At last, the LED rear lamps complete the back of the car. Changes in the alloys now include new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs.

Interior

Only subtle modifications have been applied to the cabin of 2016 Kia cee’d Facelift. Just like the exterior, the overall design has been kept. The added features here include new optional colour pack, chrome around the instrument binnacle, driver-side and central air vents and around the upper edge of the instrument panel.

Chrome has been also used on the gear-shift lever, door handles, and to the temperature control dials on the dashboard. Kia also says that it has improved the noise and vibration insulation for the diesel variants.

EngineRange

The major changes are probably found here. The upgraded range of Euro 6-compliant engines now features 1.0-litre ecoTurbo unit. The downsized and three-cylinder power engine delivers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, but it also shows fantastic capabilities.

The ecoTurbo will be offered in 2016 Kia cee’d Facelift in two power outputs. The first one will produce no less than 98 hp (72 kW) and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque. The higher powered version will generate 118 hp (88 kW) and the same torque. The maximum engine torque is available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm.

The other engines in the range are basically the same, but they come in an upgraded variant. The line-up features the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel unit with 110 hp (80 kW), producing CO2 emissions of to 102 g/km. The GT Line version of this same engine is capable of pumping out 136 hp (100 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque.

At last, 2016 Kia cee’d Facelift will be also offered with the 128 hp (95 kW) 1.6-litre GDI petrol and the 100 hp (74 kW) 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) gasoline as well as the popular 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Oh, and the new seven-speed double-clutch transmission will be taking care of the fantastic fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

2016 Kia cee’d Facelift will go on sale next month.

$2016 Kia cee\'d Facelift$

Source: Kia

June 26, 2015

MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition is Inspired by Group B Rallying

MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition not only looks phenomenal, but also has exhilarating performance. For the creation of the car, the German tuner took inspiration by the Group B rallying. This Audi is actually based on the S1 equipped with the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine. Of course, the powertrain was heavily modified and now pumps out a lot of horses.

However, it is good to make a comparison, therefore we should tell you that this engine is capable of producing as a standard 231 hp (170 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Performance Upgrades

So, to into details, this A1 Nardo Edition (based on S1) has been modified according to Group B regulations. At the moment, the heavily uprated engine boasts 427 hp (314 kW), but the aim of the tuner is to achieve 450 hp (331 kW).

Furthermore, the car stood out during tests conducted at the Nardo facility in Italy. This is where it has reached the 324 km/h (201 mph). For those who need to experience more during driving, the tuner has prepared a race-derived sequential gearbox.

Styling

The exterior of MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition has been specifically adorned with a styling package created by designer Roland Hall from South Carolina. It is actually his goal to see the Audi Nardo achieving 450 horsepower as a final version.

Pricing

MTM Audi A1 Nardo Edition has a starting price of €120,000. It will come with full certification for road use as an added incentive.

Source: MTM

June 26, 2015

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS Sport Shines Bright in Orkney Grey

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS Sport comes in this beautiful grey exterior color. It also features a lot of styling upgrades for its exterior and interior. As a matter of fact, we seen this model being updated so many times, but it is never late for a better version. Even more, since it is one of the most cherished vehicles, it is always nice to see a custom-made individual variant. And here is what this one-off Evoque is about.

Exterior

Important to mention is that the exterior paint scheme of this Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS Sport is called Orkney Grey. It looks magical because it was made of highly reflective particles inside a transparent layer. As a result, this combination creates a glistening effect.

As cool as it might be, one-color for the outer shell always seems monotone and sometimes boring. This is why, the experts at Kahn Design decided to contrast the grey exterior with black elements. Precisely, the darker color has been chosen for the floating black roof stripe and mirrors. They even added several Vesuvius Orange colored components.

This Range Rover Evoque, fitted with Tech Pack, has new front and rear bumper set to show-off with. The front also gets black and silver mesh, 3-D mesh inserts and LED daytime running lights. The specialists also added 3-D mesh grille.

At the sides, the vehicle is defined by side vents, stainless steel door entry sill plates, side sill trims as well as new “shoes”. To go into details, Kahn Design fitted onto this Range Rover 20-inch Matte Gun Metal grey wheels. Behind them we see contrasting brake callipers.

At last, the new appearance of the rear is characterized by new exhaust diffuser and the sporty rear bumper. New lower trunk spoiler and classic twin cross-hair exhaust have been also installed.

Interior

Sitting behind a privacy tinted glass, the occupants will enjoy lavish leather upholstery. Precisely, the front and rear seats as well as the dashboard and transmission are covered with black leather. As a contrast, the designers used quilted stitching.

Below the waistline there are vented foot pedals in machined aluminium, diamond gear selector, stainless steel door entry sill plates and high-quality carpet floor mats.

Source: Kahn Design

June 26, 2015

1997 McLaren F1 GT and P1 Prost: Best Cars to See at Goodwood

1997 McLaren F1 GT and 2015 McLaren P1 Prost edition are the biggest stars on display at McLaren’s House this weekend. I am talking about company’s participation at Goodwood Festival of Speed, of course. Precisely, McLaren has prepared to show models from the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series as well as the three newly-announced model tiers.

The theme of the festival this year is ‘Flat-out and Fearless’ and each of these models are to celebrate it. In other words, every McLaren on display at the even will be an emphasis of a milestone or ‘moment’ from company’s history. There are even some models which have been prepared to pay tribute to legendary drivers who have driven for the team over the years.

McLaren P1 Prost

Starting with the Ultimate Series, it will be represented by a special P1 model, created by MSO. It will honor Alain Prost, who was a four-time Formula 1 world champion. The livery of the car is inspired by the patriotic French livery of his helmet he worn during the competitions. In other words, the carbon fiber body work of the car is painted in white and includes blue graphics and red highlights.

1997 McLaren F1 GT

1997 McLaren F1 GT Front View

McLaren F1 GT is probably the most exclusive car on display at the event. It represents the Heritage division of MSO and is probably one of the rarest McLaren road cars ever built. The unit at the GFoS carries chassis number #58F1GT and it has been loaned to McLaren for display.

Why it is so special? The reason for this is that it is one of only three examples that were designed and built to homologate the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ for GT racing during the 1997 season. Its features livery that mimics the monochrome design of the Formula 1 team during the late 1990s. World titles were secured by the Finnish racing driver Mika Hakkinen in 1998 and 1999.

Super Series

Next is the Super Series will be represented by the limited-run 675LT model. It celebrates Denny Hulme and the company’s founder Bruce McLaren, who achieved success together in Formula 1 and the Can-Am series. Later, their dominance became famous under the ‘Bruce and Denny Show’ name. Here, the car has been inspired by Hulme’s iconic helmet design featuring two black stripes, running front to rear, over contrasting Silica White bodywork. There are also yellow tinted headlamp lenses that echo Hulme’s visor.

Furthermore, McLaren 650S Spider completes the model line-up on static display. It is one of the most important models in the Super Series and pays homage to the founder of the team, Bruce McLaren. It is finished in the iconic heritage McLaren Orange. This color is used to match his M7A Formula 1 car in which he claimed the first Formula 1 win for the team in 1968.

McLaren Moment at Le Mans

McLaren 570S Coupe Side View

At last, the fifth ‘McLaren Moment’ is showed via McLaren F1 GTR victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. To celebrate this, there will be two models on public display in the Supercar Paddock. These cars will honor two podium finishers.

The first car is the limited edition 650S Le Mans, which has been inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR, #01R, driven by Yannick Dalmas, JJ Lehto and Masanori Sekiya to race victory. The car features Sarthe Grey livery, and is named ‘XP1’. It is characterized by a roof-mounted snorkel, front wing louvres and iconic one-off wheel design.

The second model is another unique McLaren P1 GTR, dressed in iconic yellow and green livery. It mimics the livery of the McLaren F1 GTR chassis #06R, responsible for the third place with the help of the British trio Derek Bell, Justin Bell and Andy Wallace. These two models will be joined by the new McLaren 570S that is going to make a world dynamic premiere at the event.

In other words, Goodwood Festival of Speed is the best place to be this weekend.

Source: McLaren

June 25, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Revealed in Details!

2016 Chevrolet Cruze has been finally revealed after an extensive teaser campaign. Cruze from the new model year features a lot of benefits found on the outside as well on the inside, including exclusive range of new engines. The drivetrains are more powerful and more efficient than ever. In addition, Chevy has added a lot of technology tweaks that are becoming more than needed in today’s connected world.

Thee first thing to mention about 2016 Cruze is that it is larger, but regardless of that it is lighter, more efficient and sophisticated. Chevy’s best-selling car has been fitted with a new turbo engine as a standard, which is based on a leaner architecture. Thanks this factor, the result is up to 250 pounds (113 kg) reduction in weight. Of course, this also results in stronger performance.

Exterior & Interior

Due to the larger dimensions and the 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase, 2016 Chevrolet Cruze now offers more spacious interior. This also contributes for greater rear-seat legroom and more rear knee room. The new wheelbase is also responsible for more and an athletic, aerodynamically optimized design.

Absolutely exclusive to the exterior are the LED projector headlamps with signature lighting. There are also LED daytime running lamps on uplevel models.

Engine

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Engine

The standard engine in 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is the 1.4L turbocharged unit, which features direct injection and can pump out 153 horsepower (113 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque (240 Nm). The standard transmission is six-speed manual.

It is also extremely fuel efficient and shows an estimated 40 mpg on the highway, when linked to the optional six-speed automatic transmission. For this great fuel consumption also contributes the Stop/Start technology. Another benefit is the estimated maximum highway range of 530 miles per tank.

In addition, the new turbo unit has leaner architecture and is responsible for Cruze’s stronger performance. In fact, Chevy is expecting a 0-60-mph acceleration of less than eight seconds.

Technology & Safety Features

A lot of technology features will come as standard and an option the new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. For instance, there are available goodies like the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as a lot of active safety features, introduced in the car for the very first time.

Furthermore, the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink comes with smartphone integration capability, including a standard seven-inch-diagonal screen and available eight-inch-diagonal screen. At launch the eight-inch screen will be offered with Apple CarPlay only, with Android Auto coming at a later time.

By the way, Chevy has equipped its new model with more standard features than most of its competitors. Here are included 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Optional content adds wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The list of available advanced safety features includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier, and with one more expressive RS package. Scheduled to go on sale in early 2016, it will be distributed in more than 40 markets worldwide. In 2017 Chevy will introduce a new diesel model for North America only.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze in Details:

Overview

Models:	2016 Chevrolet Cruze L, LS, LT and Premier
Body style / driveline:	four-door, 5-passenger front-engine transaxle; front-wheel-drive compact car
Construction:	steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
EPA vehicle class:	compact car
Manufacturing location:	Lordstown, Ohio (U.S. market)
Key competitors:	Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta

Engines

Type:	1.4L turbo DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu in / cc):	85 / 1399
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	2.91 x 3.20 / 74 x 81.3
Block material:	cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Ignition system:	individual coil on plug
Fuel delivery:	direct injection with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	10:1
Horsepower(hp / kW @ rpm):	153 / 113 @ 5600 – SAE certified
Torque(lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	177 / 240 @ 2000-4000 – SAE certified
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Emissions controls:	close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor
GM-estimated fuel economy:	40 mpg highway

Transmissions

Type:	M326-speed manual	Hydra-Matic 6T356-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.27	4.58
Second:	2.53	2.96
Third:	1.47	1.91
Fourth	1.07	1.44
Fifth:	0.87	1.00
Sixth:	0.74	0.74
Reverse:	3.82	2.94
Final drive ratio:	3.83	3.53

Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front):	independent, MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Suspension (rear):	L, LS and LT: compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rearPremier: Z-link
Steering type:	rack-mounted electric power steering
Steering ratio:	L, LS and LT: 17.2:1Premier: 16:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	TBD
Turning circle (ft / m):	34.4 / 10.5

Brakes

Type:	power 4-wheel anti-lock disc w/ESC and Duralife rotors
Rotor diameter (in / mm) and caliper type:	front: 10.8 / 276 vented; single-piston w/cast iron caliperrear: 10.4 / 264 solid; single-piston w/aluminum caliper
Total swept area (mm2):	front: 35,409rear: 27,646

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	15-inch steel (std. L, LS) 16-inch alloy (std. on LT) 17-inch alloy (avail. on LT; std. on Premier)18-inch alloy (avail. on Premier)
Tires:	15-inch: 195/65R15 ALS16-inch: 215/60R16 ALS17-inch: 225/45R17 ALS 18-inch: 225/40R18 ALS

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm):	106.3 / 2700
Overall length (in / mm):	183.7 / 4666
Overall width (in / mm):	70.6 / 1795
Overall height (in / mm):	57.4 / 1458
Track (in / mm):	front: 60.8 / 1544rear: 61.3 / 1557
Curb weight (lb / kg):	TBD

Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity:	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	38.9 / 988 (front) 37.3 / 948 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42 / 1068 (front) 36.1 / 917 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	54.8 / 1394 (front) 53.7 / 1366 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	53.1 / 1351 (front)51.9 / 1319 (rear)
Knee room (in / mm):	TBD

Capacities

Passenger volume(cu ft / L):	TBD
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	TBD
Fuel capacity (gal / L):	12.75 / 48.2 (LS with auto. trans.)13.74 / 52 (all other models)
Engine oil (qt / L):	TBD
Cooling system (qt / L):	TBD

Source: Chevrolet

June 25, 2015

Ford Unleashes Shelby GT350R-C Racecar at Watkins Glen

Shelby GT350R-C Racecar has been revealed exclusively by Ford. The new performance race car will make an exclusive debut this weekend at Watkins Glen. Its competition endeavors will continue in this year’s IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. The car is based on the Shelby Mustang GT350R powered by the 5.2-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine, and has been built with the intentions of tackling any race challenge.

The production variant of the GT350R was revealed in January this year. This model is one of more than 12 new vehicles Ford Performance has promised to bring to market through 2020. Since its official debut, all fans are actually awaiting the release of the racing version.

Just like the production car, the race car is powered by the V8 engine from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft. The unit has one-off layout that made it possible for Ford to create its most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever.

Characteristics of a Racecar

There are a lot of differences between Shelby GT350R-C Racecar and its January-born sibling. The first one includes an adapted version of the independent suspension of the GT350R. Precisely, the modifications here include revised spring rates and antiroll bars, lower ride height, unique track-tuned alignment settings, updated bushings and cross-axis ball joints in the front.

What is more, Ford also announced that Multimatic Motorsports is also joining the competition. It will manage the race team for the GT350R-C debut at Watkins Glen. The team includes Billy Johnson, Scott Maxwell, Austin Cindric and Jade Buford.

Unfortunately, Ford did not release ay information about the output of the Shelby GT350R-C. Hopefully, this will happen soon. The first track debut of the Shelby GT350R-C will happen this weekend at the famous Watkins Glen racing facility. Then, we will see it competing in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.

Source: Ford

June 25, 2015

2016 Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV Introduced

2016 Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV has been exclusively introduced! The famous vehicle in Hennessey Performance line-up is more capable than ever, features fantastic upgrades and huge loading space and room for eight persons. The monstrous VelociRaptor is based on the Ford F-250 Lariat 4×4 Pick-up Truck.

If the F-250 comes straight from the factory, its 6.2L V8 gas engine will produce 411 horsepower (301 kW). However Hennessey is famous for its power fortifications, so there is no second thought that the experts won’t include a performance boost here.

Engine Upgrade Options

Two of company’s proven superchargers have been included for the 2016 Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV. The options for the 6.2L V8 engine are: VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged and VelociRaptor 650 Supercharged upgrades. Hennessey did not specify the exact horsepower numbers here, but as the names suggest we expect 600 hp (441 kW) and 650hp (478 kW), respectively.

In addition, there is also a diesel option. Called 6.7L PowerStroke diesel package, it gives the vehicle the force of producing 440 hp (324 kW) and 1192 Nm (880 lb-ft) of torque.

VelociRaptor Conversion

The tuning company not only enhanced the power of this huge machine. The specialists have also created a conversion kit, which have contributed for vehicle’s unique appearance. Precisely, 2016 Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV can stand proud with its four doors and rear cargo doors.

The designers of the interior decided to give the VelociRaptor middle row captains chairs and folding third row bench seat for a total of seven seats and seat belts. There is also an optional middle row 60/40 folding center console. It will make it possible for eight people to sit comfortably inside.

The exterior appearance of the VelociRaptor is defined by a new bumper, exterior badges, serial numbered dash plaque and engine bay plaque. This comes as a standard. The available options include wheel and tire upgrades, new rear bumper, LED light bar integrated into the front bumper, warn front winch for the front bumper and suspension upgrade.

2016 Hennessey VelociRaptor SUV has a starting of $159,500 USD.

Source: Hennessey Performance

June 25, 2015

Power Boosts Define B&B Jeep Grand Cherokee

B&B Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD 4×4 is originally powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine. The production variant of the unit produces 250 hp (183 kW) and 570 Nm (421 lb-ft) of torque. B&B tuning company did not see satisfaction in these numbers so it created a two stage program, offering a power boost for the car. There are also some styling updates included.

Two Stages for the Engine

Both power upgrades feature air intake optimisation. In addition, the ECU remaps improve further the fuel flow to the injectors. There is also an increase of the turbo boost pressure by 0.2 and 0.25 bar for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrade, respectively.

Stage 1 offers an additional 45 horses. This means that the total output of the car is now rated at 295 hp (217 kW) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. Luckily, the top speed was also increased from 203 to 212 km/h.

The second power boost, Stage 2, breaks the 300 hp barrier, and delivers 310 hp (228 lb-ft) and 670 Nm (495 lb-ft) of torque. The improvement in top speed is little over Stage 1, but important, because it takes the B&B Jeep Grand Cherokee to 215 km/h.

Furthermore, the tuners also remapped the electronic torque limiting system for the eight-speed automatic transmission and this has been also done for the engine ECU.

Other Goodies

The performance upgrades found in the B&B Jeep Grand Cherokee continue with the addition of twin-outlet stainless-steel sports exhaust with 140×90 mm tailpipes. It not only looks good but also enhances the exhaust note.

In order to make the new power capabilities of the Jeep even more attractive, B&B improved the engine acoustics via sound generator. And this is how the experts achieved a baritone growl of a V8 for a V6. The acoustic system includes a test module on the control unit, which includes six sound profiles that the driver can choose from.

Furthermore, the driving dynamics were improved with 40mm reduction in ride height via lowering springs. At last, everything was rounded out by 10×22-inch alloys coupled with 285/35R22 tyres at all four corners.

Source: B&B Automobiltechnik

June 25, 2015

Bentley Bentayga Previewed During Winter Testing in Sweden [VIDEO]

Bentley Bentayga is company’s first ever production SUV. The car has been actually teased again via new video (watch it below), which displays how it tackles the snowy roads of Sweden. Along with the winter testing, the company also revealed that the new crossover will offer the emblematic for the brand smooth driving experience and sophisticated balance. Everything will come within a package of efficient power, distributed over “any imaginable terrain”. In other words the Bentayga will be an example of a performance never seen before.

Most Advanced Bentley

The goal of Bentley is to redefine the crossover segment (Jaguar F-PACE aims at the same) with its extreme capability and comfortability. Although the designers of the SUV have been working for a very long time now, it is definitely worth it, because it seems that they have featured in it the most advanced materials and technologies.

As the company says, Bentley Bentayga will be the most advanced vehicle in its line-up. In addition, it also promises that it will be the most luxurious SUV ever produced … in the world! These words are very strong, but knowing what Bentley is capable of, it is surely possible.

The innovations which are going to be featured in the car will be also there to heighten the sense of style. Furthermore, every Bentayga will deliver an elevated view for its occupants. What is more, the interior will be fitted with exclusive textures. These are veneers, which have been sanded and varnished repeatedly, before being applied inside the car.

It is not confirmed yet, but reports say that Bentayga is going to be powered by either of 4.0-liter V8 as well as the 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 units. A plug-in hybrid variant is planned for 2017. The twin-turbocharged engine will be coupled with an eight-speed transmission and will develop 600 hp (441 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

World Debut

Bentley Bentayga is going to be launched later this year and is scheduled for a market premiere in 2016. It has been three years in the making so the expectations are extremely high. Reports also say that it is going to be based on the second generation Audi Q7.

httpv://youtu.be/4RClZ4sYyD0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Bentley

June 24, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Breaks Cover!

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has been finally revealed and it looks invigorating! The cabrio features the design of the coupe variant but has a retractable soft top. By the way, Chevrolet says that this top is the most advanced one in the segment. In terms of performance and design, this convertible literally stands out. And with the addition of the sophisticated top, the Camaro looks not only fantastic, but also delivers enjoyable ride.

Most Advanced Top in the Segment

If you wonder what’s so special about this top, you need to reed further. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is the only car in the cabriolet segment, which offers several functions related to its top. First, the latter operates fully automatically with the help of latches, thus automatically releasing and securing the top.

The second feature is that it opens or closes at speeds of up to 30 mph, and can be also opened remotely via key fob. The next cool feature is that the hard tonneau cover is deployed automatically, in order to provide a more refined, finished appearance when the top is lowered and stowed.

Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction. The benefit of this is that it improves the acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition, the system was designed to provide more comfortable and quieter ride.

Design

Of course, there is nothing else different in the convertible from the coupe, excluding the top and the position of the antenna for the radio. The top perfectly emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe.

Just like its sibling, the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is built on a stiffer, but lighter structure. By the way, the weight savings here are estimated at around 200 pounds compared to the previous generation. These facts also lead to the conclusion that the Camaro convertible will still have coupe’s “sharp chassis tuning and nimble reflexes”.

There is another advantage from this architecture. It enables the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. Afterwards, the hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, resulting in an exclusive design and appearance.

EngineRange

Just like the Chevy Camaro coupe, the convertible will be offered in LT and SS trim levels. There are six engine combinations offered, including the 2.0L Turbo unit, which has been rated at 275 horsepower (202 kW), the 3.6L V-6 producing 335 horsepower (246 kW), and the LT1 6.2L V-8 with 455 horsepower (335 kW) and 617 Nm (455 lb-ft) of torque. Each powertrain can be mated with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and coupe will be available on the market in the beginning of next year.

Source: Chevrolet

June 24, 2015

Jaguar F-PACE Shown via new Teaser Video

Jaguar F-PACE was teased at first back in January. Since then there were a lot of rumors, renderings and unofficial information circulating around the internet. This is actually the first production crossover in Jaguar’s line-up. It is based onC-X17 concept and built around company’s Aluminium Intensive Architecture.

An interesting fact is that the concept vehicle won the award for Concept Vehicle Design at the Automotive Interiors Expo in Stuttgart last year. And this fact makes us really impatient to see the production version. Unfortunately, Jaguar wasn’t specific on when the car will be officially premiered or where this will happen.

Video Teaser Almost Reveals F-PACE

The news around the Jaguar F-PACE is that it has new teaser video, which shows a little bit more of its untamed nature.

The premiere of the F-PACE is really near … or at least this is what Jaguar is assuring us. There is a lot to see from the video (you can view it below), but in summary the performance oriented crossover is to feature “dynamic and seductive bloodline”.

Like any other product in company’s range, this vehicle will also perform extremely well. Jaguar is also promising to the future buyers that the crossover will be fitted with intuitive technology and will be practical and suitable for everyday needs. Basically, Jaguar aims to redefine the segment and from what we see here, this is definitely going to happen.

The sporting design of the F-PACE is inspired by the F-TYPE model, representing the perfect balance in terms of style, performance and practicality. All of this will be mixed with spacious and luxurious interior. Also visible in the video are the LEDs used for the headlights, daytime running lights and exterior rearview mirrors.

All in all, Jaguar F-PACE seems to be Jaguar’s family car.

httpv://youtu.be/iym1DiWkU90

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Jaguar

June 24, 2015

Author: Lidia Todorova

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Video Teaser Almost Reveals F-PACE