Lidia Todorova – Page 73 – Automobiles Review

Skoda Improves Rapid Spaceback Range

Skoda announced some changes made in the Rapid Spaceback range. The goal was to create the best possible version of the car, which will also satisfy customer’s needs in terms of versatility of equipment. There are three trim levels, which will make sure that this aim is accomplished.

As mentioned, the changes are featured across the whole new range. With its exceptional style and practicality, Rapid Spaceback is now going to be offered in three trim levels: S, SE Tech and SE Sport.

The range of engines that Skoda is offering are 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TDI both delivering 90PS and available for the S trim. The 1.2 TSI versions is pumping out 90PS or 110 PS as well as the 1.4 TSI and 1.4 TDI with 125 PS and 90 PS, respectively, and the 1.6 TDI with 115 PS, for the SE Tech trim. At last the 1.2 TSI with 110 PS, 1.4 TSI with 125 PS and 1.4 TDI and 1.6 TDI producing 90 PS and 115 PS, respectively, in the SE Sport trim.

The good news is that all-turbocharged engines in the line-up can be mated to one of the best transmissions in Skoda’s history: the DSG. It will take care for the good outputs and the low CO2 emissions, which start from as little as 94g/km.

There are no words on the exact new features throughout the equipment, but we entirely believe Skoda, when it says that three trim grades include exceptionally abundant equipment levels.

Note: Pictures in the gallery below depict the 2014 model year range.

Source: Skoda

June 1, 2015

MM Industries is Selling the Avocet

Project Avoccet Side View Project Avocet returns! If this does not speak anything to you then we should explain that this is a sportscar programme which aims to deliver unique designs, performance and driving experience. And unfortunately (or not) it is to be marketed for sale internationally as a fully developed product. Behind the development of the supercar is MM Industries, which is a privately owned automotive enterprise.

Avocet is a very stylish car that is ultra-lightweight, have seats for only two persons and features exceptional chassis dynamics and awesome performance. During the development of Avocet, MMI has made the possibility of inclusding alternative powertrains and componentry, plus the possibilities of hybrid drive.

The design of the car incorporates an aluminium honeycomb chassis, centre tub, subframes and sub-assemblies. The standard equipment here combines a steeply inclined windscreen with a very attractive low-line wrap-around aero-screened ‘Spyder’ version.

In addition, under the hood, the Avocet is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre engine, producing 150 hp (110 kW), while the Mountune developed option features an uprated version of this unit, generating 225 hp (165 kW). The weight of the car is around 700 kilograms, so this promises extreme performance. Precisely, it needs 5 seconds to cover the 0-60 acceleration sprint.

Other cool custom features, which will also go on sale (in terms of design patent), are the removable roof and exclusive detachable travel luggage.

And obviously it is now the right time for the project to move on, so that it can stay alive and the new owner develop its fantastic potential. Fingers grossed!

Source: MM Industries

June 1, 2015

FCA Teases SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

FCA or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was so good to announce its participation in the Gran Tourismo PlayStation3 game. Here are four pictures and a video which show the car that they are currently teasing – the SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo. The hybrid powered vehicle is going to be released exclusively for the GT6 and although there is literally no information accompanying the pictures we surely know that it is a single-seater.

As mentioned above it will be also driven by a hybrid powertrain, obviously showing relation to its not so long ago revealed sibling. From the images and video we can also see that the virtual vehicle will light its way via LED headlights.

And you can also take a look at the unique and carbon-infused hood scoop. The picture that displays the rear of the Tomahawk says that it will feature a special exhaust system with five-tailpipes. Can you imagine the output now?

At the back there is also a huge rear diffuser and our overall expectation is that this car is to see this car with a lot of carbon fiber! I’m pretty sure we won’t be disappointed.

At last, FCA said that the official reveal of the SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo will happen “soon”. Until then we will have to wait impatiently.

httpv://youtu.be/iSEZSJH_sQo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

June 1, 2015

Why this Jaguar F-Type Convertible in More Dynamic Than the Others

I am very keen on Jaguars. Who’s with e in this? Well, this time I am going to tell you the story of this F-Type Convertible, which has received some special attention from the specialists at KW Automotive. Yes, this means better handling and driving dynamics (if that’s possible) for this Jaguar. The classic design of the car has been inspired by the legendary models in company’s line-up.

The engine range of this unique (in my opinion) car features two units, the 3.0 liter V6 with two output variants of 340HP (250 kW) and 380HP (280 kW), and the highly acclaimed 5.0-litre V8 boasting 495HP (364 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque.

The 340HP V6 version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 260 km/h (161 mph), while the 380HP model covers this sprint in 4.9 seconds on its way to a Vmax of 275 km/h (171 mph). The V8 is even more capable, it reaches the 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited at 300 km/h (186 mph).

These numbers basically showed KW Automotive specialists that the Jaguar needed better suspension. Therefore they have developed new coilover kits for the model which feature independent compression and rebound damping adjustment.

Precisely, for this Jaguar F-Type convertible they have added the stainless steel KW Variant 3 coilover suspension kit, which not only increases driving dynamics, but also allows for continuously adjustable lowering of up to 35 mm.

Height-adjustable spring kit is also an option hear. Unlike other conventional lowering springs, this KW kit allows individual lowering from 5 to 25 mm on the front axle and from 10 to 30 mm on the rear axle. So this means enough free spring travel available for the F-Type’s sporty behavior.

Source: KW Automotive

May 29, 2015

Have You Seen the R90CK livery for Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Competing at the Le Mans? [VIDEO]

Nissan has just revealed its car for the Le Mans series, the GT-R NISMO which will carry the No.21 and a very special livery. The latter is inspired by the iconic R90CK model, which 25 years ago ensured a pole position for Nissan with its stunning 3:27.020 lap of the Le Mans circuit. Behind the steering wheel was Mark Blundell.

Now, the No.21 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO will be the third LM P1 car that will be raced by current Super GT Champion Tsugio Matsuda and two winners of GT Academy, Lucas Ordonez and Mark Shulzhitskiy.

In addition, the No.24 Nissan R90CK, which will appear at Le Mans in a special parade in order to celebrate anniversary of the emblematic lap. Well, the 1100 hp car may not achieve the 366 km/h (227 mph) speed as it did in 1990 but it will most certainly attract everyone’s admirations.

On Sunday is the official Le Mans test day, when the three Nissan GT-R LM NISMOs will be on track. This means that for the trio it will be the first time on the track and the first time running along with all of the other Le Mans entrants.

Ten laps are mandatory runs during the test day. And during testing, rookies will all drive a Ginetta-Nissan LM P3 car that will be taking part in the test. Once they finish with the laps, the car will be handed to Nick McMillen, who is 2013 GT Academy USA winner. The second LMP3 car will also be on track with Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy.

Don’t forget to check out the video below, which shows the building of the GT-R Nismo timelapse and how the livery reveal.

httpv://youtu.be/nwE8ULfD3YY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

May 29, 2015

Eibach Refreshes the Mazda2

Eibach Mazda2 Front View Minor changes to a car can make a huge difference. This is obviously the motto of the specialists at Eibach, who once again has given their best to bring out the best possible outcome. Under their attention this time is the latest generation supermini Mazda2. The vehicle is so cute that last year it has received the renowned Red Dot Award for its sporty design.

The latter is based on Mazda’s energetic “KODO – Soul of Motion” design strategy. The five-door hatch is fitted with the SKYACTIV technology, including the Active Driving Display and a human-machine interface.

There are exactly four engines in the range of our favorite mini, with an output ranging from 75 hp to 115 hp. With sporting chassis and untamable character, this car was just destined to feel the magic of the tuning world.

Eibach decided to make two things for the Mazda2. The first was to give it new Pro-Kit performance springs, and the second – to add pro-spacers. Starting with the springs, they improve the centre of gravity of the vehicle, by lowering it. This also provides more fun on the road and at the same time improves car’s energetic character.

On the other hand, the Pro-Spacer wheel spacers are made of aluminum and make perfect company to the springs. They also complete the Mazda2’s look and handling.

Source: Eibach

May 29, 2015

Kahn Unveils Sunset Orange Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Every Friday I am used to receiving an e-mail from Kahn Design with its latest project. And since today is the day, let me introduce you to the Jeep Wrangler CJ300 by the Chelsea Truck Company (CTC). This one is so cute that I am sure you’ll love it as I did. The Wrangler is definitely my favorite from all Jeep models, and it seems like the one and only Afzal Kahn has the same feelings for it, too. So, let’s take a look at the newest addition in Chelsea Truck Company’s portfolio.

Exterior

Starting from the outside, the exterior of the Wrangler looks intriguing with its two-tone design scheme. The tuners have used Sunset Orange as paint, but have accentuated it with a contrasting Piano Black used for the door handles, fuel filler cap and mirrors.

At the front we see two smoked headlights flanked by a four-slot Chelsea Truck Company grille that features industrial mesh. We can’t miss the LED Diamond bright headlights and CTC’s spare wheel cover, which rounds out the exterior modifications.

Wheels & Tires

Complementing the Piano Black theme are the Satin Black 17-inch big Jeep 1941 wheels. They fit perfectly to vehicle’s exterior and are fitted with Copper Discoverer ST Maxx 285/70/17 all terrain tires. Commenting on the wheels, we can’t fail to see the new painted brake callipers with a set of mud flaps. There is also a new quad-cross-hair exhaust system.

Interior

For the cabin, Kahn Design has used quilted and perforated leather extensively. It has been matched with contrasting white stitching. The same material was used for the centre glove box and arm rests, while the steering wheel is absolutely new and now offers greater grip and feel for the driver.

At last, beneath the waistline we see stainless steel door entry sill plates and new floor mats.

Source: Kahn Design

May 29, 2015

Rezvani Motors Shows First Image of Beast’s Interior

When I first saw the image above, I thought that this is some sort of cheap game construction for games like the Need for Speed or (the future) Mad Max. Then I spotted the huge amount of carbon fiber and the emblem on the steering wheel which said so much. This is Rezvani Motors’s emblem with the wings representing the aviation roots, and the racing stripes and steering wheel displaying company’s passion for driving.

If you hear for the first time for this company, it is based in California, and its simple mission is to create the lightest, highest performing car on the market … but at a reasonable price of around $150 000 USD. Whether it is possible or not, we can’t comment on that. Still the goal is great.

Last year we have seen the first images of the Beast, the name of the first vehicle in company’s history. The supercar is uses the Ariel Atom chassis, features carbon fiber body and will be driven by either the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 315 hp (235 kW) or the supercharged 2.4-liter unit with 500 hp (372 kW). Driving the rear wheels will be the six-speed manual transmission.

So basically, this is Beast’s interior and it has just been teased. As we can see, there is as little equipment as possible due to the low price and lightweight. The big question is what we see inside?

rezvani-beast-exterior-910-2

The answer: Apple CarPlay for Seamless Smartphone Integration. Yes, this means that your iPhone multimedia could be effortlessly integrated into the vehicle. This will also allow the capability of sending and receiving calls and texts, use of Siri voice control software and music streaming, and even more.

Although the accent of Rezvani Motors was on the technology, we see that the interior will sport a carbon-fiber gear-shift lever and steering-wheel, leather wrapped dash and alloy pedals.

At last, the other great news is that the company will release the Beast in June, so we don’t have to wait much longer.

Source: Rezvani Motors

May 29, 2015

Mercedes Premieres New Safety Car at the DTM

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S Safety Car will be the premiered car at the second DTM race at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. Behind the steering wheel will be Jürgen Kastenholz. The new sport vehicle will make sure there is enough safety on the race track. What is more, the car will be also deployed at the fourth race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and at the final race in Hockenheim in October.

Mercedes-AMG GT S will also substitute the previous C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car. The new vehicle is almost identical to the Official Safety Car being deployed at all of the 19 races of the 2015 Formula 1 season. In particular, GT S boasts front mid-engine concept with transaxle, V8 biturbo powerplant with dry sump lubrication, the dual clutch transmission and fantastic sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone.

The most impressive part about this car is the driving dynamics. Here, the aluminium lightweight design not only allows for lowering the weight of the vehicle, but also for a low centre of gravity thus managing distribution of 47 to 53 percent between front and rear axle.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain of the DTM safety car matches that of the GT S road-going version. This means that it is the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo that has a maximum output of 510 hp (375 kW) and 650 Newton metres (480 lb-ft) of peak torque. This guarantees an acceleration time from a standing start to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Vmax is positioned at 310 km/h. The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission.

AMG DYNAMIC PLUS

Mercedes is offering AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package with which the Safety Car will get dynamic engine and transmission mounts and “RACE” DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode and “M” mode.

The package also adds tauter spring and damper tuning, negative camber at the front axle and adapted speed-sensitive sports steering system. Rounding out the pack is the performance steering wheel wrapped in black DINAMICA microfibre as well as the yellow highlights in the instrument cluster.

Brakes, Wheels & Tires

The Mercedes-AMG car runs on matt black 19-inch forged wheels mated with 265/35 R and 295/30 R 20 tires at the front and rear, respectively. In addition, the braking system comprises of ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 402 millimetres at the front and 360 millimetres at the rear. It delivers lowered weight, a longer service life and better fade resistance.

Aerodynamics package

In terms of aerodynamics, the safety car gets an optimized carbon-fibre air scoop on the roof. Thanks to it, there is a least possible airstream resistance, while the flow of air towards the fixed rear aerofoil. In addition, the new front spoiler helps in reducing the lift at the front and rear axles.

Interior

The cockpit is extremely exclusive and features radio equipment and sports bucket seats that keep the diver fully focused on the track. Six-point seat belts provide maximum support. The Performance steering wheel is wrapped in black nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre with flattened bottom section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. Everything else throughout the interior is like the one of the production model.

At last, we must mention that the signalling functions on the light bar will be performed by fast-responding and energy-efficient LEDs.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 28, 2015

Kaege Changes Porsche 997 GT3 Clubsport

Kaege is another tuning company working in Germany and optimizing exclusive cars. The current example shows how they have managed to tune the outstanding Porsche 997 GT3. Originally the car is powered by a 3.6 liters engine that generates 415 HP (305 kW). The wish of the client was to make the performance of the car far better.

So basically the expert succeeded in the modification of the sports Porsche and this is how they have done it. At first, the car received M+M noise reduction system as well as racing header. The tuners also added 200 cells catalysts and then modified the air filter in order to enhance the output by 8 hp. As a result of these steps, the weight of the car was lowered with 7 kg.

The hydraulic pump was substituted with an electric power steering pump, thus distributing the weight from the rear to the front and improving the response and performance (with additional 10 hp) of the car.

What lightens the weight of the car even more, by 8 kg actually, is the single mass flywheel including Sachs sports clutch, which also contributes towards additional 5 hp. Lithium-ions battery and RS rear window were installed, thus saving another 32 kg.

The car runs on special 19-inch red extra red coated ATS superlight rims, fitted with Michelin Pilot Cup2 tires with Porsche-specific N-label. And as you can guess they also result in a total weight economy of 13.5 kg. Triple KW clubsport running gear with uniball bearing and tie rods take car for the road holding.

All in all, the saved weight estimates around 60 kg, while additional horses are rated at 23 hp (17 kW), and this is without any software optimization.

Of course, the tuners ensured great sporting experience inside, where the lightweight seats have been wrapped in retro-checkered fabric, while the central console, the rollover cage and different interior parts have been painted in car’s color. At last, the steering wheel was newly covered and the trunk was cleaned.

What’s left unsaid is the special travel and helmet bag made of the same to the seats cover fabric.

Source: Kaege

May 28, 2015

Volkswagen Tiguan Gets Updated Engine Rage and Better Entertainment Systems

Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most wanted SUVs globally and this is why this news will make many people happy. The company has just released information, revealing that the crossover is getting more equipment and new generation of engines for the 2015 model year. Well, the key changes in the equipment aren’t that big, because the vehicle will get only new radio and navigation systems.

The entertainment systems available in the Tiguan are based on the latest generation of the modular infotainment matrix. On the other hand, the previous radio systems have been substituted with Composition Colour and Composition Media, which includes color touchscreen, eight loudspeakers and a variety of connection ports.

This one can be also ordered with App Connect as an option, allowing for utilization of wider range of smartphone apps from the Google and Apple Stores. Media Control is also in the list of available features. This is an app-based extension of the infotainment system, which helps in the control of functions allowing it to happen from a tablet anywhere in the car.

As an option, VW is offering the available Discover Media radio navigation system. It comes with Volkswagen online services package Guide & Inform, as standard.

In terms of engines, the car is getting the 2.0 liter diesel units that now can pump-out more power. For example, the output of the 140 hp (103 kW) engine was increased to 150 hp (110 kW). Here, the fuel consumption has been rated at 5.0 liters per 100 km, while the CO2 emissions were cut by 17 g/km, now measuring 130 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI with previous output of 177 hp (130 kW) now delivers 184 hp (135 kW). The Co2 emissions here have been also lowered and estimated at 150 g/km, while the combined fuel consumption is as low as 5.7 l per 100 km.

Source: Volkswagen

May 28, 2015

Cadillac Officially Confirms that V8 ATS-V+ Won’t Happen

Sadly, the V8 powered ATS-V+ isn’t going to happen. What’s even worse is that this news was officially confirmed by Cadillac. Our colleagues at Motor Authority have spoken with David Caldwell, who is Cadillac’s communications manager, and he told them that the rumors were a complete bogus.

He also said that given the fact that Cadillac has produced a car like the ATS-V that is extremely capable, it will be pretty much unlikely that it gets a new engine. What was also confirmed however is that the V8 will be powering another model in company’s lineup, and it is the CTS-V.

This gets us pretty excited, because the car will be revealed this summer, according to Caldwell. It will be powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 unit, which produces 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 855 Nm (630 lb-ft) of torque.

Caldwell also continued explaining why there won’t be two cars having the same V8 powertrains. It is because there’s simply “no need for the two V product lines to be twins”. Since both V-Series models are extremely capable and premium, it is reasonable for Cadillac to “dial-in two types of performance character”, one of which is smaller and one bigger.

It still would have been great if the V8 ATS-V+ have happened!