Lidia Todorova – Page 76 – Automobiles Review

Arden Introduces the 665HP Jaguar Race Cat

Do you remember Arden tuning company? If you do, then you should also remember that it specializes in modifying Jaguar automobiles. An interesting fact that you might don’t know is that it has been doing so for more than 40 years now. The latest project of the specialists involves the Jaguar again (because we have seen other cars in their range too).

It is called AJ 23 Race Cat and under this name we see a black F-Type, which has received so many updates. Besides the interior, everything else was changed in some way. Well, we suspect that the cabin has also received some significant updates, but the tuner will release more information at a later time.

Exterior

Starting with the outer looks of the vehicle, at its front it has received handcrafted stainless steel grid and the additional flaps on the spoiler. On the other hand, the rear got a new diffusor, which has increased the contact pressure at the rear axle for better grip and handling.

In addition, Arden’s sports kit also adds new springs that reduce the height of the car by 25 mm. This is then emphasized with the Sportline 21-inch multi-spoke chrome wheels.

Drivetrain

The athletic appearance of the car is strengthened by upgrades to the power output. First, we should mention the high-performance exhaust system with flap control as well as the new sport catalysts, which add around 20 hp to the power of the V8 engine. In fact, the flap control is optimized back pressure which not only delivers beautiful sound effects, but also achieves optimum performance.

The other stage of the performance kit (depending on customer’s wish) adds a power increase of 40 hp and 50 Nm, which has been done with change in the parameters of the engine map.

At last, there is a supercharger kit, which customizes the V8 so that it can pump out up to 665 hp (489 kW). This has been achieved with the application of a supercharger-powertrain made from high-alloyed aluminum in combination with new forged pistons. Combined with the exhaust system, this performance package reaches its complete power. And Arden assures us that there is great power throughout the whole rpm- range.

Source: Arden

May 21, 2015

Mansory Releases Power Upgrades for Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

Mansory is one of my favorite tuners because they always do what seems impossible. This time they have showed us the conversion packages for the ultimate Mercedes S63 AMG coupe. The performance upgrades are the most important parts here. However, I can’t underestimate the visuals of this car, because it simply looks breathtaking. Just look at it!

All of the parts included here are made of carbon fiber. They are complemented by exclusive chrome multi-spoke wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Inside, the tuner chose a bi-color theme made with materials of highest quality.

What is the deal with the engine? Basically, Mansory created power upgrades called M720 and M900 for this S63 AMG. As their name shows, they uprated the output of the engine to 720 PS and 900 PS.

Why this is a significant upgrade, you may ask? First, I have to mention that the standard 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine produces no less than 585 PS (430 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). This means not only more power, but also faster acceleration times and updated top speed.

The first performance kit, the M720, updated the powertrain to 720 PS (530 kW) and 1,100 Nm (812 lb-ft) at 1,600 – 5,500 rpm. On the other hand, the M900 makes the engine pump out 900 PS (662 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 1,300 Nm (960 lb-ft) of torque achieved between 1,600 rpm and 5,700 rpm.

So, the next logical question is how fast this car accelerates now. The answer: it needs 3.3 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, which is 0.6 seconds faster than the standard one. The top speed has been updated from 155 mph (250 km/h) to 186 mph (300 km/h).

Source: Mansory

May 21, 2015

Ford Launches Warriors in Pink Campaign to Help Women Living with Breast Cancer

Every year automobile manufacturers are participating in a lot of charity events that always touch our hearts in their pursuit to make the world a better and more beautiful place. This year, one of Ford Motor Company’s initiatives is the “Warriors in Pink” campaign, which launches today “The Good Day Project”. This is a powerful call which strives to bring more awareness to breast cancer and in particular to bring better to those affected by the disease.

In fact, Ford’s Warriors in Pink has present for over 20 years now and has done a lot in inspiring women to be proactive about their breast health. The Good Day Project does even more: it helps those who are currently battling the disease.

The name of the project is inspired by the fact that the patients characterize their days as “good” or “bad”, and it now comes to change this a little bit. The partnership with Meal Train and Lyft lies at the heart of the project. It comes to offer support services and resources that will be of help to the patients, thus making their everyday life easier.

Meal Train Plus is a platform, which will help in the organization of the meal deliveries and other household needs for affected families. In this project Ford has also partnered with Lyft, thus offering rides to and from appointments for select patients that are under treatment. The availability of the ride-sharing service will begin this June and will roll out across 17 cities across the US.

Up to date, Ford has contributed more than $128 million US dollars to the cause and promises to continue supporting women in their fight with breast cancer. All of the proceeds from will support the organizations related to this disease like the following: The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Young Survival Coalition.

Source: Ford

May 20, 2015

You Can Now Order the Latest VW Passat BlueMotion

If you happen to live in Europe and are Volkswagen fan, this means that this news is for you. The newest Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion can be immediately ordered. Maybe you are now asking why you should do that. Well, first and foremost, this is the most economically-viable and environmentally-friendly car in this VW series. Just take into consideration its fuel consumption which is as low as of 3.7 l per 100 km, while the CO2 emissions have been measured at 95 g/km.

The second thing is that the company will offer the car in two variants: sedan and a wagon, so you can chose depending on your needs. And the third reason is that both variants will be driven by the extremely efficient 1.6 l TDI engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission. The unit produces an output of 120 hp (88 kW) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft).

Other technical highlights that demand attention are the technology features and aerodynamic improvements. As a standard, the BlueMotion Passat will ride on 16-inch “Copenhagen” alloy wheels and will boast an aerodynamically enhanced radiator grille and shutter grille.

There are also other aero tweaks, which can be found throughout the exterior. The interior hasn’t been changed and probably this is why Volkswagen didn’t say a word about it.

VW Passat BlueMotion Sedan will have a starting price of 29,425 euros, while the wagon variant has a price tag of 30,500 euros.

Source: Volkswagen

May 20, 2015

Chinese Artist Yin Simon Orders Black FXX K with Eccentric Accents

Everyone has a specific taste. This comes very clear when it comes to cars and preferences to their exterior looks. We have seen so many strangely tuned vehicles so far that it is sometimes hard to hide your laughter. However, the case with this Ferrari isn’t such, and in fact I find it somewhat charming. The other difference is that this isn’t a custom tuning project, but it has been rather ordered in such appearance directly from the factory.The person behind this order was the wealthy Chinese artist Yin Simon, which has encountered the need of having a black FXX K accentuated by pink highlights. The track only car has been developed for enthusiasts only, meaning that the car will never enter any official race.

This is also the reason why Ferrari will develop only 40 units of it, each of which will cost 2.5 million euro. The true potential of this car however is not expressed by its visual appearance but by its unique performance characteristics.Precisely, the powerful drivetrain comprises of potent V12 engine and an electric motor. Their total combined power is of 1,050 hp (772 kW), 860 hp coming from the V12 and 190 hp – from the electric motor. If you wonder about the maximum torque – it is over 900 Nm (664 lb-ft). Mr. Simon will definitely enjoy some performance, right?

May 20, 2015

Jaguar Releases F-TYPE R Bloodhound SSC Rapid Response Vehicle

In several days, ten exactly, Jaguar will unveil the so called Jaguar F-TYPE R AWD Bloodhound SSC Rapid Response Vehicle, which you can see in the pictures above. It has bee just unveiled with some specifics around the vehicle. The world debut will happen at the Coventry MotoFest and this F-Type will be one of the cars supporting the Bloodhound world land speed record attempt.

The Bloodhound F-TYPE R is wrapped in a bespoke livery, which has been specifically created for this occasion and therefore it features the Bloodhound SSC colours. It is powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, capable of producing 550 PS (404 kW).

These horses will help the vehicle achieve the goal. In fact, this Jaguar is fitted with the same radio equipment as the rocket powered Bloodhound SSC. In addition, it is driven head-to-head at top speed with a similarly equipped jet flown at 500 knots and just 20 feet above the ground.

What is more, the total closing speed of almost 700mph enabled the successful test of the system. This in turn will allow communications between the ground crew and Andy Green in Bloodhound SSC.

The famous company is also a Technical Partner of Bloodhound SSC, therefore it supplies it with engines, engineering expertise and support to vehicles attempting to break the world land speed record.

Other Jaguar vehicles that will be on display there are the historic 1953 C-type, the 1956 D-type Long Nose and the 1966 XJ1, the 1974 Group 44 E-type, the 1976 Broadspeed XJ12 Coupé and the 1988 Le Mans-winning XJR-9. The 1938 SS 100 will be on static display for those visiting the event.

This year’s Coventry MotoFest starts on 29 May and will continue till Sunday 31 May.

Source: Jaguar

May 20, 2015

Renault Introduces 2016 Kwid

Kwid is a brand new SUV by Renault, which features all the necessary innovations and attractive characteristics that the contemporary customer needs to see. Positioned in the A-segment, the car has robust and stylish exterior, as well as comfortable interior with a lot of features like the Media-Nav navigation and multimedia system or the large seven-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity.

Exterior

Starting with the exterior, Kwid is distinguished by specific styling complemented by the new ‘Outback Bronze’ color. With high ground clearance of 180mm this car exudes an impression of strength and reliability. In total, the vehicle is 3.68 meters long and 1.58 meters wide, which makes it perfect for families.

At the front we see bold and structured grille, which additionally highlights the logo of the SUV. The head lights feature Renault’s new lighting signature with a ‘C’-shaped chrome trim.

At the sides, we find rectangular forms of the black wheel arches that make the car more muscular, while the lower door decor underlines the Kwid’s robust character. At the rear, the bumper gets black trim, while the tailgate spoiler comes in body color.

Interior

Everything about this interior is modern, starting with the design and ending with the technology features. The horizontal, uncluttered lines of the dashboard enhance the feeling of luxury. The black accents from the outside can be also seen on the inside, for example – on the center console.

The instrument cluster and the chrome air vent surrounds also contribute towards this contemporary feeling. In the dashboard is positioned the multimedia system with Media-Nav. All in all, Kwid is very spacious and comfortable, and also has great load capacity.

2016 Renault Kwid is specifically intended for the international markets and will be launched in India in the second half of this year.

Source: Renault

May 20, 2015

Meet this Custom Carbon Lamborghini Huracan by VOS

VOS is an acronym which stands for Vision of Speed. This is the name of the German tuning company, which has just released a special project involving a Lambo Huracan. They have individualized the vehicle and as they said – made it more individual than ever. And of course all is achieved with the help of carbon parts.

To go directly into details, the conversion kit comprises only of carbon fiber elements: front lip, mirror caps and door handles. Well, the new in-house made door sills aren’t from this material but they have been also changed.

In addition, the ergonomic steering wheel is the first choice of substitution for the original one, while there are also facings in fine structure carbon for the original steering wheel. In terms of gearshift paddles, one can choose between new parts in full carbon or add-on parts in fine structure carbon.

The instrument cluster that is made by VOS is also made of the lightweight material. There are also carbon facings for the air inlets, upper frame for the center console in full carbon, lateral frames for the center console, gas cap in full carbon, VOS Performance rear wings and individual carbon plate as well as a facing for the rear diffuser bottom.

VOS is offering not one but two exhaust systems for the Huracan. The first one is in-house made, while the second is by Akrapovic. The ultimate car can also get BMC sports air filter. Adjustable rear wings are still to be added to the list of features as is the new wheel set for the fighting bull.

More details for this project to come soon!

Source: VOS

May 19, 2015

Why this Dodge Viper ACR is Better than Any Other

We know that the Viper ACR is already here, right? Well, if you missed the news, then I should remind you that the car was revealed in ten days ago and a few days after that Dodge announced that it is going in production. This is not only the fastest but probably the best version of the Viper ACR up to date and it will be available in the US dealerships in September this year.

To create the ultimate sports car, Dodge decided to update significantly the ACR. As a result the model now features aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new carbon ceramic brakes with six-pot calipers and the special Kumho tires.

Speaking of which, these ECSTA V720 ultra-high-performance tires have been completed with the ACR logo that has been embossed on the sidewall. They have been specifically developed for this car and as a matter of fact Dodge claims that they provide the largest combined contact patch of any production car.

At the front, the ECSTA V720 measure 295/25ZR19, while at the rear – 355/30ZR19. Unique about them is that they feature one-off tread patterns and front and rear compounds. This helps the tires make the Viper achieve lap times up to 1.5 seconds faster than those of race tires. In addition, they also sustain cornering loads of up to 1.5g.

This basically means that these rubbers help the hand-built powertrain, the 8.4-litre V10 engine, achieve its ultimate performance of 645 hp (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. One thing’s for sure here: this American Club Racer (ACR) has much to live up to. Back in the days its predecessors achieved production car lap record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit with a time of 7 minutes 12.13 seconds.

Source: Kumho Tires

May 19, 2015

BMW with more Powerful Package for the M6 Series

If you are not satisfied with the latest M6, BMW has especially created a distinct Competition Package for you. The pack is suitable for the M6 Coupe and Cabrio as well as for the M6 Gran Coupe. It will not only make your car more individual, but will also give it more power. However, you should wait until July to get it because this is when the Bavarian company is releasing it.

To start with the power upgrades, the kit includes a power boost of 40 hp (29 kW) for the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, meaning that the output rises to 600 hp (441 kW). The peak torque is also improved from the standard 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) and it is available between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm.

So this makes it possible for the M6 Coupe to sprint from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.8 seconds, which is its own personal record, because it is0.6 seconds faster than the previous version of the Competition Package. In addition, it needs only 3.9 seconds to reach the 100 km/h. The same number is achieved by the M6 Gran Coupe, too.

The Convertible M6 seems to be a little bit slower, because its covers the latter spring in 4.0 seconds. The top speed of all Competition models has been (unfortunately) electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The good news is that it can be stoked to 305 km/h (189 mph) by the optional M Driver’s Package.

Furthermore, the pack also adds various design and structural enhancements. For instance, the chassis technology is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the engine, thus delivering maximum performance and controllable responses. In addition, the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars got firmer tuning.

There is also an Active M Differential on the final drive works, which also improves traction. The steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping while the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC system delivers sporty handling.

From the outside, all M6 Competition variants are getting 20-inch M light-weight alloys coupled with mixed tires, as well as black chrome twin tailpipes for the exhaust.

BMW M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible with Competition Package are going on sale this July.

Source: BMW

May 19, 2015

What is the Pricing of the Lotus Evora 400?

Lotus has finally announced the pricing of the fastest and most powerful car in its range, the Evora 400. The first deliveries will happen in August and this is when the lucky customers will enjoy for vehicle’s high levels of standard specification. Of course, the Evora 400 will deliver nothing less but the iconic for the brand handling, however in more efficient and dynamic way.

To remind you of car’s capabilities, it laps the test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Better agility and more involving drive are playing a crucial role here.

Speaking in numbers, the maximum speed is rated at 186 mph (300 km/h), while the acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph happens in only 4.1 seconds. 4.2 seconds is for 0 to 100 km/h sprint.

In fact, over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new. This includes also the powerplant. It is supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 that is capable of generating 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 410 Nm (303 lb-ft) of torque.

In addition, car’s new aluminium chassis has resulted in a brand new interior, while the lightweight composite body has been significantly changed. And if you are impatient to know the pricing, official UK prices start at £72,000, while in the US the car will be offered for $89,900USD and in Europe – for €96,000.

For this amount of money, the customer will get AP Racing 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. Of course, there is an option list, which includes automatic transmission, Alcantara or Leather trim upgrades as well as a “Black Pack” option with distinctive look.

Evora 400 is entering production in the summer with first deliveries in August. However, this happens only for those living in Europe. North Americans will get the car in December this year, while in China the first deliveries will happen in early 2016.

Source: Lotus

May 19, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debuts in Tokyo

Ferrari 488 GTB is a new model we have seen debuting in the beginning of February. The good news is that it has made it in Japan and now can be officially purchased there. The premiere happened in Tokyo and this is actually the second time the car is shown after Geneva. The event was held in a very special location along the waterway in the city, in the Isle of Tennozu.

Red laser beams expressed the pulse of the 488 GTB. This color wasn’t accidental. It was actually in harmony with the exterior paint scheme of the beautiful sports car, covered in Rosso Corsa Metalizzato.

Special about this car is that it sets a significant benchmark for the sports car field. It is actually exactly 40 years from the launch of company’s iconic mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, meaning that now the 488 GTB enters a new chapter in the history of cars due to its architecture.

Speaking of which, the body of this Ferrari is made in such way that it offers optimal weight distribution for sportier driving. In addition, the unit that drives the car is the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre (3902cc) engine, producing 660 hp (485 kW) at 8000 rpm and 759 Nm (560 lb-ft) of optimum torque at 3000 rpm.

The 0-62 mph acceleration happens in 3.0 seconds while the 0-124 mph sprint is covered in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is more than 205 mph. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which unleashes the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range.

And if you still wonder what the GTB stands for, well here’s the “deal”: it is an acronym for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, which is comes to pay homage to its deep roots in company’s history.

Source: Ferrari

May 19, 2015

Author: Lidia Todorova

Exterior

Drivetrain

Exterior

Interior