Lidia Todorova – Page 79 – Automobiles Review

Onyx Release Rolls-Royce Ghost Dubbed San Mortiz

The tuners at Onyx are mostly famous for their Land Rover based projects. However, we have seen a Bentley and now it is the time for one of the most emblematic luxury car in the world – the Rolls-Royce. Under the spotlight is the Ghost dubbed in this case San Mortiz.

Exterior

As the specialists say, this name is an expression of the ultimate dynamism and style. The exterior has been changed significantly, with the help of many upgrades. The most prominent new feature is the sportier San Mortiz front bumper. It has been redesigned thus creating the athletic effect. In addition, the front also features hand crafted lower satin-carbon aero plate.

At the sides of the car we see lowered stance due to the added new suspension. It is complemented by a set of wheels in the size of 22 inches, while at the back the exterior of this Rolls-Royce is adorned by the quad hand crafted exhaust .The rear spoiler is also finished in satin carbon.

Engine

Despite the good treatment on the outside, this project is lacking the interior modification. This however can’t be said about the engine, which has been upgraded to produce more than 613 hp (451 kW), in comparison to the standard 563 hp (414 kW).

Onyx also said that it will introduce a wide range of enhancements for Rolls Royce Wraith and Phantom over the next 12 months. Let’s hope we will see some interior treatment next time.

Source: ONYX

May 12, 2015

What’s New for 2016 Ford Mustang?

We have great news for Mustang fans! For the new 2016 model year, the iconic pony car will get several updates, which will make it fancier and closer to its ancestors. Ford is actually adding new turn signal indicators that are located in hood vents. This typical Mustang trait originates from 1967 Ford Mustang and almost 50 years later it returns as standard equipment in the GT version of the car.

In addition, the GT Premium will get an exclusive California Special Package, while the Pony Package will be available for the Mustang EcoBoost Premium by the end of the year. The open top experience is not left behind. Instead, the GT convertible will be available with a special Performance Package.

Several other new options will help the owners make their Mustang more individual. These include the new racing stripes and wheels, accompanied by the already mentioned standard hood vent indicators. Precisely, the stripes are offered in black or silver, and will be available on most color and trim packages. In addition, the EcoBoost-equipped Mustangs will benefit from a black roof option.

If you wonder what’s in the Pony Package, we won’t keep it in secret anymore, but will tell you that it includes one-off 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround.

On the other hand, the Black Accent Package will benefit from 19-inch black-painted alloys, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and black 5.0 and pony logos. At last, the most special pack of all, the California Special Package, comes offering a host of features like 19-inch ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels, ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts and embossed logo, door panel inserts and premium carpet, aluminum dashboard finish with California Special badge, and red contrast stitching.

On the outside, the Mustang equipped with this pack will show-off with hood and side stripes, black pedestal spoiler, faux gas cap, strut tower brace, dark taillamp accents, black-painted mirrors, hood vents, performance front splitter and a grille with tri-bar pony logo.

For those who want to own a GT Convertible, Ford has also prepared goodies. The manual transmission cabrio is getting a Performance Package for the 2016 model year. This pack enhanced structural bracing, improved suspension components, brakes, 19-inch wheels, tires, Torsen limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio and six-piston Brembo front brake calipers. There is also a more aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler delete.

In addition, the Premium Pack will also get the SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. It has user-friendly interface, improved voice command, Wi-Fi network and etc.

The updated 2016 Mustangs will be available at dealerships in the third quarter of this year.

Source: Ford

May 11, 2015

Chevy Releases Two More Images of the Sixth Generation Camaro

Chevrolet has just released two more images of the heavily anticipated Camaro Gen 6. This happens in the week of the full reveal of the car, which is one of the most exciting debuts for this year. The company is obviously sensing the strong anticipation among us and this is why it has extensively teased the future generation model.

The impression that we get is that the car will boast sculpted exterior, athletic stance and muscle car presence. In the beginning there was the news that the vehicle has lost more than 200 pounds of its weight. The car will be built over a new architecture that is mass-efficient and contributes for the weight savings.

SEE ALSO: Gen 6 Camaro to Shed 200 Pounds

Changes like the aluminum beam supporting the instrument panel and the aluminum front and rear suspension contribute for this weight loss. In addition, the car will feature new dimensions as well as new components for the Small Block 6.2L LT1 V-8 unit.

Thereafter, two more images followed. They have showed us the engine and the exhaust, accompanied by the news for a new Drive Mode Selector and sports exhaust system with electronically controlled valves.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Camaro Teased Again

In addition, the news from last week disclosed that the Chevy Camaro will feature leaner and more athletic design with complex shapes that will follow the functional elements, meaning that they will be built around the mechanical components. This is where we’ve seen the strong aluminum hood and the updated rear fenders.

And now it is time for the teaser game to continue. As usual, the company has released two more images that show further from the car. This time we have more details announced, an image of the side view and one of the front grille of the model.

The company said that the Gen 6 Camaro has been tested in the wind tunnel for more than 350 hours, which at times have been conducted during the whole day. As a result, the car is going to slip more easily through the wind, showing improved performance and stability, cooling and lower wind noise intrusion.

Necessary changes had to be made. For instance, the grille bars had to be set at a 13-degree angle to the horizon, thus helping the team achieve 1 percent improvement in the engine-cooling airflow. In addition, the team developed flush belly pan that goes from the front grille to the center of the vehicle. It is substituting the traditional front air dam to reduce aerodynamic lift. What is more, the smooth underbody reduces the total lift by 30 percent. It has one additional purpose – to minimize the aerodynamic drag.

Chevrolet is going to introduce the sixth generation Camaro this Saturday, 16^th of March, at a special event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. Stay tuned!

Source: Chevrolet

May 11, 2015

ABT Release Audi TT Roadster with 310 HP

Audi TT models are the hottest topic lately. Since the announcement of the details for the 2016 TT and TTS models, as well as the TT Clubsport Turbo Woerteersee concept, everyone started speaking about them. So for this reason, we are very pleased to introduce to you a special project, which involves ABT tuning company and the TT roadster. After the modifications the car received, it is more agile and even more beautiful. Let’s see why.

Engine

The standard four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI unit produces 230 hp (169 kW), which makes enough wind for an open-top experience. After the upgrades that ABT Sportsline gave it, the unit is capable of producing 310 hp (228 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires

This TT also benefits from new in-house made suspension springs and stabilizers. This results in better balance and agility. ABT also ensured that this Audi gets new wheel spacers of 24 or 30mm and runs on ABT forged alloys in the dimensions of 20 inches.

Exterior

The tuner has also created an exclusive body kit for this sports car, which make it look amazing from any angle. Precisely, the kit comprises of front skirt add with spoiler lip and mirror caps featuring the ABT logo.

At the beck, we get impressed by the new fixed rear wing and the skirt insert with an offset centre. Not to mention the new ABT exhaust system with black-chrome-plated tailpipes and lasered ABT logos.

Source: ABT

May 11, 2015

The Return of Dodge Viper ACR Supercar

Have you heard about the Viper ACR? It is reborn and writing the new history of the street-legal, and track-focused supercars. Hand-built and all-American this car has been engineered to combine the best aerodynamic, braking and tire technology. Behind the development of the iconic car are the engineers at SRT, and this only links towards extreme speed and great performance as well as exclusive looks.

Aero Package

The ultimate aerodynamic performance is ensured via the addition of the optional Extreme Aero package. It helps the car produce the highest aerodynamic downforce of any production car. To be more precise, the pack adds adjustable dual-element rear wing that is 1,876-mm wide, rear diffuser made of carbon fiber, SRT hood with removable louvers, detachable extension for the front splitter and four dive planes.

And if you ask about the downforce, well the Extreme Aero package can offer up to three times the downforce of the Viper TA or Time Attack 2.0 package.

Brake performance

Brembo brakes are obligatory here. They are from the Carbon Ceramic Matrix variety and deliver maximum braking performance. At the front the Viper gets 390-millimeter (15.4-inch) two-piece rotors, while at the back they measure 360-millimeter (14.2-inch) and are again two-piece. In addition, the front brakes are complemented by six-piston calipers while the rear brakes – by four-piston calipers.

Tires

If you expect something ordinary here, you will be disappointed. The Viper ACR runs on Kumho Ecsta V720 high-performance tires, which were specifically designed for it. They actually contribute for 1.5 seconds faster lap times. At the front, the rubbers measure 295/25/19 and are mounted on 11-inch wide wheels, while at the back they are of size 355/30/19.

ABS, ESC & Suspension

This Dodge’s ABS and ESC are specifically tuned for the car. The Electronic Stability Control for instance has five modes: Full-on, Sport, Track, Rain, Full-off, which take into account the extra grip offered by the extreme aerodynamic and tire package. Furthermore, the Viper ACR can also show-off with aluminum bodied, double-adjustable coil-over Bilstein race shocks that provides more than 3 inches adjustment for the ride height.

Drivetrain

The most important feature of this car is its heart, a.k.a. the V10 engine. The all-aluminum 8.4-liter overhead-valve powerplant can produce 645 horsepower (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb.-ft.) of torque. It transmits all this power onto the road via the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission. In addition, new exhaust tips have been added to the side-mounted exhaust pipes. This serves in order to reduce exhaust pressure.

Interior

Special performance must be also present inside of the car. This of course means great interior, which the ACR Viper has. What’s special? The interior is racing-inspired, and this is visible through the instrument panel cluster hood, lower instrument panel and door armrest panels that are wrapped in unique Alcantara suede.

The steering wheel has also received special Alcantara upholstery, which is contrasted with color racing stripe and unique badging. The seats also carry the Alcantara inserts, while the unique dash plaque is finished in carbon fiber. The stitching is optional and customers can choose between silver or Header Red one.

At last, we must highlight that the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR is entirely hand-built. It will go on same later this year.

Source: Dodge

May 11, 2015

Toyota with new Grade for the Verso Seven-Seater

Toyota’s compact MPV is called Verso and it is now getting a brand new grade – Trend Plus. It will benefit from a lot of technology features, efficient engines and attractive characteristics. The seven-seater offers a variety of seating and storage configurations and this is why it is the perfect family car. The other reason is the technology equipment.

Interior

Besides the leather upholstery for the front and second row seats, other interior features include the Toyota Touch 2 with Go touchscreen-controlled multimedia and connectivity system with integrated satellite navigation, featuring a lot of exclusive functions.

Making it even better is the additional rear seat DVD entertainment system. The good new is that it comes as a standard. The system comprises of seatback mounts with dual monitors, wireless headsets and optional iPad holders. The same package will be also offered optionally on the Icon, Trend and Excel models.

Exterior

In terms of exterior, the Trend grade has the advantage of riding on 17-inch alloy wheels. Other exclusive features include front parking sensors, dual-zone air conditioning, rear privacy glass, power windows, seven airbags, front fog lamps and fold-down seatback tables for second row passengers. There is an optional exterior metallic paint finish which is absolutely new, called Tidal Blue.

Engines

Exactly three are the engine options for the Verso Trend Plus. The first one is the 1.6-litre petrol Valvematic mated with six-speed manual transmission. The other is the 1.8-litre Valvematic petrol with Multidrive S CVT, while the last is the 1.6-litre D-4D diesel with six-speed manual transmission.

To sum up, Toyota is providing families with a lot of comfort and good choice of exclusive features with the Verso Trend Plus. Isn’t that nice?

Source: Toyota

May 11, 2015

Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Goes into Production

Do you remember the 2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600. Well, there’s good news for you if you do. The monstrous vehicle is now in production and can be currently ordered. As we already told you, only 500 units of this unique and exclusive truck will be produced, each having a starting price of $73,500 USD. This amount of money is definitely worth it, because of all the goodies included in the car as well as because of the supercharger for the engine.

The VelociRaptor 600 is available for the Ford F-150 FX4 4×4 trucks from the 2015 model year. They are praised for their enormous presence and power. Speaking of power, even without Henessey’s supercharger, this truck is capable of producing no less than 411 horses (302 kW), making it the most capable 4×4 ever built.

With the added 2.9 Liter Supercharger System, the VelociRaptor has the capability of generating more than 600 horsepower (441 kW) at 6,600 rpm. This is achieved via Roots-type supercharger that packs 8 psi of boost. In addition, the 5.0L V8 breathes more deeply thanks to the high-flow air induction system and stainless-steel exhaust system included in HPE’s VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged Upgrade.

Other key features in this upgrade are the 17 inch Hennessey wheels mated with 33 inch BFGoodrich tires, the custom off-road coilover suspension, black fender flares, upgraded front and rear bumpers, front winch, LED light bars and Brembo brakes.

Of course, the package comes with a special Hennessey and VelociRaptor 600 exterior badging, which can be also found inside in the form of embroidery on the headreasts.

If you want more, HPE is also offering additional upgrades. These include off-road front and rear bumpers, new in-house made suspension, LED light bar stainless steel cat-back exhaust system and yellow wrap exterior paint finish.

Source: Hennessey Performance

May 8, 2015

Volkswagen Announces GTI Clubsport. Is this the fastest GTI Ever Produced?

Volkswagen has exclusively released the first official sketches of the upcoming Golf GTI Clubsport. It is actually a concept, which we will see debuting at this year’s Wörthersee event. Judging from the three sketches, which you can view thoroughly below, the car has very production-like attitude and we sincerely hope to see it not only in a concept form.

Exterior

The sketches reveal a specific Golf-infused exterior, which however features some specific details. The front bumpers for instance are new and they include aggressive and sharp air vents.

The diffuser at the back has been also redesigned, while the roof can now show-off with a new roof spoiler that hints to more aerodynamic stability. All of this comes in a very nice overall styling that is further supported by the unique five double-spoke wheels fitted with low-profile tyres.

Drivetrain

No words on the interior, but there is a very pleasing data about the engine. The car will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo unit, which will be capable of producing around 265 horses (195 kW). This number actually promises to make the Golf Clubsport the fastest GTI ever produced.

Since there are no additional details, we will wait until 13th of May to see whether this is true or not. This is when the car will make its official reveal at the 2015 Wörthersee meeting. What we are sure of is that with this car Volkswagen will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Golf. Just look at the “40” in the background of the first picture in our gallery.

Source: Volkswagen

May 8, 2015

Rolls-Royce is Inspired by Fashion. Releases Wraith Special Edition

Could we compare a Rolls–Royce with the world of Haute Couture? The answer is definitely a “yes”! And this is not only because the exclusivity of both, but also because they have long been bound by a common philosophy: to use the finest of materials and create the most spectacular and exquisite product. And all of this is mixed with customer’s personal preferences.

Therefore, it is no surprise that Rolls-Royce has just introduced a Wraith model which is called “Inspired by Fashion”. The journey of this special edition model begins in company’s tailor atelier – the Bespoke Design Studio. This is at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

Exterior

Wraith Inspired by Fashion features two-tone exterior paint scheme including Andalucian White and Arctic White. It will be also offered with hand applied highlights in colors like the Jasmine, Tailored Purple or Mugello Red. There is nothing more to the exterior, but one should proceed to the cabin to get the impression of the glorious work of the designers.

Interior

The interior includes the finest bespoke garments and its exclusivity is expressed via the tiniest details. Wraith’s coach-doors come in the classic Arctic White and Black scheme. Embroidered headrests, seat stitching and piping are all made with the chosen accent color. The latter is also to be found on the steering wheel.

Car’s front and rear door pockets are complemented via “Spirit of Ecstasy”-representation with each emblem set precisely at fifty-five degrees. The application of wood to the dashboard isn’t missing, but prominently highlighting the exclusivity of the car. The dashboard integrates bespoke clock with a pearl effect. The contemporary fashion theme is a colourful silk strip found on the leather door-panel.

Wraith Inspired by Fashion will be debuting today at New York’s PRATT Institute as part of the PRATT Presents Women of Influence in the Business of Style event.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 8, 2015

MINI Introduces the More Powerful John Cooper Works

MINI JCW front view Next to the 3 Series, BMW is also debuting the updated MINI John Cooper Works for the 2016 model year. The latest edition of the small car segment top athlete keeps the same sporting appearance and the race feeling, but now adds even more. New for this MINI edition are the technologies for the engine, suspension and aerodynamics, which have been directly taken from the motor racing. There are also model-specific design features for the exterior and interior, which make this three-door beauty even more individual.

Exterior

The specific design of the car is unmistakable. Just take a look of the new LED headlamps with white direction indicators or the wheel arch surround with distinctive contours. At the front, the radiator grille is emblematic for the JCW as are the side scuttles and tailgate JCW label.

In addition, the rear now features sports exhaust system with new special tailpipes. MINI is also offering an entirely new exterior color for the vehicle, and it is called Rebel Green. It comes exclusively for this car and won’t be featured in other MINI versions.

We must also mention that the body of the car has been aerodynamically optimized and now features JCW front apron with large cooling air inlets which also occupy the space allocated to the fog lamps. In the aero treatment are also playing big role the distinctive side sill and rear apron design as well as the John Cooper Works rear spoiler.

The car is running on exclusive 17-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloys behind which we see newly developed Brembo sports brakes.

Interior

The interior is as characteristic as the exterior, because of the special John Cooper Works treatment. It is visible through the sports seats in Dinamica fabric that also feature integrated headrests.

Moreover, there are JCW entry sills, steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, and six-speed Steptronic sports transmission. JCW-treatment can also be seen on the gear lever or selector lever and is also featured on the cockpit displays and central instrument display surround. The pedals and driver footrest come in stainless steel.

Engine Range

The most powerful engine has been introduced for this MINI, and it is the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder spark ignition unit, coming directly from the MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The output has been increased to 231 hp (170 kW) and the torque to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft), but still delivers combined fuel consumption rated at 6.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions – at 155 g/km.

The engine can be connected to a six-speed manual transmission or to a six-speed Steptronic sports one. With the first the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and in 6.1 seconds with the automatic transmission. The top speed is electronically limited at 246 km/h.

John Cooper Works Accessories

Optional for this model are the John Cooper Works accessories, which will make it even more individual. First we must mention the MINI Head-Up Display with exclusive display content. Then, there are some special exterior features like the roof and exterior mirror covers in Chili Red or the available 18-inch JCW light alloys. Of course, we can’t go without the John Cooper Works bonnet stripes.

The updated MINI John Cooper Works will go on sale later this year with pricing to be announced near launch.

Source: MINI

May 8, 2015

BMW 3 Series Family Gets Minor Updates for 2016 Model Year

The updated BMW 3 Series cars are here. There are minor updates throughout the range, but still the emblematic car family look stunning. The 3 Series has been an icon for over 40 year and in its sixth generation it continues to set standards for design, dynamic excellence and efficiency. New for the 2016 model year are some changes in the design, the advanced technologies featured and some engine range. Available in sedan and touring forms, I must admit that the 3 Series are more attractive than ever before.

Exterior

In terms of exterior changes, the updated model range receives various improvements. At the front, we see new aprons with redesigned air intakes. As an option, the car gets the Active Cruise Control (ACC), which has sensors integrated into the central air intake. The most prominent features here are the refreshed headlights and the LED daytime driving lights, while the full-LED headlights come as an option.

At the back, the new thing is the design of the rear apron, which features Line-specific trim element. Just like at the front, the car gets standard LED rear lights, further highlighting the sporting nature of the 3 Series.

Interior

The interior is updated via chrome highlights for the controls, air vents and central control panel. In fact, the centre console is entirely new and features sliding cover for the cupholders. Of course, BMW is offering a wide range of options, which can make the car as individual as one wishes.

Engine Range

There are exactly four petrol and seven diesel units available. They develop range from 116 hp (85 kW) to 326 hp (240 kW) and can be coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The latter comes as a standard on the BMW 330d, BMW 335d and BMW 340i Touring. In addition, the customer can choose whether to drive a rear-wheel drive or xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive BMW.

Precisely, the three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines are now sourced from the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. The four-cylinder diesel engines include revised turbochargers, while the three-cylinder petrol engine is an entirely new option for the 3 Series.

The four-cylinder petrol engine makes a debut in the BMW 320i Sedan and 320i Touring, offering a combined fuel consumption starting at 5.3 liters per 100 km and emitting CO2 as little as 124 g/kg.

Another premiere is making the four-cylinder unit in the BMW 330i Sedan and 330i Touring with a fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km, as well as the six-cylinder petrol unit in the BMW 340i Sedan and 340i Touring. The latter has a combined fuel consumption rating, starting at 6.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions beginning at 152 g/km.

Impressive are the figures of the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Sedan, which has a fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, and which develops 163 hp (120 kW).

Technology

Navigation system Professional and LTE mobile technology are the features that are entirely new for the 3 Series. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display shows all information in the driver’s field of vision. In addition, the new BMW 3 Series is the first model to support the fastest current mobile technology standard (LTE). What is more, Parking Assistant feature will help drivers to make automatic parallel parking.

BMW 3 Series family includes the Sedan, M Sport Sedan, M3, 320d Touring and its EfficientDynamics Edition. The models will go on sale in July, while pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: BMW

May 8, 2015

Kahn Shows Three Sketches of Vengeance Project

Kahn’s Vengeance is here! At least in sketches. Yes, the tuning company has released the first three detailed drawings of its exciting upcoming car. As we told you last week, the ambitious project will be based on another British classic, just like the Flying Huntsman based Defender). It will feature tuner’s specific WB12 wide body and will be built in Coventry, UK.

In addition, also confirmed today was the fact that the car will be a two-door coupe in “hammer formed aluminium”. My guess about the marque was completely right – it will be an Aston Martin, however – not a Vantage, but a DB9.

Yes, the coachbuilt car will use as a basis DB9’s chassis. The future wide body two-door coupe will have a muscular stance and as we can see from the sketches – aggressive design.

Design

The specialists at Kahn always seek to push the boundaries of design. Project’s design is inspired by the 80s and 90s. This means that Vengeance follows the philosophy of volume and flowing curves over angular surfaces. As a result we will see a spectacular mix between old and new, between classic and contemporary design.

The details here are of importance. First, take a look at the widened rear wings, that are highlighted by lines projected from the signature bonnet bulge. And have you noticed the roof and the length of the car?

These visual characteristics are further emphasized by the striking front with this aggressive grille centerpiece. The polished stainless steel roof halo and window trim are accompanied by diminished rear windows.

Furthermore, this design treasure will be running on 16 spoke 20-inch wheel at the front coupled with 225 tyres and an 18 spoke 21-inch rear wheels mated with 335 tyres. The wheels are retro-inspired and will also have a two-tone body colour with the diamond cut outer section.

Production

Since there is no information about the interior, the next important question is whether this car will see production. The answer is positive, and it will begin in 2015 with a limited run. What you should also know is that each vehicle will be hand built by Kahn’s team of experts and will carry an engraved plaque in the boot.