Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 10 – Automobiles Review

Audi Show Car At 2014 NAIS In Detroit

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Because the world clearly needs more crossover SUVs, Audi’s setting up the mood for a compact, high ground clearance, sports car. They plan is to fully unveil it at the 2014 North American International Auto Show which will be held next month in Detroit.

It will have two doors only, a “Shooting Brake” body type with a slanting and low roof line, and a pronounced C-pillar. It’s essentially a coupé on steroids. If at this point you are thinking of the Crossblue Coupe from last month, you are on the right track. However, the Audi is going to be 165-inches in length as opposed to the substantially longer VW which measures at 192.5 inches.

Every other aspect, though, sounds mighty familiar: short overhangs, a honeycombed singleframe grille and a “striking side tornado line” to the back.

The sketches suggest humongous wheels, but actually, we should be expecting a 19-inch set which is okay.

Will it actually be capable of going off the road as well as on it? Supposedly, yes. There are massive guards underneath it to keep the boulders out of the engine bay and without a doubt, it will be using Audi’s quattro system has seen decades of development now.

More on Audi’s show in the near future.

Sources: Audi

December 6, 2013

DMC Touch Up The Rolls-Royce Ghost Calling It The Imperatore

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The guys from DMC Luxury have laid their hands on a Rolls-Royce Ghost and have called it the Imperatore. Because of the British icon’s remarkable success on the market, DMC claim that it is now beginning to lose its distinctive character. So, there they are offering a helping hand to reclaim special feel again.

Imperatore is an appropriate name for a thing of luxury which the Ghost undoubtedly is. They started off with some glue-ons. Scratch that, it doesn’t sound too luxurious. Let’s just say that additional components complement the overall vista of the so-called baby Rolls. There’s a front lip spoiler, straight lined side skirts, a trunk spoiler, and a rear trim over an added diffuser. The key point here, however, is subtlety. Everything is color coded so only the keen eye can really see the difference. Maybe that’s why the pictures contain subscript.

A non-specified brand of 22-inch tires with Pirelli tires complement the whole makeover, while a high-performance exhaust system provides the right tone and amps the power a bit. An ECU tweak further enhances the V12’s punch. As a final summation, the Imperatore yields 70 hp and 80 Nm of torque more than it would usually do. That’s 632 hp and 860 Nm good for a 0 to 60 time of 4.5 seconds.

Inside, the interior is subject to change. There are Italian leathers available, rare materials like Sting Ray, and carbon fiber trims that can be applied whenever you want them.

Source: DMC

December 6, 2013

2015 Ford Mustang Debut

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After Chevrolet’s jab yesterday about how the Camaro is thrashing the Mustang in terms of sales, Ford delivers a hasty comeback. It’s a brand new pony! The 2015 Ford Mustang got unveiled today simultaneously in six cities across four continents.

How do we know it’s a Mustang? Well, the press release says so, but also just look at it. It is a modern reinterpretation of a classic shape: a long hood and a short behind, still low, and still sloping at the back. So not many surprises on the outside then.

What did shock us a bit, however, was the fact that it will now be available with a 2,3-liter EcoBoost. Never thought that you can put “Eco” and “Mustang” in one sentence. But because of some clever engineering (variable cam timing, a special intake manifold and turbocharger housing) you expect around 305 hp and 407 Nm of torque which is pretty decent to say the least. Of course, purists can still refer to the 5.0-liter V8 engine that goes all the way up to 420 hp and 529 Nm of torque. An automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is available as an option.

The good news is that whatever power grade you get, you will be able to put it to good use. The 2015 Mustang has an all-new suspension system. The front gets treated with a new perimeter subframe that stiffens the front structure yet remains lighter than its predecessors. The back axle is mounted on an integral-link independent suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for high-performance cornering. Aluminum knuckles help reduce the curb weight. All Mustang GT models in Europe will come as standard with 19-inch wheels and performance brake packages.

It’s not just the materials used that are clever, but the nervous system that operates them as well. There are different modes selectable from the plane cockpit-inspired cabin. Thus you can adjust the throttle response, steering feedback, and transmission and ESC behaviour to your taste. There’s torque vectoring for the wheels and the manual transmission GT Mustangs have launch control which should be loads of fun on the track. Optional conveniences include the 8-inch navigation system accompanied by a 12-speaker sound system.

Source: Ford

December 5, 2013

Chevrolet To Introduce 2015 Corvette Z06 In A Month

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Exciting news from Detroit city. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is coming soon. Very soon. It’s supposed to be the “most track-capable Corvette ever” In other words, its sole purpose is to put to shame all relevant rivals.

“Chevrolet is America’s favorite performance car brand, and for 2014 we are going to offer enthusiasts more choices than ever before,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “No other manufacturer will be able to match the breath of performance cars from Chevrolet.”

Apparently, Chevrolet as a whole is doing mighty fine on the market. This year the current Corvette has outsold its closest competitor (which is apparently the Porsche 911). The demand for the new Stingray, they say, outstrips the supply.

The Camaro is also ahead of the Ford Mustang with a 4,093-unit lead in total sales. In the second quarter of 2014, the Camaro Z/28 will hit the dealrships and it too is supposed to be “the most track-capable” of its kind. Recently, the Z/28 logged a 7:37.40 lap on the Nurburgring… on a rainy day. Crikey!

The 2015 Corvette Z06, on the other hand, will debut in about a month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – home turf.

That, and the fact that the Z06 sales will start at the end of next year, is all we know for now. Better start saving up.

Source: Chevrolet

December 5, 2013

Update: Vorsteiner BMW M5 F10 Photo Shoot

Vorsteiner-BMW-M5-F10-shadow Vorsteiner-BMW-M5-F10-medium Not exactly breaking news, but a photo shoot of Vorsteiner’s BMW F10 M5. We don’t really need an excuse to relish in some eye-candy goodness, do we?

It’s an delicate thing this, mainly because Vorsteiner haven’t gone destroying it with a ridiculous body kit. In fact, this might just be the most reserved tuning effort of them all. All the while, it would seem that Vorsteiner went through an awful lot of fuss just so that they can leave their mark on the BMW M5. Consider this – the three main components that distinguish their BMW from all the rest are the carbon front splitter, rear diffuser, and lip spoiler on the trunk lid. Yet, they modeled them on a 3D printer (these days even bacon seems to be modeled by a 3D printer before it arrives on our plates); and, before actually bolting the pieces on the M5, Vorsteiner tested their aerodynamic properties in a wind tunnel.

Last but not least, they gave the M5 a set of 21-inch VS-190 Forged Monoblock Wheels leaving just about a hair of space between the tires and the wheel arches.

Generally improved or would you rather have it marooned?

Source: Vorsteiner

December 5, 2013

Supersized Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Mercedes E 63 AMG Station Wagon

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Brabus seem to have a somewhat peculiar understanding of what an estate is. See, we look at the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Station Wagon and go, “Oh, look at that loading space! I can finally move that cupboard/drawer/sofa/farm animal that I’ve been wanting to get rid of for years. This being an AMG car, I could probably do it really, really quick as well.” Brabus, on the other hand, have a look at it and go. “Has it got an engine? Yes? Wonderful, we’ve got work to do!” And by “work” they mean, dismantling the Merc’s “puny” 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 and substitute all the major components with their own. The result is currently on a stand at the 2013 Essen Motor Show: The Brabus 850 6.0 Bitrubo Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon.

As the name suggests, we are talking about a 6-liter 850 hp engine. What Brabus have done to achieve such power is increase the cylinder bore to 99 mm and install new forged pistons. A custom crankshaft with a stroke of 96 instead of 90.5 mm plus eight custom piston rods were also on the list. On top of that (no pun intended), the two cylinder heads have been optimized for improved mixture flow.

The whole air-intake system has also been substituted. Think two Brabus turbochargers with more room for compression and special exhaust manifolds. Before the air reaches them, however, it passes through a bigger-than-normal air duct on the hood and bigger air filters. The intake and charge-air tubes are plated with a special “Gold Heat Reflection” material for better heat dissipation. ECU management also comes into play and so do the high-performance catalysts, plus the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system that provides the right note at the right time.

If you think 850 hp is impressive, wait until you hear the torque figure – 1,150 Nm. This means that the 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 tires that come with the programme have to both provide enough traction for the Biturbo to get to 62 mph from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds, and stay intact throughout. The top speed is limited to 186 mph.

Visual Brabus treats include the front spoiler lip that acts as an add-on to the production bumper and the Brabus diffuser insert that nestles the two dual ceramic-coated tailpipes. Don’t forget the largest in size Brabus 9.5Jx20 Monoblock F or R wheels or the optional Brabus Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” set that sees 9Jx20s at the front and 10.5x20s at the back.

Inside, the distinguishable features include a Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantra upholstery, a pair of aluminum shift paddles, and a set of Brabus Race pedals.

Source: Brabus

December 4, 2013

Toyota Avalon Refreshed For MY 2014

2014-Toyota-Avalon-shadow 2014-Toyota-Avalon-medium The Toyota Avalon is out with a new model year with several updates and revisions in an attempt to lure even more buyers. It is now wider, lower, and more aggressive, we suppose, because of the “tighter gaps between the tires and body.” There’s also an Avalon Hybrid available.

We can’t talk in inches, but the overhangs are supposed to be shorter, the tracks wider, and the body even more aggressively sculptured. The drag coefficient will now stand at 0.28. With the slight update of the shape comes a new weight which stands at 3,461 lbs (gasoline models) – a tiny bit lighter than the previous MY. By default the ride is subtle and comfortable, but Toyota now say that the Avalon will be 12 percent more rigid than its ancestry. 17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires come as standard, but if you have opted for the XLE Touring or the Limited model, you’ll get the P225/45R18 tires with, naturally, 18-inch wheels. Most of the other niceties on the outside cluster around the power wing mirrors. Not only is there a turn indicator embedded in each one, but they also have heaters, memory positioning, and puddle lamps. Also, if you tick those on the option list, they can have a blind spot monitor indicator and an auto-dimming electro-chromatic glass. Would hate to have them vandalized as it usually happens in my neighbourhood. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space

Inside one will notice significant noise reduction due to the extensive soundproofing all-around. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a plethora of IT tech inside. The instruments hold a 3.5-inch TFT display that can display valuable driver information. The center console holds a 6.1 inch screen from which you can operate the audio system or your iPod from it if it has been plugged in one of the car’s USB ports. Another way of connectivity is via Bluetooth which can also be accessed from that screen. The third screen is the 7-inch HDD navigation that can also play DVDs (who uses DVDs still?). There’s also the optional Entune App Suite which again connects your smartphone with the car and utilizes applications such as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora. The Premium HDD Navigation comes along with the said Entune Suite and a JBL Synthesis® 7.1 channel matrix sound system. The front seats which are heated and ventilated) can have either are electronically adjustable and can have either 8 or even 10 (Limited model) settings. Fascinating! A slightly more alluring fact is the dual-zone automatic climate control which comes as standard on every model. The one you can order optionally is a three-zone unit. If you go for the hybrid model, the trunk’s space will be limited to 14 cu. ft. as opposed to the other models which have 16 cu. ft. of luggage space.

In terms of engine, you get two choices. One is the gasoline DOHC V6 with VVT-i. It has 268 hp at its disposal and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is “less than seven seconds” which is OK for a server-room. Fuel ecconomy? Not too impressive at 25 mpg on the combined cycle. Normally, the transmission would be a six-speed automatic with an S mode which allows the stick to be used as a shifter. The XLE Touring and the Limited models, however, get paddle shifters behind the wheel.

The Avalon Hybrid uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that can be seen on the Camry Hybrid as well. In other words, we have a special transaxle that uses a planetary-type CVT. The actual power for it comes from a 2,5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The combined output amounts to 200 hp. Because the hybrid Avalon is not much heavier than the V6 gasoline one(3,585 lbs), 0 to 60 takes no more than 8 seconds. In order reduce internal friction as much as possible, Toyota have put in an electric water pump, a variable-output oil pump and a roller-rocker type valvetrain. And yet, the economy still stands at the unimpressive (for a hybrid) 40 mpg.

Source: Toyota

December 3, 2013

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster On A Boat

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Few things can match top the grandiose entrance arranged for the Bentley Continental GT a couple of years ago. This, however, really does takes the cake. It’s the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster… on an aircraft carrier… in Abu Dhabi.

That’s right, it’s the hypercar’s public debut. The atmosphere must have been thoroughly Italian and we are not looking simply at the Lambo. His Excellency Giorgio Starace, Italian Ambassador to the UAE and the Admiral of High Seas Forces, Paolo Treu were among the honarable guests being served by a renown chef. There was a catwalk (a 240 meter ship is the ideal place for a catwalk, isn’t it?) where fashion designer Giada Curti offered a tableau vivant of her creations with ten top models. Even footballer Fabio Cannavaro were among the first to sit in the Veneno. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini, commented on the event saying, “We are honored that Lamborghini was chosen to represent the Italian car industry in the UAE, as a perfect example of iconic Italian super sports cars, and that we have the opportunity to show the Veneno Roadster for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Lamborghini has an extremely strong following in the region for its super sports cars, with the Middle East one of our largest markets in the world.”

Lamborghini sure know how to target their audience. If anyone’s going to afford the 3.3 million Euro Veneno Roadster, it’s going to be someone who has an oil well in their backyard. No one of the nine people who will eventually get one will feel cheated, though. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is not just a metal art piece. It’s not even metal. All of the exterior is CFRP. The insides of the carbon fiber monocoque too benefit from lightweight design – CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, the seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. As a result, the Veneno Roadster weighs 1,490 kilograms. That’s pretty impressive for an open-top.

Lamborghini say that every outlandish line of Veneno’s design follows function. In other words, aerodynamic efficiency akin to that of a racing prototype. There’s plenty of downforce while the drag is reduced to a minimum. Even the wheels have a specific shape that channels cooling air to the massive brakes.

All of this is good news for the engine compartment. The 6.5 twelve-cylinder powerplant can unleash all of it’s 750 hp in order to get you from 0 to 60 in just bellow 3 seconds. You will continue accelerating until the electronic limiter kicks in at 220 mph. No mechanical sympathy required – the ISR transmission with five modes, the permanent all-wheel drive and the pushrod suspension with horizontal sprint/damper units can all take the abuse.

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Source: Lamborghini

December 3, 2013

Regula Tuning’s R8 V10 Spyder Is All Show and No Go

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We are sorry, but has the world ran out of wheels? This is the third time in the last five days that we encounter the flamboyant Oxigin-Oxrock 8,5 x 20s along with the accompanying spinning covers. At the very least, this time they don’t seem to ruin the overall vista of the car in question. No, everything else does.

What you see here is the newest (post-facelift) Audi R8 V10 Spyder that’s been tricked out by Regula Tuning. This is not their first time when they’ve butchered an R8. Don’t get us wrong, it doesn’t look that bad. Over the top and vulgar with those scarlet red accents for sure, but still kind of cool-looking. The biggest problem we have with it, however, is the pretence that it is something that it is clearly not. Besides the carbon-fiber bodykit (consisting of a front and rear apron and side skirts) and the wheels, there don’t seem to be any other features that differentiate it from the stock R8. You still get the same 525 hp Lambo-sourced V10 and the standard suspension setup.

Nobody’s trying to dispute the Audi’s original performance here, but one has to be able to walk the talk, right? If you look like a Nürbergring thoroughbred on track days, you need to be able to leave your opponents trailing behind, not just intimidate them with a virtually non-existent ground clearance and paper-thin tires. Out on the streets, on the other hand, you’ll need to do countless recalculations of your route on the satnav since you obviously won’t be able to clear the speed hump that’s spanning before you.

Amazingly, though, the most striking thing about the Regula R8 is the price – $9,400. Worth it?

Source: Regula Tuning

December 2, 2013

AC Schnitzer ACS4 BMW 2.8i Coupe Police Concept [VIDEO]

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VDAT (from German: Verban Der Automobil Tuner) stands for the “Association of German Vehicle Tuners”, and the Essen Motor Show is where all of the members have a get together and show off their ambitious, and sometimes even mad, projects. Annually, however, they take the opportunity to work together on a concept vehicle as part of a campaign called “Tune it! Safe!” What that mutual effort aims to show, is that one can still make insanely cool and fast vehicles and be responsible all the while. So nothing like the R8 from yesterday then. For the fourth consequent year, the subject vehicle was a police car (a BMW 428i Coupé, to be precise). Baddies, beware!

It would appear that most of the credit for this year’s concept goes to AC Schnitzer. In fact, it is called the ACS4 2.8i Coupé which really means that most of the work was done by them. What they did was to add a little more oomph to the standard 2.8i engine, fiddle with the suspension, install some spoilers, and throw in a couple of accessories for the inside. The only other companies mentioned are the ones that provided the Foliatec (responsible for the police décor) and Hella (RTK 7 signalling system). Hankook, on the other hand, are said to be the chief sponsors behind the project. That’s why the AC Schnitzer Type VIII Lighweight Forged Wheels get to wear two pairs of Hankook Ventus S1evo tires in sizes 245/30 R21

With the AC Shnizer performance upgrade, the BMW now boasts a power value of 294 hp (up a sensible notch from 245 hp). As a result, the top speed is now limited to 155 mph; and 0 to 62 is done in 5,7 seconds. The based-in-Aachen guys claim that now the CO2 value per HP sees an improvement over the standard setup.

Because the torque is also up to 420 Nm, the ACS4 needs something to tame the additional grunt and put it to use. This is where the AC Schnitzer racing suspension comes in place. It ha has adjustable bump and rebound settings and lowers the whole of the car with around 25 mm. Hopefully, the officers of the law will still be able to clear a speed hump withouth wasting the AC Schnitzer front splitter. There’s also a spoiler at the roof and at the back.

Inside aluminum seems to be the predominant theme – “Black Line” (still aluminum) handbrake handle and gear knob plus aluminum pedals and foot rest. There’s also a new key holder and velour floor mats – fascinating.

So, there you have it. Responsible. sensible, cool and safe in just about every sense of the word.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7zrsNWSvr0&feature=youtu.be

Source: AC Schnitzer

November 29, 2013

xXx Performance Juice the Audi R8 4.2 FSI Quattro

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The ridiculous Oxigin 14 Oxrock rims with their silly spinning wraps strike again! This time the victim is an xXx-Performance Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro. A shame, actually, since at a glance this mod sounds pretty appealing. Well, the livery/sponsorship too is a bit over the top.

The program is aimed at those R8 owners who look at the V10 version and go green with envy. Now they too can enjoy even greater surges of power because xXx-Performance have teeamed up with Chiptrick for this one, and they have managed to squeeze every drop of power from its “inferior” V8 FSI engine. Though, squeeze may not be the right term. Afterall, they’ve added a twin turbo system made up of two Garret turbines and a custom-made intercooler. Consider also the new high-pressure fuel pump, the more efficient injection nozzles, and the custom-built exhaust system with cross x-pipe plus flaps. It’s the embodiment of the sound and the fury. Vehicles with the sequential R-tronic 6-gear manual transmission are moreover upgraded with a special transmission software that is adapted to the new situations.

By now you might be wondering to what all of this equates. There are three stages of power boost:

Stage 1: 590 hp; 660 Nm of torque

Stage 2: 640 hp; 675 Nm of torque

Stage 3: 707 hp; 809 Nm of torque

With Stage 3, you can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed would be limited to 194 mph. One other drawback, though: quite worryingly, there don’t seem to be any changes made to the chassis. Just some stupid wing attachments that mimic the V10 counterpart. Bottom line is, were we to have a go in it, ending up in a ditch would be inevitable.

Source: xXx Performance

November 28, 2013

MTM’s Polo and Audi Lineup at The Essen Motor Show

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From the 30th of November until December the 8th the city of Essen, Germany will become the venue of motoring nirvana. Mostly after market companies will be showcasing their crowning achievements amidst a swirl of classic cars, accessories, tools, racing cars, fuels, lubricants etc.

One of the stands on the Essen Motor Show will be taken up by MTM; and, wouldn’t you know it., we are talking about a yet another road-going Polo R WRC. It’s supposed to have 315 hp (just as much as the rally version) and do 0 to 60 in just above four seconds. In a bid to tame that power, MTM have bolted on their own 4-piston brakes and provided KW absorbers. The car sits on 8 x 18-inch Nardo wheels wearing 215/35 ContiSportContact 5 P tires. Oh, and if you don’t find that enough, they can amp the power up to 380 hp.

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If such “feeble” is not your cup of tea, then move on to the next MTM item – 722 hp Audi RS6 R TFSI 4.0. Sounds ludicrous, but this monstrosity of a car is actually able to put all that power on the road. Its 0 to 60 is deemed insignificant, its 0 to 124 mph is quoted at just below 11 seconds. You’ll eventually hit the limiter at 211 mph. In order to cope with these forces, the MTM Audi RS6 has a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters there are the massive 295/35 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Supersports. The front brakes are equipped with mtm-defined Brembo monoblovk six-piston callipers and 405 x 36 mm brake discs. As a final party piece, the RS6 employs a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system with flaps in the front and main silencer for those special guttural sounds that will make ears bleed all around. MTM-Audi-S3-BBS-XA-Wheels-medium

There will also be another Audi (MTMs S3) on the stand that will showcase exclusively BBS’s new “XA”-type wheel, with 235/35 ZR 19 Pilot Super Sport tyres – an appropriate complement to a car that can do 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and reach 205 mph.

Source: MTM

November 28, 2013

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov