Automobiles Review

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov

  • G-POWER Work on a BMW 1M Coupe

    G-Power-BMW-1M-Coupe-thumbG-Power-BMW-1M-Coupe-mediumA substantial upgrade for the BMW 1M Coupe is now available at G-Power central. There’s an increase in power, there’s a suspension tweak and there’s some eye candy.

    The main point here is that now a 1M Coupe is more powerful than it’s bigger brother – the M3. That’s 435 horsepower and 590 Newton meters of torque (15 hp and 195 Nm more than the M3). That immediately takes us to the question of speed. The G-Power 1M eats up 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The top speed has been upped to 300 km/h.

    To achieve this, the guys at G-Power have had to optimize the flow with some downpipes to reduce the exhaust gas temperature. Further back, there’s a completely new exhaust system that’s 20 kg lighter than a stock one would be mainly because the titanium material used for it. The tail pipes also come in carbon. At the front there’s a larger intercooler and a special G-Power software (Bi-Tronic V3) that takes into account the newfound oily bits.

    Suspension-wise, G-Power have worked hard to match the performance. A GM1-RS height-adjustable coil-over kit ensure overall stability. Then there are the 20-inch G-Power Silverstone wheels wrapped in Michelin tires with 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 dimensions front and rear respectively. From behind the double spokes of the front alloys, 396 mm brake discs peak out which get clamped by six-cylinder piston calipers whenever one stomps on the brake pedal.

    G-Power BMW 1M Coupe
    G-Power BMW 1M Coupe
    G-Power BMW 1M Coupe
    G-Power BMW 1M Coupe

    Source: G-Power

  • Senner Rise the Stakes with an Audi S5 Coupe

    Senner-Audi-S5-Coupe-thumbSenner-Audi-S5-Coupe-mediumSenner are now showcasing their latest work. An Audi S5 Coupe, refurbished in a way so that it suits the taste of a person who would normally breakfast, lunch and dine behind the wheel.

    The looks then: A rear spoiler flap, a rear carbon fender skirt insert and a blind for the rear screen all combine to create an appealing street look. A bit more sophistication stems from the carbon fiber side skirts and carbon fiber mirror caps. A set of red Work Varianza T1S wheels measuring at 9 x 20 inch at the front and 10.5 x 20 inch at the back, offer perfect contrast to the overall whiteness of the S5. 245/30R20 and 295/25R20 tires respectively complete the picture. The final exterior touch on Senner‘s creation is the stance – a complete coilover kit from KW (Variant 3) with adjustable rebound and compression settings.

    Under the hood, the aftermarket experts have also left their mark. The power is now up to 377 hp – 48 hp and 60 Nm more than you’d expect from the 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine inside. A power converter for the electronic gas pedal offers better responsivness as a new performance filter ensures better breathing. A high-grade steel sport exhaust system ends up with four exhaust tips. With all that in mind, the S5‘s top speed now comes close to 300 km/h.

    Inside, a classic black and red leather trim complete with carbon inserts. A carbon steering wheel with Race Ring from an Audi R8 sits in front of the driver and a set of light-up RS5 door handles adorn the sides.

    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe
    Senner Audi S5 Coupe

    Source: Senner

  • Mitsubishi Evo Falls into a Ditch, Get’s out [VIDEO]

    Mitsubishi-Evo-Save-thumbMitsubishi-Evo-Save-mediumLook up “close call” in the dictionary and you’ll see a link that leads to this video. Well, maybe not but the fact that this was one of those my-heart-jumped-a-beat moment, is indisputable.

    A Mitsubishi Evo storms into a corner that’s largely wet tarmac with mud all over. Then the unavoidable happens – A massive oversteer with no time for correction. What follows afterwards falls short of a miracle, an AWD magic trick. If we were in a ditch like that, at that angle and at that speed there would have been a lot of screaming and waving of hands. This young man however, (presumably) holds his composure and stomps on the gas pedal with perfect timing. That’s how we get to enjoy some two-wheel action and a tremendous save. Good engineering plus good control equals win.

    httpv://youtu.be/HjNd39q-Aic

    Video source: TheOesRecords via YouTube

    Look up “close call” in the dictionary and you’ll see a link that leads to this video. Well, maybe not but the fact that this was one of those my-heart-jumped-a-beat moment, is indisputable.

    A Mitsubishi Evo storms into a corner that’s largely wet tarmac with mud all over. Then the unavoidable happen – A massive oversteer with no time for correction. What follows afterwards falls short of a miracle, an AWD magic trick. If we were in a ditch like that, at that angle and at that speed there would have been a lot of screaming and waving of hands. This young man however, (presumably) holds his composure and stomps on the gas pedal with perfect timing. That’s how we get to enjoy some two-wheel action and a tremendous save. Good engineering plus good control equals win.

  • An Electric DeLorean DMC-12?

    DeLorean-DMC-12-Electric-thumbDeLorean-DMC-12-Electric-mediumThe DeLorean DMC-12 – your favorite time traveling machine – might end up back… to the future (bad pun intended). A US-based British businessperson has taken up reincarnating the Hollywood icon but not in the way you might be expecting him to do.

    More than 80% of the original car will remain in it’s original form. No ridiculously named paint jobs then. Good. The other 20% that will have to go however, account for the engine and the suspension. “Good again”, you might think. The DMC-12‘s feeble oily bits were the main reason why the whole thing flopped commercially. But will an all-electric powertrain be any better? What we are promised here is power equal to 200 hp and a 60 mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds. That’s time bending when you consider that the electric DeLorean will weigh with around 90 kg more because of the batteries. It’s weight distribution also sounds wobbly – 35/65 front to back.

    Inside the DMC-12 will be generally refurbished and “connected” to the present world with an iPhone docking station – appealing… But let’s not jump on the hate bandwagon and wait until the release which will be sometime next year. If all works out fine, the reborn DeLorean DMC-12 might just be the greatest geek investment in the world.

    Source: Prindiville Design

  • SR Auto Come up with an Acura TL

    SR-Auto-Acura-TL-thumbSR-Auto-Acura-TL-mediumThis one is worth the attention. Not because SR Auto have outdone themselves with it or something like that but because we are talking about an Acura TL – a relatively rare aftermarket favorite. Yes, it is one of the best selling cars in the US as a model, but it is essentially an overpriced Honda.

    So SR Auto bought one, and then had enough money to do just a black paint job and to add PUR 4OUR DEPTH 20-inch rims in a “Gunmetal” gray finish, complemented by a gray again touch on the edges. Add a “Shadow Black” grille and some badges… oh, and suspension-lowering springs from H&R and there you go. A plain job which is actually appealing to the eye. In essence, the TL is cool and sleek, and mean and even more so with those delicate touches.

    The base stock Acura TL is front-wheel driven with a power of 280 hp that comes from a 3.5-liter V6 in the engine bay. A 3.7-liter version offers 305 hp. Either way, the SH-AWD layout would be much more appreciated for the sake of handling and safety even (280 hp to the front wheels is dangerous enough already).

    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL
    SR Auto Acura TL

    Source: SR Auto

  • Chevrolet Trax Debut at Paris

    2013-Chevrolet-Trax-thumb2013-Chevrolet-Trax-mediumThe latest Chevrolet Trax – due to debut at this year’s Paris motor show – will hopefully establish the brand in the “small SUV” niche. Mind you, to their understanding, being 4.2 meters long and 1.8 m wide is small. It’s a perfectly suitable vehicle for five, it’s high-seated and supposedly, it delivers a car-like handling on the tarmac.

    The engines however (the ones for the European markets) do suggest the Trax‘s smallishness. There will be three options:

    A 1.6L naturally aspirated petrol engine (not interesting enough apparently, to know the precise power output)

    A 1.4L turbocharged petrol unit with 140 hp on paper. With the help of a six-speed manual, this engine transfers 200 Nm of torque to the wheels. Depending on the trim, you can also get an AWD system.

    The same is true for the 1.7L doesel which produces 10 hp less but ends up with 300 Nm of torque. All powertrains that are mated to a manual (as opposed to the available six-speed automatic) also get a Start/Stop function.

    Inside, a 358-liter storage space that can come in handy on a grocery run. That includes the various compartments on the sides and under the rear seats and under the cargo floor. If one is willing to spend a bit more money, you can get technological as well – Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a touch-screen display and a flexible navigation programme.

    In terms of safety, the LT trim Trax offers an array of standard passive and active systems. Six-airbaxs, ESC, Hill Start and Descent Assist/Control, traction control, ABS.

    The Paris motor show is due to start on the 27th of September when the world’s leading automotive companies will debut and showcase their latest products to the world. The 2013 Chevrolet Trax will hit the markets sometime in 2013.

    2013 Chevrolet Trax
    2013 Chevrolet Trax

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Jaguar at Salon Privé

    Jaguar-XK-thumbsJaguar-XK-mediumThis year’s Salon Privé – a poshcon for people of exquisite tastes when it comes to the automotive, aviation, jewelry, marine, horology and technology worlds – is a bit too early to be able to showcase the much anticipated Jaguar F-Type. Don’t think however, that there won’t be any exotic cats at display. The British company has prepared an extensive portfolio that can only warm up the crowd for the upcoming roadster.

    First off, we have the flagship Jaguar coupe on the line – It’s the XKR-S, Auto Bild’s Car of the Year. Capable of 186 mph, this chiefly performance oriented executive saloon falls short of stunning. 542 hp have been squeezed out from it’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine for the sole purpose to crunch seconds on it’s 0-60 mph sprint (it’s 4.2 seconds if you were wondering).

    Appearing as entourage to the XKR-S, the Jaguar XK Special Edition will also be there – an enhanced handcrafted cabin with Jaguar design team-specified interior and some discreet exterior modifications. Both cars come with the company’s Sequential Shift and JaguarDrive selector 6-speed automatic.

    Then, there’s the XJ Ultimate… conference room. An extended wheelbase XJ which harbours two individually tailored rear seats trimmed in semi-aniline fine Scottish leather, featuring power adjustment and recline, massage function and climate controls. Then you get a table and a drinks cabinet. More up to date tech can also be found inside – LED interior lighning, iPads with keyboards, 20 speakers belonging to a 15-channel sounds system, headrest screens and wireless earphones.

    Eventually we get to the Jaguar XF Sportberake which is still fresh from it’s debut – “a compelling combination of elegance and capability, both practical and dynamic.” In other words, an awesome estate.

    The 2012 Salon Privé will take place from the 5th to 7th of September at Syon Park, west London. Tickets can be purchased at www.salonprivelondon.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205.

    Source: Jaguar

  • SR Auto Joint Venture for the Lamborghini Murcielago

    SR-Auto-Inspired-Autosport-Murcielago-thumbSR-Auto-Inspired-Autosport-Murcielago-mediumRemember that carbon fibery goodness from Mansory we talked about a while back? Well, this… is not related at all. It is as matte black as charcoal so that’s something. Oh, and it’s a Lamborghini Murcielago – a bit outdated, a bit crude and essentially, a timeless icon.

    For this one, SR Auto apparently needed some help so they turned to the fellow Canadian company Inspired Autosport. But for what exactly did they need help, remains undisclosed. Literally, the only two things out of the ordinary with this Murcielago is the paint job and the wheel set. And they are not even domestic – PUR 1NE monoblocks.

    The end result? A 631 hp naturally aspirated V12 batmobile, cleverly disguised as a Lamborghini Murcielago that’s capable of a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds – stunning figures for it’s time and age. It’s power is transmitted to all fours through an Audi-ish AWD system and through a 6-speed manual/semi-automatic.

    SR Auto Inspired Autosport Lamborghini Murcielago
    SR Auto Inspired Autosport Lamborghini Murcielago
    SR Auto Inspired Autosport Lamborghini Murcielago
    SR Auto Inspired Autosport Lamborghini Murcielago
    SR Auto Inspired Autosport Lamborghini Murcielago

    Source: SR Auto

  • Height adjustable KW coilover spring kit for Dodge Challenger SRT8

    KW-Dodge-Challenger-thumbKW-Dodge-Challenger-mediumIt’s common knowledge that muscle cars excel in power and grunt where they lack in suspension and control. And that, can ruin the whole car for some enthusiasts. Luckily, there these guys known as aftermarket tuners. Some of them are official, like the ones that are behind the SRT8 brand. So take this Dodge Challenger SRT8 for example. It has 431 PS and an adaptive damper system – powerful and sophisticated. But at KW Automotive think they can do better.

    So now a set of KW coilover springs works on top of the adaptive suspension. As a result, one can regulate the continuous lowering of the Dodge – 5 – 25 mm at the rear axle and 0 – 25 at the front. Regardless of the mode, Auto or Sport, the steering response will always be crisp and dynamic thanks to the lowered center of gravity.

    Even if your Dodge Challenger is from the olden days and does not employ an adaptive damper system, there’s a way to enjoy the products of KW. A continuous lowering kit that goes further by 65 mm. It is also rebound adjustable.KW-Dodge-Challenger-medium-1

    Source: KW Automotive

  • Audi featuring Ducati at Pikes Peak

    Audi-RS5-Pikes-Peak-thumbAudi-RS5-Pikes-Peak-mediumSo that’s what the big Audi surprise is. A tag team on the Pikes Peak climb that consists of an RS5 and a Ducati Multistrada 1200 – a celebration of the two franchises’ coming together (Audi buying Ducati). A union then, between the sensible Germans and the passionate Italians – always a recepie for a success.

    Here’s an energetic clip that showcases the representatives. To an everyday normal person, the Ducati is essentially a bike. To us however, it is some sort of a strange car that’s been deprived of two of its wheels. Quite a far fetched misconception, but is it really? This is a Multistrada 1200 Ducati which boasts a 1.2-liter liquid-cooled engine that produces 150 hp. It also has a 6-speed transmission and a wet, hydraulic multi-plate slipper clutch. On the 2012 models, ABS is standard and there’s an engine mode switcher the regulates the power output. All of that grunt and sophistication may sound over the top, but.. it does even more so when we take into consideration that the Multistrada weighs just 190 kg when dry.Ducati-Pikes-Peak-medium-1

    There’s doesn’t seem to be anything special, special about the RS5 which is still an impressive head-turner and stomach churner. That is, nothing special beyond that body work which is styled, alongside with the theme of the Multistrada, to represent at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

    Also, on a side not, Audi will be donating at the “Battle the Blaze” fund which has been established by the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb organizers to help the wildfire-ravaged community surrounding Pikes Peak.

    httpv://youtu.be/x_Mk3IwEBiY

    Video Source: AudiofAmerica via YouTube

  • Overfinch Range Rover GTS-X

    Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-thumbOverfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium

    More pictures of the Overfinch Range Rover GTS-X have been relased so we can safely say that it’s now official.

    If we manage to neglect the fact that the GTS-X is orange, we might have the chance to appreciate it’s other, more prominent features. Take the wheels for example – 22” forged “Titan” alloys, beefed up Brembo vented and drilled 380 mm disks, a lowering module and an integrated roof spoiler.

    Inside, the seats are all black leather with carbon fiber patches and a contrast orange stitching. The headlining, door cards, mats, pillars and the dashboard surround share the same theme. The steering wheel, with its flat bottom is also material and color coordinated. The instruments also correspond to the overall GTS-X appeal.

    Most importantly however, through some ECU magic, the Overfinch Rangie’s 5.0-liter supercharged engine churns out 575 bhp. An Overfinch exhaust system with switchable valve release makes sure you know all of that.

    Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium-4Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium-3Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium-1Overfinch-Range-Rover-GTS-X-medium-2

    Source: Overfinch

  • 2013 Honda Accord Debut

    2013-Honda-Accord-thumb2013-Honda-Accord-mediumIntroducing the 2013 Honda Accord and Accord Sedan which now boast a revised exterior that’s been “designed to stand the test of time”. More space inside is also promised. No word about the oily bits so for now we’ll just have to make do with the design ques

    Starting off with a redesigned grille, Honda accent on the sporty DNA of the family. That way the hood with its many lines and curves is also being complemented. Further back to the sides, a sense of emotion comes largely from the distinctive line that goes through the door handles and flares upward toward the rear. Another line defines the rocker panel and makes a clever little swoosh towards the end. At the back, an inward slope at the top of the fenders, leaves a curvy and purposeful stance.2013-Honda-Accord-medium-1

    Inside, through the use of some Feng shui, more passenger and luggage space has been created. At the same time, both the 2013 Coupe and Sedan are actually shorter than previous models. “This car is the most sculpted and the most dynamic Accord yet,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. “Following Honda’s long-held philosophy of ‘man maximum, machine minimum,’ the beautiful exterior evolved from a focus on interior space and the needs of the people inside it.”

    More information about the new Accord will be brought this fall right before the official release.

    2013 Honda Accord
    2013 Honda Accord
    2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring
    2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring

    Source: Honda