Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 15 – Automobiles Review

Porsche 918 Spyder at Nurburgring in a Martini Suit

Martini Porsche 918 Spyder The Porsche 918 Spyder has been spotted circling the Nurburgring as a part of development testing. It also has a new suit on which makes us all excited and tingly.

It does so mainly because it’s not that new. Martini was the official partner of the Porsche factory team between 1973 and 1978. It was then when the iconic “Martini Porsche” design came to be. The white, blue and red stripes saw many victories and today the legacy continues in tune with the future.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid super sports car that uses two electric motors and a 570 hp V8 engine that can work in unison thus producing a combined power output of around 770 hp. That amount of power is good for a top speed of 325 km/h and an acceleration of less than 3 seconds until the 100 km mark. Astonishing feats when you think about the fuel consumption which is no more than 3.0-liters per 100 km.

Still, the focus is on the sports performance. The goal of the Nurburgring testings is to do a lap time of less than 7 minutes 22 seconds. Considering all the carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) that make up the body and the ceramic brakes, that time is quite feasible.

Source: Porsche

August 1, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Welcomes 1.6 Engine to the Family

Just when you made up your mind on buying the new CLS Shooting Brake, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pops out to rock your world. It introduces a new petrol engine and comes available with several trims, each ready to satisfy even the pickiest of customers.

The base model will be now known as the Executive SE and it will come in both, Saloon and Estate forms. The engine lineup will consist of the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Standard equipment on any of the Executive SE models includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights. Optionally, a Luxury Package add an even more sophisticated grille, 17” alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

The more interesting however, are the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus trims. The former adds 17” alloy wheels and halogen headlights while at the same time boast reduced emissions in comparison to the old 2012 C 220 CDI – 123g/CO2 which is 10g less than before. It doesn’t sound much but bares some great tax relief consequences.. The AMG Sport Plus again picks up a notch on the size of the wheels bringing the number to 18” (bi-color AMG ones). You also get a pair of clever bi-Xenon front lights, some sports seats, red seat belts, AMG floor mats and paddles for the automatic models. If your AMG Sport Plus C-Class happens to be a Coupe, you also get an AMG trunk lip spoiler and an option to throw in an AMG Handling Package which enhances the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response.

Although the name suggests a 1.8 engine, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY has a downsized 1.6-liter plant as a drivetrain. The focus here is on ultra-efficiency. It’s a turbocharged petrol unit that outputs 154 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 4,000 rpm. All respectable figures but the real kicker is the consumption 47.9 mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (the Coupe returns 44.1 and 149g). All the while, Mercedes are dropping the 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine for the C-Class Saloon and Estate but the Coupe and the C 63 AMG models will still get it.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 1, 2012

Beefy Porsche Cayenne by JE Design

JE Design have come up with a bodykit for the Porsche Cayenne that’s going to set you back 28,038 Euros ($34,338). It’s as if they have skinned an Alfa-Romeo Giulietta in a bit to create an exotic coat.

The kit does not even sound that sophisticated – The front skirt (which comes in two versions, one for the Cayenne Turbo/GTS and one for the Cayenne Diesel/S) utilizes the standard LED daytime running lights. Both skirts however do boast an optimized airflow and some low-mounted fog lights as well as long beam lights next to them. The JE Design hood also showcases some airflow thanks to three air outlets. At the back, 100 millimeter pipes (four of them) surround a diffuser while the C pillars get a pair extension. Also the wheel arches flare more know thanks to the new fenders. In case one feels like towing something with the now even more muscular Cayenne, there’s a cover on the rear bumper that hides the coupling device. The side sills also blend into the standard Cayenne design yet they radiate their own sportishness.

An aggressive stance is achievable through the suspension as well. A JE Design air module can be controlled through an iPhone app and does not hinder Porsche‘s Active Suspension Management damping system. Add to that four 10 x 22-inch alloy rims that have either five double spokes or five single spokes. The 295/30 R22 tires fill in nicely the beefed up wheel arches especially when we consider the 60 mm front and 80 mm back spacers.

It’s not all show and tell though. The Cayenne can seriously start shifting down the road with the JE Design engine management upgrades which are available for both petrol and diesel engines. The end power output may end up at 610 hp – serious stuff.

Source: JE Design

July 30, 2012

Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 Expedition Military Green Jeep by Kahn

With the London Olympics right on our front doorstep, many automotive institutions tend to relate by issuing a themed vehicle or at least a clever promotion. The guys at Kahn however would rather accent on athletes and thus release a… Chelsea Truck CJ 300 Expedition Vehicle which is a Jeep Wrangler in military green. Maybe the focus is more on the security organization around the games. (It’s actually for triathlon athletes this Jeep).

No military vehicle however can boast brake calipers dipped in liquid gold. The headlights and the indicators are smoked thus looking sleeker and yet less prominent especially in the presence of LED daytime running lights. Apparently, a lot of work has gone into modifying the front grille – there’s talk about special openings on the valance and the grille area, better airflow to the radiator, intercooler and brakes etc. Some sense of luxury in this otherwise seemingly crude vehicle is brought by the stainless steel sill plates. Then there’s the back with the Kahn enamel tailgate and the branded spare wheel cover. Kahn cross hair exhausts in stainless steel emit style and subtlety. Finally, the wheels round up the look – Smoked black Kahn RSs measuring at 9 x 20 that fit all original center caps.

Inside, the seats are heated and the pedals are all aluminum with wholes in them – stylish, yet hardcore. Kahn have taken into account that you might be entering in and out of the CJ 300 with muddy boots so everything is easy to clean and non-absorbent. It’s still mainly leather though – quilted and perforated front and rear seats in black with matching stitching while the speedo and rev counter fascia is in red.

Source: Kahn Design

July 27, 2012

Seat Exeo Ecomotive

Seat welcomes to the family the Exeo Ecomotive – a bundle of clean and economical technologies wrapped up in a car’s body. It’s basically parallels Volkswagen’s Bluemotion line. And it won’t be just the Seat Exeo that gets it. All the current models will be available with that extra dose of sensibility.

The Exeo however is the perfect example of how a green family car should behave. The Ecomotive uses a 2.0-liter TDI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s power comes in two stages – 120 PS and 143 PS and between them, there seems to be no difference in emissions and consumption: 117 g/km of CO2 and 62.8 mpg. If that turns out to be true, why bother going for the 120 PS one?

The tech that saves you money is not new or ground braking. There’s a start/stop unit somewhere along the lines, an energy recovery system and a set of low-resistance Goodyear tires. For the sake of aerodynamics, the Ecomotive is also lower than usual.

Don’t feel that you’d be in short of common equipment as well. The 120 PS Exeo Ecomotive S (which is the basic model) gets 16-inch Morfeo alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, voice-activated Bluetooth and a multimedia steering wheel. All of that for no more than 20, 040 British pounds or 31,488 dollars. The next step is the SE and Sport versions which add clever windscreen wipers, clever headlights parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, bi-xenon lights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, tinted rear windows and dashboard inserts (those last 6 ones come with the Sport models). On the options list, one can further laden their SE or Sport trim with a Tech pack that throws in a satellite navigation and a BOSE stereo.

On a side note, if one is not a family man but rather a teenager or a college graduate, Seat can offer a Seat Mii Ecomotive. Essentially a 1.0-liter, three cylinder petrol engine that does 68.9 mpg and 96 g/km of CO2 which gets much of the extras and technologies that are similar to the ones in the Exeo – air conditioning, electric windows, electronic stability control and split folding rear seats.

Source: Seat

July 27, 2012

Shark Week with a Volkswagen Beetle [Teaser Video]

I have just stumbled on this video/thing on YouTube. It’s from the Volkswagen channel and it’s supposed to be a teaser. Yes, the Beetle is newish but the focus is not on it per se. In August, Discovery Channel are going to broadcast their annual “Shark Week” and Volkswagen will somehow be involved in it.

Volkswagen Beetle Shark Observation Cage

Why a Beetle then? Well, since the Inglostadt guys don’t have a particular car named after a certain species of shark, why not? Besides, If we got this right, they will be putting together a “Beetle Shark Observation Cage“, which sounds like the most unsettling, comfortable thing ever. Volkswagen have rigid and reliable history but this stunt takes on a whole new meaning.

However, If the cage is to be modeled after a Beetle, it kind of makes sense since it’s the perfect shape – spacious and view friendly. Thus vigilance won’t be an issue when dipping for sharks.

The whole plan will come to light, we guess, on Sunday, the 12th of August when Discovery’s Shark Week will be in motion. Don’t miss out.

httpv://youtu.be/Xs6bWvKqMq4

Video Source: Volkswagen via YouTube

July 27, 2012

A Wide Spectrum of Weitec Suspension Systems

Whenever in need of suspension bits and pieces, two names should…spring to your mind – KW Automotive and Weitec (by KW Automotive). We’ve always felt that someplace desolate hides a great storage house (think Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull type of installment… you know, with the big storage house part that… never mind). So at that place, KW stockpiles springs and shocks and all kinds of coilover kits. A shopping cart can be hooked up with a suspension if it was up to them.

What we have here is not exactly a shopping cart, but it is close. It’s an Opel Zafira Tourer C which has been fitted with some Weitec sports springs and the end result is a low-riding fun wagon (that doesn’t sound right). Obviously, the graffiti paint job and the wheels help boost up the appeal but the main point is that this Zafira is now 30 mm lower than the standard one. Useful? Maybe. Cool? Definitely.

What about some lowering springs on an already cool car? Say a Peugeot 208? Sure – 30 mm less ground clearance for that one too. A VW Golf 6 GTI? Bring it on. A Kia Cee’d, an Optima? Just state your preferences.

Source: Weitec

July 27, 2012

Ford Mondeo by Loder1899

Loder1899 have gotten their hands on the rather flawless Ford Mondeo Mk 4. What could they have possibly done to it, to make it better?

For one thing, they have installed a cupspoiler which is also available in carbon for twice the price. A new rear apron also comes as part of the package with again an all carbon option. We can’t see it but apparently at the back end there’s also a diffuser and some neat pipes sticking out. The exhaust system offered by Loder1899 consists of two stainless steel pipes. Sports catalysts are also an option. Wrapping up the exterior look is the lowering kit which lowers the car’s stance by around 35 mm. Not only do you get more stability out of the corners with that, but the 9×20 Vergito Viginti wheels with 245/30R tires on them will gain more prominence.

Is your Ford Mondeo a diesel? If so, throw in a performance upgrade as the cherry on top. The 2.2-liter TDCI model can gain up to 45 hp with Loder’s ECU remapping know-how. That’s 244 hp of pure power coming at you at 3,500 rpm. Naturally, the torque is up as well. Nearly 500 Nm of it at just 1750 rpm. With that in mind, the top speed is now 228 km/h and the zero to 100 km sprint can be done in 8.0 seconds. No dramatic changes in the consumption though – 6,5 l/100 km.

So that’s about it. The Loder1899 Ford Mondeo is ready to take on the other family and businesspeople in a between-the-traffic-lights thrashing.

Source: Loder1899

July 27, 2012

Audi R8 V10 Plus – Best of the Best

Good news. Audi are refreshing their R8 range and are also adding a version which from now on will be the scoreboard leader. It’s the Audi R8 V10 Plus with a new deliciously clever 7-speed S tronic gearbox.

Let’s first talk about all the changes that have been made to the range. A new front bumper that underlines the innovations in the headlight department. By innovations we mean an extensive use of LED technology. Besides the daytime running lights, diodes emit the high and low beams. Optionally a carbon fiber reinforced plastic front splitter can be installed for that extra something. At the back the diffuser has been restyled alongside the R logo.

Under the engine cover, the choice of engines pretty much remains the same. There seems to be however, a bit of a jolt when it comes to power. The 4.2 FSI engine that goes in the Coupe and Spyder V8 models now produces 430 hp and just as much Nm of torque between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The 5.2 FSI V10 version of these cars stands now at 525 hp and 530 Nm. All seems very proportional. The highlight here however is the acceleration. Provided that the cars are with the new 7-speed S tronic, the 4.2 Coupe will cross the 62 mph mark in 4.3 seconds, the 4.2 Spyder – 4.5 seconds. The 5.2 Coupe and Spyder (again with the new gearbox) will do that in 3.8 and 4.1 seconds.

The real highlight however is the now fastest R8 of them all. Despite being called the Plus, it’s not a plus size lady. In fact, because of the lightweight bucket seats and wheels and ceramic brakes and the scarce use of insulation, the Audi R8 V10 Plus – which is strictly a Coupe – weighs only 1,570 kg. Ten kilograms more than the 4.2 V8 Coupe. Consider the freshly squeezed 550 hp from the 5.2-liter V10 and also the 540 Nm that come along, and you have yourself a super car that can reach 60 mph from a stand still in just 3.5 seconds (S tronic again). Being a quattro, there should be no remarks on the handling whatsoever (no more than 30% of the torque goes to the front wheels so you get some tail-happy action as well).

On the outside, one can recognize an Audi R8 V10 Plus by the black exhaust tips, front splitter, funnier looking air vents, the rear diffuser and mirror caps. It’s 19-inch black gloss wheels with widths of 8.5 and 11 inches are subsequently coated in 235/35 and 295/30 tires respectively.

Source: Audi

July 26, 2012

Alpha-N BMW E92 M3 “Multifunction Toy”

Being awfully close to the Nürburgring, the guys at Alpha-N feel compelled to come up with something that will look good on the Nürburgring. That’s where this M3 comes into place. It’s been designed to appeal the people who spend their salary on petrol and track days.

From every angle it looks like a proper sports car – a carbon racing spoiler with vents that channel air to the brakes and a carbon rear diffuser that presses down the back end cooperatively with that giant back wing. Add to that a high-end competition chassis frame from KW and Superforgiata wheels that measure at 10×19-inches, wrapped around in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 265/35 R19 tires and you’ve got yourself a fearsome competitor.

All this sounds great but do we really need Recaro Pro Racer Hans bucket seats? Yes. Thanks to some engine management fiddling, a carbon fiber air box and some Akropovic piping the power is up by around 30 hp. That’s 450 hp of pure goodness coming from the M3‘s V8.

Still not convinced about the Alpha-N’s BMW being ready for the track. Up the stakes with carbon fiber doors and a carbon fiber hood and trunk. Put a roll cage in it and get ready to take the stand. The Alpha-N BMW M3 is already there and waiting.

Source: Alpha-N

July 25, 2012

Audi A5 Facelift by RIEGER

Rieger are back to tackle the new Audi A5. They had to come up with new body panels that would fit properly on the now facelifted coupe 5-door fastback. Not only that but some new wheels have been added to the formula, a new suspension and an RS5-ish exhaust system.

We start off with a Rieger front bumper, a couple of side skirts and a rear skirt-extension. You can have that last one in a carbon fiber look if you like. The same is true for the spoiler. The overall body kit gives that much sought after aggressive look. The picture becomes more vivid however with four 21-inch Corniche Challenge wheels and Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires on them. The wheel arches above them will be well filled thanks to a set of H&R sports springs which lower the whole car. The final piece to the puzzle is the Rieger exhaust system which offers no compromises.

Source: Rieger

July 25, 2012

JMS BMW 5 Series E60/61

JMS is the kind of house in which you go if you have a sports sedan that has recently started to ware (appeal wise). There you state your unexplainable desire to obtain some flare and before you know it, you end up with something like this or this.

The E60 BMW 5-series went out of production two years ago but there are still plenty around. Most probably not the best-looking design piece but definitely a keeper as a whole. JMS can now offer you a front apron for the BMW E60 or the estate E61 (provided that they have both been originally equipped with an M-technic bumper). Then to make the sporty look even more prominent, a KW stainless steel coil over kit version 3 has been fitted so the whole car sits lower by 60 mm at the front and by 45 mm at the back. To round up this modest programme, JMS have also thrown in four ASA AR1 wheels that size up to 10.5×20-inches. The tires on them measure at 245/30/20 at the front and 285/25/20 at the back.

All things combined will set you back with around 5,230 Euros or $6,341. The final check could go even higher as JMS are offering a ton of other tempting upgrades indipendantly – from engine tweaks to carpets, it’s your call.

Source: JMS

July 24, 2012

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov