Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 17 – Automobiles Review

Mazda6 Teaser [VIDEO]

There are already two teaser videos in the USA Mazda YouTube channel that concern the 2014 Mazda6 mid-sized sedan. They promise us a deeply stated “re-imagination”. We can see some creases and curves but that’s not yet the big picture so to speak, as more shortish and croppy videos will be fed through the month.

Mazda say that the fascia seen in one of the videos does have the TAKERI DNA in it but they also stress out that its not a concept thing thus it’s more functional, logical and real. The grill for example, also has some KODO “Soul of Motion” design ques . It all sounds very exotic and alluring but let’s not stray away from the point.

The 2014 Mazda6 will be the company’s second vehicles that will make do with the ever so popular SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It’s a realm of Mazda philosophy that engulfs everything from the materials that are used in the assembly to the very structure of the car. What the end result should yield is fuel-efficiency that goes alongside performance, dynamism and safety. The first car to showcase some SKYACTIV components was the 2012 Mazda3 thanks to it’s SKYACTIV 2.0 petrol engine and the subsequent available transmissions. The 2013 CX-5 however was the first full-blown SKYACTIV car that added some body and chassis components to the technology line.

The new 2014 Mazda6 should do no less and it is expected to go on sale in early 2013.

httpv://youtu.be/m5bHx4xULsA

httpv://youtu.be/OElAaosk4KI

Source: Mazda

Video Source: mazdaofficialweb via YouTube

July 16, 2012

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Spy Video

Here’s how the 2014 Mercedes-Benz-S Class might look like. Well, not exactly like that. This one is camouflaged but that makes us a bit more certain: no scams here despite the rouge nature of the video.

What we managed to gather from was the prevalence of LED technology and the discreteness of the exhaust pipes.

The current Mercedes flagship lineup has a wide variety of engines but the 5.5-liter V12 BiTurbo and the 6.0-liter AMG V12 BiTurbo stand out as most impressive. The former brings out 517 PS while the latter – 612 PS and 1000 Nm of torque.

So will this be the next Mercedes-Benz S-Class? We don’t know. We do know however, that if you plan on evading camera armed bicyclists in an urban environment, this is not the car for you.

The world debut of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is due to happen at the start of 2013 so there’s still time for speculations.

httpv://youtu.be/Xu6hUOU8MRs

Source: INDOORKARTINGBCN via YouTube

July 13, 2012

SR Project Vindicator Puts PUR Wheels on Ferrari FF

We’ve said this before: putting a set of wheels on a car and doing a photo shoot is not really a project. SR Auto however, maintain that this is their latest project. It’s called the Vindicator and it involves a beautifully white Ferrari FF and… a set of PUR wheels. We are willing to agree that, this being an FF – the first Ferrari ever to feature an AWD system, the wheels do deserve some attention.

The inspiration for it, SR say, comes from their previous…ehem… project called the Era. The FF here has the same PUR 1NE Monoblock 21-inch wheels in a “Modern Black Finish”. They have a nice 5-double spoked design and provide a good view of the otherwise red brake calipers which is like eye candy to us.

The Frarri FF has an FM4 layout, that is Front-mid engined/four-wheel driven. For power it uses a 6.3 V12 engine that sends 660 PS and 683 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm through a 7-speed double clutch semi-automatic paddle shift system. The AWD setup in it (which is called 4RM) is around 50% lighter than conventional systems which ensure no typical Ferrari agility is lost along the way.

Source: SR Auto

July 13, 2012

Hyundai Elantra Coupe: Good for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

Comic-con is happening right now in San Diego and people are not the only ones who indulge in cospaly (short for costume play). Here’s a Hyundai Elantra Coupe which stems from one of the world’s favorite apocalyptic scenarios – how to protect ourselves in times of a zombie attack?

Robert Kirkman, who designed this “Zombie Survival Machine” Elantra might have the answer. He also happens to be the creator/writer of the popular franchise “The Walking Dead”… which, much to our relief, is about zombies. No need to know that however, as that front plow with spikes on it is obviously not for clearing up snow from the streets (those can be found at the nuclear winter scenario booth). Nope, this one is for dicing your way through hoards of slow-walking, brain hungry ghouls. As a good measure, the glassy bits of the car are also barred and there’s a hatch on the roof in case of emergency. Powerful floodlights at the front and back are good for your awareness and rather road illegal but let’s face it, how many oncoming cars will be blinded by the light in a zombie ridden Atalanta, Georgia. At the back, the trunk is supposedly full of various “electric and pneumatic weaponry”. The tires are a classic with those knee-choppers sticking out of them and inside you get a CB radio system. All of that and more can be found at HyundaiUndead.com and on Sktbound.com.

Being a Hyundai Elantra Coupe, the Zombie Survival Machine boasts 148 zhp (that’s zombie horsepower) from it’s 1.8-liter engine mated to a six-speed … say automatic because changing shifts and fending off clinging zombies is demanding work. On paper, it should an Elantra coupe does around 34 mpg on the combined cycle. Nor sure about this particular one though.

Another more generic looking Elantra GT also shares the spotlight as it has the cover of the 100th Walking Dead comic as its paint job. That’s the whole point of the Hyundai Undead line: To celebrate the release of the 100th issue of “The Walking Dead” comic. There will be a VIP Black Carpet Event on July 13 to mark the occasion.

Source: Hyundai

July 13, 2012

/Drive’s Matt Farah Test Drives Venom GT Spyder [VIDEO]

Watch this neat video of the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder being reviewed by Matt Farah – web series “/Drive” presenter who mainly focuses on the sub-category of highly modified vehicles (/Tuned). Simply being in a Venom GT (especially with the wind in your hair) is scary enough so kudos to him for actually letting us in the ecitement.

To the keen observer, the Venom GT is just a mere Lotus Exige that looks like as if it has had some intimate moments with a Porsche Carrera GT. But the truth is that under the carbon fiber hood (every bit of the Venom body is carbon fiber) there is space for 7.0-liters of twin turbo V8 goodness that produces 1244 bhp. The gear box is lifted up from a Ford GT so no faults there as well.

You don’t really want to read all about it. Here, watch the video and share the experience:

httpv://youtu.be/8hDDBN_pIUQ

Video Source: drive via YouTube

July 12, 2012

Kelleners Sport Package for BMW 3-Series F30

Kelleners Sport have been dealing with BMW‘s for 25 years now. Ever since the first 3-series came out, they have been providing various tuning products for it. Now, it only feels right to go ahead and work on the F30. Welcome then, to the Kelleners Sport Package for the BMW 3-Series, both diesel and petrol.

Virtually every engine in the range can undergo the Kellener‘s power boost. The 320d goes from 184 hp to 218 hp and from 380 Nm to 435 Nm of torque. The 328i petrol on the other hand goes from the generous 242 hp to 291 hp. The torque here goes up to 430 Nm.

Subtle elements have been glued to the exterior as well – all, a front spoiler lip, a rear skirt extension and a trunk spoiler, add a sense of character at the least. The road stance is lower by 30mm thanks to the Kelleners Sport coilover suspension system. A bit of M-ishness comes from the four-pipe exhaust system that comes fort both the petrol and the diesel.

The wheel choice ranges between 19-inch and 20-inch in size. Thoroughly light, these titanium alloys bare a “Hamburg” design and come in 9 different colors. Then there are the “Berlin” type wheels which are all matte polished gray.

By request, Kelleners will trim the interior with lots of leather, carbon and wood. All shades and types of leather as well: 60 different colors, Napa or ostrich leather. The only non-leather features that stick out are and aluminum pedals and velour floor mats.

Source: Kelleners Sport

July 12, 2012

VATH Takes on the Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is an AMG engineering pinnacle. A completely separate project which managed to fit all of the company’s prowess in a single car. Under it’s hood there hides an AMG enhanced Mercedes-Benz V8 engine that spurs out 563 naturally aspirated, rampaging horses. Obviously, that doesn’t work for the guys at VATH who have taken a SLS and made it a bit over the top… although there really isn’t any top. It’s the VATH Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster.

What’s the first thing they did? Slot in a supercharger of course. How did that affect the performance? 690 hp and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds. The supercharger however, is not the only force at work here. VATH have also changed the air box, remapped the engine electronics and enlarged the transmission’s oil cooler.

The newly equipped brake discs that measure up to 405 mm and have extremely robust steel flax lines will be good enough to handle 850 Nm of torques coming through, right? Zoom out a little and you’ll find three piece forged VATH 9.5×20-inch wheels with a set of tires of the following dimensions: 265/30-20 on the front and 315/25-20 – on the rear axle (the wheels there are 12×20-inch). Another handling highlight are the threaded sports springs which lower the stance with 20 – 45 mm, yet work in a complete unison with AMG‘s Ride Control. The shock absorbers on the other hand, are height and hardness adjustable.

It goes without saying that some carbon fiber has been used as well. Shamelessly naked carbon fiber front spoiler, trunk spoiler and side skirts all add to the appeal. You can hove some inside as well as an option. If not, you still get a leather/leather combination, a sporty steering wheel and a speed counter that’s been increased to 400 km/h.

It is evident then, that VATH have been hard at work. That’s exactly why the complete programme will cost you. 85.130 Euros ($104.097) to be precise.

Source: VATH

July 12, 2012

A Volkswagen Golf for the Summer by Schmidt

When we heard that Schmidt Revolution are bringing out yet another Golf, we got excited. It was only after when we realized that the “programme” comprised solely of a set of wheels and a fancy audio system. The upside of the story is that, since the programme is just that, all Golfs are eligible to it. We were pleased to find out that Schmidt’s weapon of choice was a Volkswagen Golf Mk 6 Convertible GTI.

That means 210 hp coming from a 2.0-liter TSI engine which in turn uses a PDK transmission to channel that force to the wheels. This is where Schmidt made their move. The Golf here in the pictures has 8.5Jx19H2 Shift design wheels that boast 45 mm of positive offset. The color: gloss silver. Tires: Conti Sport Contact 5 sized 235/35R19. One however, can go a tad less conspicuous with the 8Jx18H2 version of the same wheels or even the 7,5x17H2 ones.

That leaves us with the B&S Sound system with Rockford Fosgate- and Mosconi-components, a foot-mounted subwoofer and the Kenwood DNX521DAB navigation which is as sophisticated as the Starship Enterprise.

So there you have it. The Schmidt Revolution Volkswagen Golf GTI Convertible – not a lot of work done but then again, not a lot of work needed to be done in order to end up with a genuinely good car.

Schmidt Revolution VW Golf GTI Convertible

Source: Schmidt Revolution

July 11, 2012

Wheelsandmore “Pronto” Update Maserati Gran Turismo Mc Stradale

What we have here is the latest Wheelsandmore update on the Maserati Gran Turismo Mc Stradale. It’s called the “Pronto” and is available for both the coupe and convertible series.

Most notably, some careful work has been done to jump the power of the standard Stradle‘s V8 – 30 extra hp and 40 Nm of torque more thanks to an ECU upgrade and a hand-made exhaust system roars through a remote-controlled valve. So that’s 480 PS and 550 Nm of torque passing through a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox.

There’s been a shoe shopping spree as well. The Wheelsandmore Maserati Gran Turismo Mc Stradale rolls on ultralight 6Sportz2 forged wheels that measure up to 12.5×21-inches. Wrapped around these multipiece goodies are four P Zero Nero tires from Pirelli – 255/30/21 at the front and 355/25/21 at the back.

Another feature intended to improve not only the road appeal, but the overall performance is the compression and rebound adjustable coilover suspension, which is also available for vehicles with OEM Skyhook suspension. For it, you get 5 yars of warranty.

When it comes to the interior, things get very flexible so be sure to be on the right mood when discussing it.

Wheelsandmore Maserati Gran Turismo Mc Stradale

Source: Wheelsandmore

July 11, 2012

Land Rover Defender Going Rural With The XTech Special Edition

The Land Rover Defender has always been a work horse and whoever is trying to steer it into the world of luxury can be proved wrong with this special edition. It’s the Defender Xtech Special Edition – a rugged looking, off-road going rangie But is that really the case?

Don’t be fooled by the grand MTR off-road tires on it’s 16-inch alloy wheels. Nor should you be humbled by the XTech‘s Ford 2.2-liter diesel engine which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. (that engine has actually specifically chosen to comply with Euro V emission regulations). The paint job works to a certain extend but once you step inside, marks of the Special Edition’s squeamishness became widely apparent.

The interior is mostly white leather and there are Land Rover logos everywhere – on the headrests and down on the carpets, embossed or woven. That is not the rugged way. As complementary equipment, you get Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Traction Control, central locking and heated seats and windscreen. All that for the price of £27,995 ($43,440).

Main point: The Land Rover Defender Xtech, with it’s cool name and it’s black wheel arches and stylized side sills, is not a work horse. It’s a high-speck geek dressed as a commando.

Land Rover Defender XTech Special Edition

Source: Land Rover

July 10, 2012

APR Audi R8 5.2L FSI V10 ECU Upgrade

APR announce their Stage 1 ECU Upgrade which is applicable on the Audi R8 V10. The tweak jumps the power up to 583 (crankshaft)hp although the end result varies depending on the fuel used . The remapping will be fine tuned entirely in accordance to what you usually put in the tank and at APR dealers you can constantly shift from 93 octane to 91 octane or you can completely refresh the system and return to stock power.

Even better, because the upgrade concerns the 5.2L FSI V10 engine and less so the car itself, the Lamborghini Gallardo can also potentially benefit from the boost. APR have managed to comply with most the manufacturer’s standards so we are promised absolute driveability and reliability. So let’s break it down. At best you get 583 hp and 431 lb-ft of torque. That’s 58 hp more than the standard R8 Coupe and additional 53 lb-ft of torque.

The Stage 1 ECU upgrade is still being developed for the differently calibrated engines (such as the ones in the R8 GT or the Superleggera) but as soon as it’s out, owners of the initial upgrade will be entitled to the fully loaded ECU – neat. Now watch the video and get hooked.

httpv://youtu.be/e-1LiJhrZog

Source: APR

Video Source: APRVideos via YouTube

July 9, 2012

Bentley EXP 9 F Images

After a successful UK/Goodwood debut, the Bentley EXP 9 F design concept SUV comes with new images and a video. Not the breaking news we’ve been looking for but still better than leaving empty handed.

Again, there’s talk about the EXP 9 F‘s mingle of highlights such as “contemporary” luxury, advanced technology, all-terrain friendliness and a “commanding driving position”? Usually 99% of the driving seats out there are commanding in the sense that there is a steering wheel nearby, there are pedals within reach and there’s a center console on the left/right. Whatever the position, Bentley hope to end up with the “fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world”.

The Goodwood was a yet another venue for the EXP 9 F with which Bentley are testing the public and their attitude towards the idea of their own SUV. Before last week, we saw the concept at the Geneva International Show while in August, an appearance is scheduled at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Source: Bentley

July 6, 2012

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov