Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 18 – Automobiles Review

Wald Sports Line Toyota Prius

We don’t know what to think. Wald, from Japan, have been working on a Toyota Prius Mk3 in order to turn it to a “Sports Line”. Yes, what you are looking at here is essentially an aerodynamic kit…for a Prius.

That confuses us because the whole concept of a Toyota Prius is to be sensible. Performance is not necessary snesible. Maybe then, it’s for the sake of aesthetics. But who buys a Prius and hopes to stick out from the crowd? Whatever the reason, you get a newfront bumper, side skirts, a rear apron that includes a diffuser all of which is predominantly made from fiber-reinforced plastic. Also the exhaust tips are redesigned and chromed. Handy aero covers on the side windows help prevent air messing up your hair when cruising along.

Then further down beneath the shell, Wald have thrown in a sports suspension which lowers the car within a hair’s distance from the ground. Included also are large alloy wheels that have low profile performance tires wrapped around them (again with the performance confusion).

Source: Wald

July 6, 2012

Evolution of F1 [VIDEO]

We’ve come a long way from 1950 until now. Think about it. From having no satellites orbiting the Earth whatsoever, to actually shrouding the planet with them. Color TV, mobile phones, computers, nanotechnology, medicine: everything leaped within just 62 years. The whole concept of how fast the technological evolution is is a bit hard to grasp. Now, we have stumbled upon something that gives us the automotive, high-octane point of view. It’s the evolution of the F1 car.

It’s all there since the first season of 1950 where a 1938 Alfa Romeo 158 dominated every track it competed on despite being essentially an 8-cylinder, front engined bathtub. In the 60s, engineers took things more seriously and started experimenting with the aerodynamics and with the weight distribution (the engine was usually mid-mounted). By the 70s, the F1 cars started assuming a familiar shape. Also in the same decade the cylinder count in cars saw it’s peak when V12 engines were used. In the late 70s turbocharging made a brief appearance that would last around ten years.

F1 Evolution Infograph – Click On Image For Full Size

In 1991 V12 engines were again a fact and traction control was introduced by some of the teams because the power was simply too much to handle. By the year 1994, regulations forbade the use of traction control but then in 2001 it was back in the game.

F1 did bring innovation to common cars and we all experienced change. Active suspension, traction control, engine refinement; All serve as an example of how design and technology bring constant change in shape and function. The only invention that has held it’s ground through the years, seems to be the wheel – it is still round

Source: Ruf Blacklock via Vimeo

July 6, 2012

London Philharmonic Orchestra Plays the MINI [VIDEO]

It’s nice attend a cultural event every now and then… so we’ve been told. So here’s a performance we found particularly entertaining. It’s the London Philharmonic Orchestra‘s way to send a good luck card to Team GB for the London 2012 Games – the God Save the Queen anthem in car horns. MINI provided the instruments.

Nine musicians in total were involved in this sonorous piece which, when not performing behind the wheel, play wind and brass instruments including the clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Respectively, in the video we can see nine red, white and blue MINI London 2012 edition cars that vaguely represent the Union Jack.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra in MINIs

Jochen Goller, Director, MINI UK said, “MINI is best known for highly tuned, sweet sounding engines, so we are delighted to discover that a patriotic harmony can be created with the car’s horn. We hope that this rendition of God Save the Queen will help rally Team GB to victory.”

MINI is closely connected with Team GB and ParalympicsGB and over the last year and a half the company has organized inspirational events and fun activities with the aim of encouraging the nation to backup the home team’s athletes and to demonstrate support.

httpv://youtu.be/ik9AtJQXaHQ

Source: MINI

Video source: MINI UK via YouTube

July 5, 2012

Suzuki Splash – Mini-MPV?

Remember talking about the crossbreeding of car segments? Now comes the question, since when is the Suzuki Splash an MPV? Especially the latest one which is 60mm longer than the previous ones, solely because of it’s bumpers. That’s not the MPV way. Yes, the Splash has folding rear seats which provide 573 liters of luggage space but so does a Polo.

Still, at Suzuki claim that the 2012 model has space for five inside and legroom won’t be an issue. As we mentioned, the bumpers are new, the hood and grille are restyled but the price stays the same. ($12,104 for the 1.0l SZ2 model) Inside you also get some refinement thanks to the newly designed seat fabric, the Piano Black finish for the center console and other stylish touches.

The Splash comes with two engines. The one to go for is the 94 PS 1.2l petrol unit. It has Dual VVT (Variable DOHC) and it made a good reputation for itself in the Swift. 55.4 mpg on the combined cycle (choose manual). The 1.0l, three cylinder petrol is for the ultra-eco-minded who will get 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle. But if you plan to carry around 5 people inside and/or luggage (that’s what MPVs do) you’ll find that 68 PS will leave you rather frustrated in real world.

No matter what trim you choose (SZ2, SZ3 or SZ4) for whichever engine, you get four airbags, CD tuner with MP3 player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; leather-trimmed steering wheel; remote central locking; front electric windows with driver’s auto-down; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; height-adjustable front seats; tilt adjustable steering wheel and an information display as standard. SZ3 models get air conditioning as well while SZ4 models with the 1.2l engine get ESP, more airbags, 15 inch wheels, fog lights, kelyess entry and start and tinted windows at the back.

Source: Suzuki

July 5, 2012

CHEVROLET SPARK by KBR Motorsport

Every know and then, tuners run out of ideas and start searching for possibilities in places where no one would think of. Here we have such a case. It’s hard to say that the Chevrolet Spark is the best looking supermini out there, nor it is the most thrilling. But the guys at KBR Motorsport have given it a shot anyways.

They started off with with a set of matte black Barracuda Voltex T6 rims, They sound kind of menacing but in real life, the figures speak for themselves: 7 x 17-inch wheels with 185/35R17 tires on them – cute. KBR also added their home made silencer for that extra growl. Also at the tail gate, the badging, wiper and lock have been simply removed because that’s somehow considered customization. Some foil has been applied to for color orientation courtesy to CoverEFX. Really that’s about it. Kind of superficial, we couldn’t help but thinking.

To own a KBR Motorsport Cehvrolet Spark one needs to cough up 5000 Euros which makes things sound even more ridiculous. If we wanted some glamor in the first place, we wouldn’t go for the Spark in the first place. Invest in a MiTo instead.

Source: KBR Motorsport

July 5, 2012

Affordable Infiniti M35h GT

The acclaimed fastest accelerating hybrid V6 saloon – the Infiniti M line – gets a new version model. It’s the M35h GT: a notch cheaper than the M35h GT Premium. Quite a notch actually, with £3970 in savings.

It is actually cleaner and more economical as an entry level version. It’s bellow the 160 g/km CO2 emission threshold. Nevertheless, you still get 302 hp from the 3.5 V6 power plant and 67 bhp from the electric motor that sends its power through a second clutch to the back axle.

Also, recent customer feedback have prompted the Infiniti people to offer separately the Connectiviti+ navigation system and the 16-speaker Bose surround sound system. Two entities that usually went as a package previously. As an option, you can also get a climate control system which Infiniti have named Forest Air. The seats will also be heated or ventilated, the lights will be bi-Xenon and will veer left and right depending on the steering input and the interior will be garnished with a white ash wood trim that’s been sprinkled with real silver powder.

What you don’t get on the GT but on the Premium GT is Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP).

Source: Infiniti

July 5, 2012

Fourth Generation Renault Clio Debut

The neat and sexy Renault Clio is back for a fourth generation which will add even more versatility and style to the family. Despite being packed with new and exciting features and looking curvy as a maxi model, the 2013 Clio weighs around 100 kg less than it’s predecessor.

It’s also lower and with a wider track. That way, Renault have added aggression to an already impish hatch. The Clio’s face also looks menacing while the strictly 5-door policy emits a certain degree of seriousness. Inside, a predominantly minimalist dashboard appears in the form of an “aircraft wing”. As standard, from the Dynamicque trim and upwards, the 2013 Clio gets a seven-inch wide touchscreen R-Link system that connects you to the outside world. That includes a TomTom sat nav and a software that gives insight to the car’s electronic systems. Through it, one can access to an advanced eco-driving function which analyzes and aids the user’s driving style.

Renault Clio (2013)

And if it’s eco what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the two new engines that come with the fourth-gen Renault Clio. One is an Energy TCe 90 Petrol unit that has three cylinders and 0.9-liters of displacement. But because it’s turbocharged it develops 90 hp and still manages to average 65.7 mpg when taking into account the economy-optimised gearbox and the Stop&Start system. The second engine is a 1.5-liter Energy dCi 90 unit which also has 90 hp to play with but because it’s a diesel it returns even more economy – 88 mpg and even less CO2 emissions per kilometer. You get quite a lot of torque as well: 220 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.

For the more dynamic individuals, there will be the TCe 120 which will be available during the first half of 2013. We are talking about a 1.2-liter, 120 bhp engine that packs a 190 Nm punch at 1,750 rpm as well. The power will be transmitted through a six-speed EDC automatic transmission (EDC stands for Efficient Dual Clutch) – technology that has been unknown to the Clio range up until know. The dCi 90 engine will also have this gearbox as an option.

Further details of New Renault Clio will be provided at the international media road tests in September and at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Renault

July 4, 2012

Lamborghini Mark 45 Years of Presence in Japan

Lamorghini-Gallardo-LP560-4-Bianco-Rosso-thumb Lamborghini are celebrating their 45th year in Japan by launching a rather limited number of only 10 specially designed Gallardo LP560-4s. They will be cleverly named Bianco Rosso which basically means white and red.

A predominantly white car with elements such as the engine lid, side mirrors and brake calipers which are all red. A specially designed interior is also a part of the festive program and incorporates lots of red leather.

No words on any power enhancements so we’ll have to assume that the white and red Lamborghini Gallardo stays true to it’s name and develops 560 bhp from it’s 5.2-liter V10 engine. That’s enough power to do the 0-60 mph run in no more than 3.7 seconds. Also the “4” at the back of it’s name means that it’s AWD so no Balboni action for Japan.

Lamorghini Gallardo LP560-4 Bianco Rosso

Source: response.jp

July 4, 2012

Audi R8 Spyder GT by Wheelsandmore

There are only 333 Audi R8 Spyder models in the world. Now the German guys at Wheelsandmore have gotten their hands on not one, but three of them. They have a special program for them that focuses mainly on weight reduction and enhancing power. It’s the Wheelsandmore Audi R8 Spyder GT

Yes, it’s the standard treatment for the engine – an ECU tweak and carbon-framed sport’s filters make sure you get 620 hp and 590 Nm of torque from the R8‘s V8 mid-mounted power plant. A KW-Automotive suspension pack on the other hand, ensure you make good use of that power and still be able to hoover over the speed humps (thanks to a level-control-system that can lift the nose of the R8 with up to 40mm.)

The weight has been kept down partly because of the hand-crafted exhaust system, which is 40 percent lighter than the conventional one and partly because of the lightweight 6Sportz2 wheels that measure up to 11,0×20 and carry a tire size of 295/25/20.

For your money, you also get a dyno test certificate as an assurance and a remote-controlled valve flaps for the exhaust so that the Wheelsandmore Audi R8 Spyder GT is as sonorous as possible.

Source: Wheelsandmore

July 4, 2012

Audi S Competition Package for the TT Coupe

Your regular Audi TT can now be one step closer to the gods (the gods being the TTS and the TT RS) with the special edition Audi TT Coupe S line competition. Quite a mouthful but it might just be what makes the difference between mediocrity and exclusivity.

On the outside, a TT S line can be recognized by it’s distinctive bumpers and air inlets and side sills. There are also S line badges, specially designed tailpipes and a rear diffuser. Even more downforce can be generated by the RS-style fixed rear wing. The colors in which the TT S line comes sound rather sophisticated and pompous – Samoa Orange, Glacier White and Misano Red (the one here) just to name a few. As a contrast high-gloss black frames the front grille while matte black is used for the license plate, the radiator grille. Again high-gloss black adorns the mirror caps, the blade bellow the front bumper, the diffuser insert, the tailpipe trims and the rear wing spoiler. And the 5-spoked, 19-inch wheels are, you guessed it, also black. The whole stance is lowered by 10 mm so the 255/35 tires look even more impressive.

Inside, you get special door sill trims, an extended aluminum look trim, a leather package (there’s Alcantra involved as well, sports seats and a short traveling gear lever for the manual version. Even the steering wheel has an RS feel to it with it’s flat bottom and it’s leathery trim.

The Audi TT Coupe S line competition special edition is now available on the global market and one has the freedom to throw in any other options and trim lines at free will. The S line package is priced at 4,300 Euros ($5,422) and is applicable to all the models until the 211 bhp TT.

Source: Audi

July 4, 2012

Kia Release Top-Of-The-Range Sportage KX-4

From today on, if you’re looking for the top-of-the-range Kia Sportage, the KX-4 should answer your call. It’s the most powerful version of the established crossover with over 180 bhp under its hood and a bag full of technology which is supposed to make your life easier.

Let’s start with the engine, which is a turbocharged diesel. It has 2.0-liters of displacement, a cool abbreviation of CRD and it sends its power to all the four wheels through a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual – your choice. Peak torque (383 Nm) can be found at 1,800 rpm and it will stay with you until the 2,500 rpm mark. The automatic works with the even more 392 Nm of torque. The extra 47 bhp over the previous version of the engine is courtesy to the variable geometry turbocharger, the higher pressure injectors and the ECU remapping. In real life, that means 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, a top speed of 120 mph, 46.3 mpg and 158 g/km of CO2 emissions. The automatic falls behind a little with the economy – 39.2 mpg – but it’s out there. Especially when you think that the Sportage KX-4 is strictly All-Wheel-Drive. The system is clever enough to send all the power to the front wheels on flat roads and then start playing with the ratio depending on the terrain (up to 60:40 front-to-rear power distribution is achievable).

In terms of equipment, we can safely say that it is based on the “KX-3 Sat Nav” with the addition of a Parallel Parking Assist System, a keyless smart entry system and an engine stop/start button. The leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon automatic lights, automatic wipers, dual zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cruse control, reversing camera amd seven-speaker sound system, account for the other standard luxuries found in the Korean crossover.

Prices in the UK for the Kia Sportage KX-4 start from £27,195 ($42 633) and one can place an order right now.

Source: Kia

July 2, 2012

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake

It’s common knowledge that nowadays, car makers are trying to dominate every segment out there. But some companies are now even changing the rules. With no fields left for dominance, Mercedes-Benz set out to create new categories. The CLS serves to prove that point – a four door coupe. Are you ready for the next step? The Mrecedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (see concept) – a five-door, estate coupe. Sound’s ridiculous right? But it looks just as good as it is mad.

It may not be a full blown estate but it is actually bigger than the current E-Class wagon. Still, boot space at the back is inferior to the one of the E-Class, but you can opt to have it all covered in a cherry tree wooden trim… which will not help at all in terms of practically bit it will “underscore the hand-finished nature of the interior”. Most of all, by doing so, you won’t put much strain on the engine since the Shooting Brake engineers have kept it light by installing frameless, completely aluminum doors which are 24 kg lighter than they would be if steel was used. The tailgate, hood, front fenders and other elements of the suspension and engine are aluminum as well.

Another coupe feature of the CLS Shooting Brake is it’s shape. Besides soothing the eye, the design also has an aerodynamic perk – a Cd value figure of 0.29. Good news then for the efficiently oriented engine options. Two diesels: One being a four cylinder and the other, a CLS 350 CDI 3.0-liter V6 that develops 265 bhp and returns 47 mpg . Zero to sixty acceleration for that latter one takes 6.6 seconds while the top speed is limited at 155 mph. Both of the engines make use of a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and both have an ECO start/stop system as standard. Another feature that increases the distance between gas station stops is the Electric Power Steering system which is also said to be superior in feedback.

No word on the pricing but our guess is that the end figure will be perfectly sensible with traces of lunacy and dynamism. When AMG get their hands on a CLS Shooting Brake expect full on lunacy and dynamism.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 2, 2012

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov