Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 20 – Automobiles Review

Kelleners Sport BMW M5 F10

It was not long ago when we got a word from Kelleners Sport about their work on the BMW 5 Touring F11 Series – a somewhat subtle and refined job, perfectly appropriate for the mildly sensible man. With this one though, they have gone an extra mile. It’s an F10 BMW M5 and according to the figures, it’s one of their most powerful products yet.

The program is called the KS5-S and it boost the M5‘s 4.4-liter V8 to 600 hp. That’s around 40 bhp on top. Because of that, the top speed is now 330 km/h but one would not have to reach such extremes to notice the additional power. The Kelleners Sport valve-controlled stainless-steel rear silencers with four 90 mm diameter tailpipes will make sure you get the point as soon as you turn the key.

On the outside, the mirror-caps have been given a carbon fiber makeover. That is also true for the Kellener rear spoiler and diffuser. The front lip spoiler and side mouldings complete the custom aerodynamic kit.

As for the suspension, again a Kelleners Sport system has been provided which can be height adjusted but also rebound and compression configurable. Throw in two pairs of Kelleners “Hamburg” wheels 9×20 and 10×20 respectively and you get little to no space for the wheel housings.

Inside, a typical BMW-ish environment has been supplemented by black leather seats with gray stitching. On the front two head restraints there’s the Kelleners Sport logo. The wheel is also new, the floor mats are from velour and the pedals are all aluminum.

The beauty if this program is that if you don’t like something, rule it out. Everything is available individually.

Source: Kelleners Sport

June 22, 2012

Prior Design Widebody Kit BMW 5 Series E60

Proper E60 nostalgia coming from Prior Design. It’s a complete “Widebody Aerodynamic-Kit” for the previous BMW 5 Series. Willing to add some character to your old bimmer?

We are talking high grade materials here that are easy to fit, flex and paint. The kit consists of a front bumper, hood air-scoops (which are more like vents), two front fenders, side skirts, rear fenders, a rear bumper and finally a trunk spoiler as optional. All is TÜV certified so you know it’s Prior – quality is their signature. Must say, the end result is rather pleasant. Fattening, but pleasant.

It will cost you however. A price shy of 4000 Euros or in other words around 5000 Dollars. That’s a lot of character we think.

Source: Prior Design

June 22, 2012

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen

Here’s a rare find. A BMW Z4 E89 radically transformed by the Japan-based Rowen house. In a few words: extensive use of carbon fiber materials, big wheels and … LEDs.

A new front apron with splitter sits at the front (there are also the LEDs), the side skirts have been redesigned and the tips of the exhaust pipes are all titanium. If that carbon wing at the back was a tad bigger, the Z4 would be pretty reminiscent of a full-blown GT car.

We cannot omit stating the obvious that the wheels are new and the suspension has been lowered. When it comes to a price, the Rowen Z4 White Wolf RR is staged so you’ll end up somewhere in between the 493,500 Yen to 756,000 Yen range. That is $6,200-$9,500.

Do we need to remind you that, at it’s best the E89 has a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter straight six. That’s 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, crunched by a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and good for a 4.8 second run to the 62nd mile an hour landmark.

httpv://youtu.be/TvNoHlg3Rvk

BMW Z4 White Wolf RR by Rowen - Front Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR Rear Angle

Rowen BMW Z4 White Wolf RR - Side

Source: carbuzz.com

Video Source: TOMMYKAIRA000 via YouTube

June 21, 2012

Bentley Continental GT Speed Debuts’s at Goodwood

Excited? You should be as the fastest production Bentley is coming our way. It’s the Continental GT Speed which will save us from recent letdowns and from common sense. It’s back to the W12 engine for this one. The international debut will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012 while deliveries should begin later in October.

Despite remaining at 6.0-liters, the new GT Speed‘s core has 625 bhp and sends 800 Nm of torque to the wheels – all four of them. That’s a 25 bhp and 50 Nm leap from the 2007 Bentley Continental GT Speed. For the new one, it will take only 4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill and it will continue to accelerate to 205 mph.

An updated ZF eight-speed automatic transmission copes with the figures mentioned figures. A clever piece of software tells it how and when to do shifts so that they come and go smoothly and lightning fast. The gear ratios are pretty close which means faster acceleration but Bentley are adamant that the economy is up as well.

21-inch wheels fill in the wheel housings and enable the Speed to put some fancy trainers – 275/35/R21 Pirelli PZero ultra-high performance tires. The suspension has been updates as well. It’s lower at the very least.

Just so that at Bentley guarantee you distinguish it, the grille is subtly updated, the tailpipes have a “riffled” finish at the tips. Inside, the standard Mulliner Driving spec offers comfort and refinement which go along perfectly with a number of GT Speed signature elements.

Catch more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which starts at the 28th of June.

Bentley Continental GT Speed (2013)

Source: Bentley

June 20, 2012

Vorsteiner GTRS5 BMW M3

With a grand gesture of their own, Vorsteiner bid farewell to the E92 BMW series. It’s the latest generation of GTRS programes – the Vorsteiner GTRS5 for the BMW M3. It’s pretty much the same as the last one, the GTRS3, but Vorsteiner say that the difference is in the details.

The lower front bumper now has more vents for an even more efficient air-flow. The fins of the diffuser at the back longer than before thus providing greater downforce. There are also vertical vents on the sides of the rear bumper which now have carbon-fiber inserts – a fashion statement? Maybe, but Vorsteiner are adamant that the end product excels in performance. We’ll have to take their word for it.

In a nutshell here’s the complete GTRS5 kit :

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Integrated with Optical Carbon Fiber Chin Spoiler
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Front Fenders
Carbon Fiber Extended Side Skirts
Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Rear Quater Panels
Vorsteiner Embroidered Floor Mats
Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badge Emblem
Vorsteiner VS-310 3-Piece Concave Forged Aluminum Wheels
Nitto Invo Performance Tires

Optionally, one can go for the:

GTS3 Carbon Fiber Vented Race Hood
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Boot Lid
E9X M3 Titanium Sport Exhaust System

Only 40 examples will be seen on the streets ever so it’s exclusive as well.

Source: Vorsteiner

June 20, 2012

Vilner Gentle Pagoda Mercedes-Benz W113

What constitutes having class? Wine and cheese, caviar? Or maybe golf… going to the opera every now and then? We don’t know. If someone asks us to show up at a party we’ll most probably go for our Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flip-flop gear. The one thing that would be on our minds however, will be our ride. There’s much to choose from… in our alternate reality where we own Jay Leno’s garage. Today though, we stumbled upon a prime candidate – A Mercedes-Benz Pagoda from the 60s. It has however, been renovated by the guys at Studio Vilner so it’s now the Gentlie Pagoda.

Keeping faithful to their own signature, Vilner have made little to no modifications on the outside but once you step in, the premium stuff becomes noticeable. There’s a prevailing latte/coffee theme that’s been achieved with a two-toned leather material. Chrome and mahogany shine again on the dashboard and the steering wheel. The trunk has been specially tailored and comes with a jewelry box while on-purpose-faded aluminum sill plates read “Gentle Pagoda”.

At Studio Vilner, they know their classics, and that has to make them classy, right?

Source: Vilner

June 20, 2012

Jay Leno and a Scion FR-S

Scion FR-S (2013) Jay Leno gets to know a Scion FR-S close and personal. Him being a renown motoring enthusiast, we get to hear his opinion about the idea behind the sports car and also there are the facts coming from Scion‘s Vice President Jack Hollis to support Leno’s view.In the video, they discuss the existing competition (the Mazda MX5), the affordability of fun nowadays, the Toyota GT legacy within the FR-S, the boxer engine and more. As an end point, the Scion proves to be as said – light, sporty, rear-wheel-drivem and accessible.It’s engine is a 2.0 liter horizontally opposed unit that produces 200 bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It also allows a great center of gravity which in term adds to the FR-S‘s lively road manners. It’s practical as well with 2+2 seats and a boot good for… four slick tires.In America, one can have this package of fun and sensibility for just $24,200.

Source: jaylenosgarage.com

June 19, 2012

Audi SQ5 TDI

It’s an Audi Q5 diesel…S. It’s also a concept and the latest buzz that’s come out from Inglostad. However, when we say “concept” we don’t really mean something far fetched. All is planned and the Audi dealerships will get their batch of TDI S goodness well into the first quarter of 2013.

So then, the core of the Audi SQ5: a 3.0-liter TDI engine that has two (not one) turbochargers. It’s oily bits have been reinforced in way so that they can take the stress of 313 hp and 650 Nm of torque. The latter comes at you within the 1,450 and 2,800 rpm range. Don’t fear diesel rattling either as most of the noises will most probably be coming from the “sound actuator” in the SQ5‘s exhaust system.

Some performance figures:

zero to 62 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph
Fuel economy: around 33 mpg combined.

Some clever stuff: a Quattro system with torque vectoring that manages all four wheels. A start/stop system and a regulated oil pump for saving fuel and a very lean eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Audi SQ5 TDI

The fact that it’s an Audi S means that the suspension is firmer and lower by around 1.18 inches but still high enough – this is a Q5 we are talking about. The wheels are monstrous at 20-inches in size (21” optional) and so are the 255/45 tires around them.

Obviously, this being an SQ5, there is going to be a cosmetic distinction from the mortal Q5s – platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars, a roof spoiler and modified bumpers. Inside, black will be the color that prevails made up of Nappa leather and Alcantra. You can have some brushed aluminum with that and some gray dials on the instruments. Other highlights include the S badges on the door sill trims, the S gear lever knob, the start button and the specially designed steering wheel.

The Audi SQ5 TDI is expected to come around during the Spring of 2013 with a starting price of 58,500 Euros or $73,593.

Source: Audi

June 19, 2012

Seat @Mii Limited is Now Online

The @Mii is the latest in limited edition series from Seat. It will be available for orders only on the web through a dedicated site. Try explaining that to your grandad #ITKnowledgeDeficiency.

When you manage to get to the @Mii portal, there are a few customization options but you do start off with a base – The Seat Mii Style Chic. That means 14-inch, Silva design alloy wheels and a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder petrol unit to spin them. The power stands at 75 hp while the economy figures state a healthy 4.7 liters per 100 km ratio. If you don’t feel convinced, you can try the Virtual Test Drive on Facebook… which is not at all pointless.

Specific @Mii features on the outside include the white wing mirrors (heated and electrically adjustable) that contrast the “Night Blue” overall body color – very Facebookish. Rather unsurprisingly, the interior environment is very multimedia friendly – there’s a six-speaker Seat Sound System and something called the Seat Portable System that has a specially designed cover for an easy-to-use audio, phone, navigation and on-board computer functionality. It’s basically a removable 5-inch TFT touch screen which is linked to all the car’s electronics but it can also act as your tablet as well.

So log in, and chip in, share and tweet and buy a Seat @Mii… oh.. the internet has gone.

Source: Seat

June 18, 2012

AC Schnitzer Raptor MINI John Cooper Works Coupe

A John Cooper Works MINI Coupe is sufficiently fast enough, right? Of course it is – 211 hp, 280 Nm of peak torque and a 6.4 second run to the 60 mile an hour mark. But apparently, one such MINI recently did a lap on the Hockenheim Race Circuit with a time of 1:13.0 on slick tires. The event was a 2012 “Tuner Grand Prix” and was hosted by the “sport auto” magazine. That’s pretty impressive, but AC Schnitzer believe, the Coupe can do better than that (it is after all a “tuner” prix).

That is when they brought out their concept AC Schnitzer Raptor John Cooper Works MINI and did the same circuit in 1:10.87 on sports tires. Obviously, some extensive work was needed on top of the base. Two key concepts have been used into the making of the Raptor – power and lightness.

The engine management system has been remapped with an AC Schnitzer Motronic unit, a Schnitzer turbo and interccooler sysem has also been put to work. There’s a limited slip differential and a sports clutch which connects a special “Short Shift” racing transmission to the drive train. The final pinch of power is added thanks to the new stainless steel exhaust system that employs a racing catalyst. The end result is a 1 second drop on the 0 to 60 mph run (5.4). The power is now up to 300 hp which stampede over your head at 5000 rpm and the peak torque stands at 340 Nm.

A 100 kg diet has been imposed on the MINI – A carbon hood, doors and trunklid keep the weight down (so does the exclusive ion battery) while carbon sports wings and a carbon diffuser provide much downforce without an extra toll on the overall mass. A somewhat more stable body structure is achieved through additional antiroll bars and through a lower center of gravity thanks to the lowering suspension. On it’s axles, the Raptor MINI has the fairly wide AC Schnitzer 7.5J x 18” Mi2 BiColor wheels fitted with 225/35 ZR 18 tires.

AC-Schnitzer-Rapror-MINI-medium — AC Schnitzer John Cooper Works MINI Coupe Raptor

Inside, one would not find the exact definition of luxury but you do get a roll-cage and carbon fiber buckets seats – comfy. Also the foot rest and pedal are all aluminum.

And that pretty much sums up the AC Schnitzer John Cooper Works MINI Coupe Raptor concept which has the sole purpose to dominate the track… and your someone’s wallet – it’s estimated value is around 62,000 Euros.

Source: AC Schnitzer

June 15, 2012

Astra GTC Bi-Turbo Diesel Joins Vauxhall Family

The Vauxhall Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. A 195 PS diesel is in the house. The Astra GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

Source: Vauxhall

The Vauxhall (Opel) Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. 195 PS diesel is in the house. The GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

June 15, 2012

Fostla Wrappings Audi RS6R MTM

An Audi RS6 Avant that has been touched by the skillful hand of MTM and then wrapped around with foil (increasingly popular these days) by Fostla.

By boosting the power up to 759 hp and 912 Nm of torque, MTM have created a significant distance from the “standard” RS6 which has “only” 571 hp and 650 Nm of torque coming from it’s 5.0-liter V10 FSI Turbo (Gallardoesque) engine. That’s why this one is actually called the Audi RS6…R. Anyway. Other non-stock features include the valve controlled exhaust system, the sports catalysts, RS5 9×20 ET29 rims equipped with 275/35R20 tires and a body kit comprising of a front lip spoiler and a rear diffuser. The end product is good for a top speed of 348 km/h – enough to peel the paint off.

But, what is actually on the surface of the body is foil. An anodized matt blue metallic PWF… something to be more exact. It’s been made by Fostla Wrappings and costs 2,500 Euros ($3,149). I know, but you also get tinting of the head and tail-lights. Still not buying it? Me neither.

Source: Fostla Wrapping

June 14, 2012

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov