Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 42 – Automobiles Review

Aveo Heads Euro NCAP Safety Ranking

Chevrolet is building a reputation of a manufacturer that produces safe cars for the road which can only underline the already appealing character of its vehicles. The Aveo now is the latest Chevrolet with a 5-star Euro NCAP. Not only that but it is also the best in its class (the supermini segment).

Rigorously tested for virtually every scenario by NCAP, the Aveo scored an overall score of 85 out of 100 which is as high as it goes for cars from that segment. The Aveo fared particularly well in the key areas of adult and child occupant protection – 95 and 87 out of 100 respectively. And no wonder. The Aveo is packed full of safety technology. Six airbags as standard, all linked to a sensor box in the center of the car. Also a child-seat latching system is also standard. Things that keep the car on the road are things such as electronic stability control, traction control, a four-channel anti-lock braking system with brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution. For the more novice drivers, the Aveo also offers hill-start assist and cruise control with a speed limiter function.

“We take safety very seriously at Chevrolet and this class-leading result for the New Chevrolet Aveo proves this entirely,” said Mark Terry, Managing Director, Chevrolet UK. “Our whole model line-up provides impeccable safety credentials with the majority achieving a five star rating; it brings great peace of mind to our customers.”

The Aveo is not the only NCAP veteran here. Chevrolet has an extensive lineup of cars that have been awarded five stars in safety – Cruze, Captiva and Orlando all share that award. And the Volt (the electric one) was also given a five star award in 2011 proving that electric vehicles do not compromise safety.

2012-Chevrolet-Aveo-medium — Chevrolet Aveo (2012)

So as it turns out, buying a Chevrolet is playing safe… in many many ways.

Source: Chevrolet

February 9, 2012

2013 Nissan 370Z at 2012 Chicago Auto Show

We spoke yesterday about Nissan‘s planned presence on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show and how every model will offer a special edition or a revision. Well, the Nissan 370Z wont be an exception. It will be an even leaner, meaner machine designed to carve out the tarmac. With several updates, the 2013 model intends to keep it fresh and hip and hopefully it will be out for sale in June this year. Again, three configurations will be available – Coupe, Roadster and NISMO Z

“Since the original 1970 Z® was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The updates for the new model year are as follows:

Refreshed front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights (does not apply to Nismo configurations)

Red reflector added to rear fascia (replaces previous black center cover, does not apply to Nismo configurations)

Revised 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Package equipped models)

New 18-inch wheels for 370Z Coupe

Red-finished brake calipers (Sport Package equipped models)

Dark-finish fuel gauge trim

Euro-tuned shock absorbers (Sport Package equipped models)

Two new exterior colors – Magma Red and Midnight Blue (Midnight Blue does not apply to Nismo configurations)

The 2013 370Z Coupe and 370Z Coupe Touring will both be sold with the same 2012 engine – a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 and customers will have a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic. The same goes for the 370Z Roadster and Roadster Touring with the exception that the former won’t offer a six-speed manual.

Regardless, the Nismo Z remains the top of the range, motoring nirvana that comes with premium super-light, dark-finish 19-inch wheels and an exclusive Bose® Premium Audio Package with two additional speakers and two subwoofers. A more technical oriented innovation comes from the GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The exterior, as well as the interior, is sporty and aggressive while the suspension is tuned to match the looks. Power is up to 350 horsepower thanks to the H-configured exhaust system design, muffler tuning and optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control. Only one gearbox seems appropriate for the Nismo Z – a close-ratio 6-speed manual with SynchroRev Match® as standard, which allows rev-matched heel-toe-like downshifting.

Soruce: Nissan

February 8, 2012

20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

SVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20^th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013) — Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.

Source: Ford

February 8, 2012

The Stig in Hennessey ZR1 HPE750 [VIDEO]

Here is a video of The Stig thrashing a Corvette ZR750 (from Hennessey Performance) and setting a new record Power Lap time without breaking sweat. If you are not familiar, The Stig is the mysterious Top Gear driver who handles the scariest performance cars out there and sets time laps in whatever is given to him. Top Gear is a motoring series franchise with separate shows for Britain, Australia and the US. This one here is the American Stig going through the American Top Gear test track.

The second time round, the ZR750 sets a time of 1.21.4 which “unofficially” surpasses the current Power Lap score-board leader – the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR (1.22.0). That is close. So close in fact, that if it were a real time race, to the common spectator that would have been a neck-a-neck finish. Nevertheless the Corvette has the moral supremacy here. Will they do an official Power Lap, we’ll just have to wait and see.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqq_ZTdHL94&feature=relmfu

In the mean time here are some specifications of the HPE 750 Vette:

Power:
755 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
728 lb-ft torque @ 4,700 rpm

Performance:
0-60 mph: 2.8 sec.*
1/4 mile: 10.3 @ 139 mph*
Top Speed: 224 mph

*With optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires

The Hennessey upgrade for the ZR1 includes:

A new pulley for the supercharger (up from 9 psi to 13 psi)

High Flow Supercharger Snout Upgrade

HPE High Flow Air Induction System

High Flow Cylinder Heads

Extreme Duty Valve Springs

ZR750 Camshaft Upgrade

Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers

High Flow Catalytic Converters

Professional Installation

HPE Engine Management Calibration

6,700 rpm Rev Limiter (200 rpm over stock)

Chassis Dyno Tuning & Road Testing

Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques

Hennessey Exterior Badging

Hennessey Premium Floormats

Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills

Source: Hennessey

February 8, 2012

Fiat Punto MY2012

The MY2012 Fiat Punto range offers unrivaled diversity that is intended to fit every need a customer might have. New trim levels, exterior revisions, paint finishes and ten engine choices among which the brilliant TwinAir “International Engine of the Year 2011” are all in store for us in the coming year.

Yes, the legendary 2 cylinder TwinAir drivetrain is set to join the lineup that Spring. Despite being only 0.9L big it develops 85 hp (supercharged) and 145 Nm of torque. The cost in carbon dioxide emissions for all of that stands at 98 g/km. But it’s not green just because it’s small. A clever button on the dashboard (it says Eco on it, It must be clever) allows the driver to change the switch the engine’s mode of working between normal and Eco with the latter one restricting torque output and thus becoming super economical. Stop&Start with Gear Shift Indicator technology is used in every single EURO5 engine throughout the Punto range. With it one can save up to 15% fuel in an urban area. Even more feats of greenness can be seen in the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 unit where two innovative systems (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) work together along with the use of low-viscosity transmission oil to achieve stunning emission figures ( 90 g/km of Carbon Dioxide). The Intelligent Alternator system optimises the battery recharging strategy during the “engine cut-off” phases, while the Intelligent Flow represents an oil pump with variable displacement and it also does optimisation of the cooling circuit. Other than these, the list of engines goes on and one is unlikely to make a mistake no matter the choice:

Petrol

69 HP 1.2 8v E5 (with and without Start&Stop)

77 HP 1.4 8v E5 Start&Stop (mechanical or Dualogic gearbox)

105 HP 1.4 MultiAir 16v E5 Start&Stop

135 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 16v E5 Start&Stop

Diesel

75 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 16v E5 (with and without Start&Stop)

95 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 16v E5 Start&Stop

Bi-Fuel

70 HP 1.4 8v petrol-methane E5

77 HP 1.4 8v petrol-LPG E5

In Italy, the Fiat Punto is sold in three lines: Comfort, Sport and Fun to Drive. Those lines have sub-levels. The Comfort splits into Pop, Easy and Lounge trim levels – dedicated to the traditional customer focused on comfort and style. The Sport line has the Racing and Sport trim levels – the Puntos are more dynamic and performance oriented. Then there’s the Fun to Drive which has the TwinAir trim level that is a sort of a tribute to the TwinAir engine. The trim is distinguishable by the glossy black pillars and mirror covers, special alloy wheels, 13 exterior colours, one of which is dedicated, Energetico Green, the exclusive glossy black roof option and special “Sportex” seat fabrics.

Further on, throw in some revised front and rear bumpers with body coordinated finishes. Reposition the turning signals, refurbish the interior in some new upholstery and add to that two pairs of 15” alloy wheels and you have a MY2012. It still gets the heart pumping as if it is an absolute debut. We want one please.

Source: Fiat

February 8, 2012

Brabus B-class project

There’s a new Brabus exterior program for the new Mercedes B-Class. All alterations made on the body are not only visual but purposeful as well – aerodynamic enhancements thanks to the OEM quality high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastic components.

The Brabus provided front spoiler is an attachment for the standard bumper and deals with the prevention of front axle lift. There’s also an attachment for the rear fascia which has been thoughtfully cut out in order to house the Brabus quad sport exhaust system.

There’s a lot to choose when it comes to wheels. The B-Class can come with 8.5Jx19 Monoblock E, F, Q and S versions. In the gallery provided, the car actually uses two different pairs of wheels on each side – Monoblock F, cross-spoke wheels on the right and Monoblock Q, five double-spoke ones on the left. The best tires one can wrap around those wheels are in sizes 225/35 R 19 at the front and 255/30 R 19 at the rear axle.

Brabus have also introduced new springs to the suspension which are specifically designed to work with the standards dampers, yet the ride height is reduced by 30 mm.

Power tweaks for all versions of the B-Class come from the already applied Brabus sport rear muffler with four chrome-plated tailpipes. The Brabus ECO PowerXtra performance kits for the direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines are in the final stages of development.

Bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with Brabus logos on them and aluminum door lock pins and pedal pads add to the exclusivity inside. Also the upholstery is akin to a that in a lounge. Upon request a multimedia equipment can also be fitted which comes with an iPad

Source: Brabus

February 7, 2012

Nissan at Geneva – What’s in store?

Nissan is offering some insight of what they have in store for us, the people at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Among the many production vehicles that will take part next month in the show, are also four premiering concepts – first seen in Europe are the e-NV200 and Juke Nismo concepts while first ever are the INVITIATION, on which we had news recently here, and another concept that is still a hard kept secret and a surprise, Nissan say.

The e-NV200 is based on the already successful NV200 which the small difference of being 100% electric. The e-NV200 is the next phase of Nissan‘s dominance on the EV market which began with the multi-award winning LEAF.

The Juke NISMO concept was fist seen on the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show back in December and now it will be in Europe for the first time. NISMO is Nissan’s motorsport branch which has taken up enhancing everyday mainstream production vehicles to give them that unmistakable feel of a NISMO performance car. They have certainly went the extra mile with the Juke and left it with with an outstanding character and plenty of grunt.

Production vehicles that will be making an appearance at the Nissan booth in Geneva represent a versatile bunch: From Pixos and Micras to Jukes and Qashqais and even Pathfinders and Navaras. The LEAF and the mighty GT-R will also be there to enchant the public. The common thing however, is that all participants will feature a minor MY2012 Innovation or a special edition.

The other thing that can be found in every single model is the shared Nissan DNA which is the reason for the company’s success – despite the economic downturn, Nissan in Europe enjoyed its best year in 2011. Sales were up by 25 percent in comparison to 2010. Who knows how much is that number going to climb this year.

Source: Nissan

February 7, 2012

Mercedes SL Prior Design Aerodynamics

PriorDesign, the aerodynamic kit producing company for performance cars, is out with a new offer – the PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for the Mercedes SL (R230)*. The Prior people are notable for going for the seamless and sublime but when it comes to an SL, words such as flamboyant and dramatic come to mind. And the kit is very striking indeed.

Prior’s products are made from quality Dura-Flex FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This material is characterized by an excellent surface finish that provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability. The fitments are also user-friendly without any need to alter the standard body in order to bolt them in. The part’s surface is easy and inexpensive to paint on.

The PD-BlackEdition Widebody kit for Mercedes SL comprises of:

BlackEdition front bumper
BlackEdition front lip spoiler (for BlackEdition front bumper)
BlackEdition side skirts
BlackEdition rear bumper
BlackEdition rear diffusor
BlackEdition front fenders
BlackEdition rear widenings
BlackEdition front bonnet
BlackEdition mesh grille inserts
Mounting material
TÜV parts certificate included.

Optional:

BlackEdition rear trunk spoiler

Put all of that on the an SL and the results speak for themselves:

Prior PD BlackEdition Widebody Mercedes-SL (2012)

*Fits for all Mercedes SL R230 models. If your vehicle is a model before MOPF II (until 2008), it must be converted to 2008 MOPF II model

Source: Prior Design

February 6, 2012

Range Rover 10th Anniversary Editions

It has been ten years now since the third generation of Range Rovers was introduced by Land Rover, and to this day, these emblematic SUV’s still dominate the world of luxury, performance and style. To celebrate that fact, the company has released three new editions that further reinforce that superiority – welcome to the TDV8 Westminster, TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography.

Westminster Edition

The Westminster acts as a replacement for the Land Rovers Vogue and Vogue SE. It is a specification that goes further with even more comfort and convenience as standard. A Westminster can be recognized by a set of exterior features such as the front grille and side vents which are finished in bright “Noble” while the lower splitter bar and fog lamp bezels are in ‘Titan’ silver. 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels bare the weight of the ‘Westminster’ badge riddled body of the vehicle. Inside, one would find that the tread plates are illuminated in order to complement the feast of luxury that is the interior of the Westminster – Grand Black lacquer trim elements and luxury carpets complete with bright-finished pedal finishers. Range Rover’s innovative Dual View infotainment screen redefines interactivity. Depending on the angle of looking at the screen, people can observe different things on the same monitor at the same time. The front seats can be either heated or cooled electronically which can probably be quite energy consuming. However, that worry fades against the fact that the entertainment system alone comprises of 19 speakers – 1200 Watts of power coming from the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system.

Power comes from a 4.4 TDV8 engine while an 8-speed automatic gearbox takes care of the smooth delivery. The end result is a 309 hp powerhouse that has the a torque figure of 700 N·m (516lb·ft).

Exterior finishes are in a choice of seven with five interior ones as a combination. Equipment is abundant with thing such as: electric sunroof, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, memory setting for the steering wheel, driver’s seat and rear-view mirror and a heated, leather trimmed steering wheel.

TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged Autobiography

The Autobiography editions share features with the Westminster plus even more exclusivity: The Bumpers are new and integrated stainless steel ornaments the exhaust finishers and side skirts. The 20-inch alloy wheels are in Shadow Chrome. Inside, the rear seats have a recline and lumber adjust function, electric heated/cooling and aircraft-style headrests with wings for added support. Other than that, the Autobiography versions have the same grille and side vents finishes as the Westminster’s, the same illuminated treadplates and the same rocking LOGIC7 surround sound system. The 4.4 TDV8 Engine is also used in the Autobiography but in the Supercharged Autobiography a 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol unit seems more appropriate (503hp).

To round things up, the Westminster offers more luxury and equipment than the former Vogue and Vogue SE for the price of £69,995 ($110 704). Topping the exclusivity scale however are the TDV8 Autobiography and the Supercharged Autobiography which cost £84,295 ($133 321) and £86,895 (137 433) respectively

Source: Land Rover

February 6, 2012

Yaris HSD – Small Outside Big Inside

With the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid, B-segment car fans will now be able to enjoy the low emission, refined Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD). It’s a small packed piece of engineering that offers no compromises in terms of driving experience.

The powertrain is a full hybrid composition consisting of a petrol engine and an electric motor with an end power output of 100 DIN hp. It is an engine that offers clients class leading CO2, NOx and particulate emissions, minimal fuel consumption and low cost of overall running costs.

Downsizing of various components gives the Yaris more efficiency agility and space. (Small Outside, Big Inside are the principles of the Yaris). The 1.5 liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in the Yaris, is 16.5 kg lighter and 10% more compact than the 1.8-litre unit found in the Auris Hybrid. The electric motor, the Power Control Unit (PCU) and the transaxle have also been put on a diet resulting in 20% more compactness for the electric motor, 12% less volume for the PCU in comparison with the Auris Hybrid. The transaxle is shorter by 6% and lighter by 11 kg.

Design also plays a role in the overall hybrid experience in the Yaris. The Nickel Metal Hydride battery and fuel tank have been placed under the rear seats so that there is no need to sacrifice passenger space or cargo area. The Yaris is all about looking like an everyday ordinary car and performing like the ultimate, extraordinary fuel saving machine.

Source: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Seven Seat Toyota Prius v for Australia

Australia will get a new seven-seater Toyota Prius v as an addition to the already established lineup that comprises of the Prius hatch and Prius c city car. Sales are expected to start in May this year with the idea to broaden the appeal of the hybrid family to the Australian public.

The seven-seat Prius v is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch. The wheelbase alone is 80mm lengthier in comparison, thus enabling the Prius to accommodate adults in all three rows.

“The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy,” said Australia’s sales and marketing executive director Matthew Callachor.

However, Toyota want to make it clear that this is not just a long-wheel base version of a former Prius. Design was made from scratch and all body panels are new. It will also be the first Toyota hybrid using Li-ion batteries in Australia. Spaced between the driver and passenger seat, under the center console, the battery pack is lighter and more efficient than the Nickel-metal Hydride one used in the past.

In order not to compromise luggage space, the third seat row can be folded for the sake of cargo space. If that doesn’t prove itself enough, the second row can also be contracted thus making the Prius v a versatile family hybrid.

Power will come from Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain which incorporates a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in combination with a 60kW electric motor.

In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, 17,000 of which are Prius models.

Spource: Toyota

February 6, 2012

Ariel Atom – Primitive Pure Fun

Having fun on four wheels these days is easy, right? Indeed, there is a lot of power out there to play with. However, “with great power comes great responsibility”… is what many car manufacturers have in mind now. That is why today we have speed limiters, brake assist, lane departure warnings, ABS, ESC, TCS, xDrive, and many, many more abbreviations that keep us safe and sound and on the road. Everything is automatized and we as drivers start to feel isolated and neglected. All is rather convenient and indeed safe, but there’s something amiss. Our primal instinct to be in a constant search for the ultimate thrill is starting to boil and cars today are having a hard time satisfying it.

Happily however there are exceptions – a familiar, yet small company called Ariel still offers that what many other do not any more – an unbridled fun generator called the Atom. Founded in 2001, Ariel is a 7 employee, Somerset (England) based firm that produces performance vehicles. It’s production portfolio consists of four projects – The Ariel Atom 1, 2 and 3 and the Ariel Atom 500 – all rather limited in numbers and there’s a reason for that. To begin with, if it’s a car it doesn’t look like one, if it’s a bike, it has four wheels and a steering wheel. It doesn’t come with a windshield nor a roof and not even a boot for that matter. The chassis is also a body and a frame and all the various car mechanics are slightly or completely exposed to the human eye. So, in terms of practicality it is a disaster. But now we are going somewhere – it’s exciting just to look at.

Ariel Atom 3 Works

The Atom certainly wasn’t made to pull up next to that fancy restaurant you were thinking of visiting. I mean, because of the disheveled person sitting next to you who used to be your elegant partner and because of the bugs in your hair and between your teeth you are likely to be rejected a table that evening. And why would you and your passenger look like that upon arrival? Well, when you operate an Atom you always feel the temptation to give it the beans, partly because it’s so light (612 kg) and partly because it has a magnificent supercharged 2.0 L, 300 bhp Honda Civic Type R engine ready for exploiting. And that is if you don’t go with the 500 which has an even more hardcore 3.0 liter John Hartley V8 engine that develops 500 bhp (in a car weighing less than a ton!). So in essence, when you put your foot down your body is getting destroyed by immense G forces and skin pulling wind resistance (no windshield, remember?).

Ariel Atom 500 V8

That gives us an idea how much the Ariel Atom does not care about safety and driver aids. While thundering down the road, stomp on the brakes and you’ll end up skidding off in a vast cloud of tire smoke for there are no anti-locking systems to interfere. Dare a mistake at a high-speed bend and you’ll miss the electronic stability control that puts you back in line. Yet, the thing about the Atom is the improbability of something going wrong and that has something to do with it’s nimbleness and ease of control. It doesn’t need all the computerized gizmos which only add weight in excess. Instead, steering is light and sharp (you can actually see, while driving, the front wheels clipping apexes and working their magic), the gearbox is a charm and 0 to 60 takes less than 3 seconds – what more does an adrenaline junkie need?

So it’s no wonder that the Atom gained such praise from automotive reviewers and critics over the last several years. It’s a technological landmark that is fun and extraordinary to drive – just a little bit of road legal lunacy in our everyday sensible lives.

Picture Source: Ariel

February 4, 2012

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov