Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 49 – Automobiles Review

Nissan X-TRAIL 4×4 Platinum Edition

When one hears “Platinum”, other words like premium, exclusive and expensive come to mind. Well the new Nissan X-Trail Platinum is all of that, except maybe expensive. Prices will start at £29,180 which is actually cheaper than the Tekna model on which is based.

So what makes it justify its name?

It has some new equipment features which no other model in the rage has had before. A sophisticated new touch screen communication unit features satellite navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth. A rear view camera which projects the view at the back trough a small screen embedded in the rear view mirror will certainly help when parking and also showing off to friends. leather upholstery and electrically-adjustable, heated front seats also come as a necessity.

The front and rear of the vehicle is further enhanced with the help of additional protection plates located below the bumpers. Chrome steps shine at the sides and also chrome moldings protect the doors.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.0 dCi diesel coupled with either a manual or an automatic. With the manual the engine churns out 173PS and yet it returns an amazing figure for a 4×4 SUV of 44mpg.

It will be rare though as only 200 will hit the showrooms. Platinum indeed.

Source: Nissan

December 28, 2011

Hyundai Veloster With a Good Design Award

The GOOD DESIGN awards (must be hard to be excellent) are annually given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design along with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. In terms of prestige, this event is the Oscars for designers. It values innovation, originality and quite frankly bravery when it comes to designing products of any kind. Interestingly enough there is also a “Transportation”category which, in 2011, was won by the Hyundai Veloster.

Here’s what the director of product planning in Hyundai Motor America, Scott Margason had to say: “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” he continues: “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

So what was it about the Veloster that impressed so much the jury at the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles where the 2011 awards were held? Well, one might notice that the car is missing a door as there are two on the passenger side and only on on the other side (or it has a bonus door on the passenger side. Depends on how people see it.) One can tell that the overall design was inspired by a sports motorbike as there is a motorcycle helmet visor appearance around the cabin thanks to the black, barely visible A-pillars. Aggression is further added with the honeycomb front grille and the unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. At the back there is a clever glass hatch and dual exhaust tips right in the middle of the black rear fascia. Inside the Veloster, the air vents look like bike exhaust pipes while the center console resembles a bike fuel tank which morphs into a bike seat on the way down to the floor console.

Source: Hyundai

December 27, 2011

New Lexus GS 350 Under Way

Lexus have announced that their new 2013 GS 350, arriving at showrooms in early February, will be no more expensive than it’s predecessor despite various improvements in terms of styling, handling, technology and interior. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) start at $46,900* for the rear-wheel drive configuration and $49,450* for the all-wheel drive one.

Lexus say they have revised the GS‘s chassis in order to enhance the driving experience with accurate response and spot on handling behavior. Inside, more room has been made while exterior dimensions remain pretty much the same.

The powertrain has also undergone a revision to improve fuel economy and power delivery. It is a 3.5 V6 unit with four camshafts and 24 valves in total governed by VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence). Having both direct and port injection, this engine boasts some respectable economy figures: 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (EPA estimated). Not bad for a luxury saloon keeping in mind that there are 306bhps under the hood which are good for a time of 5.7 seconds on a 60 mph sprint from a standstill.

That power then goes trough a six-speed sequential automatic gearbox complete with paddle shifters. That transmission will also feature some sport driving functions seen in the Lexus IS F such as earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blip. Eventually drivers will be able to select four different modes of driving (ECO, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+) from the Lexus Drive Mode system.

Standard equipment is more than abundant – bi-xenon HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights and a clever climate control system which can detect when and where occupants are present so it can concentrate air-flow where needed and thus it saves energy. The list goes on as we have a next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation that allows the user to operate the climate, audio and phone controls. Customers will have the chance to opt for two trim packages which are even more full of technology: Premium and Luxury

The Premium package costs an additional $1,400 which includes automatic windscreen wipers, heated/ventilated front seats and electronic rear sunshade. The Luxury package ($5,750) adds all that plus 18 inch alloy wheels, an Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Adaptive Front Lighting System. Inside the Luxury trim continues its manifest with glossy linear espresso wood ornamentation, a steering wheel wrapped in wood and leather, 18-way front driver and passenger seats with articulated back, side bolster and thigh support controls, four-way lumbar, butterfly headrests, driver and passenger seat memory, rear HVAC and audio controls and rear manual side sunshades.

If customers go for the optional navigation system on the GS they will have the pleasure to own the industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display. The screen is big enough actually to accommodate both a map and climate, audio etc. controls simultaneously. Because of it drivers can also use the latest Lexus Enform® Application Suite which offers a wide spectrum of connectivity between smart phones of various kinds and the car. Applications such as OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Pandora®, iHeartRadio, Facebook and Yelp can all be accessed while in your car.

The performance line, the GS F SPORT will be more on the aggressive side of things with its sport bumper, rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique mesh grille inserts. You will also be able to recognize it by the extensive F Sport branding and also the unique 19 inch wheels. Further on the Adoptive Variable Suspension which comes with the Luxury package is finely tuned in the F SPORT model. The ones with rear wheel drive will come with 9-inch staggered width wheels, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and new racing grade front brakes with highly durable pads.

*An additional $875 fee for delivery, processing and handling is not included

Source: Lexus

December 27, 2011

Subaru on Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) along with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) will be taking part in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association) in mid January. Their main idea is to promote the refinement and convenience which comes from the peculiar BOXER type of engine (“Proud of BOXER” will be their motto). And now they have revealed their showroom line up which will feature two new concepts.

SUBARU BRZ STI CONCEPT (display model) – It will be basically an STI tuned Subaru BRZ, a flat engined (BOXER engine) car which has already made a name for itself in terms of handling and performance. The parts provided by STI include a carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber rooftop which help weight reduction and improve handling. Other performance tweaks are courtesy to:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Sport Muffler
Brembo Brake & Rotor
Bilstein Damper
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Low Down Spring
STI Flexible Tower Bar

SUBARU IMPREZA G4 STI CONCEPT – again it will be the already introduced New Impreza G4 2.0i-S (Japanese specification model) modified with some of STI’s finest resources in order to achieve optimum driving experience in terms of maneuverability and control. Enhancments include:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Side Under Spoiler
TI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Skirt Lip
STI Shift Knob – CVT
STI Sport Muffler
STI Flexible Tower Bar
STI Low Down Spring
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Stainless Steel Mesh Brake Hose

Other racing specimens of the Subaru brand will also be showcased there – Legacy B4 GT300 (participated in the 2011 Super GT race), BRZ GT300 (scheduled participation in the 2012 Super GT race), Impreza WRX STI (scheduled participation in the 2012 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race), and Impreza WRX STI Group R4 specification model.

Source: Subaru

December 27, 2011

Shmidt Revolution and The Powerhouse

With the 5th generation of Golf GTIs, Volkswagen decided to bring back the essence of the original and iconic Golf GTI Mk 1. Anyone who has seen the the Golf GTI from the 70’s can immediately point out which genes have made it on to the Mk. 5. The red lining of the front honeycomb grille, the black side skirts, the plaid seats and a typical tachometer all give away the otherwise discrete hot hatch.

Shmidt Revolution, a German tuning company, finding it pointless to try and improve on perfection (so to speak) have preserved all these elements in their project called The Powerhouse. What they have done to change the appearance of the VW however is to put an again standard R32 rear bumper and add a lip spoiler and some skirts here and there.

The original 2.0 TFSI, 200 horsepower engine has undergone an ECU upgrade and the air intake has been tweaked by HG Motorsport from Lubeck. The end result is a 275 horsepower lump of power that can take you anywhere you want. And you will be able to go literally anywhere as there is also an all-in-one Kenwood DNX520VBT navigation system provided.

To wrap it up, Shmidt have fitted four massive 19 inch Gotham wheels wearing 225/35R19 Marangoni M-power all-rounders.

Source: Shmidt

December 23, 2011

Lexus Concept Named LF-LC Sports Coupe

Last week we had more speculations and less facts about the forthcoming Lexus concept which will be revealed on the NAIAS in Detroit in mid January.

Today however we are making progress by having a full view on what Lexus say will be the LF-LC 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept. It’s design, they say, is made from scratch implementing “organic shapes to achieve a close connection between driver and car”.

We certainly like it and if it ends up actually being built as a production vehicle, Lexus will be able to confidently plow ahead in the world of sports cars.

Source: Lexus

December 23, 2011

Prior Design and Their PD500 Kit

Prior Design have released a host of pictures of a Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Limousine w212 fitted with their PD500 aerodynamic kit. The end result? Very subtle – the package includes specially designed front and rear bumpers, two side skirts and that’s about it.

Prior-Design is a subsidiary of NTC GmbH, which specializes in the design, development, and distribution of exclusive aerodynamics, exclusive alloy wheels, and high-quality exhaust systems. And they obviously favor delicate elegance as an alternative to the ostentatious, flashy products you might see coming from other design houses.

Prior Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class PD500

Source: Prior Design

December 23, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with Ten Exciting Exhibitions

While there is much talk about the forthcoming NAIAS, few are aware about the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon which will also be held on January 13-15 at the Makuhari Messe exhibition hall in Chiba prefecture. The organizers (Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. A.K.A Nismo) promise an exciting event partly because of the showroom which is styled to look like a racetrack complete with spectator stands and everything and partly because, along with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, they have a lot of debuts to make.

In the Nissan corner visitors will feast their eyes on the new edition of Nissan GT-R pure with something called “for TRACK PACK” which is mainly focused to attract motoring enthusiasts who carve the raw experience of a sports car burning rubber on a racing circuit.

A different stand will hold the Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition. It is an anniversary edition (55 years in the making) equipped with smooth aerodynamic body parts complete with LEDs and other S-tune elements. The lowered centre of gravity can only add to the sporty feeling of the birthday boy.

Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition (2012)

Over to the Nismo sector there will be two new concepts: The Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo concept. They both feature a sporty and aggressive look thanks to the refreshing lowering design tweaks.

The Nismo Fairlady Z Version will also take part as the enhanced, more powerful, more fun-to-drive sister of the standard Fairlady Z.

The spotlight however most likely will be on the Nismo LEAF RC – a full on sports car with a carbon fibre body based on the all-electric Nissan LEAF. Hopefully this car will prove that zero-emission vehicles have a future in motor sports.

Finally we have the Autech side of things starting with the. To start off there will be the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R which participated in the 2011 SUPER GT GT500. Back in 2011 it has actually won one of the five prizes that GT-R’s took home that year from the GT500 other representatives include.

The NV350 Caravan Rider is a customized Rider version of Nissan’s NV350 Caravan.

The Elgrand Rider High-performance Spec Black Line – Based on the already acclaimed Elgrand Rider distinguishable for its specific front grille. This Black Line edition encompasses some tweaks on the engine, suspension and body.

Serena Rider Performance Spec Black Line – Fine-tuned body and suspension give the Serena Rider great road manners and a solid stance both literally and metaphorically.

Last but not least we cannot omit mentioning the loads of Nissan/Nismo merchandise, parts and accessories that will be present there.

Source: Nissan

December 22, 2011

Cadillac Burning Rubber on The Nürburgring

The Nordschleife, the Northern Loop or quite simply the Nürburgring is the name of the notorious racing track based in Germany. Why notorious? Well, tragically many people have lost their lives along its corners. There is some silver lining to the story however, as it has also helped shape the automotive industry by providing grounds for testing, fine-tuning and refinement.
And now a Cadillac team of engineers along with Dave Mikels (energy and powertrain integration engineer) have traveled all the way from from Michigan to the Nürburgring ring to develop their future ATS luxury compact sedan.

Being Nürburgring-certified performance test drivers, Mikels and his team will test out their 270 horsepower 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and 3.6L V-6 engines, along with the second- generation Cadillac Magnetic Ride Control suspension. Here is what they had to say about the ring:

“There are places where you’re airborne, and then there are valleys where you’re in full compression. There are off-camber, on-camber turns. There’s no other place in the world where you can test for all of that, except here.”

After gathering a sufficient amount of data, the ATS development team can send it back to their Michigan factory for processing all in the name of improving the Cadillac’s track run.
More information on the ATS will be available on the 2012 NAIAS when it will be its first public debut.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbhVGY2CWgw

Source: Cadillac

December 22, 2011

Vorsteiner Bentley BR-10 [Teaser]

Brace yourselves! This is the latest teaser from Vorsteiner which features the 2012 Bentley Continental GT Coupe.It is said that Vorsteiner – a company with experience in modifying luxury performance vehicles – have applied a lightweight carbon fiber autoclave aerodynamic kit and some new wheels, exclusively forged for the Bentley. Other than that we can only wait for the full release on the Vorsteiner Bentley BR-10.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 22, 2011

Honda Crosstour with a Fresh Lineup

The Honda Crosstour will be available with a new 4-cylinder engine and two trim levels next month. It will be cheaper than it’s V6 predecessor and also more economical – the mpg has gone up with 3 and 2 points (EPA) respectively for urban and extra urban driving.

In terms of design, the Crosstour is a warehouse on 17′ wheels, wrapped around in a curvy, slippery body. Two new paint finishes, with matching door handles, will be available for these newcomers – Twilight Blue Metallic and Basque Red Pearl II. Inside, at the back there is an under-floor compartment which adds to the practicality and reversible cargo floor panels that can be used for transporting dirty items.

In the cabin, equipment is abundant. The Crosstour EX, which is the lower trim line, gets as standard auto-on/off headlights, USB audio interface and an electrochroming rearview mirror as well as back-up camera display with integrated guidelines. The list goes on as we get also projector-beam headlights, a moonroof, body-colored defrosting electric side mirrors, electronic front-door windows and air conditioning with second-row ventilation. Multimedia indulgences include a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers and a steering wheel with controls on it for the cruise, audio and phone systems. The EX-L (the higher trim line) gets all of that plus a leather interior, heated front seats, setting memory storage for the driver’s seat and side view mirrors’ position, dual-zone automatic climate control and an even better audio system with Kevlar® cone speakers and front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers. Also available on the Crosstour EX-L is the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System.

The power necessary to move all that technology around, comes from a 2.4 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine that delivers 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM. This is quite respectable considering the fact that the combined fuel economy stands at the affordable 24 mpg (EPA). One way to achieve such efficiency is to fit a clever 5-speed automatic gearbox with Grade Logic Control as standard to all trim lines. And that is just what Honda have done.

Safety has been addressed thanks to the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that the Crosstour gets. The key is in the shell’s functional design which aids occupant protection and offers increased crash tolerance in frontal collisions. Other safety features on the Crosstour include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

The 2012 Honda Crosstour comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Source: Honda

December 22, 2011

First Sale of Kangoo Van Z.E. in UK

Renault UK has made its first sale of the Kangoo Van Z.E at the Milton Keynes dealership “Marshall Renault”. Patrick Chard, Managing Director of Murrays the Printers, based in Alston Drive, Milton Keynes, was the lucky customer in question. He has bought the fully electric van for commercial purposes and is enthusiastic about putting it to work:

“It is fantastic, very exciting to be first. We made a conscious decision a couple of years ago to be as green as possible, from vehicles to printing presses and with everything we buy. The Kangoo Van Z.E. is the first electric van to market from a manufacturer and it ticks every box for us. It is great for our customers too, as they are also concerned about the environment. We can now deliver locally with zero emissions and make considerable savings on fuel costs over a period of time.” said Patrick Chard

The purchase itself was a small event complete with champagne and gifts to mark the first ever sale in the UK of the award-winning van. Ian Plummer, Director of Commercial Operations Renault UK also attended the handing over of the keys and was happy to note that Renault is now on its way to fulfilling its environmental commitment. Presumably this sale will be a first of many as several other companies are now interested in generating a fleet of Z.E. Vans. There are currently 20 more showrooms who hope to strike similar deals as they too have invested in showcasing the Z.E.

The Kangoo Van Z.E. prices start at 16 900 GBP (VAT not included) and a monthly battery hire from 60 GBP (6,000 miles per year, over three years). Contract hire is also available from 424 GBP per month over three years. Both include a five-year powertrain guarantee, three years roadside assistance and a three year or 100,000 mile warranty. On average, the range of the Kangoo is around 106 miles on a single charge but that can drop to 50 miles or go as high as 125 miles depending on certain conditions. It is estimated however, that a single charge costs at around 3 GPB which are added to your electrical bill (naturally at night the charging is cheaper).

Source: Renault

December 21, 2011

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov