Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 50 – Automobiles Review

Newly Forged ’67 Mustang Convertible Shell to Please Classic Car Restorers

Restorers of all time classics will be happy to know that yet another, officially licensed, Ford Mustang body is now available to order. The new shell is the ’67 Mustang convertible which adds to an already available array of bodies for the ’65 convertible, the ’67 fastback and the ’69 fastback.

Dennis Mondrach, Ford Restoration Parts licensing manager is adamant that a proposed body for restoration purposes should be rigorously checked if it falls into the standards of the original. Dynacorn International have passed that check effortlessly and have even improved on the standards. “The new ’67 convertible body shell gives restorers a super-solid foundation on which to build their dream pony car.” said Mondrach. According to Jim Christina, Dynacorn principle manager, the panels of the body are made from a modern high-grade virgin steel that is thicker than the original. For further rigidity, newly developed welding methods are applied when assembling the body panels. Several tweaks on known stress areas are also done all in the name of body strength.

The number of genuine, 40 years old spare parts has dropped significantly as the value of classic Mustangs is on the rise. Today fresh, ambitious restorers are highly unlikely to come across a fully usable, original body which they can restore. The process alone is expensive and time consuming. And now thanks to companies like Dynacorn, people wont have to waste resources on this tedious scavenging hunt bur rather order a new body, rust free and fully licensed for the sum of $15,995.

Ford Mustang Convertible body shell (1967)

Background.

The first Mustangs ever to roll out from the Ford factory were a huge success with over a million sold in the first eighteen months. For the next wave, however, Ford needed to revise its love child in order tackle the incoming rivals from GM, Chrysler and various sports cars imported from Britain. Thus the Mustang ’67 was born – the body was widened, the hood lengthened, and the engine bay grew in size to give the freedom of choosing from a wide range of engines starting at the thrifty and peppy 200-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder and ending at a thundering 390-horsepower 427 that came in the Shelby GT500. That marked the beginning of the big-block engined muscle car mania. New features also included an all-new body material, a redesigned grille, new taillights. Inside, the more luxurious interior took the Mustang enhanced its appeal. Buyers could opt for a tilt-away steering wheel, a gauge package with a built-in tachometer, brushed aluminum trim on the dash, door panels and shifter console. There was also a roof console with lights between the sun visors. and the.

The Dynacorn body has taken into account all those changes made back then and is now fully applicable no matter what engine one might chose: the 390, 427 and 428-cubic-inch all can be easily bolted in. Today more than 90 percent of the parts needed to restore a ’67 convertible are made by Ford-licensed manufacturers.

Source: Ford

December 21, 2011

Cars Under 30 000$ You Can Buy Today

So you have 30 000$ laying around and you want to buy a car? Well great! Always willing to give reasonable consumer advice, we at automobilesreview.com have compiled a list of the best cars out there that go effortlessly under that limit.

Mazda RX-8 – Starting at $26,795

It’s nice to have something exclusive just to tackle the mundane day-to-day life. So why not try the Mazda RX-8? Yes, it has been around for over 7 years now and soon it will be gone but it still is capable to put a smile on your face and also to punch you in the chest. While retaining a typical sloping profile of a two-door coupé it actually has four doors if we count the clever rear-hinged “freestyle” ones at the back. That gives you a certain degree of practicality and also something to brag about The power comes from a 1.3 but it is a rotary Wankel engine so it develops the staggering 232 units of horsepower. However, despite it’s size, this engine is quite thirsty (because of working in a completely different manner from conventional engines) for both fuel and oil. So running costs might be a problem for some.

MINI Cooper S – $23,800

This is the closest thing to a BMW you can get for that kind of money. It has a 1.6 twin scroll turbocharged engine with fully variable valve timing. So in essence you get 181 hp in a car that weighs no more than a double cheeseburger. It has perfect road manners, plenty of efficiency and a classy image deriving from an old British icon. It’s not very big though, is it?

VW Golf GTI – Starting at $23,700

This was an easy pick. Ever since the magnificent Mk.1, GTIs have always been dominant on the hot hatch market. Blistering performance, superb handling and a solid image are just a few superlatives that can describe what the capable hand German engineers has done here. Ever evolving, the Golf now makes use of a powerful 2.0 l. TSI engine coupled with either a 6-speed DSG gearbox or a 6-speed manual for diehard motoring enthusiasts. It’s hard to find anything here not to like. Focus ST fans may argue that it is a bit dreary and plain but that is as far as they would go.

Mazda MX-5 – Starting at $23,190

Another Mazda here however, unlike the RX-8, the MX does not take itself very seriously. It has a refined 2.0 l, 136 hp engine and not a million horsepower rocket thruster under the hood. Nor does it get any cunningly disguised compartments. All it does is to stay true to itself – front mid engine, rear-wheel drive, two seats and a soft top. It was originally conceived to honer the memory of the emblematic small British roadster class. Yes, most probably not the technological miracle that other cars try to be, but you’ll notice heads turning while driving around in town and that will make you happy.

Fiat 500 Abarth – Starting at $23,000

We wouldn’t miss a chance to add some Italian pesto on our petrol salad. It is another iconic supermini which changed the world of consumerism when it got out in 1957. Today, more than half a century later it is still as good to the taste as Italian wine. Abarth is a subsidiary company for Fiat that produces hardcore, lunatic, rubber burning demons. With their help this 2012 imp now has a 16-valve 1.4-liter engine that brings 160 hp. The design has managed to preserve its simplistic spirit coming from the 500’s ancestors and yet it is absolutely stunning to look at. Is it better than the MINI? We will let you decide.

Dodge Challenger R/T – Starting at $29,995

“It’s a muscle car and it is awesome!” That is at least what the kid in all of us says. In reality it is impractical, thirsty, barely a technological landmark and it handles like a rowing boat. But bare with us on that one. Imagine – you on the open road, the sun blazing down on you, haze rising from the black tarmac. What do we need to complete the picture? You guessed it, it’s a Dodge Challenger. But it’s not the power, nor are the emblematic looks you want the most. All you want to hear is the sound of a 375 hp, V8 HEMI thundering down that road with you behind the wheel. That sort of practice should actually be classified as therapy for it might be the most smile-inducing thing out there. But it is even more than that: with it you are fighting for a cause to save this dying breed of vehicles which used to be so cherished in the past.

Honda Clarity FCX – Around $22 000

So Cameron Diaz drives a hybrid and so does Leonardo DiCaprio. The list goes on for miles and it makes you think: “what is it about those cars?” Well, nowadays it has become a trend to think about the environment. 30 years ago it might have been “cool” to own the above mentioned Dodge Challenger but now Prius is the new swagger. But are you willing to play along and subdue to the the newly established norms? No, you are better than that. Go full on environmentally friendly with the Honda Clarity FCX – the car that according to Jay Leno will save the supercar just like the the car saved the horse. Put simply, the FCX will be the future of motoring when petrol starts running low. It is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which you just top up with compressed hydrogen and then use the oxygen from the atmosphere to create a reaction with an end result – H2O (water). The energy expelled from the reaction however powers up a 136 horsepower electric motor. This mode of energy producing eliminates the need of the dreadful battery packs used in various hybrids which are unreliable and dependent on power sockets and the weather. The Honda is efficient, clean and quite normal actually. The only problem of driving around in it is that you might flood the Earth eventually (joking really). While it is amazingly cheap to buy, obtaining one is as tricky as obtaining hydrogen itself. About 200 vehicles will be leased over the next three years, primarily in Southern California. But if you do manage to get one, you wont get more exclusive than that.

December 21, 2011

Nissan Pathfinder Concept Teaser

We came across this teaser for the forthcoming Nissan Pathfinder Concept. It will be revealed on the North American International Auto Show in Detroid which will be open to the public on the 14th of January 2012.

It is said that this concept, while preserving the typical Pathfinder spirit, is to introduce a new highly modern platform coated with a striking aerodynamic body, Supposedly It will be clever, it will have seating for seven and it will be cargo friendly.

The debut precedes the appointed release of the new Nissan Pathfinder which hopefully will bare as much resemblance as possible to the concept.

Source: Nissan

December 20, 2011

Prices For The Toyota RAV4 and Prius

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. have released their manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2012 RAV4 and the Prius Liftback. They will both hit the showrooms today and on the in January 2012 respectively.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 SUVs can be ordered in three different trim levels – RAV 4 (base), Sport and top-of-the-range Limited. Whatever the class, all vehicles can carry a 2.5 four-cylinder engine or a 3.5 V6 which develops 269 hp. Even further, either engine can be paired with a front-wheel drive or an electronic on-demand four-wheel drive. That makes a total of 12 possible combinations and thus 12 price listings. When compared to the old model, the RAV4 MY 2012 differs little in price which will preserve Toyota’s rock-solid image on the market – the base and Sport editions get an overall 0.7% increase while the Limited RAVs actually get a decrease in price by 0.5%. The cheapest of all is the 2.5 liter, front-wheel drive, 4 ratio automatic gearbox base model standing at $22,650 as the Limited V6 4WD model with a five-speed automatic transmission receives a price tag of $28,650.

All models include as standard equipment hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. RAVs from the Limited range get an extra Display Audio with Navigation and Entune™. Optional extras come in the form of a 6.1-inch touch-screen CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility, six speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio™ with iTunes ® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, and USB port with iPod® connectivity and control.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius segment has managed to stay on top of it’s competition in terms of hybrid technology mainly because of the midsized Prius Liftback. Up until know it has been shipped to over a million environmentally conscious customers. And now the 2012 MY has received a minor update – revised front fascia and tail lights, freshly styled 15 inch wheel covers and LED Daytime Running Lights with an on/off function.

There will be four available trim grades in the U.S. (the Two, Three, Four and Five) all of which have overall increased MSRP listings with around 3.3%. with the cheapest one standing at $24 000 while the Prius Five $29 805. You still get your money’s worth though because whatever you choose, it will be packed full of technology.

All models come with a 6.1-inch Display Audio system including a USB port for iPod® connectivity and control, Bluetooth® with phone book access for hands-free calling and a more advanced Multi-Information Display. Owners of the previous Prius model will be able to recognize some carryover technology as well. There’s a Touch Tracer Display, driver door Smart Key with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry, Star Safety System and an adjustable steering wheel with controls on it for the audio and climate systems as well as controls for the phone.

The Prius Three has its Display Audio system enhanced by the EntuneTM and Navigation pack. It also gets an integrated backup camera and three-door Smart Key.

The Prius Four implements a more powerful audio system consisting of eight JBL® GreenEdge™ speakers and an amplifier. SofTex-trimmed seats, headlamps with auto on/off feature and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar power support are also included.

As optional extras the Four and Five can be equipped with Toyota’s Premium HDD Navigation with EntuneTM and JBL®, which features an exclusive seven-inch touch-screen with split-screen capability. These two models are also the first of their kind to be offering a Head-up Display (HUD) which projects information such as speed, fuel etc. on the windscreen.

Here is the complete list of the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices in comparison to the previous 2011 model year counterparts:

TOYOTA 2012 MY	MODEL CODE	SERIES	DESCRIPTION	2011 MSRP	MSRP INCREASE ($)	MSRP INCREASE (%)	2012 NEW MSRP
2012	4430	RAV4	Base 2WD 4AT	$22,475	$175	0.8%	$22,650
2012	4431	RAV4	Base V6 2WD 5AT	$24,510	$175	0.7%	$24,685
2012	4440	RAV4	Sport 2WD 4AT	$24,175	$175	0.7%	$24,350
2012	4441	RAV4	Sport V6 2WD 5AT	$26,105	$175	0.7%	$26,280
2012	4450	RAV4	Limited 2WD 4AT	$25,465	($135)	-0.5%	$25,330
2012	4451	RAV4	Limited V6 2WD 5AT	$27,385	($135)	-0.5%	$27,250
2012	4432	RAV4	Base 4WD 4AT	$23,875	$175	0.7%	$24,050
2012	4433	RAV4	Base V6 4WD 5AT	$25,910	$175	0.7%	$26,085
2012	4442	RAV4	Sport 4WD 4AT	$25,575	$175	0.7%	$25,750
2012	4443	RAV4	Sport V6 4WD 5AT	$27,505	$175	0.6%	$27,680
2012	4452	RAV4	Limited 4WD 4AT	$26,855	($135)	-0.5%	$26,720
2012	4453	RAV4	Limited V6 4WD 5AT	$28,785	($135)	-0.5%	$28,650

TOYOTA 2012 MY	MODEL CODE	SERIES	DESCRIPTION	2011 MSRP	MSRP INCREASE ($)	MSRP INCREASE (%)	2012 NEW MSRP
2012	1221	Prius One (fleet only)	Five-door Liftback	$22,120	$895	4.0%	$23,015
2012	1223	Prius Two	Five-door Liftback	$23,520	$480	2.0%	$24,000
2012	1225	Prius Three	Five-door Liftback	$24,520	$1,045	4.3%	$25,565
2012	1227	Prius Four	Five-door Liftback	$27,320	$915	3.3%	$28,235
2012	1229	Prius Five	Five-door Liftback	$28,790	$1,015	3.5%	$29,805

*Prices do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee on neither of the cars. The fee comes as an additional expense standing at $810 for the RAV and $760 for the Prius.

Source: Toyota

December 20, 2011

Chevrolet Sonic RS 2013

NAIAS, year 2010 – Chevrolet showed that they too want to be taken seriously in the hot hatch world with their, then concept, Sonic RS. Well, now that concept is a reality and it will be revealed at the 2012 NAIAS with production starting near the end of the same year. To set itself apart from its standard counterparts, the RS has employed some distinguishing alterations which start at the exterior and reach all the way under the hood.

Available solely with five doors, the Sonic RS is undoubtedly dressed to impress. The front, racing styled fascia is patched on both ends with typical RS inlets which in turn have redesigned fog lights nestled in them. The front grille is also in a specific RS honeycomb design and new rocker moldings are applied as well. At the back new fascia, new spoiler and chromed outlets of the already tuned exhaust system give the Sonic a new character. For an overall look, Chevrolet have put on RS badges here and there along with four conspicuous 17-inch five spoke styled wheels. The paint finishes will be available in Victory Red, Summit White, Cyber Gray Metallic and Black Granite Metallic depending on customer preference.

Inside the RS symptoms continue as we make ourselves comfortable in the black leather sport seats with red stitching all around. A specially designed steering wheel with a thicker rim and a flat bottom feels nice to the touch. Strange and futuristic instrument clusters, which can only be found in the RS, flash back at you. The gear stick is freshly styled while the pedals are made from aluminum.

IT enthusiasts will be glad to know that Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system comes as standard. It is a seven-inch color touch screen radio which can be connected to various smart phones via Bluetooth in order to access Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio. Navigation directions, originally downloaded on the user’s smart phones can be displayed on that screen. Other forms of multimedia (like photos and videos) will also be available to display provided that the car is not in motion.

There are high hopes for the RS’s performance as this will be the first car in its segment to employ a turbocharged powertrain. It is an Ecotec 1.4l engine that develops 138 units of horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm). Chevrolet say this power will be available trough the whole range of the rev. counter so even at low rounds per minute the sporty presence should be preserved. The gearbox is be a six-speed manual which comes as standard while a six-speed automatic is optional.

There are some technological advances dedicated to handle the newfound power as well. The front wheels are attached to a MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar while at the back we have a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound, link-type rear suspension – including a robust, tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. Both, the front track and the back one are identical when it comes to width – 59.4 inches (1,509 mm) aimed to achieve a good planted stance and stability. Being an RS version, the car also has a set of four disk brakes complete with a four channel ABS system. It also has a clever nervous system in the form of four load sensors (one on each wheel) which take into account the road conditions and the weight of passengers and cargo so that the braking force is distributed more evenly and efficiently.

All and all it has been a long wait and now we’ll have to wait even more to see if it was worth it.

Source: Chevrolet

December 19, 2011

Nissan Micra with two new editions

In the UK, Nissan has decided to add two new trim levels to an already colourful lineup of Micras. Called Kuro (black from Japanese) and Shiro (white), the two editions are now ready to order with a price starting at £11,550 for the 1.2 liter naturally aspired engine coupled with a manual transmission. However the new supercharged DIG-S power plant and the CVT automatic gearbox are also available as options.

One can tell from a distance if a Micra is either of these two trimmings. The Kuro is coated in a metallic Sapphire Black while Shiro is available in two white shades – Pearl or Alabaster. Inside the dashboard has an ivory feel to it and the light seat trimmings all in the name of luxury.

The equipment level resembles the one of the mid range Acenta trimline with several additions which are usually reserved for the Tekna top of the range: We have parking sensors with parking space measurement, heated front seats and climate control. For the extra £400, the Nissan Connect satellite navigation will also be included.

As a final touch, the back sides of the Kuro and the Shiro are branded with a definitive badge to let people know that the person inside values sensibility with a slight dash of glamour.

Source: Nissan

December 19, 2011

Wheelsandmore Revitalise a Hypercar God – The McLaren SLR 707

Rarely someone expresses discontent with the iconic Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It is true however that besides being exotic it is also old. 10 years old in fact. So now the already acclaimed German tuning house Wheelsandmore have left various AMG’s behind and went the extra mile to revise the ageing hypercar. Welcome to the SLR Wheelsandmore 7o7 edition.

Even at the start was well aware that the standard car has a 626 hp monstrosity under the bonnet which churns out mesmerizing 780 Nm of torque. They believe that this power can now be utilized more efficiently by completely upgrading the suspension set up. And so, with the help of the suspension whizzes at KW Automotive, this is exactly what they have done. We are talking about a compression and rebound adjustable, racing grade aluminium coilover and aluminium damper housings. And, because of the new suspension kit and the SLR’s now lower centre of gravity, Wheelsandmore have seized the opportunity to increase power output to 707 hp (hence the edition 7o7) and 970 Nm of torque. That new figure is courtesy to the company’s performance pack which upgrades the ECU and uses a larger pulley for the compressor. The end result is a time of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (100km/h) – Impressive!

Wheelsandmore Mercedes SLR 7o7 Edition (2011)

Naturally, to stand up to its name, Wheelsandmore, have introduced lightweight, handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels – 9,5×20″ for the front axle with 255/30/20 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires on them and 11,5×20″ ones at the back again fitted with 305/25/20 Dunlops. The red line on the rim edges is a fine touch if I may say.

Inside changes are sublime, modest and tasteful: a grippy AMG Performance steering wheel a center console garnished with carbon fibre patches and and entirely carbon shift paddles.

Source: Wheelsandmore

December 16, 2011

Audi Does It Again – 3.0 L TFSI V6 on Ward’s Top Ten List

This just in: Audi’s 3.0 L TFSI supercharged V6 engine appears on Ward’s 10 Best Engines 2012 list for a third consecutive year. WardsAuto is an automotive technology watchdog which has been gathering data and conducting analysis of engineering advancements for 85 years now.

For Ward’s 2012 engine list, 36 “contenders” were probed for their power, technology, fuel economy, noise, vibration and harshness. Additional criteria required each engine to be in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012 and that vehicle that carries the engine should not exceed 55 000$.

“With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we’re pleased to have a list that is rich in technology,” says Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World (the company’s monthly magazine). “Plus, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive.”

The TFSI provides 310 units of horsepower and the respectable 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Because of the all-aluminium structure of the engine and four vane Roots-style supercharger, the TFSI is able to impersonate V8 behaviour while remaining an economical V6.

In 2012, you’ll be able to find the 3.0 TFSI in cars such as the 2012 A6 sedan, 2012 Audi A7, the Audi Q7 and also in the S4 and S5.

Source: Audi

December 16, 2011

MINI To Unveil Roadster On NAIAS

The annual North American International Auto Show is an event of unparalleled importance. Set to be open to the public on the 14^th of January 2012, it will act as the New Year’s Day for the automotive industry. More than 150 companies will showcase their products, innovations and plans for the whole year ahead. 5000 media representatives will provide extensive coverage while around 750 000 members of the public will have the pleasure to moon about amidst lush automotive pieces of art.

And now MINI has announced that on that event, they will try to fascinate the American public with the new MINI Cooper Roadster – a car that relies on a complex chassis technology to stay on the road and yet implements a classic, manually operated soft-top all in the name of pure fun. Although it is the sixth addition to the company’s line up it still bares the MINI hallmark universal features such as large circular headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, side indicator surrounds and vertically stacked rear lights. That of course does not make it a characterless clone of the previous ones. The low-slung silhouette, smooth curves and elegantly extended (separate from the cabin) boot give this urban 2-seater a fresh and playful image.

In terms of dimensions, the basic Roadster model largely mimics its MINI Convertible counterpart with an exterior length of 3,728 mm (wheelbase of 2,467 mm) and a width which stands at 1,683 mm. It is however lower than the Convertible by more than 20 mm thus the fore mentioned low-slung sporty silhouette.

In the US three engine line-ups will be available that go in three different trim levels of the Roadster:

The standard MINI Roadster has a 121 hp, 1.6 litre engine with a fully variable valve control system – based on the VALVETRONIC technology which can be seen in BMW engines.

The MINI Cooper S Roadster houses again the VALVETRONIC 1.6 litre engine but thanks to BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology and direct fuel injection the power is now up to 181 hp. The Cooper S is claimed to be one of the most successful embodiment of power and economy with just 6.0 litres of petrol consumption on a 100km run.

The top of the range MINI John Cooper Works Roadster is powered by a hardcore version of the 1.6 TwinPower Turbo found in the MINI Cooper S. It is a 208 hp hornet that delivers 192 lb-ft (260 Newton metres) of torque at 1,850 rpm. You’ll need no more than 6.3 seconds to reach 100km/h (62 mph) from a standsill while top speed stands at 237 km/h (147 mph). All models come as standard with a six speed manual gearbox that channels the revvy power of the engines to the front wheels. Optionally, the Cooper Roadster and Cooper S Roadster can be ordered with a six speed automatic.

Agile handling and a timely response, emblematic for the MINI brand, come from the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and the active rear spoiler, which extends automatically when the car reaches 80 km/h (50 mph).

The company is counting on the Roadster range to be a fine compliment to the other five, already successful MINI, MINI Countryman, MINI Clubman, MINI convertible and the MINI Coupé.

Source: MINI

December 16, 2011

BMW at the 2012 NAIAS Detroit

With the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit dangerously close, BMW have kindly offered a glimpse of what their exhibit will look like. So here is a quick summary of what you should be excited about.

BMW 3-Series Sedan – The sixth generation of the compact executive vehicle will be showcased there with an improved design and a new engine lineup. The company is eager to announce that now the new 3 series is around 45 mm wider and 93 mm longer than its predecessor. Despite these stretchy dimensions the sedan has actually managed to lose some weight (40 kg lighter). The trim and equipment level comes in three different categories: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

Initially, customers will have the opportunity to chose from two petrol engines with two diesels coming later the same year. It is important to mention that all power plants will utilize the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

The BMW 328i will carry the new generation 2.0 liter, four-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce 180kW/245 hp and a peak torque of 350Nm (258lb-ft) from as early as 1.250 rpm. That sort of power will give the luxury sedan a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just bellow six seconds. Amazingly enough the stated fuel economy is a generous 44 mpg figure. Keep in mind that all of the trim levels will come with an Auto Start-Stop system as standard.

The more power hungry can go for the BMW 335i. It will house a renown 3.0 liter straight-six which develops 225 kW/306 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at just 1,200 rpm. Thus in every single respect the 3 series will outperform their predecessors.

Upon request an 8 gear automatic box can be paired to whichever engine you might chose. This option is claimed to bring benefits in terms of economy and driving experience.

In true BMW spirit the cabin is full with neat gadgets such as a sharp Head-up Display, Active Cruise Control, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System. A new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode which will allow drivers to fully optimize their driving in order to achieve stunning fuel economy.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 – This is something that will make it’s debut on the NAIAS as

the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment. Fuel efficiency and power output are targeted

To provide power, the same engine which can be found in the 335i and 535i is used. However, here it has a co-worker: a 40 kW/55 hp electric motor supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. So that is 250 kW/340 hp overall power which thrusts the ActiveHybrid from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, limits average fuel consumption to between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (44 – 40 mpg imp) and puffs CO2 emissions of just 149 – 163 g/km.

Not surprisingly, it is a very clever this hybrid. When the car is coasting or braking, the motor acts like a generator which in turn charges the high-performance battery pack. However, if you put your foot down, the motor will assist the straight-six petrol powerhouse to give the sort of dynamic boost you do not experience in ordinary cars. Then when you have reached a respectable amount of speed (up to 100 mph) what you can do is to shut down the engine and disengage it from the wheels so that you are back to coasting, using that gathered potential energy as efficiently as possible. You’ll be able to do that with no regrets as all safety features will be fully operational.

BMW M5 – Yes, this sensational performance miracle will also be there. BMW boast about how their new engine (as opposed to the old one) has a 10 percent increase in power and 30 percent increase in torque and that consumption has dropped by 30 percent. This is the first time the company gives a chance to the turbo technology to prove itself better than the pure, naturally-aspired, brute force that was in the previous generations of M5s. As a result now the engine is a V8 rather than a V10 and the displacement is only 4.4 liters but the power is up – 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, while its maximum torque of 680 Newton meters (502 lb-ft).

To handle that massive lump of power, the M5 makes use of a very clever rear axle differential with a variable locking function. It works alongside with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system to ensure the best rear-wheel drive experience there is. The suspension is also notable for its electronically controlled dampers. Dynamic Damper Control uses electro-hydraulic damping force adjustment to provide a set-up suited to the driving situation or the wishes of the driver.

Here is a full list of it’s specifications:

V8 petrol engine, M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
Displacement: 4,395 cc
Power output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm,
Max. torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.4 seconds, acceleration 0–200 km/h (124 mph): 13.0 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package)
Average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

The i3 and the i8 – No, those are not the latest Apple products although they do have similar visionary ambitions. We are talking about two new concepts which will embody the BMW technological know-how.

The i3 is a fully electric vehicle which is a result of BMW’s commitment to the environment. Suitable for the urban area, the i3 sets new standards for efficient use of materials, light weight technology and long-distance electricity runs. It has a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor which delivers an impressive amount of torque (250 Nm (184 lb-ft) to the rear wheels. It will take you under four seconds to reach 60km/h (37mph) from a standsill and around 8 seconds to reach 100km/h (62mph).

BMW say it will be spacious and practical too with a boot capacity of 200 liters, and enough space to breathe freely in the cabin.

The more driver oriented i8 is a daring one with some innovative plug-in hybrid technology inside. Along with the electric wizardry that can be find in the i3, the i8 has a rear-mounted, high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp which delivers 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is under five seconds while economy is stated to be three liters per 100 km (approx. 94 mpg imp). It can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electricity alone and it has seating for four. Because of the two motors (the electric one at the front and the petrol one at the back) it has perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity which is all beneficial to the driving experience.

For more technological nirvana, be careful not to miss out on anything at NAIAS in Detroit which starts next year, January the 9^th.

Source: BMW

December 15, 2011

Afzal Kahn’s creation – the Wrangler Jeep Military edition

Fed up with the monotony of ordinary life? Unwilling to subdue to the general norms? Well, Afzal Kahn is a leading British designer and recently he has released a masterpiece which might interest you – a Wrangler Jeep Military edition. Being true to his tradition, Afzal has tried to blend mechanical perfection and aesthetic brilliance.

The end result is a lush, gray military beast which will gather attention wherever it goes. As you can see it does look like something taken out from a Terminator movie. Traces of Kahn‘s touch can be seen all around. The brake calipers for example are gold plated while the petrol flat cap is in billet mat black. The number of the exhaust pipes is now a “modest” four and so is the number of the massive mudflaps. Inside the pedals are made from aluminum, there is a sat-navigation and a reverse-view camera. The dashboard resembles a cluster of elegant clocks. Non-surprising additions are the LED driving lights at the front and the branded spare-wheel cover at the back.

If customers feel the need for greater security, the blank rear window sections and LED lights can be made out of bullet-proof glass. And if that is not satisfying enough there’s a higher grade of bullet-proof material that cannot even be found on cars of politicians and other important people.

The interior upholstery is also custom made. What we have here are red quilted leather seats but in general options are limitless – from the darkest of colors to the most extravagant tones, Afzal Kahn does it all.

To complement the flamboyant look, the Wrangler utilizes specially designed Kahn RS wheels. Made using the most up-to-date technology, forged by modern composites, these 20 inch alloys come in black or silver and fit all original center caps. With their fine lines and purposeful design those wheels radiate a sense of style matched by no other.

You can have this mechanical piece of art for the sum of 35,875.00 GBP with either diesel or petrol under the hood and both hand drives as well.

2011 Kahn Wrangler Jeep Military edition

Source: Kahn

December 15, 2011

ASMA Mercedes G55 AMG

ASTHMA? No, Google… It’s ASMA – the German design company which focuses on providing sporty kits to numerous Mercedes-Benz icons. Today, it is the emblematic G-klasse that has went under the knife.

A new bonnet has been introduced with a sublime air-scooping inlet. A front bumper naturally with two daytime LED lights has been installed and the fenders (all of them) have been enhanced for a more menacing look. I fail to see the need for a roof spoiler but they have applied one anyway. The interior looks comfy but I cant get around the fact that as you step in there is a great plush feast waiting for you. Let us hope you do not have any respiratory allergies or asthma even.

Other than that there seem to be no other changes. What do you think?

Source: ASMA Design

December 15, 2011

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov