Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 51 – Automobiles Review

STARTECH Adds Caviar To An Already Seasoned Meal

STARTECH, which is a subsidiary to BRABUS (and we all know them), have been toying with the new Jaguar XJ and the results are rather sublime and tasteful.

The makeover is mainly cosmetic which includes a finely designed aerodynamic kit, bulky 21 inched forged rims and a custom made interior.

The XJ is already striking enough as it is, with that sloping, gentle roof line which seems as if it is blending with the taillights. So STARTECH has decided that it only needs a few alterations for the ultimate aesthetic nirvana. Now at the very end of the trunk, an elegant lip spoiler can be seen. All aerodynamic-enhancement components are manufactured in OEM quality.

The front of the car for example receives a minor addition (not a replacement) for the bumper. It is an curvy, meshed apron which reduces air-lift and with its constantly luminous LEDs one can say that improves day to day safety. The fenders are audaciously garnished with strikingly big air outlets on which one can spot the STARTECH logos (the first solid proof of the company’s involvement). At the opposite end of the side sills small elegant details, just before the rear wheel arches, finish the sporty look that has been started by the outlets. In turn the back end is garnished with a new fascia which houses a diffuser and two integrated panels with a typical STARTECH design. There can also be found the stainless-steel, company provided, rear mufflers.

2012 STARTECH Jaguar XJ — STARTECH Jaguar XJ (2011)

Since there is a lot of space under the wheel arches, STARTECH has gone the extra mile by fitting their Monostar J Diamond Edition wheels – three-piece forged monstrosities which come in sizes 9.0Jx21 and 10.5Jx21. They bare a mirror-polish shine with patches of titanium-look which complete the overall exterior of the Jag. Because of their lightness and durability and the extra wide tires on them (255/35 ZR 21 at the front and 295/30 ZR 21 at the back), they offer greater stability and control.

STARTECH also excels in different Alcantra and leather design. In this case, because of the XJ’s black exterior, they have gone for the cream-colored interior made from the soft and breathable Mastik type of leather.

The two independent seats at the back are electrically heated and the legroom in front of them is bathed in light which comes from the sides of the elegant, compartment riddled, center console.

More than 5 000 meters of thread has gone for the stitching of the seams on the dashboard, the leather flooring and the seat upholstery design. Great effort has been made by the STARTECH refinement team when it comes to the elaborate wood trim for the interior – Black, glossy polished piano wood was meticulously adorned by hand with ship-veneer-type inlays.

It is not all 19^th century appeal though. Inside there is an integrated Apple iPad docking station with a bluetooth keyboard for it. Internet is not a problem as well – A 20 MBit/s GSM modem provides a high-speed internet connection via EDGE, HSDPA or HSPA+ protocols. Several passengers can communicate online at any time using a WLAN network available in and around the car. This car is more of a command center than it is a vehicle – in times of war I think I’ll give STARTECH a call.

Source: STARTECH

December 14, 2011

Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in and C-MAX Hybrid to Freshen Up the Market

Ford has announced that two new, super economy MAVs (Multi Activity Vehicles) are set to go on sale during the second half of 2012: So welcome to the C-MAX Energi (spelled correctly) plug-in hybrid and the C-MAX Hybrid. They are both expected to trash their counterparts in terms of economy – The Toyota Prius plug in hybrid and the Toyota Prius v respectively

It is not so much of a surprise that this is the next phase of the company’s plan to target more fuel-efficiency-minded customers. Here is what Amy Machesney, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Marketing manager had to say:

“The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are designed to meet the needs of customers looking to ‘plus-up’ and optimize their hybrid car experience. These customers are living more environmentally responsible lives and may have bought a hybrid in the past. They are now ready for more hybrid choice, combined with style, better performance and additional versatility.”

See, Ford’s goal for 2012 is to have a third of it’s whole lineup to consist of 40 mpg and above capable vehicles. For that to happen they need to triple production capacity of its electrified vehicle range. In North America, the C-MAX Energi and Hybrid will be only two out of five scheduled electrified debuts.

With many years of experience behind, Ford is not banging rocks together here. They have around 500 patents all relating to hybrid technology and hundreds more waiting in line. They have an abundant stock of data gathered from their Ford Espace plug-in hybrid test fleet. The software and hardware which represent the C-MAX nervous system has had more than 20 years of research and innovation. Everything is done in-house to ensure a perfect, synchronized efficiency system. And now the vessels of that technology are the C-MAX platforms which have been a major success on the European market since their launch in 2010 with over 100 000 units sold. Even the place where they will be making them is a high-tech utopia – Ford’s assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan which is partially powered by the state’s larges solar system.

The C-MAX Hybrid should hit better urban and extra urban mpg than its equivalent, the Toyota Prius v. while the C-MAX Plug-in hybrid will have a driving range of more than 500 miles, more than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid or Chevrolet Volt. And it is also claimed that the driving experience will remain exciting.

“With C-MAX, you get road-holding capability, sportiness and performance in addition to leading fuel economy, great versatility, great features and great technology in a package designed to exceed customer expectations.” says John Davis, C-MAX chief nameplate engineer. If all that turns out to be true, no doubt that Ford will skyrocket to the leading position of the fuel economy race.

So what wizardry will they employ to achieve this? As expected from hybrids, the power for both of the C-MAX MAVs comes from a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. The gasoline unit is an already efficient yet powerful 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. It is one of Ford’s cleverest naturally aspirated engines ever. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs which can be up to 50 percent lighter and 30 percent smaller than the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) ones used in previous generation hybrids.

The C-MAX hybrids utilize Ford’s next generation powersplit system which allows the engine and the motor to work separately or at the same time. Alternatively, the petrol unit can be left to idle independently in order to charge the driving electric motor. Under proper conditions (light load, low speeds), the electric motor alone will be capable to bring power to the wheels.

The C-MAX Hybrid’s battery pack can be recharged while the engine is running and while braking. 95% of the energy, that is usually wasted upon braking, is now channeled towards the battery and hence the difference between the Hybrid and the Energi plug-in. The Energi needs charging in a standard 120-volt outlet or at a 240-volt charging station.

All that technology needs to be converted in figures for the driver to see. This is where gadgets like SYNC® and MyFord Touch® com into place. It is a complex interface system that allows the smooth and efficient operation of things such as climate control, navigation, the entertainment system. It is all very accessible too as the driver can manage all that with voice commands as well as controls on the steering wheel and touch screens and buttons and knobs etc. To further inform abut the mode of driving and economy there is the thing called SmartGauge® which employes EcoGuide – a thingamajig on the dashboard that offers instant fuel economy while there are also indications about average economy. Efficient braking advisory system called Brake Coach helps you optimize the use of the regenerative units by braking as efficiently as possible. In the C-MAX Energi you can even utilize your smartphone or your computer which will then tell you all kinds of information about the remaining charge and distance so you never run out of juice prematurely. Then there’s the standard stuff like active park assist, start button and AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio, HD Radio™.

The appeal grows even more as we keep mind that the C-MAXes are practical as well. We get loads of space inside (slightly less in the C-MAX Energi), an overall height of 64 inches for each vehicle so that good for headroom, and seating for five including the split, fold-flat second-row seat. Access to the cargo area is made easy because of an innovative hands-free liftgate. All you need is a key fob to be somewhere near the car (ideally your pocket) so that the cars knows it is okay to open and than a gentle kick under the rear bumper will trigger the door.

Let us not forget to mention that safety has also been addressed with numerous features that come as standard. Seven airbags and a direct line with 911 emergency services vie the SYNC 911 Assist™

program can be very handy in an accident. Should you lend your car to your rebellious teenage kid but worry about speeding. Well worry no more because the MyKey® system allows parents to set a speed limit and restrict radio stations with explicit content. There is also a constant nag system that can tell if someone in the car is not wearing a seat belt. What comes as standard also are the Curve Control, that is designed to slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast, the Torque Vectoring Control, which helps accelerate through a turn when necessary. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) are also included.

Source: Ford

December 14, 2011

Canada to Get Electrified by Nissan

Nissan Canada has announced that now it will be possible for the Canadian people to pre-order the 2012 Nissan LEAF MY12 online. Earlier on only the registered at www.nissan.ca/leaf had the privilege to do so. However reservations are now open to all Canadians who live within the vicinity (65 km) of a certified Nissan LEAF dealer. There are 27 dealers across Canada so quite a few people will have the chance to snatch one.

The first shipment of 40 MY11 LEAFs was ravaged within minutes last summer and the trend has remained as the following 350 units of MY12 LEAFs being reserved this fall. And now numbers are sure to go up as even more people will have the opportunity to order those all-electric rascals .

Here’s what Judy Wheeler, Director of Marketing, Nissan Canada had to say:

“The feedback we’ve received from Nissan LEAF owners in Canada has been incredible with many sharing their journey and experience through social media.” She continues: “As more people live with and share their experience of all-electric mobility, particularly with the Nissan LEAF, more and more Canadians will consider this as an exciting option for their next vehicle. Opening reservations to the broader public is an important step in the roll-out of the car in Canada.”

As of the end of November over 110 Nissan LEAFs have been delivered to customers in Canada and globally, over 20,000 Nissan LEAFs have been sold. Their price starts at $38,395 but buyers will be eligible for tax return which varies depending on their area: $8,500 in Ontario, $8,000 in Quebec and $5,000 in British Columbia

This is how to make a reservation online:

On December 12th online reservations opened to those living within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer at leaf.nissan.ca.
A $99 reservation fee (fully refundable) is required to secure a reservation.
After booking a home-charging assessment, customers will receive an invitation to order a Nissan LEAF.
Customers request a quote from a local Nissan LEAF-certified dealer and will continue through the sales process until they drive away in their own Nissan LEAF.

Source: Nissan

December 14, 2011

Cobra Technology & Lifestyle Goodies For Your VW Amarok

Ever felt that your VW Amarok is not practical enough nor it is as impressive as you want it to be. Or maybe you are simply gearing up for a safari. Either way you shouldn’t panic because Cobra Technology & Lifestyle are here to offer you a neat array of accessories which will give your pickup truck that extra something to complete the picture.

Let us start with the Aeroklas camper shell which is manufactured from high-grade ABS plastics. It is a perfect fit for the bed of the Amarok (it also comes with a certificate that makes individual technical inspections redundant) and basically what it does is to fend off the elements from the things you value the most. It is also very practical – easy to install, upward swing glass at the back for easy access, roof rails and a spoiler. The shell is leveled with the cabin to prevent any wind noises and provide maximum loading capacity. Usually these rigid tops come in silver or black but other colors are also available upon request.

Additionally, now you can install a Cobra Technology & Lifestyle stainless-steel front tube guard with a thickness diameter of 60 milometers. Because it has its own crumple zones all crash tests have resulted in a 100% positive green light (it too has a certificate of approval).

On the other hand you can go with the more subtle option of the Cobra CITYGUARD® which is a single stainless-steel tube that runs along the standard front bumper. This will give you just about enough character on the streets and you wont be afraid of minor collisions anymore.

The Cobra Technology & Lifestyle stainless-steel bumper grille complements whichever guard you might choose.

There is some protection for the sides as well. The rocker panels can be suited with special, company tailored rocker panel guards 80 millimeters thick each. Quite thoughtfully these guards come with steps right beneath the place where the doors should be for easy access. Alternatively, you might prefer the aluminum or stainless steel running boards option.

When the camper shell is not in use, it would be nice to have some sort of a roll bar to protect the cabin should the truck ends up upside down. From Cobra, the engineers have thought about that as well – Tubes with 60 millimeters of diameter lends the German pickup not only more attractive looks but also offers additional options for securing cargo.

For an all round complete feel one must consider placing massive light-alloy wheels. Cobra offers two types of alloys coming in three sizes the biggest of which is the one-piece, eight double-spoked COBRA N+ Sahara 10Jx20 with size 275/45 R 20 tires (TÜV tested)

Cobra Technology & Lifestyle are ready to offer you 2 full years of guarantee with no limit on the distance traveled. Now that is dedication!

Source: Cobra Technology

December 14, 2011

Anderson S8 Venom Edition

Audi has been a major player in the luxury class for over sixteen years now. It all started with the arrival of the A8 which carried some image-defining technology such as permanent all-wheel-drive and a body made from aluminium. Today it is a worthy adversary against the giants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Now the Audi S8 (the performance edition of A8) has undergone an impressive makeover supervised by the capable ANDERSON Germany. Say hello to the S8 Venom Edition. Let us start with the paint – the overall body is in satin grey matte while various bits and pieces such as the radiator grill, the logos, the door handles and the panels are in glossy black. The added body kit consists of a front apron which has LED lights, a rear one as well and also a pair of side skirts. The fenders now house two striking air intakes while the tinted windows and tail lights in turn, give a certain menacing look to the car. Noticeably lowered, the S8 sits on four massive 265 tires with shiny black callipers peaking out from the 22 inch rims. Carbon fibre is applied on the side view mirrors, tail flapper and the grille frame.

Anderson Germany Audi A8 Venom Edition (2011)

The carbon trend continues inside as well as the exclusive sports steering wheel, door panels and the centre consoles are all deliciously garnished with fibres. Otherwise the interior is a feast of grey leather and light grey Alcantra (a unique and innovative covering material). There is also something for the teenager in all of us (or our kids I suppose) – A neat sound system complimented with headrest monitors and a Playstation 3.

ANDERSON is not all about style and glamour. Yes, now you can adjust the sounding of the exhaust pipes with a remote control but they have also fiddled with their weight and thus increased the power by 16hp. Not only that but they have also tuned the engine management system, fitted a sports filter and a racing catalyst and the result is 442bhp as opposed to 350bhp.

Undeniably, ANDERSON Germany is working for the image of the A8 which already is underneath the spotlight thanks to a number of appearances in the media and politics.

Source: Anderson Germany

December 13, 2011

RIEGER makeover for Audi TT

German auto-design and tuning house RIEGER is preparing for its 25^th anniversary next year so we decided it is worth gaining a bit of insight on their works.

In the beginning it was only a man named Tony Rieger and his garage. 25 years later Rieger Tuning is a corporation with more than 40 employees. It’s main focus is production of body accessories and aerodynamic parts for cars from the European market.

And now they have an abundant array of body parts for your Audi TT S-line. The front spoiler comes with two black honeycomb mesh air-intakes and an air splitter which can either be shipped in ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or in a specially ordered carbon fibre look (but not really in carbon fibre). In fact almost all the other parts of the body kit have this carbon look option. The side skirts look very sporty with an air duct at their back end. The same goes for the rear valance which looks like an extension to the side skirts because of the similar ducts at it’s ends. As we move on to the rear bumper, which by the way can house park distance control sensors upon order, we can notice another two distinctive vents.

Trunk and rooftop spoilers can be added for a sportier look and it goes without saying that low profile tires wrapped around 20 inch rims can only enhance the appeal. The cherry on top is the vertical lift door conversion kit but it will set you back with $ 2666.

Everything is all very cosmetic but the end result does stir up the little boy inside each and every one of us. So one can easily be tempted to review their price list (It is revised to celebrate the anniversary!)

Source: RIEGER

December 13, 2011

Lexus Has New Concept In Mind

Lexus has announced (teased) that a new concept will be unveiled on the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One thing is for sure – it is styled by Calty which is the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California. Also Lexus has released this teaser pick on which we can only guess. It certainly looks like a sports car.

Needless to remind you that back in 2010, the company tried to break away from its comfort and luxury image by stunning the world with the Lexus LFA. It was very impressive with a 4.8 litre engine developing more than 550bhp. So small wonder that now Lexus is planning to continue the trend.

What we see here are some sharp, aggressive lines that form a low, extended nose. Naturally there is some carbon fibre visible right along a massive opening which supposedly will cool down the brakes. Just a patch of the front grille can be seen but enough to assume that it will provide proper airflow to the engine

Lexus Concept (teased) — Lexus Concept (teaser)

Speculators see resemblance to the Toyota GT-86, while others predict this will be the replacement of the Lexus SC. Whatever it is, if it turns out to be nearly as good as the LFA, Lexus will be one step closer to the performance Valhalla.

More information is expected next week.

Source: Lexus

December 13, 2011

John Moyer Gives The 2012 RS a Go

Rock stars and fast cars have always went hand in hand or should I say muscle to muscle.

Recently John Moyer, the bassist of the widely popular heavy metal band Disturbed, has had the pleasure to test out the pumped Mustang 2012 ROUSH Stage 3 and now he is impressed. Very impressed. What follows ahead is truly akin to a love story.

It was on an business project in Los Angeles where Moyer met with ROUSH Performance marketing director Jay Velthoven and sales manager Robert Barben. They were supposed to make a photo shoot with the rocker and two lush Mustangs finely tuned by the hardcore company. Even at that point, Moyer was impressed by the amazingly sporty looks including the green racing stripes on the black one and the red motives on the white one. He was also impressed how subtle ROUSH had been when placing their logo on the cars. No doubt though that these beasts were far from standard. The experience intensified as the photo shoot took place at Mulholland drive for a few scenic pictures. Moyer now had the chance to hear them rumble and to contrast that drama with their smooth ride.

At the end of the day Jay and Robert very kindly offered Moyer to keep the white one for the night and flung him the keys. Needles to say he accepted. Now this was the real deal. He was in charge of a 540 horsepower beast which was navigated by what he describes as sharp steering and reasonably responsive brakes. The suspension felt rather sporty and yet not hard enough to break your back. He than proceeded on testing the feel of the acceleration starting from first gear, going trough second and banging into third as his body experienced the incoming G forces.

On the Pacific Coast Highway, with barely any traffic at all, he was literally sent into oblivion with that car. The night slipped away, friends and family were frantic about his whereabouts. By the end of his trip he had done 150 miles on the clock.

Reluctantly he handed over the keys in the morning only to find that he was allowed to keep it for the next day as well.

Picture yourselves in his position. What do you do?

If you ask him: “When someone hands you the keys to a 540 horsepower Roush Mustang and says “Have fun!” don’t ask questions, don’t even blink, just get in the car and go.”

I could not have said it better myself

Source: ROUSH Performance

December 12, 2011

Bentley embraces the V8 world

The original Bentley continental GT launched in 2003 has been a major success on the global market. Up until now over 50 000 customers have had the privilege to own one and marvel at the magnificent W12 6.0 twin-turbo engine that powered them. Spawn from the biggest ever twelve cylinder factory in Crewe, England, it was, and still is a refined beast which embodied the engineering supremacy of Bentley Motors Limited

Nowadays however, with the tightening regulations on CO₂ emissions and the constant climb of fuel prices, Bentley needs a new strategy. What they intend to do is broaden their production range by adding a new sophisticated V8 engine that will deliver all that there is expected from a V8 and yet it will also show that Bentley is after all an environmentally conscious company with a few tricks up its sleeve.

According to the figures given, performance will not be impaired. We are talking about a 500BHP powerhouse which will grant you 660Nm (487 lb ft) of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range. Pair that with a close-ratio 8 speed auto-box and you’ll get less than 5 seconds of 0-60mph acceleration time and a top speed of a 180mph – hardcore. It is also four-wheel-drive but uses a torque split system with a Toresn differential that sends only 40% of the power to the front tires so we get all the safety with none of the drawbacks.

Bentley Continental GT V8 (2012)

But let us talk about the clever bits. Bentley say they have manged to achieve great power-to-economy ratio. Mind you this is in terms of luxury performance economy so we are not actually saving the planet here. Yet one has to admit that the claimed 40 percent improved fuel efficiency does sound impressive. That and a travel range of over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel are the only official claims we have so far. There will be more available early in 2012 when the Continental GT and GTC (which will debut these engines) are introduced on the American International Auto Show in Detroit.

So how do they achieve these feats of economy without harming the Bentley spirit? The company engineers have employed a complex engine management system which allows the car to potter all day in town using only four of the cylinders and then when you put your foot down on lets say an extra urban road you get all the cylinders you need to bend time and space. It is a system that has been around but nor very common. Other more standard features include: high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and an innovative turbo charger packaging all work together in the name of efficiency.

And how do we tell apart these newcomers from the top of the range GT W12? Petrol heads will have no problem recognizing the distinctive V8 growl but for the more oblivious there have been some sublime visual alterations. The grille is a glossy black matrix mesh which has been framed and also slashed in the middle with some chrome. Three patches of the same mesh is also used to style the front lower bumper. The hallmark “B” badge is in enamel red in front and at the back as well. Two chromed tailpipes each representing an ominous “eight figure” add to the aggressive look. And speaking of aggression both of the models come with 20 inch alloys as standard but if you really want to leave an impression the optional 21 inch diamond black or diamond silver ones are up for the job. The interior is as sporty as it is luxurious – Eliade cloth headlining garnished with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, two-toned leather theme as an optional extra and a short centre console made for the appeal of the demanding customer.

Will the new Continental GT and the convertible GTC pose as fine compliments to the astonishing W12? Only time will show.

Source: Bentley

December 12, 2011

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov