Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 6 – Automobiles Review

Vorsteiner And An Orange BMW E82 1M Coupe

Vorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-shadow Vorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-medium Remember that Vorsteiner kit for the BMW 1M Coupe? Well, now we get to see it in its full glory in this latest photo shoot. Mmm…sweet orange bliss.

All additional body parts are made with Vorsteiner’s trademark autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber. The front is a bit of a handful with all its distortions and whatnot, but apparently all is in the name of aerodynamics. The fins on both of the side extremities are supposed to channel cooling air to the front brakes. The trunk lid has been replaced entirely to save a few pounds (it now adds only 11.5 lbs to the overall curb weight). It also has a barely noticeable integrated lip spoiler at its very end.

The custom-made exhaust system comes in either stainless steel or titanium and gives a small jolt of additional power so that the 1M now has 350 hp and 337 lb-ft of torque.

And what about the wheels? They seem to be the same VS-400s that were quoted in the program, but the tires on this one read 245/35ZR19. That means they must have downsized a bit from the initial measures. That is, ether 20 or 21 inches.

Still, we can’t complain. It all looks pretty appealing.

Source: Vorsteiner

January 13, 2014

DMC Impress With Bentley Continental GT DURO China Edition

DMC-Bentley-GT-DURO-China-Edition-shadow DMC have a weakness for British exotics, and their latest revelation seems to support that. It’s a Continental GT called the DURO on the streets of China. Hence, the China Edition tag as well.

To start off, there’s a really cool bumper at the front. It fits all models from 2012 on. With it the Continental is 2-inches longer than it would normally be. A closer inspection should reveal a pair of daylight running LEDs as well. Moving on to the side view, we find new side skirts that are actual winglets. They work for us visually, but are they any good in improving the aerodynamics. DMC seems to think so. The rear bumper is also new: more muscular, carbon fibery, it’s supposed to really leave an impression. The carbon fiber diffuser bellow adds even more downforce. Let’s not forge to mention the diamond-forged 22-inch rims all wrapped in 295/25R22 tires. Compared to the silvery paint of the China Edition, these wheels with their matte black finish look like black wholes ready to suck you in.

It’s not all show and no go though. Well, it never was (it’s a Continental GT for goodness sake), but GMC have added even more power. Because of the titanium exhaust system, the sport air filters and the optimized electronics, the DURU’s power output has been rated at 672 hp and 780 Nm of torque. DMC’s estimates on the 0 to 60 acceleration read 4.5 seconds. The new top speed: 202 mph. Ouch!

Source: DMC

January 13, 2014

Audi Shooting Brake Allroad Concept Debut at NAIAS

Audi-allroad-shooting-brake-show-car-shadow The mysterious Audi NAIAS Show concept has been revealed. It’s a compact crossover allroad shooting brake thing that is, apparently, very “functional for recreational sports” and a “concrete look into the near future”. Now, where have we heard that before?

It also has something called “sex appeal” according to Prof. Dr Ulrich Hackenberg who is a Member of the Board of AUDI AG. Technical Development. Must be related to those short overhangs, or the double LED rings within the front lights playing the part of quattro legacy in the flesh, or the succulent aluminum underbody at the raar. Erhm, let’s not get too carried away here. The body is a blend of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum. The wheels too (255/40 tires, 19-inch) are CFRP. All that space technology has brought down the weight to just 1600 kg-ish.

Sure it’s compact – measuring at 4.20 meters from end to end, 1.85 meters long and 1.41 meters wide – the Ice Blue Audi NAIAS concept contains a complex hybrid drive system. It has an already powerful 2.0-liter TFSI engine that boasts 292 hp and 380 Nm of torque, it has a disk-shaped electric motor supplementing the said TFSI with 40 Kw of power and 270 Nm of torque, and a second electric motor which works independently on the rear axle. The total output amounts to 400 hp and 650 Nm of torque. That’s 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph. All the while, you get back 123 mpg and 45 g/km of CO2 emissions based on the ECE standard if you don’t put your foot down.

The e-S tronic dual clutch transmission sends the combined power output of the TFSI and the disc-shaped motor to the front wheels only. The third electric motor at the back runs only when the allroad is in EV mode (purely electric), in Sport mode, or when the on-board systems decides that AWD is needed. Consequently, Audi have called the system “e-tron quattro”. There’s also a Hybrid mode which regulates all three sources accordingly in order to achieve the best milage. If needed, the disk-shaped motor can act as a generator, charging the 8.8 kWh battery pack, which stands right in front of the rear axle.

All that clever stuff, is an extension of the interior really. You’ve got Audi’s MMI terminal with its 12.3-inch screen, a comprehensive instrument panel which displays with varying (depending on the mode of driving) priorities the speedometer, the powermeter, the navigation map, and the tachometer. The interior is also a nice place to be in in general. So they tell us.

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Source: Audi

January 13, 2014

Rieger’s Audi A5 Sportback Bringing The RS Spirit

Rieger-Audi-A5-Sportback-shadow Rieger-Audi-A5-Sportback-medium Look at what we stumbled upon. It’s a pre-facelift Audi A5 Sportback. And hey, it’s been touched up by Rieger! Say hello to a tuning program that involves quite a few visual upgrades and some performance tweaks.

Initially, we were a bit perplexed. Looking at the front grille, someone said, “Hold on a minute. Sportbacks don’t come in RS form” Nope, they don’t. Rieger offer front bumpers and grills that basically belong to the RS. The Sportback has also been treated by some new side skirts and a rear apron. There’s still space, though, for the four custom exhaust tips which measure at 115x85mm each.

H&R sports springs bring the whole body closer to the ground and leave very little space below the wheel arches. That’s also partly because of the are humongous wheels: 10.5×21 in a beautiful design and tires with a barely visible profile (Dunlop Sport Maxx GT 275/25 R21).

Because this is a Sportsback, best case scenario dictates that it bares a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 boasting 329 hp at the least. Because Rieger have also thrown in an RS braking system, we are inclined to think that someone might have amped the power a bit, but we don’t really know for sure.

Source: Reiger

January 11, 2014

North American Debut of Continental GT V8 S at NAIAS Detroit 2014

Bantley-Continental-GT-V8-S-Coupe-shadow Bentley have had a great year and – either as a token of gratitude or simply because of pure economics – are bringing the Bentley Continental GT V8 S to the US.

“I am delighted to bring this car to our biggest market for the first time, in this sustained period of growth for the Americas. This region’s strong performance played an important role in making 2013 a record year. With its latest results, Bentley is the world’s most sought after luxury car brand.” – comments Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive

Yeah, it’s economics. The first appearance of the S on US soil will be at the NAIAS in Detroit next week. Attendees will have the opportunity to marvel at one of the company’s finest products. 521 bhp garnished with the sweet rumbling sound of a 4-liter twin-turbo V8.

The close-ratio ZF 8-speed autmatic transmission has to handle up to 680 Nm of torque an use it to get the Continental from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The overall top speed stands at 192 mph and the range covered on a single tank can be up to 500 miles.

Accompanying the V8 S on the Bentley stand at Detroit will be the performance-oriented sedan Flying Spur and the brimming with luxuries and equipment flagship: the Mulsanne Bantley-Continental-GT-V8-S-Convertible-medium

Source: Bentley

January 10, 2014

Special Model Smart Fortwo Called The Citybeam

Smart-Fortwo-Citybeam-shadow Smart-Fortwo-Citybeam-medium It seems that the Brussels motor show is happening right now, and a particularly unexciting piece of news reached our inbox today. The Smart Fortwo has turned up with a new special edition. It’s the Citybeam.

We don’t know why they’ve called it that. We do know, however, that it has its body panels available in light blue, silver metallic or matt anthracite. We had to look up that last one. The Smart’s tridion safety cell (that is, it’s body) comes only in silver. So why do we get to see the most boring combination of all – silver + silver? Apparently, the Citybeam also boast a special type of 3-double spoked wheels measuring at 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the back. For the sake of not confusing it for a generic silver Smart, it also has ‘Citybeam’ written on at the base of the A-pillar, LED daytime running lights and titanium-coloured headlights.

Inside, you get black leather seats with, you guessed it, crystal grey (how is that not silver again?) inserts and stitching. The instrument panel is also covered in leather, so is the wheel and the floor mats read, you guessed it, ‘Citybeam’.

In reality. though, the Crystalbeam is a Smart Fortwo Passion (Passion being the equipment line). In other words, a Softtouch automatic gearbox, electric windows, climate control, and a transparent panoramic roof with a sunblind. That last one comes only with the Citybeam Coupe. A Cabrio is also available.

Finally, in terms of power sources, the Citybeam will come with three choices: a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine with 71 hp; the same engine but turbocharged with 84 hp; and an electric motor good for 55 kWs of power output.

Prices will start from 14,490 Euros ($19,704).

Source: smart

January 10, 2014

Puritalia 427 Still Not Ready

Puritalia-427-shadow Puritalia-427-medium-1 The story here dates back to July last year. A press release from the tiny Italian company Puritalia stated that by the end of 2013, it will unleash its handmade 427 model that will ultimately have a limited run of 100 vehicles.

Visually, the 427 is a tribute to the light and powerful roadsters of the sixties; conceptually, it’s a tribute to those who appreciate pure, mechanical power. “The only electric motor is for the wipers” a slogan reads on their web page.

All sounds clunkily delicious. Especially when you consider that the intended engine is a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that produces 605 hp. The 6-speed transmission should be manual, the limited slip differential hydraulic, and the rear wheels ruined from the merciless torque (640 Nm). Big brembo brakes will try to tame the power while two-way adjustable mono-tube shock absorbers and adjustable stabilizers will try keep things firmly planted on the road.

By the 30th of December 2013, there was silence. Apparently, things had fallen behind schedule since only on the 31th of December their website stirred up and uploaded a few pictures of work still being done to the 427. And hey, it even has HRE wheels on already. Not quite finished then, but alive and kicking nevertheless.

Puritalia-427-medium-2 Puritalia-427-medium-3 Puritalia-427-medium-4

Source: Puritalia

January 9, 2014

Porsche 991 Targa Tributes Original [TEASER]

Porsche-911-Targa-Teaser-medium What you see above is the original Porsche 911 Targa from 1965. The new one that’s coming out any moment now, is supposed to pay an homage to it. Porsche are still silent about how exactly the 991 Targa is going to look like so our guess is as good as yours. Having the signature movable center roof section and wrap-around rear windows is a certainty. An image claiming to be the real deal is floating around the internet, but we’ll let you fish it out.

The officials are simply saying: “hey, come and watch the official reveal at the NAIAS in Detroit.

Detroit is where Porsche will also put the Cayenne Platinum Edition and Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition on a show stand for the first time: basically the Cayennes you know with an extra bit of spice such as exterior touches and interior two-tone color schemes. The Macan S and Macan Turbo will also be there, should you be interested.

But let’s face it, all eyes will be on the rarity that is the 911 Targa. Can they really go wrong with it?

Source: Porsche

January 9, 2014

GSC McLaren P1 Night Glow [RENDER]

GSC-McLaren-P1-shadow GSC-McLaren-P1-medium Okay, this is the vision of German Special Customs’ (GSC) Jens Engelmann for the McLaren P1, and it definitely is something. That is, it’s unique, and orange… but good? We can’t tell. Aesthetic blindness some call it.

It’s called the “Night Glow” – no, not the rave party you got invited to last month on Facebook – the McLaren over here which is still in draft (render) form. Its fitted with a custom made kit consisting of an apron with a pointy spoiler blade, side blades, and LED daytime running lights. There are also side skirts and a very conspicuous rear diffuser. Moving further back we notice a roof air-scoop and a ridiculously big rear wing promptly called by GSC, XXL. No need for the stock retractable one then? You know, the one that was designed to preserve the car’s signature teardrop shape? Okay… The final product is expected to deliver 1000+ hp so all these changes better have some possitive aerodynamic value.

Oh, and probably the most shocking feature here, however, are the exhaust end-pipes which strike us as…well, round.

We’ll just sit here for a little bit more staromg at it and see if we can make up our minds about the looks.

Source: GSC

January 9, 2014

US-Spec Volkswagen Golf R at NAIAS

2015-Volkswagen-Golf-R-medium So, the NAIAS draws near and so do the good news. In our case, the latest Volkswagen Golf R: it’s coming to the US market. There will be a preview at the show, but the actual sales won’t happen until 2015. What’s also interesting is that this US-spec R will be a tiny bit underpowered than its European counterpart.

Still, it will be the most powerful Golf on the market, brandishing 290 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. The source of that power is a GTI-sourced TSI 2.0 engine. However, in order to make it meet the needs of the R, engineers had to tweak quite a few bits. the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection system, and turbocharger have all been modified or completely redesigned. As a result, the latest flagship Golf will be the most powerful to date with 34 hp more than the previous 2013 model. Volkswagen also hail the TSI in it as one of the most powerful four-cylinder engines in the world (“one of the” being key here).

Mated to a manual six speed gear, it can propell the Golf R to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.3 seconds. Go for the DSG dual-clutch automatic and that number drops to 4.9 seconds. The same ratio is true for the combined fuel consumption. 33 mpg (manual) and 28 mpg (DSG).

The power transferred from the engine to the wheels goes through Volkswagen’s 4MOTION permanent all-wheel-drive system. Apparently not so permanent these days since a clever Haldex 5 coupling unit uses an electro-hydraulic oil pump to continuously alter the torque distribution. Under relatively light loads, the R can go all day with all the power going to the front wheels. When necessary, 100 percent of the torque can also be directed to the rear wheels. Flamboyant cornering should cause no sweats thanks to an XDS+ cross differential lock operates on both axles. The bravest of the brave can even completely switch off the electronic stability control, thus indulging in the car’s purest mode of driving.

An extra option that can come along with the R is the DCC dynamic chassis control – a state of the art software-operated system that has us confused with its many modes and settings. The gist of it, though, is the independent regulation of the damper rebound and compression on each wheel. The process is fast, adaptive and rather autonomous.

In terms of visuals, you will recognize a Golf R – granted you miss the R badges – by it’s lower stance (0.8 inches lower than any other regular golf and 0.2 inches lower than the GTI). The brake disks are also quite noticeable at a diameter of 13.4 inches at the front and 12.2-inches at the rear wheels. Distinctive body parts: the bumpers, side skirts, the rear diffuser, and two dual exhaust tips in chrome. The headlights (Bi-Xenon) get complemented by “U”-designed LED daytime running lights whatever that means. 18-inch “Cadiz” aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 225/40 tires complete the picture.

Source: Volkswagen

January 9, 2014

Sienna Miller Really Likes The 2015 Ford Mustang [VIDEO]

2015-Ford-Mustang-Sienna-Miller-Spot-shadow A timeless commercial formula: women plus cars make the world go round. Or is that just us being dizzy?

It’s not all unapologetic marketing though. You have the ridiculously gorgeous British actress/model/fashion designer Sienna Miller next to an American icon (which, apparently, has an American accent): the 2015 Ford Mustang . Isn’t that a metaphorical bridge between two continents that have been wedged by the Atlantic for far too long? A symbol of unity and globalization, tolerance and cooperati…okay, it’s shameless marketing all the way.

Just look at it. Things get steamy pretty quickly. I recall thinking while watching : “Did that volume knob really need such sensual treatment?… Are we really going to go with the hand-brake shot? Ok…Gotta check that make up in the mirror, very important!… Really, Ford! Just give the woman the keys and let her drive!”

Wonder how many feminists punched a wall after seeing that.

P.S. – you know you spend too much time with cars when you flinch at the nonchalant kick (0:28th mark) or think: “That’s going to leave fingerprints” (circa 0:37th mark).

httpv://youtu.be/qDgF0yJq9-U

Video source: fordeurope via YouTube

January 8, 2014

Volvo Concept XC Coupé Is Out

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-shadow Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium Volvo are fairly certain that their target audience for the Concept XC Coupe – which, by the way, is now sort of official – comprises of individuals with an active lifestyle. So about six or seven people?

That, apparently, explains the “orange details and exterior graphics” inspired by the POC, a Swedish company which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. Hard to lose it in a snow storm then.

The second-out-of-three concepts based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture – that is, the XC Coupe – is pretty much like the first one, except for the bigger 21-inch wheels, and flaring wheel arches and the higher roofline. It’s almost as if, Volvo are scared to say S-U-V. The design team has only “given” the XC traditional “SUV elements” – side moldings and skid plates.

Other things by which you can distinguish it from your everyday school-runner: a “floating” grille, headlights with T-shaped DRL guides and rear-lights that run all the way through the C-pillars. No word on any performance features. A close inspection, however, reveals an orange script on one of the fenders: “plug in hybrid”.

“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group.

To be honest, despite having a bit of a grudge with sports utility vehicles in general, we are particularly fond of the design happening here.

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