Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 7 – Automobiles Review

Vauxhall Astra GTC Hitting 200 PS With Ecotec 1.6

Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-shadow Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium The Vauxhall Astra GTC line will now be available with a 1.6 Ecotec power plant. This engine might just be the biggest cause of headaches at Volkswagen.

That’s right, the GTC now pulls off 200 PS and 300 Nm. Yikes! That’s 30 percent more power than the previous equivalent. If we translate that to 0-to-60-time, it means 7.3 seconds or the fastest non-VXR Astra. At the same time, the GTC returns 51 mpg and 154 g/km of CO2 emissions (13 percent less).

Just because its a new model anyway, they’ve decided to throw in an optional extra as well – an Intellilink infotainment system that’s supposed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It comprises of a satelite navigation, voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a picture viewer some reason and Gracenote album art for some reason. All gets mediated to you through a 7-inch screen.

The new GTC hasn’t hit the streets yet, but it is available for ordering. Arrival should be around Spring this year. Your move, other companies that make really good hatchbacks and rival each other. Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium-2

Source: Vauxhall

January 7, 2014

Loewenstein Impress With LM63-700 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Loewenstein-LM63-700-Mercedes-Benz-C63-AMG-shadow It’s not easy making a break in the aftermarket niche. It takes time and determination to build a good image. Only then will the majority of people will feel secure in handing in the keys to their prised stock-mobiles.

All that being said, we would like to wish good luck to the young, up-and-coming tuner house from Germany, Loewenstein Manufaktur. Here’s their latest creation which started off a as Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

“457 hp”, they must have said, “not nearly good enough.”

Thus, we open the hood and find a Magnuson-Roots displacement compressor and a big intercooler. Both installed and deinstalled as easy as one, two, three. Plug a few cables in and you have yourself a 702 hp 6.2-liter V8 plant with 883 NM of torque itching to destroy the rear tires. It won’t though. “The engine capacity does not descend “uncontrolled” on the rear wheels, but unleashes rather more elegantly and comfortably thanks to a continuous and flat torque curve”. They say. If you, nevertheless, feel that the power is way too overwhelming, there’s an optional on/off button available that goes right on the center console.

Loewenstein have also provided their own prototype coilover kit and the fine tuning has been made with the help of ZF Sachs. For that extra something, there’s also an automatic limited slip differential available. An in-house high-performance braking system, on the other hand, gives you all the stopping power you need: 8-piston calipers and 380-mm disks at the front; and 4-piston calipers and 356-mm disks at the back.

Visual treats:

Matt carbon external mirros, front spoiler back diffuser compile, what Loewenstein call, the “carbon-fiber exterior program”. At the back you also see the company’s own exhaust pipes peaking out – part of a system that employes an exhaust manifold with substitute primary catalytic converter pipes as well as a Loewenstein performance module.

Wheel choice varies between the 1-piece “Klassik” rims in sizes 8.5×19 and 9.5×19 with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in dimensions 235/35ZR19 and 265/30ZR19; and the 20-inch multi-piece “Rennsport” rims in sizes 8.5- and 10.5-inch. They wear even lower and wider Michelin Pilot Super Sports (front: 235/30ZR20, rear: 285/25/ZR20).

Inside, one finds a bi-color theme on the predominantly leather/Alcantara interior. There’s also aluminum for the pedals and carbon/aramid for the decorative strips here and there.

All in all, a very decent start for the guys Lowewenstein – a project that has surely gotten people talking.

Source: Loewenstein

January 7, 2014

Welcome To The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

2015-Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-shadow Here it is in the flesh: the world’s most powerful “series-produced four-cylinder engine”. It’s the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG and it’s fast. Like, 4.8-seconds-to-sixty-miles-an-hour kind of fast.

So, despite the tiny engine (2.0-liters), the GLA – AKA, the latest of the “Compact-SUVs” – offers 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque. How have they done that? Well, a twin-scroll turbocharger with a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar, and an air-to-water intercooler might be partly to blame. AMG engineers have fiddled with a host of other performance elements. Consider the forged pistons with friction-optimised rings, the spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, the weight-optimised crank mechanism or its all-aluminum case. Throw in a start/stop system and you get great gas mileage as well. 37.6 and CO2 emissions that will have you worry-free until 2017 at the least.

The overall power coming out gets crunched by a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT sports transmission. It has three operational modes, double-declutching and a Race Start function. The modes are “M” and “S” (manual and sport respectively) for lightning-fast shifting, and “C” for controlled-efficiency – a leisure type of mode that by proxy activates the start/stop system, so that’s the one to go with between the traffic lights during busy Mondays. 2015-Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-medium-2

Then there’s the sports exhaust system with an automatically controlled exhaust flap which responds accordingly to the engine speed and load condition. There’s a performance version of the same exhaust system available as an option. Either way, the sound is top-notch, so they tell us.

Albeit compact, this is an SUV, so you can’t just not provide a proper AWD drive. Hence, the AMG 4MATIC. Under normal circumstances, all the power goes to the front axle, but if the situation requires it, the drive ratio can be up to 50:50 between the front and back. All that transfer magic happens thanks to an electro-hydraulically controlled multiple-disc (talk about tongue twisters). At the same time stiff steering knuckles and new elastokinematics on the MacPharson front axle keep traction in check. The AMG sports suspension with specially tuned spring/damper units and bigger anti-roll bars provides for high lateral acceleration and reduced body roll in fast double bends. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with specific, speed-dependent power assist ensures high steering precision and agility.

Finally, for stopping power you get these beautifully red painted, AMG-inscribed (optional) callipers. Paired with vented, cross-drilled discs, you get quite the combination.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 7, 2014

2014 Brings A Redesigned Nissan NV200 London Taxi

2014-Nissan-EV200-London-Taxi-shadow Well then, this NV200 is Nissan‘s take on the London cab concept, and does it look scary or what? Shouldn’t act so surprised really, since this is not the first time Nissan has tried to pass a van for a London taxi. In fact, they’ve been doing it around the world. Must be a response to the global obesity crisis. It’s the looks that really have the most shock value.

Obviously, there’s a London cab (Hackney Carriage) tribute lingering in there, but it just sends shivers down our spines and not in a good way. It’s creepy – round headlights and a smiley new grill. As close as something inanimate comes human likeness, the more anxiety it causes in people. Not our words, look it up. It’s called the “uncanny valley” hypothesis. Science!

What’s more fascinating is that it’s also a bland, soulless NV200. The plan is to put it on the streets at the end of this year with a 1.6-liter petrol engine in it, which is supposed to be “far cleaner, with lower levels of NOx and particulates” when compared to the current diesel London Hackneys. Official, though not final, estimations point to 10mg/km of NOx emissions and 1.0mg/km of particles. Again, not surprising for a petrol. It’s won’t be particularly punchy as well, with 115 hp under the bonnet and a tiny bit more than that in lb-ft torque. Alternatively there will be an all-electric version called the e-NV200. It will arrive in the UK at some point in 2015 – silent and creepy.

Source: Nissan

January 6, 2014

Ultima GTR Twin Turbo Charged by Heffner [VIDEO]

Heffner-Ultima-GTR-shadow Heffner-Ultima-GTR-medium You May have heard about the Ultima GTR. If you haven’t, all you need to know is that it comes from a small company (Ultima Sports) based in Leicestershire, England and can be ordered as a kit car. It is fiberglassy (light), has a tubular steel space frame chassis, an engine mount in the middle and rear-wheel drive. Best of all, you can slot in a variety of power plants in it and it will still run. Ergo, the Ultima GTR is the tuner’s dream come true.

So, back in November, Heffner sported an Ultima GTR on their Facebook page. The caption claimed a power output of “over 1,000” wheel hp and a weight of just 2,500 pounds. Today we bring you a YouTubic testiment to that. Driving Force Club have laid their hands on it. Well, we are 90% sure that this is the same car, given the green Heffner rear wing winglets and callipers and the same ADV.1 wheels. This one has 850 hp though. Still, the custom twin turbo Ford GT engine it sounds ear-bleedingly good. And hey, it does really weigh as little as 2,500 (almost)

Technicalities aside, just watch these rear wheels struggle for grip on a car that weighs less than a Big Mac:

httpv://youtu.be/ylts-LDNWPw

Source: Heffner Performance via Facebook

Video Source: DrivingForceClub via YouTube

January 3, 2014

JMS Tune Up for Mercedes-Benz W176

JMS-Mercedes-Benz-W176-A-Class-shadow Seen enough of JMS‘s minimalistic approach to aftermarket customization? Well, too bad. Here’s a Mercedes-Benz W176 – or, in other words, the latest A-Class – with a slight visual upgrade.

JMS are calling it a kit but we are not so sure about that. It’s just one piece really. A front lip spoiler with an “integrated central diffuser”. You can bolt and glue that thing on the stock bumper A-Class for just 289 Euros ($394). Oh, and it doesn’t fit the AMG variants.

Will you gain something in terms of performance? Is it a hotfix to a known Mercedes aerodynamic glitch? Not likely. But hey, if you find yourself with some spare cash, why not? Might as well throw some more money at it and get the other available JMS parts. That is, alloy wheels, suspension kits speedpedal, chiptuning and exhaust kits. At least then your W176 will really stand out.

Either way, JMS, step up your game. We demand excitement… please.

Source: JMS

January 3, 2014

Kia Concept Called GT4 Stinger

Kia-GT4-Stinger-teaser-shadow Kia-GT4-Stinger-teaser-medium The Kia info-trickling continues. We now know that the super-awesome concept – set to premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in less then 15 days – is called the GT4 Stinger. A rather American sounding name.

That’s because it is largely American. After all, the designs were drawn up by the team in Kia’s American Design Center in California. What you see here on this picture is the brand’s signature “Tiger Nose”. Introduced first with the Kia Kee concept back in 2007, that grille has been with us ever since, and while we can’t really see a tiger in there, we admire their imaginative approach. Those whiskers(?) of light are flanked by vertical LED headlamps. There are vents in-between to channel air to a pair of 20-inch wheels, so that’s new information, right?

Oh, and behind that grille, there lays a 2.0-liter engine that hurls 315 hp towards the back wheels.

More info before the official reveal should become available so stay tuned.

Source: Kia

January 2, 2014

Audi Debuts Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept Car At CES In Las Vegas

Audi-Sport-quattro-laserlight-concept-shadow So, remember that mysterious Audi coupé concept that was about to début at NAIAS? Yeah, this has nothing to do with it, although, we did mix them up for a moment. It’s Audi’s other concept that is set to make a world-first appearance at the 2014 CES in Las Vegas (kicks off on the 6th of January) – it’s low, it’s sleek and it has “quattro” in its name.

They’ve also added “laserlight” to the title. Apparently, Audi want to much as much emphasis on their future tech. Headlights as possible. We don’t blame them. Who has lasers on their car and wants to keep quiet about it. Whoa, whoa! Lasers?! It’s not as exciting as it sounds, but yes, Audi are using laser technology for the high-beams to complement the now “démodé” LED matrix that’s been employed. The two inner trapezoidal elements of the dual headlights (nice quattro touch by the way) use laser diodes that are only a few microns in diameter. With their 500 meters of illumination, these laser high-beams have approximately twice the lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights.

So when not blinded by the headlights, you’ll notice that it has only two doors and a swept-back C-pillar. It’s low (1,386 mm high) and stout (1,964 mm wide) with a wheel base of no more than 2,784 mm. The remaining 1818 mm of the total length goes to the overhangs (which are short). Most of the car concept is a blend of steel and aluminum, but there’s also a prolific use of CFRP material throughout: the jutted front splitter, the diffuser at the back which runs quite high, the door sills. Even the quattro-ish tail lights are backed by a black CFRP panel.

The total weigh comes down to 1,850 which is pretty good considering that beneath the again CFRP hood you’ll find a V8 bi-turbo engine mated to a powerful electric motor that’s being charged by a pretty big li-ion battery. That’s right, the Audi Sport concept is a parallel hybrid that can run on pure electricity for around 31 miles. The total power output comes to around 700 hp. 560 of those come from the 4.0 TFSI alone. The torque? 800 Nm combined. The stated 94 mpg fuel economy might just be possible with the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under partial load, and the start-stop system. Put it in sport mode, 0 to 60 should be possible in just 3.7 seconds while the top speed is limited at 190 mph.

Needless to say that such performance requires immense stopping power and grip. The front suspension is comprised of five links per wheel, while the rear suspension is based on the company’s self-tracking trapezoidal link principle. The stiff springs and shocks may brake your back over the occasional pebble, but you’ll forgive them when indulging in high-speed cornering. Carbon-ceramic is, of course, used for the brake disks.

Inside, a driver-oriented approach dictates that the climate controls should be integrated in the air nozzles; a single element is used to control the intensity, temperature and volume of the air stream. The TFT display has its own graphics card for exceptional 3D rendering, an iDrive-type-of-knob gives you control over the new user interface that has a menu structure akin to that of a smart phone.

That’s essentially it. Looks exciting and sounds interesting, but will it have what it takes to pay tribute to the quattro name? More importantly, though, is it ever going to be made?

Source: Audi

January 2, 2014

Gemballa With The First Ever Wheels For The McLaren P1

Gemballa-McLaren-P1-GForged-one-Wheels-shadow If you happen to be one of the few lucky ones that have actually bought a McLaren P1, you can now turn to Gemballa for some follow-up customization. That’s right, they have one as well, and they are using it to test their still-in-production Gforged-one wheels. It’s supposedly the first ever after-market wheel set that’s been especially designed for the P1.

Gemballa say that because of the clever way they have been forged, the GForged-ones are a perfect complement to the P1’s overall lightweight structure even though they are one inch bigger than the standard 19/20-inch wheels. That is, 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the back.

The design of the GForged-ones, apparently, also complements the general style of the McLaren. Widely spaced twin-spoke pairs form sleek Vs and that somehow suggest aerodynamic characteristics. One thing’s for sure though. The clear view to these humongous brake disks is overwhelming.

There will be a total of four finishes available for the Gemballa customers. Two colors (“Gunmetal” or “Black Magic”) both in either a full-surface finish or a diamond cut type of finish.

Source: Gemballa

December 23, 2013

Famous Parts Have A Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Famous-Parts-Mercedes-Benz-SLR-McLaren-Roadster-shadow So, the guys from the German-based Famous Parts company took a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster and touched it up a bit. And trust us on this, a very tiny bit. It’s strange actually, since they clearly lament the past glory of the SLR which is now being upstaged by cars such as the LaFerrari and the McLaren P1.

Anyway, what Famous Parts did was to put… ugh… new wheels on the open tot. Four forged ADV.1s were used measuring at 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the back. Their design – codenamed 5.2 MV2 SL – stands out for its elegant spokes and extremely minimal weight. As for the wheel color, Famous Parts went for the “brushed silver” style.

Apparently, it’s a work in progress this, because after the photo shoot, a KW coilover kit with three rebound and height settings was installed. There are also plans to put on a tailor-made titanium exhaust system with electronic valve control before the end of the year.

Would we be asking too much if they throw in some more oomph under the hood as well?

Source: Famous Parts

December 21, 2013

DMC Teases Lamborghini Aventador Veneno

DMC-Luxury-Edizione-GT-teaser-shadow Smooth move, DMC. On the same day search engines around the world are buzzing with the reveal of the Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4, you release your own bull. Well, kind of, because whatever you’re doing is not ready yet. Still, you went for the teaser option.

Apparently, the piece shown above suggests a Veneno, and whatever it turns out to be, its going to be called the DMC Edizione GT. The German-based company takes pride in its work on Lambos simply because they are really good at it. Ludicrous things like the Aventador Molto Veloce and the Aventador LP900 SV (Spezial Version) serve as a testament to that.

The stakes are high for this one. After all, when a Veneno is involved, nothing is off limits.

DMC promise more revelations soon. Excited?

Source: Lamborghini

December 21, 2013

The Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Is Out

Lamborghini-Huracan-LP-610-4-shadow Lamborghini-Huracan-LP-610-4-medium

This is big news! The Gallardo successor is officially out (sort of) and its called the Lamborghini Huracan – pronounced without the ‘h’. It is – of course – a name deriving from a fighting bull of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed. It was known for its audacious spirit and “strong sense of attack”.

The Huracan also has “LP 610-4” in its name, which, as you might have guessed, means 610 hp going to all fours. The engine is still true to the Lambo tradition of natural aspiration and countless cylinders. Well…10 cylinders anyway – 5.2-liters of them. The power peaks at 8,250 rpm while the maxium 560 Nm of torque is available at 6500 rpm.

A 7-speed dual clutch LDF transmission and a fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system are responsible for the conversion of that power into mesmerising performance. Three modes of operation (STRADA, SPORT and CORSA) will decide the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior. Optionally, if you go plan on being really hardcore about it, you can get the “Lamborghini Dynamic Steering” variable steering ration system and magneto-rheologic (no idea) suspension damper control.

Because the whole car weighs no more than 1,422 kg (the chassis is a blend of aluminum and carbon fiber), the power-to-weight ratio is just 2.33 kilograms per horsepower. Ergo, the blistering acceleration of 3.2 seconds from 0 to 60 (0 to 120 takes 9.9 seconds). The lightweight structure also means less fuel. That, and some clever use of both direct and indirect injection and the presence of a Start & Stop module, all contribute to the Huracan’s Euro 6 grade. That’s 290 g/km of CO2 emissions and a fuel economy of around 12.5 liters per 100 km.

Inside, you get a 12.3 inch TFT instrument panel that has loads of information in store for you, but you won’t really have time for all of that, unless you want to end up in a hedge. On the outside, well… just look at it. It’s fresh and daring, and unique, yet still somehow Lamborghini. And last time we checked, “Lamborghini” is a dirty, dirty word.

More disclosure will be available on the 24th of December. Public première is expected to happen in March 2014, on the Geneva Motor Show. Lamborghini-Huracan-LP-610-4-medium-2

Source: Lamborghini

December 20, 2013

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov