Tsvetan Varbanov – Page 8 – Automobiles Review

Citroen’s DS Family Gets The 5LS in China

Citroen-DS-5LS-shadow Citroen-DS-5LS-medium Citroen‘s DS line grows. Today, the 5LS joins the family – it’s a luxurious executive saloon that’s going to go on sale in March 2014 exclusively in China.

Although it has been now officially, “unveiled” we don’t really know much about it. It’s big, that’s for sure. Boasting a length of 4.70 m, the 5LS is supposed to have the longest wheelbase in its class (2.71 m). It’s wide too. At 1.84 m distance between the fenders, there’s plenty of space for a 1955 throwback front grille. It’s not all about the history though. Stylish boomerang-shaped Daytime Running Lights and 3D rear LED lights reassuringly state that the 5LS is firmly planted in the present and looking straight ahead.

Most of the remaining information concerns the insides – metal, wood and leather all fuse together to create an environment of utmost luxury and class. Apparently, “watch strap” seat design is the signature move of the DS line. For the ideal comfort of the rear passengers, the backrest is at an angle of exactly 29 degrees. Things get even more bourgeoisie when we consider the air ioniser inside the cabin.

Chauffeurs (why would anyone buy the 5LS and drive it himself?) should rejoice as well. The DS features a clever stereo system, massaging front seats, keyless entry and start, blind spot monitoring, front and back parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The oily bits are the ones that has suffered the most glossing over. All we know is that, for the time being, there will be two engines available; the THP 160 and the THP 200. Both engines feature sequential direct injection, a high-pressure pump, and Twin Scroll turbo compressors. A 6-speed automatic gearbox will channel their power to the wheels. Citroen-DS-5LS-medium-2

Source: Citroen

December 20, 2013

Manhart Show Off The MH6 700 BMW M6

Manhart-MH6-700-BMW-M6-shadow Manhart-MH6-700-BMW-M6-medium Manhart have finally unveiled their MH6 700 BMW M6. It has been out, actually, ever since the 46th Essen Motor Show opened its doors earlier this month. Funny how some manage to slip under the radar.

The M6’s original 4.4-liter V8 with its 560 hp is in no way a slouch, but Manhart have gone the extra… several miles and amped the power up to 734 hp (because who cares about consistent naming, MH6 700?) and 953 Nm. Essentially, that means ECU tweaking, a carbon-air-intake-system and a completely new exhaust system with downpipes, sports catalytic converters and rear silencers with 100-millimeter end-pipes. Manhart say that the end result is a BMW so powerful that it is actually hard to estimate a 0 to 60 time since there’s little to no grip off the line. We don’t know how that’s a plus. Acceleration from 60 to 120 gets done in 6.3 seconds though. The top speed stands at 199 mph.

In an attempt to tame all that power, Manhart have provided a compression- and rebound-adjustable KW coilover kit. The massive Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires – measuring 265/30ZR21 at the front and 305/25ZR21 at the back – should be of help as well.

The visual treat that is the MH6 700 M6 is courtesy to the company’s Concave ONE wheels. You may have noticed that there’s also a front spoiler, a new engine hood with big vents on it, a diffusor at the back and a trunk-lid spoiler. Every bit of that kit is carbon fiber. This specific vehicle has a very subtle Manhart “seal of approval” so to speak on each of its sides. It’s an embossing effect on the full-body aluminum metallic wrap.

Source: Manhart Racing

December 19, 2013

Zenos E10 To Follow In The Footsteps Of Caterham

Zenos-E10-shadow Zenos-E10-medium-2 The rather specific family of road legal, open-top, step-in, two-seater sports cars is set to grow further with one new member. On January the 9th, the Autosport International in Birmingham kicks off – “Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show”. Visitors will have the chance to witness the revelation of the Zenos E10 – a super lightweight Ariel Atom kind of car

The Zenos Cars company is the brainchild of former Caterham Cars CEO Ansar Ali and former COO Mark Edwards. They have also been noted on their work at Lotus. Main point: should be very, very good around the corners.

As for the bits inbetween the bends, The Zenos E10 has a mid-mounted 2.0-liter engine that’s been borrowed from Ford. It develops 200 hp which should be plenty enough considering that the whole thing weighs just about 650 kg. That’s 300 hp per tonne. The acceleration from 0 to 60 is under 5 seconds.

It’s cleverly made too. A single, aluminium extrusion ‘backbone’ spans the length of the E10, delivering impressive torsional rigidity, accompanied by an aluminium rear sub frame and a safety cell incorporating twin roll hoops and side-impact protection. The driver and passenger are nestled neatly in an integrated carbon composite monocoque made out of recycled carbon fiber materials.

Production should start at the end of 2014 and the first deliveries are expected during the opening quarter of 2015. There are also plans for Roadster and GT Coupé versions of the E10 (promptly called E11 and E12 respectively).

Hope they pull it through.

Zenos-E10-medium

Source: Zenos Cars

December 19, 2013

Hennesseey Chevrolet Corvette C7 Does 200 mph

Hennessey-C7-Corvette-shadow Hennessey-C7-Corvette-medium Here’s a video of a Hennessey C7 Corvette going pretty briskly in a straight line. In fact, Hennessey say that this is the first ever 2014 Corvette Stingray to break the 200 mph mark. How much did it achieve? 200.6 mph.

It is an impressive achievement on its own, but if we compare it to the recent GEMBALLA run, it all becomes quite awkward. The 700 hp Panamera-based GTP did crack the 211 mph threshold without being on a diet or anything (a bit over two tonnes as you would find it on the street). The not-weighing-more-than-a-ton-and-a-half Hennessey C7 also brandishes a 700 hp engine because of its aftermarket long-tube headers, ported factory cylinder heads, high-flow cats, and camshafts. There’s even a Nitrous Experss system provided for those last 100 hp. Apparently, the finished product will scrap the nitrous but will provide a TVS R2300 supercharger and the 700 figure will remain unchanged.

Still, we have to give credit where credit’s due. Hennessey didn’t have the disposal of the Nardo ring. The test was performed on a brand new stretch of Texas State Highway 99. They wasn’t any need to close it off since it’s not even open to the public yet. Talk about a grand opening, huh?

Everyone involved seem to be rather pleased anyway and that’s what counts:

“We’re thrilled to have validated our upgraded C7’s performance at one of the best possible highways not only in America, but the world.” said Don Goldman, Hennessey CEO

httpv://youtu.be/B-gzNi6MRwI

Source: Hennessey

December 19, 2013

NAIAS Kia Concept Teaser

Kia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-shadow Kia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-medium The first image (sort of) of an upcoming unnamed Kia concept is here, and we are feeling curious.

What is it?

All we know is that we are talking about a “stunning” 2+2 sports car designed at Kia’s Irvine, California-based studio. Hey, at least its not another compact SUV nonsense. Also, it kind of looks like a baby Veyron.

Is it going to gold-plated or what?

We highly doubt it, but if it is, may we suggest calling it the “Calf“? Don’t want to get too biblical here, but if it does turn out to be something ridiculously expensive and luxurious, it will be a type of heresy against the Kia way. That is, cheap, affordable and sensible. Then again, we’d like to see what happens when they flex their muscles.

We have nothing else, really. Kia promises full disclosure at the North American International Auto Show where this thing will make its world debut. Detroit it is then.

Source: Kia

December 19, 2013

Prior-Design Present The Widebody BMW X5

Prior-Design-PD5X-Widebody-BMW-X5-E70-shadow Another purely visual upgrade this time from Prior-Design. The German-based company has been focusing on SUVs lately. There was the Mercedes G-Class, the Porsche Cayenne II, the Range Rover Evoque, and now this: the Prior-Design PD5X Widebody BMW X5.

It’s a pretty serious overhaul, albeit, we are talking about an exterior job. The kit’s called the PD5X Widebody, and alongside the usual suspects – that is, the new front bumper with a spoiler lip, side skirts and rear bumper with a diffuser attached – there are other, more ostentations bits and pieces. Notice the flaring front fenders or the rear widenings with their ridiculously big air vents. Or how about that artistically carved hood with ducts that make no sense.

You can bolt on all of the said parts on any BMX5 E70, so imagine the rattle of a diesel engine contrasting the otherwise aggressive vista. Comedy gold?

The whole kit will set you back with around $12,345. There better be a lot of carbon fibers inside those plastics. How does the finished product stand up to the other Prior spawns? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

Source: Prior-Design

December 17, 2013

JMS Upgrades For The Common Volkswagen Golf VII

JMS-Volkswagen-Golf-VII-shadow JMS-Volkswagen-Golf-VII-medium Those of you that are stuck with a Golf VII that’s not a GTI or an R will be pleased to know that JMS has this small enhancement pack which might bridge the commons with the performers. Maybe.

It certainly doesn’t sound glamarous. The pack employs a frontlip spoiler “with an integrated diffuser” that is supposed to be screwed and glued on the stock bumper – quite DIY if you as us. There’s also a color-coded diffuser at the back, which again – we suspect – has to be bolted onto the stock rear.

There is, however, the presence of a menacing-looking stainless steel exhaust system with two beautifully rounded 90 mm pipes. You may have also noticed that they sit quite close to the ground. That’s because the Germans at JMS have installed a KW coilover suspension kit which lowers the Golf with 50 mm at the back and 45 mm at the front.

To round things up (no pun intended), JMS have also thrown in four Italian made 1-piece OZ-Racing wheels. The ultralaggeras (super lights) are 8×19 big and wear 225/350-19 tires.

Source: JMS

December 17, 2013

Vorsteiner Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Photo Shoot

Vorsteiner-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-63-AMG-shadow Vorsteiner’s Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG came out quite some time ago. Apparently, customer response was good because the project is still alive and kicking.

Hence, this gorgeous photo shoot of a black CLS 63 AMG wearing the same Vorsteiner suit. Actually, “suit” is a massive overstatement. Maybe its the discrete nature of the thing that made it has made it popular among gear heads. There isn’t much on the CLS apart from the front add-on spoiler, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler. The exposed carbon-fiber is a nice touch though.

We weren’t sure at first, but our team of forensic scientists and IT experts…erm… zoomed in on some of the pictures and concluded that the wheels on this CLS 63 AMG, at the time of the photo shoot, were from Vorsteiner’s VS-160 line, presumably 20 inches in diameter.

Nothing else to talk about really. Still, no better way to wrap up the day with some eye candy, right?

Recently Vorsteiner released a yet another photo shoot of a previous project of theirs. Wonder how long are they going to keep this up and deprave us from new stuff.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 16, 2013

2014 Toyota Verso With A BMW-Sourced Engine

2014-Toyota-Verso-shadow 2014-Toyota-Verso-medium The 2014 Toyota Verso comes with a new trim line. Why is the yearly update of a dreary Toyota people-carrier news? Because there’s also a new engine for it that’s come out of BMW

Usually, joint ventures seek the best of both worlds. Think of the Lamborghini Aventador – unsurpassed Italian flare charged with passion and beauty + an efficient Audi engine and a legacy-laden AWD drivetrain. This here, however, takes Toyota dependency and sturdiness, and mixes it with BMW…erm…dependency and sturdiness. Is this the automotive world’s version of the Inception?

So we are talking about a 1.6 D-4D diesel engine. It has 110 bhp and 270 Nm of torque that can be found between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. With it, the Verso gets from zero to sixty in 12.7 seconds which is okay, for an MPV anyway. With 62.8 mpg*, the new D-4D Verso is eight percent more economical than the previous one. CO2 emissions stand at 119 g/km*

Toyota had to do the tiresom job of actually fitting the Bavarian engine in the Verso. A newly developed dual-mass flywheel had to be installed, the engine mounts were revised and the whole electrical system was rewired. A six-speed manual transmission comes as a given, while a CVT is available with all but the first trim line (Active). There;s also a stop and start system – a first in the Verso line – designed in tune with the efficiency principles of Toyota Optimal Drive.

The new trim line gets slotted between the last and second-to-last Excel and Icon. It’s called the Trend and adds to the existing features 17-inch alloys, black C-Pillars plus Toyota Touch 2 with Go – a super high-res infotainment display that utilizes Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, and displays vehicle information. The “Go” also suggests a super fancy navigation that works with HD traffic data from TomTom; Goolge Street View and Panoramio. Standard on all cars are the air conditioning, the electric front windows, the four-speaker audio USB + Aux-in system, heated mirrors, fog lights and Vehicle Stability Control.

*figures provisional prior to official homologation

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is Here

2015-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-medium It’s the new Mrecedes-Benz C-Class! You know, the one that’s supposed to be compact and more common-man oriented. Well, this here is a yet another departure from that idea.

The latest C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessor by 95 mm and 40 mm respectively. That’s 4686 mm in length from headlight to taillight and 1810 mm from side to side. The total increase in length is mainly due to the 80 mm longer wheelbase. That’s why there’s acres of leg-room inside for the rear passengers.

And while the dimensions go up, the overall weight goes down by as much as 100 kg. Extensive use of lightweight materials is to blame for that. Apparently, the use of aluminum, as compared to the older model structure, has gone up from 10 percent to 50 percent. The safety of the cabin has not really been sacrificed despite the diet. Besides, the chances of someone having a crash in it sounds seem to be pretty low. There’s a host of standard and optional automated systems like Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus (at up to speeds of 125 mph, it applies the brakes when there’s an estimated danger on the road and no response from the driver). If that’s not enough, there are also optional assists such as lane keeping, and another brake assist for even drowsier drivers we presume, and a follow-that-car mode with a Stop Go Pilot at speeds less than 37 mph.

Speaking of stopping and going, let’s not neglect the elephant(s) in the room .The C-Class will be initially available with three engine choices – one diesel and two petrols. The former is a C 220 BlueTEC 2.2-liter plant with 170 hp and 400 Nm in its pocket. The two petrols (C 180 and C 200), on the other hand, are 1.6 and 2.0-liters respectively and develop 156 and 184 hp again respectively.

A number of factors weigh in on the exquisite economy of all engines. All models have Mercedes’ ECO start/stop function, all are, as mentioned, significantly lighter than their forerunners, and all employ sophisticated technologies. The diesel boasts an economy of 70.6 mpg and 103 g/km of CO2 emissions partly due to a state-of-the-art common-rail direct injection setup, and a selective catalytic reduction system. The C 180 and C 220 are not bad either at 56.5 mpg and 53.3 mpg respectively.

Later in its life, the C-Class will also get a hybrid plant akin to the one found it the S and E-Classes – a C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with a 204 + 27 hp diesel + electric motor that runs on 72.4 mpg. A plug-in hybrid is also to be expected

Depending on the installed output ratings, Mercedes-Benz is offering two new 6-speed stick versions. Then there’s the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearboxes which will offer the latest in environmental-friendliness, responsiveness and driving pleasure.

This being a Mercedes-Benz, one should also expect a superior suspension system. A front independent suspension boast a four-link setup provides more grip and higher lateral stability. Essentially, the driver is rewarded with more feedback from the steering wheel and a sporty feel. At the back, the optimized multi-link independent suspension ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.

Three DIRECT CONTROL suspensions with selective damping system are available in conjunction with this suspension:

a comfort suspension
a lowered comfort suspension with a sportier character
a sports suspension lowered by 15 mm

Optionally, for the first time in a C-Class, you can opt for the Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC air suspension which is highly customizable and has optimum ride comfort on its mind.

Inside, one of the focal points of the C-Class is the HUD display that can even offer directions. Another focal point is the central display at the main console. It’s 7-inches diagonally or 8,4-inches if you go for the COMAND Online navigation option. From it you can access a plethora of software we haven’t even heard of. Just to get an idea of the level of smartness though, consider this: when the navigation foresees an incoming tunnel (which it naturally does), it turns on the air-circulation setting on its own so that you don’t inhale the sooty air that is usually present on such stretches.

2015-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-medium-2

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 16, 2013

Showcasing The McLaren MP4-12C by DMC Luxury and PUR WHEELS

McLaren-MP4-12C-by-DMC-Luxury-and-PUR-WHEELS-shadow Remember DMC’s McLaren Velocita SE? Here it is again with a brand new pair of trainers courtesy of another familiar name – PUR Wheels.

Besides a boost in power to 660 hp, The Velocita SE also boasts a fairly modified exterior. Take the flaring carbon fiber body kit for example. Supposedly, DMC set out to replace the allegedly grinning face of the stock MP4-12C with an “aggressive” bumper. Should we assume that it’s frowning now?

Whatever it’s doing, it looks different. There’s a carbon fiber grill in the center and a jutted lip splitter. Along with the carbon fiber winglets on the sides, those enhancement are said to improve traction on the front axle. At the back DMC must have felt there aren’t enough fins on the diffuser so they’ve added two more on their custom-made module. Ultimately, the exhaust was also scrapped for a titanium one that is supposed to complement acoustically the whole aggressive theme. No self-respecting body kit goes without a custom rear wing too so there’s that. Despite the apparent pattern of adding parts, the Velocita is actually lighter than a standard McLaren MP4-12C.

Then, there’s the cherry on top. They are actually four of them – PUR TEN alloys finished in Anthracite and measuring at 19 and 20 inches front and back respectively. I guess we were pleasantly surprised by the evident subtlety of that particular point (on the PUR-less Velocita the wheels measured at 21-inches front and back).

Does it all work out fine? Yeah, why not?

Source: DMC Luxury

December 16, 2013

Gemballa GTP 700 Being Really Quick On The Nardo Ring

GEMBALLA-GTP-700-Porsche-Panamera-Turbo-shadow

The Nardo Ring test track, borrowing its name from the town of Nardo Italy because of the relative proximity of the two, is a 7.8 mile circle track with a constant bank. So, due to its specific nature no car is truly capable of reaching its top speed. We don’t want to get all technical. Let’s just say that because of the angle of the outer-most lane (the fastest one) there’s more downforce on the inside wheels of the car and then some stuff happens and you can’t go as fast as you would on a straight track.

Still, you can go really, really fast. Manufacturers keep setting Nardo specific benchmakrs, and one of the most recent is the deed of the GEMBALLA GTP 700 – A Porsche Panamera Turbo-based aftermarket monstrosity. As the name suggests, it boasts 700 hp. To get from 0 to 60 in it would take no more than 3.3 mph seconds. Also, 0 to 120 mph takes 9.6 seconds, and 0 to 180 mph 26.5 seconds. How far up did it go on the ring, you ask? 211 mph. Independently verified by trade journals such as AUTO BILD, SPORTSCARS and Continental.

GEMBALLA are especially proud with the fact that the GTP achieved that completely unmodified in all of its two-ton glory. “The huge 22-inch wheels, unique to this car in the starting field of cars with a performance of more than 300 km/h, were entirely unaltered, as was the full equipment including rear-seat entertainment facility. In addition, the weight, the engine as well as the aerodynamics remained unchanged and were not adapted for this particular occasion,” says Andreas Schwarz, CEO of GEMBALLA, who drove the car himself.

Don’t take his word for it. See it for yourselves:

httpv://youtu.be/EV97ZZFED98

Source: GEMBALLA

December 13, 2013

Author: Tsvetan Varbanov