Victor Ivanov – Page 153 – Automobiles Review

Chevrolet line-up for 2012 SEMA

Chevrolet has аnnounced their line-up for the upcoming 2012 SEMA event. The manufacturer will present stylized Spark, Sonic and Cruze concepts. The cars demonstrate the possibilities for customers who want a more personalized driving experience. Chevrolet previewed the concept vehicles ahead of the Oct. 30 opening of the SEMA Show, the annual automotive aftermarket extravaganza of styling and performance, along with the multihued “The Color Run” Spark and “Pink Out” Spark – a car for a cause.

The Cruze Upscale concept comes with a nice Burnished Brandy Metallic exterior, nicely tinted front lights and a set of 19” aluminuim wheels. The interior boasts Loft Brown leather seats, yellow contrast stitching and dark liquid palladium trim. There is also an adjustable coilover suspension.

The second model, which will be presented is the Malibu Turbo Performance concept. It features a Berlin Blue exterior with a ground effects package. The Malibu rolls 20” aluminum wheels fitted with Pirelli PZero tires. The interior comes with two-tone Recaro sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and black chrome trim. The car also comes with some performance tweaks like HiPer Strut front suspension, big brakes and a CAI system.

Several Sparks will join the line-up. These include Sinister, Color Run and Pink Out concepts.

Cruze Upscale concept:

Unique ground effects package with rocker and fascia extensions
Black Ice bright-accented exterior trim
Tinted headlamp and fog lamp lenses
Dark-tinted windows
Custom 19×8.5-inch aluminum wheels finished in Black Ice
225/40ZR19 Bridgestone Potenza S-04 tires
Seats trimmed in Loft Brown leather
Loft Brown and DK Atmosphere leather-wrapped steering wheel
Yellow accent stitching on the seats and steering wheel
Dark Liquid Palladium high-gloss interior trim plates
Door panels and instrument panel with Loft Brown and DK Atmosphere leather wraps and DK Atmosphere paint
Adjustable coil-over suspension kit
Four-piston front brake calipers with two-piece vented and drilled rotors
Two-piston rear brake calipers with vented and drilled rotors.

Sonic Z-Spec 1 concept:

Chevrolet licensed accessories Borla exhaust system
Lowered ride height, with Chevrolet Performance concept suspension kit, including lowering sprints and performance dampers
Chevrolet Performance concept brake kit, featuring four-piston front disc brake calipers with 16-inch rotors
Eighteen-inch split-spoke wheel design with Synergy Green insert
Sonic RS rear spoiler in Ashen Grey
Ashen Grey Metallic Z-Spec stripe and logos
Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit
Mesh-style upper and lower grilles in Piano Black with Ashen Grey surrounds
Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedals
Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel sill plates
Jet Black and Titanium interior with Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers and sill plates
Chevrolet MyLink color touch screen
Chevrolet licensed accessories Sub and Amp Kit, with KICKER 200-watt DSP amp and 200-watt powered subwoofer.

Sonic Z-Spec 2.5 concept:

Abalone White Tricoat exterior color with Z-Spec graphics
Unique ground effects package and lower fascia extensions
Chevrolet Accessories rear spoiler
Galvano Silver accents on the grille surround, fog lamp bezels door trim and wheels
Tinted headlamps and fog lamps
Concept 18×7.5-inch wheels in Galvano Silver with Signal Red edges
Jet Black leather-trimmed interior with Orange Crust leather inserts and orange accent stitching
Orange anodized and Piano Black interior trim plates
Jet Black Leather-, Jet Black Suede- and Orange Suede-wrapped door panels and instrument panel with Orange accent stitching
Jet Black perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel
Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers
Chevrolet MyLInk color touch screen
Chevrolet licensed accessories Sub and Amp Kit, with KICKER 200-watt DSP amp and 200-watt powered subwoofer
Lowered ride height, with Chevrolet Performance concept suspension kit, including lowering sprints and performance dampers
Chevrolet Performance concept brake kit, featuring four-piston front disc brake calipers with 16-inch rotors
Chevrolet Performance concept single-piston rear brake calipers with Sonic RS rotors
Chevrolet Performance concept cold-air intake kit
Chevrolet licensed accessories Borla exhaust system.

Spark Z-Spec concept:

Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit (body color)
Chevrolet Accessories Z-spec grille with Carbon Flash-painted surround
Grille surrounds, headlamp housings, fog lamp bezels, belt moldings and rear diffuser painted Dark Argent
Z-Spec body graphics in matte black
Chevrolet Performance licensed front lowering coil-over springs and rear adjustable springs
Concept 15×6-inch split-spoke wheels in Dark Argent with Salsa Red inserts and tire stripes
Lowered ride height
Seats trimmed with Salsa Red inserts
Front door and instrument panel inserts in Salsa Red
Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel pedal covers and sill plates
Chevrolet MyLInk color touch screen.

Spark Sinister concept:

Dramatic body work with bold rocker fairings, a rear diffuser with dual exhaust outlets, rear wing spoiler and a front fascia with large air intakes
Prominent fender flares to cover large, 18×6-inch split-spoke wheels – in Bahia Red – and low-profile performance tires: 205/40ZR18 (front) and 225/40ZR18 (rear)
Lowered ride height
Carbon Flash Metallic exterior with Bahia Red accents and matte-black graphics.

Source: GM

October 23, 2012

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Rafale

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Rafale is the latest model of the manufacturer. It was presented at the Sao Paulo Motor Show.

The car is based on Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse (as you may suggest), but features some interesting upgrades like unique alloy wheels and a two-tone exterior with “Gris Rafale” paint and blue carbon fiber. The interior boasts lake blue leather seats, light grey stitching and blue carbon fiber trim. All details are matched perfectly and the comfort is sensational.

This strong contrast of colours is found again in the interior but vice-versa: with lake blue leather seats and a stitching in light grey.

The engine is the same – 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo – 1200HP (882 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a top speed of over 410 km/h (255 mph).

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Rafale is priced at €1,900,000.

Source: Bugatti

October 23, 2012

speedART SP81-R based on Porsche Boxster S

SpeedART has introduced their latest project based on the new Porsche Boxster S (981). The car comes with entire exterior restyling as well some performance modifications.

The engines can be boosted with up to 20HP and 20Nm by installing a complete sports exhaust system including new headers, sport katalysts and 2×100 mm twin- tailpipes.

The aerodynamics package includes frontspoiler lipp, rear wing, diffuser and side parts in Carbon. The car is finished in black-greenmetallic. It also features nice interior touches as well as an Alcantara-leather upholstery (on demand all colours and materlials available).

The car rolls a set of enormous 21” LSC-Forged alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires in order to fit in the arcs. If this is too much, the tuning company offers option for a set of 20” wheels.

The tuned Porsche is lowered thanks to a set of sport springs. No words about pricing.

Source: speedART

October 22, 2012

Audi F12 Prototype or a R8 with 204HP

Audi has announced a strange car – F12 Prototype, which is actually a R8 but with an electric motor. The sports electric car comes a 38 kWh battery and three motors with a combined power of 204HP (150 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

When the car goes at low speeds, only the front axle is powered by a single electric motor and on high speeds or fast acceleration – the two rear motors are activated for full power and control.

“Our team united engineering art, creativity and a portion of lateral thinking,” said Dr. Christian Allmann, one of the project managers.

“Young, independent free-thinkers worked together with the experts from the Technical Development departments at Audi and Bosch. We enjoyed a constant sharing of our respective knowledge and different work cultures.” “The project was very dynamic with respect to personnel and technologies, resulting in a very flexible collaboration with open interfaces,” added Martin Schüssler, Allmann’s colleague.

The F12 driver controls basic drive functions – Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive – by operating buttons on the center tunnel. All other operations are controlled via a tablet computer that can be removed from the center console. A user-programmable instrument cluster presents all key information in high resolution.

The car is actually planned for production, but nothing is sure for now.

Source: Audi

October 22, 2012

Subaru BRZ STI Concept at the 2012 AIMS

Subaru has unveiled their latest sports car – BRZ STi Concept at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show. The car comes with a complete aerodynamics package and some other interesting upgrades. It is also expected to hit the market really soon.

“All indications are that many BRZ buyers want to add some performance touches to their cars and choosing genuine Subaru equipment offers great design, quality and peace-of-mind that aren’t necessarily guaranteed by after-market suppliers.”, commented Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia.

The STi is respected worldwide by car enthusiasts for its high quality range, all tested to the same rigorous quality control standards as Subaru’s vehicle range.

The STi package includes:

Front under spoiler
Side under spoiler
Boot lip spoiler
Flexible tower bar
Wheel nut set – black
17-inch alloy wheel
Coil spring set
Quick shift gear lever
Sports muffler
Gear shift knob
Push start switch
Rear under diffuser
Instrument panel trim

Stay tuned for more information and price list!

Source: Subaru

October 22, 2012

Clint Bowyer Toyota Prius – lower than a Sprint Cup car

Toyota will reveal a custom Clint Bowyer Prius at the 2012 SEMA. Bowyer, whose Prius was modified under his direction by RKM Performance Center in Mooresville, N.C., believes that taking the high technology for which the Prius is already famous to extremes will pave the way to victory.

“When you think of a hot rod, you don’t think of a Prius,” Bowyer said. “A young, sophisticated global thinker meets a connected, socially conscious traveler – that’s the theme of the Tekked-Out Prius.”

It comes with a nice hi-tech version featuring a 17” custom touch screen with built-in Windows 7 computer, two ASUS 12” tablets, and a side-view camera system that replaces the factory mirrors. A staggering 45 feet of fiber optic lighting and a thumping 16-speaker JBL audio system with two amplifiers and six crossovers brighten the mood inside of the sinister-looking black-on-black Prius.

The special edition Prius also has a 16-speaker audio system from JBL with six crossovers and two amplifiers, while the interior has received custom leather and suede upholstery, electric blue stitching accents and imported German carpet.

The final vehicle builds will be unveiled during a press conference at the Toyota display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. local time. Fans will be able to tune in live to watch the entire press conference on the Toyota Racing Facebook page or LiveStream.com/Toyota and see the winner announced in real time.

Source: Toyota

October 22, 2012

Kepler Motion Supercar – 800HP Hybrid [video]

Kepler Motors has officially announced the Motion Hybrid Super car at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show. The first deliveries of this monster were scheduled for the end of 2011, but that not happened. Still, the manufacturer has released a new promo video of their model.

Kepler Motion Super car is powered by a modified twin-turbo 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost engine with 550HP (410 kW) driving the rear wheels and the front wheels are driven by a mighty 250HP (186 kW) electric motor. This means a combined power of 800HP (597 kW), so the performance is exceptional – 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph).

Motion is a real hyper car like Zonda R and Veyron. It features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, active aerodynamics and active suspension. There are also StopTech Continuous Carbon Ceramic AeroRotors and a programmable track assistant system.

Check out the video below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUNtwqyhu_A

Source: Kepler via Youtube

October 19, 2012

ARK Performance Hyundai Veloster Alpine Concept at the 2012 SEMA

ARK Performance will present a special tuned version of Hyundai Veloster. The name of the project is Alpine Concept which includes upgrades to the exterior and the 1.6 liter engine.

Some of the goodies are an ARK oil cooler, a Nitrous Oxide system, &N intake system and BTRcc custom engine bay parts and tuning. All these upgrades lead to a power of 232HP (173 kW) at 5500RPM and 325Nm (240 lb-ft) of torque at 1700RPM.

The exterior features a complete ARK Performance body kit including a new front and rear bumpers, a new rear wing, modified fenders and a pair of side skirts. The rally wing is also new as well as the 180 Customs headlights and taillights.

The car is finished in custom pearl white paint created by Beyond Coachworks.

Powertrain

Custom Tuning by BTRcc
Horsepower: 232 HP @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 240 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
ARK Performance Veloster Turbo DTS exhaust system, test pipe and turbo up-pipes
K&N Intake System
Nitrous Express Proton Kit
ARK Oil Cooler
BTRcc Custom Engine Bay parts
Koyo Radiator
NRG Oil Catch Tank
NRG Fuel Pressure Tank
NRG Washer Mods

Exterior

Custom Pearl White Paint by Beyond Coachworks
Custom soft-touch interior materials by HEXIS
2013 ARK / Adro body kit: bumpers, side skirts, rear wing, fenders
ARK CF Rally Wing
180 Customs Headlights and Taillights
Seibon Carbon hood and deck lid
NRG front and rear tow hooks

Exterior Accessories

ROME SDS Snowboard, bindings and boots
Reverb Rockers Snowboards
Gold Snowboards
Folsom Boots
Memphis Boots
Targa G3 Bindings
Strut G1 Bindings
Yakima Snowboard Rack and custom wind guard
Yakima Fatcat 6
Rally Armor Mudflaps

Interior

JPM Coachworks “Alpine Edition” interior
- Custom Seats, Instrument Panel, Shift knob and boot, Armrest, Headliner, Visors and Steering Wheel
- NRG short hub and quick release

Suspension/Wheels

ARK PERFORMANCE DTP Coilover System
ARK Big Brake Kit
Air Motion Cup Suspension kit
ARK Performance Upper Strut Bar
GP Knuckles and Arms
Rays Gramlight 57Xtreme Wheels (Silver)
Muteki Lug Nuts
Nitto INVO Tires

Source: Hyundai

October 19, 2012

Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition – €79,707

A special edition Porsche Panamera will be offered from the end of next month. The Platinum Edition will be available for the Panamera 4 and Panamera Diesel and it features unique design and some interesting upgrades.

The exterior boasts a platinum silver finish to the lower half of the side view mirrors, the air-inlet grille lamellas, the air vent grille, the trim on the trunk lid, on the rear diffuser and on the side for the Turbo models.

The interplay with one of the Edition’s five exterior finish colours results in an especially harmonious and elegant appearance. Solid exterior colours are offered in black or white as well as the options of metallic basalt black, metallic carbon grey and metallic mahogany lacquer finishes. The black glossy finish used for the side window strips creates a convincing overall exterior appearance.

The standard equipment of the Platinum Edition boasts front PDC, bi-xenon dynamic headlights, automatic dimming interior and exterior mirrors and a set of nice 19” Panamera Turbo alloy wheels with the red, black and gold Porsche crest highlight the sporty elegance of the vehicle.

The interior features a new bi-color – black and luxor combination creating nice interior ambience. Other highlights include the standard sport design steering wheel and the distinctive Porsche crest on the front and rear headrests as well as the insignia “Platinum Edition” on the front door trim strips.

Among the standard equipment, you will find a 7” TFT touchscreen and 11 loudspeakers with a combined output of 235 WATTs.

The price for the Panamera Platinum Edition in Germany starts from EUR 79,707 including VAT. The diesel variant is slightly more expensive – EUR 82,206 and the Panamera 4 Platinum Edition will be EUR 87,323.

Source: Porsche

October 18, 2012

Hyundai Accent SR Concept at the Australian International Motor Show

Hyundai has revealed the Accent SR Concept at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS). The manufacturer will actually put the vehicle in production and the car will look just about the same. It is expected sometimes next year.

The Concept is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder unit with 140HP (103 kW) and 167Nm (123 lb-ft). The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox giving more sporty feeling and better fuel consumption.

The Accent SR Concept also has Projector beam headlamps with LED positioning lamps, Larger rear spoiler, Rear park assist, Part leather/leatherette upholstery with red cloth inserts,Automatic climate control, Dark metallic paint finish interior trim highlights, 5″ touch screen radio with MP3 CD player, AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, digital iPod, AUX & USB inputs, media ripping and album art display and a set of 16″ sports alloy wheels with machined face.

Source: Hyundai

October 18, 2012

Subaru BRZ by Possum Bourne Motorsport

Subaru and Possum Bourne Motorsport (PBMS) teamed up to create a special track-ready BRZ. The sports car features all goodies that you need, if you are going at the race track. This includes a rollcage, Recaro seats, 6-point seatbelts, carbon fiber lightweight elements and some other improvements.

However, this is only the entry level kit, but there are two more. The mid-range kit adds Recaro winged-HANS seats, a full brake package including AP front and rear discs and calipers and an STI handbrake. The mid-range package also features some suspension improments and a set of 8J x 18” Enkei Enkei lightweight wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R motorsport tires.

If this is not enough, you can always get the top-of-the-line package adding a full performance parts kit with engine and gearbox upgrades. What is more, the PBMS offers a custom paintjob and can completely strip the car to lower its weight.

“We’re delighted to display the PBMS BRZ motorsport project car. This car will take the BRZ thrill to a whole new level for those that want some serious trackwork.”, commented Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior.

“There’s a massive level of interest among motorsport fans, so we’re keen to tap into that market. From day one we have always imagined the BRZ would appeal to the ‘weekend warriors’ – people who enjoy club level motorsport activities. PBMS has developed packages that will appeal to these enthusiasts. It is a company that has developed an international reputation for excellence in engineering and fastidiousness in attention to detail.”, he added.

Source: Subaru

October 18, 2012

2013 Scion iQ EV – Performance and Efficiency

Scion has announced the new 2013 iQ EV, which is essentially a rebadged Toyota iQ with an electric motor. However, the iQ EV is a battery- electric four-seater city commuter car designed for car-sharing programs, in urban and campus environments.

“Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles have the potential to play a role in future mobility strategies,” commented Chris Hostetter, TMS group vice president of strategic planning.

“Up to now, cost and convenience issues have limited BEV’s appeal with a broad consumer market. Toyota developed the iQ EV specifically as a city commuter, for use in an urban environment, where driving distances are likely to be short, charging opportunities numerous, and its compact proportions beneficial.”, he added.

The 2013 Scion iQ EV is available in only Silver or nice Red finishes. The interior features black and white color scheme with metallic accents and ice-blue trim. There are also a leather steering wheel and nice upholstery for the seats, which are by the way heated. The small car also comes with an infotainment system with GPS SAT NAV.

The Scion iQ EV is powered by an electric motor with 64HP (47 kW) and 163Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 13.4 seconds and a top speed of 125 km/h (78 mph). The car can go up to 80 km (50 miles) on a single charge, which takes three hours plugged in 240V outlet. The 12 kWh lithium-ion battery is mounted below the floor.

The iQ EV is equipped with 11 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags including knee, side, seat cushion, front and rear curtain, and a rear window curtain airbag. The front passenger seat is equipped with an occupant detection system.

2013 iQ EV is manufactured at Toyota’s Takaoka Plant in Toyota City. Production began in September 2012.

Source: Scion

October 18, 2012

Author: Victor Ivanov