Author: Victor Ivanov

  • JE Design Seat Leon Cupra Wide Body Kit

    After the revealing of a “normal” tuning program for the ultra-hot hatchback – Seat Leon Cupra 280, JE Design has now unveiled a new styling project based on the same model. The wide body kit for Leon Cupra 280 gives it a unique appearance and unique stance.

    The aerodynamics package includes a new three-piece front bumper, a pair of extended wheel arches and big carbon fiber side skirts. There is also a modified rear bumper with a sporty diffuser housing a new sports exhaust system with twin tailpipes with dimensions 105 x 85 millimeters. The price for the complete package is €6,188.

    The exterior is finished in an optional graphite matte complete wrapping with spoiler lip, grille frame, mirror caps, air outlet struts and wheel rims in contrasting red. This procedure will cost additional €3,570.

    Other highlights include LED rain light from Formula 1 (€250), KW coilover suspension DCC Plug & Play (€2,299), and last but not least a set of Je Design Y-Spoke alloy wheels in size 9.5J x 19” fitted with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires – 255/30 R19 (€2,052).

    The 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is boosted to 350HP (258 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 70HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The result is thanks to only an ECU re-map and the car still fulfills the EURO 6 emissions standard. The price is €1,899.

    All prices are including VAT, excluding mounting and painting.

    Source: Je Design

  • Larte Design Range Rover Evoque

    Larte Design Range Rover Evoque

    Larte Design has unveiled their latest tuning program for the stylish Range Rover Evoque. It includes spectacular Light-Guide daytime running lights developed in cooperation with the German OEM Nolden.

    The Light-Guide technology with predefined refraction points in a polycarbonate corpus produces a totally homogeneous and luminous light band. With the serial headlights, using Light-Guide technology for its parking function, this makes for visual concord.
    The Larte LED strips run parallel, instead of the original single-strip version. The new LEDs significantly improve the front end giving it more sporty appearance and aggressive stance.

    The new DRLs underline the overall appearance of the big crossover coming with a full body kit produced by Larte Design. It consists of a modified front and rear bumpers. There is also a complete stainless steel sports exhaust system specially developed for Larte by the famous company – Remus. The pipes come with laser-engraved Larte logo. Last, but not least is the set of 21” alloy wheels finished in shiny black paint.

    Their typical feature are the filigree convex pairs of double spokes, representing sheer dynamism and completing this impressive Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art by Larte.

    Source: Larte Design

  • 2015 Ford Mondeo Based on the CD4 Platform

    2015 Ford Mondeo is going to share same platform with several new models from Lincoln. The Mondeo and its US version – the Fusion are based on the global CD4 platform, which underpins the recently revealed Edge SUV, as well as the next S-Max and Galaxy minivans. The first Lincoln to use this architecture will be the MKX luxury crossover expected to hit the market next year.

    “The suspension and platform were developed to be capable for Lincoln as well, so it needs to be state of the art.”, commented Darren Palmer, Ford’s assistant global line director for CD platform cars.

    In Europe, Ford will deliver the new Mondeo before the end of this year and the car will compete the all-new Volkswagen Passat and the Opel Insignia Facelift. It is interesting, because Volkswagen has already targeted the new Passat upmarket. It is set to go against the luxurious Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series.

    The upcoming Mondeo will feature Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system. It will enable integration of smartphones and deliver wi-fi capability, while new-generation adaptive LED headlamps enhance visibility and vision.

    The manufacturer continues to develop a unique interpretation of modern luxury and design, and this year it was the first auto manufacturer to participate in the world’s leading furniture design show – Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.

    Still, the sales of the outgoing Mondeo fell to around 19,000 units compared to 22,028 registrations for the same period in 2013.

    Source: AutomotiveNewsEurope

  • BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit

    BMW Japan will produce only 60 units of a special edition of the Z4 – sDrive20i GT Spirit. The model is prepared exclusively for the Japanese market as another one has just been introduced celebrating the win of the BMW Sports Trophy team in the Super GT series with a Z4 GT3.

    The 60 units will be based on the sDrive20i model equipped with ///M-Sport package. All cars will be finished in Alpine White paint and will come with black kidney grilles, a set of 19” M light alloy wheels. The interior boasts ///M door sill plates, aluminum pedal set and a combination of leather and Alcantara with orange accents for the rest of the cabin.

    The sDrive20i GT Spirit is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 184HP (135 kW) and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption is very low considering the performance – 9.1 liters / 100 km in city; 5.5 liters / 100 km on the highway and 6.8 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. The curb weight is 1,495 kg (3,296 lbs), which is not bad at all for a roadster.

    No words about pricing, but a normal Z4 sDrive20i is priced at $79,900 in the US, while the top-of-range sDrive35is is whopping $119,545.

    Source: BMW

  • Porsche Macan Turbo – Nurburgring Test [video]

    Porsche Macan Turbo was spied during Nurburgring tests and probably this is a more powerful “S” model planned by the German manufacturer. The Macan Turbo is expected to hit the market sometime in 2015 with a starting price in Germany of €79,826 (VAT included). So, the possible Macan Turbo S will be over €90,000.

    2015 Porsche Macan Turbo is powered by a twin-turbocharge 3.6 liter V6 – 400HP (294 kW). 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono package) and a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). The fuel consumption is decent 9.2 liters / 100 km (30.7 mpg UK or 25.6 mpg US)and CO2 emissions of 216 g/km.

    The Macan Turbo S is expected to generate at least 430HP (316 kW), so the 0-100 km/h will be cut by 0.2 seconds and the top speed will be slightly increased probably  to 280 km/h (175 mph).

    Besides the additional power, the Turbo S model will get some styling and performance upgrades like retuned suspension, improved braking system and more aggressive aerodynamics elements.

    Enjoy the impressive sound of Macan Turbo tackling the world’s most difficult course!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyLxDcs1LZA#t=15

    Source: TouriClips via Youtube

  • JMB Optimering Ferrari LaFerrari – 1,050HP

    JMB Optimering boosted LaFerrari to the whopping 1,050HP (772 kW). The model is produced in a limited series of just 499 units, so getting one for modifying is extremely difficult.2013 Ferrari LaFerrari is powered by a 6.3 liter V12 with 800HP (588 kW) at 9,250RPM an 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at 6,750RPM. With the help of HY-KERS, the overall power is whopping 963HP and over 900Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7 seconds and 0-300 in breath-taking 15 seconds. A lap around Fiorano race circuit takes just 1 minute and 20 seconds – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.So, the tuning specialists from JMB squeezed another 90HP from the mighty twelve cylinder engine. It is interesting that the overall output matches that of the rumored track-only LaFerrari XX expected to hit the market next year.LaFerrari XX will be limited to just 30 units. Since the “normal” LaFerrari is priced at €1.3 million, we expect the XX version to be something close to €2.0 million, which is sensational.There is no doubt that the manufacturer spends a lot to produce such supercar, but to ask that kind of money for a track-only car is just ridiculous.

  • 2015 Hyundai Elantra Sedan – More Value for Money

    Hyundai US has presented the 2015 Elantra Sedan coming with a lot of minor upgrades adding more value for money and additional comfort for the driver and the passengers. The new model is priced from $17,250 (excluding the $810 destination charge).

    2015 Hyundai Elantra comes with a choice of additional packaging options and updated colors across the line-up. The performance Elantra Sport model gets a new optional Tech Package, while Elantra SE adds a new Style Package offering savings adding up to $400 in value. Similarly, the Limited Ultimate Package offers $350 in savings over the previous model year Limited Tech Package with the same content. 2015 Elantra pricing starts at $17,250, excluding $810 freight.

    SE and Limited trim levels now offer several fresh body paint finishes like Lakeside Blue, Shale Gray Metallic, Symphony Silver and Quartz White Pearl while the Elantra Sport gains a Monaco White hue.

    The engine range includes two power units: a 1.8 liter four-cylinder – 145HP (106 kW) and 176Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque – standard on SE and Limited trims. The Elantra Sport is powered by a 2.0 liter GDI – 173HP (127 kW) at 6,500RPM and 208Nm (154 lb-ft) at 4,700RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and returns 24 mpg US in city / 35 mpg US on the highway and 28 mpg US on combined cycle. The 1.8 liter achieves 28/38 and 32 mpg US, respectively.

    Source: Hyundai

  • 2015 Volkswagen Passat – Officially Unveiled

    Volkswagen has finally revealed the all-new 2015 Passat B8 ready to go upmarket as the manufacturer says. The new Passat is described as being “the most successful European business car”. We can’t wait to see how it is going to compete versus the best-in-class saloons and estates – 3-Series, A4 and C-Class.

    As we previously reported, the Passat B8 boasts a number of new technologies including an Active Info Display – 12.3” TFT screen, instead of the regular analog instruments. It boasts a lot of customizable features including navigation, range and fuel consumptions. There is also a head-up display featuring a separate glass panel installed within the top of the dashboard to project all the useful information within the line of sight of the driver.

    The engine range includes a 2.0 liter TDI with several outputs – 150HP (110 kW); 190HP (140 kW) and the top-of-range – 240HP (176 kW). The smaller 1.6 liter TDI will have a 120HP (88 kW) version. The petrol range features a 1.4 liter TSI – 125HP (92 kW) and 150HP (110 kW) as well as a 1.8 liter TSI with 180HP (132 kW) and a mighty 2.0 liter TSI – 220HP (162 kW) or 280HP (206 kW) – taken from Seat Leon Cupra 280. Of course, there is a plug-in Hybrid model with a 1.4 liter TSI and an electric motor.

    The new Passat is 4767mm long, 1832mm wide and 1456mm tall with a wheelbase of 2791mm. A combination of high-strength steel, hot-formed steel and aluminum is used to build a rigid body and chassis. Volkswagen’s engineers were able save 85 kg (188 lbs), so the lightest model is measuring just 1,312 kg (2,892 lbs). This results in improved fuel economy and better performance.

    Some of the safety and assistance systems are: Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, City Emergency Braking, Trailer Assist, Emergency Assist and a revised 360-degree Area View function.

    2015 Volkswagen Passat B8 will be available to order from 10th July with pricing starting from €25,875 for Saloon models and €25,950 for Estates.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80C6AomdI84

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2015 Acura TLX – US Price $30,995

    Acura has officially unveiled the 2015 TLX, which will reach the dealerships in August.The stylish saloon is priced from $30,995 (excluding $895 destination tax). The model was presented back in April and now the TLX customers have the opportunity to reserve the vehicle at special introductory prices, along with special lease and APR financing rates and a $500 allowance toward the purchase of Acura Genuine Accessories.

    The TLX lineup includes three distinct model offerings that carry a long list of standard luxury comfort, convenience and safety features. All TLX models can be upgraded to the Technology Package and the V-6 models are available with the line-topping Advance Package.

    The three model variations feature two Acura exclusive, high-output direct-injected i-VTEC engines, two advanced transmissions and two unique dynamic handling systems.

    • Acura TLX – 2.4-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine producing 206HP (151 kW) mated to an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT) with torque converter. The 2.4-liter TLX has an MSRP of $30,995 and $35,025 with the Technology Package. For handling prowess, it features the latest iteration of Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS).
    • Acura TLX – a 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 delivering 290HP (213 kW) and mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) and will be available with both P-AWS and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The two-wheel-drive model with P-AWS has a MSRP of $35,220 and $39,250 for the Technology Package. The 3.5-liter TLX with Advance Package has a MSRP of $42,500.
    • Sharing the same 3.5-liter dynamic powertrain as the two-wheel-drive model, the all-wheel drive TLX SH-AWD features a new hydraulically controlled version of Acura’s acclaimed torque vectoring SH-AWD and will be available with the Technology Package for an MSRP of $41,450 and $44,700 for the Advance Package.

    Standard equipment includes LED headlights, rearview camera, Hill Start Assist and push button ignition. There is also a 7” infotainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, automatic climate control, 10-speaker 455-watt Acura ELS Premium Audio System. The safety features are Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning,  Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

    Source: Acura

  • 2014 Nissan Pulsar – Space, Style and Technology

    Nissan UK has published full information and pricing for the new C-segment vehicle – 2014 Pulsar. The Japan manufacturer presented the stylish Pulsar several weeks ago, but it is expected to hit the market this autumn. It is priced from £15,995 OTR for the entry-level DIG-T 115 Visia 6-speed manual model and goes up to £21,945 for the top-of-range dCi 110 Tekna 6-speed manual variant.

    2014 Nissan Pulsar comes packed with advanced technology and offers sector-leading levels of cabin space. The arrival of the new Pulsar further strengthen Nissan’s outstanding product portfolio by offering to the traditional C-segment buyers an alternative to the successful Qashqai crossover.

    There are four trim levels – Visia, Acenta, n-tec and Tekna – giving buyers the ability to easily choose a model that best suits their lifestyle and their budget.

    Standard equipment of Visia includes a 5” colour screen, steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth and air conditioning. The Acenta adds Forward Emergency Braking, automatic lights and wipers and Nissan’s ingenious i-Key system. The n-tec model features a set of 17” alloys, privacy glass and Nissan’s signature LED lights. It also offers two much sought after features – a helpful colour reversing camera and NissanConnect 2, a state-of-the-art infotainment system offering full smartphone integration, Google Send-to-Car and access to a wide variety of useful and informative apps. The top-of-range Tekna boasts Nissan Safety Shield Technologies including Forward Emergency Braking, Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning for the ultimate in passenger protection.

    The engine range includes a 1.2 liter DIG-T and a 1.5 liter dCi available with either manual or Xtronic automatic transmissions.

    Equipment summary

    • Visia

    5″ colour TFT screen
    16″ alloy wheels
    6 airbags
    CD system with 4 speakers
    Bluetooth/iPod connectivity
    Steering wheel audio controls
    Body coloured mirrors and door handles
    Electrically adjustable mirrors
    Cruise control
    Speed limiter
    Idle start/stop
    Air conditioning
    Tyre pressure monitoring system
    ABS, ESP, EBD
    Remote central locking
    Active Trace Control
    ‘Follow me home’ lighting

    • Acenta (additional equipment over Visia)

    6 speakers
    Forward Emergency Braking
    Auto headlights
    Auto wipers
    Auto dimming rearview mirror
    i-Key
    Engine starter button
    Dual zone climate control
    Front fog lamps
    Heated mirrors
    Leather steering wheel
    Leather gear knob
    Rear armrest
    Acenta interior trim

    • n-tec (additional equipment over Acenta)

    17” alloy wheels
    Privacy glass
    LED headlamp signature
    NissanConnect 2
    Reversing camera

    • Tekna (additional equipment over n-tec)

    Leather seats
    Heated front seats
    Around View Monitor
    Lane Departure Warning
    Blind Spot Warning
    Moving Object Detection
    Electric folding mirrors

    Engine Grade Transmission OTR* (£)
    DIG-T 115 Visia 6 speed manual £15,995
    DIG-T 115 Visia Xtronic £17,345
    dCi 110 Visia 6 speed manual £17,595
    DIG-T 115 Acenta 6 speed manual £17,645
    DIG-T 115 Acenta Xtronic £18,995
    dCi 110 Acenta 6 speed manual £19,245
    DIG-T 115 n-tec 6 speed manual £18,995
    DIG-T 115 n-tec Xtronic £20,345
    dCi 110 n-tec 6 speed manual £20,595
    DIG-T 115 Tekna 6 speed manual £20,345
    DIG-T 115 Tekna Xtronic £21,695
    dCi 110 Tekna 6 speed manual £21,945

    Source: Nissan

  • Peugeot 2008 DKR – Technical Specs

    Peugeot 2008 DKR is going to compete in the world’s most tough motorsport challenge – 2015 Dakar Rally. A lot of obstacles await for the 2008 DKR – dunes, mountains, dry river beds, canyons, furnace-like temperatures, salt deserts, rough terrain, sand and many more. To tackle this tremendous challenge, Team Peugeot-Total has followed a very daring technical path.

    “Much like we did at the Le Mans 24 Hours by electing to run a closed-cockpit car, we decided to adopt an innovative concept,” explained Peugeot Sport Director Bruno Famin.

    “When it comes to cross-country rallying, the biggest question is whether to run with four-wheel-drive or just two. After a detailed study of the question, we decided to go for two-wheel drive transmission which presents a number of interesting benefits.”, he added.

    This bold decision will enable the team to try to become the first to win the Dakar with two-wheel drive and diesel engine.

    Peugeot 2008 DKR is powered by a V6 twin-turbo diesel mid-rear engine – 340HP (250 kW).

    “Fitting all of the vital assemblies into such a small space gave us quite a headache!”, admitted Technical project manager Jean-Christophe Pallier.

    “Small cars tend to perform more comfortably over twisty WRC-type stages, so this arrangement increases the potential of two-wheel drive cars in situations where the 4x4s tend to have the edge.”, he added.

    Beyond the conviction – expressed by Red Bull for the last two years – that two-wheel-drive vehicles possess attractive qualities that shine through even across the most inhospitable of terrains.

    Technical data – 2008 DKR:

    ENGINE
    Type
    Cubic capacity
    Number of valves
    Position
    Number of cylinders
    Maximum power
    Torque
    Maximum revs
    Top speed
    Lubricant
    V6 bi-turbo diesel
    2,993cc
    24
    Mid-rear
    V6 (‘vee’ angle = 60°)
    340hp
    800 Nm
    5,000rpm
    200kph
    TOTAL QUARTZ 10 W 50
    TRANSMISSION
    Type
    Gearbox
    Lubricant
    Two-wheel drive
    Longitudinally mounted six-speed manual sequential gearbox
    TOTAL 755 HPX 80 W 140
    CHASSIS
    Type
    Bodywork
    Tubular steel
    Carbon
    SUSPENSION / BRAKES / STEERING
    Suspension
    Springs
    Dampers
    Travel
    Anti-roll bars
    Steering and brakes
    Discs

    Rims
    Tyres

    Double wishbones
    Coil springs (two per wheel)
    Adjustable (two per wheel)
    460mm
    Front and rear
    Hydraulic power steering
    Hydraulic dual circuit, one-piece light alloy four-piston callipers
    Front and rear vented discs front and rear
    Front discs (diameter): 355mm
    Rear discs (diameter): 355mm
    Aluminium two-piece wheels (17 x 8.5)
    Michelin 37/12,5×17
    DIMENSIONS
    Length
    Width
    Height
    Front overhang
    Rear overhang
    Wheelbase
    Fuel tank capacity
    4,099mm
    2,033mm
    1,912mm
    641mm
    658mm
    2,800mm
    400 litres

    Source: Peugeot

  • 2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 – Highlights [video]

    Lamborghini has published an awesome video showing some of the technical highlights of the new impressive Huracan LP610-4. The successor of Lamborghini Gallardo comes with a number of modern technologies improving the handling, comfort and the overall impression of the sports car.

    The new Huracan benefits from a hybrid chassis manufactured from aluminum and carbon fiber. This guarantees exceptional durability and stifness, thus the road behavior is simply astonishing. Other special features include full LED headlights with double-Y daytime running lights; an advanced electromechanical power steering system; aluminum front and rear axles; standard carbon ceramic braking system and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels.

    2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 has a 5.2 liter V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The model also has an engine start/stop system which enables the car to average 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg US / 22.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 290 g/km. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

    There are three modes of operation (STRADA, SPORT and CORSA) defining the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJN5BxmclEo

    Source: Lamborghini