Victor Ivanov – Page 22 – Automobiles Review

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – 1,968 km on a Single Tank of Fuel

Although the extremely-efficient 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid didn’t set a world record on a single tank of fuel, it managed to complete an epic journey from Africa to the UK.

The travel took Andrew Frankel (a British journalist) from Tangier in Northern Africa to the UK. He visited two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road, which he shared with a relief driver. Andrew arrived at Goodwood in time for its appearance at the Festival of Speed. He covered a total of 1,968 km (1,223 miles) without refueling.

What is more, on arriving the fuel gauge was yet to register empty, the car estimated an available range of 160 km (100 miles). This results in a range of 2,129 km (1,323 miles) on a single tank of fuel.

2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel – 204HP (150 kW) at 4,200RPM and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600RPM. There is also an electric motor mounted within the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (26HP). The combined power is 230HP (169 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). The big family saloon can achieve a fuel consumption of just 4.2 liters / 100 km with emission of 109 g/km of CO2. The curb weight is 1,845 kg (4,068 lbs).

The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is available as a Saloon or an Estate with prices starting from £39,880.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITiqurE8dc

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 27, 2014

Ferrari Marks 15 million Facebook Fans with LaFerrari On-board Google Glass Video at Fiorano

Ferrari has published an impressive video clip featuring Raffaele De Simone, Head of Development Ferrari Test Driver behind the steering wheel of the sensational LaFerrari. The on-board video was taken with Google Glass, so don’t expect an ordinary clip.

The footage was recorded to celebrate reaching 15 million Facebook fans. Only 499 units of Ferrari LaFerrari were produced and each of them is priced at $1.7 million (€1.3 million). A track-only FXX version is also expected, which will be limited to just 30 cars. It will be boosted to the epic 1,050HP (772 kW). The range will be also joined by a road-legal LaFerrari Spider expected to cost twice as much as the car in this video. The Spider model will be also built in limited series of just 50 units.

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. The engine’s bore and stroke is 94 x 75.2 mm with a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and a specific power output of 128HP / liter. It is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the car has RWD (rear-wheel drive) configuration.

A lap time at Fiorano race track takes 1 minute and 20 seconds – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.

Other Special features include a carbon-ceramic Brembo brake system with enormous 398 mm discs up front and 380 mm at the rear axle. They are fitted behind ultra-lightweight wheels with tires measuring 265/30 R19 and 345/30 R20, respectively.

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

Source: Ferrari

June 27, 2014

2015 Ford Focus ST – Officially Unveiled

Ford has officially unveiled the 2015 Focus ST, which is expected to make its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The facelifted model comes with a lot of updates including modified exterior, retuned suspension, new engines and a modest makeover for the cabin.

The exterior of 2015 Focus ST boasts new front and rear bumpers, a new front hood and updated headlights featuring HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels . The car also comes with restyled fog lights and a set of new 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a new exterior color: Magnetic Metallic, which replaces Ingot Silver. Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps.

The interior features redesigned instrument panel center stack with improved climate controls and new finishes. There is also a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port. Also updated are front door storage places and cupholders. The new flat-bottom steering wheel will provide extra leg clearance for the driver. The options list include: Recaro sport seats, heated steering wheel and eight-way power driver’s seat.

The engine range will include a revised 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 250HP (183 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph). The fuel consumption is impressive – 6.8 liters / 100 km in combined cycle (41.5 mpg UK or 34.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. The result is thanks to a new engine start/stop system. The other new engine is a 2.0 liter TDCi with 185HP (136 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). It will average 4.4 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK or 53.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

Source: Ford

June 27, 2014

2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City [video]

Here is a very interesting vehicle – 2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City. Although you may recognize it as Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City comes with slightly revised design and best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. The model also features strengthened unibody and an increased ride height.

The exterior features a new new front fascia and revised headlights, while inside the working vehicle is pretty basic – a simplified color palette, durable fabric seats and six tie-down rings. The model can be equipeed with a 5” Uconnect infotainment system with GPS navigation and internet connectivity upon request.

The engine range includes a 2.4 liter Tigershark four-cylinder petrol engine – 178HP (137 kW) and 234Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to Chrysler’s 9-speed automatic transmission that promises to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

2015 Ram ProMaster City also features a best-in-class payload capacity of 854 kg (1,883 lbs) and an unsurpassed towing rating of 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The model also boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 131.7 cubic feet (36.87 m³).

“As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering the bell with the all-new ProMaster City,” commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Years ago, the selection of delivery and cargo vehicles was limited and those offerings didn’t focus on cost of ownership. Today all of that has changed with the recent introduction of the full-size Ram ProMaster, and the now the Ram ProMaster City.”, he added.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRi6FwKyKJQ

Source: Dodge

June 27, 2014

Hennessey 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray HPE700

Hennessey Performance has presented their more powerful HPE700 performance package for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. The sports car comes with a number of performance upgrades as well as some style improvements. The tuning specialists also published an interesting video with the car (below).

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 LT1 – 460HP (343 kW) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching.

The HPE700 performance package includes High Flow Supercharger System, High Flow Cylinder Heads, Custom HPE Camshaft, HPE Air Induction System, All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids, Professional Installation, HPE Engine Management Calibration, Dyno Tuning & Road Testing, Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques, Hennessey Exterior Badging, Hennessey Premium Floormats, Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills, a 3 Year or 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty. The result is 700HP (515 kW) at 6,300RPM.

Optional upgrades include: Hennessey CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler, Side Sills & Front Lip Spoiler; Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates; Hennessey H10 Monoblock Wheel Upgrade; Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires; Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade; Penske Adjustable Suspension Upgrade; Custom Interior Leather Upgrades; Carbon Fiber Interior Upgrades.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gdM4eV8IE

Source: Hennessey

June 27, 2014

Arden Range Rover AR 9 Spirit V8 Supercharged

Arden has unveiled their latest project – AR9 Spirit V8 Supercharged based on Range Rover Sport finished in Santorini Black metallic. The stylish SUV comes with a number of upgrades and a sensational price – €159,990.

Arden AR9 Spirit V8 Supercharged comes with a complete wide body kit consisting of a redesigned front and rear bumpers, a new sidebars and extended wheels arches. There is also a new rear apron and a set of enormous 10J x 22” Dakar II rims fitted with low profile tires. The aerodynamics package underlines the dynamic character of Range Rover Sport. The tuning specialists fitted the powerful SUV with a new rear sports silencer with flap control capable of releasing impressive soundtrack from the powerful V8 supercharged engine.

The match the stylish exterior, Arden fitted the interior with a new premium black leather upholstery featuring bright stitching. There are also genuine leather sidecarpets with decorative stitching. In addition the footwell is equipped with the Arden aluminum pedal set and quality suede carpets with leather piping.

The new Range Rover Sport is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 – 510HP (375 kW) at 6,500RPM and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque at 2,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Source: Arden

June 27, 2014

Wald International Mercedes-Benz SLK Black Bison (R172)

Wald International has presented their latest tuning project based on the latest version of Mercedes-Benz SLK – the R172 model. It comes with complete Black Bison package including a number of styling upgrades.

The Black Bison package is designed to give the R172 an “overwhelming presence”. The roadster boasts a new front bumper with integrated LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and bigger air intakes. There is also a pair of new aerodynamic side skirts and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. The Black Bison package is priced from ¥464,400 ( around $4,560).

Available as an option is a new carbon fiber rear spoiler for an additional ¥73,440 ($720). The car on the pictures is also fitted with a complete four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and a set of unique alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. No words about pricing of these upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 is available in four models – 200 CGI, 250 CGI, 350 CGI and 55 AMG. The SLK 200 CGI has a 1.8 liter engine with 184HP (135 kW); the SLK 250 CGI is equipped with also a 1.8 liter engine – 204HP (150 kW); the SLK 350 CGI has a 3.5 liter V6 with 306HP (224 kW) and the SLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 with 422HP (310 kW).

Source: Wald International

June 27, 2014

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 with 329 km/h [video]

A very brave driver managed to hit an epic top speed with the spectacular Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. The supercar achieved 329 km/h (204.4 mph) on a German Autobahn, where are no speed restrictions. Still, it is extremely dangerous, because there is a lot of traffic cruising with normal speeds.

Although the official maximum top speed of the Huracan is 325 km/h (202 mph), the driver churned out another 4 km/h and, if there was no traffic he would did over 330 km/h (205 mph).

As a reminder, the engine is 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) will decide the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior.

Available as an option is the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering system and Magneto-Rheologic damper control.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6pMCqsOs04

Source: Thegermansupercars via Youtube

June 26, 2014

2014 Porsche Boxster GTS – Review [video]

Autocar has published a full video review of the new 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS. The small sports car comes with a number of performance improvements and unique styling. The particular vehicle used for this review is equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system.

The new Boxster GTS is powered by a 3.4 liter flat-six with 330HP (243 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The Chrono package comes as standard and the acceleration is extreme – 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 281 km/h (175 mph).

Some of the standard features include a set of 20” alloy wheels from the 911 Carrera S fitted with 235/35 front and 265/35 rear performance tires. There are also darkened bi-xenon headlights along updated front and rear bumpers.

The interior boasts leather sport seats with Alcantara trim and a lot of carbon fiber elements. The central console features a big touch-screen display offering all needed information as well as some car settings. The fabric roof can be folded down in just 9.0 seconds, while a pair of luggage areas in the front and in the rear make the Boxster GTS pretty practical for a sports car.

2014 Posrche Boxster GTS is priced from €69,949.

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

Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

June 26, 2014

2014 Engine of the Year – Results [images]

Ford managed to scoop the International Engine of the Year Award for third consecutive time. The “star” is again the three-cylinder 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine which was recently updated. It now produces 140HP (103 kW) and is able to accelerate the new Fiesta from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The engine is also super-economical – 4.5 liters / 100 km (52.3 mpg US or 62.8 mpg UK) on combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

The engine managed to gather 351 points from the jury putting it on 1^st place. The 2^nd place is for Ferrari’s 4.5 liter V8 with 281 points and 3^rd for Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter TSI – 254 points. Of course, the 1.0 liter EcoBoost won the sub 1.0 liter category with 505 points.

Here are all the winners:

Sub 1-liter: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

1.0-liter to 1.4-liter: Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter: BMW / PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.6-liter turbo petrol

1.8-liter to 2.0-liter: Mercedes-AMG 2-liter turbo

2.0-liter to 2.5-liter: Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo

2.5-liter to 3.0-liter: BMW 3.0-liter twin-power turbo six-cylinder gasoline

3.0-liter to 4.0-liter: McLaren 3.8-liter V8

Above 4.0-liter: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

New Engine: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo

Green Engine: Tesla Full-electric powertrain

Performance Engine: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

International Engine of the Year: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

Source: Engine of the Year Awards

June 26, 2014

Google Android Auto – Technology Brilliance [video]

Google has presented the Android Auto – designed to give drivers the “right information for the road ahead”. The system works exclusively with Android smartphones and is able to provide all needed information about traffic jams, collisions, etc.

“Android Auto combines the best the best of both worlds. You get the connected apps and services on your smartphone with the physical controls that were optimized for driving in your car”, commented Android Director of Engineering Patrick Brady.

Android Auto boasts a nice and easy to use interface. For example, Google Maps has a streamlined design with larger “touch targets” helping to minimize the distraction. The system also features Google Now voice commands giving an instant access to Google Maps, text messages, phone book and applications like Google Play Music. The users can also set reminders, plan their time and meetings.

The first car with Android Auto will be introduced later this year. There are already several manufacturers, who signed up to be a part of the Open Automotive Alliance. These include Audi, General Motors, Honda and Hyundai.

Android Auto will make the life and travelling a lot easier and fun. It will help drivers to stay more focused on the road without disturbing their comfort.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht8yzpIV9M0

Source: Google

June 26, 2014

Ford and Intel – The Future of In-Car Personalization [video]

Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities in-car personalization. The companies will offer new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

The project is called – Project Mobii and aims to aims to explore how interior-facing cameras could be integrated with sensor technology and data already generated within and around the vehicle to create a more personalized and seamless interaction between driver and vehicle that transforms the driving experience.

“Our goal with the Mobii research is to explore how drivers interact with technology in the car and how we can then make that interaction more intuitive and predictive,” commented Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President, Ford Research and Innovation.

“The use of interior imaging is purely research at this point; however, the insights we’ve gained will help us shape the customer experience in the long-term”, he added.

Project Mobii will use facial recognition technology, so it will be able to recognize different drivers and automatically adjust vehicle settings according to their demands. If the system can’t recognize a person, an image of the individual will be sent to the owner’s smartphone and he or she will be able to approve or deny access to the car. Other nice safety features include teen drivers recognition and reducing audio volume.

Last but not least, the system will feature voice commands and gestures recognition. You can easily turn the heat up or down while driving without removing hands from the steering wheel.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_DacM5G7PM

Source: Ford

June 26, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov