Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2015 Acura ILX – US Price $27,050

    2015 Acura ILX is going on sale tomorrow in the US with pricing starting from $27,050 for the entry-level model. The ILX is available in four trim levels offering different blends of performance and premium features. Of course, all models boast the famous Acura refinement and quality in a sleek, sporty and luxurious package.

    There are two powertrain choices including a 2.0 liter i-VTEC with 150HP (110 kW) is coupled with a 5-speed automatic gearbox (5AT), which is able to return 35 mpg US on the highway. This powertrain is available in standard trim, Technology Package or Premium Package. The more powerful 2.4 liter i-VTEC with 201HP (148 kW) is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission is available only with the Premium Package. It can return up to 31 mpg US on the highway.

    2015 Acura ILX boasts enhanced styling, comfort, and driving enjoyment along with excellent value on a luxury scale.

    Standard features include 17” alloy wheels, projector beam headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats and 8-way power driver’s seat, a Keyless Access System with smart entry and push button start, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Active Noise Cancellation.

    The Premium Package come equipped with a premium sound system including XM Radio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, Bluetooth Audio, Pandora interface, SMS text messaging feature, speed-sensitive volume control, 7-speakers with subwoofer and 360-watt amplifier.

    TRIM MSRP1 EPA MPG RATING2
    (city/highway/combined)
    2015 ILX 5AT $27,050 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 5AT w/Premium Package $29,350 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 5AT w/Technology Package $31,750 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 6MT w/Premium Package $29,350 22/31/25

    Source: Acura

  • AC Schnitzer Exhaust Systems – Racing Evo

    AC Schnitzer is now offering high performance rear silencers made from stainless steel with different chromed tailpipes. The new silencers deliver impressive sonorous sound and a sporty appearance. This is really important because the exhaust is the acoustic and optical signature of a car.

    AC Schnitzer also offers polished and chromed exhaust tail trim Racing Evo manufactured from stainless steel. The new tailpipe design is an evolution of the successful Evo tailpipe trim, which is now superseded by the new one.

    The “Racing Evo” trim is an “evolutionary jump” with its unique design featuring two classic round tailpipes with slash cut, joined into a harmonious whole by an undulating cover positioned above.

    The “Racing Evo” tailpipe is perfectly matched to the latest BMW models for which it was exclusively developed – BMW 1-series F20 and F21, 2-series F22 and F23, 3-series F30 and F31 as well as 4-series F32 and F33. The “Racing Evo” trim is also available as a purely aesthetic solution, as a standalone tailpipe trim.

    The improved dispersing of exhaust gases allows your car’s engine to work more efficiently and “breathe” properly. This can improve the engine performance and fuel consumption. The original AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer is specially designed for your engine so it benefits in greater response and faster achieving of full power. Even in the lower rpm ranges, the system emits a characteristic, sporting sonorous note.

    Last, but not least, the AC Schnitzer twin sports exhaust system is made from V2A stainless steel boasting a long life and optimum resistance to corrosion.

    Source: AC Schnitzer

  • O.CT Tuning – Power Boost for 6.4 liter SRT8

    O.CT Tuning is now offering a significant power increase for all SRT8 models from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep. The performance package includes a complete compressor kit and increasing the displacement of the engine.

    Firstly, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 has received a compressor kit and a charge air cooler system. The engine displacement is increased to 6.4 liters. The result after an ECU re-map is 564HP (415 kW) and 735Nm (544 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 88HP and 98Nm. Additionally, the car can be boosted to over 600HP (441 kW) for racing purposes.  O.CT also offers the same tuning package for Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as well as Dodge Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300C SRT8.

    The tuning specialists offer a compressor refitting for the new Dodge RAM 5.7 HEMI. It comes with MOT certificate and is absolutely legal. The optional exhaust system can be registered together with the compressor conversion. It provides additional performance and impressive sound.

    Last, but not least O.CT offers “OCTSRT8-700” package boosting the enlarged 7.0 liter V8 engine to 720HP (529 kW) and 875Nm (648 lb-ft) of torque. Of course, all cars or SUVs fitted with O.CT performance packages are street legal and usable for everyday drive.

    Source: O.CT-TUNING

  • 2014 BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe – UK Price

    BMW is now offering the all-new 2014 M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe at the UK market. The pricing is starting from £56,175  and £56,635, respectively. For the first time the Coupé and Saloon models receive individual model names, in deference to the different model series that provide their basis.

    Both models boast exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. They are powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters (32.1 mpg UK) of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

    Other special features include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

    “The superior performance of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe should be obvious at first glance,” said Karim Habib, Head of Design at BMW Automobiles.

    “Indeed, the exterior design has a visual impact that elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of expression, highlighted by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic verve.” , he added.

    Source: BMW

  • Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo

    Nissan has officially unveiled the staggering Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo after a lot of teasers and leak images. It is described as a “vision of what a high performance Nissan could look like in the future”, the Concept Gran Turismo boasts a lot of GT-R features.

    Essentially, it is a 2+2 supercar featuring a “V-motion” front fascia, slender LED headlights, a ventilated front hood, a carbon fiber front splitter and of course the typical taillights. Other features word mentioning are the impressive and aggressive rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear wing.

    The huge air-intakes are going to deliver enough air for the expected extremely powerful engine, which will power the upcoming Nissan GT-R.

    The Concept was developed by a young team from Nissan Design Europe, which was helped by an advanced engineering team from Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan. The manufacturer didn’t confirm the rumors that the Concept will preview the next generation GT-R, but they said that the model “hints as to how a supercar of the future might look”.

    Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo will be available in Gran Turismo 6 in July.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX3sN6na3Eo

    Source: Nissan

  • Michael Schumacher Out of Coma

    Michael Schumacher is out of coma and has left the hospital in Grenoble. He was treated after a horrible skiing accident in December, last year. Schumacher suffered a severe head injury and has been in hospital for several months. At the end of January, doctors started to bring him out of a medically-induced coma and now he is awake.“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation,” stated Sabine Kehm, the manager of Schumaher.“He is not in a coma anymore. His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.”“The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him. For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”Michael Schumacher will continue his rehabilitation at a different location. There is no further information about the current condition of the legendary F1 pilot, but the entire world is hoping that he will make a full recovery.

  • Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R – King of The Ring – 7:54.3 [video]

    Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you King of The Ring – Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R Special Edition. As expected, the ultra-hot hatchback is the new fastest car with FWD (front-wheel drive) around the Nordschleife. It managed to stop the clock at 7 minutes and 54.36 seconds, which is 4 seconds faster than the previous record holder – Sean Leon Cupra R.

    2014 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 275HP (202 kW) at 5,500RPM and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM – an increase of 10HP compared to the previous model. The result is thanks to a new Akrapovic titanium exhaust system which is also lighter than the standard exhaust. The hatchback is able to cover 100 km with just 7.5 liters fuel.

    A lot of new modifications help the RS 275 Trophy to seize the record. These include a new Cup chassis with a limited-slip differential. There are also Öhlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs derived from the Megane N4 rally car. The new Megane RS can be also ordered with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires available as an option.

    Renaultsport has published an onboard video showing the impressive lap record.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02cpzgoVqC4

    Source: Renault

  • 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C US-Spec

    Alfa Romeo 4C US-Spec is already available at the American market with pricing starting from $53,900 and the first deliveries are expected this fall.

    “The all-new 4C marks the return of ‘the great Alfa Romeos` and represents the purest formation of the brand’s DNA with its supercar-levels of performance and innovation, all while focusing on making the driver an integral part and completion of the machine,” said Harald Wester, CEO of Alfa Romeo.

    “With its technological solutions derived directly from Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 4C creates an infusion of body and machine, an extension of its driver’s soul that is ready, capable and willing to respond and deliver.”, he added.

    The US-Spec model is slightly different, because Alfa Romeo had to add some aluminum enforcements to the carbon fiber monocoque as well as a new fuel system and modified substructures for impact absorption. The result is additional 155 kg (342 lbs).

    The engine is the well-known 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. However, the additional weight will harm the figures, so the expected acceleration is around 5.0 seconds to 100 km/h and a fuel consumption of around 8.0 liters / 100 km (29.4 mpg US).

    The Italian manufacturer is going to offer a limited-series Launch Edition of 4C, which is expected to reach the dealerships this summer. The price is a bit higher ($68,400), but the 4C Launch Edition is going to offer a lot more – bi-xenon headlights with LED DRL, carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps and painted brake calipers.

    There is also a set of new wheels – 18” at the front and 19” at the rear, a racing exhaust system and carbon fiber interior trim. Other highlights include a race-spec suspension with front- and rear-sway bars and shock absorbers.

    Source: Chrysler

  • Range Rover Sport Stealth Package

    Land Rover is going to offer a special Range Rover Sport Stealth Package, which is expected to make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the end of this month. Order books will open in July (dependent on market) and first customer deliveries are expected towards the end of the year.

    The Stealth Pack will be offered only for the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic trim levels. The special package includes a number of styling upgrades – a satin black front grille, new grille surround, fender vents, fog lamp bezels, a tailgate finisher and new mirror caps. There is also a set of new 21” nine-spoke alloy wheels and even 22”five-spoke satin black set available as an option. The complete the vision, the manufacturer offers black wheel nuts, and a stealth finish for the non-reflective headlamp and tail lamp surfaces.

    “With the addition of the Stealth Pack, we are further extending the appeal of the Range Rover Sport and offering even greater choice to our customers.”, commented Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Design Director & Chief Creative Officer.

    The new Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic Land Rover yet, providing owners with an agile and responsive driving experience on- or off-road and has won more than 50 global awards since its launch.

    Source: Land Rover

  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta TRS – Price $4,200,000

    Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is simply astonishing vehicle. It features everything that a petrol head needs – impressive acceleration, power, agility, unique design and mind-blowing sound… and of course more power! However, there is even more spectacular version of the hyper car – F12 TRS.

    Ferrari’s Special Projects division has already prepared the SP12 EC, SP America, SP FFX and now it is turn to the F12 TRS. There are not many details about the project, but it features a targa design and aggressive styling elements.

    The one-off Ferrari F12 TRS was prepared for a wealthy customer, who paid $4.2 million. Besides the impressive vision and the new modifications, the special model comes with an F1-inspired KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) like the famous LaFerrari. This means, that the hyper car will have even more power.

    As a reminder, the F12 Berlinetta is a sensational sports car. It is powered by a 6.3 liter 65° naturally aspirated V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). The curb weight is just 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs).

    Source: jalopnik.com

  • 2014 BMW M4 Coupe – Nurburgring Lap 7:52

    BMW has officially unveiled the lap time around Nurburgring of the all-new M4 Coupe. The sports car is able to cover the 20.81 km course in just 7 minutes and 52 seconds, which is an impressive 13 seconds faster than its predecessor (E92 M3).2014 BMW M4 Coupe is powered by a a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.Other highlights include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.The new M4 is not only lighter, but is more powerful than M3 E92. The car is superbly balanced and it is a real fun to drive.

  • 2014 FPV GT-F [video]

    2014 FPV GT-F

    The recently announced all-new 2014 FPV GT-F, which will be built in a limited series of just 550 units, is taking place in a nice video clip showing some of its highlights. The performance saloon will be sold exclusive in Australia and New Zealand and the pricing is starting from $77,990 AUD.

    2014 FPV GT-F is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 477HP (351 kW) at 6,000RPM and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) at 2,500RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed sport-automatic ZF transmission. The fuel consumption stands at 13.6 liters / 100 km with 324 g/km of CO2. There is also a GT RSPEC’s suspension and a set of 19” alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires.

    Outside, the new GT-F comes with a new bonnet, black panel extensions, roof and rear deck lid. The interior boasts instrument dial faces, seat stitching and embroidery, build number and manual transmission plaquette and the ICC start-up screen.

    “Our goal was to create the best vehicle we could; a vehicle that pays respect to Ford GTs of old yet celebrates all that is good about Ford’s performance credentials.”, said FPV Chief Program Engineer, Peter de Leur.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTq1yIOfVK4

    Source: FPV