Victor Ivanov – Page 31 – Automobiles Review

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the AMG Line package for the 2014 S-Class Coupe. It consists of several nice styling upgrades which will give even more exclusivity to the all-new model.

AMG Line kit includes a lot of interior and exterior upgrades. Outside, it comprises of a diamond grille with chrome pins along with AMG front and rear aprons and new side sills. There are also 19” or 20” AMG alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires (245/45 R19 at the front and 275/40 R19 at the rear or 245/40 R20 and 275/35 R20, respectively) as well as fender flares. AMG Line kit also consists of a set of perforated disc brakes together with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering on the calipers. Inside, the package will bring a set of velour AMG floor mats, a glossy black wood trim elements and AMG brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs.

For now, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is offered with 4.7 liter V8 – 455HP (335 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque for S500 Coupe and a 5.5 liter V8 bi-turbo – 593HP (436 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) for the S63 AMG.

The S65 AMG Coupe is expected to make official debut, next month. It will have a 6.0 liter V12 bi-turbo with over 630HP (463 kW).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 3, 2014

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe Individual

BMW Individual has unveiled their program for the new 6-Series Gran Coupe F06 including the top-of-range M6 model. The German manufacturer is going to offer the model in a limited series of just 110 units.

All Individual Gran Coupes will be finished in a BMW Individual Sophisto Grey metallic body paint. The interior comes with a full Bang & Olufsen sound system with 16 speakers featuring an elegant black trim. There is also a full Merino leather upholstery with an Opal White finish as well as an anthracite Alcantara roof and piano black finish for the trim elements.

Both – the 6-Series Gran Coupe and M6 Gran Coupe will also get a BMW Individual cup holder with a black piano finish and Bang & Olufsen stamp. All customers, who order 6-Series Gran Coupe individual will get a gift – BeoPlay H6 headphones (priced around €400).

No words about pricing, yet.

As a reminder, the top-of-range BMW M6 Gran Coupe is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 (S63B44TU) – 560HP (412 kW) at 6,600RPM and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque available at just 1,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds , 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited or 300 km/h (186 mph) with ///M Drivers package. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. ¼ mile in 11.7 to 11.9 seconds.

Source: BMW

June 3, 2014

Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi has announced the MiEV Evolution III, which will compete at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The race car is an improved and evolved version of last year’s MiEV Evolution II.

The MiEV Evo III comes with improved battery, high-output electric motor and electric powered 4WD consisting of four electric motors have been retained with improvements made to give better motive and cornering performance.

The curb weight is also reduced thanks to rationalizing and replacing some structural materials. The power of the four motor has been boosted from 544HP (400 kW) to 612HP (450 kW) and to ensure all the extra power is put down on the road surface the tires have been uprated in size from 260/650 R18 to 330/680 R18.

Accordingly downforce has been increased with a new carbon cowl design and with wind-tunnel optimization of the spoiler and other detail shapes. Evolutionary development of the S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system has improved traction control performance and has reduced wheel slip by controlling vehicle attitude more precisely when near the limit of adhesion.

All improvements allow the race driver to benefit from the full potential of the car.

Source: Mitsubishi

June 3, 2014

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder – Test Drive [video]

Drive has published a test drive video of the awesome hybrid supercar – Porsche 918 Spyder. It is driven by Mike Spinelli, who makes several laps at the Circuit of the Americas with a little help from Porsche factory driver Patrick Long

Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 608HP (447 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. There are also two electric motors with 156HP (115 kW) and 129HP (95 kW) at each axle (front and rear). The maximum combined output is 887HP (661 kW) and over 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

The 918 Spyder is priced at $845,000 excluding destination and handling tax. The manufacturer also offers Weissach Package for another $84,000. The package reduces the curb weight by 34 kg (77 lbs) by removing the audio system, air conditioning, door storage and armrest, while the regular paint is removed to be changed with an exterior foil.

Porsche 918 Spyder also holds a lap record on the Nurburgring – 6 minutes and 57 seconds with an average speed of over 179.5 km/h(111 mph), as measured by Wige Solutions.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGSLARXwb90

Source: Drive via Youtube

June 3, 2014

Volkswagen Delivered The First XL1 to a Customer

Volkswagen has finally delivered the first XL1 to a German customer. The remarkable engineering achievement (XL1) took years of development. Still, it has been whipped by a lot of eco-friendly vehicles, which cost significantly less than €110,000.

The manufacturer didn’t comment anything interesting about the significant event. The car boasts an onyx white exterior and a titan black and pearl gray interior.

Volkswagen XL1 is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain including a 0.8 liter two-cylinder TDI engine with 48HP (35 kW) and a 27HP (20 kW) electric motor and a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The car features special lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic construction and incredible aerodynamics. It adopts the classic “tear drop” shape and utilizes innovations such as removing traditional wing mirrors and replacing them with small cameras called e-Mirrors which transmit exterior images to interior displays.

The result of all this technology is awesome – 0.9 liters / 100 km, which is 313.8 mpg UK or 261.3 mpg US. Volkswagen XL1 can travel up to 50 km (31 miles) only on electricity.

The XL1 is handcrafted using small series production processes. An initial production run of 250 XL1 vehicles will be made.

Source: Volkswagen

June 3, 2014

Fostla Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI W218

Fostla has revealed their latest project based on Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI W218. The stylish four-door coupe comes with both – styling and performance upgrades.

The exterior boasts a complete Prior-Design PB550 Black Edition aerodynamics package including new front and rear bumpers as well as new side skirts and rear wing. All parts are made from carbon fiber for maximum strength and lightweight. The ride is lowered thanks to a lowering module which is controlled using a steering wheel. The body is wrapped with PWF-foil in Bond-Gold-Matt-Metallic color, which underlines not only the elegant lines of the vehicle, but gives a unique look. Last, but not least – the discs, the headlights and the rear lights are also tinted.

The 3.0 liter V6 diesel is boosted to 310HP (228 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) – an increase of 45HP and 80Nm. The performance package is provided by PP-Performance and really “revives” the big car. 0-100 km/h in under 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The fuel consumption is not harmed – 6.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

Other highlights include CVT Vossen alloy wheels powder coated in matt gold – 9J x 20” at the front and 10.5J x 20” at the rear fitted with corresponding low-profile tires. Finally, the special mention is for quad exhaust tailpipes taken directly from Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series. The price for the entire package is decent – €16,000 (considering all upgrades, it is a real bargain).

Source: Fostla

June 2, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition

Volkswagen has unveiled the Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition at 2014 AMI Leipzig. The model is paying tribute to the body manufacturing company, which has produced thousands Beetle Cabriolets between 1949 and 1980.

Outside, the Beetle Cabriolet Karmann boasts a set of new 18” Disc design alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and central chrome caps. The special model will be available in seven colors and feature a unique Sioux Brown power folding soft top.

The interior features sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminium pedals and dash pad with Beetle look in matt aluminium. There is also a wind deflector and the Park Pilot parking distance monitor.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition is available across entire engine range including the range-topping 2.0 liter TSI with 210HP (155 kW) at 5,300RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) at just 1,700RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed DSG sending the power to the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Volkswagen will also present the new Scirocco, the new Golf GTE1 with a plug-in hybrid drive and the Beetle Dune concept car with a higher-set body and distinctive off-road design.

Source: Volkswagen

June 2, 2014

2014 Ferrari California T – Test [video]

Autocar has published a video test with the 2014 Ferrari California T, which was recently presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Besides the styling changes, the convertible comes with an all-new and impressive turbocharged engine. The newly developed power unit marks the returning to turbocharging era of Ferrari since the F40, which was cut out in 1992.

The all-new engine is a 3.9 liter turbocharged V8 – 560HP (412 kW) at 7,500RPM and 755Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque at 4,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h (196 mph). The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. The California T Facelift has 15% improved fuel consumption and 20% less CO2 emissions – 10.5 liters / 100 km (26.9 mpg UK) and CO2 250 g/km.

Other specs include uprated suspension featuring new springs and dampers, along with a better F1-Trac traction control system and reworked carbon ceramic brakes.

The interior boasts leather Frau sport seats and a new center console. There is also a 6.5” touchscreen display featuring an updated infotainment system. An extremely powerful 1,280 WATT JBL Professional sound system with 12 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier is available upon request.

Last, but not least, the folding hard-top can be opened or closed in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (35 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUfGRM2WQT0

Source: Autocar.co.uk

June 2, 2014

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe – Curve Control System

Mercedes-Benz has revealed more details about their new Curve Control System on the all-new S-Class Coupe. This driving experience becomes even more exclusive with the curve tilting function, a world first for series production cars: the vehicle leans into bends in a similar way to motorcyclists or skiers.

Curve Control System allows the vehicle to incline into the automatically and continuously in fractions of a second – depending on the bend radius and vehicle speed. The subjectively perceived effect is even greater, as the vehicle would normally lean outwards. This happens, when the base points of the steel springs integrated into the ABC suspension struts are raised by plunger cyclinders on one side of the vehicle, and lowered on the other, depending on the bend being negotiated.

This innovative system recognises bends with the help of the stereo camera behind the windscreen, which registers the curve in the road surface up to 15 metres ahead, and using an additional lateral acceleration sensor in the ABC suspension. The curve inclination function can be selected using the three-stage ABC switch, and in “Curve” mode is active in a speed range of 15 to 180 km/h. The other selectable modes are “Comfort” (Magic Body Control with Road Surface Scan) and “Sport”.

The new function is available in combination with the Magic Body Control suspension system for the rear-wheel drive models, which can be ordered from 14 July. In combination with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the S-Class Coupe features the full Airmatic air suspension system with the adaptive damping system ADS Plus, in a version with a sporty setup in keeping with the character of the vehicle.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 2, 2014

2014 Audi RS7 Sportback Facelift – Price

Audi has revealed the new 2014 A7 Sportback Facelift, last week and now it is turn to the top-of-range RS7 Sportback. The German manufacturer is very proud with its latest creation, because it is simply fantastic. The large five-door coupe comes with new LED headlights and even more enhanced infotainment features.

The most important – a twin-trubo 4.0 liter V8 TFSI with – 560HP (412 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). The engine is connected to an 8-speed tip-tronic gearbox sending the power to Quattro AWD. The fuel consumption is decent – 9.5 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 221 g/km (24.8 mpg US or 29.7 mpg UK).

Some of the interesting exterior features include matte aluminum, glossy black and carbon packages. Otherwise, the RS7 Facelift features aggressive body kit including modified front and rear bumpers as well as fresh body paint colors such as Sepang Blue, Mythos Black, Glacier White and Floret Silver. The 2014 RS7 rolls 20” forged alloy wheels, but 21” set is available as an option in three color finishes. Carbon ceramic brake system is also available as an option.

The interior boasts new instrument cluster along with new air outlet controls, new shift paddles, Quattro logo and an updated MMI infotainment system with MMI touch function.

2014 Audi RS7 Facelift will hit the market in a month with pricing starting from €113,300.

Source: Audi

June 2, 2014

Carlex Design Interior for 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Carlex Design has published several pictures of their customization program for the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222). The luxurious saloon is on the market for several months and is one of the best-selling in its segment. Mercedes-Benz is also offering S-Class Edition 1, but it can’t even touch the impressive interior by Carlex Design.

The tuning company has surpassed almost everybody, when it comes to luxurious interiors. All metal elements of the Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan are covered in pure 24K gold. Almost all parts are covered in gold including air vents, speaker covers, door handles, air vents, emblems and the steering wheel-mounted buttons. If you think that is too much, you have to check the full leather upholstery from crocodile skin. The seats, center console, both armrests as well as the door panels and the dashboard are covered in crocodile skin.

Carlex Design has turned the interior of the new S-Class in a place that can shelter princes and princesses without any concerns. Of course, the hardcore fans of Mercedes-Benz won’t appreciate the flashy interior, but who cares, when you can sit on heated and vented seats with massage functions covered in crocodile skin.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is priced from £62,650 in the UK and $95,900. Carlex Design didn’t reveal any pricing for the customization program, but it won’t be cheap… at all!

Source: Carlex

June 2, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Golf R – More Powerful and Efficient Than Ever

Volkswagen US has presented the 2015 Golf R, which is the most powerful Golf ever to be sold on the market. It has 34HP more than its predecessor, which was sold as a 2013 model. Despite the additional horsepower, the new R model is expected to be considerably more fuel-efficient.

2015 Volkswagen Golf R is powered by a 2.0 liter TSI four-cylinder direct-injected and turbocharged petrol engine – 290HP (213 kW) at 5,500RPM and 378Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,800RPM. The additional power is thanks to a redesigned the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection system, and turbocharger. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The power is put on the road through the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds (with manual gearbox) or 4.9 seconds (with DSG) and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Other special features include a new sport suspension, the Progressive variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system (“ESC Sport”) which can now be deactivated for track driving. There is also an optional DCC adaptive damping system.

The new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features – specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18” aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and a quad exhaust system.

The interior features sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.

The most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R will be launched in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015.

Source: Volkswagen

May 30, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov