Victor Ivanov – Page 33 – Automobiles Review

2014 Chrysler Ypsilon – Price

2014 Chrysler Ypsilon is now available on the market with pricing starting at just £9,895 OTR for the 1.2 Silver trim level. The range features new entry and premium versions, additional equipment on the mid-range car, fresh colour choices, and new names that bring the UK series in line with the rest of Europe.

Powered by a choice of three economical, low emission engines – 1.2-litre 69HP petrol, 1.3-litre MultiJet 95HP diesel, and 0.9 litre 85HP petrol – the range now comes in three trim levels, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Standard equipment on the Silver trim level (replaces the S version) includes internal and external styling changes, new seat design and detail finishes. The exterior is further enhanced by a refreshed colour range which includes three new colours: Marble Grey, Khaki Grey, and Sapphire Blue.

Gold trim level of Ypsilon includes – 15 alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power door mirrors. The Blue&Me is now a standard equipment. This allows the driver to connect an external music device and stay legal and safe with built-in Bluetooth technology for telephone calls on the move.

The new Platinum version packs 16” alloy wheels, automatic climate control, rear power windows, cruise control, part leather seats and Magic Parking, which helps the driver park in tight spaces.

Pricing (OTR) for the new Chrysler Ypsilon is as follows:

1.2 Silver	£9,895.00
1.2 Gold	£10,995.00
0.9 TwinAir Gold	£12,195.00
1.3 M-Jet Gold	£13,195.00
0.9 TwinAir Auto Gold	£13,395.00
1.2 Platinum	£12,495.00
0.9 TwinAir Platinum	£13,695.00
1.3 M-Jet Platinum	£14,695.00
0.9 TwinAir Auto Platinum	£14,895.00

Source: Chrysler

May 28, 2014

McLaren F1 – Crash in Italy

There are two variants for insurance companies, when they hear the phrase “McLaren F1”. The first one is full of joy… and money, when the owner decides to make an insurance of his super-sports car, which he doesn’t drive at all. The second is full of misery and suffering and involves the word “crash” in a same sentence. Sometimes, this means an epic £910,000 repair bill.

A McLaren was involved in a serious accident in Italy between Saline di Volterra and Pomarance on Tuesday. Luckily, the driver and the passenger were airlifted to the hospital and are in stable condition. However, the sports car suffered extensive damages and the insurers won’t be happy at all.

This particular vehicle has a chassis number 72 and was part of a a larger group of McLaren F1s participating in a tour of Italy and benefiting from technical support provided by the manufacturer. Part of that group was Rowan Atkinson, who also crashed his McLaren F1, twice. The first time was back in 1999 and the second in 2011, when McLaren needed a year to restore the vehicle and issued a £910,000 for the repair.

As a reminder: McLaren F1 is powered by a 6.1 liter naturally aspirated V12 (by BMW) with 636HP (468 kW) at 7,400RPM and 651Nm (480 lb-ft) at 5,600RPM. The engine has a redline rev limiter set at 7,500RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the compression ratio is 11:1. The curb weight of the car is just 1,140kg.

0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds; 0-160 km/h in 6.3 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 9.4 seconds and 0-320 km/h in 28 seconds. ¼ mile is covered in 11.1 seconds with 222 km/h (138 mph) and 1 km in 19.6 seconds with 285 km/h (177 mph). The top speed is epic 391 km/h (243 mph).

May 28, 2014

2015 Toyota Yaris – Full Details and Pictures

Toyota unveiled full details and pictures for the 2015 Yaris Facelift. The small city car features more distinctive stylistic aspects and additional emotional appeal.

“Yaris was always extremely strong in its rational dimensions: great packaging, durability, cost of ownership… What we wanted to achieve was to connect the model not only with our customers’ brains, but also with their hearts.”, commented Alessandro Massimino, Product Manager in Brussels.

The exterior of 2015 Yaris Facelift features a new front fascia featuring smaller grill and a bigger intake insert. There are also new LED-infused headlights, a new rear bumper and different styles of 15” and 16” alloy wheels.

The interior boasts a new dashboard, a revised center console and better materials. There are also some soft-touch plastics, satin chrome trim, updated upholstery and the optional Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system including a 7” touchscreen display.

The engine range includes a 1.0 liter three-cylinder petrol with 69HP (51 kW) and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.33 liter four-cylinder petrol with 99HP (73 kW) and 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) of torque; a 1.4 liter four-cylinder diesel with 90HP (66 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque and a hybrid model – 1.5 liter four-cylinder and an electric motor with combined output of 100HP (74 kW).

Other improved features include stiffened chassis, new shocks and an upgraded electric power steering system. There is also a modified rear suspension improving the ride comfort and reducing the body roll.

Source: Toyota

May 28, 2014

Spyker B6 Venator [official render images]

Spyker B6 Venator Concept was introduced at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. The sports car was planned to go into production in the beginning of this year, but that didn’t happen. However, a report is saying that the B6 Venator will be launched in the spring of 2015.

The manufacturer has published two renderings, which look pretty much production ready. The final vehicle is really impressive and we don’t expect any significant changes at this point. Of course, there will be a different front bumper, modified side mirrors and a new ventilated front hood.

Nothing is mentioned about the performance and the powertrain, but previous report is saying that the B6 Venator will feature a V6 engine with around 375HP (276 kW), so the car will accelerate 0-100 km/h in around 4.0 seconds and the top speed is going to be close to 300 km/h (186 mph). The curb weight will be around 1,300 kg (2,870 lbs), which promises impressive time attack times.

A lot more powerful versions are also expected, because Spyker B6 can be a direct rival to the astonishing Lamborghini Huracan, which was recently announced and has a 5.2 liter V10 with 610HP (449 kW).

Stay tuned for more information and pictures of Spyker B6 Venator.

Source: Autoweek

May 28, 2014

2004 Jaguar BlackJag Concept – Price €2,800,000

Jaguar BlackJag Concept was originally presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The unique model is currently available on the market for the astonishing price of €2.8 million (around $3.82 million). A private seller from Ingolstadt, Germany has published the advertisement in mobile.de.

2014 Jaguar BlackJag Concept was created by design house Fuore Design as a successor for the XF10. Unfortunately, the impressive sports car has never reached production. It is powered by a massive 7.0 liter V10 engine with 640HP (471 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 338 km/h (210 mph). So, it is a real rival of Lamborghini Murcielago and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

There are no details about the history of the one-off BlackJag, but it could be owned by the company’s founder and automotive designer Erwin Leo Himmel. However, we seriously doubt that somebody will purchase it – first, because of the price and second, because very few people know about this model, which means that it is quite unpopular.

Jaguar is continuing to release interesting concept vehicles such as C-X75 Prototype Hybrid, which is powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine – 500HP (372 kW) and two electric motors with 390HP (290 kW). This means a combined power output of around 850HP (633 kW).

Source: mobile.de

May 27, 2014

Fiat Fiorino – Best Light Van for 2014

Fiat is celebrating 3^rd consecutive success for Fiorino, which is named “Best Light Van” in the 2014 Van Fleet World Honours. Fiorino’s versatility and capacity convinced the judges to give it maximum points as well as its low running costs.

Fiat Fiorino has a payload of up to 660kg and a load volume of up to 2.5 cubic metres (or 2.8 m³ with folded passenger seat). Thanks to its advanced MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines, the FIAT Fiorino returns up to 65.7 mpg UK (4.3 liters / 100 km) on the combined cycle, while also benefiting its users with long service intervals and low repair costs.

For 2014, Fiat Fiorino customers also have the possibility of opting for the new Sportivo version, which builds on the high specification of the Tecnico model by adding alloy wheels, Sportivo side-stripes and an engine power upgrade to 95HP (70 kW) with no fuel economy or emissions penalties. As with Tecnico versions, air conditioning; Blue&Me™ connectivity with a TomTom satnav dock; front fog lights and parking sensors are also standard, making the Fiat Fiorino Sportivo amongst the best equipped and best value models in its segment at just £9,695.

“While there have been a number of car-derived launches in the last year, none matches the versatility and load-carrying capabilities of the FIAT Fiorino. The addition of enhanced traction versions of the Fiorino – with Traction+ grip control and standard Mud & Snow tyres – simply adds to its versatility, offering operators who regularly have to cope with poor weather conditions a relatively cost-effective alternative.”, commented According to Dan Gilkes, Editor, Van Fleet World.

Source: Fiat

May 27, 2014

Goodbye, Lancia!

Lancia is going to axe the Delta model later this year. The Italian manufacturer will also remove the Voyager from production sometime in 2015. It other words, Lancia is dying slowly, but for good.

According to a report issued by Bloomberg, Lancia is going to produce only the Ypsilon by 2016. The sales of the Delta are expected to end in the next several months, and the Voyager will share the same faith next year, when Chrysler will stop rebadging cars for Lancia. This strategy didn’t work at all, because last year’s sales went down by 20 %.

“Fiat is not killing Lancia right away because they still want to keep options open and wait until other models reach the market to fill the gap. Lancia could be axed entirely, if Alfa Romeo’s strategy will be a success.” Commented Ian Fletcher, an analyst with IHS in London.

Lately, the small Ypsilon was presented in the new Elefantino trim level, which is priced from just €10,450. The engine range includes a 1.2 liter petrol with 69HP (51 kW) as well as the 0.9 liter Turbo TwinAir with 85HP (62 kW). The 1.3 liter MultiJet diesel has 95HP (70 kW). Other economical variants are a 1.2 liter engine on LPG or a 0.9-liter Turbo TwinAir Methane with 80HP, which costs €16,500.

Source: bloomberg

May 27, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Citan Extra-Long Wheelbase

Mercedes-Benz is going to offer an extra-long wheelbase of the popular Citan in Germany. The 7-seater boasts high flexibility thanks to the variable usable interior space. The new model variant aimed at the alternate transport of people and material in commercial use, for use as a taxi and on the mixed-use for professional and private purposes.

The new long Citan is 4,705 mm and offers seating for up to 7 people. The luggage compartment is between 300 and 400 liters, but can be expanded to up to 3500 liters, when the second row is folded flat and the third row is removed.

The power is coming from a tiny, but versatile 1.5 liter diesel engine – 90HP (66 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine is also available with 110HP (81 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, which is obviously the better variant.

The practical vehicle boasts a number of safety technologies included as standard – Adaptive Electronic Stability Program – ABS (anti-locking braking system), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), TCS (Traction Control System) and ASR (Acceleration Skid Control).

2014 Mercedes-Benz Extra-Long Wheelbase Citan is currently available on the market with pricing starting from €19,400 (excluding VAT).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 27, 2014

JE Design Seat Leon Cupra – 350HP and 440Nm

JE Design has unveiled their latest project based on the “King of the Ring” – Seat Leon Cupra 280. The ultra-hot hatchback comes with a number of styling upgrades and a significant power increase.

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 5.1 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.

Other performance upgrades include KW coilover suspension DCC Plug & Play – €2,299. The ride height can be adjusted according to driver’s needs, but not lower than 45 mm. Alternatively, lowering springs for original shock absorbers are offered. They provide approximately 35 mm of additional depth, and are also suitable for DCC – €236.

JE Design also offers a full sports exhaust system featuring twin tailpipes – each with diameter of 80 mm. The system, which comes with EC approval, costs €2,023. Those who choose real carbon tail pipes will pay €2,392.

Aerodynamics package features a new front spoiler – €417 and side skirts in carbon look – €357. Last, but not least is the set of Y-Spoke JE Design wheels – 8.5J x 19” ET 45 fitted with 235/35 R19 performance tires – €1,851.

Source: Je Design

May 27, 2014

Nissan Skyline 200GT-t JDM

Nissan has unveiled an all-new Skyline 200GT-t in Japan. The sedan will be built exclusive for Japanese domestic market and is expected to go on sale on June 5^th. Although, it has the name of the legendary Skyline R-model, the new 200GT-t is a normal everyday vehicle.

It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine taken from Mercedes-Benz. It develops 211HP (155 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. There are no official performance figures, but the small saloon is going to have “exhilarating driving response and powerful acceleration.”

The engine is equipped with direct-injection, variable valve timing and an engine start/stop system. This means – 7.3 liters / 100 km (31.9 mpg US or 38.4 mpg UK) on combined cycle, which is decent considering the power.

Besides the new engine, the Skyline gains a modified rear suspension, a Drive mode selector and an optional Direct Adaptive Steering system. 2014 Nissan Skyline 200GT-t is priced from ¥3,834,000 (including tax). The manufacturer is expecting to sell 200 units every month.

Source: Nissan

May 27, 2014

2014 Fiat 500 Facelift – Price £10,160

The new 2014 Fiat 500 Facelift is already available in the UK. It is priced from £10,960 OTR for the hatchback and £13,510 OTR for the 500C. Available options include Dualogic transmission for £750 (1.2 69HP and 0.9 TwinAir 85HP), an electric sunroof for £580 and Blue&Me connectivity for just £270. A key new feature is the segment-first 7” TFT digital instrument display, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.

Standard on 500S and Cult models (and optional on Lounge versions), the layout and execution of the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer will be familiar to anyone who has driven the current FIAT 500, but the centre of the display – which contains a digital image of the car – can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.

Other significant innovation is the new 0.9 liter TwinAir Turbo engine. It comes with a high-efficiency turbocharger; an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head; a Start&Stop fuel-saving system and the new MultiAir II intake valve control system to provide an even more enticing combination of power and efficiency. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The power is 105HP (77 kW) at 5,500RPM and 145Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque at just 2,000RPM in “sport mode” and 98HP and 120Nm in “eco mode”. 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 km/h (117 mph). Despite the improved performance, the small car is able to return 67.3 mpg UK (4.2 liters / 100 km) and just 99 g/km of CO2.

A high level of safety equipment includes – ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, ISOFIX attachments and DRLs. ESP, complete with ASR/MSR and Hill Holder, is also available on all versions as an extremely affordable option.

FIAT 500 Model	Hatchback 500 OTR Price	Convertible 500C OTR Price
Pop 1.2 69hp	£10,160	£13,160
Pop 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£12,560	£15,560
Colour Therapy 1.2 69hp	£10,960	£13,510
Colour Therapy 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,160	£14,710
Lounge 1.2 69hp	£11,560	£14,560
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,960	£15,760
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,560	£16,360
Lounge 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£13,960	£16,960,
500S 1.2 69hp	£11,710	£14,710
500S 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£13,110	£15,910
500S 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,710	£16,510
500S 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£14,110	£17,110
Cult 1.2 8v 69hp	£13,060	£15,560
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£14,460	£16,760
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£15,060	£17,360
Cult 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£15,460	£17,960

Source: Fiat

May 26, 2014

ABT Audi S3 Saloon – 370HP and 460Nm

ABT has revealed their latest project based on the recently introduced Audi S3 Saloon. It boasts upgraded engine and impressive exterior.

The 2.0 liter TFSI is boosted to 370HP (272 kW) and 460Nm (341 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 70HP and 80Nm. This helps the S3 to achieve a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph) and a staggering acceleration 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The result is thanks to a new sports exhaust system and an ECU re-map. There is also a complete cold air intake system including high-flow filter.

Other highlights include 20” DR alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. There are also 18” or 19” versions and the ER-C and CR wheels are also available. ABT fitted the sports saloon with new fender inserts made from high-quality ABS plastic. ABT integrated entrance lights, floor mats and air caps round off the package and raise the styling to a higher level.

And at full throttle, the S3 saloon will indeed resemble a rocket. “Lean back, accelerate and enjoy,” as ABT Sportsline CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt said.

Pricing for the upgrades is available upon request and all of them can be ordered separately. The tuning specialists from Abt offer installation at additional cost.

Source: ABT

May 26, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov