Victor Ivanov – Page 38 – Automobiles Review

BMW i8 – Launch Campaign

BMW is going to launch global campaign for the new i8, this month. The manufacturer’s first plug-in hybrid is a visionary vehicle with outstanding design that redefines the concept of premium and sheer driving pleasure. The BMW i8 combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel economy of a small car and therefore represents the next stage of development in the BMW Efficient Dynamics philosophy.

“We deliberately decided on a campaign that tells of the genesis of the BMW i8 – a journey from the impossible to the possible. Visuals showcase the beauty and power of the BMW i8 in pure, genuine, intense images, which give the campaign greater, more iconic impact.”, commented Dr. Steven Althaus, head of BMW Brand Marketing and BMW Group Marketing Services.

BMW i8 is described as “The first of a new age”. The importance and innovation of the BMW i8 are also reflected in the selection of communications formats and content. Throughout, the campaign underlines that the sports car is reality, not just a vision. It provides a revolutionary and ground-breaking interpretation of BMW’s signature driving pleasure.

The German TV and online campaign will be accompanied by a number of additional measures. Print ads have been running in influential general interest magazines and national daily newspapers since late April. These will be supplemented by outdoor advertising in selected areas, such as the Humboldt Box in Berlin and the Odeonsplatz in Munich, with oversized posters, special building projections or video installations drawing public attention to the market launch of the BMW i8.

Source: BMW

May 14, 2014

Audi TT RS [render]

X-Tomi Design has published an awesome render picture of the upcoming Audi TT RS. It is extremely aggressive, but in the same time carries the unique style of the latest Audi cars. The recently announced 3^rd generation of TT has already get an S version, so it is quite possible the German manufacturer will make a super-powerful RS model.

Still, it is quite early for the top-of-range model, but the RS will basically look a lot like TT-S. To match the aggressive exterior, the TT-RS will come with an improved 2.0 liter TFSI engine with around 400HP (294 kW) compared to the 310HP (228 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque power unit in TT-S.

Of course, Audi TT RS is expected no sooner than 2015, which will be followed by even more spectacular version – TT RS Plus coming sometime in 2016.

The TT range will be joined by Audi TT Offroad production model with a hybrid powertrain including a four-cylinder 2.0 liter TFSI working together with two electric motors. The combined output is 408HP (300 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The Plug-in hybrid is able to cover 50 km (31 miles) in electric mode.

May 13, 2014

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf – The Future

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf - Front Angle

Volkswagen US has presented 2015 e-Golf, which the first fully electric vehicle for the country. It is stated to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year. The all-new model is a part of a structured powertrain strategy that will lead to the introduction of new and highly efficient drive systems, and is part of Volkswagen’s holistic approach to sustainability called Think Blue.

2015 e-Golf is available in four-door form only and is immediately recognizable by its unique aluminum-alloy wheels and LED headlights, the first VW to be equipped with the technology in the U.S.-market.

The powertrain includes a 115HP (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque electric motor. 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The high-performance 12,000-rpm motor and the single-speed EQ270 transmission form a compact unit; the EQ270 also incorporates an integrated differential and an electro-mechanical parking brake. The motor and transmission were developed in-house and are made at Volkswagen’s components plant in Kassel, Germany. The average range is between 70 and 90 miles (112 and 144 km) and the maximum is 115 miles (184 km).

The e-Golf features two technologies that allow the driver to control the vehicle’s energy use: three driving profiles designed to preserve energy (“Normal”, “Eco”, and “Eco+”); and three different levels of regenerative braking (“D1”, “D2”, and “D3”/”B”).

2015 Volkswagen e-Golf - Engine

Outside the e-Golf features energy-efficient LED headlights, C-shaped LED DRLs and redesigned front bumper. There are no tailpipes, which is an obvious clue that this is an EV. Other features include badging and blue highlights on the VW logo as well as aerodynamically optimized 16” alloy wheels with low rolling resistance 205 tires.

Inside, the e-Golf comes in SEL Premium trim including a touchscreen navigation system; VW Car-Net connected services; Keyless entry with push-button start; heatable front seats; a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel; Bluetooth technology; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; available SiriusXM® Satellite Radio; a rear-view camera; and Park Distance Control. The interior is also enhanced by blue elements, including the decorative seams on the steering wheel and shifter, plus the floor-mat edgings.

Source: Volkswagen

May 13, 2014

Lexus IS 25 Anniversario [teaser]

Lexus has published the first teaser image of the upcoming IS 25 Anniversario, which will make its official debut at the Madrid Auto Show in Spain. The special edition car will celebrate the brand’s 25^th anniversary and will be limited to 25 units exclusively for Spain.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further details, but the teaser image is actually a crop of 2014 Lexus IS Toyota Racing Development (TRD). So, the IS 25 Anniversario will come with a number of nice upgrades like a set of 19” gloss black forged alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires, a quad exhaust setup, a new rear diffuser as well as a pair of new side skirts, new front spoiler and a trunk spoiler. All parts are developed by Toyota Racing Development.

Last, but not least are the new anniversary badges, which will complete the look of the special edition model.

On the other hand, there will be some performance mods as well – a sport-tuned suspension featuring new springs and dampers. There are also new underbody member braces and stiffened joints.

The limited edition IS will be officially unveiled on May 20^th.

Source: Lexus

May 13, 2014

Hartge BMW 2-Series – Power Boost

Hartgehas presented several tuning packages for the 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe lineup. The small coupe is going to get a significant power boost across the entire range. As an official BMW tuner – Hartge offers warranty for all upgrades.

Starting with the diesel variants, Hartge boosts the 218d to 174HP (128 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) – an increase of 31HP and 60Nm. The 220d output is now 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) – an additional 34HP and 70Nm. The 225d can be boosted to the impressive 258HP (190 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 40HP and 80Nm.

For now, Hartge offers power boost only for 220i, which is boosted to 218HP (160 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque – an additional power of 34HP and 50Nm.

Besides the power upgrades, Hartge also offers several sets of sport spring for lowering the ride height up to 30mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. There are also new black wheel caps, a tire repair kit, bespoke floor mats and of course full package of Hartge emblems – front and rear hoods as well as for the steering wheel.

Hartge will soon offer more performance packages for 228i and M235i.

Source: Hartge

May 13, 2014

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe

Beware Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STI fans! BMW is going to offer 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe. The sports coupe with the world’s most intelligent all-wheel drive system will be a very tough competitor considering its weight distribution and extremely powerful engine.

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe will hit the market this summer. It is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to an 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). For comparison, the RWD version of the model accelerates 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds with 6-speed manual and 4.8 seconds with 8-speed automatic.

Of course, there are two disadvantages – the curb weight is increased to 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs) and the combined fuel efficiency is 7.8 liters / 100 km (30.1 mpg US or 36.2 mpg UK).

The dimensions of BMW 2-Series Coupe are: 4,432 mm length; 1,774 mm width; height 1,418 mm and 2,690 mm wheelbase. The boot space is 390 litres, which is 20 litres more than 1-Series Coupe. The BMW 2-Series Coupe also has better aerodynamics than both the BMW 1-Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.

Source: BMW

May 13, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Golf VII SportWagen – Versatility and Fun

Volkswagen US has presented the all-new 2015 Golf VII SportWagen. It is lighter, bigger, roomier, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the outgoing model. Thanks to the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels, the new SportWagen bodyshell is lighter than the current Jetta SportWagen and offers an enhanced crash structure.

The Golf SportWagen is 1.1” longer and 0.7” wider than the current SportWagen model. It is also 0.9” lower, which benefits aerodynamic performance, fuel efficiency and the car’s proportions: the CdA number has been reduced by almost 10 % compared with the previous model.

The interior package has been optimized to give more rear-seat leg and shoulder room. Although the new SportWagen’s overall height was lowered by nearly an inch, front and rear headroom has been improved by 0.4”.

The engine range includes a 1.8 liter TSI with 170HP (125 kW) connected to a 5-speed maual or 6-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 2.0 liter TDI Clean Diesel with 150HP (110 kW) and 319Nm (236 lb-ft). It is offered with 6-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Along the lines of the new Golf 7, the SportWagen will bring a number of available new features to market including a panoramic power tilt and slide sunroof, 12-way power driver’s seat, Climatronic automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Park Distance Control, and available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Source: Volkswagen US

May 13, 2014

2014 Ariel Atom 3.5R – Price

Ariel Motor Company has finally unveiled the new Atom 3.5R Special Edition coming with epic performance specs and price, of course. It is tagged at £80,000 (around €97,500), which is quite a lot considering that the car is nothing more than a track toy.

Ariel Atom 3.5R is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 350HP (261 kW) at 8,400RPM and 328Nm (243 lb-ft) at 6,100RPM, which is an increase of 40HP. The result is thanks to a custom sidepod-mounted intercooler and also by increasing boost from 7.5 to 11 psi (0.5 bar to 0.75 bar). The curb weight is just 550 kg (1,212 lbs), which means an impressive performance. 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 0-160 km/h in 6.0 seconds – dead. Nothing is mentioned about the top speed, but it will easily go with 250 km/h (155 mph).

Other performance mods include an adjustable limited-slip differential, Öhlins springs and TTX adjustable dampers, along with four-piston calipers fitted onto vented discs.

All this improvements make the Atom 3.5R Special Edition the ultimate track car, which will bring epic emotions and adrenaline, if you are behind the steering wheel. Although, it is not planned to hit the US market, the company will announce a similar version specially for the country.

Source: Ariel Motor Company

May 12, 2014

Brabus 850 S based on 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG

Brabus is proud to present the most powerful and fastest all-wheel drive sedan in the world – the 850 S based on the latest 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. It is capable of doing 350 km/h (218 mph) and to accelerate 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

Brabus 850S comes with complete aerodynamics package and drastically improved power. The bi-turbo V8 engine is enlarged to 6.0 liters thanks to increasing the cylinder bore to 99mm and stroke of 96mm. Two new special turbochargers by Brabus and modified exhaust manifolds are also present. The result is spectacular – 850HP (625 kW) at just 5,400RPM and a maximum torque of 1,450Nm (1,069 lb-ft), which is limited to 1,150Nm (848 lb-ft) to protect the gearbox. Speaking about it – a modified SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission sending the power to 4MATIC AWD. A Brabus limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 % is available as an option.

The performance is insane, considering the dimensions and weight of the luxurious saloon – 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph). The fuel consumption is a real surprise – 13.8 l/100 km in city; 7.9 l/100 km on the highway and a combined cycle of 10.1 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 237 g/km – efficiency class E.

The exterior of Brabus 850S features a complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler lip and front bumper attachments. The front fenders also come with a Brabus design elements made of clear-coated carbon fiber. The integrated Brabus logo is optionally available in a backlit version whose illumination is activated by operating the remote control or by pulling on a door handle. Last, but not least are the rear spoiler lip, the rear bumper with tailor-made cutouts for the Brabus sports exhaust and integrated diffuser made of clear-coated carbon fiber, and the rear spoiler.

The professional tuner offers a huge choice of tailor-made monoblock alloy wheels in different sizes – 19”, 20”, 21” or even 22”. The forged Brabus Platinum Edition come in size 9J x 21” at the front and 10.5J x 21” at the rear axle fitted with 255/35 ZR 21 and 295/30 ZR 21 tires, respectively.

To further enhance the high level of dynamic handling of the high-performance luxury sedan, BRABUS has developed a special control module for the air suspension of the S-Class. It lowers the ride height of the BRABUS 850 S by 15 mm without impairing the outstanding ride comfort.

The interior comes with a striking combination of black and vanilla leather. But it is not only its tasteful color scheme that makes the interior stand out, but also its design with perforated sections and seat side bolsters quilted in the same patterns as the Brabus leather floor.

Source: Brabus

May 12, 2014

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe – Night and Carbon Packages

AMG Performance Studio now offers a number of upgrades for the stylish and powerful 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe. The enhancements are specially developed for the model and include a styling and performance improvement. The all-new S63 AMG Coupe is simply perfect car, but there are customers who want to feel more special, so AMG Performance Studio will take car for that.The options list now includes new styles of 20” forged alloy wheels, an AMG carbon ceramic break system and a complete exterior carbon fiber package including – mirror housings, new front wing, a pair of side skirts and the upper part of the rear apron. Mercedes-Benz is also offering a Night Package including a glossy black look for the side skirts, mirror caps, rear apron, exhaust pipes, front wing and front splitter.If you are a fan of high speeds – AMG Driver’s Package is also available. It raises the speed limiter to 300 km/h (186 mph) and adds red brake calipers, AMG Performance steering wheel upholstered in black Nappa leather and microfiber DINAMICA as well as a new carbon engine cover and door sills with AMG logos.As a reminder, the S63 AMG Coupe is powered by a new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 – 585HP (430 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. The power-to-weight ratio is 3.41 kg/HP. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.The 4MATIC cuts the acceleration time to 3.9 seconds. As usual, the engine is coupled to a seven-speed sports gearbox with three modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual).

May 12, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R 400 – Even More Horsepower!

Volkswagen Golf R 400 is expected to have even more power in its production version. Of course, it won’t reach 450 or 500HP, but we expect an increase of around 20 or 30HP. If, this happens, the new Golf VII R 400 will be the most powerful turbocharged car in the world (HP / liter).

For now, the most powerful production turbocharged car is Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 360HP (265 kW) – a specific output of 180HP / litre.Volkswagen Golf VII R 400 Concept was revealed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. It comes with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 400HP (294 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

The engine is connected to a 6-speed DSG transmission sending the power to 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).The reason we believe that the Golf R 400 will have more power is that the Volkswagen’s head of research and development Heinz-Jakob Neusser said at the Vienna engine symposium in Austria – “The new Golf R 400 could make more than 400 horsepower“.

The uprated engine comes with a number of modifications including a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment enhances the economy and performance.

The ultra-hot hatchback also has a number of improvements including performance tires and big brake system. The suspension is also revised in order to handle all that power.

May 12, 2014

2015 Mazda MX-5 [render]

Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling roadster in the world and it is time to get an all-new look. Still, the manufacturer didn’t reveal any information or pictures of the upcoming 2015 Mazda MX-5. Until then, here is a nice render picture of the next generation MX-5 created by Theophilus Chin.

2015 Mazda MX-5 will be smaller and lighter compared to the outgoing model. The weight reduction will be more than 100kg (220 lbs), which means a lot better acceleration, improved fuel economy and superb handling. The new model will also adopt a lower center of gravity making the roadster a lot safer and harder to roll-over.

The new MX-5 will get Mazda’s Kodo design language, so it will offer a very attractive styling as seen in recent products such as the 6 and 3, as well as the Hazumi Concept.

Other highlights include more powerful engines in the range and a more rigid body that will also make it safer in case of a collision. Sales of the all-new Mazda MX-5 are expected sometime in the beginning of the next year and the model will probably make official debut in the end of 2014.

Stay tuned!

May 12, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov