Victor Ivanov – Page 42 – Automobiles Review

2014 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design

Volvo is going to offer V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design, so even the most greedy customers will be satisfied with efficiency. Essentially, with Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design you get not a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”, but a “sheep in wolf’s clothing”.

“We sold almost 8,000 plug-in hybrids in 2013. Adding the R-Design dynamic attributes to the V60 Plug-in Hybrid – the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid – will give its attractiveness another boost. The customer gets segment-topping performance combined with outstanding efficiency,” commented Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group.

Obviously, Mr. Visser thinks that the model will be even more popular, if offered with R-Design trim.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid R-Design comes with new front bumper, a new rear diffusor and 18” Ixion wheels. The interior features sport seats wrapped in black nubuck textile and perforated leather. There is also a black headliner as well as special plug-in hybrid instrumentation and information.

V60 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a five-cylidner 2.4 liter turbodiesel with 215HP (158 kW) and 440Nm (326 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through a 6-speed automatic gearbox sending it to the front wheels. The rear wheels are powered by an electric motor producing 68HP (50 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft) supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

Source: Volvo

April 24, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 – US Spec

Mercedes-Benz US has announced the 2014 CLA 250 model. It comes with a powerful turbocharged engine and double-clutch transmission. The model will be also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as an option.

“The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was ‘Please put this car into series production.’ That’s precisely what we are doing now,” commented Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“The CLA is a car that does not confuse ‘mid-size’ with ‘mid-quality’. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”, he added.

The engine in CLA 250 model is a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 211HP (155 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. It comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard for added gas mileage.

This radar-based assistance system provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and primes Brake Assist for adaptive braking. Brake Assist is initiated as soon as the driver steps hard on the brake pedal. When the system identifies a risk of collision, Collision Prevention Assist calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident.

The optional Driver Assistance package also offers Distronic Plus, as well as familiar safety systems including Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and is available as a standalone option.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 24, 2014

2014 Ford Fiesta ST3 – Price £19,250

Ford has announced the new range-topping ST3 version of the Fiesta. The compact city car is priced from £19,250 and comes with a number of nice extras.

2014 Ford Fiesta ST3 is based on the ST2 model and features keyless entry, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. There are also power-folding mirrors, Sony DAB with navigation, as well as an electronic automatic temperature control.

It can be ordered in one of five exterior paint schemes – Spirit Blue, Molten Orange, Panther Black, Race Red, Frozen White, and two interiors – Smoke Storm and Molten Orange. For an additional £250 the Fiesta ST3 can be equipped with rear parking sensors.

The engine is a 1.6 liter four-cylinder EcoBoost with 182HP (134 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (139 mph). The fuel consumption is extremely low considering the good dynamics – 5.9 liters / 100 km (39.9 mpg US or 47.9 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.

Source: Ford

April 23, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang – Options List

The options list for the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang has been published by MustangG6. Although the manufacturer didn’t release any details, the new Mustang can be equipped almost with everything that you need. 2015 Ford Mustang will be available in 10 colors and the options list will include Recaro Seats, All Weather Floor Mats, Spoiler Delete, Engine Block Heater, Enhanced Security Package, Automatic Transmission, 3.55 Limited Slip Differential, 3.73 Torsen Differential, DRL’s, Smokers Package, 18″ Aluminum Wheels, Spare Wheel/Tire, GT Performance Package and Reverse Park Assist.The Premium GT options include Adaptive Cruise Control, 19″ Painted Aluminum Wheels, 20″ Machined Aluminum Wheels, Premium Trim CAG, Navigation System, 50th Anniversary Package (19’s & 50th Annv Mats, seat/door trim).No words about pricing for the 2015 Ford Mustang and its extras, but the information will be revealed soon.Stay tuned!

Base model GT options:

Recaro Seats
All Weather Floor Mats
Spoiler Delete
Engine Block Heater
Enhanced Security Package
Automatic Transmission
3.55 Limited Slip Differential
3.73 Torsen Differential
DRL’s
Smokers Package
18″ Aluminum Wheels
Spare Wheel/Tire
GT Performance Package
Reverse Park Assist

Premium GT options:

Adaptive Cruise Control
19″ Painted Aluminum Wheels
20″ Machined Aluminum Wheels
Premium Trim CAG
Navigation System
50th Anniversary Package (19’s & 50th Annv Mats, seat/door trim)

April 23, 2014

Porsche Macan – Four-Cylinder 2.0 liter Turbo

Porsche has unveiled a new entry-level version of the compact crossover – Macan. The new model will be powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is going to offer good dynamics and reasonable fuel consumption.

The German manufacturer has last used a four-cylinder engine in 1995 for the 968. It was 3.0 liter with 240HP and 305Nm and accelerated the sports coupe 0-100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds (manual gearbox variant).

Twenty years later, the 2015 Porsche Macan has received a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 241HP (177 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It is connected to a PDK dual-clutch gearbox and 0-100 km/h is reached in 6.9 seconds. The fuel consumption is very good 7.5 liters / 100 km (31.3 mpg US or 37.6 mpg UK).

The four-cylinder Macan can be recognized with its dual exhaust arrangement as opposed to the S and Turbo variants which make use of quad pipes. There are also 18” alloy wheels and a dual-zone climate control system as standard. The options list includes a panoramic roof, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) along with front and rear Park Assist.

Source: Porsche

April 23, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport – 367HP

Mercedes-Benz is going to offer a C450 AMG Sport model for 2015. It will sit just below the top-of-range C63 AMG and will have quite powerful and economic engine.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sport is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 with 367HP (274 kW), which is an increase of 34HP compared to the previous version. The model will be offered with both RWD (rear-wheel drive) and 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) systems. The C63 AMG is planned as RWD only. There is no information whether the model will remain only as a saloon or other body styles will be included in the plans.

AMG Sport Edition model comes with full body kit as well as AMG boot lid spoiler, and dark-tinted headlamps and high-gloss black grille. The interior features AMG Sport Plus seats wrapped in black Artico and Dinamica leather with blue/grey contrast stitching. The same treatment is applied to the Dinamica-covered door panel trim. There is also new dark brushed aluminium trim and grey contrast stitching for the gear shift lever. Last, but not least are the 18” seven-spoke AMG alloy wheels and two optional packages.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 23, 2014

Audi TT Offroad Concept at Beijing Motor Show

Audi is currently exhibiting the strange TT Offroad Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The four-door model adds an entirely new expression to the Audi design language.

“The Audi TT offroad concept provides a glimpse of how we might imagine a new model in the future TT family,” commented Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development.

“It combines the sporty genes of the TT with the strengths of a compact Audi SUV. Its plug?in hybrid drive with the option of inductive charging is a major step toward the mobility of the future. We chose to present the Audi TT offroad concept in China, our second domestic market, because it represents the urban mobility of tomorrow: It is sustainable, dynamic, intelligent and connected.”, he added.

Audi TT Offroad Concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain including a four-cylinder 2.0 liter TFSI working together with two electric motors. The petrol engine delivers 292HP (215 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft), while the electric motors additional 115HP (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. 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. Fuel consumption stands at just 1.9 liters / 100 km (123 mpg US or 148 mpg UK) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 45 g/km.

Other features include a set of 21” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 tires. The interior features slim sport seats, individual rear seats and huge luggage compartment, when rear seats are folded down.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTMG2s-xSXA

Source: Audi

April 22, 2014

BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept

BMW has officially unveiled the Vision Future Luxury Concept. The new vehicle stands for a forward-looking fusion of exclusivity and innovation. It boasts unique driving experience combining nice emotions and exclusivity. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior and interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury.

The exterior boasts futuristic elements, a Liquid Platinum Bronze paint and a massive twin kidney grille that is flanked by laserlight headlights. There are also carbon fiber air deflectors, chrome trim elements, OLED taillights and a carbon strip, which means that the Vision Future Luxury Concept comes with carbon fiber and aluminum chassis.

The interior is even more spectacular. There are three displays that use 3D technology – the left one shows vehicle data, while the center shows a programmable speedometer, rev counter and “context-adaptive supplementary data”. The right display is for the infotainment system – music, maps, etc.

There is also a contact-analogue BMW Vision Head Up Display. This display augments the driver’s view of the real world by projecting information directly in the driver’s line of sight onto the road. Buildings, traffic signs or hazards can be highlighted directly in the real-world environment, selectively directing the driver’s attention to specific information which is particularly important at any given time.

“We use visionary concept vehicles like the BMW Vision Future Luxury to show where we may be going with these themes in the future, and to give us new inspiration and motivation. The BMW Vision Future Luxury – with its innovative technologies and with meticulous precision and quality in every detail – takes our thinking on modern luxury a logical stage further.”, commented BMW’s Senior Vice President of Design, Adrian van Hooydonk.

Source: BMW

April 22, 2014

Ferrari 599 GTO vs Ferrari 458 Italia [video]

Ferrari 599 GTO Fiorano is powered by a naturally aspirated all-aluminum 6.0 liter V12 with 670HP (493 kW) at 8,250RPM and 620 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.35 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The overall weight is 1,605 kg (3 540 lbs), which is almost 100 kg (220 lbs) less than the standard GTB.

The 458 Italia has a naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) at 9,000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6,000RPM. The sports car is just 1380 kg (3,042 lbs), so it has power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp. 0-100 km/h in less than 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Which is faster? Check out in the video below!

The third car participating in the drag race on 1 mile is a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (W166). It is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 boosted to 700HP (515 kW). It is able to cover 1 mile in 30.096 seconds with a terminal speed of 271 km/h and ¼ mile in just 11.734 seconds with 191 km/h. Of course, it didn’t manage to beat the 599 GTO, which closed the gap really fast.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a__DuqJoME

Source: Dragtimesinfo

April 22, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang GT – Electronic Burnout Control System [video]

Ford US has won my heart with their latest technology called Electronic Burnout Control System. This is probably the best feature that car can have and will make you smile all day long, especially if you are behind the steering wheel of an all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT.

The Electronic Burnout Control System is essentially a line-lock, which keeps the front brakes locked while releasing the rear brakes. The driver can hit the accelerator to do a burnout without having to balance one foot on the brake and the other on the gas. This also protects your rear brake pads and the clutch.

Of course, the spectacular system is “intended for use only on racetracks”. The 2015 Mustang GT is powered by the upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine – 420HP (310 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft).

“We’re using advanced controls technology for the all-new Mustang to provide some of our most dedicated fans with an industry-first feature they can use when they go to the track. With electronic line-lock, customers who drive their Mustangs to work all week and then compete on the weekends will appreciate not having to modify their brake systems to be able to do effective tire prep at the drag strip.”, commented Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3nbwCjZKk8#t=39

Source: Ford

April 22, 2014

Volkswagen Golf Edition Concept – 40th Anniversary

Volkswagen has unviled a special 40^th Anniversary Golf VII Edition Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. It will be produced specially for China and comes with some nice styling upgrades.

The exterior boasts a bespoke Magic Morning that has a “striking golden shimmer depending on the angle of vision”. There are also chrome mirror caps, new special badges and a set of exclusive 19” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

The interior features two-tone leather sport seats with diamond pattern stitching. There are also genuine wood trim elements, piano black accents and illuminated door sill plates.

With Golf’s iconic design and pioneering all-round features, the Volkswagen best-seller, of which more than 30 million have been sold worldwide, was reflective of technological progress, and always head and shoulders above the rest. With the Golf Edition, another highlight in the history of this model range is launched.

The initial impression of the new Golf VII Edition is absolutely perfect.

Golf VII GTI is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 220HP (162 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph). There is also GTI Performance package boosting the engine with 10HP more. In this case, it will do 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: Volkswagen

April 22, 2014

2015 Toyota Yaris Facelift

Toyota has released some information about the upcoming 2015 Yaris Facelift. The small city car will get a major exterior styling change and some nice interior improvements.

Outside the 2015 Yaris Facelift will come with a new front fascia taken from the all-new Aygo. There is also a big lower grille combined with the upper one to create an “X” shape. The new Yaris will also come with integrated DRLs (daytime running lights) within the darkened headlights. There are also new taillights and revised rear bumper. The Japan manufacturer is also preparing new alloy wheel designs along with a revised interior cabin packing the latest version of the Toyota Link infotainment system.

2015 Toyota Yaris will also get a revised suspension for improved handling and comfort while the noise levels have be reduced to improve the comfort. The engine range will be the same and a hybrid model is also expected. These include a 1.0 liter and 1.33 liter petrol and a 1.4 liter D-4D diesel engine.

Yaris is the fourth highest selling Toyota passenger car ever sold in Australia – after Corolla, Camry and Corona. Cumulative sales in the country have passed 181,000 in just eight-and-a-half years since the nameplate arrived in late 2005.

More details of the new Yaris and its introduction will be announced soon.

April 22, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov