Victor Ivanov – Page 43 – Automobiles Review

2015 Volkswagen Touareg Facelift

Volkswagen has unveiled the 2015 Touareg Facelift before its official premiere at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The big SUV comes with new styling, improved materials for the interior and some innovative technology.

The exterior is more refined and boasts nice style. At the front, the new Touareg features bigger headlights – now with bi-xenon as standard across the range, a deeper new radiator grille with four zontal fins and a reprofiled bumper. At the rear, there is a new bumper with a new rear diffuser between the twin tailpipes and LED rear foglights integrated in the bumper. New door mirror caps, a range of new wheel designs and new paint colours complete the exterior makeover.

The interior comes with leather upholstery as standard with a lot of new colours available. There are also new design accents and new lighting.

Some of the innovative technology of 2015 Volkswagen Touareg includes an automatic post-collision braking system, bi-xenon headlights and a coasting function on the 8-speed automatic gearbox. This last feature utilises the vehicle’s kinetic energy when driving downhill or when acceleration is not needed.

The optional ADC automatic distance control has been enhanced. ADC, which uses a radar sensor integrated into the front of the car to detect distance from the car in front, maintain a preselected speed and automatically brake or accelerate in traffic, now also includes a city emergency braking function, and can automatically pull away in stop-and-go traffic.

The 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 245HP now offers 258HP (190 kW) and the 204HP (150 kW) variant now returns a combined cycle 42.8 mpg UK and 174 g/km of CO₂, while the more powerful model returns 41.5 mpg UK and 178 g/km of CO₂_.The V8 diesel and Hybrid models will no longer be offered in the UK.

2015 Volkswagen Touareg Facelift will be available to order in the UK in August.

Source: Volkswagen

April 17, 2014

MG Dynamo Concept EV – 71HP and 155Nm

MG is going to celebrate their 90^th anniversary with an all-new model called Dynamo Concept. The electric vehicle is developed by SAIC’s European Design and Technical Center and “encompasses the latest in design and engineering technology.”

The manufacturer didn’t release any further specifications, but said that the concept was created to “fully understand European market demand for a small, electric MG”. Still, the Dynamo Concept EV will feature LED fog lights, a sloping roofline and five-spoke alloy wheels.

The electric motor has 71HP (52 kW) and 155Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque. The curb weight is 1,080 kg (2,381 lb). 0-50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a range of 80 km (50 miles) on a single charge.

The Dynamo Concept EV can be recharged up to 80% in just 30 minutes or fully recharged in 6 hours.

Other interesting models to be shown at SMMT headquarters in Westminster, London, features current UK production models; MG6 and MG3.

The MG6 comes with an impressive equipment as standard on all models, with class leading interior and boot space, and MG driving dynamics available in both a sporty GT Fastback and GT Magnette saloon body styles, and both petrol and diesel variants. The MG6 is priced from £15,455 and includes the new 150HP (112 kW) and 350 Nm (259 lb-ft), 6-speed stop-start diesel engine.

Source: MG

April 17, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car [sketch]

Volkswagen has published several design sketches of the Golf R 400 Concept Car. The ultra-hot hatchback will make its official premiere at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show on April 19^th. As you may suggest, it will boast extreme power and aggressive exterior.

The exterior of Golf R400 Concept comes with new front and rear bumpers, flared wheelarches, uprated wheels and tires. The interior is also reworked and includes motorsport shell seats with integral head restraints and belt openings.

The flared wheelarches are deliberately reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60, and most of the concept is painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, in contrast to the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

Lemon Yellow highlights on the outside include the horizontal stripe across the grille,which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights, while the interior stitching is also ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The four-wheel drive, DSG-equipped Golf R 400 will accelerate 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and the top speed will be 280 km/h (174 mph).

No words about production, but Golf R 4000 will be definitely spectacular.

Source: Volkswagen

April 17, 2014

DMC Ferrari 458 Italia Estremo & The Twin Bike

dmc-ferrari-458-italia-estremo-and-the-twin-bike DMC and No-Limit-Custom will exhibit the spectacular Estremo based on one of the best sports cars in the world – Ferrari 458 Italia. The specially prepared tuned vehicle will be joined by a bespoke motorcycle from No-Limit-Custom at the 2014 Top Marques Monaco.

The unique twin bike boasts the same red and black theme as the Ferrari and yellow brake calipers. DMC is going to produce only 15 Estremo cars as each of them come with incredible styling and additional performance upgrade.

DMC 458 Estremo is powered by a 4.5 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 592HP (435 kW) – an increase of 22HP (18 kW). The ride height is lowered thanks to the new sports suspension. Other highlights include a new ventilated hood, 20” and 21” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, carbon fiber front fascia, a new rear wing and aerodynamics side skirts. All components are made exclusively from carbon fiber, which reflects to the vehicle’s curb weight – minus 50 to 80 kg (110 to 176 lbs).

From DMC commented that every third customer, who chosen to modify his (or hers) Ferrari 458 Italia will get the “Gold Edition” fitted with F1-style canards and a bespoke owner plate signed by the car’s designer.

Source: DMC

April 17, 2014

2015 Scion FR-S Special Edition – TRD Upgrades

Scion is going to exhibit FR-S Special Edition at the 2014 New York Auto Show in few days. It draws on track heritage and the expertise of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). There is a wide array of nice upgrades which will be appreciated by the fans.

“It’s fitting that the first Scion FR-S Release Series draws on the rich motorsports history that inspired the FR-S design while standing out in new ways that will excite our drivers,” commented Scion Vice President Doug Murtha.

“FR-S enthusiasts will appreciate the side spoilers and lowered stance that deliver a look and feel meant for the track, at a price meant for them.”, Mr. Murtha added.

The exterior comes with a Yuzu paint scheme and a custom aerodynamic body kit which will include a rear spoiler and side fender elements. There is also a quad exhaust setup and lowered ride height thanks to the set of sport springs. Other highlights include a Smart Key with Push Button Start. TRD installed a different steering wheel, shift knob, black seats with T-pattern and a unique logo cargo floor mat.

Last, but not least are the headlights with HID headlamps and LED DRLs (daytime-running lights).

Of course, each of the 1,500 units of Scion FR-S Special Edition will have an individually numbered plaque and a price of below $30,000.

Source: Scion

April 16, 2014

BMW 2-Series 228i Coupe Track Handling Package [video]

The 2015 BMW 2-Series 228i Track Handling Package is officially unveiled. BMWBlog has published a lot of pictures and a video clip presenting the performance coupe. The car will be available to order in July, this year.

As we previously mentioned the Track Handling Package includes ///M Adaptive Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on unique 18” light-alloy wheels , Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes. The package will be available from July 2014 for both 6-speed manual and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission-equipped BMW 228i Coupe models.

The /// M Adaptive Suspension lowers the ride height by 10mm and makes use of several sensors to provide a “comprehensive real-time profile of damping needs at all four corners to effectively read and adapt to the road” in a few milliseconds. In other words, the 228i with Track Handling Package will corner even sharper.

BMW 2-Series 228i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower turbo gasoline engine with 245HP (180 kW) at 5,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels or a 6-speed manual variant. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hW8kJMJvaU

Source: BimmerBlog

April 16, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Trax – US Spec [video]

Chevrolet is going to offer the new 2015 Trax in the US with first deliveries expected in the beginning of the next year. The compact crossover will be exhibited at the 2014 New York Auto Show. We doubt that it will make huge success, because the US market is quite demanding.

“Trax offers customers another option in the Chevrolet family and will be a strong competitor in the emerging small-SUV market, which is expected to grow more than 80 % by 2016,” commented Alan Batey, General Motors senior vice president, Global Chevrolet.

“Trax also leverages our global resources and builds on Chevrolet’s strong SUV heritage.”, he added.

2015 Chevrolet Trax US is virtually identical to the European version. The US model comes with a “dual-port” grille, sweptback headlights and muscular rear fenders. The model also has plastic body cladding and 16” or 18” alloy wheels.

The interior boasts a new inspired instrument cluster, metallic accents and a MyLink infotainment system with a 7” display. The luggage compartment is pretty big – 530 liters and can be increased to 1,371 liter with rear seats folded down.

The engine is a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline with 140HP (103 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUr_NhPn9o

2015 Chevrolet Trax Specs:

Overview

Model:	Chevrolet Trax
Body style / driveline:	small SUV, front-engine/front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
Construction:	body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	sport utility vehicle
Key competitors:	Kia Soul, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Manufacturing locations:	Bupyeong, South Korea and San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Engine

	1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	83.2 / 1364
Bore and stroke (in. / mm):	2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6
Block material:	cast iron
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)
Ignition system:	coil on plug
Fuel delivery:	sequential multi-port fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	9.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	138 / 103 @ 4900 (SAE certified)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):	148 / 200 @ 1850 (SAE certified)
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Max engine speed (rpm):	6500
Emissions controls:	close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; pre- and post-oxygen sensors
EPA fuel economy (city / hwy):	26 / 34

Transmission

	Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic
Gear ratios (:1)
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.94
Final drive:	3.53

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	MacPherson strut with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar; steel 6-point rigid attachment front cross member
Rear:	compound crank (torsion beam); coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers
Steering type:	column-mounted electric power steering; rack-and-pinion gear (straight ratio)
Steering ratio:	16.1:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.7 (16-inch wheels) 2.6 (18-inch wheels)
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	36.7 / 11.2

Brakes

Type:	FWD: front discs with ventilated rotors, rear drums; standard ABS AWD: four-wheel disc with ventilated front discs and solid rear discs; standard ABS
Brake rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	front: 11.8 x 1.0 / 300 x 26, ventilated discs (FWD & AWD) rear: 10.6 x 0.5 / 268 x 12, solid discs (AWD)
Drum diameter (in / mm) :	rear: 9 / 230 (FWD)
Anti-lock braking system:	Mando MGH60 Chassis Controls: ABS / TCS / ESC with rollover mitigation

Wheels/Tires

Wheels:	16 x 6.5-inch steel with wheel cover (std.) 16 x 6.5-inch aluminum (opt.) 18 x 7-inch aluminum (opt.)
Tires:	P205/70R16 ALS (std.) P215/55R18 AL3 (opt.)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	100.6 / 2555
Overall length (in / mm):	168.5 / 4280
Overall width (in / mm):	69.9 / 1776
Overall height (in / mm):	65.9 / 1674
Track (in / mm):	front: 60.6 / 1540 rear: 60.6 / 1540
Curb weight (lb / kg):	FWD: 2805 / 1293 (est.) AWD: 3208 / 1455 (est.)
Minimum ground clearance (in. / mm):	front: 6.2 / 157 rear: 6.2 / 157

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 39.6 / 1005 rear: 38.8 / 985
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 40.8 / 1037 rear: 35.7 / 907
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 54.1 / 1374 rear: 52.8 / 1340
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 51.7 / 1313 rear: 50.2 / 1274
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	92.8 / 2628
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	18.7 / 530 (behind rear seat) 48.4 / 1371 (rear seat folded)

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	14 / 53
Engine oil (qt / L):	4.75 / 4.5
Cooling system (qt / L):	6.9 / 6.5

Source: Chevrolet

April 16, 2014

2015 Infiniti Q70 Facelift

Infiniti has unveiled 2015 Q70 Facelift, which will be also available in a long-wheelbase variant. Its evocative design, class-leading rear space, invigorating performance, innovative technology and superior craftsmanship combine to make the new Q70 a strong offering in this category.

The Q70L will be with 15cm longer wheelbase compared to the normal model. This means increased rear knee and legroom resulting in more comfort for the occupants. The model also looks more elegant and refined. It features different headlights and taillights benefiting from LED technology. There is also a new front fascia and new wood accents for the interior.

The engine range includes the well-known 3.7 liter V6 with 330HP (243 kW) at 7,000RPM and 366Nm (270 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a powerful 5.6 liter V8 with 420HP (309 kW) and 565Nm (417 lb-ft). The engines work exclusively with a 7-speed automatic transmission and if you want to opt for the hybrid variant you will have to settle for the standard wheelbase version.

The Hybrid model combines a 3.5 liter V6 working together with an electric motor. The gasoline engine delivers 302HP (225 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft), while the electric motor has 68HP (50 kW) and 290Nm (214 lb-ft).

The 2015 Infiniti Q50 and Q50L facelift will be also revealed to the public at the New York Auto Show.

Source: Infiniti

April 16, 2014

2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited

Infiniti has recently unveiled the new 2015 QX80 and now they are introducing the top-of-range Limited trim level. It boasts an extensive menu of exclusive features, including an upgraded level of craftsmanship surpassing even the high standards of “ordinary” QX80s.

2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited comes with full LED headlights and taillights, a revised front grille, two new alloy wheel designs and three new unique paint schemes. The interior boasts two new base colors as well as two color schemes. The Tuscan Burl trim was replaced with darker Mocha Burl.

Other highlights include a set of bespoke 22” dark alloy wheels, smoked headlights and taillights and a special Truffle Brown interior finish combining brown, black and silver leather with wood appointments and trim. There is also dark-finished upper and lower grille surround, side vents, roof rails, fog light surround, side mirror caps, door handles and crossbars.

2015 Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 5.6 liter V8 with 400HP (293 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The Infiniti QX80 Limited also offers a seemingly unlimited list of advanced technology and safety features, including High Beam Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Emergency Braking and the new Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts. Also included are Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).

Source: Infiniti

April 16, 2014

Oettinger Audi A4 Sport – Avant and Sedan

Oettinger has unveiled their latest tuning program for the new Audi A4. The tuning company from Ingolstadt offers styling and performance upgrades for the Avant and Sedan models and also for the long version of the A4 which is only available in China.

The styling program includes a new front bumper, a carbon fiber front splitter and a honeycomb mesh grille insert. There are also carbon fiber mirror covers, aerodynamic side skirts and 19” RXX alloy wheels which are available in a silver or black finish. Upon request, there is a new rear bumper, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, a sports exhaust system and roof or tailgate-mounted spoiler (for the Avant model).

For additional performance, Oettinger offers a new “Engine Power Command” system which promises to deliver a lot of power and “beefy torque”. All engines in the range including the powerful S4 and RS4 models can benefit from the new power.

The new RS4 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.2 liter V8 – 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and Quattro AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The combined fuel consumption is just 10.7 l / 100 km (22 mpg US) with 249 g/km CO2.

Source: Oettinger

April 15, 2014

2015 BMW 2-Series 228i Coupe with Track Handling Package

BMW is going to offer a special Track Handling Package for the 2015 2-Series 228i Coupe in the US. Inspired by the original formula of BMW “S-package” vehicles manufactured in the course of the past three decades, the new Track Handling Package embraces the desires of the most enthusiastic BMW drivers.

The Track Handling Package includes /// M Adaptive Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on unique 18” light-alloy wheels , Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes. The package will be available from July 2014 for both 6-speed manual and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission-equipped BMW 228i Coupe models. The Track Handling Package may be added to any 228i Coupe during the vehicle ordering process.

BMW 2-Series 228i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower turbo gasoline engine with 245HP (180 kW) at 5,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

There is no doubt that the 2-Series 228i equipped with Track Handling Package will be extremely fun to drive and slide. What is more, it will set ultra-fast lap times and will compete with very tough track cars like Porsche Cayman and Lotus Elise. Still, the 228i will be a good everyday car with low fuel consumption and nice equipment.

Source: BMW US

April 15, 2014

Peugeot 2008 DKR for 2015 Dakar Rally

Peugeot has unveiled the 2008 DKR Race Car, which will compete in the world’s most tough challenge – 2015 Dakar Rally. The extremely muscular vehicle will be driven by Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres, who will defend the colours of Team Peugeot Total on next January’s Dakar.

The French manufacturer makes a return after 25 years with a 2008-based racer, which looks quite aggressive. It rolls enormous 37” (94 cm) off-road Michelin tires and has received a large rear wing while the rear doors were removed. There is also a short front overhang to allow a high approach angle.

Still there, are no further details except that the vehicle will have a two-wheel drive layout and all the necessary improvements to comply with Dakar’s regulations. The 2008 DKR’s breath-taking forms are sure to cause a stir even before the new car starts to kick up dust as it begins to be put through its paces in the colours of Red Bull and Total.

Peugeot 2008 DKR will be exhibited at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

“We provided Peugeot’s Style Centre with a very precise brief,” commented the Project Leader at Peugeot Sport, Jean-Christophe Pailler.

“We supplied them with the basic key dimensions, as well as other information such as the cabin space we required, plus the wheel size and the suspension travel. They also had aerodynamic data resulting from our early simulation work.”, he added.

Source: Peugeot

April 15, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov