Author: Victor Ivanov

  • Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess

    Bugatti has unveiled another special edition of Veyron. Actually, this is the fifth edition part of Bugatti’s “Legends” series. It is based on the super powerful Grand Sport Vitesse and comes with a number of unique styling upgrades.

    2014 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess is paying tribute to the Type 18 “Black Bess”, which the manufacturer describes as one of the first street-legal super sports cars. The Type 18 “Black Bess” was powered by a 5.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 100HP (73 kW) and achieved a top speed of 161 km/h (100 mph), which was incredible considering the year – 1913.

    To be sensational nowadays, you need a really spectacular engine and power like twelve times more than 1913.

    Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engin – 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph).  ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds. Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

    Bugatti will exhibit the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on April 20th.

    Source: Bugatti

  • 2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country HD [video]

    Chevrolet has unveiled 2015 Silverado High Country HD coming with a number of nice extras and more individuality. The big pick-up truck is currently exhibited at the 2014 Denver Auto Show.

    The top-of-range High Country HD boasts a new chrome front grille with horizontal bars along with body-colored front and rear bumpers. There are also a 6” tubular chrome assist steps and the firm’s CornerStep rear bumper together with unique 20” chrome alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

    The interior boasts saddle brown leather upholstery combined with an 8” touchscreen display part of the Chevrolet MyLink system. Other extra include a Bose premium sound system, heated and cooled perforated front bucket seats and front and rear park assist systems.

    The options list includes a rear-seat entertainment system (with DVD/Blu-ray player), navigation system and sunroof, along with a High Country Premium Package featuring power-adjustable pedals, driver alert package and heated steering wheel. With these extras, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country HD can be extremely useful and nice to drive.

    The engine is a 6.0 liter V8 with 360HP (269 kW) and 514Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque, which is available in a bi-fuel variant running on compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrol. There is also a 6.6 liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel with 397HP (296 kW) and 1,036Nm (765 lb-ft) connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

    The High Country can be had built on 2500HD and 3500HD crew cab models with two- or four-wheel drive. Pricing will available soon and the first deliveries are expected this summer.

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

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdwn4bzEs2M

    Source: Chevrolet

  • BMW Driving Experience in Sweden

    BMW has a great tradition teaching owners of ///M-powered cars how to use them correctly even in severe conditions such as ice, rain, snow, etc. The Driving Experience program has recently visited Arjeplog, Sweden, which is no less than 60 km south of the polar circle.

    The test aimed to teach the drivers and owners of ///M cars, what to do on ice and snow, when sitting behind the steering wheel ofBMW M3 and particularly the E92 model.

    BMW E92 M3 is simply brutal car, which hardly can be compared with anything else. It is powered by a magnificent high-revving S65B40 – 4.0 litre V8 delivering 420PS (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass 300 km/h (186 mph).

    Of course, the tested models were fitted with spiked tyres to maintain a little traction.

    “The fastest option on asphalt is to make a clean streak, while drifting is the answer on slippery surfaces. The front of the car points towards the inside of the bend, so that the propulsive power of the centrifugal force counteracts this a little and actually permits a faster speed than stable driving”, said the legendary rally champion Walter Röhrl.

     

    Source: BMW

  • Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV rival of BMW X6

    Mercedes-Benz is going to exhibit a direct rival of the popular BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV will be previewed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting this month.

    BMW X6 has been unveiled back in 2008 and already has received a minor facelift in 2012. The German manufacturer is preparing a 2nd generation of it, but Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t launched a direct rival of it. However, the long-rumored MLC is going to be introduced to the audience in a couple of weeks.

    2016 Mercedes-Benz MLC is scheduled to begin production next year in the US at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama factory alongside the M-Class. It will look considerably more aggressive than a regular M-Class and will have a “very dynamic handling”. Practically, Mercedes-Benz will create a X6 with different headlights, grille, badges and some other elements. The engine range will be taken from the M-Class except, of course, the smallest power units.

    Stay tuned for more photos and information, which will be available on April 20th during the press day of Beijing Motor Show.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI

    Hartmann Tuning has unveiled their latest project based on a facelifted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI. The tuning specialists has reworked the big vehicle almost entirely. Hartmann Sprinter comes with complete body kit, new wheels and improved interior.

    The exterior boasts a new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of redesigned side skirts and a new set of fog lights. There is also a nice “red and racy paint” finish and huge alloy wheels – 9J x 20” Zaro fitted with 265/45 R20 tires.

    The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon fiber applications and chromed sill plates. Other upgrades include a leather shift knob, leather upholstery with red stitching, as well as an Alcantara trim on the doors.

    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI is powered by a 3.0 liter DOHC V6 diesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Although, the big van is not quite fast, it can embarrass a lot of everyday small city cars. If, the 319 CDI gets and ECU re-map, it will easily develop over 220HP (162 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque.

    The first generation Sprinter was launched back in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz TN, which was on the market since 1977. The Sprinter immediately became best-seller and was voted International Van of the Year for 1995. The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with super-efficient and powerful engines, a lot of extras and ever AWD system.

    Source: Hartmann

  • BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition for China

    BMW has announced a 7-Series F02 Horse Special Edition for China, which is expected to be exhibited at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on April 20th. The German manufacturer has already presented the exclusive M5 and M6 Gran Coupe Horse Edition, now it is turn to the luxurious flag-ship.

    2014 BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition is specially developed to celebrate the year of the horse. It is based on the 740Li xDrive (long wheel base and all-wheel drive) and can be finished in some the exclusive color schemes: a metallic Black Sapphire, Moonstone, Citrine Black paint or with this pictured Ruby Black hue.

    Other features coming as standard include the ///M-Sport kit featuring a complete aerodynamics package (front and rear bumpers, a new diffuser and side skirts). There is also a set of big 19” ///M alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Other goodies are complete Shadowline trim as well as LED headlights and a rear chrome strip with “limited edition” lettering.

    The interior boasts Comfort seats with ventilation and heating, rear seats with massaging function, an Anthracite roof liner and the Chinese character for horse embroidered in the front headrests.

    The engine is a 3.0 liter TwinPower turbo I6 with 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

    No words about pricing!

    Source: BMW

  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet [render images]

    Mercedes-Benz has recently announced the all-new 2015 S-Class Coupe, which replaced the well-known CL-Class. Of course, good ideas about reworking of the model started to emerge immediately. Here is one – S-Class Cabriolet materialized by the Malaysian designer Theophilus Chin. Of course, the project is based on the S-Class Coupe, which had its roof chopped and replaced by soft-fabric.

    There is a new fashion in car industry to create Coupe-Cabriolets, which is very successful, but the hardcore fans of Cabriolets still appreciate to cloth roof rather than metal. There are no other differences except the possibility of altering the angle of the windshield. If the S-Class Cabriolet happens, it will be the biggest one ever produced from the German manufacturer. It will be also a direct rival of the spectacular Bentley Continental GT Convertible.

    2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe was presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It is 5,027mm long, 1,899m wide and 1,411mm tall, with a 2,495mm wheelbase. The sales are expected to begin in the second half of this year. Initially only an S500 Coupe model will be available. It will be powered by a 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo engine with 455HP (335 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). Of course, a lot other models are expected including the super-powerful S 63 AMG and the monster S 65 AMG with over 600HP and 1,000Nm of torque.

  • BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Scored at 2014 Annual Magazine Awards

    BMW has once again took several awards from Automobile Magazine in the US. This time the winners are the 2014 BMW 3 Series Sedan and all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe. As the segment leader since its launch in 1977, the BMW 3 Series has now collected nearly 20 of Automobile Magazine’s awards. The BMW 4 Series Coupe is now also recognized as an All-Star in its inaugural year.

    “The BMW 3 Series is a perennial Automobile Magazine All-Star award winner, with this being its eighteenth year on the list. For 2014, the 3 Series name refers to four-door models, while coupe and convertible versions get the 4 Series badge. The 3 Series/
    4 Series sums up a lifetime of automotive hopes and dreams for generations of American automotive enthusiasts.”, noted the editors at Automobile Magazine.

    The awards will be presented during the 2014 New York International Auto Show, which will showcase the full range of BMW 3-Series and 4-Series models including the new 4-Series Gran Coupe which makes its North American debut.

    BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.

    Source: BMW US

  • Peugeot Exalt Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show

    Peugeot has published two images of the the Exalt four-door Coupe Concept ahead of its official premiere scheduled for 2014 Beijing Motor Show in China. The stylish vehicle comes with a lot of nice technologies and innovations. The manufacturer teased this concept back in January and they said it would serve as a follow-up for the Onyx concept.

    Peugeot Exalt Concept comes with a Hybrid4 powertrain featuring a petrol engine and an electric motor working together and having a combined output of 340HP (250 kW). Probably it will come with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD), which will be a lot appreciated by the sport Peugeot fans. The acceleration is expected to be somewhere around 5.5 seconds for 0-100 km/h and the top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Hopefully, they fit an LSD (limited-slip differential) for extreme fun.

    The Exalt is described as an “association of crude steel and an efficient textile, Shark Skin, inspired by the structure of shark skin”. There are no images of the interior, but there will be a lot of luxurious materials including fine leather, raw steel and ebony wood.

    The Peugeot Exalt Concept will make its public debut on April 20th during the press day of the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

    Source: Peugeot

  • Mansory Mercedes-Benz SLR Renovatio – Price €219,000

    Here is a very interesting offer for tuned Mercedes-Benz SLR. The Mansory SLR Renovatio is now available to buy for no less than €219,000. The car has only 25,000 on the clock and is in mint condition.

    The exterior is finished in nice silver paint and features a lot of carbon fiber elements like new front spoiler add-ons, carbon fiber inserts on the front hood, and grills on the front fenders. There is also a new carbon fiber diffuser and a lip spoiler made from the same material. The interior also comes with a number of carbon fiber elements including gear lever, steering wheel and center console moldings.

    The engine is not tuned – a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 with 626HP (460 kW) at 6,500RPM and 780Nm (580 lb-ft) of torque at just 3,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph).  The engine is connected to an AMG Speedshift R 5-speed automatic transmission with three manual modes.

    SLR stands for “Sport Leicht Rennsport” (Sport Light Racing). The manufacturer built only 3,500 units with annual production of just 500 car. So, if you like the legendary SLR and particularly its tuned version by Mansory, the price for this unit is very reasonable.

    Source: Mobile.de

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 – Price €97,282

    Mercedes-Benz has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 SL 400. The stylish roadster is a successor of SL 350 and comes with an new engine and some other nice technologies. These include aluminium body and chassis as well as a number of premium extras.

    The engine is taken from E-Class 400 – a 3.0 liter V6 twin-turbo with 333HP (245 kW) at 5,250RPM and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) at just 1,600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). This is 27HP and 110Nm more than its predecessor. The fuel consumption is also improved – 7.3 liters / 100 km on combined cycle (32.2 mpg US or 38.6 mph UK) with CO2 emissions of 172 g/km. The EURO 6 engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels.

    Like all BlueDIRECT petrol engines the biturbo engine in the new SL 400 also works with a direct injection system with spray-guided combustion, which Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer to offer in series production. The system pressure is up to 200 bar, the pressure being variably optimised according to the engine’s mapping. Piezo injectors enable optimal mixture formation with up to five injections per power stroke. The third-generation direct injection is supplemented by rapid multi-spark ignition, MSI.

    2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 is priced from €97,282 (including 19% VAT).

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2015 BMW M4 Convertible – US Price $73,425

    Although BMW US has scheduled the 2015 M4 Convertible for the summer, the German manufacturer has announced its pricing – $73,425 (including Destination & Handling). The price is considerably higher than that for M4 Coupe, which starts at $65,125. The stylish drop-top will make its official US debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

    2014 BMW M4 Convertible is powered by a a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine with 430HP (317 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission and 4.4 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

    Some of the highlights include optional LED technology for the headlights, BMW ///M double-spoke 19” wheels and impressive body kit featuring aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a new diffuser.  The interior boasts all ///M elements like M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest, M gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, M leather steering wheel with chrome trim, color contrast stitching and electroplated-look shift paddles paddles (if the M-DCT gearbox is specified).

    Other features include Active M Differential, M compound brakes and an M-tuned electromechanical steering system. Options list is long, but most important are the Adaptive M suspension (with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes) and M carbon ceramic brakes with gold-painted calipers. The retractable hard top that can be lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

    Source: BMW US