Victor Ivanov – Page 54 – Automobiles Review

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Zenvo ST1

Zenvo Automotive is currently exhibiting the production-ready ST1 at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The hyper car was seriously criticized by the TV show Top Gear and even during testing, it caught fire. However, this is serious problem even for a manufacturer like Porsche, who had the same issues with the recently announced GT3 RS.

Zenvo ST1 is all about performance. It is powered by a 6.8 liter supercharged and turbocharged V8 – 1,104 HP (812 kW) and 1,430 Nm (1,054 lb-ft). The power is put on the road through a paddle-shift 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 375 km/h (233 mph). The curb weight is just 1,590kg (3,505 lbs).

The exterior features an aggressive design with wide body and huge air ducts. There are 19” wheels at the front and 20” at the rear fitted with Michelin Super Sport tires. Behind them, a carbon ceramic brake system is housed.

The interior boasts 1990s style, but with some hi-tech goodies like electronically-adjustable racing seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, GPS navigation, along with a Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control system and a head-up display.

The price of this toy is €803,000.

Source: Zenvo

March 6, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan BladeGlider Concept

Nissan brought the BladeGlider Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has been already presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and now it is unveiled to the European audience.

The Nissan BladeGlider features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above. It boasts sports car performance handling, braking and weight distribution.

The chassis is manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensuring maximum stiffness and lightweight.

The interior is designed for three passengers and the seats are in a triangular configuration with the driver centre-forward. There are special light and comfortable coverings with yellow fluorescent lines. The steering-wheel boasts futuristic design, while the instrumentation technology completes the glider-like outline. When the door is opened, the driver’s seat automatically slides allowing easier access to passenger seats.

Source: Nissan

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan GT-R Nismo

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

Source: Nissan

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Check the full details below!

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

March 5, 2014

2014 Nissan Juke Nismo RS – 218HP and 280Nm

Nissan has unveiled the Juke Nismo RS at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The updated model comes with minor styling upgrades, but there are a lot of performance goodies. The suspension is improved as well as the power, brakes and exhaust system.

First, the 1.6 liter DIG-T engine is boosted to 218HP (160 kW) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 18HP and 30Nm. For perfect traction, even the 2WD models can be ordered with a mechanical Limited Slip Differential on the driven front wheels.

An LSD is not required in four-wheel drive versions which have Torque Vectoring, Nissan’s Xtronic transmission and 250Nm of torque. Xtronic transmission models now feature standard fit steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts to control the eight-speed manual mode.

The performance gains are matched by an improved soundtrack with a retuned exhaust system providing a sportier engine note thanks to a large diameter muffler.

The suspension boasts strategic body strengthening to increase torsional stiffness. The brakes now includes 320mm front discs, while the rear discs are now ventilated. Revised spring and damper settings complete the chassis changes.

Some of the styling upgrades include red brake callipers and discreet ‘RS’ badging on the front and rear. There is also RS logo in the rev counter while a distinctive suede wrap covers the instrument binnacle. The final finishing touch inside is an unusual water print finish on the shift knob/paddle shifters and the central cluster.

The options list include special Recaro sports “bucket” seats, Xenon headlamps, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection giving visual and audible warnings to avoid potential collisions.

Source: Nissan

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new 2015 S-Class Coupe to audience at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show.

The CL-Class replacement boasts generous dimensions and a lot of interior space. It is 5,027mm long, 1,899m wide and 1,411mm tall, with a 2,495mm wheelbase. The elegant two-door coupe is one of the best looking vehicles that Mercedes-Benz has ever created. The model was previewed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and now it is practically production ready. 2015 S-Class Coupe is expected to hit the market 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).

Some of the highlights include the recently announced MAGIC BODY CONTROL with curve tilting function and the optional headlights with 47 Swarovski crystals.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Opel Astra OPC Extreme

Opel is currently exhibiting the most powerful Astra called OPC Extreme at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The twin brother of Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme comes with the same extremely powerful engine and an aggressive body kit.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine produces 300HP (225 kW). It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differential) at the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. There is also a Brembo 6-piston brake system with 370mm front discs sitting behind the 19” alloy wheels fitted with specially developed 245/35 tires.

Other highlights include a lot of carbon fiber parts including front hood, front diffuser, bumper and spoiler as well as a carbon fiber roof. The result is -100kg (220 lbs) compared to the normal OPC.

The interior comes with a roll-bar, Recaro bucket seats, with six-point safety belts from Schroth and a carbon-fibre-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

Source: Opel

March 5, 2014

Ferrari California T – A Turbo Convertible [video]

Ferrari has officially unveiled the facelifted California T at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The stylish convertible comes not only with some nice styling upgrades, but an all-new turbocharged engine. We suspected that the “T” in model signature is going to mean something like that, but nothing was for sure until now.

The exterior boasts a complete makeover including elements from the super-expensive FF and F12 Berlinetta. The folding hard top can open or close in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h (35 mph).

The interior features leather Frau sport seats and a redesigned center console as well as a new 6.5” touchscreen display featuring an updated infotainment system. Upon request, the customer can order an extremely powerful 1,280 WATT JBL Professional sound system with 12 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier.

The all-new engine is a 3.8 liter turbocharged V8 – 560HP (412 kW) and 755Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 316 km/h (196 mph). The California T Facelift boasts 15% improved fuel consumption and 20% less CO2 emissions.

Other highlights include uprated suspension featuring new springs and dampers, along with a better F1-Trac traction control system and reworked carbon ceramic brakes.

2014 Ferrari Caliofrnia T marks returning to turbocharging era since the F40, which was phased out back in 1992.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZKmLMbTk0

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1XdkDt9-xM

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ_Eidlemo4

Source: Ferrari

March 4, 2014

2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG – Nurburgring Record – 7 minutes and 58 seconds

The new 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 DSG managed to smash the Nurburgring lap record for a FWD (front wheel drive) car. The hot hatchback managed to do a lap in under 8 minutes, which makes it the first FWD production model below that barrier.

The current record was held by Renault Megane RS Trophy, which stopped the clock at 8 minutes and 8 seconds, but the new Cupra 280 needed just 7 minutes and 58.4 seconds.

2014 Seat Leon Cupra 280 is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 280HP (206 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. It is able to return 44.1 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

Other highlights include a DSG double clutch gearbox and an optional Performance Pack that includes Brembo high-performance brakes, specially designed 19” alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

There is also a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC).

Source: Seat

March 4, 2014

Porsche 918 Spyder – Nurburgring Lap Record – 6 minutes and 57 seconds

2014 Porsche 918 Spyder managed to set a new record at Nurburgring for a vehicle with global road homologation. It managed to close a lap at the famous Germany circuit in less than minutes.

The 918 Spyder has achieved exactly 6 minutes and 57 seconds. What is more, the new Porsche blends maximum driving dynamics with minimal fuel consumption. The record, which was previously held for four years, was broken during the first attempt in the test drive programme on the morning of 4^th September.

All three drivers – Former European Rally Champion Walter Rohrl, Porsche test driver Timo Kluck and Porsche factory race driver Marc Lieb – were quicker than the existing record with each lap, driving the two 918 Spyder models used. Each driver posted lap times of less than seven minutes on numerous occasions. Ultimately, it was Marc Lieb who posted the absolute best time of 6.57 minutes, driving at an average speed of over 179.5 km/h(111 mph), as measured by Wige Solutions.

Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 608HP (447 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. There are also two electric motors with 156HP (115 kW) and 129HP (95 kW) at each axle (front and rear). The maximum combined output is 887HP (661 kW) and over 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

Source: Porsche

March 4, 2014

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack Concept in Geneva

Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack Concept is currently exhibited at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The Multivan Alltrack is an outstanding example of this, as it really is superbly equipped for any task and every route.

The Multivan Alltrack comes with an all-wheel drive system so found in the Passat Variant Alltrack. The exterior features a Moonstone Mother of Pearl Effect color and a set of 19” high-gloss alloy wheels and matte silver underbody protection. The interior boasts a Poltrona Frau natural leather upholstery and a dark brown wood boat floor. There is also an 8” touchscreen display for the infotainment system and a Dynaudio Surround Sound system.

The engine is a 2.0 liter BiTDI with 180HP (132 kW) and 420Nm (311 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through an Alltrack all-wheel-drive system working with a multi-plate Haldex coupling installed on the rear axle. The Multivan Alltrack Concept has a 21-degree approach angle and a 15” departure angle.

The Concept looks almost production-ready, so it probably hit the market sometime in 2015.

Source: Volkswagen

March 4, 2014

Porsche 919 Hybrid V4 2.0 liter Turbo Engine

Porsche 919 is officially unveiled in Geneva, which means that the manufacturer is actually returning in Le Mans competition. The LMP1 car packs all latest technologies as well as extremely powerful and economical drivetrain and super lightweight chassis.

The drivetrain consists of a newly developed single-turbo V4 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine working with a front axle-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The V4 engine revs up to 9,000RPM and sends the power to the rear wheels, while the electric motor provides momentum for the front ones, which means a temporary AWD.

There are also two energy recovery systems – a brake energy recovery and a thermal energy recovery system incorporated in the exhaust system. This means an 8 MJ (megajoule) / lap energy recovery boost function. Actually, this is the maximum allowed under current LMP1 regulations.

According to the race regulations, the Porsche 919 Hybrid must not exceed a length of 4,650 mm and a height of 1,050 mm, and vehicle width must be between 1,800 and 1,900 mm. The car’s aerodynamics have been fine-tuned in over 2,000 hours of wind tunnel testing since February 2012. Aerodynamics make an important contribution to the overall efficiency of the race car and reduce air drag while supplying the increased cooling air needed for the hybrid drive and the downforce needed for high cornering speeds. The aerodynamic design of the Porsche 919 Hybrid can be modified for different course characteristics.

Source: Porsche

March 4, 2014

Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept – 420HP and 450Nm

Audi is currently presenting the spectacular and very powerful TT Quattro Sport Concept coming with uprated 2.0 liter TFSI engine and impressive exterior.

The engine delivers 420HP (309 kW) at 6,700RPM and 450Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque at 2,400RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Its weight is just 150 kg and produces 210HP / liter specific power, which is more than the 2001 Le Mans-winner Audi R18. The power is put on the road through an S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system. The curb weight of Audi TT Quattro Sport Concept is just 1,344 kg (2,963 lbs), which explains its epic performance.

The exterior boasts some new interesting details like a diamond-pattern front grille flanked by matrix LED headlights and massive air intakes providing engine cooling. Other features include a CFRP splitter along with extended wheel arches and a diffuser also manufactured from carbon fiber reinforced plastic. There are also new 20” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. Last, but not least is the big rear wing increasing the downforce.

The interior matches to the exterior. There are no speakers or armrest, while in the cargo area there is space for two racing helmets. There are also two bucket seats with black four-point seatbelts along with a 12.3” TFT fully digital display.

For now, the TT Quattro Sport remains only a concept car, but it will be great, if Audi decides to start series production.

Source: Audi

March 4, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov