Victor Ivanov – Page 58 – Automobiles Review

2014 Peugeot 308 SW: A Spacious Estate for Modern Families

Peugeot has officially unveiled full details about the all-new 308 SW model. The dynamic estate car with a performance-oriented design boasts outstanding load space and impeccable road manners.

2014 Peugeot 308 SW meets the expectations of the customers by concentrating on the basic requirements for this segment in four key areas – design, efficiency/functionality, driving experience and quality.

The exterior features ‘floating’ grille framed in chrome flanked by expressive, emblematic headlamps. Full LED technology – 31 per headlamp – is fitted as standard on the upper trim levels, providing a technical and distinctive lighting signature.

The profile of the 308 SW benefits from a wheelbase and rear overhang that are 11cm and 22cm longer respectively than the hatchback. It means the model takes its place among the most ‘balanced’ estates in the segment.

The dimensions of the 4,585 mm in length, width of 1,804 mm and height of 1,471mm. The car’s generous dimensions allow it to offer volumes that are among the best in the segment. The boot below the parcel shelf is an impressive 660 litres and outstanding 1,660-litres with rear seats folded down.

The interior is based on the Peugeot’s i-Cockpit from the hatchback. It comes with a compact steering wheel, a head-up instrument panel and a tall centre console and a 9.7” touch-screen for intuitive access to infotainment functions.

The engine range includes ultra-efficient Euro 6 petrol and diesel engines. The power ranges from 130HP to 155HP for the petrol units and 92HP to 150HP for the diesel variants. There is also a new BlueHDi 1.6-litre 120HP diesel mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and returning the exceptional 88.3 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 85 g/km. This is a record in the segment.

Presented for the first time at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the new Peugeot 308 SW will go on sale on 19^th June in the UK.

Source: Peugeot

February 19, 2014

2014 Audi A3 Sportback g-Tron – Price €25,900

Audi is now ready with the 2014 A3 Sportback g-Tron, which is already available on the market with pricing starting from €25,900. The super-efficient hatchback was introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

It is powered by a 1.4 liter TFSI with 110HP (81 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. It is able to run not only on gasoline, but also on natural gas and Audi-generated e-gas. In e-Gas mode, the A3 Sportback g-Tron is “entirely CO2-neutral”. 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), which is pretty decent dynamics for such low power.

The car comes equipped with two gas tanks that carry 7 kg (15.3 lbs) of compressed natural gas (CNG) at a maximum pressure of 200 bar. The tanks have been manufactured from CFRP and when at their full capacity they weigh 27 kg (59.5 lbs).

The average gas consumption is around 3.2-3.3 kg / 100 km, which means running costs of about €3.50 / 100 km. The maximum range on CNG is 400 km (242 miles) and on gasoline, it can go up to 900 km (559 miles).

“In addition to our e-mobility developments, the Audi e-gas project is an important pillar of our sustainability strategy – as is the development of other synthetic fuels”, commented Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

Audi is already operating a research facility for the production of Audi e-ethanol and e-diesel with its partner Joule in Hobbs, New Mexico. Moreover, the company is conducting research into the synthetic manufacture of Audi e-gasoline in cooperation with Global Bioenergies.

Source: Audi

February 18, 2014

Chevrolet Camaro GT3 will race at Monza

Chevrolet Camaro GT3 Race Car will take place at the opening round of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Monza. The Camaro GT3 is specially prepared by Reiter Engineering.

American Muscle and German Engineering, that was the philosophy of Bavarian Lamborghini specialist Reiter Engineering when it created its SaReNi division to develop a GT3-version of the Chevrolet Camaro.

The muscle race car has an enormous 7.9 liter V8 engine, full body kit, improved brakes, suspension and stripped interior. There are also racing wheels and tires for maximum traction.

The Camaro GT3 Race Car was tested by eter Kox, Tomas Enge, Albert von Thurn und Taxis and Stefan Rosina. General Motors works driver Oliver Gavin also had a go in the machine, to further advance its competitiveness.

“The Camaro is something of a rebel. It relies on the massive power of the V8 engine to be among the frontrunners. At the same time, it is one of the most cost-effective cars on the starting grid, which is why it represents the ideal solution for cost-conscious teams and drivers to get involved in the Blancpain GT Series.”, commented Hans Reiter, Тeam’s Principal.

Source: Chevrolet

February 18, 2014

KTW BMW 1-Series Black & White

KTW Tuning has presented their latest project based on the new BMW 1-Series 116i. The stylish hatchback is available in black or white version.

The upgrades for the black 116i include Essen TN-9 Black aluminum rims – 8.5J x 20” ET35 fitted with 235/30ZR20 88Y tires. There are also red coated brake calipers, H&R lower suspension settings, foil wrapped BMW kidneys and interior ledges. The side and back windows are tinted black. The overall price (including the car) is €22,999.

The white one comes with AEZ Antigua Dark Black rims – 8.5J x 20” ET35 fitted with 235/30ZR20 88Y tires. Other upgrades are also the same as the black 116i, but the white one has mat black kidneys, outer mirrors, roof, front-middelsword and lower part of the rear bumper. The price is €23,599.

Source: KTW

February 18, 2014

Volvo Ocean Race Editions at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Volvo will exhibit a full range of Ocean Race Edition models at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. These include the Volvo V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60 as well as V70 and XC70 Editions for customers with a taste for a more dynamic look and handling.

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. The route includes 11 cities in 11 countries, and the teams cover 38,739 nautical miles – equivalent to 71,745 km.

“The Volvo Ocean Race Edition reflects our brand strategy to design cars around the customers. It reflects the values Volvo buyers look for when they choose a car for an active lifestyle and exciting adventures, without compromising on safety, environmental care and fuel-efficiency,” comments Anders H Gustavsson, Vice President Special Vehicles at Volvo Car Group.

The models are available in four colours – Ocean Blue II, Bright Silver, Black Sapphire and Crystal White. The unique seven-spoke ‘Portunus’ wheel comes in 17” (V40 and V40 Cross Country) and 18” (V60 and XC60) dimensions. The Volvo Ocean Race identification is displayed on the tread plates and front fenders as well as in the start-up sequence on the Infotainment screen.

The interior boasts black or blond leather upholstery with orange stitching and the Volvo Ocean Race logo in orange. The stitching is echoed on the door panels and floor mats, which also have a special rubber tag attached. There is a unique deco inlay, and the load cover on the V60 and XC60 is decorated with a Volvo Ocean Race map and logo.

The V70 Edition is characterized by a number of high gloss black details, including the ribs in the grille, the rear-view mirror caps, the side window frames and parts of the tailgate. 17” wheels in high gloss silver are standard, while 17” and 18” wheels in high gloss black are optional. The XC70 Edition also features several high gloss black details. Specially designed 18-inch, diamond cut wheels in glossy black are standard.

Source: Volvo

February 18, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Scirocco Facelift – New Engines and Styling Updates

Volkswagen has officially unveiled the 2014 Scirocco Facelift. The hot hatchback will make its public debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, in March. The new model is not completely reworked and it has a lot of features from the previous one.

The exterior boasts a slightly modified front bumper, new bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs and different grille. At the rear, we can see LED taillights as well as modified rear bumper and boot lid. The same changes can be found the on the R-model.

There are five new exterior paint finishes: Pyramid Gold, Urano Grey, Flash Red, Pure White and Ultra Violet. There are also new alloy wheel designs and some upgrades for the interior like an additional set of gauges for the oil temperature, chronometer and turbocharger pressure.

Other highlights include a new flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, new air vents and gauges, a “Dynaudio Excite” audio system and a ParkAssist system.

The engine range will include revised power units like the 1.4 TSI with 125HP (92 kW) and three variants for the 2.0 TSI – 180HP (125 kW), 220HP (162 kW) and 280HP (207 kW). The diesel engines are also improved – the 2.0 TDI now delivers 150HP (116 kW) and 184HP (135 kW).

All engines now come as standard with stop/start and battery regeneration mode, with the exception of the 280 HP motor inside the Scirocco R. Engines are coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional dual-clutch DSG (not available for the 1.4 TSI) sending power to the front wheels.

The 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco is expected to hit the market in August.

Source: Volkswagen

February 17, 2014

2014 Volkswagen e-Golf – Price €34,900

Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf VII EV (electric vehicle), which is now available on the market with pricing starting from €34,900.

2014 Volkswagen e-Golf is powered by an electric motor with 115 HP (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and 0-60 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. It has an estimated range between 130 km (81 miles) and 190 km (118 miles) – depending on the driving style, route and traffic conditions. The Golf EV also comes with 8-year / 160,000 km guarantee for the 24.2 kWh battery and according to VW running costs of the e-Golf stand at just €3.28 / 100 km.

The standard equipment includes a heated windscreen, Discover Pro radio and Navigation system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aero-optimized alloys, full LED headlights and unique C-shaped LED DRLs. There is also an automatic climate control as well low-rolling resistance tires.

The Golf model is described by the manufacturer as “the most successful European car of all time”.

1e-Golf power consumption in kWh/100 km: 12.7 (combined); CO2 emission in g/km: 0 (combined); efficiency class: A+

2e-up! power consumption in kWh/100km: 11.7 (combined); CO2 emission in g/km: 0 (combined); efficiency class: A+

3eco-up! fuel consumption in natural gas (CNG) kg/100 km: 3.6 kg/100 km (urban) / 2.5 kg/100 km (extra urban) / 2.9 kg/100 km (combined), CO2 emission in g/km: 79 g/km (combined); efficiency class: A+

Source: Volkswagen

February 17, 2014

Land Rover Discovery XXV Special Edition

Land Rover has unveiled the Discovery XXV Special Edition. The limited edition SUV is created to celebrate the model’s 25^th anniversary. It is priced at £63,000 and comes with some minor upgrades.

The exterior boasts four new colors – Causeway Grey, Santorini Black, Fuji White and Indus Silver. There is also a Narvik Black grille surrounds and mirror caps, and Dark Atlas features on the grille and fender vents. Silver full-length roof rails, body-coloured handles and a stainless steel bumper accessory tread plate complement the exterior. Last, but not least is the set of 20” split five-spoke alloy wheels.

The XXV Special Edition builds on the Discovery’s luxurious HSE specification, to create a sophisticated and premium interior. It features upholstered instrument panel binnacle and door top rolls. There is a choice of three interior leather colourway options: ebony, cirrus or dual-tone ebony/cirrus. Additional luxurious highlights include twist pile carpet mats and a leather-wrapped wooden steering wheel, while subtle XXV embossing throughout adds to the high-quality British workmanship of the XXV Special Edition.

Source: Land Rover

February 17, 2014

2014 2-Series Active Tourer – The First Front Wheel Drive Vehicle from BMW

Here is a short lesson – “How to disappoint tens of millions of fans”. Firstly, create a brilliant car manufacturer with huge history in motorsport and awesome road cars. Secondly, produce only rear-wheel drive cars in your entire history and third, but most important – release a FWD car.

There is no doubt that fans of BMW all over the world will be so disappointed, that I don’t have words to express it (including myself). Enough for the disappointment, actually the all-new Active Tourer is a great car, but it really needs to have a different badge… a Mercedes-Benz one for example.

2014 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next month. It was previewed by the Concept Active Tourer, which is the same as the production model. All fans and customers had the hope that BMW will actually make it RWD, but alas.

Otherwise, the 2-Series Active Tourer is a typical BMW. It has the recognizable kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the familiar Hofmeister kink. The dimensions are 4,342mm long, 1,800mm wide and 1,555mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,670mm.

The exterior can be opted with a Sport Line package that has high-gloss black accents, special air intakes and exclusive 16” or 17” alloy wheels. There are also sports front seats, high-gloss black trim and contrast stitching for the interior.

The Luxury Line adds high-gloss chrome grille and different 16” or 17” alloy wheels. There is also a leather sport steering wheel, different seat upholstery and some chrome accents.

The top-of-range trim level – the M Sport Package boasts a complete aerodynamics package, a high-gloss black grille, a sport-tuned suspension dropping the ride height by 10mm and 17” or 18” light alloy wheels. The interior gets an M leather steering wheel, leather sports seats, an anthracite roof and M logo all over the place.

The interior comes with the typical driver-centric design. There is a folding front passenger seat, a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat and a head up display (available as an option). The 2-Series Active Tourer can be also ordered with BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps.

The engine range includes a 218i – a 1.5 liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol – 136HP (100 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). It will return 57.6 mpg UK – 4.9 l / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.

The 225i has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol – 231HP (170 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).

The diesel variant is only one – 218d – a 2.0 liter turbodiesel – 150HP (110 kW) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).

BMW will also produce a super-efficient 216d as well as 220d and 220i. There will be xDrive versions of the 220d and 225i.

Source: BMW

February 14, 2014

2014 BMW X5 – ///M Performance Parts

BMW US will present the new range of ///M Performance parts for the 2014 X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. The 3^rd generation of BMW X5 was presented in the end of last year and at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, the manufacturer will offer full complement of ///M Performance Parts for it.

BMW M Performance Parts are accessories now available for a wide variety of current models that enable the enthusiast to tailor their BMW to their individual tastes with a sporty, track-inspired character.

The exterior boasts carbon fiber mirror caps, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear aero flaps. A rear spoiler, high-gloss black kidney grilles and M Performance rocker panel decals are also available. Double-spoke 21” wheels with performance tires complete the aggressive look.

The interior also comes with a lot of carbon fiber parts and an Alcantara steering wheel as well as a set of stainless steel pedals.

BMW also offers ///M Performance Power Kit for the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six in the X5 xDrive35i – additional 20HP (15 kW) and 43Nm (32 lb-ft) of torque. The kit also provides sharper throttle calibration for a more direct connection with the accelerator pedal. The available M Performance Exhaust, available with chrome exhaust tips, provides the perfect complement to the increased power.

Last, but not least is the enhanced stopping power provided by the ///M Performance Brake Kit including 6-piston calipers with 19” brake discs taken from the previous generation X5M.

Source: BMW

February 14, 2014

Honda Civic Type R Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Honda will exhibit several interesting concepts at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. These include Civic Type R Concept, FCEV Concept and NSX Concept.

The Type R Concept model boasts futuristic design and strong performance characteristics. The highly-anticipated production version is expected to hit the market in 2015, dubbed by the design team as a “racing car for the road”.

Further underlining Honda’s leadership in the development of advanced technology, the FCEV Concept makes its first European appearance. Sleek and aerodynamic, the Concept points to the potential styling direction of Honda’s next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle which launches in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe.

The new NSX supercar will showcase the longitudinal, V6 direct-injected engine with twin turbocharging alongside Honda’s innovative 3 motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Trivia of the day: did you know that the Civic is among the best-selling used cars of 2013 in the US? With 336,180 units changing hands, no wonder Honda are gearing up for a new generation.

Source: Honda

February 14, 2014

2014 Peugeot 108 – More Refined and Stylish

2014 Peugeot 108 is now introduced by the French company. The model will be also available as a convertible and will go directly against Fiat 500C.

The small city car aims to be one of the lightest vehicles in the segment with a curb weight of just 840 kg (1,851 lbs). This means better performance, more agility and super-low fuel consumption. There will be 3-door version, a 5-door one and a cabriolet called 108 TOP! with a retractable fabric roof similar to the one installed on the DS3 Cabrio and the new Renault Twingo.

The engine range includes a 1.0 liter e-VTi – 68HP (51 kw) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic one upon request. There is also a 1.2 liter PureTech VTi with 82HP (61 kW).

Standard equipment includes a hill start assist, indirect tire under-inflation system, ABS, Emergency Collision Braking System, switchable ESP and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Other highlights include a height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning and a 7” touchscreen display. Also inside is the Open and Go system, 6 airbags, electric power steering along with the electronic control switch for the retractable soft top.

Source: Peugeot

February 14, 2014

Author: Victor Ivanov