Victor Ivanov – Page 67 – Automobiles Review

2014 Toyota Highlander – US Price $29,215

2014 Toyota Highlander is now available to order in the US. The pricing is starting from $29,215 for the LE four-cylinder FWD and goes up to $43,590 for the Limited V6 AWD with Platinum Package.

There are four trim levels: LE grade, the LE Plus grade, XLE grade and Limited grade.

The standard equipment of LE grade includes 18” alloy wheels, Entune Audio featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, seating for eight with second- and third-row 60/40 split fold-flat seats, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, smart storage compartments like the roll-top center console, an in-dash shelf with easy access to power and USB ports, a windshield wiper de-icer, and much more.

The LE Plus grade adds fog lights, an height-adjustable power rear liftgate with flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, Entune Audio Plus with XM & HD radio, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The XLE grade adds smart key with push button start, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, Chromtec roof rails and a tilt-slide moonroof, second-row integrated sun shades, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation, App Suite with an 8” touch screen display, anti-theft system, Homelink,and a 5,000 lb. towing capacity. Options include seating for seven with second-row captain’s chairs, and a rear-seat Blu-ray DVD entertainment system.

The top-of-range Limited grade boasts 19” Chromtec alloy wheels, LED DRLs, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sonar, 7-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors, four-way power passenger seat, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite.

Options for both the gas and hybrid Limited grade models include a rear-seat Blu-ray DVE entertainment system, Driver Technology Package, and Platinum Package.

The Driver Technology Package includes:

Safety Connect (includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification. Available by subscription),
Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Lane Departure Alert with Automatic High Beam Headlights.

The Platinum Package includes:

Driver Technology Package,
Panoramic Moonroof
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated Second-row Captain’s Chairs.

2014 Highlander Pricing

Model	Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	13MY MSRP ($)	14MY MSRP ($)	MSRP Difference ($)	MSRP Change (%)
6942	LE	L4	FWD	$29,020	$29,215	$195	0.7%
6946	LE	V6	FWD	$30,395	$30,520	$125	0.4%
6948	LE	V6	AWD	$31,845	$31,980	$135	0.4%
6947	LE Plus	V6	FWD	$31,850	$32,740	$890	2.8%
6949	LE Plus	V6	AWD	$33,300	$34,200	$900	2.7%
6951	XLE	V6	FWD	$34,560	$36,040	$1,480	4.3%
6953	XLE	V6	AWD	$36,010	$37,500	$1,490	4.1%
6954	LTD	V6	FWD	$37,950	$39,640	$1,690	4.5%
6956	LTD	V6	AWD	$39,400	$41,100	$1,700	4.3%
6955	LTD Plat.	V6	FWD	N/A	$42,130	N/A	N/A
6957	LTD Plat.	V6	AWD	N/A	$43,590	N/A	N/A
6966	Hybrid LTD	V6	AWD-i	$46,370	$47,300	$930	2.0%
6967	Hybrid LTD. Plat.	V6	AWD-i	N/A	$49,790	N/A	N/A

Source: Toyota

December 16, 2013

2015 Lincoln MKC – US Price $33,995

2015 Lincoln MKC has a starting price of $33,995 for the Premiere trim level powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine mated to an automatic gearbox sending the power to the front wheels. The price can go up to $40,930 for the Reserve trim level with the same powertrain.

Three trim levels will be available when the vehicle hits the market: Premiere, Select and Reserve. Each offers an array of luxury content and amenities so owners can select features best suited to their needs.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC with the Reserve package, 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine ($1,140) and optional all-wheel drive and continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension ($2,495 MSRP) offers a lower MSRP than similarly equipped entries from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

2015 Lincoln MKC standard equipment

MECHANICAL

· Active Noise Control (ANC)

· Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)

· Electronic parking brake

· 15.5-gallon fuel tank

· Hill Start Assist

· Push-button shift

· SelectShift^® automatic transmission with paddle shifters

· Torque Vectoring Control

EXTERIOR

· Anodized roof rails without cross-bars

· Body-colored bumpers/fascias, door handles and spoiler

· Bright beltline molding

· Color-keyed exterior antenna

· Dual exhausts with chrome exhaust tips

· Front license-plate brackets

· Front solar-tinted and privacy glass

· Auto on/off HID headlamps with LED signature lighting

· Body-colored, dual-power heated mirrors with memory; integrated spotter mirrors

· Smoked Chrome front grille

· LED signature taillamps

· 18-inch painted aluminum wheels

· P235/50R18 tires

· Steel mini spare wheel – tire T165/70R17

INTERIOR / COMFORT

· Four-way manual adjustable front/rear headrests

· Aluminum trim on door panel, console and instrument panel

· Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC) climate control

· Power door locks

· Driver and passenger dual illuminated visors with ticket clip

· Driver and passenger seatback coat hooks and map pockets

· Driver and passenger power windows with one-touch up/down

· Enhanced particulate air filter

· First- and second-row floor mats

· Front floor console with storage with two cupholders

· Electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror

· Overhead console with sunglasses holder

· First-row seats: 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar and memory; four-way power front-passenger seat with power recline; heated first-row seats; Lincoln Luxury Soft Touch seating surfaces

· Second-row seats: 60/40 fold-flat split bench with recline

· Leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and redundant audio controls; manual tilt and telescoping

· Touch LED map lights

· Lincoln Experiences welcome/farewell elements: Lincoln Logo welcome mat; door-handle illumination; Approach Detection; signature lighting fade up

SAFETY / SECURITY

· Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes

· Dual-stage front airbags

· Driver knee airbag

· Side airbags

· Side air curtains

· Emergency brake assist

· Interactive vehicle dynamics with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC^®)

· Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH)

· Perimeter alarm

· Rear camera

· SecuriCode™ keypad

· SecuriLock^® passive anti-theft system

· SOS Post Crash Alert

· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

· Traction control

FUNCTIONAL

· Two-speed rear wipers with washer

· Active Grille Shutters

· Lincoln Premium Sound System with nine speakers and subwoofer with single-CD/MP3 player; auxiliary input jack; SIRIUS^® Satellite Radio (48 contiguous states; service not available in Alaska and Hawaii)

· Cruise control

· Easy Fuel^® capless fuel filler

· Front driver and passenger grab handle

· Intelligent Access with push-button start

· Intermittent speed-sensitive front wipers

· Message center with compass

· MyKey^®

· Outside temperature gauge

· Four powerpoints: two in front, one in rear, auxiliary in luggage compartment

· Rear-window defroster

· Remote start

· Reverse sensing system

· SYNC^® with MyLincoln Touch^®: 8-inch touch screen in center stack; media hub with two USB ports, SD card reader and RCA video input jacks; five-way controls on steering wheel; voice-activated communication and entertainment system

2015 Lincoln MKC series

2015 Lincoln MKC	Premiere	Select	Reserve
MSRP	$33,995	$37,225	$40,930
Engine	2.0-liter EcoBoost	2.0-liter EcoBoost 2.3-liter EcoBoost available	2.0-liter EcoBoost 2.3-liter EcoBoost available
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	FWD standard; AWD available
Features	See standard equipment above	Premiere content plus: 18-inch Luster Nickel wheels 10-way power passenger seat Ambient lighting Universal garage door opener Turn-signal lamps embedded in mirrors Configurable daytime running lamps Power folding mirrors New Lincoln steering wheel featuring Wollsdorf leather	Select content plus: Vista Roof with power shades Voice-activated navigation Hands-free liftgate BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert 18-inch polished, two-tone wheels Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel Cooled front seats Embedded modem
Free-standing packages
Package name	MSRP	Features
Select Plus (available only with Select)	$1,100	Voice Activated Navigation BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
Technology (available only with Reserve)	$2,235	Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support Active park assist Lane-keeping system Front sensing system
Climate (available on Select and Reserve)	$580	Heated rear seat Heated steering wheel Auto high-beam headlamps Rain-sensing wipers
Free-standing features
Feature			MSRP
2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine			$1,140
All-wheel drive with continuously controlled damping (CCD) suspension			$2,495
Enhanced THX® II Certified Audio System			$995
19-inch premium painted wheels			$395
20-inch premium painted wheels			$995
CCD suspension (optional on FWD only, standard on AWD)			$650

Source: Lincoln

December 16, 2013

2014 BMW M235i Racing – 333 HP and 450 Nm [details]

BMW Motorsport has released full details of the 2014 M235i Racing. The specially prepared sports car packs a lot of nice performance upgrades and improved engine.

The dimensions are 4,454mm in length, 1,861mm in width, 1,380mm in height and a 2,690mm wheelbase. It rolls 18” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The suspension is improved thanks to H&R and KW – H&R suspension springs and KW shock absorbers, front and rear H&R anti-roll bars and high-performance brakes with 4-piston fixed calipers.

The engine is the well-known straight-six TwinPower Turbo 3.0 liter – 333HP (245 kW) and 450Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque.

Other upgrades include an LSD (limited-slip differential) and a complete sports exhaust system. The interior features include a sports steering wheel with mounted shift paddle shifters. There are also Recaro Pro Racer SPG racing seats, six-point racing Schroth belts and a FIA-compliant roll cage.

2014 BMW M235i Racing is priced from €59,500 (excl. VAT).

DIMENSIONS Length: 4,454mm

Max. width: 1,862mm (without mirrors)

Height: 1,380mm

Wheel base: 2,690mm

Max. track width: 1,608mm

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION Straight six-cylinder petrol engine

BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo

Capacity: 2,979ccm

Output: 245kW (333bhp)

Torque: 450Nm

Racing exhaust with racing catalytic converters

Steering wheel with shift paddles

BMW M Performance limited-slip differential

TANK Motorsport safety tank

SUSPENSION / STEERING KW dampers

H&R suspension springs

Front: H&R anti-roll bar (2-way)

Rear: H&R anti-roll bar

BRAKES Front: High-performance motorsport braking system –

Performance Friction (PFC); 4-pot fixed calliper

Rear: BMW M Performance 2-pot braking system

ABS / DSC / ASC BMW Motorsport specific racing application

TYRES / WHEELS 18×10 inch alloy rims

SAFETY COMPONENTS Cage with DMSB certificate and FIA approval

6-point racing harness from Schroth

Racing seat RECARO Pro Racer SPG

EXTRAS Taxi seat, incl. belt

XL driver’s seat

Source: BMW

December 16, 2013

2014 BMW M3 Touring [render]

X-Tomi Design has published a nice rendering picture of 2014 BMW M3 Touring. Although BMW has never created M3 Touring, we can hope for such model.

Still, an M3 Touring is possible, because it will go directly against the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate and the Audi RS4 Avant.

The new M3 and M4 are powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

Source: X-Tomi Design via Facebook

December 13, 2013

All-new 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 – 240HP and 570Nm

Chrysler’s all-new 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 delivers – 240HP (177 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque at just 2,000RPM. It powers the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014 Dodge Ram 1500. The NAFTA market’s first and only light-duty pickup powered by clean diesel technology.

“Quiet, strong and as smooth as the diesels we’ve been testing in luxury cars, the Ram 3.0L V-6 works in perfect harmony with Chrysler’s standard 8-speed transmission to deliver an unbeatable combination of power and efficiency,” commented Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine.

“Thanks to advanced emissions-control technology, its exhaust is ultra-clean, making this engine available in all 50 states. If you’re planning serious work or play, the Ram EcoDiesel really makes sense.”, he added.

The EcoDiesel’s fuel pump is upgraded to accommodate the engine’s 2,000-bar (29,000-psi) high-pressure common-rail injection system.

The engine also benefits from Fiat’s MultiJet 2 technology, which enables Injection Rate-Shaping – fuel injection that is modulated to mitigate noise and improve low-speed throttle response, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The system’s high-dispersion nozzles and advanced-technology servovalve can accommodate up to eight fuel-injection events per cylinder cycle.

Source: Chrysler

December 13, 2013

Audi S5 Wins 5th Consecutive Best Engine Award

Audi is a winner in the 20^th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. Audi S5 marks the 5^th consecutive win for the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. WardsAuto editors tested 44 engines and scored each based on power, noise, vibration, drivability, packaging, fuel economy, technical relevance and specifications. This year’s nominees consist of 36 gasoline engines (including 4 hybrids), 6 diesels and 2 battery-electrics.

The Audi S5 3.0 liter TFSI – 333HP (245 kW) at 5,500RPM and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at 2,900RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The fuel consumption in city is 10.7 liters / 100 km, 6.6 liters on the highway and 8.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine powers a total of seven Audi vehicles including the Audi S5, the A8 luxury sedan, A7 5-door coupe, A6, Q7 full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle, Q5 mid-size sport-utility vehicle, as well as the S4 luxury-sport sedan.

Source: Audi

December 13, 2013

2014 Range Rover Sport Conquers The Desert [video]

Land Rover has published a video showing the attend of the new 2014 Range Rover Sport of a spectacular challenge to complete the fastest recorded crossing of the Empty Quarter desert.

The team covered 849 km (528 miles) from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the United Arab Emirates. The challenge was completed in just 10 hours and 22 minutes at an average speed of 81.87 km/h (51.87 mph).

The short film features spectacular footage from inside and outside the vehicle, as well as epic shots of the barren environment that the team faced as they tackled the largest sand desert in the world. Viewers will see the new Range Rover Sport pummel the desert flats at full speed, tip toe down the steepest sand dunes and navigate the myriad of obstacles that the desert threw up – including rogue camels appearing from nowhere. Sand storms, immense heat and punishing jumps are just some of the challenges that pushed man and machine to the limit.

The standard production 2014 Range Rover Sport was powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 510HP. It also ran on standard tyres and rims. The only modification to the vehicle was the fitment of an underbody protection plate. This vehicle was displayed at the Dubai Motor Show on the 5^th November, just two days after completing the desert crossing.

Enjoy!

Source: Land Rover

December 13, 2013

2014 BMW M3 and M4 – 431HP and 550Nm

The eagerly awaited 2014 BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe have finally been revealed. Both performance cars will make their public debut at the 2014 NAIAS in Detroit, next month.

The most important feature is the engine – a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

Other highlights include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

BMW M engineers have paid particular attention to the car’s aerodynamic performance, and incorporated the latest Active M Differential amongst numerous other technical highlights. During the development process the engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s professional racing drivers, with extensive testing and set-up work carried out on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCYvqi2dv0

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9dooI1UhE

Source: BMW

December 12, 2013

2014 BMW X1 – Minor Updates

BMW will bring the facelifted 2014 X1 at the North American International Auto Show. The compact BMW X1 is raising the standard for this segment even higher with eye-catching exterior accents, a more refined interior ambience and innovative equipment features.

The exterior boasts standard DRLs and 17” alloy wheels with a V-spoke design. There is also a new Sparkling Brown metallic paint. The interior features an instrument cluster visor that is covered in a new soft-touch material for the xLine, Sport Line and M Sport models. There is also a stainless steel tailgate sill and three new interior trims: high-gloss black, matte coral red and pearl-gloss chrome.

Among the new services offered for the BMW X1 are Online Entertainment and the ECO PRO Analyser.

Source: BMW

December 12, 2013

2014 Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet facelift

The new 2014 Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet looks really hot. It boasts some nice stylish updates and improved interior.

2014 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet continues to be equipped with the coupe segment’s biggest panoramic glass roof. With the top down, the vehicle ensures an inimitable open-air experience without the drawbacks.

Its standard fixed glass wind deflector, which is unique in the segment, minimises turbulence to provide maximum comfort for four passengers when travelling at speeds of up to 90 km/h (54 mph). New Megane Coupe-Cabriolet can also be ordered with an optional removable mesh deflector screen that allows two occupants traveling alone to benefit from extra protection against buffeting at all speeds.

The connected Renault R-Link multimedia system is now available for Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, either as an option or as standard equipment in certain models. This fully-connected system comes with a smart, chrome-trimmed 7” display which functions in association with a centre console-mounted joystick.

Source: Renault

December 12, 2013

2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS – Price £54,999

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is the most powerful production car ever to emerge from Australia. It is priced at £54,999 in the UK and allows owners the least expensive membership into the 500+HP club.

The new VXR8 GTS is powered by a 6.2 liter LSA supercharged V8 – 576HP (426 kW) and 739Nm (545 lb-ft) of torque, which is 150HP and 190Nm more than the previous VXR8. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

To cater for the extra performance, the GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake-Torque Vectoring system that applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel to reduce understeer during high-speed manoeuvres.

The GTS also receives the latest generation Magnetic Ride Control with three independent settings. Hardware and software improvements deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

Source: Vauxhall

December 11, 2013

2014 Honda CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC – 3.6l / 100km

2014 Honda CR-V has achieved a sensation fuel consumption of just 3.6 liters per 100 km (77.86 mpg UK), which is almost a quarter more than its official quoted figure of 62.8 mpg UK. The compact crossover managed to cover 800 km/h (500 miles) with less than 30 liters of diesel.

The engine below the front hood is the well-known 1.6 liter i-DTEC 120HP (88 kW) at 4,000RPM and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at just 2,000RPM.

The CR-V was tested by the team behind the recent ‘MPG Marathon’ under the same rules and conditions as that event.

As in the MPG Marathon the car was driven by two independent drivers, John Kerswill and Ian McKean. Carried out over two days, the test covered 509.5 miles on a variety of roads and conditions and at speeds which represent real-world driving.

Honda’s 1.6 diesel engine is the first to be launched in Europe under its flagship Earth Dreams Technology environmental programme; offering customers an outstanding balance of high fuel economy, low emissions and dynamic performance.

Source: Honda

December 11, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov