Automobiles Review

Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2014 BMW M3 and M4 [leak images]

    BMW Blog has published a lot of leak images of the production ready 2014 BMW M3 and M4. The high-performance BMWs look really impressive.The all-new 2014 M3 Sedan boasts complete aerodynamics package, kidney grilles and beefy dual front air intakes. There is also a redesigned front hood featuring a power dome. Other highlights include twin five-spoke grey ///M alloy wheels and gold brake calipers. At the rear, there is a redesigned diffuser and quad sports exhaust system.The 2014 M4 has the same upgrades, but it also has a carbon fiber roof and is a lot more sleeker than its 4-door sibling.The interior of both is virtually the same – sports steering wheel and seats, high-quality leather all over the place and some carbon fiber accents.The most important is the 3.0 liter inline-six TwinPower Turbo engine – 430HP (316 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft). The M3 is expected to weigh less than 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs), so it will be extremely fast.Stay tuned for full details!

    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M3 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak
    2014 BMW M4 leak

  • 2014 Infiniti Q50 – The Safest on the Road

    2014 Infiniti Q50 has proved itself to have one of the most advanced standard fit collision avoidance systems. Together with its recently announced 5 star Euro NCAP rating the Infiniti Q50 is easily one of the safest cars on the road.

    By using a highly specified radar system along with several cameras located around the vehicle to constantly monitor the vehicles surrounding area, many systems are able to combine together and reduce the risk of an accident ever taking place. Forward Emergency Braking is only one of many other features included in the optional Safety Pack:

    • Reversing (Back-up Collision Intervention). Detects moving vehicles and objects behind the car when reverse gear is selected, warning the driver with visual and audible alerts. If necessary the system can autonomously engage the brakes to avoid a collision.
    • Drifting out of lane (Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention). Industry-first system senses unintended lane drift and assists the driver in guiding the vehicle back to the centre of its lane.
    • Moving into the path of another vehicle (Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning). World-first technology aids the driver in avoiding vehicles concealed in the blind-spot area during lane-change manoeuvres.
    • Motorway hold-ups (Predictive Forward Collision Warning). Another world-first for Infiniti, PFCW warns the driver of hazards which lie beyond the driver’s field of view – seeing past not just the car in front but two cars ahead.
    • Low-speed manoeuvring in busy areas (Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection). Infiniti’s world-first real-time camera system provides a virtual 360 degree view of the environment around the car, with visual and audible warnings of hazards.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-X0IFXFUxY

      As well as the availability of the most advanced safety systems, every Infiniti Q50 includes safety-oriented features such as:

      • Seat belt reminder system for all seats
      • Speed limiter
      • Active pop-up bonnet for pedestrian safety
      • Electronic Stability Control with Active Trace Control
      • LED fog lights front and rear
      • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
      • Hill start assist
      • Six airbags
      • Rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors
      2014 Infiniti Q50
      2014 Infiniti Q50
      2014 Infiniti Q50
      2014 Infiniti Q50
      2014 Infiniti Q50
      2014 Infiniti Q50

      Source: Infiniti

    • 2014 Hyundai i20 WRC – The Winner

      Hyundai Motorsport has unveiled its full team line-up at a special launch event in Frankfurt today. The manufacturer gears up for its debut in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo, next month.

      Going up against vastly more experienced WRC competitors, Hyundai team knows that it has a steep learning curve, but it certainly relishes the challenge and will be aiming to compete for podium places during the season.

      “We have worked tremendously hard to get where we are today and to be able to launch our new WRC team to the world,” commented Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, Michel Nandan.

      “In less than one year, we have built and tested a brand new WRC-specification car, the Hyundai i20 WRC, and established a professional team and modern motorsport facility. It’s a huge accomplishment but we know that we have a lot to learn in our first season. Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. If all goes well, we will hope to be competing for occasional podiums as the year progresses.”, he added.

      The newly liveried Hyundai i20 WRC will be on display as well as Hyundai “N”. Both will be used to symbolise Hyundai’s high performance technology and future mass-produced high performance cars.

      The company has already shown what can be accomplished in a short space of time with the right mentality and approach. For the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team, January cannot come soon enough.

      Source: Hyundai

    • 2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept

      Eduard Zhikharev has published several pictures of his “Steel Drake” on Flickr. His vision of Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept is really good and as he say – “R stands for reload”.

      Many people liked Mitsubishi Eclipse during the years, but it had the same problem, since 2000th. The model lost its identity, so Eduard created this awesome Concept with gorgeous name, to demonstrate his vision of how Eclipse should look.

      The new Mitsubishi Eclipse is expected sometime during 2015 and probably the manufacturer will reveal some information for the upcoming model very soon.

      Stay tuned and enjoy!
      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE6LYTeFttU

      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept
      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept
      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept
      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept
      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept
      2015 Mitsubishi Eclipse R Concept

      Source: Oleg Steel Drake via Flickr

    • MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket

      BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket - Front Angle

      MB Individual Cars has presented their tuning program for the stylish roadster – BMW Z4 E89. The tuning company will make only 25 units.

      The exterior is finished in mineral white and features carbon fiber elements like front spoiler lip, kidneys and the air inlets. From the same lightweight material are made the rear mirrors, the swords of the side sills, the rear spoiler lip, the rear diffusor and the rear apron.  The price of the complete package is €3,999.

      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 rolls 19” V703 VRM wheels fitted with Continental tires. There are also wheel spacers from H&R. The KW Variant 1 coilovers give nice stance and improved handling.

      Other highlights include 90 mm carbon end pipes of the exhaust system and a F30 performance brakes on the front axle.

      The interior boasts carbon fiber mouldings and center console.  The gear switch knob and the coverings of the rollover bars likewise. Last, but not least, the tuning specialists fitted performance seats.

      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket
      MB Individual Cars BMW Z4 Carbon-Paket

      Source: MB Individual Cars

    • Lexus will Introduce 2014 F model at Detroit

      Lexus will unveil the all-new F model at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the beginning of the next year.

      The newest Lexus F has a bold and aggressive drive experience synonymous with the famed F heritage. It is engineered from the outset as a performance model, so we expect a lot of power, firm suspension, big wheels and brakes and nice sporty interior.

      The predecessor was presented back in 2008 in the form of IS-F performance sedan powered by a thrilling V8 engine.

      Stay tuned for full information and pictures!

      Source: Lexus

    • 2014 SsangYong Korando – Full Details and Pricing

      SsangYong has released full details and pricing for the 2014 Korando Facelift. The model has recently won The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Award 2014 for vehicles under £16,000. It received full inside and out makeover as well as enhanced driving refinement.

      The exterior features black mesh radiator grille, more contemporary headlights and a wider, low level air intake are the principal enhancements. The new headlight units have projection lamps and LED DRLs for increased visibility and safety, surrounded by a stylish black and aluminium bezel.  Further illumination is provided on the ELX4 model with neat round fog lamps set discreetly within the lower bumper.

      There are new designs for both the 16” and 17” wheels, and three new exterior colours – Sunrise red, Cosmic blue and Carbonic grey as well as Space black, Grand white and Silent silver.

      The interior now combines an attractive and comfortable ambiance for the driver and passengers alike.  There is a completely redesigned dashboard featuring soft-touch materials for a greater sense of luxury, complemented by natural matt wood grain insets, and abundant storage space that includes enlarged cup holders, a mobile phone tray and flip-down sunglasses tray.

      In conjunction with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with emergency brake assist and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the four-wheel drive system provides the best possible grip and control whatever the conditions.  Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) also feature.

      2014 SsangYong Korando is now available to order with first deliveries at the beginning of the next year.

      Check out the pricing and the full specs below!

      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando
      2014 SsangYong Korando

      Korando range

      Korando

      2.0 SE
      2WD

      2.0 SE4
      4WD

      2.0 ELX4
      4WD

      2.0 ELX4
      4WD
      (auto)
      Transmission

      4×2   manual

      4×4
      manual

      4×4
      manual

      4×4    automatic
      Net retail price

      £12,333

      £13,554

      £16,471

      £17,471
      VAT @ 20%

      £2,467

      £2,711

      £3,294

      £3,494
      Retail price

      £14,800

      £16,265

      £19,765

      £20,965
      First registration fee

      £55

      £55

      £55

      £55
      Road fund licence – year one

      £140

      £175

      £175

      £475
      On the road price

      £14,995

      £16,495

      £19,995

      £21,495
      Technical Specification
      Korando SE Korando SE4 Korando ELX4 Korando ELX4 (Auto)
      ENGINE and DRIVETRAIN
      Drivetrain Front wheel drive Torque On Demand 4×4 with lock mode Torque On Demand 4×4 with lock mode Torque On Demand 4×4 with lock mode
      Engine capacity (cc) 1998 1998 1998 1998
      Engine configuration 4 cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
      Emission standard Euro V Euro V Euro V Euro V
      Transmission 6 speed manual 6 speed manual 6 speed manual 6 speed T-Tronic automatic
      Fuel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel
      Exhaust system Catalyst and particulate filter Catalyst and particulate filter Catalyst and particulate filter Catalyst and particulate filter
      PERFORMANCE
      Top speed (mph) 116 116 116 112
      0-62mph (sec) 9.9 9.9 9.9 9.9
      Maximum power (PS/rpm) 149/3400-4000 149/3400-4000 149/3400-4000 175/4000
      Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) 360/2000-3000 360/2000-3000 360/2000-3000 360/2000-3000
      Max unbraked trailer load (kg) 750 750 750 750
      Max braked trailer load (kg) 2000 2000 2000 2000
      Towbar max load (kg) 80 80 80 80
      ECONOMY and EMISSIONS
      Fuel consumption: urban
      mpg (l/100km)      		 37.7 (7.5) 37.2 (7.6) 37.2 (7.6) 29.5 (9.6)
      Fuel consumption: extra urban
      mpg (l/100km)      		 55.4 (5.1) 52.3 (5.4) 52.3 (5.4) 44.9 (6.3)
      Fuel consumption: combined
      mpg (l/100km)      		 47.1 (6.0) 45.6 (6.2) 45.6 (6.2) 37.7 (7.5)
      CO2 emissions (g/km) 147 157 157 199
      DIMENSIONS
      Length (mm) 4410 4410 4410 4410
      Width (mm) 1830 1830 1830 1830
      Height (mm) 1710 1710 1710 1710
      Wheelbase (mm) 2650 2650 2650 2650
      Track: front/rear (mm) 1573/1559 1573/1559 1573/1559 1573/1559
      Min turning radius (m) 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4
      Overhang: front/rear (mm) 920/840 920/840 920/840 920/840
      Gross vehicle weight (kg) 2180 2260 2260 2260
      Kerb weight (kg) 1666 1747 1747 1747
      Approach angle (deg) 22.8 22.8 22.8 22.8
      Departure angle (deg) 28.2 28.2 28.2 28.2
      Ramp angle (deg) 18.5 18.5 18.5 18.5
      Luggage space (litres) 486 486 486 486
      Fuel tank capacity (litres) 57 57 57 57
      RUNNING GEAR
      Tyres 215/65 R16 215/65 R16 225/60 R17 225/60 R17
      Steering Electric power assisted rack & pinion Electric power assisted rack & pinion Electric power assisted rack & pinion Electric power assisted rack & pinion
      Suspension (front/rear) McPherson strut/ independent McPherson strut/ independent McPherson strut/ independent McPherson strut/ independent
      Brakes (front/rear) Vented disc/solid disc Vented disc/solid disc Vented disc/solid disc Vented disc/solid disc
      INSURANCE
      Group 19 19 19 19
      Equipment S= Standard     O= Optional     X = Not available
      Korando SE Korando SE4 Korando ELX4 Korando ELX4 (auto)
      COMFORT
      Electrically adjustable driver’s seat X X S S
      Leather seats X X S S
      Deluxe fabric seats S S X X
      Heated front & rear seats X X S S
      Driver’s seat lumbar support S S S S
      Leather steering wheel & gear knob S S S S
      Tinted glass S S X X
      Privacy glass: rear door, quarter and tailgate X X S S
      CONVENIENCE
      Electric power steering S S S S
      Electric windows (front & rear) S S S S
      Height adjustable steering wheel S S S S
      Cruise control with Eco drive S S S S
      Eco drive indicator S S S S
      Headlight levelling system S S S S
      Heated lower front windscreen S S S S
      Puddle lamps in door mirrors S S S S
      Electrically operated & heated door mirrors S S S S
      Automatic power folding door mirrors X X S S
      60/40 split rear seats S S S S
      Luggage cover & net X X S S
      CLIMATE and HEATING
      Manual air conditioning S S X X
      Automatic air conditioning X X S S
      IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT
      MP3/CD RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity S S S S
      Steering wheel audio controls S S S S
      Six speakers S S S S
      Kenwood DAB MP3/CD RDS radio with iPod connectivity O O O O
      Kenwood Touch-screen Sat Nav, DAB MP3 CD/DVD with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity O O O O
      SAFETY and SECURITY
      Dual front airbags with passenger off switch S S S S
      Side airbags S S S S
      Curtain airbags S S S S
      Front seatbelt pre-tensioners S S S S
      Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Active Rollover Protection (ARP) S S S S
      Active head restraints (front seats) S S S S
      ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) S S S S
      Hill start assist (HSA) S S S S
      ISOFIX child seat anchorage S S S S
      Front fog lights X X S S
      Thatcham Category 1 alarm & immobiliser S S S S
      EXTERIOR
      16” alloy wheels S S X X
      17” alloy wheels X X S S
      Roof rails S S S S
      Rear parking sensors X X S S

      Source: SsangYong

    • Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro

      Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro - Front View

      Audi Sport has developed a fundamentally new Le Mans prototype that corresponds to the Technical Regulations for 2014 and is designed for maximum efficiency. The new Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is being tested on the race track where all new Le Mans prototypes of the manufacturer have had to prove their worth – at Sebring racetrack.

      “We’ve reached a crucial stage in this project,” commented Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

      “After building the first prototype, testing on various race tracks is now taking center-stage. The tests are mainly focused on achieving high mileage, coordinating the highly complex hybrid drive systems and working out an efficiencyoptimized total package that has never before been as complex as this one.”, he added.

      Audi has won the manufacturers’ and drivers’ classifications in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the second time in succession and the Le Mans 24 Hours for the twelfth time this year. Until the end of this year, the manufacturer will introduce the next generation of its hybrid sports car.

      Stay tuned!

      Source: Audi

    • 2014 Opel Cascada Turbo – EU Price €29,490

      2014 Opel Cascada Turbo is now available on the market. It is priced from €29,490 and for that amount of money, you’ll get a stylish mid-size convertible with powerful engine.

      The top-of-range Cascada was presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is powered by a 1.6 liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine – 200HP (147 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. It is able to return 35.1 mpg US or 42.1 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km.

      Cascada Turbo can be ordered in pearlescent Emerald Green lacquer and double-layer metallic Magnetic Silver paint. The dealers also offer light Khaki Grey soft top and a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system for the interior. It includes a 7” high-resolution touchscreen display and an optional rearview camera.

      2014 Opel Cascada Turbo
      2014 Opel Cascada Turbo
      2014 Opel Cascada Turbo
      2014 Opel Cascada Turbo

      Source: Opel

    • Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift

      Carlsson has unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift. Carlsson’s makeover for the GLK features OE quality PU-RIM aerodynamic components for vehicles with and without the AMG sport package.

      The aerodynamics package includes new front and rear bumpers, a front lip spoiler and a chrome-plated rear diffuser. There are also a stainless steel mesh grille inserts and LED DRLs. Upon request, the compact SUV can be ordered with lowering springs, a sport-tuned suspension, a stainless steel sports exhaust system and different alloy wheels available in dimensions from 18” to 21” fitted  with proper tires.

      The interior boasts set of aluminum pedals, branded floor mats and illuminated door sill plates. The customers can pick and choose their ideal colour and pattern from fine leather and Alcantara, and complement it with matching wood or carbon-fibre inlays.

      There is a performance package for the GLK 220 CDI, which can be boosted to 204HP (150 kW) and 500Nm (368 lb-ft) – an increase of 34HP and 100Nm.

      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK
      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK
      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK
      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK
      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK
      Carlsson Mercedes-Benz GLK

      Source: Carlsson

    • BMW M235i Racing [video]

      BMW Motorsport has published a nice video clip at Youtube presenting the track-only M235i Racing. The sports coupe has very light camouflage, so this will be production version. The racing car is priced from €59,500 and is eligible for the VLN Endurance Championship and Nürburgring 24 Hours.

      BMW M235i Racing is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine with 333HP (245 kW). Some of the highlights include carbon fiber mirror caps, rear diffuser and new front and rear spoilers. There is also an LSD (limited-slip differential) taken from the M235i Coupe. These are all part of the BMW ///M Performance offerings.

      The racing car comes with FIA-compliant safety cell, specially tuned traction control, ABS and DSC (dynamic stability control).

      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqimhN3B2uE

      Source: BMW

    • 2014 Honda Civic – US Price $18,190

      Honda has announced the 2014 Civic and 2014 Civic Coupe.The manufacturer’s suggested retail price start from $18,190 and $18,390, respectively.

      Extensive fresh and dynamic exterior styling updates on the Civic Coupe and premium interior refinements to all models further enhance the Civic aesthetic appeal. New available features on the 2014 Civic include the 7” capacitive touch-screen Display Audio, LaneWatch blind spot monitor and Smart Entry with Push Button start.

      The 2014 Civic also marks the introduction of the HondaLink Next Generation connected-car technology. HondaLink is an application-based platform that allows a seamless integration between a user’s smartphone and the car, providing access to online and cloud-based content and information.

      The Civic Coupe is available in LX and EX trims with a 5-speed manual transmission or the new CVT and EX-L and EX-L Navi versions with CVT.

      The Civic Sedan comes in LX 5-speed manual or CVT and EX, EX-L and EX-L Navi with CVT. A Civic Sedan HF with CVT is also available.

      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic
      2014 Honda Civic

      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qTwhnrP4WQ

      TRIM MSRP1 EPA Fuel Economy Ratings2
      (city/highway/combined)
      Civic Coupe LX 5MT

      $18,190

      28/36/31
      Civic Coupe LX CVT

      $18,990

      30/39/33
      Civic Coupe EX 5MT

      $20,290

      28/36/31
      Civic Coupe EX CVT

      $21,090

      29/38/33
      Civic Coupe EX-L CVT

      $22,540

      29/38/33
      Civic Coupe EX-L Navi CVT

      $24,040

      29/38/33
      Civic Sedan LX 5MT

      $18,390

      28/36/31
      Civic Sedan LX CVT

      $19,190

      30/39/33
      Civic Sedan EX CVT

      $21,090

      30/39/33
      Civic Sedan EX-L CVT

      $22,740

      30/39/33
      Civic Sedan EX-L Navi CVT

      $24,240

      30/39/33
      Civic Sedan HF CVT

      $19,940

      31/41/35

      Source: Honda