Victor Ivanov – Page 78 – Automobiles Review

Vath V25 Mercedes-Benz CLA – 265HP and 420Nm

Vath has announced their V25 CLA 250 based on Mercedes-Benz four-door coupe. The tuned car comes with both – styling and performance modifications.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine can be boosted to 265HP (195 kW) and 420Nm (310 lb-ft) – an increase of 54HP and 70Nm. The result is thanks to a sports exhaust system, a bespoke air filter system and an ECU remap. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The price is €4,950.

There is also just an ECU remap for €940 boosting the engine to 245HP (180 kW) and 390Nm (287 lb-ft) of torque.

The exterior gets VATH three-piece alloy wheels – 8.0J x 20” fitted with 225/30 ZR20 for €2,970 for the front axle and 9.5J x 20” with 265/25 ZR20 tires for €3,027. There is also a tail spoiler lip for another €333 and a carbon front spoiler lip will cost you additional €1,416.

The interior features leather/leather sports steering wheel – €1,297, a speedometer enlargement up to 300 km/h – €1,535 and and a wear-resistant foot mat set, made of high quality black velvet, with silver colored VATH logo – €226.

The stance can be improved by installing a lowering sports suspension for €452 or fully adjustable sports coilovers allowing lowering from 20 to 65 millimeters – €3,546. The braking system can be also optimized by steel flex tubes and “Castrol SRF” racing braking fluid – €464

Source: VATH

October 15, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Nurburgring Lap in 7:37 [video]

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 lapped the “Green Hell” (Nurburgring) in just 7 minutes and 37.49 seconds.

The 2014 Camaro models comes with revised exterior featuring a full aerodynamics package that creates down-force at high speeds making the Z28 the most track-capable Camaro in history.

The aerodynamics body kit includes a new front splitter, flared fenders and extended side skirts. There is also a prominent spoiler, a new rear diffuser and underbody paneling. The exterior also features a quad sports exhaust system and a set of enormous 19” alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli PZero Trofeo R ultra-performance tires.

The interior boasts a pair of Recaro sport seats, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, Octane matte trim and a new rear seat from high-density foam for more rigid structure.

The engine is a 7.0 liter LS7 V8 with 500HP (373 kW) and 637Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed Tremec gearbox powering the rear wheels, where an LSD takes care about the traction.

It is interesting that Z28 weighs whopping 136 kg (300 lbs) less than the powerful ZL1 model. That’s why, it is considered to be faster at the race track.

Other nice feature is the Brembo carbon ceramic brake system. There’s also a track-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and adjustable spool-valve dampers.

Still, there is no official pricing for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, but it will be around $56,000.

Source: Chevrolet

October 15, 2013

2014 BMW M5 and M6 – ///M Performance Accessories

BMW has announced a full range of ///M Performance accessories that will retrofit to M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible and M6 Gran Coupe.

The exterior boasts body stripes in typical colors, a gloss black grille and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system that is 10 kg (22 lbs) lighter than the standard unit and adds some performance. There are also a lot carbon fiber elements including mirror caps, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser.

The interior also features carbon fiber trim elements, stainless steel pedals and BMW ///M Performance floor mats. There is also a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with a race display that shows “gear shift information as well as lateral and longitudinal acceleration values.

Last, but not least BMW offers carbon-ceramic brake system in conjunction with 20” M light-alloy wheels. It includes brake discs with a diameter of 410 mm on the front axle and 396 mm on the rear axle – 6-piston fixed calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating calliper brakes at the rear. The M carbon-ceramic brake system weighs 19.4 kg (43 lbs) less than the series production version.

All products of the BMW M Performance programme as well as the original BMW accessory range conform to the outstandingly high standards of the BMW Group in terms of design, quality and safety and are subject to the comprehensive BMW conditions of warranty.

Source: BMW

October 15, 2013

2015 Ford Mustang [render]

Mustang6G has published several render pictures of the upcoming 2015 Ford Mustang. The new Mustang is more likely to be introduced in the end of this year.As we can see, the exterior boasts evolutionary design that is instantly recognizable. Despite the familiar styling features, there is a new sleeker profile with a stylish roof. There are also distinctive taillights and a sporty diffuser with a triangular reverse lighting unit.The engine range will include a 2.3 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 350HP (261 kW) and a mighty 5.0 liter V8 with 450HP (335 kW). There will be also an entry level V6 and a top-of-range Shelby model.Stay tuned for further information!

October 15, 2013

2014 Hyundai i10 – The New Generation

Hyundai has announced the new 2014 i10 city car, which will hit the UK market on 30 January 2014, with prices starting at just £8,345.

The New Generation i10 features a more expressive design both inside and out, while generous levels of comfort, quality and safety equipment enhance the car’s appeal even further.

Some of the options include automatic climate control, heated leather steering wheel and cruise control provide additional comfort, while safety features include the standard-fitment of Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags.

The New Generation i10 will be available with two refined and efficient petrol engines. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder powertrain has an output of 66HP and 94Nm. 0-100 km/h in 14.9 seconds and a top speed of 154 km/h (96 mph). The four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine delivers 87HP at 6,000rpm and 120Nm at 4,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 170km/h (106 mph)\.

The S trim level comes specified with the 1.0-litre powertrain, cloth interior trim in black with beige inserts, 14 inch steel wheels, central locking, electric front windows, CD tuner + USB, Daytime Running Lights, ISOfix and tilt adjust steering wheel as standard. The S Air with the addition of air-conditioning will be available from £8,995.00.

The mid-trim SE, customers will benefit from remote central locking, electric rear windows, electric heated door mirrors, body colour door handles and mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and black B pillar. The SE is available in 1.0-litre manual, 1.0-litre Blue Drive with ISG (4 seat), 1.2-litre manual and the 1.2-litre automatic variants. Blue accent cloth interior trim is standard with vibrant orange accent cloth trim available as a no-cost option. Prices begin at £9,295.

The range-topping Premium trim sets new standards for equipment in the A- segment. 14” alloys, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, steering wheel controls, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, rear speakers, drivers safety window, door mirror indicators, Emergency Stop Signal are all available as standard, ensuring customers receive the very best value for money for Hyundai’s popular city car. The interior and exterior design and perceived quality is further enhanced with the addition of side body mouldings, leather steering wheel and gear stick and chrome effect interior door handle and parking brake. The Blue accent cloth interior comes as standard. Vibrant orange interior is available as a no-cost option and the woven pattered cloth interior in red with black leather-like side panels comes as a cost-option on the 1.2-litre Premium. Prices start from £9,995 OTR.

Check out the price list below!

New Generation i10
	Fuel Type	CO₂ Emissions g/km	Insurance Group (1-50)	VED Band	Recommended On The Road Price £
S
S 1.0 Manual 66PS	P	108	TBC	B	£8,345.00
S Air 1.0 Manual 66 PS	P	108	TBC	B	£8,995.00
SE
SE 1.0 Manual 66PS	P	108	TBC	B	£9,295.00
SE Blue Drive 1.0 Manual (4 seat)	P	98	TBC	A	£9,595.00
SE 1.2 Manual 87PS	P	114	TBC	C	£9,795.00
SE 1.2 Automatic 87PS	P	142	TBC	F	£10,495.00
Premium
Premium 1.0 Manual 66PS	P	108	TBC	B	£9,995.00
Premium 1.2 Manual 87PS	P	114	TBC	C	£10,495.00

Source: Hyundai

October 14, 2013

2014 Toyota Harrier

2014 Toyota Harrier will be sold exclusively in Japan. Essentially, it is a Lexus RX with slightly modified body.

The exterior comes with significantly modified front fascia compared to the RX, darkened headlamps, an Avalon-like large air intake as well as what appears to be a glossy transparent plastic grille. At the back there are stylish slender taillights and a roof-mounted spoiler.

The drivetrain includes a 3.5 liter V6 petrol and two electric motors and a Ni-MH battery. The combined power is 295HP (220 kW), which is more than enough. 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). It is derived from the RX 450h.

Stay tuned for more details and pricing!

Source: Toyota

October 14, 2013

Kia Forte Cabrio [render]

X-Tomi Design has published a render picture of a cabrio version of the 2014 Kia Forte (also known as Cerato or K3). The manufacturer is currently selling the second-gen Forte as a five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and as a two-door coupe.

So a convertible model is a very good idea, which can attract more customers. The segment for affordable cabriolets isn’t overly crowded, that’s why a low-priced Forte Cabrio could be a hit in this department.

The Forte Cabrio is based on the 2-door coupe and it has a nice attractive exterior. Obviously, there isn’t much space at the rear seats, but the model will certainly draw some attention in the entry-level convertible segment.

October 14, 2013

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible – US Price $49,675

BMW has officially unveiled the 2014 4-Series Convertible, which will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible is scheduled to hit the US market in the beginning of the next year with starting price of $49,675 for the 428i and $55,825 for the 435i.

There will be three trim levels in the US – Sport, Luxury and M Sport, while the European version will also get Modern.

The 4-Series Convertible will again feature a three-piece retractable hardtop with new features and functionality. There is a sound-absorbing headliner which reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to what the previous 3-Series Convertible had. The top can be removed by a single push of a button in just 20 seconds with speeds of up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

Other nice innovation are the three-temperature neck warmers which will allow you to drive the car with the top down even at lower temperatures without getting too cold.

The engine range includes a 428i – powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240HP (179 kW) and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 435i comes with the well-known 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

These engines will be connected exclusively to an 8-speed automatic gearbox providing Normal and Sport transmission modes, while the 428i model can be optionally configured with an xDrive all-wheel drive arrangement.

The European version will also get a 420d with a 2.0 liter turbodiesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (281 lb-ft). The Euro-spec 4-Series comes as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission but can be optionally mated to the aforementioned 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The interior of the BMW Series 4 Convertible presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure, elegance and exclusivity. All of the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver to provide optimum access to all functions. The doors are designed so that all the lines converge towards the rear, and bright color combinations featuring a two-tone effect for the door and side panels, in combination with the hardtop cover, contribute to the “boat deck” look

Source: BMW

October 11, 2013

2016 Nissan GT-R [render]

Topspeed has published several renderings of the upcoming 2016 Nissan GT-R. One of the best sports cars in the world is going to get an entire new look.

The exterior borrows some elements from the recent concepts. The artists created a sleeking looking coupe that has features from the previous GT-R as well as Nissan’s future models. The result is probably very far from the real car, but it shows a stylish model with boomerang headlights and a familiar grille. There are also aggressive side skirts and ventilated front fenders. At the rear, there is a big wing and also boomerang-shaped taillights.

Nothing is mentioned about the performance, but the model is more likely to get slightly tuned version of the 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 with over 600HP. Rumors have also suggested it could have cylinder deactivation technology and an engine start/stop system improving fuel efficiency drastically.

Source:Topspeed

October 11, 2013

Toyota GT 86 Sedan [render]

Theophiluschin published some renderings of Toyota GT 86 Sedan. The four-door version is allegedly close to production series. The four-door GT 86 will have a 100 mm extended wheelbase and could be exhibited at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

We expect the same 2.0-liter boxer engine with 200HP (147 kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) with fuel economy of 7.8 litres / 100km for manual models – and even better for automatic versions at just 7.1 litres / 100km.

Probably, there will be an optional hybrid model derived from the Yaris Hybrid-R Concept boasting 272HP (200 kW) and a KERS system similar to this one used for F1 cars.

Stay tuned!

October 11, 2013

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG vs Yamaha R1 at 300 km/h [video]

Nothing is more fun… and dangerous than going on public roads with 300 km/h. Obviously the second part doesn’t bother these two drivers (pilots), who “fly” over two minutes on 2-lane public road with speeds between 250 and 300 km/h. The Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG even do a lot more, because when the biker hits 299 km/h and think he will catch the car, the sports roadster shoots forward fast.

The video is taken from the Yamaha R1 biker’s helmet somewhere in Sweden. Hopefully no accidents happen during this insane race.

Experienced bikers comment that the R1 can’t pass 280 km/h (real speed), but who cares?! The speed limit is 90 km/h, so going so fast in 2-lane road is outrageous.

Of course, Mercedes’ fans will love this video, but we STRONGLY recommend: Do not do that!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVY51Q7q0os&noredirect=1

Source: Daxys Micks via Youtube

October 11, 2013

2014 BMW i3 US – Full Details and Price $41,350

BMW US has announced the full details and pricing for the all-new 2014 i3 EV. It is like no other car the world has ever seen. It offers visionary design, a ground-breaking vehicle architecture, dynamic performance and innovative connectivity.

2014 BMW i3 US is expected to hit the market in the second quarter of the next year with pricing starting from $41,350 and $45,300 for the range-extender model. The prices are before any federal or state incentives, and before Destination & Handling fee.

The small city car boasts RWD and an electric motor producing 170HP (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-50 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to – 150 km/h (93 mph). Not bad performance for an all-electric vehicle. The range of the vehicle is 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 miles).

The dimensions of i3 Concept are 3845 mm in length, 1537 mm height and 2011 mm width. The wheelbase is just a bit smaller than 1-Series – 2570 mm. The kerb weight is just 1250 kg, so the vehicle will be easy to drive with good dynamics.

The BMW i3’s tires are a unique 155/70/19 size on 19” light-alloy wheels, but the contact patch is the same of that of a more conventional 16” tire. To improve efficiency, they have low rolling resistance, and the narrow section width is a key factor in the BMW i3’s super-tight turning radius.

Safety is a key criterion in the development of the BMW i models. A range of systems and measures have been implemented in the vehicle that ensure safety in normal operation and in the event of accidental fires. The high-voltage system is designed to cope with accidents beyond the legal requirements, with the high-voltage battery including features that ensure its safe reaction even in situations such as this.

The all-new BMW i3 will be featured at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, 2013 and will arrive at BMW i centers in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2014.

BMW i3 Quick-Reference Highlights:

Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350; $45,200 for Range Extender model. Destination & Handling Fee not included.
On Sale: Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
Preliminary Dimensions (subject to change for US models):
- Length: 157.4”
- Width: 69.9”
- Height: 62.1”
- Wheelbase: 101.2”
- Turning Circle: 32.4 feet
- Curb Weight (DIN) 2,635 lbs. (2,899 lbs. for i3 with Range Extender)
- BMW’s 360 Electric electro mobility services:
  - Home Charging
  - Public Charging
  - Assistance Services
  - Flexible Mobility.
  - BMW Navigation is standard.

Driving:

170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
80-100 mile real-world EV range.
22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power wheels.
0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.2 seconds (preliminary).
Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
BMW’s signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power back into battery.
3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in 30 mins.

Chassis and Body:

Purpose built construction. World’s first mass-produced CFRP-constructed electric vehicle.
Built on innovative LifeDrive architecture composed of two parts: Life Module and Drive Module.
Life Module is essentially the cabin, constructed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
Drive Module is where all of the powertrain components are housed.
Drive Module is made from 100% aluminum.
Magnesium cross-member for instrument panel saves 20% weight vs. steel.
BMW 1 Series external footprint with BMW 3 Series interior space.
LED headlights and taillights (standard in US market).
Weighs in at roughly 2,700 lbs.
No space-consuming transmission tunnel dividing car’s interior.
Pillar-less design with rear coach doors allow for easy entry and exit to rear seats.
Driver-oriented super-ergonomic controls.
Three vehicle Worlds (trim levels): Mega (standard in US), Giga, and Tera.
Standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with unique 155/70 all-season tires. 20-inch light alloy wheels optional.
No transmission tunnel and low console allows for Slide-through Experience, which benefits urban driving by the ability to exit from the passenger side.

Sustainability:

Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
- Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant.
- Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components
- 25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
- Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
- CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
- The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated electricity.
- Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.

Source: BMW

October 10, 2013

Author: Victor Ivanov