Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2014 BMW X5 Individual

    BMW has announced a new range of Individual accessories for the 2014 X5. The elegant design, luxurious ambience and exclusive character of the SAV (sports activity vehicle) are now strengthened by the new accessories.

    The manufacturing processes behind the BMW Individual products developed for the new BMW X5 are underpinned by precision craftsmanship and longstanding experience in working with choice materials. The design and finish of these products reflect a striving for perfection and style that embraces every detail.

    The 2014 X5 Individual is expected in the end of this year. It will come in exclusive Ruby Black metallic or Pyrite Brown metallic paint. The intense lustre of these paintwork options derives from reflections triggered by red or gold pigments beneath the surface. Likewise adding an elegantly sporty touch to the exterior are the 20” BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, fitted with mixed tyres.

    The interior boasts full Merino leather trim from BMW Individual – in Amaro Brown and Criollo Brown with contrast stitching. There are also Piano Black or Sen Light Brown trims available for the new BMW X5. Their surfaces display both the high quality of the material and a perfectly executed finish.

    Other highlights include special all-weather floor mats, a front seat organizer, a folding tray table and a holder for iPad.

    Source: BMW

  • 2013 Alpina B3 F30 – Test [video]

    Chris Harris made a test drive of the recently announced 2013 Alpina B3 based on BMW 3-Series F30 335i (saloon). The powerful saloon comes with some styling upgrades and significantly improved engine.

    The engine is the well-known 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged petrol – 410HP (310 kW) at 5,500RPM and 598Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 306 km/h (190 mph). The fuel consumption is 7.9 liters / 100 km (35.8 mpg UK, 29.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

    The exterior boasts complete Alpina aerodynamics package including a front lip spoiler and new rear diffuser housing quad tailpipe sports exhaust system from Akrapovic. There are also a new trunk lid spoiler, a set of enormous Alpina Classic wheels and optional LSD (limited slip differential).

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=740gShZJF1M

    Source: Drive via Youtube

  • 2014 Toyota Sai – Price

    Toyota has announced the 2013 Sai facelift for Japan. The affordable vehicle comes with minor styling upgrades for the exterior and some improvement for the interior.

    Outside, the new Sai is way more aggressive than its predecessor. It features a new front bumper, a revised front grille and LED headlights. There are also there’s a new rear bumper and a revised trunk with full-length taillights. A set of 16” alloy wheels is added as well as some nice colors – Red Mica Metallic, Clear Stream Metallic and Grey Mica Metallic.

    Inside, the manufacturer has used better materials combined with a modern design. There is a new center console, different switchgear, wood trim and metal accents. As an option – a new 10-speaker SD Navigation system with a microSD card slot, Blu-ray compatibility and two USB inputs is available.

    The engine range includes a 2.4 liter petrol with 150HP (110 kW) and 187Nm (138 lb-ft) of torque combined with an electric motor. The overall power is 190HP (140 kW) and the fuel economy stands at 4.4 liter / 100 km (52.6 mpg US).

    2013 Toyota Sai is available in the showrooms with pricing starting from ¥3,210,000 (around $32,600).

    Source: Toyota

  • Kia Niro Concept

    Kia has published several images of the Niro Compact Crossover Concept, which will be introduced to the audience at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

    The Kia Niro hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity, and will preview an innovative new powertrain when it is revealed on September 10.  The car was designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio – less than a kilometre away from the IAA – under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.

    Niro combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials – including stainless steel elements – in compact, purposeful dimensions.

    Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, Niro features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

    Source: Kia

  • ABT 2013 Volkswagen Beetle – Styling and Performance

    ABT has unveiled their latest tuning package for the new Volkswagen Beetle. The iconic vehicle is getting both – styling and performance upgrades for all engines in the range.

    The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a new front spoiler, headlight and taillight covers, a two-pipe sports exhaust system and a 30mm lowered ride height by installing a new set of springs. There are also different types of alloy wheels from 18” to 20”. The exterior can be finished in matte mystic anthracite, gunmetal or silver bullet.

    The 2.0 liter TSI is boosted to 240HP (176 kW) and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) – an increase of 40HP and 60Nm. The smaller 1.4 liter TSI now has 140HP (103 kW) and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) – a boost of 35HP and 45Nm. The economical diesels are also tweaked – the 2.0 liter TDI now has 170HP (125 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft), which is 30HP and 50Nm more. The 1.6 liter TDI is boosted to 125HP (92 kW) and 285Nm (210 lb-ft) – an increase of 20HP and 35Nm.

    ABT Beetle – Data and Facts

    ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

    • Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 cc capacity
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER
    • Performance: 240 HP/176 kW (standard: 200 HP/147 kW)
    • Torque: 340 Nm (standard: 280 Nm)
    • Engine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 cc capacity
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER
    • Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)
    • Torque: 280 Nm (standard: 240 Nm)
    • Engine: 1.2 TSI, 1.197 cc capacity
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER
    • Performance: 140 HP/103 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)
    • Torque: 220 Nm (standard: 175 Nm)
    • Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 cc capacity
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER
    • Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)
    • Torque: 370 Nm (standard: 320 Nm)
    • Engine: 1.6 TDI, 1.598 cc capacity
    • Performance tuning: ABT POWER
    • Performance: 125 HP/92 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)
    • Torque: 285 Nm (standard: 250 Nm)

    ABT AERODYNAMICS

    • ABT front spoiler
    • ABT head light covers
    • ABT tail light covers
    • ABT rear panel
    • ABT rear skirt set
    • ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY
    • ABT 2-pipe rear muffler
    • ABT WHEELS CR, DR and ER-C in 18 to 20 inches
    • Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires
    • ABT SUSPENSION
    • ABT suspension springs (lowering approx. 30mm)
    • ABT BRAKE TECHNOLOGY
    • ABT brake system, front axle, 345 x 30 mm

    Source: ABT

  • Porsche 911 GT3 – Feast for the Senses [video]

    Porsche has published a nice video clip highlighting the new 911 GT3. The sports car brings sensational feast for the senses. It offers an emotional driving experience, which you have to feel.

    2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six with 475HP (349 kW) and 438Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph).

    Other excellent innovation of the new GT3 is an active rear wheel steering system. It alloys steering in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels for achieving perfect traction and handling.

    The interior has an Alcantara steering wheel, leather/Alcantara seats, as well as red contrasting stitching.

    The Porsche 911 GT3 is currently on sale in Germany and pricing starts at €137,303.

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

    Source: Porsche

  • Mitsubishi Outlander Winter and Summer Edition

    Mitsubishi has announced two special edition Outlanders. The Summer and Winter editions are prepared with the cooperation of H360 Group. The 5-passenger 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Summer Edition and the 7-passenger 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Winter Edition each have been customized to become the ideal ride for a particular season, complete with integrated sports equipment and cutting-edge technology designed to offer as much fun as possible.

    The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Summer Edition comes fully equipped with some of the latest and greatest sporting gear and goods on the market. It boats a burnt orange exterior with graphite accents and 20” Vossen CV3 wheels that are wrapped in Nitto NT420S tires. There are also Trek mountain bikes that are mounted on a Thule roof rack.

    The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Winter Edition is outfitted with a comprehensive selection of gear needed for a day on the slopes. It comes with a white exterior with brushed aluminum accents and 20” Niche Targa alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. There are also an assortment of Volcom snowboarding gear and a coffee maker.

    To document any extreme moves on the slopes, an iPhone 5 camera lens has been placed in the armrest and an HD camera is located on the dashboard. There’s also a custom Recaro children’s booster seat in back, for any little snowboarders-in-training.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 1st Anniversary Edition

    Mercedes-Benz is going to offer ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 1st Anniversary Edition specially for Japan. Production will be limited to 100 units and pricing starts at ¥8,600,000 (around €66,000).

    The special edition ML boasts an AMG styling package that includes aggressive front and rear bumpers, a pair of revised side skirts and a set of 20” alloy wheels. There are also stainless steel running boards and privacy glass. The color range includes Obsidian Black or Diamond White metallic.

    The interior comes with AMG sports seats, an AMG steering wheel and brushed aluminum trim elements. There are also special floor mats and new pedals.

    The ML350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 258HP (190 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft). It is connected to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission and a 4MATIC AWD system.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2014 Ford F-150 STX SuperCrew – US Price $33,145

    Ford has introduced the new 2014 F-150 STX SuperCrew. The manufacturer is now offering entry-level and value-oriented truck to the customers. The new STX SuperCrew is capable, roomy, stylish and comes with a lot of new options.

    Positioned between the work-ready XL and popular XLT models, STX offers upgraded exterior and interior features beyond what’s usually available for entry-level crew cab pickups:

    • Body-color front bumper fascia, grille surrounds, and front and rear step bumpers
    • Power Equipment Group, which includes power door locks, integrated keyhead transmitter remotes, power one-touch up/down windows and sideview mirrors, Illuminated Entry System and perimeter alarm
    • 17-inch machined aluminum wheels
    • Audio input jack
    • Cruise control
    • Customer information display
    • MyKey® , a programmable feature that allows fleet owners and parents to limit top speed and audio volume, and set speed-alert chimes to encourage safer driving
    • Outside temperature display
    • Front-row 40/20/40 premium cloth bench seat
    • Driver manual lumbar adjust
    • Air conditioning
    • AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
    • Tilt steering wheel
    • AM/FM stereo with single CD player

    The engine range includes a 3.7 liter V6 engine – 302HP (225 kW) and 376Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. There is also an optional 5.0 liter V8 with 360HP (268 kW) and 514 Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque.

    MSRP for STX SuperCrew starts at $33,145 for the 4×2 version with 3.7-liter V6 and $37,570 for the 4×4 with 5.0-liter V8. Current available discounts reduce the final price of the STX Sport Package, and F-150 Equipment Group 201A featuring the Trailer Tow Package, SYNC® voice-activated controls and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, to $980. Destination charges are $1,095.

    The new STX Sport Package adds:

    • 20″ machined aluminum painted wheels with P275/55R20 tires
    • Black billet grille with body-color surround
    • Black tubular running boards
    • Black and Gray Piston cloth front seats (40/console/40 on SuperCab and SuperCrew, 40/20/40 on Regular Cab)
    • Color-coordinated carpet
    • Unique box decals

    Source: Ford

  • 2014 Cadillac CTS at Nurburgring

    2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport was tested at the world’s most-demanding test track – Germany’s Nurburgring – and recorded lap times to enhance the nameplate’s reputation as a driver’s car.

    The performance saloon set a lap time of 8:14.10, almost six seconds faster than the first generation CTS-V recorded 10 years ago with a larger V8 engine.

    The 3.6 twin-turbo V6 produces 420HP (313 kW) and 583Nm (430 lb-ft) of torque in the CTS Vsport. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

    Nurburgring validation certified that all CTS suspension packages are capable of handling the extreme conditions and unlimited speeds of Autobahn driving. CTS development included Autobahn and track calibrations of the steering system, shock absorbers, chassis controls and powertrain cooling.

    “The Nurburgring’s extreme conditions allow us to push cars to the limits of stability, steering, braking, ride and handling. The new CTS models had a lot to live up to considering the nameplate’s history of outstanding performance, and we were not disappointed” commented Dave Leone, CTS executive chief engineer, Performance Luxury Vehicles.

    The 2014 CTS standard model will start at $46,025, including $925 destination. Three collections of option packages – Luxury, Performance and Premium – will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either RWD or AWD. The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995, including $925 destination.

    Source: Cadillac

  • Nissan Juke 15RX Personalized Package

    Nissan introduced a customized Juke model, “15RX Personalized Package,” to offer motorists the joy and excitement of customizing a vehicle.

    The special edition Juke, which is set to go on sale in Japan is available exclusively in Passion Red or Night Veil Purple.

    The exterior boasts a lot of sport stripes, different mirror caps and 17” aluminum wheels with a dark finish. The exterior is coming with a new two-tone upholstery in black and red or black and grey.

    The engine range remains the same and the naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter petrol engine with 114HP (84 kW) and 150Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque will be priced from ¥1,943,550 (around €15,000).

    Source: Nissan

  • Irmscher Opel Insignia at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

    Irmscher has introduced their styling package for the facelift version of the new Opel Insignia. The tuned car will be exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

    The tuning package includes a new front spoiler, modified front grille and a pair of extended side skirts. Other upgrades include a rear diffuser, a four tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system, different spoilers and a set of 8.5J x 20” alloy wheels with a two-tone finish fitted with low-profile performance tires.

    The performance will be boosted by different tuning packages including ECU re-maps, sports exhaust systems and optimized intakes. The suspension is further stiffened for better handling results.

    Source: Irmscher