Author: Victor Ivanov

  • 2014 Toyota Harrier JDM

    Toyota has published several pictures of the 2014 Harrier, which will be produced specially for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market). The official debut of the crossover is expected later this year.

    It is obvious that the new model is designed to more way more luxurious than its predecessor.  Considering Harrier and Lexus RX have a history of being virtually identical, speculation suggests the 2014 Harrier could preview the next-generation RX.

    The manufacturer didn’t release any further information about the crossover. 2014 Toyota Harrier comes with a prominent grille and a large air intakes as well as a sportier tailgate with an integrated spoiler and thin taillights.

    The engine range will probably include the same engines as the predecessor – a 2.7 liter four-cylinder petrol, a 3.5 liter V6 and a 3.5 liter V6 and electric motor (hybrid version).

    Stay tuned for full information and pricing!

    Source: Toyota

  • MINI Vision – Design from the Future

    MINI Vision showcases various elements of future MINI design. There are a lot of interesting features like Driving Experience Control, full LED headlights and MINI Click System.

    MINI Vision is designed to preview the upcoming 2014 Cooper. The Vision boasts an aerodynamic bumper and a hexagonal grille that features integrated fog lights. Thea re also full-LED headlights with outer ring which works as DRL. Other highlights include organo metal accents, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a center-mounted dual exhaust system.

    The interior boasts a symmetrical design and a lot of different colors and textures. The lounge-like seats seem very comfortable and Union Jack-inspired elastic straps on the doors that hold magazines, drinks or mobile phones are very useful.

    The unbeatable scope for personalisation and an extremely sporty and precise design make the MINI Vision the perfect partner for the road, tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual driver. This design vision demonstrates that MINI will continue to use intelligent variability, imagination-capturing technology and a compact sporting presence to deliver unrivalled driving fun over the years to come.

    Source: MINI

  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – Options List

    Ferrari cars are not for everyone, because they are too expensive to buy and to maintain. This is especially true for the F12 Berlinetta, which is the newest and most powerful Ferrari, ever. The starting price is $315,888, but the optional extras are insanely expensive.

    This particular order form for such car shows, how the price easily increase to over $380k just for several additional extras. As the author of the picture showed one of the most ridiculous options is the carbon fiber cup holder for whopping $3,533 – this is too much even for billionaires. There are also other unnecessary extras like carbon fiber dash inserts for $7,227, carbon fiber bridge for $3,051  and grey-painted brake calipers for $1,445.

    Everybody admits that the F12 Berlinetta is one of the best sports cars in the world, but these prices just can ruin the whole idea!

    Source: Carbon Mccoy

  • LEIB Engineering BMW 1-Series M Coupe

    LEIB Engineering has announced their latest project based on BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The small and powerful Bavarian car comes with styling and performance upgrades.

    The exterior boasts full foil cover in a matte grey into which a chequered plate look and the logos of the companies involved with the project were integrated three-dimensionally by streetworkz customz from Morschwil. There is also a Alpha-N tail diffuser and carbon rear spoiler trunk lid also partially covered with foil. The extended wheel arches of the 1-Series M are filled by 10J x 20” Bavaria BC5 Concave wheels with Yokohama Advan sports tyres 255/30 R20 at the front and 275/30 R20 at the rear axle. Matching the installed Bilstein B16 PSS10 threaded chassis, the single-part light-metal wheel rims are powder-coated in a noticeable baby blue.

    The twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter I-6 engine is boosted to 400HP (298 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) – an increase of 60HP and 60Nm. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map and a Supersprint sports exhaust system. Stage II includes bigger turbochargers, completely revised cooling and exhaust systems. The expected result is more than 500HP (367 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft).

    Source: LEIB Engineering

  • Lumma Design CLR X5 RS based on 2014 BMW X5

    Lumma Design has introduced their latest project based on the upcoming 2014 BMW X5, which is going to hit the market this November. The name of the project is CLR X5 RS and it features only styling upgrades.

    The exterior boasts a complete wide-body kit including a new aggressive front bumper, a pair of revised side skirts, extended wheel arches, a new rear bumper and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. There is also a new ventilated front hood, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a set of enormous 23” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

    The interior comes with a premium leather upholstery in red (or any other desirable color) as well as carbon fiber elements, alloy pedals and floor mats with Lumma logo.

    Source: Lumma

  • 2013 Skoda Fabia Reaction and Monte Carlo TECH Estate

    Skoda Fabia Reaction and Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate hit showrooms this month, both delivering high equipment levels and incredible value for money. The new Fabia Reaction is priced from £9,690, which is £3,715 less than the normal price of £13,405. The new Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate has a price tag of £12,575.

    The 2013 Fabia Reaction comes with AC and a three-spoke leather steering wheel fitted as standard, while the exterior benefits from a unique combination of 16” black Comet alloys, rear spoiler, black detailing on the roof, mirrors and grille, and Sunset glass. Combined with the Meteor Grey paintwork, the Fabia Reaction has serious head-turning ability.

    The Fabia Reaction model is fitted with a 1.2 12V 69PS engine and is only available in hatch form. There is also a

    The 2013 Fabia Monte Carlo TECH Estate boasts Amundsen sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. There is also a striking design that includes gloss black wheelarches and grille. The engine range includes a 1.2 TSI 105HP and 1.6 TDI CR 105HP.

    Source: Skoda

  • Top 10 Naturally Aspirated Engines

    Let’s check out the highest specific engine output or in other words power / unit displacement. Of course, we will take a closer look only for series production cars powered by naturally aspirated engines.

    10th Place: Audi R8 GT – 5.2 liter V10 FSI – 560HP (412 kW) and 540Nm (400 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 108HP / liter.

     

    9th Place: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera – 5.2 liter V10 – 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (400 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12.0 seconds and top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 110HP / liter.

    8th Place: Ferrari 599 GTO – 6.0 liter V12 – 670HP (493 kW) and 620Nm (459 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 112HP / liter.

    7th Place: Lexus LFA – 4.8 liter V10 –  560HP (412 kW) and 480Nm (356 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 117HP / liter.

    6th Place: Porsche 911 GT3 RS – 3.8 liter flat-six – 450HP (331 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Top speed 310 km/h (193 mph).  The specific power / unit displacement is 118HP / liter.

    5th Place: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – a 6.3 liter V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 123HP / liter.

    3rd Place: Pagani Zonda R – 6.0 liter V12 – 750HP (551kW) and 710Nm (526 lb-ft).0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds and the top speed is over 350km/h (218 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 125HP / liter.

    3rd Place: Honda S2000 – 2.0 liter I4 – 250HP () and 218Nm (161 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 125HP / liter.

    2nd Place: Ferrari 458 Italia – 4.5 liter V8 – 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (399 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 127HP / liter.

    1st Place: Caparo T1 – 3.5 liter V8 – 575HP (423 kW) and 420Nm (311 lb-ft).0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph). The specific power / unit displacement is 164HP / liter.

  • Galpin Ford GTR1 at Pebble Beach

    Galpin Auto Sports is going to introduce Ford GTR1 at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, next month. The sports car is inspired by Ford GT and comes with super-powerful engine.

    The GTR1 will be powered by a 5.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 1,024HP (764 kW) and 998Nm (739 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed will be over 362 km/h (225 mph) – making it a truly modern and bold American mid-engine supercar.

    Designed by Galpin Auto Sports, the hand crafted all aluminum body was widened by 5” compared to the Ford GT, and constructed by renowned concept car builder Metalcrafters. It features 20” forged aluminum knock-off wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires, 6-piston brakes with full carbon rotors, jeweled headlamps and tail lamps and carbon fiber accents.

    The interior boasts a machined aluminum instrument cluster, a McIntosh sound system, and luxurious hand fabricated leather trimmed seats, dash, door panels and headliner. The Galpin Ford GTR1 will be extremely limited in production, with a choice of aluminum or carbon fiber bodies.

    “We’re incredibly excited and honored to celebrate the culmination of Galpin’s 60 years of creating unique vehicles with the debut of our first supercar at such respected venues,” commented Beau Boeckmann, Vice President of Galpin Motors and President of Galpin Auto Sports.

    Source: Galpin Auto Sports

  • 1935 Blue Bird V – Land Speed Record 484.5 km/h

    Sir Malcolm Campbell has set a land speed record back in 1935 with Blue Bird V. The vehicle is currently on on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

    Sir Malcolm Campbell set a land speed record of 445 km/h (276.82) mph in the Blue Bird V at Daytona Beach, Florida, USA, in February 1935 and then went on to become the first person to exceed 300 mph when he achieved a record 484.5 km/h (301.129 mph) in it at Bonneville salt flats, Utah, in September of the same year.

    “Beaulieu has been home to Donald Campbell’s Bluebird CN7 since the 1960s, so it is wonderful to finally see his father’s most famous Land Speed Record Breaker, the Blue Bird V, displayed alongside it in the museum. To see these legendary vehicles together is an unforgettable experience, and we hope that by having them on display, they will inspire a whole new young generation and reignite the interest in land speed record breaking.”, commented Beaulieu Commercial Director, Stephen Munn.

    This incredible Blue Bird display will only be on show for a few months, as the Blue Bird V will be making its return journey across the Atlantic at the end of November, so do not miss this amazing opportunity to view these three Blue Birds together.

    The current land speed record is held by Andy Green, who reached the amazing 1227.99 km/h (763.035 mph = Mach 1.016) with Thrust SSC (picture below) – powered by two Rolls-Royce Sprey turbofan engines with power output of 110,000HP (82 MW) and netthrust of 223 kN.

    Source: Beaulieu

  • Brabus 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Powerful, Fast, Individual and Exclusive

    Brabus has revealed their latest project based on the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The tuned luxurious saloon is described as powerful, fast, individual and exclusive.

    The tuning specialists offer performance package for the S500 powered by 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo boosted to 520HP (382 kW) and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed can be limited to 250,275 or 300 km/h (155, 168 or 186 mph). The BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra CGI performance kit increases the power with 65HP.

    The BRABUS B63 – 650 PowerXtra CGI package boosts the S 63 AMG to 650HP (478 kW) at 5,500RPM and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) at 2,250RPM.

    The BRABUS B63S – 730 high-performance version offers 730HP (537 kW) at 5,300RPM and 1,065Nm (785 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,750RPM. Top speed is limited electronically to 325 km/h (202 mph) by the BRABUS Vmax unit that is part of the conversion.

    Brabus also offers a sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve for all new S 500 and S 63 AMG models – two modes available: Coming Home or Sport.

    The exterior comes with a sporty-elegant body conversion kit made from PUR plastics and carbon fibers.

    There are also tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters of 19”, 20” or even 21”.  The largest tire/wheel combination on offer features forged and mirror-polished BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” Monoblock VI or Monoblock F cross-spoke wheels in size 9J x 21” front and 10.5J x 21” rear fitted with 255/30 ZR 21 and 295/30 ZR 21 tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

    To be able to further improve the dynamic handling of the high-performance luxury sedan BRABUS has developed special control modules that lower the ride height of vehicles with AIRMATIC or Active Body Control suspension by about 15 mm (0.6”).

    There is a range of options for the interior including scuff plates with BRABUS logo, fine leather upholstery, durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara. The new Mercedes S-Class can be further refined with a BRABUS multimedia system that is as exclusive as it is technologically innovative.

    Source: Brabus

  • VATH Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake – 846HP and 1,180Nm

    VATH has released their latest project based on the stylish and super-fast Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake. The tuner equipped the X 218 model with both styling and performance modifications.

    The tuning package V63RS boosts the 5.5 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine to whopping 846HP (622 kW) and 1,180Nm (874 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph). The result is thanks to a number of upgrades including – bigger turbochargers, VATH air charge cooling system, a downpipe-system reducing exhaust gas counter pressure and VATH- rear silencer system. There is also an ECU-remap. The price for the complete package is €46,172.

    Other upgrades include optional lowering by 20 to 40 mm on the front axle and electronic adjustment of the rear axle – €1,166. A big brake system including 405 mm brake disks with 6-piston calipers on the front -€6010. A fuel cooler costs €1,773 plus €417 for assembly and air conditioning service. Engine oil and transmission oil cooler – €1,166.

    The wheel/tyre combination includes 9.5J x 20” with 265/30 ZR20 front and 11.5J x 20” with 305/25 ZR20 rear. The complete set costs €3,375.

    The aerodynamics upgrades include a new front spoiler from carbon fiber – €1,416; Rear diffuser from carbon fiber with fins and larger underbody – €2,011.

    The interior can be also modified – AC surrounds, ashtray cover in the front, central cover, controller panel, left and right door panels, ventilation system on the left, as well as central decorative cover is refined with classic black carbon in exchange for the original parts –  €3,927. The sports steering wheel in leather/leather design is €1,297, but is also available with carbon or fine wood applications on request. Last, but not least is the the speedometer extension to 360 km/h (220 mph) – €1,535.

    Source: VATH
  • 2014 Mazda3 – US Price $16,945

    Mazda US has announced the pricing and the official fuel economy of the all-new 2014 Mazda3. The affordable and efficient vehicle is going to hit the market this September with pricing starting from just $16,945 (excl. a $795 destination charge).

    Standard extras include push-button start, automatic power door locks, a remote keyless entry system, daytime running lights and a USB connection port. Also standard are a matte-finish front grille, 16” full-cover steel wheels, body-color door handles and bumpers, dual-power folding outside mirrors, power windows with driver-side one-touch down/up, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering column, air conditioning with a pollen filter, trim-specific cloth sport seats, a fold-down rear seat, a four-speaker AM/FM audio system and an auxiliary input jack.

    The i-Sport variant is priced from $18,445 and adds illuminated steering wheel controls, a 60/40-split fold-flat rear seat, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio connectivity, cruise control, a trip computer, a CD player, map lights, body-colored side mirrors and a tachometer.

    The i-Touring has a price tag of $19,595 and features 16” aluminum alloy wheels, heated body-color folding outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, bright beltline trim, a rear seat folding armrest with cup holders, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start system, Touring-specific cloth-trimmed sport seats as well as a leather-wrapped brake handle, shift knob and three-spoke steering wheel with contrast stitching. A body-color rear deck lip spoiler becomes standard on sedans while a rear roof spoiler is fitted onto five-door models. A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) also is standard on all i Touring models.

    The i–Grand Touring starts at $22,745 and comes equipped with leather seats, a moonroof, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.

    The top-of-range s-Touring comes with 18” aluminum alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with manual leveling, a piano black-finish front grille, halogen fog lights, LED combination taillights, LED daytime running lights, the all-new Active Driving Display, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar adjustment, leatherette seats and door panel inserts, and variable heated front seats in addition to the features available on the i Touring with Technology Package.

    The car can also be equipped with a $1,600 Touring Technology Package which adds i-ELOOP regenerative braking, an active shutter grille, High Beam Control (HBC), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

    The engine range includes a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine with 155HP (115 kW) and 203Nm (150 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The manual variant returns 29 mpg in city and 41 mpg on highway, while the automatic returns 30 mpg in city and 41 mpg on highway. There is also a 2.5 liter SKYACTIV-G engine with 184HP (137 kW) and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. It will be available exclusively with a six-speed automatic – 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway or 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway with i-ELOOP technology.

    Source: Mazda