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F-150 Raptor Becomes Parent of Ford EcoSport Storm Concept

Ford-EcoSport-Storm-Concept-651 Another concept coming form the Sao Paolo auto show is the Ford EcoSport Storm. It has the capacity, versatility and customization possibilities and is inspired by the F-150 Raptor pickup. As its descendant the SUV was designed with the aim to convey strength and power. For this reason the specialists at the company have made the model with grid aggressive profile. As an exterior color they have used the so called “Blue Storm”, and made it even more exclusive with details in black and silver, is supplemented by special graphics on the sides.

Running on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/75 R15 rubbers, this machine shows a really nice production possibility. In addition, the frames of the fenders and the front guard reinforce the off-road profile of the model.

Ford has created two other interpretations of the EcoSport. The other two were created by the Design Department of South America and they follow the theme of “Beauty and The Beast”. This strange name does not come to signify a pinkish SUV, but highlights the contrast between luxury and sportiness.

First, the Beauty is sophisticated and urban oriented. This can be see thanks to the special paint in matte metallic copper called “Copper Stardust”, the graphics and contrasting details, black roof, fog lights and 18-inch alloys which were fitted with low profile tires 235/40 R18. The interior offers four individual seats (in style armchair) upholstered in leather, DVD screens in the headrests and multimedia central with GPS.

And at last, the Beast’s version is showing the sportiness of the EcoSport. It is covered with Speed White pearlescent white bodywork and features contrasting details in blue and orange. The exterior of this version also includes three bar grille, fog lamps with four LEDs and 18 “rims with 235/60 R18 tires. Inside, the interior has wide range of technologies and a multimedia system.

EcoSport Beauty Show Car

Source: Ford

November 3, 2014

The All-new Mazda2: Technologically Advanced, Interiorly Rich

The all-new Mazda 2 is designed to bring comfort and absolute driving experience. Now SKYACTIV Technology and the “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme have decided to work together and transform Mazda’s qualities into even more class-beating and sophisticated characteristics.

KODO is renowned for its outstanding and dynamic refinements which it works on a car. With its defining design philosophy, it brings powerful stance, determine bodylook and strong expressions that strike the heart. The characteristics of Mazda2 are now conveyed with a better attitude and presence which is stronger than ever before. Like other KODO-based Mazdas, this model also features the signature wing Mazda grill and aggressive, carnivore-like headlamps along with highlighted character lines and rear-leaning cabin. There is also a slightly longer wheelbase. The car can be purchased with 15 and 16-inch aluminum or 15-inch steel wheels. This is the first Mazda that has four-lamp LED design that accompanies the dynamic round signature of the low-slung headlamps. The latter contribute to the U-shaped signature of the horizontal combination taillights.

The SKYACTIV Technology establishes a perfect balance between economy and performance. The engines and transmissions are properly upgraded for this particular size of car. The body and chassis are given the strongest and most cohesive enhancements which provide with the best ride quality and smooth responsiveness. In terms of safety, the all-new Mazda2 is equipped with a progressive high-tech innovations like the MZD Connect in-car connectivity concept and i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems which answer the requests of the modern-day drivers.

Superminis are known for their economy, affordability, safety, rich equipment and their easy-to-be-driven mode. All of these are presented one level up on Mazda2 thanks to KODO enhancements. The all-new Mazda2 is the fourth Mazda model which has been given a KODO – Soul of Motion design. The cabin is crafted to seem more spacious and brings a feel of being more practical and convenient too. Thanks to KODO refinements, the position of the pedals along with the seats and steering wheel adjustments there is enough space for taller drivers too. Limit is not a word that features KODO’s dictionary. Finally, the upgraded Mazda2 includes an innovative human-machine interface (HMI), Active Driving Display and seven-inch touchscreen, updated Mazda2 navigation system and more.

The Mazda2 comes with SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter engine which has low compression, great torque and excellent fuel economy. The output is that of 105hp (77 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 220 Nm at 1,400-3,200 rpm. The fuel economy and CO2 emissions are estimated at 3.41/100km and 89g/km.
SKYACTIVE-G 1.5-liter is available for the smaller packaging of the all-new Mazda2 in three variants. It has highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 4.7l/100km and 110g/km (with five-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox).

It is officially scheduled for launch in Europe in five-door hatchback version in early 2015.

Source: Mazda

November 3, 2014

Hyundai Previews New Sport Series with HB20 R-Spec Concept

Hyundai HB20 R-Spec Concept is another vehicle that most of us will see only on pictures. But if you are living in Sao Paolo and you are a car enthusiast, then you have already seen this little gem as the auto show which is currently taking place in the Brazilian city. Of course, like all of the other concept an production vehicles that have debuted there, this one is specifically developed for the Latin American market.

In fact, the HB20 derivative is very popular in the country, an in my opinion it absolutely mimics the Chevy Spark. Well, in Sao Paulo for local consumption, Hyundai produces this HB20 in three versions: hatchback, sedan and crossover. It is the former on which the current HB20 R-Spec is based on.

The concept car is covered in matte blue and as you can see it features aggressive aero kit. There are additional cooling ducts and LED headlights. This mini runs on 17-inch alloys and knows how to treat its occupants, because of the leather trimmed interior and the striped seats.

There is no official data on engine or other technical equipment. Even though, this R-Spec looks pretty well and we suppose that it will go in production very soon. This was the story of the HB20 Crossover which debuted in 2012 at the show in Sao Paolo and a year later went official on the market.

Source: Hyundai

November 3, 2014

Nissan Qashqai Clocked up Two Million Units in Record Time

The British-built Nissan Qashqai hits more than two million unit-sales in just eight years of production. It is an event which marks a highly significant stage in the fast-progressive development of Nissan.

The unquestioned style, technology, design and level of performance help Nissan move from one strong point to another. With this manufacturing milestone now, Qashqai sets a remarkable year for the automotive company, thus polishing even more its marvelous reputation. The launch of the new generation model in January and winning What Car? magazine’s coveted Car of the Year, as well as Tow Car’s ‘Car of the Year’, ebay customers’ ‘New Car of the Year’ and the Prize for Quality from prestigious Spanish business magazine Ejecutivos all add up quite some weight and importance to the successful 2014 of the motor company.

The two million customers and their obvious interest in the brand are clear testimony for their loyalty and trust in Nissan’s productions. The high sales prove that the company continues to evolve, develop and accomplish results which are better than expected. What is more, according to the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP; “Nissan is one of the driving forces behind the UK’s world-renowned automotive industry.”

The finest small SUV is powered by 1.5-liter diesel dCi engine which is punchy enough and capable of generating 110 hp (81 kW). It has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. Qashqai’s diesel range with 1.6 dCi delivers 130 hp (96kW). Next, the 1.6 dCi, which comes in two-wheel-drive manual form, has CO2 emissions of 115g/km. The petrol 1.2 DIG-T unit delivers 115 hp (85 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. It emits 129g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg. Finally, the 1.6 DIG-T produces 150 hp (110 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. Its fuel consumption is 50.4mpg, while CO2 emissions are 132g/km.

Source: Nissan

November 3, 2014

They Call it the Clark Kent of Cars: 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

2015 Dodge Charger has received R/T Scat Pack just like its sibling the famous Challenger. This means that the car will be driven by the SRT-made 6.4-liter HEMI powertrain. But actually what we get is more than this. The muscle vehicle shows-off some menacing looks. Just take a look at the power-bulge aluminum hood and the NACA duct for better engine cooling. The front fascia of the car looks contemporary due to the addition of an upper grille in black with dynamic grille texture. This new feature spans between the projector headlamps.

If focus below you will also see a massive lower grille and integrated front splitter. They serve in terms of optimizing engine and cooling module airflow. Car’s athletic stance is emphasized by the flared side sills and wide 20×9 inch wheels coupled with three-season performance tires.

At the back, there is a Satin Black single piece decked spoiler and exhaust system’s 4-inch round exhaust tips. In terms of performance this Dodge has received some special upgrades such as red Brembo four-piston caliper front brakes, high-performance suspension, 3.09 rear-axle ratio and performance steering wheel.

But to go back to the main highlight in this car – the naturally aspirated 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm 475 lb.-ft. of torque 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated to a paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission. The four-door muscle beast is potent enough to turn mid 4-second 0-60 mph times and mid-12-second quarter mile times.

There are also a lot of other special tweaks like the performance seats with “Scat Pack” embroidery and the huge 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The added technologies include ParkView rear backup camera and ParkSense rear park assist. Of course, this special car will be recognized simply by hte Scat Pack grille badge, “HEMI 392” fender badges along with “Charger” and “R/T” heritage badge on the deck lid.

No additional information on pricing has been released so far or any details on release date. We hope to see this beauty sooner than later. Any thoughts on what Dodge have missed in this incredible project? Would you like to add or substitute anything?

Source: Dodge

November 3, 2014

Hyundai Elantra Reaches 10 Million Unit Milestone

The huge success of Hyundai does not cease to impress people. Recently the Korean automotive company announced that its 2015 Elantra sedan (which is also known as Avante in some other parts of the world) surpassed the 10 million sales mark since its start in 1990. The striking achievement becomes even more striking when you take into consideration that Hyundai Elantra is the first model produced by Hyundai manufacturer and also one of the 10 cars in the whole auto-history to make such an amazing boom. This reputable accomplishment is possible thanks to the average sales of 420,000 per year which is rated approximately at 1,100 a day. Mind-blowing, isn’t it?

“Reaching this historic mark is a testament to Elantra’s staying power and the global appeal of a vehicle that delivers design, functionality and performance,” pointed out Bob Pradzinski, vice president of National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. He continued and added that; “As a company it also shows our ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and continue to push the compact car segment with features once reserved for luxury vehicles.”

The most recent Elantra model keeps its position of a leader among the exclusively competitive compact car range. This has been confirmed by several prestigious awards which the Elantra has achieved, thus including ranking the highest in its segment for initial quality in the influential J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS). Elantra is also the three-time winner (during 2011, 2012 and 2013) of the ALG Residual Value Awards and remains one of the most desirable and purchased vehicles in the segment.

Source: Hyundai

November 3, 2014

SEMA Debut: 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition

Since SEMA Show started yesterday, the first super special project that we are to present to you is a special edition, which celebrates the culmination of segment-leading fifth-generation Camaro, and it is dubbed: 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition. The car has been America’s best-selling performance vehicle for five years in a row and it has come the time to mark the final year for the fifth generation.

The car exhibited at the show will be made available on 2LT and 2SS coupes and convertibles and will include the RS package. Of course some of the features are unique to this special edition. Take a moment to see the one-off 20-inch wheels, the exclusive body stripe and the body-color front splitter.

The ZL1 rear spoiler and Commemorative Edition fender emblems will complement one of the five available five exterior color combinations. Precisely they are: Black with Cyber Gray stripe, Silver Ice Metallic with Cyber Gray stripe, Summit White with silver stripe, Ashen Gray Metallic with silver stripe and Red Hot with black stripe. All of the SS models will also get a body-color hood insert.

Inside, Adrenaline Red interior you see will be only featured in the Commemorative Edition. It includes red and black leather seating surfaces, red instrument panel insert and stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob, shift boot, door trim armrest and center console lid. Other details include leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel and Commemorative Edition sill plates. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Commemorative Edition is scheduled to go on sale this spring.

Since 2009 Chevrolet has sold more than 400,000 fifth-generation Camaros. This number is a real proof that the mode has been America’s best-selling performance car for four consecutive years. And in fact, Camaro currently leads Mustang by 10,000 sales – putting Camaro on track to be America’s favorite performance car for a fifth consecutive year.

November 3, 2014

All-New Lincoln Cars Designed to Provide Ultimate Quietness

In a recent press release Lincoln Motor Company is showing off with its all-new Lincoln vehicles’ interior which is proclaimed to be among the quietest ones worldwide. But is this really so?

Satisfying customers’ needs and providing them with the best quality of production is one of the primary goals in every car industry. Therefore, implementing new clever engineering, high-class manufacturing and outstanding design elements is a step that pushes Lincoln cars further on. As Scott Tobin director, Lincoln Product Development, comments; “To attract a new luxury client, we’re elevating all aspects of the driving experience, including an intense focus on providing a quiet interior. A combination of engineering, manufacturing and design related actions are being implemented to provide a calm, comfortable environment, and a better customer experience.

Part of the technologies which are used in order to reduce the noise and provide an atmosphere as calm as possible include sound-absorbing interior trim panels and noise-reducing material in the pillars, trim panels and carpets. What is more, Lincoln vehicles come with acoustic and aero-designed mirrors that are able to control the airflow across the side to decrease cabin noise. There is also acoustic-laminate windshield and front side glass that work to reduce highway-speed noise levels. The quiet environment in the car is further possible due to active noise control which ‘examines’ and captures the sound. Through inverted sound waves, the active noise control casts away the unwanted sound-disturbances. Finally, the “Do Not Disturb” feature on SYNC blocks incoming calls which are automatically diverted to voicemail. The text messages, respectively, are saved on the device so they can be checked later.

By all means then, Lincoln successfully achieves ultimate quiet interior which also demonstrates comfort, smoothness and assertiveness. What do you think? Is this quiet enough for you?

Source: Lincoln

November 3, 2014

Radical Reveals 440 hp SR8 RSX Race & Track Car

Radical SR8 RSX Race and Track car is company’s new flagship racing vehicle. Note that it offers an experience closer to LMP competition. It utilizes the newest technology just like the RXC V8 coupe and includes a sevenspeed paddleshift transmission and variable-assistance power steering. The cockpit is bigger than the SR8 RX and in addition is generously equipped. The big news about this car is that it is powered by a racing engine designed specifically for race and track use.

Namely, this is the RPE 3.0-litre V8 unit which will become famous for generating 440 hp (324 kW) at up to 10,500rpm. Still, the engine is also warranted for up to 40 hours between rebuilds. What is more, the SR8 RSX is the only open race car at this price to include a seven-speed, paddleshift transverse gearbox with architecture similar to Le Mans prototype and top-end single-seater design.

The chassis is FIA-compliant and features inboard pushrod suspension for a greater range of adjustment, and 350mm six-pot ventilated disc brakes behind either 17” or 18” wheels. In addition the supercar also features electrically powerassisted steering with variable assistance options. This is again a first in an open race car.

The body is made of modular composite, which minimizes servicing and repair costs, while at the same time delivering a modern and fluid look to this Radical. Inside the open-cockpit range, we see a dash dominated by AIM MXG dash logger, high-contrast 7” TFT display and integrated WiFi.

In addition, according to the new regulations, the larger platform allows an FIA fuel cell capacity of up to 100L, with dual dry-break refuelling an option for endurance racing. Radical SR8 RSX Race and Track car is retailed at £109,950 and it will be launched in January.

Source: Radical Sportscars

November 3, 2014

2015 Ford Focus ST – UK Price

Ford UK has announced the pricing of the 2015 Focus ST. It starts from just £22,195 for the hatchback version and the estate is priced at £23,295.

Some of the new features include revised front and rear bumpers, a new front hood and updated headlights featuring HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels. Other highlights include restyled fog lights and a set of new 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires.

There is also a new color: Magnetic Metallic replacing the famous Ingot Silver. Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps.

The interior boasts a new instrument panel, a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port. Also updated are front door storage places and cupholders. The steering wheel is more ergonomic and provides extra leg clearance thanks to its flattened bottom. The Recaro sport seats are impressive as the driver’s one features 8-way adjusting.

The engine is a 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 250HP (183 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph). The fuel consumption is impressive – 6.8 liters / 100 km in combined cycle (41.5 mpg UK or 34.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. The result is thanks to a new engine start/stop system. The other new engine is a 2.0 liter TDCi with 185HP (136 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). It will average 4.4 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK or 53.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The estate model is slightly heavier, so it accelerates to 100 km/h with 0.2 seconds slower. Still, it can hit the same top speed as the hatchback.

Source: Ford

October 31, 2014

2015 Civic Type R Presents Honda’s “Other Side”

2015 Honda Civic Type R is probably on of the most anticipated cars these days. It is soon to be launched and for this reason the Japanese company has released an interactive online film yesterday, which brings to life the brand’s “other side”. And if you want to know what is it, then you’ll definitely have to find out yourself. All right, all right, a spoiler here is that Honda’s “other side” is born from a racing heritage and thirst for innovation. And this is what this campaign heroes.

The new Civic Type R will be the most extreme and high-performing wearing the ‘Red H’ badge. As the film hints, the car is the wild child alter-ego of the Civic hatchback. An this is how the high-adrenaline dual narrative begins. The story unfolds in two parallel tales, one set during the day and the other at night.

During the day, a father is picking his daughter up from school in his white Civic. He is driving her to a surprise party. As a contrast enters the night-time narrative, which shows the father’s other side, which is an undercover cop driving a crew of art thieves to a police sting, in a head-turning red Type R.

The Other Side film opens with the Civic in the daytime. Then come titles prompting interaction as they roll. The person viewing all this can switch between the Civic and the Type R narrative, simply by pressing the ‘R’ button on their keyboard. In addition, the press of the ‘R’ button puts the director’s cut into the viewers’ hands. This allows them to switch in real time between two mirrored story lines

Source: Honda

October 31, 2014

Created with Class, Designed as an Icon: Special Edition Vorsteiner GTRS4

In order to celebrate its 10 year anniversary, the American tuner car manufacturer Vorsteiner has created a special limited edition vehicle that has the enigmatic name of GTRS4. It becomes obvious from the released pictures, that the car will take the world out of its orbit and will shake it so hard that everything ordinary will drop on the ground. We see a legend! We see an icon! We see perfectness in extraordinary glare!

The upgraded vehicle is based on the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe and will feature carbon fiber body kit. The focus of the Vorsteiner’s team of professionals is directed towards crafting an organic design that not only fits the initial body lines of the BMW M4 but also preserve and demonstrate a full capacity of functionality and everyday drivability.

Making sure that every detail is set to its best, the tuner revolutionized their GTS package from last month, providing the coupe with ESS Tuning’s E-Tronic engine which will be able to fire up output from around 431 HP (317 kW) to 550 HP (405 kW). The exclusive BMW M4 GTRS4 comes with three-piece 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in Pirelli P Nero tires and KW Suspension. There is no information about the performance details yet but the stock BMW M4 Coupe boosts to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds with the optional seven-speed M DCT. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, though, the car accomplishes it in 4.3 seconds.

The Special Edition GTRS4 package will include:

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper with an Integrated Front Splitter Element
Carbon Fiber Wide Front Fender with Ventilation (2 inches wider on each side)
Carbon Fiber Aero Side Blade Elements
Carbon Fiber Wide rear Fender (3.5 inches wider on each side)
Carbon Fiber Rear Bumpers with an Integrated Rear Diffuser Element
Vorsteiner 90mm Quad Exhaust Tip Finishers ( in Brushed or Black nuance)
Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badging
GTRS4 Forged 3-Piece Wheels, 20×10.5 J; 20×13.5J in Gloss Brushed Shadow

Source: Vorsteiner

October 31, 2014

Category: Auto News