Auto News – Page 437 – Automobiles Review

Citroen Connected Services at the 2014 Paris Motor Show

It is not surprising to see that CITROËN has revealed some very interesting concepts and products at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Displaying a rich number of connected services that are based on onboard or smartphone apps CITROËN strives to turn the everyday driving into a safer, more entertaining, more convenient and, finally, time and money-saving experience.

As the CITROËN Director of Marketing, Communication and Sport pointed out, “The services provided by CITROËN CONNECT are a practical and positive response that makes life easier for our customers.”

At the Motor Show, the brand name presented its connected services on five walls in an area that encompassed 67.50 m². One of the best parts about the exhibition is the fact that CITROËN CONNECT allowed customers and visitors to try out their services either on demonstration units or on the displayed CITROËN C4 Cactus in the center of the CITROËN CONNECT dedicated area.

Examples of what CITROËN CONNECT includes and can offer to clients are:

CITROËN Connect Box that offers an emergency and localized assistance call functions.

Link MyCITROËN which represents a free smartphone app. It is available on the C4 Picasso and C4 Cactus and it serves to provide a current location of the vehicle, offers eco-driving tips and so on.

Mirror Screen is another service by CITROËN which is available on the new C1. Its function is to let users control a smartphone from the touch drive interface of the vehicle.

MyCITROËN, is a free individual online page which enables easy management of the car.

October 17, 2014

Chevrolet Shows Five Performace Inspired Concepts Ahead of SEMA Debut

Chevrolet too has previewed some of the performance-oriented concepts that it is going to display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The range of the vehicles that will be exhibited includes some of the most popular models: SS Sport, Sonic, Impala and Cruze. The SEMA concepts are equipped with accessories that allow personalization. In fact, some accessories are already available at dealerships, while other will debut at the show and are currently evaluated for production.

The first vehicle to be displayed at SEMA is the Chevrolet SS Sport concept, which is inspired by company’s motorsports heritage. Its unique features include improved “Some Like It Red Hot” exterior with body-color door handles and mirrors, Chevrolet Accessories grille kit, fog lamp bezels, side fender vents and rear spoiler, stripes for the hood and deck lid, wheel caps with the Holden logo, sport pedal kit and cargo net and floor mats and cargo tray with the Holden logo.

The car is running on new high-gloss black wheels that come in the size of 20 x 8.5-inch at the front and 20 x 9-inch at the rear. The car is driven by the LS3 V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (310 kW) and 415 lb-ft of torque (563 Nm). The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, but can be also mated to a six-speed, paddle-shift automatic one. What is more, this concept also gets as a standard Magnetic Ride Control and new Brembo rear brakes that complement the Brembo front brakes.

The second concept t be shown at the event is the Sonic Performance concept, which draws on the legacy of Chevrolet’s high-performance vehicles reimagined for a new generation of enthusiasts. The car includes engine performance, suspension/brakes and appearance upgrades. Precisely, the package includes Chevrolet Performance Stage Kit, cold-air induction and a high-flow exhaust system allowing the 1.4L turbo engine to produce more power for a more exciting driving experience.

There are also featured a track-tuned suspension system developed by Chevrolet Performance, which lowers the ride height for a sportier stance, Synergy Green exterior color accented with white; Chevrolet Accessories white headlamp rings, tail lamp rings, grille surround, mirror covers and rear spoiler, Concept ground effects package, 17-inch aluminum wheels in white and Chevrolet Accessories carpeted floor mats, door sills and sport pedals.

In addition, this Sonic is also equipped with an advanced safety package that comes with forward collision alert and lane departure warning as well as a rear vision camera. It also features 10 standard air bags and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

The other Sonic in the range of Chevy’s SEMA-bound concepts is the Sonic Accessories concept. It was built to emphasize the personalization possibilities of the car and includes Summit White exterior color with an offset matte black stripe, Chevrolet Accessories white headlamp rings and tail lamp rings, black grille surround, mirror covers and rear spoiler, suspension kit with lowered ride height, carpeted floor mats, door sills and sport pedals.

The car is running on black 17-inch aluminum wheels and also packs a Kicker subwoofer and amplifier to complement its street-smart style with the appropriate decibels. The vehicle is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbo which generates 138 horsepower (103kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm) of torque between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.

Impala Blackout concept is the fourth revealed SEMA vehicle, which features blacked-out cues that lend it a sinister attitude. The tuning is simple, but effective and includes Chevrolet Accessories black grille surround, rear spoiler, painted mirror caps and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Here however the interior was modified and gets custom trim plates with a wire mesh pattern, along with Chevrolet Accessories stainless steel sills and a sport pedal kit. This Impala also rocks with 11-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System, which connects to the Chevrolet MyLink system via an eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen.

Under the hood of the car is the 3.6L V-6 engine. It produces 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 264 lb-ft of torque (358 Nm). This powerplant is segment’s most forcefull naturally aspirated V-6 engine.

The last concept which Chevvrolet has revealed is the Cruze RS Plus. It has received a revised exterior styling, enhanced interior and better connectivity. The latter is ensured by the Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS package comes with unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps, while an uplevel instrument cluster includes chrome accent rings in place of the standard silver finish, and opaque cluster bezels that allow the cluster’s ice blue backlighting to shine through.

Cruze RS Plus concept adds over this a custom Wildfire Metallic exterior, along with lower body moldings and a custom rear spoiler. As you can see there is also a twin-stripe package in matte black. Inside, the driver and occupants will enjoy a Jet Black interior that also gets Chevrolet Accessories ambient lighting kit and illuminated door sills as well as sport pedal kit and a Kicker subwoofer and amplifier kit.

This last concept in Chevrolet’s range is powered by the 1.4L turbo engine, which has been enhanced via a stage kit from Chevrolet Performance. There has been also added a fresh-air intake system.

Source: Chevrolet

October 17, 2014

2014 Audi S8 accelerated by ABT POWER S

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it isn’t Superman. It is the super sports saloon Audi S8! Tuned by ABT Sportsline, the extremely fast car does not reach only high acceleration, but high-quality of efficiency, performance, luxury, comfort and minimum noise as well.

As a matter of fact, the tuned Audi S8 is more than just powerful enough. Powered with Biturbo-V8 engine which has 3,993 cc capacity, the car is now upgraded from 570 hp (328 kW) to 676 hp (496 kW) and, respectively, a peak torque of 840 Nm (previously 650 Nm). The Audi S8 can speed up to 100 kph in the incredible 3.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 290 kph. The demonstrated moments of excellence and supremacy even when it reaches high speeds are possible due to the ABT Engine Control which includes a special software. Finally, the incorporated ABT muffler system makes the best and most effective use of the technical part without altering the appealing serial look.

The ABT wheels are made in ER-C or DR design in 9.5 x 20 or 9.0 x 21 inches. Optionally, the Audi S8 also comes with a set of wheel with sports tires sized 275/35 R20 or 275/35 R21.

It can scarcely be defined as simply ordinary for the ABT family have surpassed themselves once again in what they strive to achieve. There is something more about their new creation. The S8 has that edgy-look that always leaves a trail behind. It is different, powerful, tasteful, elegant and à la mode! Grace and speed in one place.

ABT Sportsline, the biggest and one of the most notable car-tuners around the world, has definitely raised the qualities of the racing limo to a higher standard!

October 17, 2014

Two NGTC Infiniti Q50 Race Cars Enter the BTCC in 2015

Infiniti and Support Our Paras Racing has just reveled the car and team which will compete in next season’s Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. The team will carry the name ‘Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing’ and will consist of a number of injured Paratroopers who will work on the cars to prepare them not only for race weekends, but also maintain their maximum efficiency throughout the hectic schedule of a BTCC season.

The introduction of the new team coincides with the amalgamation of the two main Parachute Regiment charities: Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust and Parachute Regiment Charity, which will merge and then operate under the new name ‘Support Our Paras’. The director of the latter said that thanks to the employment of injured Paratroopers, they can eventually make a career out of this.

There will be two NGTC Infiniti Q50 race cars. Behind the wheel will sit Richard Hawken (Walton-on-Thames), who has won three championships at club level and tested for Speedworks in 2013; Derek Palmer Jnr (Lanark/Zurich). Both are extremely delighted to be making the step into Britain’s biggest and most high-profile motorsport championship, which comprises of ten race meetings and 30 races.

The new team will ensure that the funds are raised for the benefit of injured Paras and their families. A sad fact is that the Parachute Regiment lost 26 soldiers during the campaign in Afghanistan and more than 130 were wounded. All profits generated by the Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing Team will go to the ‘Support Our Paras’ charity as a donation.

Source: Infiniti

October 17, 2014

Porsche 911 and The New Blue Electric Carlex Design

After doing several BMW Z4s, the interior professional Carlex Design took a step further and exceeded their skills by working on Porsche 911, bestowing extravagant quantities upon it.

They call it the Blue Electric and it does indeed electrify the drivers’ senses. Being shiny blue on the outside, this particular classic model of Porsche 911 receives a distinctive enhancements on the inside which outline the vehicle in the best way possible. The Blue Electric 911 project accomplished by Carlex Design, brings the highest quality of interior improvements.

Accessorized in black nappa with dark blue leather and even slightly darker blue accents all of which cover every inch of the cabin, the new acquisitions not only match the unique overall look of the Porsche but underline the car’s distinctive sporty body shape too. Even the seatbelts are changed. They are redesigned in a color that suits the color of the interior and also match the exterior of the car.

It is obvious that every element is planned and crafted with extreme thought and care. Every single detail stays perfectly well on its place. Some of the previous features of the Porsche 911 that used to be made of brushed aluminum, are now replaced with semi-gloss graphite trim pieces, thus putting emphasis on the internal styling.

Along with all the interior alterations come the redesigned carbon sport bucket seats which are changed with the firm’s signature design. By looking at the car, one comes to realize that the interior specialist Carlex Design has given once more an outstanding treatment that will make a lasting point in the car industry.

October 17, 2014

LUMMA Design has Prepared Stunning CLR R Conversion Kit for the Range Rover LWB

LUMMA Range Rover CLR R is unique not only because the tuners have done an exceptional work, but also because they are the first to offer a broad-build body kit for the Range Rover Long Wheelbase (LWB). At the front, the new look of the vehicle is characterized by a powerful front spoiler bumper with awe-inspiring air inlets. There are also the LUMMA-typical LED-double daytime running lights and double headlights just above the lane.

Furthermore, the designers have given this Range Rover a new front grille and a full-carbon sport look motor cowl with central air exhaust openings. At the rear we see the same design philosophy applied on the rear bumper which includes an integrated diffusor. The latter can be removed in just a few steps so that any trailer coupling present can be used.

Next, two trapezoid chrome end tube covers of the “Supersound” sports exhaust system can be seen to the right and left of the diffusor. They were mounted into the LUMMA Design rear apron cleanly and accurately.

At the back, LUMMA has also introduced new lamps, which now feature large white elements. As an available feature, the tuning team is offering a distinctive roof spoiler, which creates extra down-force at the rear axle of the heavy-weight.

This modified Range Rover also runs on new wheels, namely – the LUMMA CLR 22 rims in the size of 12×22 inch all around. They were coupled with Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta SUV-tyres in the size of 305/35R22.

LUMMA Range Rover CLR R in details:

Body kit:

Front spoiler bumper with LED double daytime running lights headlight and additional headlights
Front grille
Sport look motor cowl (full carbon) with central air inlet openings
Wheel-arch widening on the front and rear
Door attachments
Side sills
Rear bumper with removable rear diffusor
Design rear lamps, white
Roof spoiler (optional)

Exhaust:

LUMMA sport exhaust system “Supersound” with chrome end tube covers

Wheels:

LUMMA sport wheel rims CLR 22, size 10×22 inch
Vredestein tyres, size 305/35R22

Source: LUMMA Design

October 17, 2014

Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Chelsea Wide Track Edition

This Land RoverDefender has been treated so well that in its current state it looks amazing. The seven-passenger Fungus Green vehicle has been adorned abundantly with a lot of rugged and luxurious amenities that set it apart from the average Defender. First, Chelsea Truck Company has transformed it into a 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Wide Track Edition we haven’t seen before. The team had to rework substantial aspects of the exterior and interior of the SUV in order to make it stand out.

They have begun with the exterior, which is now even more rugged and exclusive than before. Precisely, the front fascia has been entirely changed and now includes a new X-Lander front grille in Fungus Green and Old England White.

They have added also a new bumper with integrated lighting, cross-hair military headlights, bumper sump guard mesh hood vents to help cool the engine. Just like at the front, the rear also got wide wing arches. The roof contrasts to the overall design theme in Old England White.

Next, the tuners have equipped it with a set of commanding 1948 Defend wheels in satin black, which come in the size of 8.0 x 16″ and are fitted with 265x75x16 tyres. Behind the wheels we can see the liquid red painted brake callipers. The exterior look is rounded out by the twin crosshair exhaust system, 2″ suspension lift, up rated gas shocks/steering damper, welcome ambient illumination package and hard- wearing mud flaps.

While the dark-tinted privacy glass leaves the onlookers guessing what is on the inside, the occupants enjoy a luxury atmosphere. This is where the might of A. Kahn Design can be seen in its full glory. To be more precise, the front and rear seats have been replaced with GTB sport units with quilted and perforated tan nappa leather.

In addition, the centre glove box, passenger dashboard, grab handles, door panel inserts, instrument binnacle, rear door panel, roof headlining and sun visors are also upholstered. The interior also benefits from a Churchill time clock and speedo/rev counter facia in red, alpine satellite navigation system, door entry sill plates, rear cabin access LED lights, reverse camera, Kahn billet steering wheel and vented machined aluminium foot pedals.

What is more, the rear floor space has been substituted with classic teak decking, including a transparent pod for the Alpine stereo amplifier. At last, Kahn branding rounds-out the package.

Source: A. Kahn Design

October 17, 2014

Vorsteiner Teases a 10th Anniversary Edition Vehicle Called GTRS4

It’s rather unusual for tuning companies to release teasers, but this is what we got today from the Californian-based specialists at Vorsteiner. Obviously they are preparing for the SEMA Show and this is why they have released a sketch of the vehicle they are premiering there. The details disclosed are scarce except for the name of the car, which is GTRS4 Wide Body. Although the manqué of the automobile wasn’t revealed, it is clearly visible that it is a BMW.

Even more, the kit will probably be offered on the BMW M4 Coupe. Judging from the sketches, it will feature an aggressive front bumper and a bulging hood. The mage also shows that there will be also added extended fenders and an aggressive rear diffuser. This tuning comes to celebrate Vorsteiner’s 10th anniversary. The car will be officially revealed on 4th of November during the SEMA Show.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder engine. It produces 431 horsepower (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as a standard. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph).

The acceleration becomes even better if the car is fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT, precisely – it is 4.1 seconds. The M4 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT. Some of the special features for the MY2014 feature an updated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

Source: Vorsteiner

October 17, 2014

Audi RS 7 Piloted Driving Concept Car

2014 Audi RS 7 Piloted Driving Concept Car is world’s sportiest piloted driving car. At the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season finale, the concept vehicle will show its dynamic potential and driving characteristics for the first time. Prior to the start the concept car will complete one lap at the Hockenheim ring without a driver. Audi also confirmed that the car is capable of covering a lap time at the race track of just over two minutes and has a lateral acceleration of up to 1.1 g.

The large, five-door coupe is looks just like the production RS 7 model, but its electromechanical power steering, the brakes, the throttle valve and the eight-speed tiptronic that distributes the power to the mechanical quattro drive system are controlled automatically.

During piloted driving, there has to be considered two primary things. The first one is the highly precise orientation of the vehicle on the road, while the second is the absolute control of the vehicle at the handling limits. How this happens? The technology platform utilizes specially corrected GPS signals for orientation on the track.

The data is very accurate and is sent to the vehicle via WLAN according to the automotive standard and redundantly via high-frequency radio. In addition, there are also 3D camera images are compared in real time against graphical information stored on board. The system searches in each of the countless individual images for several hundred known features which then uses as additional positioning information.

Vehicle’s handling limits are controlled via comprehensive on-board networking. The latter is coupled with the highly precise control similar to driving, which enable the technology platform to drive at the physical limits.

The demonstration of the driving capabilities of the RS 7 piloted driving concept car will be shown at the Hockenheimring. There, forces of over 1.3 g occur during braking, and lateral acceleration in the corners can reach 1.1 g. The test at the track suggest that we can expect a top speed of over 240 km/h (149.1 mph) and a lap time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds.

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Audi

October 16, 2014

Vortech Superchargers Makes a mightier 2015 Ford Mustang

Vortech Superchargers has released an upgrade for 2015 Ford Mustang. The tuning specialists have developed a special Vortech V-3 Si centrifugal supercharger, which is capable of supporting up to 775 horsepower (570 kW). Their 78% isentropic efficient compressor deliver cooler running, denser air, and reduced parasitic drive losses. In addition, it also eliminates “nose-over” top end power loss.

To create advanced centrifugal compressor stages, Vortech has utilized a range of design and analytical software tools. Performance quantification and the development happens with the help of the ab SAE J1723 compliant test cell, which has enabled the customizers to fine tune each compressor stage and create compressor maps. The latter are then used for application matching.

If one considers 775 horsepower not enough, then Vortech said that its systems are upgradeable. To go into details, the V-3 for this Ford model includes a self-contained lubrication system with internal oil reservoir as well as a remote fluid drain hose (attached to supercharger) that allows for simple fluid changes without removing the supercharger from the vehicle.

The improvement of the fuel system features high-capacity fuel injectors, and custom Vortech tune that controls ignition timing and fuel enrichment. Furthermore, the integrated oversized air/air charge cooler configuration is what delivers additional horsepower gains, meaning more than 900 hp!

Source: Vortech Superchargers

October 16, 2014

Nissan to Première new Concept SUV at the Sao Paulo Motor Show

Nissan Concept Teaser With this teaser image Nissan wants us to prepare for a special première which will happen at the Sao Paulo Motor Show happening in 28th of October in Brazil. From what we can see, the concept car to be shown at the event is clearly an SUV type of vehicle. Judging by the philosophy of the Japanese brand we are not surprised that it didn’t’ released any additional information about the model, so we will have to wait until the official debut.

The car will be an expansion of company’s current design language. Nevertheless, the size of the concept outline in the teaser image shows that Nissan is probably planning something more masculine and aggressive. Take a look at the high roof and waistline as well as the slab-like doors.

From what we can see from the front end, it appears to be muscular, includes a big bonnet and semi-exposed wheel arches that incorporate the boomerang styled headlights. At the front we can also see a V -shaped grill, which includes the standard Nissan badge and bold chrome surrounding.

Two years ago Nissan hosted the global debut of the designed in Brazil Extrem Concept. We doubt that we are to see a vehicle of this size although we expect that Nissan will have retained the same aggressive looking, and probably the three-door-style.

Source: Nissan

October 16, 2014

#DS3byNight is “Light-Painting” Digital Campaign for DS3 [VIDEO]

Citroen’s sub-brand DS has launched an innovative campaign called #DS3byNight digital campaign, which is inspired by DS 3 and comes to show-off its new Xenon & Full LED light signature. As a matter of fact, this is the first communications campaign which utilizes the Pixelstick ‘light painting’ technology that practically made the video below possible. This technology allows the DS3 to bring pictures and words to light in spectacular fashion. The result is a light-filled film, which highlights the DS world of luxury and which takes viewers on a night time tour in Paris.

Echoing the Xenon and Full LED technologies that we have seen in the new DS 3 headlamps, the DS brand is utilizing this new ‘light painting’ technology to project detailed patterns and a range of animations, in a series of time lapse films. As you can see for yourself below, the result is a spectacular showcase for the light signature of DS 3, which in addition showcases brand’s values of elegance and advanced technology.

The innovative film will also be supported by an interactive social media campaign. In it users will create their own messages, which in turn will be brought to light against backgrounds of classic Parisian scenes. This will happen over a ten-day period until 22 October.

2014 Citroen DS3 and DS3 Cabrio models were enhanced at the end of May this year. It is when they have adopted the new high-tech light signature, featuring the combination of LED and Xenon lightning technologies with new sequential indicators. The new headlights deliver greater visibility in both low- and high-beam positions. Three LED modules and a Xenon module were used for the design of this wide and uniform beam.

In addition, the new headlights also minimize the energy consumption by 35% when they operate in low-beam mode and by 75% – in high-beam. They are capable of life time of over 20,000 hours, or in other words – twenty times longer than halogen lights. LED DRLs in the front air intakes complete the new light signature. Facelifted DS3 models also have 3D-effect LED rear lights.

httpv://youtu.be/iMudVfX67PQ

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Citroen

October 16, 2014

Category: Auto News