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Lexus NX with TRD Styling Accessories

TRD (Toyota Racing Development) is now offering a number of styling accessories for the all-new Lexus NX. The mid-size crossover will get sportier appearance and improved overall performance.

The exterior upgrades for the stylish crossover include a new front splitter, a modified rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. There is also a set of 19” forged aluminum lightweight wheels – 11.4 kg (25.1 lbs) each. All parts are available for both NX 200t and NX 300h.

Lexus NX 200t is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder – 235HP (175 kW) and 349Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, while the NX 300h has a 2.5 liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor – a combined maximum output of 194HP (145 kW).

Standard equipment of Lexus NX includes LED low-beam headlights and daytime running lights; Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control; Dual zone climate control
Eight-speaker audio system; Lexus Media Display with Remote Touch controller; DAB digital radio; 60/40 folding rear seats; Electric, folding door mirrors; Drive Mode Select
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management; Hill Assist Control; Eight airbags; USB multimedia port; Remote double door locking; Speed-sensitive automatic door locking and more.

Source: Lexus

July 30, 2014

SR Auto Reveals Exclusive Lamborghini Aventador

SR-Auto-Lamborghini-Aventador-THMB The Aventador model is not the first Lamborghini that the tuners at SR Auto Group have modified. However, this SR Auto Lamborghini Aventador is so special project, which the customization specialists have worked on it for a very long time, announcing the information bit by bit. Now, this magnificent car is ready for a full reveal and we assure you that if you take a close look at the pictures you will be amazed. It looks incredible, isn’t it?

Just take a look at the unique exterior color. The tuners decided to give it an electric blue hue and moreover, to match it with the wheels. They are undoubtedly unconventional, one of their sort and completely out of the box.

The wheels are from the model PUR RS09, and sport two tone finish of brushed and electric blue. They come in sizes of 20×9 inches at the front and 21×12.5 inches at the rear.

Furthermore, the sports car has been fitted with the full PUR package. What bring the car down to the ground are the newly developed PUR adjustment arms. They not only lower the Aventador, but also offer a balance of form and function. At

At last, the car was also given an aerodynamic treatment. The kit is all made of carbon fiber and comprises of front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear wing. SR Auto states that the front lip was designed for a more menacing look and due to its larger splitters.

Besides these cosmetic changes, the tuning company did not take steps to enhancing the 6.5-liter V12 engine of the Lambo. This means that it still produces 700 hp (515 kW) and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

Source: SR Auto

July 29, 2014

2015 Polaris Slingshot [videos]

Polaris has officially unveiled the extreme 2015 Slingshot three-wheeler. The vehicle is going against tough competition like Campagna T-Rex and other similar three-wheelers. The new Slingshot looks a lot like KTM X-Bow, but has only a rear center-mounted wheel.

2015 Polaris Slingshot is powered by a 2.4 liter EcoTec engine – 173HP (129 kW) at 6,200RPM and 225Nm (166 lb-ft) at 4,700RPM. The engine is sourced by GM and mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The overall weight is just 771 kg (1,700 lbs), so it boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The interesting vehicle is 149.6” long, 77.6” wide and 51.9” tall. The wheelbase is 105” and a 5” ground clearance. It rolls 18” front wheels and a 20” rear wheel. The body panels are manufactured from polymer to guarantee rustproof and better resistance to impacts.

Other special features include projector-beam headlights, LED taillights and 3-point seat belts. It also features a reverse tilt hood and a double wishbone forged aluminum suspension. Last, but not least is the electronic power-assisted steering with ESC (electronic stability control).

The interior boasts adjustable waterproof seats, a water-proof infotainment system with a 4.3” LCD with Bluetooth as well as 6-speed sound system, USB and a backup camera. A locking glove box compartment and storage bins are also available.

2015 Polaris Slingshot is priced from $19,999 for the entry-level model and goes up to $23,999 for the SL trim level. The vehicle comes with 2-year unlimited warranty.

Enjoy the videos!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0RhrBZObdg

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyDN3wI–Mw

Source: Polaris Slingshot

July 29, 2014

SsangYong 60th Anniversary – Two Special Editions

SsangYong has unveiled two special edition models to celebrate its 60^th anniversary. The first one is based on its popular Korando crossover and the second on the Rexton W 4×4. SsangYong – the name meaning double dragon – has always specialized in producing 4x4s, and today that also includes sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).

2014 SsangYong Korando 60^th Anniversary boasts 18″ diamond cut wheels, an electric sunroof, rear spoiler and chrome detailing, and is completed with a pearl white lily metallic paint finish. Available in either manual or automatic, it is priced at £21,245 and £22,745 respectively. The model is based on the all-wheel drive ELX4 trim level.

2014 SsangYong Rexton W 60^th Anniversary comes with front parking sensors, an electric sunroof, heated seats front and rear, a power adjustable passenger seat, DAB sat NAV and finished in pearl white lily metallic paint. Available with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission, it has a retail price of £25,995 or £27,495 respectively. The model is based on the EX specification.

All models in the SsangYong range are covered by a best-in-class 5 year limitless mileage warranty. All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.

Source: SsangYong

July 29, 2014

Nissan Note Presents Two Nismo Versions

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Nissan has unveiled two grades for the new Note Nismo : the standard model and the Note Nismo S. At first, Nissan plans to release the Nismo models at the Japanese market this autumn.

The stylish hatchback comes with some upgrades and new tricks for the exterior. The Japanese manufacturer emphasized the sports appearance by adding red hues for the mirrors caps, side skirts and front splitter.

The sport package also includes updated tires, a special 10-spoke alloy wheels with black inserts, improved front and rear bumpers, new front grille, updated side sills and a roof spoiler.

Nissan has also updated the powertrain, the chassis and the suspension, which are all based on Nismo’s experience in motorsports that offers high performance with perfect balance. The new Nismo S comes with a specially-tuned engine connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

“The development concept of this model was to build a car that makes you want to keep driving, no matter where your destination may be. Nismo is confident that the Note Nismo will enhance your driving experience; it offers top level performance in a compact package,”said the Nismo’s Chief Product Specialist Hiroshi Tamura.

Inside, the new Note Nismo offers sport seats made with red side and seat bolsters, and a Recaro seats as option for the Nismo S.

“Celebrating Nismo’s 30th anniversary, we are planning to expand the number of models available in our road-car lineup. The Note Nismo we introduced today is truly symbolic to the Nismo brand in that it represents the fusion between motorsports that’s embedded in Nismo’s DNA and the success of the Note as a mass production vehicle. Nismo strives to offer a whole new experience of excitement. We are hoping that the Note Nismo will enable us to spread the spirit of Nismo to new consumers and adds to our existing customer base,” added the Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) President and CEO Shoichi Miyatani.

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Source : Nissan

July 29, 2014

2015 Kia Sorento – First Sketches

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Kia has unveiled the first sketches of the next generation model of Sorento. As we can see the upcoming model is completely redesigned.

Compared with the previous version, it’s looks sportier and round shaped. In fact the new 2015 Kia Sorento will ride on the same platform as the new Kia Carnival, which is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. The new model comes with more aggressive vision : new front bumper and grille, Led daytime lights, new spoiler mounted on the roof, modified diffuser and a dual exhaust system.

There are some different options in the engine range : a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, a 3.3-liter GDI V6 and a 2.2-liter CRDI diesel engine for the European market.In fact, the 2.2-liter diesel already exists on the previous version.

Inside, the interior will be completely new and flexible and will be entirely consistent with the sports vision of the vehicle. It will offer more legroom and more headroom, an option with three rows of seats and more luggage space.

The South Korean producers announced that the new 2015 Kia Sorento will be officially debuted at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October. The US consumers will be able to see the new SUV officially at the Los Angeles Auto Show just a month later.

2015-KIA-Sorento-651.1

Source : Kia World

July 29, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe And Sedan Get More Torque And Equipment

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe and ATS Sedan are getting some major updates. Those version equipped with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine will get additional torque of up to 400 Newton Meters, which equals 295 lb-ft. The horsepower is 272 horsepower (203 kW) and it was achieved through engine calibration that ended up in enhanced boost pressure for improved performance over the class-competitive torque level available at the launch of the ATS. Moreover, the car will also get available safety-enhancing lane-changing and lane-keeping technologies, which will further strengthen the luxury position of the new model year sport models.

In contrast to some types of vehicle, Cadillac ATS Coupe and Sedan are already the most agile cars in its respective classes. The additional torque works to enhance on an already dynamic vehicle. At 136hp/l, the 2.0L Turbo unit makes one of the most power-dense engines in the industry.

It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 3000 rpm and the full 400 Nm of peak torque (295 lb-ft) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. What is more, the broad torque band is backed up by high boost levels in the speed range. It is designed to give the lightweight ATS models immediate power on driver’s demand.

As mentioned, the MY2015 ATS will also be equipped with Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist. The first technology, Lane Change Alert, works in conjunction with the optional Side Blind Zone alert. It warns the person behind the steering wheel of rapidly approaching vehicles, looking approximately 82 feet (or 25 meters) from the side mirror. In this way, the driver is notified that that it may not be safe to change lanes, via a flashing symbol in the side mirror, depending on which turn signal has been activated.

The second technology to be featured in the new models is the Lane Keep Assist system. It operates above speed of 37 mph and utilizes a forward-facing camera. The latter detects if the car leaves the lane unintentionally. If this case is detected, then the technology engages the electric power steering to give a momentary nudge and prevent crossing the lane markings, aligning the vehicle in the lane.

Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist will be offered as an option on both 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe and Sedan in their Performance and Premium Collection trim levels. In addition, the car will be equipped with the Driver Assist Package. The available Lane Change Alert will be also offered on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collection ATS trim levels along with the Driver Awareness Package.

Source: Cadillac

July 29, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA – US Price

Mercedes-Benz USA has announced the pricing for the 2015 GLA starting at just $32,225 for the entry-level model and going up to $49,225 for the GLA 45 AMG 4Matic. The base model is a front-wheel drive GLA250, and if you want 4Matic, you will have to dig deep for another $2,000. All prices include a $925 destination tax.

The engine range includes a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 211HP (155 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) – GLA 250. The same power unit develops whopping 360HP (265 kW) at 6,000RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 2,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The engine is mated to an AMG SPEED SHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with three driving programs, double-declutching function and Race Start.

The GLA 45 AMG comes with big brake system consisting of 350x32mm discs at the front and 330×22 mm discs for the rear axle. There is also a set of 18” twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels with 235/40 R18 tires or 19” wheels with 235/35 R19 available as an option.

Standard extras include a 5.8” display with Bluetooth connectivity, Harman Kardon premium sound system as well as heated adjustable front seats. The options list include a 7” touchscreen display, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping warning system and blind spot monitoring.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 29, 2014

2015 Dodge Viper To Get Extra Horsepower

The latest news around the Dodge Viper from the model year 2015 is that it is going to get more engine power. The car’s engine won’t be supercharged nor be the most powerful Dodge’s Hellcat V-8. On the contrary, it will keep its naturally-aspirated 8.4-liter V10 unit which will be boosted with the minor 5 horsepower. The increase of power will be done via tuning.

This means that the initial 640 hp (471 kW) of the Viper will become in the 2015 model year 645 hp (474 kW). Unfortunately, there will be no change in the torque figures in this Dodge, so it will be left with the original 813 Nm (600 lb-ft). Still, not bad at all.

Reports stated that the increase in power will probably be due to a combination of enhanced breathing and altered code. We also expect to see some changes in the transmission, which for the MY2014 was the six-speed manual gearbox.

The 2014 Version of the SRT Viper has a curb weight of just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs) and Dodge seems to make little or no modifications here. With the original 640 hp, the Viper can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in the impressive 3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds, while the 0 to 160 km/h sprint is covered in less than 12 seconds. Wonder what these figures will look like with the minor 5 hp update.

July 29, 2014

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition To Be Auctioned At Pebble Beach

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is going to be auctioned during the weekend of the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 16th of August. This will happen just before the US sale date scheduled for the fall. What differentiates this BMW from the rest i8 is the unique paint scheme and interior treatment, and also the additional features included. This means that it will be truly unique. The car will be sold by Gooding & Company, which is the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours. All of the gathered proceeds will go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

Precisely, this one-of-a-kind car is distinguished by its BMW Individual Frozen Grey Metallic exterior paint. Inside, there is also unique interior, which boasts Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery tanned via color derived from plant extracts. Highlights of the upholstery feature stitching in BMW i Blue. Furthermore, the Pure Impulse Tera World interior includes other accents in the same color such as the seat belts.

There is also an embossed BMW i8 on the front headrests. Other unique features include laser headlights, pending government approval, a BMW i8 Display key and the first BMW Charging Station, professional edition. “Concours d’Elegance Edition” i8 will be also embossed throughout the interior.

BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle which features an all-wheel drive powertrain that combines an electric motor driving the front wheels and 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear wheels. The car can move only on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph for approximately 20 miles. And of course, in this mode it generates zero CO2 emissions.

When the gasoline engine works along with the electric motor, the i8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. The vehicle was constructed with an extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged from any 240-volt level 2 charging station as well as a conventional 110-volt outlet.

Another excusive technology featured in the BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is the laser headlights. They generate a pure-white and extremely bright light. It will also be the first BMW in the United States to include a display key which features an integrated LCD touch screen.

Source: BMW

July 29, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito – The Better V-Class

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new 2014 Vito. The mid-size van offers a best-in-class cargo capacity, three different lengths and two wheelbases. Although, the new Vito has a record-level payload, the purchase price and maintenance costs are unexpectedly low. The price tag for the entry level – Vito 109 CDI panel van is just €17,990.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito boasts a record payload of 1,369 kg (3,018 lbs). The length variants include: 4,895mm, 5,140mm and 5,730mm – a full 140 mm longer than its predecessor. The maximum height of the vehicle stands at 1,910 mm. The new Vito can be had in panel van, Vito Crew and Vito Tourer variant. All models come with adaptive ESP (electronic stability program), disc brakes and up to 8 airbags.

All models also feature tire pressure monitoring system and optionally can be had with Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

An optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) provides an alternative in the new Vito to the standard, powerful halogen headlamps. Unique for vans, this technology consists of LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and main beam with cornering light function. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter four-cylinder diesel – Vito 109 CDI – 88HP (65 kW); 111CDI – 114HP (84 kW) – for the front wheel-drive versions. The rear-wheel drive models include 114 CDI, 116 CDI and 119 BlueTEC all powered by a 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel with 136HP (100 kW), 163HP (120 kW) and 190HP (140 kW), respectively. These engines are mated as standard to a 6-speed manual except for the Vito 119 BlueTEC which comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The automatic gearbox is available as an option for the Vito 114 CDI and Vito 116 CDI.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 29, 2014

Jaguar XE To Feature Lightweight Aluminum-Intensive Construction

Jaguar XE is company’s upcoming premium sports sedan, which, as it was recently announced, will debut on 8th of September in London. Now, Jaguar is announcing that the car will also be built around aluminum-intensive construction. The new modular architecture was developed around the fifth-generation of bonded and riveted aluminum technology. This technology results not only in the lightweight of the car, but also delivers strength and rigidity to its body.

As a matter of fact the lightweight aluminum accounts for 75 percent of XE’s structure. This lightweight construction is one of the key elements in the design of Jaguar. For instance, around such are built the Jaguar XJ, XK and F-TYPE. They have all been developed with the utilization of the stiff bonded and riveted aluminum structures.

Another interesting fact around this technology is that it is aerospace-inspired. It is light and strong and has the capability of offering exceptional torsional stiffness. In addition, it will incorporate advanced suspension systems. What is more, the new XE model will sport world class driving dynamics – with supple ride and precise handling.

Jaguar XE will use new grade of high strength aluminum. It is named RC 5754 and includes high level of recycled material. This fact adds to Jaguar’s goal to use 75 percent recycled material by 2020. In addition, this aluminum also reduces energy consumption and lifecycle CO2.

Source: Jaguar

July 29, 2014

Category: Auto News