Auto News – Page 483 – Automobiles Review

2015 Chevrolet SS will Get a 6-Speed Manual Gearbox

2015 Chevrolet SS will get a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a 3.70 rear axle ratio. The model will also get a Magnetic Selective Ride Control system improving the handling and the comfort significantly by adjusting the stiffness of the dampers continuously.

Other new features include five colors: Jungle Green Metallic, Regal Peacock Green, Perfect Blue, Some Like It Hot Red and Alchemy Purple. There is also a new front license plate bracket and an OnStar 4G LTE infotainment system with a touchscreen display.

The engine remains the well-known LS3 6.2 litre V8 with 415HP (310 kW) and 563Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the vehicle from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, when connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Standard extras include High intensity discharge headlamps with Light emitting diode daytime running lamps, Automatic Parking Assist, Chevrolet MyLink with a color touch screen and GPS-based navigation system, Bose premium audio system – including SiriusXM radio (with 12-month trial), Color head-up display and color driver information center, Dual-zone automatic climate control, Alloy pedal covers, Heated and ventilated front seats with memory, Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning, Rear-vision camera with rear park assist, Keyless access and push-button start.

Source: GM

July 22, 2014

Prefix Performance Dodge SRT Viper Convertible

Prefix Performance has unveiled their latest tuning project based on the extreme Dodge SRT Viper. The name of the project is Medusa, which is a “type of vehicle you clamor for but doesn’t exist”.

The tuning company removes the fixed roof and adds a retractable soft top and a modified rear end. Each car of the limited series will come with an individually-numbered plaque, special branded floor mats and a painted X-brace under the hood. Prefix Performance also offers custom stripes for the bespoke interior.

Prefix will build just 10 units of Medusa with pricing starting from $35,000. The 2014 Dodge SRT Viper is priced from $101,309 in the US.

As a reminder, Dodge SRT Viper is powered by a 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine producing 640HP (477 kW) and 814Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs), so 0-100 km/h takes 3 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, the model can go from 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

Source: Prefix

July 22, 2014

2015 Mitsubishi Pajero Facelift

Mitsubishi has unveiled the 2015 Pajero Facelift in Japan coming with a number of upgrades for the exterior as well as the interior.

Outside, the 2015 Pajero boasts a new front bumper and a revised grille. There are also LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and a new spare tire cover giving the vehicle more refined look. The interior boasts a complete makeover including new metallic trim elements and additional sound material for the instrument panel, door trim. It further raises the silence inside the vehicle. The VR II models comes with piano black accents, while the Exceed and Super Exceed trim levels feature wood grain trim.

The engine range is not modified – 3.0 liter V6 petrol and a 3.2 liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The petrol engine develops 178HP (131 kW) at 5,250RPM and 261Nm (193 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 13.6 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). The diesel has 200HP (147 kW) at 3,800RPM and 441Nm (327 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000RPM. The top speed is 185 km/h (115 mph).

The 2015 Mitsubishi Pajero is already on sale in Japan. The price is starting from ¥2,921,400 (before taxes).

Source: Mitsubishi

July 22, 2014

2014 Porsche Macan Tuned by TechArt

TechArt has presented their latest tuning project based on 2014 Porsche Macan. The sporty crossover can be fitted with different alloy wheels and comes with exterior and interior upgrades.

Outside, the TechArt Macan boasts a new front spoiler, a roof spoiler as well as a modified rear diffuser and wheel arch extensions or side skirts. All components are manufactured from a lightweight fibre composite of polyurethane RIM. The aerodynamics package is distinguished by high levels of load-bearing capacity and dimensional stability with a low tare weight.

The interior features interior styling packages in carbon fiber or exotic woods. There are also exquisite TechArt leather equipment and an ergonomic 3-spokes Multifunctional Sport Steering Wheel with TechArt paddle shifters. The tuning company also offers aluminum sport pedal set, and branded floor mats as well as luggage compartment floor mat.

TechArt also offers performance packages for Macan’s six-cylinder engines. The power kits include ECU re-map as well as complete sports exhaust system. There are no official performance figures, but the additional power with make the crossover even sportier.

The air suspension module can adjust the ride height according to driver’s demands. There are also different sets of sport spring lowering the vehicle between 20 and 60 mm.

Alloy wheels sets include: Formula; Formula II; Formula III and Formula IV designs in sizes between 20” and 22”.

Source: TechArt

July 21, 2014

TAG Motorsports BMW M4 Coupe

2014 BMW M4 Coupe is already available on the market and a lot of tuning companies presented their tuning variants for the sports car. TAG Motorsports also unveiled their tuning program for the highly-appreciated vehicle.

The main highlight is the set of enormous 20” light alloy wheels finished in a nice gold paint and wrapped with ultra-low profile performance tires. The tuning company also offers different designs of those wheels and pricing is available upon request.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe comes with a newly-developed 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder engine delivering – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is connected to a speed manual gearbox as standard or optional 7-speed M DCT. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 (4.1) seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or 300 km/h (186 mph) with ///M Driver’s package. Still, the combined fuel consumption is just 8.3 liters / 100 km.

As we recently discovered, the engine is even more powerful than the official data. It delivers around 480HP (353 kW) and 650Nm (481 lb-ft) of torque, which is 50HP and 100Nm more than stated. Probably, the main reason for the official data is tax-evading, but that obviously doesn’t bother anyone.

Source: TAG Motorsports

July 21, 2014

Eight-speed transmission to debut in select Chevrolet and GMC vehicles

The US car brands of Chevrolet and GMC, fully owned by General Motors, have confirmed that certain Chevy and GMC models will receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission starting in 2015. The new models that will boast this gearbox will be the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models that come with 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engines.

The new transmission is called Hydra-Matic 8L90 and has been developed by GM. It comes with about the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic gearbox. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.

The 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine is also impressive – it offers 309 kW (420 HP) of power and 460 lb.-ft. (624 Nm) of torque as well as a maximum available trailer rating of 12 000 pounds (5448 kilograms), based on the SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. Just like many other EcoTec3 engines, it can also work with four cylinders only under lighter loads to improve fuel efficiency.

More information on the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine will become available when the unit enters production, which will be in Q4 2014.

Source: GM

July 21, 2014

2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer officially launched

People looking for a vehicle that combines both mobility and style can now take a look at the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, freshly launched by the respected German auto maker. The new vehicle series offers users space, comfort, style, power and elegance and will surely be appreciated by customers who do not need a large car for every day needs yet they insist on having the BMW sign on their cars.

We will not waste time so we’ll take you straight to the engines department as there is some interesting news – the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout vehicle sold under the BMW brand. Designed to compete directly with Mercedes-Benz B-Class vehicles, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with new turbocharged engines with three or four cylinders, BMW EfficientDynamics features and BMW ConnectedDrive technology. The total number of engines is three but they all come with transverse installation and BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology while at the same time they fully meet the latest EU6 emissions standard. There are two gasoline models installed in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and in the BMW 225i Active Tourer, and one diesel unit installed in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. The first gasoline engine comes with displacement of 1.5 liters and three cylinders that need 4.9-5.2 l/100 km (57.6-54.3 mpg UK) of fuel to deliver 100 kW (136 HP) of power under a six-speed gearbox. The BMW 225i comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 170 kW (231 HP) of power with 5.8-6.0 l/100 km (48.7-47.1 mpg UK) of fuel consumption; this model comes with a standard eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer needs just 4.1-4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (68.9-65.7 mpg UK) to deliver 110 kW (150 HP) of power to the wheels. This car has a standard six-speed transmission with an eight-speed gearbox available as an option.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has another feature worth noting – the cars in this series feature compact dimensions of 4342 x 1800 x 1555 mm (171 x 71 x 61 inches) but despite this they come with impressive internal levels of space. The driver and the front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior. Add a luggage compartment that can be enlarged from 468 to 1510 liters and you do have a really spacious vehicle.

People buying these cars will be treated with ultimate BMW quality on the inside that includes Radio Professional, including a hands-free telephone facility with a Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with a controller on the centre console and a 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and the Collision Warning with City Braking function and more.

Later this year the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available in the M Sport specification. This version will come with special M Sport suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, an M-leather steering wheel and sports seats. The M version will be available in Germany on September 27, 2014 starting from EUR 27 200.

As to the other models there is no pricing information at the moment but given all the tech specs and the luxury that one will find inside, the new cars are not likely to be that cheap. Still you get what you pay for and this is also true for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

O.CT Tuning Gives More Horsepower To Dodge Challenger SRT8-700

O.CT Tuning Dodge Challenger SRT8-700 not only looks amazing but also has much power to be proud of. The tuners that are responsible for this conversion are settled in Austria and Switzerland, rather in the U.S. Namely, the company O.CT Oberscheider Tuning GmbH can show-off with enhancements of the many exclusive models of the brands Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.

To go further into details, O.CT Tuning has modified the output of the 6.4 liters engine of this Dodge Challenger SRT8. The tuning of the model includes an installation of compressor kit and a charge air cooler system. However, what has been done at first here is the individual software optimization. The result is a staggering increase of 88 horsepower.

Precisely, the software update has boosted the serial 476 horsepower (350 kW) of the Challenger SRT to the staggering 564 horsepower (415 kW). The original maximum torque of 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) has been uprated to the impressing 735 Nm (543 lb-ft).

OCT also offers over 600 horsepower boost of the engine for racing purposes. It is not an accident that this project carries the name “OCTSRT8-700”. Engine’s size on special customer’s Challengers has been enlarged up to 7.0 liters and, consequently has been equipped with a compressor. The end result is maximum output of 720 horsepower (530 kW) and 875 Nm (644 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Source: O.CT Tuning

July 21, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang GT Gets Performance Pack

2015 Ford Mustang GT will get a performance pack next to the inherent fully independent front and rear suspension systems. The sixth-generation model has lighter body in comparison to the previous version. This was achieved via wide use of advanced technologies and materials such as hydroforming, laser welding and high-strength steels. For instance, lightweight aluminum was utilized for the hood and front fenders. This not only minimizes body mass but also enhances weight balance. The structure of the 2015 Mustang includes other components also made of aluminum that include rear suspension knuckles, rear axle housing on automatic transmission cars, rear control arms and rear brake calipers.

Every 2015 model of this muscle car includes new integral-link independent rear suspension. It has an architecture that is based on a lower control arm, integral link, upper camber link and a toe link. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings have all been specifically modified and tuned to deliver enhances mechanical grip for high-performance results. Furthermore, the new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system allows for larger, more powerful brakes without resorting to excessive wheel offsets that would hurt steering feel.

Three brake packages are available for the new Mustang. The first one is the Mustang V6 for the Mustang EcoBoost which adds two-piston, 43-millimeter floating calipers, 320- millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 320-millimeter rotors. The second one is the Mustang EcoBoost performance pack for the Mustang GT, which includes four-piston, 46-millimeter fixed calipers, 352-millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 330-millimeter rotors. And the last one is the Mustang GT performance pack. It adds six-piston, 36-millimeter Brembo calipers, 380-millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 330-millimeter rotors.

Ford is also offering the option of performance pack that can be added to the Mustang EcoBoost fastback and convertible or Mustang GT fastback. Both performance packs get retuned springs, bushings and monotube rear dampers, additional cooling capability for track-day durability, thicker rear sway bar, K-brace connecting strut towers, tuned ABS, electronic stability control and electric power-assisted steering and center gauge pack.

Specifically, the EcoBoost performance package features four-piston front brakes with 46-millimeter fixed aluminum calipers with 352-millimeter rotors. Single-piston rear brakes with 45-millimeter floating iron calipers with 330-millimeter rotors, 9×9-inch alloy wheels painted Ebony Black and fitted with Pirelli 255/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires.

Next, the 2015 Mustang GT performance package benefits from six-piston Brembo front brakes with 36-millimeter fixed aluminum calipers with 380-millimeter rotors, single-piston rear brakes with 45-millimeter floating iron calipers with 330-millimeter rotors. This enhanced Mustang rides on 19×9-inch Ebony Black painted alloy wheels with Pirelli 255/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires at the front, and 19×9.5-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli 275/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires at the rear. There is also a strut tower brace, 3.73:1 final drive ratio with Torsen differential as well as front splitter to channel cooling air to the front brakes.

Source: Ford

July 21, 2014

Dongfeng Nissan Introduces Venucia R30

Venucia is an entirely new brand which enters its fourth production model called R30 at the Chinese market. Venucia is a product of the Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV). The R30’s development was based on Nissan’s global platform and will be specifically built for the Chinese market. R30 aims to attract buyers in terms of affordability and quality.

Its cockpit is generous: it has a wheelbase of 2450 mm and exterior dimensions of 3775 x 1665 x 1530 mm. The car is powered by the 1.2-liter HR12DE engine. It is powerful but at the same time has similar fuel consumption to most of its peers, which have 1.0-liter engines. Furthermore, the R30 is agile enough delivering a minimum turning radius of 4.5 m. In addition, it features a stable suspension and chassis.

Venucia R30 is based on the Micra model. It has been given brand new luxury dashboard, new steering wheel, console with instruments and different centre consol. Nevertheless, the circular AC vents and the basic layout are the same as Nissan’s model.

Furthermore, the car gets seats with integrated headrests, dual front airbags and a music system. The exterior silhouette of the R30 is similar to this of Mirca. However, there are some substantial changes done to the front and rear fascias.

The brand name Venucia is very special and its name is derived from the ancient Roman goddess “Venus”. Her functions encompassed love, beauty, fertility and prosperity. The five stars of the brand logo represent company’s five promises. They are the following: respect to customers, creation of value, always doing the best, achieving world-class quality and constantly seeking the dream.

Source: Nissan

July 21, 2014

BMW X5 F15 M50d vs Range Rover Sport – Drag [video]

Here is an interesting test made from Cars.co.za between BMW X5 F15 M50d and the latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Although, there is a huge power gap between the two vehicles, it is quite fascinating to see them in a drag race.

2014 BMW X5 F15 M50d is powered by the world’s most powerful diesel – 3.0 liter three-turbocharged with 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power through xDrive AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). What is more, the big SAV is able to achieve 42.2 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine – 510HP (375 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is 13.8 liters / 100 km.

So, both vehicles accelerate to 100 km/h in the same time, but after that the Range Rover Sport is a lot faster, because of its 129HP advantage.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSMxYS6h2tw

Source: Cars.co.za via Youtube

July 21, 2014

Chris Pratt To Drive Chevrolet SS Pace Car At Brickyard

The official Chevrolet SS Pace Car at the Brickyard has been unveiled next to the news that it will be driven by the actor Chris Pratt. His latest film – “Guardians of the Galaxy” will soon have its premiere. The actor disclosed that it is a “dream-come-true” for him to drive the official pace car at the race. The John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard will take place on Sunday, 27th of July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The SS is Chevrolet’s first V-8 rear-wheel-drive performance sedan built since 1996. It is driven by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (305 kW) and 562 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles positioned on the steering wheel.

The Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 is part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Chevrolet has a long history of pacing races specifically at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has delivered pace cars for every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race since 1994.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing. Furthermore, Chevrolet has entered the SS as its race car in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition from the last year. Back then, behind the steering wheel sat Jimmie Johnson. Chevrolet has also won 11 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Brickyard. In addition, it has also won 15 of 20 races in the overall history of the Brickyard 400.

The company will also pace every race during the Kroger Super Weekend (July 25-27) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next to the SS, other pace car Chevrolets will be: Camaro ZL1 in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Corvette convertible in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and Camaro 1LE in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Source: Chevrolet

July 21, 2014

Category: Auto News