Auto News – Page 485 – Automobiles Review

Skoda Teases 2015 Fabia With Design Sketch

Skoda has just teased the new appearance of the future Fabia model and it has done this with a design sketch. As you can see the car takes on design elements from the Skoda VisionC show car exuding modernism and dynamism. The image shows that the Fabia is well balanced, has added width and flatter body thus creating harmonious proportions. This also contributes to the individuality of the car. Skoda also promises that the new model will feature fresh interior design.

The first design sketch also shows the youthful character of the new Fabia. The crisp and urban small car has the typical for the brand design cues. Skoda revealed that for the first time in a series production vehicle the designers have incorporated elements from a concept model, namely – the VisionC.

In addition, in the final stages of the design, Skoda motorsport has also took part. In this way, the car is even more dynamic, passionate and sharp. The image shows how in the new Fabia are mixed crystalline shapes and sharp lines.

Furthemore, the hatchback is characterized by balanced and tight proportions. The company has also revealed that the car will be nine centimetres wider in comparison to its predecessor. What is more – it will stand three centimeters lower. Inside, the interior will be entirely new and versatile and will also feature options for customization.

Source: Skoda

July 18, 2014

2015 BMW i8 UK – Price £94,845

BMW UK is going to offer the sensational 2015 i8 sports hybrid car from tomorrow. It is priced from “just” £94,845 OTR. The German manufacturer has finally developed something that looks like a supercar. Furthermore, it boasts extreme efficiency and a number of innovative technologies.

2015 BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The overall power is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft), which is enough for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The fuel consumption is impressive – 2.1 liters / 100 km (134.5 mpg UK or 112 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The 2015 i8 can go up to 37 km (23 miles) only on electricity with zero emissions.

The curb weight of the sports car is extremely low, considering the electric motor and the battery pack – 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs) and a drag coefficient (Cd) – 0.26. The dimensions measure – 4,689 mm in length; 1,942 mm in width and a height of just 1,298 mm. The wheelbase is 2,800 mm and the front/rear tracks – 1,644 mm/1,715 mm.

Some of the standard equipment includes the Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display and leather sports seats; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants There are also 20” alloy wheels, a rear view camera, high beam assistant, speed limit info, Surround View, Head-Up Display and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition.

There is also BMW 360° ELECTRIC providing a package of assistance and mobility solutions, while the ConnectedDrive features intrinsic part of car’s connectivity.

Source: BMW

July 18, 2014

2015 Toyota Sienna [video]

Toyota has officially unveiled the 2015 Sienna MPV. For the first time, the manufacturer is revealing a new vehicle completely online.

“Today’s parents are embracing their life stage and those relatable family moments that make us laugh and feel connected,” commented Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

“The 2015 Toyota Sienna seizes that same spirit of fun, everyday experiences with family and fits into the modern family dynamic. That is why Toyota chose to introduce the newest ‘Swagger Wagon’ to the world through a creative lens.”, he added.

The exterior of the new Sienna boasts a revised front grille as well as new head and taillights. The interior comes with more changes – new upholstery variants, revised instrument cluster and a “conversation mirror” that allows the driver to check on rear seat passengers without having to turn around.

The options list include 4.2” multi-information display as well as an updated infotainment system with 7” touchscreen display and capacitive buttons.

The engine is the well-known 3.5 liter naturally-aspirated V6 – 266HP (198 kW) and 331Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque.

Safety remains a top priority for families, and the 2015 Sienna brings features to help provide peace-of-mind. There are 8 airbags, panoramic backup camera as standard and LATCH locations for easier securing of children’s car seats.

Source: Toyota

July 18, 2014

Dodge Announces Pricing For 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat And Challenger Lineup

Dodge has announced pricing for its most powerful and fastest car in the model range, namely – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The car will officially go on sale in the third-quarter of the year. The iconic American automaker has also announced pricing or other vehicles in the Challenger line-up. For the 2015 model year Dodge offers four different and efficient engines for its Challenger range.

Precisely, the powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is to be found in the SXT and SXT Plus. It generates 305 horsepower (224 kW) and has an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 produces 375 horsepower (275 kW) and 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.) of torque and powers the R/T models.

The 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475-lb.-ft.) of torque are produced by the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 Scat Pack which also delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway. At last, for the who want the most of everything, there is the 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine, which produces 707 horsepower (520 kW) and 880 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque

Challenger SRT Hellcat with the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine is regarded as the most powerful and the fastest muscle car ever. It has achieved an NHRA certified 10.8 second quarter mile time at 126 mph on drag radials. The vehicle comes standard with two key fobs to control engine output: red and black.

Furthermore, there are also drive modes that manage the experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, traction and suspension. They are four: Sport, Track, Default and Custom. The aluminum hood has unique center air intake, dual air extractors and can be finished in body color or Satin Black.

Also defining the new design of the Challenger SRT Hellcat are the “air catcher” inlet port, “Slingshot” forged-aluminum wheels with Matte Black or Brass Monkey/dark bronze finish, a larger front splitter, “SUPERCHARGED” fender badges, black side sills and a unique, taller rear spoiler with raised SRT logo. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has a starting price of $59,995 USD.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – starting U.S. MSRP of $59,995

Most powerful and fastest muscle car ever
Most powerful Challenger ever
Dodge’s most powerful V-8 ever: 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP90” ultra-high performance eight-speed transmission
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models – starting U.S. MSRP of $38,495

485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
Improves fuel economy up to 8 percent, no gas-guzzler tax penalty
Up to 25 mpg highway
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Availaable 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger R/T models – starting U.S. MSRP of $31,495

V-8-powered muscle car, delivering up to 410 lb.-ft. of torque
TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
“Shaker” hood with functional engine-mounted scoop
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Dodge Challenger SXT models – starting U.S. MSRP of $26,995

Standard TorqueFlite “845RE” eight-speed transmission
305 horsepower and up to 30 mpg highway
Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

Source: Dodge

July 17, 2014

TI Automotive Has New Livery For Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R

TI Automotive has prepared new livery for the Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R. The car that will carry the special exterior will have the Motorsports No. 91 in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship’s Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event will take place on 25th of July on Friday. In addition, the company will join SRT Motorsports as Team Associate Sponsor for Remainder of 2014.

As part of the agreement, TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems, will partner with SRT Motorsports as a team associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2014 season. With this collaboration TI Automotive will be introduced to a wider audience.

Furthermore, TI is a current supplier of the high-performance fuel pump module system to the production Viper and the recently released Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. This system includes Automotive News PACE Award-winning Dual-Channel Single-Stage (DCSS) fuel pump which is regarded as one of the industry’s highest-performing fuel pumps. As a matter of fact, this fuel delivery design makes 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat the fastest and most potent muscle car ever built.

Precisely, the livery of the No. 91 vehicle will include a white body with bright green stripe outlined in dark blue from nose to tail. TI’s blue-and-green Fluid thinking icon will be positioned on the top of the roof and on other key points across the vehicle.

Source: TI Automotive

July 17, 2014

Maserati Launches Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition is a product of the collaboration between the luxury Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati. Only 100 examples of the unique limited edition car will be produced, and they will feature color schemes, materials and exclusive trims that link the histories of the two brands. In order to celebrate the launch of the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, Maserati and Zegna are undertaking a tour. It will feature four international events with first one in Shanghai that will happen this month. The following three cities which will be visited are New York (September), Dubai (February 2015) and Milan (Spring 2015).

The event locations have been specifically chosen in order to enhance the uniqueness of the collaboration and exude the high standards of Italian elegance. At the events, the visitors will be able to see and know better car’s premium finishes as well as to witness the extraordinary result of the partnership.

Furthermore, at the four locations will be also present the famous Italian photographer Fabrizio Ferri. He will capture 100 unique images that will be later put together to create a book called “One of 100”. The latter will be presented in Milan in the spring of 2015 at the final event.

Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition includes a special effect paint finish which simulates the fluidity and purity of metal. This effect was achieved through the utilization of ultra-fine aluminium pigments. Moreover, the gloss black primer additionally strengthens the brilliance of the aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth.

Inside, Maserati has used for the interior warm hues like moka and greige, that make a link to Zegna’s latest men’s fashion collections. Other components of the coupe such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth and bright fabric.

Source: Maserati

July 17, 2014

2015 Mazda2 Officially Unveiled

2015 Mazda2 has just been officially unveiled. Mazda also announced that the production of the SKYACTIV Technology-based subcompact car begins at company’s Hofu plant in Japan and that its launch is scheduled for the autumn. This is the fourth member of Mazda’s current model generation. It will feature the full range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV Technology and also carries the emblematic new design language of the brand called KODO – Soul of Motion.

Bursting with energy, the car is capable of performance, fuel efficiency and safety. It also will ensure that the driver has maximum fun when driving. 2015 Mazda2 evolves and enhances the technology and ergonomics cultivated in the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3. And this means that it is expected to raise the bar in the B segment.

The official premiere of the model in Europe will probably happen later this year. In the Old Continent, Mazda will introduce this Mazda2 with the SKYACTIV-D 1.5, which is the new small displacement clean diesel engine. In addition, there will also be available different power versions of the petrol SKYACTIV-G 1.5. The engines will be coupled with manual or automatic transmissions.

Next to its new SKYACTIV body and chassis, the model will also include Madza’s innovative MZD Connect in-car connectivity system, a range of i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology and a refined spacious interior.

Source: Mazda

July 17, 2014

ST Suspension – Audi A3 and BMW 2-series Coupe

ST Suspensions has presented a range of ST spring sets for the latest Audi A3 and the BMW 2-Series Coupe. Through their sporty spring rate, ST springs enhance the driving dynamic and are made from a chrome-silicon steel alloy.

The cars equipped with ST springs respond more precisely to steering inputs and the drivers benefit from sportier handling characteristics. The different sets of sport springs allow a lowering between 20 and 40 mm on each axle. Like all ST suspensions components, also these ST spring kits include a German TÜV certificate. The pricing is available upon request.

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe M235i comes with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption is decent 7.6 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. There is no doubt that a set of lowering ST springs will further improve the fun behind the steering wheel of such car.

2014 Audi S3 comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine – 300HP (221 kW) at 5,500RPM and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed S-tronic automatic transmission.

Source: ST Suspension

July 17, 2014

Isuzu Introduces D-Max Yukon Extended Cab

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is another addition to the popular D-Max pick-up range. It not only has the adaptability of a pick-up, but being a Yukon specification, it is also a luxury equipped. The extended cab configuration includes as a standard front seats, behind which one can see a large load area. There is positioned fold-down rear bench. The new variant will be available from October this year and has been entered to the market as a direct response to customers’ feedback.

As a standard all models that feature the “Yukon” designation include wide range of standard equipment such as cruise control, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and rear bumper, heavy-duty side steps, six-speaker surround-sound audio system with roof-mounted ‘Exciter’ speaker. There are also featured high-visibility projector headlamps and LED rear light clusters.

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is driven by the 2.5-litre twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. It generates 163 hp (120 kW) and has a maximum torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) which is available from 1,400 rpm. The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

Despite this amount of power, the vehicle has excellent fuel efficiency, which is rated at 38.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This Isuzu is also capable of towing 3.5-tonnes (braked)/ 750 kg (unbraked). This Yukon specification extended cab has a starting price of £19,249 and will be available only throughout UK dealerships.

Source: Isuzu

July 17, 2014

Porsche 918 Spyder – 0-333 km/h [video]

Christian Gebhardt from Sport Auto had tested the spectacular Porsche 918 Spyder. This particular car is equipped with the Weissach package, so it is even faster compared to the normal version.

The 918 Spyder is not alone in its segment, but it has to compete with LaFerrari and McLaren P1. Still, the Porsche’s hyper-car is currently the fastest production vehicle on the Nordschleife with lap-time of 6 minutes and 57 seconds. McLaren P1 is aiming at 6 minutes and 35 seconds, but until an official lap, this is only a speculation.

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine and two electric motors with combined power of 887HP (652 kW) and 1,280Nm (944 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.2 seconds and 0-300 km/h in breathtaking 19.9 seconds.

The Weissach package includes carbon fiber roof, rearview mirrors, windscreen frame and the rear wing. There are also ceramic wheel bearings, titanium chassis bolts and a super lightweight braking system. Last, but not least are the 20” and 21” forged magnesium wheels fitted with ultra-performance tires. The overall result is weight saving of 41 kg (90.3 lbs).

The interior boasts 6-point seatbelt harnesses and additional Alcantara upholstery.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI-DUULV1tE

Source: Porsche

July 17, 2014

AC Schnitzer GP 3.10 Based on BMW E92 335i – On Sale

AC Schnitzer has put on sale a unique GP 3.10 based on BMW E92 335i. It is currently available through ebay.de with a bid of €25,100. The vehicle is registered back in 09/2006 and since then it covered just 27,000 km (16,780 miles). It is finished in a nice Mineral-Grün paint and features a number of styling and performance upgrades.

The most important improvement is the replacing of the original 3.0 liter twin-turbo I6. The new “heart” is the mighty S85B50 – a 5.0 liter V10 from BMW M5 E60, which is boosted to 552HP (406 kW) at 8,000RPM and 540Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque at 6,200RPM. It is coupled to its original tranmission – a 7-speed SMG III gearbox. There is a new sports exhaust system with a sports rear silencer including centrally-placed tailpipe. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 13.9 seconds and a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph).

The brake system as well as the suspension are also improved. There are 8-piston fixed calipers at the front and rear with brake discs measuring – 374 x 36 mm. The suspension received special stabilizer bars and height-adjustable coilovers. A set of new wheels is installed – AC Schnitzer Lightweight forged alloy Type V – 9.0 J x 20” with 235/30 ZR20 tires and 10.0 J x 20” with 285/25 ZR20 tires, front/rear.

The exterior boasts a new front bonnet with additional air outlet for better cooling of the big engine. There is also a new front apron, modified front and rear fenders, a pair of new side skirts, a roof wing and a trunk lid spoiler with special tear-off edge.

The interior features bi-color leather and Nappa combination, racing seats, new aluminum pedals and black anodized handbrake and i-Drive controller, a set of floor mats with logo GP 3.10. Last, but not least is the three-spoke sports steering wheel “Evo” wrapped in Nappa leather.

Source: AC Schnitzer

July 17, 2014

Cadillac Twin-Turbo – 3,000HP vs Chevrolet Corvette Twin-Turbo – 3,000HP [video]

Urbanhillbilly has published an impressive video on Youtube showing a drag racing between two insane vehicles – Cadillac XLR Twin-Turbo with 3,000HP and Proline Chevrolet Corvette Twin-Turbo also with 3,000HP. The race is at 1/8 mile, instead of the usual ¼ mile and the results are still impressive.

The Cadillac finished in 4.29 seconds with a trap speed of 188.25 mph (302.9 km/h), while the Corvette won with a time of 4.20 seconds and a trap speed of 185.54 mph (298.5 km/h).

Although the cars are extremely fast, there is something else that caught our attention. The Cadillac comes not only with over 3,000HP, but with power windows as well. Usually, drag cars are completely stripped to save weight, but the Cadillac might be street legal with normal tires and some minor upgrades. The Corvette on the other hand doesn’t have windows at all and interior as well, so it has to be a lot lighter helping it to win.

The Twin Turbo Cadillac XLR is driven by Scott Lowery, while the Proline Twin Turbo Chevrolet Corvette has Mark Woodruff behind the steering wheel. The spectacular battle is held on the famous Tulsa Raceway Park.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXpgsVoY5pc#t=82

Source: Cadillac

July 17, 2014

Category: Auto News