Auto News – Page 491 – Automobiles Review

Skoda Celebrates 40 Years At Rally Bohemia With Two Special Fabia Super 2000s

Two Skoda Fabia Super 2000 in 1974 race livery are getting prepared for the Rally Bohemia. This is where the company will celebrate its 40 years presence at the Rally Bohemia. The two vehicles that will race on the track are to carry the same livery as sported by the historic Skoda 180 RS and Skoda 200 RS rally cars. The cars will be driven by Jan Kopecký and Sepp Wiegand. Rally Bohemia will take place this weekend in the region around the city of Mladá Boleslav.

In fact, it is exactly the 40th birthday of the historic Skoda 180 RS and 200 RS. The two spectacular rally cars raced for the first time in June 1974. Their debut came at the Rally Skoda; ad exactly 40 years later, the current Fabia Super 2000s will feature the same livery as theirs.

180 RS and 200 RS are considered to be the founders of company’s successful RS history. Since 2000, the manufacturer has resurrected this tradition with RS versions for end user models.The RS stands for ‘Rally Sport’ and the fastest and most powerful production Octavia is Octavia RS.

Rally Bohemia has not only a historic significance for Skoda, but also it is important to it in terms of the brand’s future motorsport activities. For the first time, the European Championship leader Esapekka Lappi will test the new 1.6-litre turbo engine for the new Fabia R5 under race conditions. R5 will be equipped with the aforementioned engine in accordance with FIA regulations. This is the car will be used for competition in the R5 category at international rallies as of 2015.

Rally Bohemia will happen this weekend. There will be twelve special stages over an entire distance of exactly 150.66 kilometres. In fact, the Rally Bohemia is part of the International Czech Championship and Skoda is the main sponsor of the event.

Source: Skoda

July 8, 2014

Volvo XC90 To Be Driven By T8 Twin Engine

The gradual reveal of Volvo XC90 continues with additional information revealed by the Swedish automaker. Volvo has announced that its new SUV will offer combination of power and clean operation. It has also disclosed that the vehicle will be launched later this year. It will be an all-wheel drive seven seater, which is to deliver up to 400 horsepower (294 kW) but at the same time, it will also produce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of around 60 g/km on the NEDC driving cycle. This will make the future XC90 the first SUV offering this level of power this cleanly.

Precisely, the new model will offer a range of Drive-E engine options, all of which will provide an excellent combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. What makes the Drive-E engine range unique is that they are all four-cylinder engines. Volvo has made it possible for those units to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a bigger engine, and in addition to do so far more efficiently and cleanly.

The engine on the top of the range is the Twin Engine, which carry the badge ‘T8’ and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one. The default hybrid mode offers normal driving by using two-litre, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E petrol engine. The latter powers the front wheels.

There is also an 80 hp (60 kW) electric motor which drives the rear wheels. It utilizes the supercharger to fill in the bottom end of the power range. The electric motor on the rear wheels also provides immediate torque.

Just one touch of the button is needed in order for the driver to switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power. The range of the car on electric mode alone is estimated around 25 miles. When needed the vehicle immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the petrol engine and electric motor. Their combined output is around 400 hp (294 kW) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque.

In the range of engines that will be offered in the new Volvo XC90 there will be also the D5 twin turbo diesel engine with 225 hp (165 kW) and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft). Its fuel consumption is estimated at 47 mpg on the combined cycle. The other engine is the D4 turbo diesel with 190 hp (140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). It offers a fuel consumption of around 56 mpg (combined cycle).

As a chassis, Volvo will use the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). It will allow for far more flexibility inside the car. In addition, it will also create a far wider range of design possibilities and it will also improve driveability. SPA will benefit of the inclusion of the newest safety features and connected in-car technologies. What is more, it will also increase the space of the interior.

Source: Volvo

July 8, 2014

2014 Infiniti Q50 Adds Two-Litre Turbocharged Petrol Engine

2014 Infiniti Q50 made a debut at North American International Auto Show at the beginning of the year, showing to the visitors its full potential, beauty and luxury styling. The car features evolutionary design and features an aggressive front bumper, enlarged grille as well as distinctive headlights. The aerodynamics has been also enhanced and this means that the car returns enough mpg to make the customers happy. Engine range includes an upgraded 3.7-liter V6, a hybridized 3.7-liter V6 and turbocharged petrol units. Now, Infiniti is announcing that the Q50 2-litre petrol is available in its official dealerships.

The lightweight 1991cc turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder engine produces 211 horsepower (155 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The power is transmitted through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. A wide torque band curve that begins at just 1250rpm assists the flexible and efficient driving.

In fact, the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine has been manufactured with the latest fuel efficient certified technology. It was also refined by Infiniti engineers and the result is that it delivers engaging throttle response.

The new engine joins the 2.2-litre direct injection turbo-diesel unit and the high-performance V6-configuration hybrid powertrains. Infiniti also disclosed that it plans over the next five years to increase its model range by 60 per cent and to double the number of its powertrains.

Infiniti Q50 petrol is scheduled to make its sales debut in Europe in autumn before rolling out to the rest of Infiniti’s global markets by year end.

Infiniti Q50 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine

Configuration	Inline four-cylinder, water cooled, forced induction
Capacity	1991cc
Compression ratio	9.8
Bore x stroke	83mm x 92mm
Induction system	Direct injection, Piezo injectors, intercooled turbocharged
Power	211PS / 214PS @ 5500rpm
Torque	236lb/ft / 350Nm @ 1250 – 3500rpm

Source: Infiniti

July 8, 2014

Caterham Superlight R500 – End of Production

Caterham Superlight R500 - Front Angle

Caterham ceases production of the famous Superlight R500. The legendary sports car in its most extreme version reached the final production number – 174, which is destined for Caterham’s distributor in Peru, South America.

Caterham Superlight R500 is powered by a 2.0 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 267HP (196 kW). 0-100 km/h in 2.88 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The extreme car manage to lap Top Gear’s test track in 1 minutes and 17.9 seconds – nearly half a second faster than the Bugatti Veyron.

Despite the extreme nature of its performance and character, the R500 remains one of Caterham’s most popular models ever, attracting buyers from around the world. Its place in the garages of several celebrity customers confirmed its legendary status.

“If Caterham wasn’t already firmly on the map as one of the world’s best-known British sportscar makers, the R500 certainly helped us to cement that position.”, commented Caterham Group CEO, Graham Macdonald.

“It was a landmark model for us in many respects; its performance on the road and track was matched by the impact it had on our brand. It brought new technologies to the Seven range and was the first production Caterham to adopt a sequential gearbox. To some extent, it represented the start of a new era in which Caterham stepped into the 21^st century, but it perfectly encapsulated Colin Chapman’s original ethos and harnessed our determination to provide accessible fun like no other.”, he added.

Source: Caterham

July 8, 2014

2014 Renault Master – Pricing Announced

Renault UK has announced the pricing and specification for the panel and crew van versions of the new Master, starting at just £21,120 (basic price excluding VAT and OTR charges). 2014 Renault Master boasts a more contemporary look, several new features of both – standard and optional equipment as well as two Twin-Turbo Energy engines.

2014 Renault Master is powered by a choice of five all-diesel 2.3 litre engines. There are three Energy versions like the new Twin Turbo dCi 165 boasting a fuel economy of up to 40.9 mpg UK (6.9 liters / 100 km) – combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of 180g/km. They are all mated to 6-speed manual or Quickshift6 transmissions.

The line-up includes a choice of four lengths and three heights, panel van, crew cab, platform cab, chassis cab, tippers, dropside and box van variants, as well as front- and rear-wheel drive, for a carrying capacity of between 8 and 22 cubic metres. There is also a choice of four GVW weights: 2800 kg, 3300 kg, 3500 kg or 4500 kg.

Standard equipment includes a height adjustable driver’s seat with armrest and lumbar adjustment, left side loading door (unglazed), reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows, electric heated door mirrors, full steel bulkhead, spare wheel, remote central locking (two button key) and deadlocking, plus 16 anchorage points (18 on long wheelbase). And, new are ESC with HSA (Hill Start Assist) and Grip Xtend, an advanced traction control system to cope with loose surfaces (mud, sand and fresh snow etc.), plus DAB radio with USB connectivity and Bluetooth all as standard.

The options list features cruise control with speed limiter – £250, climate control – £950 (or £200 upgrade on Business+), and finally Renault’s integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation with 2x20W radio CD, Bluetooth and USB and fingertip controls priced at £650. Also on offer is air suspension – £2,000, auto lights and wipers, plus front fog lights – £250 and cornering lights – £130.

The new Master is available in a choice of 10 body colours, including three metallic shades.

Ordering has now opened with first deliveries due in September. Full UK pricing for panel and crew van versions of New Master are:

NEW MASTER PANEL VAN
Version	BASIC PRICE	OTR PRICE
BUSINESS SWB LOW ROOF
FWD SL28 dCi 110	£21,120.00	£26,229.00
FWD SL28 ENERGY dCi 110	£21,370.00	£26,529.00
FWD SL28 dCi 125	£21,920.00	£27,189.00
FWD SL28 dCi 125 Quickshift6	£22,720.00	£28,149.00
FWD SL33 dCi 110	£22,320.00	£27,669.00
FWD SL33 dCi 125	£23,120.00	£28,629.00
FWD SL35 dCI 125	£23,820.00	£29,469.00
BUSINESS SWB MEDIUM ROOF
FWD SM33 dCi 110	£22,920.00	£28,389.00
FWD SM33 dCi 125	£23,720.00	£29,349.00
BUSINESS MWB MEDIUM ROOF
FWD MM33 dCi 110	£23,920.00	£29,589.00
FWD MM33 ENERGY dCi 110	£24,170.00	£29,889.00
FWD MM33 dCi 125	£24,720.00	£30,549.00
FWD MM33 ENERGY dCI 135	£25,670.00	£31,689.00
FWD MM33 dCi 125 Quickshift6	£25,520.00	£31,509.00
FWD MM35 dCI 110	£24,620.00	£30,429.00
FWD MM35 ENERGY dCi 110	£24,870.00	£30,729.00
FWD MM35 dCi 125	£25,420.00	£31,389.00
FWD MM35 ENERGY dCi 135	£26,370.00	£32,529.00
FWD MM35 dCi 125 Quickshift6	£26,220.00	£32,349.00
FWD MM35 ENERGY dCi 165	£27,170.00	£33,489.00
RWD MML35 dCi 125	£27,120.00	£33,429.00
RWD MML45TW dCi 125	£29,320.00	£36,069.00
RWD MML45TW ENERGY dCi 165	£31,070.00	£38,169.00
BUSINESS MWB HIGH ROOF
FWD MH35 dCi 110	£25,220.00	£31,149.00
FWD MH35 dCi 125	£26,020.00	£32,109.00
FWD MH35 ENERGY dCi 135	£26,970.00	£33,249.00
BUSINESS LWB MEDIUM ROOF
FWD LM35 dCi 110	£25,420.00	£31,389.00
FWD LM35 ENERGY dCi 110	£25,670.00	£31,689.00
FWD LM35 dCi 125	£26,220.00	£32,349.00
FWD LM35 ENERGY dCi 135	£27,170.00	£33,489.00
FWD LM35 dCi 125 Quickshift6	£27,020.00	£33,309.00
FWD LM35 ENERGY dCi 165	£27,970.00	£34,449.00
RWD LML35 ENERGY dCi 135	£28,870.00	£35,529.00
RWD LML35 ENERGY dCi 165	£29,670.00	£36,489.00
RWD LML35TW dCi 125	£28,920.00	£35,589.00
RWD LML35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£30,670.00	£37,689.00
RWD LML45TW dCi 125	£30,120.00	£37,029.00
RWD LML45TW dCI 150 Quickshift6	£31,720.00	£38,949.00
RWD LML45TW ENERGY dCi 165	£31,870.00	£39,129.00
BUSINESS LWB HIGH ROOF
FWD LH35 dCi 110	£26,020.00	£32,109.00
FWD LH35 ENERGY dCi 110	£26,270.00	£32,409.00
FWD LH35 dCi 125	£26,820.00	£33,069.00
FWD LH35 ENERGY dCi 135	£27,770.00	£34,209.00
FWD LH35 ENERGY dCi 165	£28,570.00	£35,169.00
RWD LHL35TW dCi 125	£29,520.00	£36,309.00
RWD LHL35 ENERGY dCi 135	£29,470.00	£36,249.00
RWD LHL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£30,270.00	£37,209.00
RWD LHL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£31,270.00	£38,409.00
RWD LHL45TW dCi 125	£30,720.00	£37,749.00
RWD LHL45TW ENERGY dCi 165	£32,470.00	£39,849.00
RWD LHL45TW dCi 150 Quickshift6	£32,320.00	£39,669.00
BUSINESS+ SWB LOW ROOF
SL28 dCi 110	£22,220.00	£27,549.00
BUSINESS+ MWB MEDIUM ROOF
FWD MM33 dCi 110	£25,020.00	£30,909.00
FWD MM33 ENERGY dCi 110	£25,270.00	£31,209.00
FWD MM33 dCi 125	£25,820.00	£31,869.00
FWD MM33 ENERGY dCi 135	£26,770.00	£33,009.00
FWD MM35 dCi 125	£26,520.00	£32,709.00
FWD MM35 ENERGY dCi 135	£27,470.00	£33,849.00
FWD MM35 ENERGY dCi 165	£28,270.00	£34,809.00
BUSINESS+ LWB MEDIUM ROOF
FWD LM35 dCi 125	£27,320.00	£33,669.00
FWD LM35 ENERGY dCi 135	£28,270.00	£34,809.00
FWD LM35 ENERGY dCi 165	£29,070.00	£35,769.00

NEW MASTER CREW VAN
Version	BASIC PRICE	OTR PRICE
BUSINESS MWB MEDIUM ROOF – 7 SEATS
FWD MM35 dCi 110	£27,000.00	£33,285.00
FWD MM35 dCi 125	£27,800.00	£34,245.00
RWD MML35 dCI 125	£29,500.00	£36,285.00
BUSINESS+ MWB MEDIUM ROOF – 7 SEATS
FWD MM35 dCi 125	£28,900.00	£35,565.00

NEW MASTER CONVERSIONS : all BUSINESS trim level
Version	BASIC PRICE	OTR PRICE
CHASSIS CAB MWB SINGLE CAB
Chassis Cab FWD ML35 dCi 125	£23,300.00	£28,845.00
Chassis Cab RWD ML35 dCi 125	£24,200.00	£29,925.00
Chassis Cab RWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 135	£25,150.00	£31,065.00
Chassis Cab RWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 165	£25,950.00	£32,025.00
Chassis Cab RWD ML35 TW dCi 125	£25,200.00	£31,125.00
Chassis Cab RWD ML35 TW ENERGY dCi 135	£26,150.00	£32,265.00
Chassis Cab RWD MLL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£27,750.00	£34,185.00
Chassis Cab RWD MLL45TW ENERGY dCi 165	£28,950.00	£35,565.00
CHASSIS CAB LWB SINGLE CAB
Chassis Cab FWD LL35 dCi 125	£24,100.00	£29,805.00
Chassis Cab RWD LL35 dci 125	£25,000.00	£30,885.00
Chassis Cab RWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£26,750.00	£32,985.00
CHASSIS CAB MWB DOUBLE CAB
Chassis Double Cab FWD ML35 dCi 125	£24,550.00	£30,345.00
Chassis Double Cab RWD MLL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£29,000.00	£35,685.00
CHASSIS CAB LWB DOUBLE CAB
Chassis Double Cab FWD LL35 dCi 125	£25,350.00	£31,305.00
Chassis Double Cab RWD LLL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£29,800.00	£36,645.00
PLATFORM CAB
Platform Cab FWD LL35 dCi 125	£24,400.00	£30,165.00
Platform Cab FWD LL35 dCi 125 Quickshift6	£24,400.00	£30,165.00
Platform Cab FWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£26,150.00	£32,265.00
DROPSIDE MWB SINGLE CAB
Chassis Cab Dropside FWD ML35 dCi 125	£25,150.00	£31,065.00
Chassis Cab Dropside FWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 165	£26,900.00	£33,165.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD ML35 dCi 125	£26,050.00	£32,145.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 135	£27,000.00	£33,285.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD ML35 TW dCi 125	£27,050.00	£33,345.00
DROPSIDE LWB SINGLE CAB
Chassis Cab Dropside FWD LL35 dCi 125	£25,950.00	£32,025.00
Chassis Cab Dropside FWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£27,700.00	£34,125.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD LL35 dCi 125	£26,850.00	£33,105.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD LLL35 TW dCi 125	£28,650.00	£35,265.00
Chassis Cab Dropside RWD LLL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£30,400.00	£37,365.00
DROPSIDE DOUBLE CAB LWB
Chassis Double Cab Dropside FWD LL35 dci 125	£27,200.00	£33,525.00
Chassis Double Cab Dropside RWD LL35 dci 125	£28,100.00	£34,605.00
Chassis Double Cab Dropside RWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£29,850.00	£36,705.00
Chassis Double Cab Dropside RWD LLL35TW ENERGY dCi 165	£31,650.00	£38,865.00
TIPPER SINGLE CAB MWB
Tipper single Cab FWD ML35 dci 125	£27,050.00	£33,345.00
Tipper single Cab FWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 135	£28,000.00	£34,485.00
Tipper single Cab RWD ML35 dci 125	£27,950.00	£34,425.00
Tipper single Cab RWD ML35 ENERGY dCi 135	£28,900.00	£35,565.00
Tipper single Cab RWD ML35TW dci 125	£28,950.00	£35,625.00
Tipper single Cab RWD ML35TW ENERGY dCi 135	£29,900.00	£36,765.00
TIPPER DOUBLE CAB LWB
Tipper Double Cab RWD LL35 dci 125	£30,000.00	£36,885.00
Tipper Double Cab RWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 135	£30,950.00	£38,025.00
Tipper Double Cab RWD LL35TW dci 125	£31,800.00	£39,045.00
Tipper Double Cab RWD LL35TW ENERGY dCi 135	£32,750.00	£40,185.00
LUTON LWB
Luton FWD LL35 dCi 125	£31,850.00	£39,105.00
Luton FWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 135	£32,800.00	£40,245.00
Luton FWD LL35 ENERGY dCi 165	£33,600.00	£41,205.00
BOX VAN
Box Van 20M3 FWD LL35 dCi 110	£27,750.00	£34,185.00
Box Van 20M3 FWD LL35 dCi 125	£28,550.00	£35,145.00
Box Van 20M3 RWD LL35 dCi 125	£29,450.00	£36,225.00
Box Van 22M3 RWD LLL35TW dCi 125	£32,250.00	£39,585.00

Source: Renault

July 8, 2014

MTM Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro

MTM Audi RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro has nothing to do with the original Audi Q3. The latter was more similar to a good family car then a sports one like this MTM creation. It is equipped with powerful engine is setting new standards. The reason for this is that it can produce 410 hp (302 kW) and 570 Nm (421 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers are due to the new modified engine management system – the M-Cantronic for the RS Q3 2.5 TFSI quattro, was specifically developed, built and installed at MTM.

Precisely, it is capable of 4.3 seconds acceleration time for the 0-100 km/h sprint. The top speed was also uprated and it is now 270 km/h. The M-Cantronic performs all it magic at the front end, which in turn has been optimized by an exhaust system tuned to the five-cylinder engine. There has been also added carbon fibre rear diffuser.

The front axle also includes drilled and internally ventilated 380 x 34 mm MTM brakes. The rear axle is served by the tried and tested production system. Furthermore, the appearance of MTM‘s latest creation is improved by Michelin tyres: the 275/35 R 20 Pilot Super Sport.

They were fitted onto the 9X20″ Bimoto wheels, and generously fil the wheel arches. At last, adaptive MTM chassis package gives the right balance between performance and comfort.

Source: MTM

July 8, 2014

2014 BMW M4 Coupe – The Ultimate Racetrack [video]

BMW Canada has published an awesome video featuring the new M4 Coupe and… an aircraft carrier converted into a drift course. The manufacturer is hoping to build excitement for their high-performance coupe.

As a reminder, the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters (32.1 mpg UK) of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

Some of the highlights are: an updated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. M carbon-ceramic brake system is available upon request.

2015 BMW M4 Coupe is priced from $65,125 in the US, which is just $2,800 more than the previous version (E92 M3).

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFtUpMTs4vI

Source: BMW Canada

July 8, 2014

JE Design Seat Leon Cupra Wide Body Kit

After the revealing of a “normal” tuning program for the ultra-hot hatchback – Seat Leon Cupra 280, JE Design has now unveiled a new styling project based on the same model. The wide body kit for Leon Cupra 280 gives it a unique appearance and unique stance.

The aerodynamics package includes a new three-piece front bumper, a pair of extended wheel arches and big carbon fiber side skirts. There is also a modified rear bumper with a sporty diffuser housing a new sports exhaust system with twin tailpipes with dimensions 105 x 85 millimeters. The price for the complete package is €6,188.

The exterior is finished in an optional graphite matte complete wrapping with spoiler lip, grille frame, mirror caps, air outlet struts and wheel rims in contrasting red. This procedure will cost additional €3,570.

Other highlights include LED rain light from Formula 1 (€250), KW coilover suspension DCC Plug & Play (€2,299), and last but not least a set of Je Design Y-Spoke alloy wheels in size 9.5J x 19” fitted with Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires – 255/30 R19 (€2,052).

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is boosted to 350HP (258 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 70HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The result is thanks to only an ECU re-map and the car still fulfills the EURO 6 emissions standard. The price is €1,899.

All prices are including VAT, excluding mounting and painting.

Source: Je Design

July 7, 2014

Larte Design Range Rover Evoque

Larte Design has unveiled their latest tuning program for the stylish Range Rover Evoque. It includes spectacular Light-Guide daytime running lights developed in cooperation with the German OEM Nolden.

The Light-Guide technology with predefined refraction points in a polycarbonate corpus produces a totally homogeneous and luminous light band. With the serial headlights, using Light-Guide technology for its parking function, this makes for visual concord.
The Larte LED strips run parallel, instead of the original single-strip version. The new LEDs significantly improve the front end giving it more sporty appearance and aggressive stance.

The new DRLs underline the overall appearance of the big crossover coming with a full body kit produced by Larte Design. It consists of a modified front and rear bumpers. There is also a complete stainless steel sports exhaust system specially developed for Larte by the famous company – Remus. The pipes come with laser-engraved Larte logo. Last, but not least is the set of 21” alloy wheels finished in shiny black paint.

Their typical feature are the filigree convex pairs of double spokes, representing sheer dynamism and completing this impressive Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art by Larte.

Source: Larte Design

July 7, 2014

2015 Ford Mondeo Based on the CD4 Platform

2015 Ford Mondeo is going to share same platform with several new models from Lincoln. The Mondeo and its US version – the Fusion are based on the global CD4 platform, which underpins the recently revealed Edge SUV, as well as the next S-Max and Galaxy minivans. The first Lincoln to use this architecture will be the MKX luxury crossover expected to hit the market next year.

“The suspension and platform were developed to be capable for Lincoln as well, so it needs to be state of the art.”, commented Darren Palmer, Ford’s assistant global line director for CD platform cars.

In Europe, Ford will deliver the new Mondeo before the end of this year and the car will compete the all-new Volkswagen Passat and the Opel Insignia Facelift. It is interesting, because Volkswagen has already targeted the new Passat upmarket. It is set to go against the luxurious Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series.

The upcoming Mondeo will feature Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system. It will enable integration of smartphones and deliver wi-fi capability, while new-generation adaptive LED headlamps enhance visibility and vision.

The manufacturer continues to develop a unique interpretation of modern luxury and design, and this year it was the first auto manufacturer to participate in the world’s leading furniture design show – Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.

Still, the sales of the outgoing Mondeo fell to around 19,000 units compared to 22,028 registrations for the same period in 2013.

Source: AutomotiveNewsEurope

July 7, 2014

BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit

BMW Japan will produce only 60 units of a special edition of the Z4 – sDrive20i GT Spirit. The model is prepared exclusively for the Japanese market as another one has just been introduced celebrating the win of the BMW Sports Trophy team in the Super GT series with a Z4 GT3.

The 60 units will be based on the sDrive20i model equipped with ///M-Sport package. All cars will be finished in Alpine White paint and will come with black kidney grilles, a set of 19” M light alloy wheels. The interior boasts ///M door sill plates, aluminum pedal set and a combination of leather and Alcantara with orange accents for the rest of the cabin.

The sDrive20i GT Spirit is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 184HP (135 kW) and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel consumption is very low considering the performance – 9.1 liters / 100 km in city; 5.5 liters / 100 km on the highway and 6.8 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. The curb weight is 1,495 kg (3,296 lbs), which is not bad at all for a roadster.

No words about pricing, but a normal Z4 sDrive20i is priced at $79,900 in the US, while the top-of-range sDrive35is is whopping $119,545.

Source: BMW

July 7, 2014

Porsche Macan Turbo – Nurburgring Test [video]

Porsche Macan Turbo was spied during Nurburgring tests and probably this is a more powerful “S” model planned by the German manufacturer. The Macan Turbo is expected to hit the market sometime in 2015 with a starting price in Germany of €79,826 (VAT included). So, the possible Macan Turbo S will be over €90,000.

2015 Porsche Macan Turbo is powered by a twin-turbocharge 3.6 liter V6 – 400HP (294 kW). 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono package) and a top speed of 266 km/h (165 mph). The fuel consumption is decent 9.2 liters / 100 km (30.7 mpg UK or 25.6 mpg US)and CO2 emissions of 216 g/km.

The Macan Turbo S is expected to generate at least 430HP (316 kW), so the 0-100 km/h will be cut by 0.2 seconds and the top speed will be slightly increased probably to 280 km/h (175 mph).

Besides the additional power, the Turbo S model will get some styling and performance upgrades like retuned suspension, improved braking system and more aggressive aerodynamics elements.

Enjoy the impressive sound of Macan Turbo tackling the world’s most difficult course!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyLxDcs1LZA#t=15

Source: TouriClips via Youtube

July 7, 2014

Category: Auto News