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2014 Scion xB Brings Together Function And Form

2014 Scion xB has distinctive appearance and blends function and form. It is one of the most recognizable members of company’s family of vehicles. Like its little sibling – the 2014 Scion iQ, it is currently going on sale, offering its unmistakable boxy style and spacious interior. The latter now comes standard with 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen Scion Display Audio System. The car also offers smooth ride and responsive handling. It is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 158 horsepower (116 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque.

The unit can be mated with either a five-speed manual transmission or the four-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) constantly adjusts to suit driving conditions. The EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of the xB is 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

2014 xB sits on a MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension. A set of 16-inch wheels are standard for the vehicle, while Scion is offering a choice of 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of exterior, the straight roofline extends straight back to the rear fascia. The latter is dominated by an expansive rear window with privacy glass. At the back, there is also a chrome-tipped exhaust and bold tail lights.

The front fascia also features halogen projector-beam headlights and standard LED accent lamps, as well as LED turn indicators built into powered outside mirrors. The colors offered for the MY2014 are Black Sand Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Army Rock Metallic, Absolutely Red, Classic Silver Metallic and Super White.

The spacious interior of the xB can accommodate up to five people. Clean lines and metallic accents define the design inside. The three-spoke steering wheel features audio controls, while the gauges and deep orange multi-information display sit centered on the metal-tone accented dash. Other standard equipment here includes remote keyless entry, power windows with driver side auto down and electric power steering.

As mentioned, the Standard Display Audio system features a 6.1 inch LCD touchscreen. Other technology components include Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming connectivity, HD Radio, USB connectivity and 160-watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit. As an option, the company is offering the BeSpoke Audio system.

Safety features include six airbags, headrests and three-point seat belts, tire pressure monitoring system, as well as STAR Safety SystemTM which includes Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

2014 Scion xB has a starting price of $16,970 USD.

Source: Scion

May 31, 2014

2014 Scion iQ Can Take Any Urban Challenge

2014 Scion iQ is world’s smallest four-seater. The micro subcompact car is currently going on sale fitted with wide range of standard ad available features. It is powered by the 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which develops 94 horsepower (70 kW). The unit is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps with engine deliver an enhanced efficiency and produce lower emissions. In addition, its light curb weight of 2,127 pounds, adds to the achievement of fuel economy rating of 36 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined.

2014 iQ has a compact front-mounted differential, a high-mount electric power steering rack, and a compact air-conditioning unit. A flat gas tank beneath the floor reduces rear overhang. The result is a length of 120.1 inches, width of 66.1 inches and a 78.7-inch wheelbase.

The exterior of the car is defined by its trapezoidal lines, broad stance and wide rear bumper. The front fascia includes a disctinctive front grille and projector beam headlamps, while the side mirrors with integrated turn signals add highlights to the clean design.

As a standard, customers can enjoy a keyless entry as well as electronic rear hatch locking system. Drivers have the option of 5-spoke or 7-spoke wheel covers. For 2014, color options include Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Hot Lava, Pacific Blue Metallic, Black Currant Metallic and a two-tone option comprised of Black Currant Metallic and Classic Silver Metallic.

Inside, this Scion offers enough space without sacrificing features or comfort. An acoustic windshield reduces road noises and vibrations, a deep orange instrument panel puts information easily within eyesight, Scion Drive Monitor displays information like temperature, average MPG and the ECO-drive indicator helps the driver maximize car’s fuel efficiency.

On the steering wheel, one can find audio controls. The Standard Display Audio system comes with a 6.1 inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming connectivity, HD RadioTM, USB connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls. As an option, there is the BeSpoke Audio system, which features push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest.

Standard safety features include 11 standard airbags, Star Safety SystemTM with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). A tire-pressure monitoring system also comes as a standard.

2014 Scion iQ has a starting price of $15,665 USD.

Source: Scion

May 31, 2014

Cosworth Reveals FA20 Power Package

Cosworth FA20 Power Package is here. Through its introduction the company deliberately moves on from individual component supply towards fully validated system packages. The current upgrade is suitable on for Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86. Cosworth’s Power Packages will offer motorsport enthusiasts the ease and reliability of power upgrades. The development of FA20 is inspired by Formula One and sports car racing, and the result is a peak performance of up to 380 horsepower (280 kW). There are several stages of the upgrade, each of which builds upon and uses components in the previous Stage.

Stage 1 Power Package offers a power increase of up to 230 hp (170 kW). It features Cosworth free flow sports exhaust, a “Power by Cosworth” calibration kit, an exclusive vehicle badge and a uniquely numbered authentication plaque with the name of the tuning company, performance filtration solution and low temperature thermostat.

All of the components mentioned work together as a solution, rather than a collection of individual parts. They maximize peak performance and reliability. For example, tuning company’s free flow sports exhaust features two 4” diagonally cut, branded, double wall tips and a stylish “Y” shaped back muffler/silencer.

In combination with the other components, this stainless steel exhaust increases the power output to 220 hp (162 kW). By adding the optional combined overpipe front pipe, which has a spherical resonator, the new calibration power output is raised to 225 hp (165 kW). At last, the black manifold header has equal length piping and CNC machined exhaust flanges, not only helps to significantly reduce under hood/bonnet temperatures, but also boosts the output up to 230 hp (170 kW).

Source: Cosworth

May 31, 2014

2015 Hyundai Grandeur Sedan Debuts In South Korea

2015 Hyundai Grandeur Sedan was just introduced in South Korea at the 2014 Busan International Motor Show. The model has received an upgraded powertrain and some aesthetic enhancements. The flagship premium is scheduled to debut in Korea later this year. The upgraded Grandeur is equipped with company’s 2.2-liter R diesel engine. The unit features for the first time Variable Geometry Turbocharger. This newly adopted power plant generates 202 hp (149 kW).

In addition, Grandeur Sedan will also benefit from the Theta II 2.4-liter GDI petrol engine. It delivers 190 hp and includes improvements to the motor-driven power steering system that result in a greater handling responsiveness and stability.

The exterior of this Hyundai model was also updated and includes redesigned front and rear styling, as well as enhanced audio equipment. Furthermore, the 2015 Grandeur is 10 millimeters longer than the outgoing model. Stylish new grille and front bumper complement the LED fog lamps, while at the rear we have a high-gloss two-tone rear bumper design.

The cabin has received a remodeled central fascia with the latest Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) controls, as well as a new 8-inch navigation screen. All this comes as a standard.

In terms of safety, there are several added features such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) features secure drivers’ safety, Advanced Smart Parking Assist System (ASPAS) and Smart Trunk.

Source: Hyundai

May 30, 2014

Audi A3 To Get 1.4 TFSI ultra Engine

Audi A3 1.4 TFSI ultra is a sport economy expert. In fact, ten new ultra models extend the range to 22 ultra production cars. Audi also plans to make the Audi A3 1.6 TDI ultra as sedan version. The company is extending its range of the fuel-efficient low-emission ultra models in the A3 car line. They will come equipped with the 150 hp (110 kW) 1.4 TFSI engine, thus offering high performance with exemplary economy.

The top speed in electronically limited up to 220 km/h (137 mph) which the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is estimated at just 8.1 seconds. On the other hand, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are rated at 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (50.0 mpg) on the combined cycle and 109 g/km (175.4 g/mi), respectively.

1.4 liter TFSI can be mated to either a manual six speed transmission or a seven speed S tronic. The power unit with cylinder is also available in all four body versions of the A3 car line: the three door model, five door Sportback, Sedan and as a Cabriolet.

A3 ultra version can be also equipped with the 1.6 TDI engine. This power unit has already been introduced to the three door version and the Sportback. In the future, Audi A3 Sedan can likewise be outfitted with this 110 hp (81 kW). It also shows incredibly low fuel consumption and emission numbers, rated at 3.3 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (71.3 mpg) and 88 grams of CO2 per kilometer (141.6 g/mi).

Source: Audi

May 30, 2014

Subaru Introduces 2015 BRZ Series Blue Special Edition

2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue is the special edition version of the acclaimed purist sports car. The model will be produced in limited run of only 1000 examples exclusively for the United States. This BRZ embodies an exclusive combination of STI functional aerodynamic body design, black-painted STI 17-inch wheels and unique interior trim. What is more, Subaru announced that it will offer 500 numbers of the car painted WR Blue Pearl and 500 in Crystal White Pearl. The special edition will arrive in dealerships in July.

BRZ Series Blue is driven by 200 horsepower (147 kW) 2.0-liter BOXER engine. It features low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. A boosts in car’s aerodynamic performance is achieved via the black STI front, side, and side-rear under spoilers, which contribute to additional front downforce.

Furthermore, the additional underbody panels reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.28 to 0.27. Larger stainless steel exhaust tips and a new shark fin antenna are also included. Red-finish brake calipers can be seen behind the spokes of the black painted STI wheels, which emphasize BRZ’s pure sports nature.

This special edition vehicle is built on the BRZ Limited model but features exclusive trim and special details throughout. Inside, its leather and Alcantara upholstery includes blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints. Blue stitching highlights the seats and the blue and black leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the shift lever boot and leather-wrapped parking brake handle.

The same blue motif can also be seen on the center console kneepads and door trim that are further accentuated by an embroidered silver BRZ logo on the front seatbacks. Carpeted floor mats with BRZ logo and blue stitching, frameless day/night rear-view mirror and simulated carbon fiber center dash panel, red illuminated engine start/stop button with an STI logo round out the special interior treatment.

Pricing of 2015 Subaru BRZ Range:

Model/Trim	Transmission	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery
BRZ Premium	6MT	$25,695	$26,490
BRZ Limited	6MT	$27,695	$28,490
BRZ Limited	6AT	$28,795	$29,590
BRZ Series.Blue	6MT	$29,490	$30,285

Source: Subaru

May 30, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Golf R – More Powerful and Efficient Than Ever

Volkswagen US has presented the 2015 Golf R, which is the most powerful Golf ever to be sold on the market. It has 34HP more than its predecessor, which was sold as a 2013 model. Despite the additional horsepower, the new R model is expected to be considerably more fuel-efficient.

2015 Volkswagen Golf R is powered by a 2.0 liter TSI four-cylinder direct-injected and turbocharged petrol engine – 290HP (213 kW) at 5,500RPM and 378Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,800RPM. The additional power is thanks to a redesigned the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats, and springs), pistons, high-pressure injection system, and turbocharger. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The power is put on the road through the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds (with manual gearbox) or 4.9 seconds (with DSG) and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Other special features include a new sport suspension, the Progressive variable-ratio steering system, and a stability control system (“ESC Sport”) which can now be deactivated for track driving. There is also an optional DCC adaptive damping system.

The new Golf R is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features – specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18” aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be visually distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and a quad exhaust system.

The interior features sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped three-spoke sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R-specific instrumentation.

The most powerful and fuel-efficient Golf R will be launched in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2015.

Source: Volkswagen

May 30, 2014

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE is tuning company’s newest project. It takes inspiration from that iconic military heritage and translates it into contemporary urban language. This off-roader is powered by 2.8 l diesel engine that produces 197 horsepower (145 kW). It is regarded as one of the most recognisable 4×4 vehicles ever produced. The specialists at A. Kahn Design has separated the Wrangler from its standard siblings through some exclusive touches.

First of all, the volcanic bronze silhouette of the car was competed with 7.5 x 17″ Jeep 1941 wheels in satin black, as well as brake callipers finished in liquid gold, four slot Chelsea Truck Company grille, front grille industrial mesh, privacy glass, smoked headlamps and Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover.

Inside, Kahn Jeep Wrangler CJ300 LE showcases a softer and fashionable interior. The cabin literally wrapped in front and rear quilted and perforated seats with matching stitching, Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, armrests re-upholstered in quilted and perforated leather, re-upholstered centre glove box, floor mats and a steering wheel that feels great in the hands.

In other words, this vehicle not only has all of the credentials typical for the off-roaders but also delivers luxury inside and out that can be compared to high-class urban cars.

Source: A. Kahn Design

May 30, 2014

Hennessey Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray [video]

Hennessey Performance has published a video with their tuned 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray equipped with HPE650 Supercharged package. The tuning team performs some acceleration and dyno tests of the tuned sports car.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 LT1 – 460HP (343 kW) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching.

The HPE650 performance package boosts the engine to 650HP (485 kW) at 6,300RPM.

HPE650 Supercharged Upgrade Includes

• High Flow Supercharger System

• HPE Air Induction System

• Custom HPE Pulley

• 160 Degree Thermostat

• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids

• Professional Installation

• HPE Engine Management Calibration

• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing

• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques

• Hennessey Exterior Badging

• Hennessey Premium Floormats

• Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills

• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG8GkZ47P-c

Optional Upgrades

• Hennessey CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler, Side Sills & Front Lip Spoiler

• Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates

• Hennessey H10 Monoblock Wheel Upgrade

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires

• Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade

• Penske Adjustable Suspension Upgrade

• Custom Interior Leather Upgrades

• Carbon Fiber Interior Upgrades

Source: Hennessey

May 30, 2014

Volkswagen Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition at Worthersee

Volkswagen also presented the Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition at the 33^rd Worthersee GTI meeting. The ultra-hot hatchback comes with a lot of upgrades including improved styling and a super-powerful engine.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is boosted from 230HP (169 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) to the incredible 380HP (279 kW) and more than 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The car boasts a super-low fuel consumption of just 6.0 liters / 100 km with manual gearbox (47 mpg UK) and 6.4 liters (44.1 mpg UK) for the automatic model. The additional horsepower is thanks to a new carbon air box and a sports exhaust system including vacuum valve control allowing the driver to adjust the sound.

The exterior boasts nice red uni paintwork featuring black ecor strips and hand-crafted high-gloss black attachments give the vehicle a sporty note. There are new spoilers and claw-type inserts on the front bumper, door sills, and a rear spoiler with additional flaps and a rear diffuser.

The interior boasts the same black and red theme as well as two Recaro bucket seats at the front and a rear seat bench with black leather upholstery. There are red stripes which run over the headrests and inverted side bolsters covered in GTI tartan. The multi-function steering wheel is upholstered in black leather and features red spokes.

Last, but not least is the 2,170 WATT sound system with 11 speakers and built-in LED lightning. There is a PlayStation gaming console, 24” LED TV and an iPhone docking station.

Source: Volkswagen

May 30, 2014

Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept at 2014 Worthersee

Worthersee GTI meeting in Austria will be the place where VW reveals the GTI Roadster concept.

The concept was first presented virtually in the Sony PlayStation 3 game Gran Tourismo 6. It is a product of the cooperation of three VW designers who won the in-house competition designing a vehicle to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the GT-game.

The virtual car was first shown on 26 May and a few days later VW decided to present it at the annual GTI-fans gathering (18-31 May).

The design is more extreme than the normal GTI’s. The Roadster version has 2494 mm wheelbase (137 mm shorter than the regular GTI), 1090 mm height and 1894 mm width. The overall length is 4158 mm. What a jaw-dropping proportions

GTI Roadster is powered by 3.0-litre V6 bi-turbo engine which produces more than 500 h.p. and 560 Nm of torque @ 4000-6000 rpm. Thank to the twin-turbo technology some 500 Nm are available at just 2000 rpm. This engine power is transferred to the wheels via 7-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. This 1420 kilos of car runs from zero to a hundred km/h for just 3.6 seconds and on full throttle it can do more than 300 km/h.

For a better handling, more stability and good vision it has 20×8,5j wheels with 235/34 tyres at the front and 20×9,5J with 275/30 at the back. Behind these rims are hidden ceramic brakes for proper decelerating force.

For all the Gran Tourismo fans the concept is colored in Gran Tourismo Red. The interior includes black and anthracite sections with the contrasted GTI red stitching.

We hope that VW’s plans will let us see the production version on the streets, not only in the virtual world of GT6.

Source: Volkswagen

May 30, 2014

Volkswagen Golf Variant Youngster 5000

A special Volksawgen Golf Variant Youngster 5000 was presented at the 2014 Worthersee Motor Show by six apprentices from Zwickau. The model is exhibited alongside the Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition, GTI Roadster and Amarok Power.

The special model marks the debut of this body style at the event and represents the work of six apprentices from Zwickau who gave the touring car a nice Arancio Argos pearl hue. Volkswagen Golf Variant Youngster 5000 comes with a number of upgrades including a one-off iPad-controlled 5,000 WATT premium sound system installed in the skids at the back. There is also a full Bilstein suspension also controlled via an iPhone as well as new front and rear bumpers, side sills and sport seats source by Volkswagen R division.

The Golf Variant Youngster 5000 is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – 320HP (235 kW), which is an increase of 90HP compared to the Golf GTI Performance model. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map, cold-air intake system and a sports exhaust system. 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The US version of Golf Variant – the Golf SportWagen was recently announced and it is also suitable for the same upgrades like the EU one.

Source: Volkswagen

May 30, 2014

Category: Auto News