Auto News – Page 532 – Automobiles Review

Hennessey Performance Upgrades 2015 Cadillac Escalade

2015 Cadillac Escalade has just been released for sale across the United States. The tuners at Hennessey Performance have been taking advantage of this fact and are currently offering an engine upgrade for the 6.2L V8 engine of the model. The developed supercharger upgrade for the new unit offers the perfect balance of attitude, performance and luxury. It is called HPE550 package and delivers up to 557 hp (410 kW) and 735 Nm (542 lb-ft) of torque from the belt-driven supercharger.

The additional power of this Cadillac however is nothing without reliability, so the tuners have added an air-to-water intercooler system that keeps charge temperatures low. In addition, Hennessey’s recalibrated engine management computer optimizes the air/fuel ratio throughout the rev range.

Another upgrade included in this project is the addition of a set of lightweight Hennessey H10 forged monoblock wheels in the size of 20”. The H10 wheels have reduced rotating mass, which allows even more power to reach the tires. In this way less energy is spent.

The good news here is that the HPE550 upgrade will be also available for other vehicles with GM’s 6.2-liter DI V8 powertrain. These include the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali, 2014-2015 GMC Sierra trucks and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado trucks.

Hennessey HPE550 Supercharged Upgrade:

557 bhp @ 5,500 rpm
542 lb-ft Torque @ 4,200 rpm
High Flow Supercharger System
High Flow Intercooling System
HPE Engine Management Calibration
All Necessary Gaskets, Fluids & Hardware
Professional Installation
Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
Serial-Numbered Dash Plaque
Serial-Numbered Engine Plaque
Hennessey Exterior Badging
HPE550 Supercharged Badging
Hennessey Embroidered Floormats

Source: Hennessey Performance

April 23, 2014

Range Rover 600-LE Bali Blue Luxury Edition By Kahn Design

Kahn Range Rover 600-LE Bali Blue Luxury Edition connects the worlds of fashion and cars. It is the latest addition to Kahn’s collection of fashionable vehicles. It is painted in Bali Blue colour scheme and looks mesmerizing. In addition, the designers have used the finest materials to create a tailored interior package and make this Range Rover deliver the most individual driving experience. It is completed with inviting seats in red and black to contrast the exterior, and it includes sharp instrumentation and technologies.

Bali Blue Luxury Edition sits on 9.5 x 23” wheels in shadow chrome fitted with 305x30x23” tyres. The original front and rear bumpers have been replaced. At the front we see now a floating carbon bumper, while at the rear – one that includes exhaust diffuser. The roof spoiler include extended Lip spoiler.

In addition, the tuners added 600-LE Stainless Steel crosshair quad rear pipes and finishers in polished aluminum. Next, in this project are also present front grille outer surround in body colour, floating roof in piano black, front grille with 3D mesh floating insert, lower boot lid spoiler with extended lip, side vents in carbon fibre finish, front grille floating insert in silver and with inner surround in matt black.

The new front bumper and front grille mesh are now decided in silver, while the brake calipers are finished in liquid gold. Kahn also included a privacy tinted glass, door handles in body colour, Kahn enamel wing shields, bonnet and tailgate lettering.

Inside, we see 3D Modular front and rear seats in perforated red Nappa leather. The same material is used for the centre glove box, door cards, steering wheel centre and armrests. The door entry sill plates are in stainless steel, while the vented foot pedals are in machined aluminium.

Source: A. Kahn Design

April 23, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger Unveiled In New York

2015 Dodge Challenger was firstly teased in the beginning of the month with a single image which didn’t say much. Now, the car is officially here. Its debut happened during the New York Auto Show. The model has 1971-inspired design in terms of both interior and exterior. Nevertheless, it also features contemporary treatment, which includes new split grille, more pronounced and functional power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps.

In the special line-up of vehicles is present the Scat Pack 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 model which produces 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475 lb.-ft.) of torque. Its unit is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Further exclusive highlights here are the Brembo brakes and 20-by-9-inch aluminum wheels.

The interior of the new Challenger features 1971-inspired high-sill center console and driver-focused instrument panel, aluminum bezels. In fact, there are offered 14 interior colors and trim options. Some of them include throwback Houndstooth premium cloth, Radar Red, or Pearl and Alcantara suede and leather high-performance seats.

In terms of new technologies, the upgrades featured inside are the new 8.4-inch touchscreen media center with Uconnect Access system, new class-exclusive 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable cluster display and electronic shifter and Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start.

Safety and security is ensured via more than 70 features such as Forward Collision Warning, adaptive cruise control, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. The car will be also available with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture. Advanced technological solutions such as new electric power steering (EPS) with three driver-selectable steering modes are also present.

The 2015 Challenger is offered in eight trim levels: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. The production of the car is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014.

2015 Dodge Challenger Specifications:

Performance:

Standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 delivers 305 horsepower
5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. torque (six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic)
6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with an estimated 485 horsepower with 475 lb.-ft. torque (six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic)
0-60 mph in the mid-4 second range with new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
Quarter mile in low-12 second range
Top speed of 182 miles per hour (mph)
World-class stopping power with new available four-piston Brembo® brakes
New launch control and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with “full off” mode

Interior:

Fourteen all-new interiors with new retro colors, including Houndstooth, Tungsten Torque, Ballistic II premium cloth, and Pearl White or Ruby Red leather sport seats
Heated and ventilated performance seats available in Nappa leather and Alcantara suede
Dodge race-inspired heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with available paddle shifters

Exterior:

Heritage-inspired split grille surround
Projector headlamps with halo light-emitting diode (LED) surrounds
Projector fog lamps
Heritage-inspired split LED tail lamps with Gloss Black surround
Retro and high-impact exterior colors ranging from Sublime Green and B5 Blue to TorRedNine wheel options, including new 20-by-9-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels in Hyper Black II finish

Technology features:

Eeight-speed TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission
Eelectric power steering
Standard 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
Available 8.4-inch touchscreen
ParkView rear backup camera
Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call/Assist Call and roadside assistance
Electronic shifter paired with eight-speed automatic transmission

Safety and security features:

Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection
Forward Collision Warning

Source: Dodge

April 23, 2014

Audi TT Offroad Concept at Beijing Motor Show

Audi is currently exhibiting the strange TT Offroad Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The four-door model adds an entirely new expression to the Audi design language.

“The Audi TT offroad concept provides a glimpse of how we might imagine a new model in the future TT family,” commented Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development.

“It combines the sporty genes of the TT with the strengths of a compact Audi SUV. Its plug?in hybrid drive with the option of inductive charging is a major step toward the mobility of the future. We chose to present the Audi TT offroad concept in China, our second domestic market, because it represents the urban mobility of tomorrow: It is sustainable, dynamic, intelligent and connected.”, he added.

Audi TT Offroad Concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain including a four-cylinder 2.0 liter TFSI working together with two electric motors. The petrol engine delivers 292HP (215 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft), while the electric motors additional 115HP (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. The combined output is 408HP (300 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The Plug-in hybrid is able to cover 50 km (31 miles) in electric mode. Fuel consumption stands at just 1.9 liters / 100 km (123 mpg US or 148 mpg UK) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 45 g/km.

Other features include a set of 21” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 tires. The interior features slim sport seats, individual rear seats and huge luggage compartment, when rear seats are folded down.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTMG2s-xSXA

Source: Audi

April 22, 2014

BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept

BMW has officially unveiled the Vision Future Luxury Concept. The new vehicle stands for a forward-looking fusion of exclusivity and innovation. It boasts unique driving experience combining nice emotions and exclusivity. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior and interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury.

The exterior boasts futuristic elements, a Liquid Platinum Bronze paint and a massive twin kidney grille that is flanked by laserlight headlights. There are also carbon fiber air deflectors, chrome trim elements, OLED taillights and a carbon strip, which means that the Vision Future Luxury Concept comes with carbon fiber and aluminum chassis.

The interior is even more spectacular. There are three displays that use 3D technology – the left one shows vehicle data, while the center shows a programmable speedometer, rev counter and “context-adaptive supplementary data”. The right display is for the infotainment system – music, maps, etc.

There is also a contact-analogue BMW Vision Head Up Display. This display augments the driver’s view of the real world by projecting information directly in the driver’s line of sight onto the road. Buildings, traffic signs or hazards can be highlighted directly in the real-world environment, selectively directing the driver’s attention to specific information which is particularly important at any given time.

“We use visionary concept vehicles like the BMW Vision Future Luxury to show where we may be going with these themes in the future, and to give us new inspiration and motivation. The BMW Vision Future Luxury – with its innovative technologies and with meticulous precision and quality in every detail – takes our thinking on modern luxury a logical stage further.”, commented BMW’s Senior Vice President of Design, Adrian van Hooydonk.

Source: BMW

April 22, 2014

Ferrari 599 GTO vs Ferrari 458 Italia [video]

Ferrari 599 GTO Fiorano is powered by a naturally aspirated all-aluminum 6.0 liter V12 with 670HP (493 kW) at 8,250RPM and 620 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 3.35 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). The overall weight is 1,605 kg (3 540 lbs), which is almost 100 kg (220 lbs) less than the standard GTB.

The 458 Italia has a naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) at 9,000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6,000RPM. The sports car is just 1380 kg (3,042 lbs), so it has power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp. 0-100 km/h in less than 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Which is faster? Check out in the video below!

The third car participating in the drag race on 1 mile is a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (W166). It is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 boosted to 700HP (515 kW). It is able to cover 1 mile in 30.096 seconds with a terminal speed of 271 km/h and ¼ mile in just 11.734 seconds with 191 km/h. Of course, it didn’t manage to beat the 599 GTO, which closed the gap really fast.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a__DuqJoME

Source: Dragtimesinfo

April 22, 2014

2015 Honda HR-V SUV: First Official Images

2015 Honda HR-V Compact SUV is going to be available in dealerships this winter. The first images of the refreshed model have just appeared. 2015 HR-V alongside new Fit represent significant growth opportunity for Honda in the United States. In fact, both models are produced at the automaker’s newest North American manufacturing facility located in Celaya, Mexico. The photos of the upcoming SUV were revealed at the New York International Auto Show.

They preview the sleek styling and expressive character lines of the HR-V. The car features versatile and spacious interior thanks to a unique center tank layout. In addition, Honda also revealed that the 2015 HR-V will be equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat. The latter allows multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space.

The SUV has clean character lines which are additionally complemented by hidden rear door handles. This gives the SUV a sporty presence. In fact, the model is smaller than the CR-V, and has the perfect size for both city streets and mountain roads. Additional details about the HR-V will be announced later this year.

The Japanese twin of the HR-V is the Honda Vezel, which debuted last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle is currently on sale. Vezel is offered with two powertrain options. The first one is the 1.5-liter direct-injected VTEC four-cylinder unit, while the second is a hybrid system that utilizes the same engine coupled with an electric motor. Although Honda didn’t unveil any photos of HR-V’s interior, we can draw some conclusions judging from Vezel.

Source: Honda

April 22, 2014

Rolls-Royce Unveils Pinnacle Travel Phantom

2014 Rolls-Royce Pinnacle Travel Phantom is a showcase of brand’s pre-eminence in Bespoke design seen through the prism of luxury travel. And it is all intended for the customers in China. The exclusive vehicle has been unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, displaying a new Bespoke Collection motor car. It celebrates both the Chinese love of travel and the success of the Bespoke programme in China. In fact, China continues to be the largest outbound travel market for the second year in a row, spending an estimated $125 billion on travel in 2013.

Pinnacle Travel Phantom offers a luxury experience through its colour palette, opulent materials used and the most complex hand-crafted marquetry ever seen in a Rolls-Royce. It evokes the experience of travelling on luxurious cross-continental trains.

As a true Phantom it carries the richness of two-tone exterior colour scheme which includes Madeira Red complemented by Silver Sand on the lower side panels. The unique Madeira Red coach line can be seen next to an abstract motif of a streamlined train travelling at speed. In addition, Infinity Black combined with Silver Haze or Melanite combined with Palladium is also offered as colour schemes.

Inside the car boasts number of Morello Red and Seashell leather combinations, which are used for the seats, roofliner, pillars and door cards plus Morello Red lambs wool floor mats. A motif in Smoke Grey thread evokes luxury travel and previews the craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce. The motif is stitched into the seat flutes and is echoed in individual fabric cushions.

Furthermore, the pièce de la resistance, is the most complex and intricate marquetry ever seen inside a Rolls-Royce. Here, individual pieces of wood veneer are laser-cut and then assembled into sections.

2014 Rolls-Royce Pinnacle Travel Phantom includes 230 individual pieces of marquetry, combined to create the incredibly striking motif of a cross-continental train speeding across a landscape with plumes of steam left in its wake. The motif flows across the front-fascia pieces of glove box and passenger panel to the rear picnic tables and door cappings. In addition, the same motif can be seen also onto the door cards through 24,633 individual stitches.

Source: Rolls-Royce

April 22, 2014

Volkswagen Shows Golf R 400 Concept Car

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car was revealed a few days ago via several design sketches. The brand has just released the first official pictures of the car as well as additional data. The concept was on display at Auto China show in Beijing. The 400 in the name of the concept stands for the horsepower it generates. The new Golf also features unique body and bumper modifications s well as flared wheel-arches that make it even more aggressive and sporty. It is based on the standard Golf R hatchback and therefore features 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

Golf R 400 generates up to 400 hp (295 kW) and adds extra 70 Nm of torque to the production hatchback, making it a total of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm. The increase of power is due to the modified version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The unit is coupled to a six-speed DSG transmission, which helps the model accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 mph.

The optimized engine has a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment enhances the economy and performance.

Golf R 400 concept weighs only 1,420 kg. Its body is 20 mm wider on each side, when compared to the production version. It also sports flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches are painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

In addition, new sill extensions bridge the gap between the widened arches. They are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 tyres. At the front, the bumper has been entirely redesigned. In addition, a carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic ‘wing element’ help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille.

An ‘R’ badge is positioned on the gloss black radiator grille, and sits on a ‘Lemon Yellow’ background. A horizontal stripe across the grille continues into the bi-xenon headlights and is also Lemon Yellow.

At the rear, the bumper has been also redesigned and includes vents on each side. There are also four sporty tailpipes which have been replaced with two centrally mounted items. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look.

The interior of the concept Golf features motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. The seats are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and “carbon leathe”. The same approach is used for the two individual rear seats. A contrast stitching in Lemon Yellow can also be seen inside.

Unfortunately, there are no current plans for production of the Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car.

Source: Volkswagen

April 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV In Details

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV was unveiled in the beginning of the month with a first picture and some details. Now, the German company is releasing a package of images as well as detailed information around this extremely sporty study concept. At first glance, the SUV impresses as a typical coupe with its flowing sideline, stretched cabin and striking radiator grille with central chrome louvre. At the same time, it stands out with its muscular wings, large wheel arches, 22-inch wheels, high beltline and generous ground clearance. Not to mention its dynamic handling on the road.

The four-door, all-wheel drive Coupe has a length of almost five metres, while its width is of two metres thanks to its broad shoulders and flared wheel arches. However, the height is around 1.75 metres, thus exhibiting the flat, extended roofline that is typical of a sports coupe. The concept sports recessed door handles and frameless side windows that blend perfectly into the vehicle flanks.

Mercedes Benz’ new concept SUV is painted in the “Alu Beam” paint finish, which is also reminiscent of the technically ground-breaking Silver Arrows of the 1930s and 1950s. Other highlights include upright sports grille with single louvre, framed by the three-dimensionally designed all-LED Multibeam headlamps.

Soft cubes dominate the grille insert. Harmoniously integrated illuminated side sills are reminiscent of the running boards found on classic SUVs or off-roaders. The direction indicators work with a moving digital light band whose lighting elements light up sequentially from inside to outside. In this way they indicate the change in direction in two ways.

The coupe nature of this concept SUV can be seen also in the design of the rear end with the slim band of rear lights and the registration plate incorporated into the rear bumper. Another feature is the typical shape of the rear window, which is rounded off at the top.

The tailpipes of the dual-flow exhaust system are integrated into the simulated underguard. Polished aluminium dominates here, as on the integral door handles, the side sills, the front air intakes and the edging of the cabin. At last, Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV runs on wide 22-inch wheels with tyres in size 305/45 R 22.

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV Technical Data:

Body type/construction	Four-door, four-seater coupé study, frameless side windows
Engine	V6, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement	2996 cc
Rated output	245 kW (333 hp) at 5500 rpm
Rated torque	480 Nm at 1400- 4000 rpm
Mixture formation	Electronic direct petrol injection, piezo injectors, 2 turbochargers
Transmission	9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up, twin-turbine damper with centrifugal pendulum and DIRECT SELECT gearshift, ECO start/stop
Drive	4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, ASR, ESP®, 4ETS,
Chassis and suspension	Double wishbone at the front, multi-link at the rear, special air suspension with selective damping, ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM active roll stabilisation
Braking system	High-performance ceramic composite brake system, electric (parking brake, ABS, BAS PLUS PRE-SAFE© Brake
Steering	Electromechanical power steering
Transmission modes	COMFORT, SLIPPERY, SPORT, SPORT+, INDIVIDUAL
Wheelbase	2916 mm
Track, front/rear	1683 / 1768 mm
Wheel/tyre size front/rear	10J x 22 305/45 R 22 / 11J x 22 305/45 R 22
length	4935 mm
Width with/without mirrors	2208 / 2044 mm
Height	1739 mm

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 22, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang GT – Electronic Burnout Control System [video]

Ford US has won my heart with their latest technology called Electronic Burnout Control System. This is probably the best feature that car can have and will make you smile all day long, especially if you are behind the steering wheel of an all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT.

The Electronic Burnout Control System is essentially a line-lock, which keeps the front brakes locked while releasing the rear brakes. The driver can hit the accelerator to do a burnout without having to balance one foot on the brake and the other on the gas. This also protects your rear brake pads and the clutch.

Of course, the spectacular system is “intended for use only on racetracks”. The 2015 Mustang GT is powered by the upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine – 420HP (310 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft).

“We’re using advanced controls technology for the all-new Mustang to provide some of our most dedicated fans with an industry-first feature they can use when they go to the track. With electronic line-lock, customers who drive their Mustangs to work all week and then compete on the weekends will appreciate not having to modify their brake systems to be able to do effective tire prep at the drag strip.”, commented Mustang Chief Engineer Dave Pericak.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3nbwCjZKk8#t=39

Source: Ford

April 22, 2014

Volkswagen Golf Edition Concept – 40th Anniversary

Volkswagen has unviled a special 40^th Anniversary Golf VII Edition Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. It will be produced specially for China and comes with some nice styling upgrades.

The exterior boasts a bespoke Magic Morning that has a “striking golden shimmer depending on the angle of vision”. There are also chrome mirror caps, new special badges and a set of exclusive 19” alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires.

The interior features two-tone leather sport seats with diamond pattern stitching. There are also genuine wood trim elements, piano black accents and illuminated door sill plates.

With Golf’s iconic design and pioneering all-round features, the Volkswagen best-seller, of which more than 30 million have been sold worldwide, was reflective of technological progress, and always head and shoulders above the rest. With the Golf Edition, another highlight in the history of this model range is launched.

The initial impression of the new Golf VII Edition is absolutely perfect.

Golf VII GTI is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 220HP (162 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph). There is also GTI Performance package boosting the engine with 10HP more. In this case, it will do 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: Volkswagen

April 22, 2014

Category: Auto News