Auto News – Page 554 – Automobiles Review

LARTE Design Infiniti QX70

LARTE Design has unveiled their latest project based on Infiniti QX70. The stylish crossover comes with completely new body kit manufacturer from PU RIM. The Russian tuning company has already released tuning packages for QX60 and QX80.

The exterior boasts a new front apron as well as a new grille with matte-black struts.There are also new LED DRLs and large mesh lower grille. The upper grille is also new and has received matte black struts. At the rear, there is a redesigned spoiler, a new apron and solid side trims on the flanks.

Other highlights include vents behind the wheel arches along with wider wings which have increased the car’s width by 50mm. Last, but not least is the set of 22” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and a matte black look.

The quad sports exhaust system with 101mm black chrome tailpipes manufactured from stainless steel finish the aggressive look.

Source: Larte Design

March 6, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic

Land Rover has introduced the top-of-range Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The model comes with a number of upgrades and a nice powerful engine.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol has 285HP (210 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 45 HP and 60Nm over the most powerful model in the range. The power is put on the road through a modified ZF 9-speed automatic transmission offering improved response.

Other highlights include updated steering, suspension featuring recalibrated adaptive dampers, suspension geometry and firmer spring rates.

The interior boasts leather upholstery available in six colors as well as illuminated tread plates, InControl Apps and premium heated and ventilated front seats.

2014 Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic will hit the market in few months.

Source: Land Rover

March 6, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Zenvo ST1

Zenvo Automotive is currently exhibiting the production-ready ST1 at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The hyper car was seriously criticized by the TV show Top Gear and even during testing, it caught fire. However, this is serious problem even for a manufacturer like Porsche, who had the same issues with the recently announced GT3 RS.

Zenvo ST1 is all about performance. It is powered by a 6.8 liter supercharged and turbocharged V8 – 1,104 HP (812 kW) and 1,430 Nm (1,054 lb-ft). The power is put on the road through a paddle-shift 7-speed gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 375 km/h (233 mph). The curb weight is just 1,590kg (3,505 lbs).

The exterior features an aggressive design with wide body and huge air ducts. There are 19” wheels at the front and 20” at the rear fitted with Michelin Super Sport tires. Behind them, a carbon ceramic brake system is housed.

The interior boasts 1990s style, but with some hi-tech goodies like electronically-adjustable racing seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, GPS navigation, along with a Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control system and a head-up display.

The price of this toy is €803,000.

Source: Zenvo

March 6, 2014

Alfa Romeo Mito Refined By Vilner

The tuning experts at Vilner have prepared for us today an exclusive project which has captured our hearts and minds. Alfa Romeo Mito is called by the designers “hooligan”. Of course – metaphorically. Besides the exclusive pictures, which you are first to see, they have also disclosed information of how the restyling process went.

Originally, the Alfa Romeo Mito is powered by 1368 cubic meters 1.4 Turbo engine that is capable of generating 155 horsepower (114kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. These figures weren’t enough for Vilner, and therefore the powertrain was optimized.

After the modification, the 1.4 Turbo unit was ready to deliver a total of 200 hp (147kW) and 279 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Then, the specialist continued with the enhancement of the exterior.

Probably, the first association with an Italian car is the color red. This Alfa Romeo exterior has been finished in exclusive red lacquer that features a pearl effect. In contrast to this color, the tuners decided to give a black lacquer varnish treatment to the side mirrors, door handles, grills, tail-light rings and diffuser.

Other highlights here make the headlights, the 17 inch rims and wheels and the exhaust-end pipes that were decided in matt-grey. Inside, the luxury treatment continues with the extensive use of nabuck, Nappa and carbon leather. Of course, these materials come to support a complete re-design of the interior.

Further modifications inside include the plastic elements that were metallized and now sport aluminum effect, front seatbelts in red and accents on the floor mats in the same color. An individual traveling bag made in the same style and materials as the car was also exclusively provided for this project. Vilner Alfa Romeo Mito has a price of 13 000 Euro.

Source: Vilner

March 6, 2014

2M Designs Restyles Gumpert Apollo S As Ironcar

2M Designs have captured our hearts with its project on Jaguar XF. The tuners are now moving forward with their next exceptional project – they are transforming the iconic Gumpert Apollo S and making it look like an Ironcar.

In fact, in our opinion, the wrapping experts have done something exceptional – this Apollo S really looks like a superhero itself, or can be perfectly featured in the Ironman movies. To go into details, the car has been wrapped in intensive Centurion Red Chrome, but the roof and bonnet were kept in Black Chrome.

2M Designs have not included regular rims. Instead they have coated them with liquid rubber. Furthermore, carbon film structure refines the two outer mirrors; the hood grille cover was removed and replaced with shatterproof Lexani glass; and headlights were covered with a 5% tinting.

At last, the exclusive rims were matched with Pirelli tyres. This outfit perfectly matches the untamed character of the Apollo S. It produces 780 horsepower (574 kW) and has a Vmax of 360 km/h.

Source: Miranda Media

March 6, 2014

Infiniti Shows 2014 Bobby Unser Q60 Convertible

Infiniti will take part at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance between 7th and 9th of March. The company will share space at The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach. More than 300 vintage, classic and historic racing vehicles will be shown at the event, including special classes of show cars that will highlight the 50th anniversary of McLaren Racing, the sports racing cars of Jochen Mass and special Offenhauser-powered race cars.

In order to pay homage to the Offenhauser-powered cars, Infiniti is going to present a special Bobby Unser 1968 Indy 500 race winning, as well as a specially designed vehicle that will celebrate racer’s success. We are speaking about the one-off Q60 Convertible, which will be driven by Bobby Unser himself.

Convertible’s design is inspired by the winning race car. This means that it will be reminiscent of the Rislone livery found on Unser’s Offenhauser-powered Eagle. Particularly, the special wrap includes a striking red, yellow, black and white design finished with the number three. The car will be displayed next to the 1968 Indy 500 race car.

What is more, at brand’s pavilion, visitors will be able to see a selection of vehicles such as 2014 Q70 luxury performance sedan, QX60 7-passenger luxury crossover, QX70 performance crossover, QX80 full-size luxury SUV and the new Q50 luxury sport sedan.

Source: Infiniti

March 6, 2014

Hyundai Reveals Sonata’s First Interior Rendering

Yesterday Hyundai Motor Company showed us a shadowy teaser image of its brand new Sonata model. Today, the South Korea’s largest automaker is unveiling the first interior rendering of the car. The latter is scheduled to make an official debut in its home market in the end of March. Interestingly enough, Hyundai began receiving pre-orders for the midsize sedan since the first teaser was released (this means yesterday).

The debut of the model in the United States will be in April during the New York International Auto Show in April. This new Hyundai model is going to have a rear-drive, exude brand’s emblematic design language and therefore – impress with its “fluidic sculpture”.

As visible from yesterday’s render, the new Sonata will sport softer lines, aggressive hexagonal grille with a chrome surround and redesigned headlights. Speaking about today’s image, it is seeable that the interior if refined too. We can notice that it will be a two-tone interior.

Hyundai stated that high quality materials were used for ensuring occupants ultimate luxury experience. The car will be also equipped with the intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) with a high-mounted infotainment screen, which is present in the current rendering.

More information about the model to be disclosed very soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Hyundai

March 6, 2014

2015 Jeep Renegade Introduced In Geneva

2015 Jeep Renegade is an expansion to brand’s lineup, representing a small SUV and retaining the adventurous lifestyle of Jeep. In short, the new model offers unique combination of great off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, nine-speed automatic transmission, on-road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engines, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology.

The new model offers two of the most advanced and intelligent 4×4 systems in its class: Jeep Active Drive – a full-time 4×4 system, and Jeep Active Drive Low – a class-exclusive full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio. Both systems include brand’s Selec-Terrain system that offers five modes Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud and Rock.

The most off-road capability is secured by the Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 trim level, due to the following features: Standard Jeep Active Drive Low (20:1 crawl ratio), Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode, increased ride height 20 mm (0.8 inches), skid plates, and red front and rear tow hooks, 17-inch all-terrain tires, Hill-descent Control, up to 1,500 kg (3,300-lb.) towing capability with MultiJet II diesel engine and 907 kg (2,000-lb.) towing capability with 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, and more.

Inside, 2015 Renegade is precisely crafted to the tiniest detail, and includes innovative and high-quality color and material appointments, innovative technologies and clever storage features. The major surfaces such as the sculpted soft-touch instrument panel is intersected with bold functional elements like the passenger grab handle.

Furthermore, the new vehicle also offers open-air freedom with two available My Sky open-air roof systems. The honeycomb fiberglass polyurethane roof panels are lightweight and stow neatly in the rear cargo area.

The Jeep has an entirely independent suspension capable of up to 205 mm (8.1 inches) of wheel articulation and 220 mm (8.7 inches) of ground clearance (Trailhawk). Extensive use of advanced steels, composites and advanced computer-impact simulations enable the model to deliver great torsional stiffness.

What is more, Renegade is the first Jeep to be equipped with Koni’s frequency selective damping (FSD) front and rear strut system, which enables it to deliver road-holding and handling characteristics.

More importantly, the brand is offering here up to 16 powertrain combinations. Precisely, the engine options include: four MultiAir gasoline engine offerings, two MultiJet II diesel engine offerings, efficient and flex-fuel capable E.torQ engine, emissions and fuel-saving Stop&Start technology, nine-speed automatic transmission, two manual and one dual-dry clutch transmission (DDCT).

Segment-exclusive technologies are fitted withing the Renegde. These include the Uconnect Access, Uconnect touchscreen radio systems with 5.0-inch or 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, single or dual-turner, radio data system capability (RDS), digital audio broadcast (DAB), HD Radio, digital media broadcasting (DMB), SiriusXM Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Travel Link, USB port and auxiliary audio jack input; as well as large full-color instrument cluster display.

Exactly 70 advanced safety and security features were added in this car – as a standard or as an optional feature. Some of these include Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and seven standard air bags.

2015 Jeep Renegade is currently making a world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Jeep

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan BladeGlider Concept

Nissan brought the BladeGlider Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has been already presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and now it is unveiled to the European audience.

The Nissan BladeGlider features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above. It boasts sports car performance handling, braking and weight distribution.

The chassis is manufactured from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensuring maximum stiffness and lightweight.

The interior is designed for three passengers and the seats are in a triangular configuration with the driver centre-forward. There are special light and comfortable coverings with yellow fluorescent lines. The steering-wheel boasts futuristic design, while the instrumentation technology completes the glider-like outline. When the door is opened, the driver’s seat automatically slides allowing easier access to passenger seats.

Source: Nissan

March 5, 2014

Onyx Range Rover Sport San Marino – Sportier Than Ever

Onyx Range Rover Sport San Marino has it all: sports-stance, -drivability and –style. The reason or this is that the tuning enhancers at Onyx Concept have equipped the model with new upgrades to its exterior design. The result is obvious – more sporty and powerful look.

The V8 5.0-litre supercharged engine under the bonnet of this Range Rover has been reworked with full carbon and polycarbonate exterior styling package. A lot of carbon fiber has been used here in order to optimize the weight as well as to create an eye-catching visual effect with the pillars, mirrors, aero fins, diffusers and front air dams.

Onyx also has focused here in increasing the aero efficiency under the new power gained through stringent wind tunnel testing on every component. The exterior also sports front, rear, sides and bonnet that have all been upgraded. Moreover, the vehicle has a wider track and 25-mm lower ride height which defines how the upgrades help provide 12% more stable cornering.

Going inside the vehicle, we can see luxury treatment all-around. Range Rover Sport San Marino is wrapped in Nappa leather, in fact – one of the best in the world which have only been used for the most luxurious marques.

Source: ONYX

March 5, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan GT-R Nismo

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

Source: Nissan

Nissan GT-R Nismo EU-Spec has made its official European debut at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show. The super-powerful sports car comes with enhanced engine and aerodynamics.

The 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 now delivers 600HP (441 kW). Advanced aerodynamics generating additional 100kg of downforce at 300km/h (186mph) for exceptional road-holding.

2014 GT-R Nismo boasts uncompromising engineering and motorsports-inspired technologies to achieve new levels of power, speed and handling.

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo holds the volume production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.”, said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Check the full details below!

Engine

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine benefits from the know-how that Nismo has gained from participating in such events as the world-renowned Nürburgring 24 hour race. Engine power has risen and is now rated at 600PS (441kw) and 481 lb ft (652 Nm) of torque.
New high-flow, large capacity turbochargers, which are used for GT3 racing, improve breathing, while optimized individual ignition timing control for each cylinder and upgraded fuel pump improve combustion.

Chassis

The springs and custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers in the front and rear suspension are specially tuned to deliver exceptional grip levels and progressive handling response at the limit. Three suspension modes can be selected: Comfort, Normal and R, for circuit applications.
Exclusive Nismo tires – developed by Dunlop – exhibit outstanding grip and handling characteristics. Front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20.
Specially-developed links fitted to the front double wishbone suspension increase castor trail to optimize wheel position during high-G cornering and improve straight-line and cornering stability. Additionally, large high-rigidity bolts are used to increase stiffness of the wheel-hub attachment area.
To minimize body-roll during cornering and changes of direction, the Nissan GT-R Nismo features a 17.3 mm hollow rear anti-roll bar which raises roll stiffness while reducing weight.

Body construction

Increased rigidity in the bodyshell is achieved using adhesive bonding in addition to spot welding leading to precise suspension response under extreme load, the Nismo “factory tuned” enhancement.

2. Exterior design – Exclusive styling with improved aerodynamics

Using the latest Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation techniques to analyze airflow, Nismo has developed an aero package that improves road-holding, minimizes the negative impact of drag, while giving the car a menacing and muscular appearance.
Together, the front bumper, engine undercover strake and carbon rear spoiler increase downforce, lowering the center of gravity and generating an additional 100kg*1 (at 300km/h) compared to the freshly updated 2014 Nissan GT-R model. The car’s aerodynamic characteristics are tuned to ensure the downforce is equally spread front to rear at all speeds for progressive handling characteristics. A widened front bumper configuration and elongated yet tapered rear bumper design keep the drag to Cd 0.26, same with that of 2014 Nissan GT-R.
The Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in four body colors: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black and Ultimate Metallic Silver. And unique to the GT-R Nismo model, a Dark Matte Grey^*3accentuates the car’s imposing exterior muscularity.
The GT-R Nismo’s black 6-spoke wheels are inspired by Nissan’s GT-R race car which races in the GT500 class in SUPER GT.

3. Interior

The Nissan GT-R Nismo cockpit inspires driver confidence through both its craftsmanship and optimized driving position.
Ergonomically sculpted carbon-fiber-backed reclining RECARO seats comfortably, yet firmly, support the driver and front-seat passenger.
Nismo racers influenced the design of the steering wheel which is dressed in Alcantara®, with three spokes, red center mark and red stitching to give the best combination of grip, feedback and comfort.
The combi meter has carbon-like finish, and tachometer features a red design. The meter hood is also dressed with Alcantara®.
Interior trim features include discreet red stitching on the seats, center console, door trim and steering wheel.

March 5, 2014

2014 Nissan Juke Nismo RS – 218HP and 280Nm

Nissan has unveiled the Juke Nismo RS at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The updated model comes with minor styling upgrades, but there are a lot of performance goodies. The suspension is improved as well as the power, brakes and exhaust system.

First, the 1.6 liter DIG-T engine is boosted to 218HP (160 kW) and 280Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 18HP and 30Nm. For perfect traction, even the 2WD models can be ordered with a mechanical Limited Slip Differential on the driven front wheels.

An LSD is not required in four-wheel drive versions which have Torque Vectoring, Nissan’s Xtronic transmission and 250Nm of torque. Xtronic transmission models now feature standard fit steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts to control the eight-speed manual mode.

The performance gains are matched by an improved soundtrack with a retuned exhaust system providing a sportier engine note thanks to a large diameter muffler.

The suspension boasts strategic body strengthening to increase torsional stiffness. The brakes now includes 320mm front discs, while the rear discs are now ventilated. Revised spring and damper settings complete the chassis changes.

Some of the styling upgrades include red brake callipers and discreet ‘RS’ badging on the front and rear. There is also RS logo in the rev counter while a distinctive suede wrap covers the instrument binnacle. The final finishing touch inside is an unusual water print finish on the shift knob/paddle shifters and the central cluster.

The options list include special Recaro sports “bucket” seats, Xenon headlamps, Nissan’s Around View Monitor and Safety Shield which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection giving visual and audible warnings to avoid potential collisions.

Source: Nissan

March 5, 2014

Category: Auto News