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DMC Transforms Ferrari 458 Italia With Aero Package

DMC Ferrari 458 Italia ELEGANTE is the latest addition to the garage of finely tuned vehicles of the transformation specialists at the luxury tuning company DMC. The company is more famous with its exceptional modifications of Lamborghini vehicles, however it can also proudly show-off with its current take on the 458 Italia.

The Elegante aerodynamic tuning kit gives this Ferrari even more aggressive appearance, and we have already seen it installed on the 458 Italia Spider last year. Nonetheless, DMC have taken it further with this project.

The Body Kit includes new front lips, side skirts and other details that look great while supporting a better road feel. What is more stunning in the appearance of the Italian car however, is its windows. They all have been blacked out including the side, rear, and even the front window.

To sum up, this is another great transformation delivered by the specialists at DMC, in fact it is truly breath-taking and makes the car looks exceptionally special.

Source: DMC

January 27, 2014

Lingenfelter Has Supercharged Reaper Package For Chevrolet Silverado

Lingenfelter is a tuning company which is specialized in transforming muscle vehicles. It has just introduced its latest project which is on the massive 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The professionals have prepared for this Chevy a special Supercharged Reaper Package, which improves the vehicle in terms of performance and visual style.

The Southern Comfort Reaper Package is what restyles the body of this Silverado. It includes a front clip restyling grill and high clearance bumper with reinforced skid plate, as well as integrated Rigid Industries Flood light system and daytime LED running lights. The suspension system here is delivered by Fox Racing while the exhaust package – from Corsa Performance.

But this is not all, the visual stance of the Chevrolet is further enhanced by the Rock guard and side steps, auxiliary switch panel, reaper gauge package, custom stitched headrest covers, reaper custom graphics and serialized Reaper badging. Of course, the designers have considered the wheels and have equipped the truck with standard Reaper 20″ wheels and tires. As an option, there are available the Reaper 17″ Bead Lock Wheels with 33″ Off Road Tires.

The word supercharged in the name of the package means that the vehicle will boast additional horsepower. The models equipped with 6.2 L powertrain will get the 550 HP Lingenfelter TVS1900 Magnuson Supercharger package, while those powered by the 5.3 L unit – the 475 HP Lingenfelter TVS1900 Magnuson Supercharger package.

Source: Lingenfelter

January 27, 2014

BMW 7 Series Long Wheel Base Joins xDrive Lineup

BMW 7 Series will be the latest model which will be equipped with brand’s Advanced Diesel technology in the form of BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan. The long-wheelbase 7 Series will sports BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine and xDrive.

Precisely, the aforementioned engine generates 255 horsepower (188 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque available from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The unit is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which also aids the BMW 740Ld xDrive in its acceleration. In fact, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The features that help the driver reduce fuel consumption and that also come as a standard here, are the Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode and Auto Start/Stop. Furthermore, the 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel powertrain includes a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, which helps improve low-end torque while facilitating precise control of the boost pressure and eliminates the need for a wastegate.

In addition to this, the unit also utilizes the latest generation of electronically controlled high-precision diesel injection system. The latter plays an important part in the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.

The exhaust gas system uses a combination of a Nox Storage Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with 9 specific sensors working together to keep exhaust emissions to an absolute minimum. In terms of weight savings as well as noise reduction, work the aluminum crankcase and hollow camshafts

2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan will make a debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February and will be available in showrooms in the spring with a starting price of $83,425 USD.

Source: BMW

January 27, 2014

Piecha Design And JMS Introduce Upgrade for Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212

JMS-Piecha-Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-GT-R-shadow A joint project between Piecha Design and JMS results in this Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s called the “E-Class GT-R” and it’s base is the pre-facelift W212 models.

What we have at hand here is a kit that comprises of a front piece with very design-specific “flicks” which accentuate the LED daytime running lights. Then there are the side skirts which are even compatible with the E63 AMG model. Last but not least: a Piecha rear port diffuser that can still accommodate the stock tow-bar (if necessary). For the AMG rear bumper, however, a different diffuser is available that fits all models until 04/2013. It comes complemented with double tailpipes in “rectangular trapezoidal” design.

As an option, Piecha are also offering a lowering module that overrides Mercedes’ Airmatic suspension and thus the user can set specific hights on both of the tracks. A power converter for a slight jolt in the engine bay is also available, but no words on the actual performance boost. The wheel selection includes 19-inch Piecha MP1s, MP2-Le-Mans, and the MP3-Dynamics

Source: JMS

January 24, 2014

BMW – New Engines and xDrive Models for 2014

BMW will offer a number of new models this year including diesel variants for 2-Series Coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. The German manufacturer will also offer xDrive AWD system for 335d Gran Turismo, 430d and 428i.

The all-new 2-Series Coupe will be available as 218d – 143HP (105 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and 225d – 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The 218d comes with 6-speed manual and can be paired with 8-speed automatic, while the 225d is only available with 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW 218d Coupe accelerates 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, while the 225d Coupe needs only 6.3 seconds. The small diesel consumes 4.2 liters / 100 km, while the powerful one needs 4.7 liters / 100 km.

The 3-Series Gran Turismo gains a new 3.0 liter straight-six diesel engine – 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The 4-Series 425d Coupe also can be fitted with the four-cylinder diesel engine with 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The coupe also gains a new 430d xDrive model and the convertible will be offered as a 428i xDrive for the first time.

Last, but not least BMW is going to offer a range of Individual accessories including unique paint and special alloy wheels for all models in the range.

Source: BMW

January 24, 2014

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 With HPE500 Upgrade

hennessey-hpe500-corvette-shadow hennessey-hpe500-corvette-01 Hennessey do not fool around when it comes to sheer engine power. Take the 2014 Corvette C7 for example. With an added punch from the company’s HPE kits, these Stingrays vary in power to up to 1000 hp. A total number of 500 units is planned

This one here has an HPE500 kit which means it is as true to the original as it can be. Still, Hennessey’s work is evident when we look at the stainless steel long-tube exhaust manifolds, and the stainless steel midpipes, the installed high flow catalytic converters, and the engine management system tweak. Thus, the Corvette’s 6.2 L LT1 engine develops 507 hp which is a surplus of 50 hp when compared to outgoing models. Torque stands at 518 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm. Everything has been trialled and tested by Hennessey themselves (see dyno video bellow).

A few bonus features that come with the HPE500 upgrade are the designating exterior badges, the carbon fiber door sills, premium floormats and serial-numbered dash and engine plaques. Optionally, you can also add some visuals. Fancy a CarbonAero rear lip spoiler? Throw in four H10 Monoblock wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on them, carbon-ceramic brakes, a Penske adjustable suspension upgrade, custom leather seats and you’ve got yourself a real eye-catcher.

httpv://youtu.be/ik7sD8wvqrY

httpv://youtu.be/8IZi3WELI1E

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Source: Hennessey

Video Source: Hennessey via YouTube

January 24, 2014

2014 Nissan Qashqai – Technology Highlights [video]

In the new Qashqai, Safety Shield technologies include the following features:

Forward Emergency Braking

By scanning the road ahead using a built-in radar system, the Qashqai delivers three levels of assistance. First is an audible warning, alerting the driver if the gap to the car in front is closing. Secondly, if the driver does not react, the brakes are automatically partially applied. Finally if the gap is still closing, the brakes will be applied harder if necessary.

Driver Attention Alert

The new Qashqai gets to know you so that it can tell when you are getting drowsy. After learning your driving style, the system will monitor driving inputs, showing a dashboard alert if steering becomes erratic, indicating the driver should take a break.

Traffic Sign Recognition

Helping new Qashqai drivers to both stay safe and within the law, speed limit signs are automatically read by the front-facing camera and displayed to the driver. This function works across Europe, regardless of national sign typography. It even recognises that some countries enforce a weather dependent lower speed limit if it’s raining, so both dry and wet weather limits are displayed to the driver.

Lane Departure Warning

A great feature for multi-lane highways, Lane Departure Warning detects if the car is starting to drift out of lane. Advanced computer programming detects road markings allowing the Qashqai to determine if it is drifting out of position. If it does, and the driver has not operated the indicators, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position.

Blind Spot Warning

Nissan’s system uses the rear view Around View Monitor camera to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot areas on both sides of the Qashqai. If a vehicle is detected in either blind spot, a discreet warning light illuminates in the glass of the door mirror. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.
Moving Object Detection

High Beam Assist

A high resolution camera combined with advanced software has led to a sophisticated automatic high and low headlight beam function for the new Qashqai. The system optimises the use of the headlamps in order to provide the maximum amount of light possible for any driving scenario.
Safety Shield is just the start of the Qashqai’s technology story.

Chassis Control

Using Nissan’s very latest ride and handling know-how, Chassis Control enhances both ride and handling, learning from the development of a vast variety of features from past Nissan and Infiniti models. While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) continues to correct severe traction loss, at lower speeds with lower forces the Active Trace Control applies specific braking force to each wheel to correct the course of the Qashqai when cornering, giving a more dynamic feel without interfering with the driving experience. What’s more, when driving over undulating surfaces, Active Ride Control applies subtle braking to individual wheels to deliver flatter body control enhancing comfort for all occupants.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzkh92n2QlM

Source: Nissan

January 24, 2014

2014 Lexus CT 200h – Price £20,995

Lexus UK has announced the pricing of the 2014 CT 200h, which starts at just £20,995 for the entry level S model. This is a a £1,000 reduction compared to the previous model.

2014 Lexus CT 200h boasts a new class-leading low of 82g/km for the S version and an incredible combined cycle consumption of 78.5 mpg US. Full details of the across-the-board improvements to the CT 200h will be revealed soon.

The current range of six model grades – S, SE, Advance, Luxury, F Sport and Premier – is retained, with the addition of some new equipment features and options.

At the heart of the range the Advance model benefits from a comprehensive upgrade that introduces parking sensors, heated front seats and the new, fully integrated Lexus Navigation system as standard. This wealth of new features it provided with no increase in the model’s on-the-road price.

Elsewhere in the CT 200h line-up a GPS-controlled clock is provided on higher grade models and the Lexus Navigation package is offered as an alternative to the established Premium system (standard on the Advance, as detailed above). Additional features for the Premier grade include new aluminium scuff plates and LED front fog lamps.

The 2014 CT 200h is available to order now with first deliveries in March

MODEL/GRADE	VED	BIK	INSURANCE	OTR PRICE	PRICE CHANGE
CT 200h S	A	10%	18E	£20,995	-£1,000
CT 200h SE	A	10%	19E	£22,495	-£1,500
CT 200h Advance	A	10%	19E	£23,995	No change
CT 200h Luxury	A	10%	19E	£24,495	-£1,500
CT 200h F Sport	A	10%	20E	£26,745	-£1,250
CT 200h Premier	A	10%	20E	£29,495	-£1,500

Source: Lexus

January 24, 2014

Prior Design Black Edition V2 Widebody Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221

Prior-Design-V2-Widebody-Kit-Black-Edition-Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-W221-shadow For around $9.434 you can have the complexly named Prior Design Black Edition V2 widebody aerodynamic kit on a Mercedes S-Class (the old W221 Merc). It’s black (duh), road-sweapingly low, and kind of aggressive. Just look at the space – or rather the lack of it – between the tires and the wheel arches (that space, by the way, is called the dead cat hole). To be honest, though, the freakishly big wheels are not mentioned in the brochure so that might add a few more dollars to the total bill.

What is included in the package, then, are the body panels that form the V2 kit. That means a front bumper, a front lip spoiler that goes on said bumper, side skirts, a rear bumper, a rear diffuser, front fenders and rear flaring wheel arches, a hood, mesh grille inserts and a trunk lid spoiler.

The parts are, as usual, made up of FRP which is a type of fancy plastic (carbon reinforce, apparently).It’s basically the other spelling of “expensive”. But, hey, it looks okay…ish. If you are the type of person who binge watches all the Fast And Furious movies, this might just be thing for you

Source: Prior Design

January 24, 2014

Global Touring Cars Launches New Motorsport Series

Global Touring Cars is launching new motorsport series that are promised to provide competitive racing and fierce competition, exhilarating 500 horsepower (368 kW) from a V8 powertrain, proven and clearly defined package.

With the series, the brand wants to bring the focus back on serious affordable racing. The GTC cars will offer performance, looks or build quality for the mid-sized saloon car bodies. The 500 hp V8-powered spaceframed race cars are designed by Australian-based Paul Ceprnich.

They are equipped with sequential-shift gearboxes, while the bodyshell and the spaceframe has been designed to accept Original Equipment body panels based on versions of most saloon or hatchback-sized vehicles. In this way, eight-cylinder and rear-wheel drive versions of everyday cars becomes reality.

What is specific here is that the cars will be mechanically identical and its design is created in such way to fit a variety of body panels, such as the presented Ford Focus here. Global Touring Car Series will have US run, but will also expand globally via franchise.

Source: Global Touring Cars

January 24, 2014

Audi Q7 Gets S Line Style And Sport Edition Models

Audi has just announced that its Q7 model will get a new S Line Style Edition and S Line Sport Edition. Thanks to the kits the seven-seateater is more imposing and enchanting.

S line Style Edition specification will be equipped with either a 3.0-litre V6 TDI that generates 245 hp (333 kW) or a 4.2-litre V8 TDI 340 hp (462 kW) engine. It runs on a standard on 21-inch five-arm rotor design matt titanium-finish wheels. In addition, Audi also adds to this trim an upgraded offroad styling package which comprises of stainless steel underbody protectors and extended wheel arches flowing into special bumpers with modified lower sections painted in body colour.

Q7 S line Style Edition models will be also offered in solid, metallic or pearl effect paint as standard in a choice of seven colours: Night black, Teak brown, Lava grey, Orca black, Graphite grey, Daytona grey and Scuba blue.

The second special edition that will add to the Q7 range is the S Line Sport one, which can be equipped with the 500 hp (680 kW) Q7 V12 TDI powertrain, 3.0-litre TDI 245 (333 kW) or 4.2-litre TDI one.

Furthermore, it sits on 21-inch five-segment-spoke wheels and adds a sport styling package which includes body-coloured wheelarch extensions, enlarged front air intakes with high gloss slats, lower bumper spoilers, stainless steel underbody protection and dual oval exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper. Exterior paint finishes here include 13 solid, metallic or pearl effect paints.

The S Line editions also feature equipment such as privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, supple Verano leather upholstery, stainless steel side running boards, powered tailgate operation, HDD satellite navigation, the Audi parking system advanced with visual and acoustic guidance, the Audi Music Interface, Audi connect, adaptive air suspension and double glazing.

Source: Audi

January 24, 2014

Toyota RAV4 Comes Enhanced For 2014

2014 Toyota RAV4 now gets further enhanced. It adopts a wide variety of technology features such as Reverse Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Alert in order to add more safety and convenience. What is more, the two mentioned technologies come as a standard.

Furthermore, RAV4 is also fitted with a reversing camera on all models, as well as multimedia audio units operated through a 6.1-inch display screen and switches on the steering-wheel hub. To go to the absolutely new features the mid-sized SUV gets 11-speaker JBL sound system with DAB+ digital radio, Automatic High Beam and Back Guide Monitor.

The range-topping variants of RAV4 runs as a standard on 18-inch machined alloys wheels with black highlights fitted with wider and lower-profile 235/55 Dunlop tyres. To go further into details, this Toyota model is offered with three four-cylinder engines.

The two-wheel drive variants are equipped with 145 hp (107 kW) 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the all-wheel drive versions can be specified with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that generates 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol that develops 180 hp(132 kW).

2WD RAV4’s engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or Toyota’s Multidrive S seven-speed automatic transmission. Petrol AWD variants are fitted with a six-speed multi-mode sequential-shift automatic, while diesel AWD RAV4 comes with the choice of the six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

Dynamic Torque Control AWD is an advanced AWD technology which is featured here. It utilizes data from various sensors and continuously controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential.

Next, the Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is designed to provide additional safety and convenience when backing out of a car space. Precisely, it warns the driver of approaching vehicles, when the reversing vehicle is travelling at less than 8km/h and vehicles are approaching from the left or right at between 8 and 28km/h.

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) detects the vehicle when it is about to go astray from the traffic lane, while the Automatic High Beam (AHB) detects the lack of light from surrounding street lamps or from other vehicles at night and automatically switches the headlamps to high beam.

Source: Toyota

January 24, 2014

Category: Auto News