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2015 Lexus RC F Revealed Ahead Of NAIAS Debut

2015 Lexus RC F is here! Since it has been kept in secret for a month already, it is now clear that the “F” model is based on the RC coupe. The latter was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show last November and now it is time for its more athletic sibling to stand under the lights.

The RC F coupe is styled to support the most powerful V8 performance car ever developed by Lexus. It has wider wheels and tires, an active rear wing, air scoops, cooling ducts and available carbon fiber components.

The front of the RC F is dominated by the signature Lexus spindle grille from the bottom of the hood to the lower lip. It features also a subtle F-pattern on the lower half. The hood is higher than that of the RC because it accommodates the larger V8 engine. This of course also results in more powerful flared profile. Ducts beneath the front bumper, fenders, and strategically-placed aerodynamic stabilizing fins are also present.

At the rear of the front fender air outlets form the shape of an L when they merge with side sill extensions. In addition, stacked trapezoidal quad-outlet tailpipes give more aggressive style to the rear. There can be also seen an active speed-sensitive rear spoiler. The last element that needs to be mentioned here is the wing which helps the RC F maintain traction and stability at higher speeds. The car can be equipped with three variants of 10-spoke 19-inch forged aluminum wheel.

Inside, the car is as striking as outside. Some of the highlights here include the meters, steering wheel, seats, ornamentation and pedals. The instrument panel is dominated by a central meter which changes according to the four selectable driving modes.

The steering-wheel makes a debut in this car, because this is the first Lexus-elliptical cross-section thick-grip steering wheel. It has optimum placement of paddle gear shifts. The seats will be offered in a selection of five leather trims, each with contrasting stitching. The back seats are embossed with F on the headrests.

2015 Lexus RC F will be revealed at a press conference at the 2014 North American International Motor Show on 14th of January.

Source: Lexus

January 9, 2014

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept To Be Shown At NAIAS

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept is one of brand’s vehicles which are going to be presented at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In fact, with this car Volkswagen aims to show just how fuel-efficient a non-hybrid, gasoline-engined mid-size sedan can be.

The vehicle is based on the current Passat which was developed specifically for North America. The BlueMotion label signifies that this version has the best efficiency in the model lineup. The efficient fuel consumption can be attributed to Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter EA211 TSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging. The unit delivers 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

What is more, this Passat also offers Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, which deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three. This happens in situations when the driver only applies light throttle pressure to maintain specific city speeds.

Another fuel-saving option included in this car is the DSG transmission. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, it decouples the engine. This allows the Passat to roll with the lowest possible mechanical drag from the other moving components.

Other technology which contributes for the maximum efficiency here is the stop/start system, which shuts off the engine when the car comes to a temporary stop. All in all, these technologies deliver manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.

At last, it is worth mentioning the striking new color, which Volkswagen has specifically developed for this model – the Reef Blue Metallic color. The latter will be also available on other Passat models on a later time.

In the interior, there are featured two-tone seats that carry blue dividing lines between the darker and lighter leather seating surfaces. The stitching shows that this car is a member of the BlueMotion family.

Source: Volkswagen

January 9, 2014

Sienna Miller Really Likes The 2015 Ford Mustang [VIDEO]

2015-Ford-Mustang-Sienna-Miller-Spot-shadow A timeless commercial formula: women plus cars make the world go round. Or is that just us being dizzy?

It’s not all unapologetic marketing though. You have the ridiculously gorgeous British actress/model/fashion designer Sienna Miller next to an American icon (which, apparently, has an American accent): the 2015 Ford Mustang . Isn’t that a metaphorical bridge between two continents that have been wedged by the Atlantic for far too long? A symbol of unity and globalization, tolerance and cooperati…okay, it’s shameless marketing all the way.

Just look at it. Things get steamy pretty quickly. I recall thinking while watching : “Did that volume knob really need such sensual treatment?… Are we really going to go with the hand-brake shot? Ok…Gotta check that make up in the mirror, very important!… Really, Ford! Just give the woman the keys and let her drive!”

Wonder how many feminists punched a wall after seeing that.

P.S. – you know you spend too much time with cars when you flinch at the nonchalant kick (0:28th mark) or think: “That’s going to leave fingerprints” (circa 0:37th mark).

httpv://youtu.be/qDgF0yJq9-U

Video source: fordeurope via YouTube

January 8, 2014

Volvo Concept XC Coupé Is Out

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-shadow Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium Volvo are fairly certain that their target audience for the Concept XC Coupe – which, by the way, is now sort of official – comprises of individuals with an active lifestyle. So about six or seven people?

That, apparently, explains the “orange details and exterior graphics” inspired by the POC, a Swedish company which develops high-tech protective gear for gravity sports athletes. Hard to lose it in a snow storm then.

The second-out-of-three concepts based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture – that is, the XC Coupe – is pretty much like the first one, except for the bigger 21-inch wheels, and flaring wheel arches and the higher roofline. It’s almost as if, Volvo are scared to say S-U-V. The design team has only “given” the XC traditional “SUV elements” – side moldings and skid plates.

Other things by which you can distinguish it from your everyday school-runner: a “floating” grille, headlights with T-shaped DRL guides and rear-lights that run all the way through the C-pillars. No word on any performance features. A close inspection, however, reveals an orange script on one of the fenders: “plug in hybrid”.

“Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,” says Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group.

To be honest, despite having a bit of a grudge with sports utility vehicles in general, we are particularly fond of the design happening here.

Volvo-Concept-XC-Coupe-medium-2

Source: Volvo

January 8, 2014

2015 Subaru WRX STI [leak pictures]

Several leak pictures of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI has been published online by autos.terra.mx. The sports saloon is confirmed for 2014 NAIAS in Detroit, this month.

2015 Subaru WRX STI comes with full body kit including new front and rear bumpers, the typical World Rally Blue matched with golden alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

The regular WRX model is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder boxer with 272HP (200 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, while the WRX STI is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer – 305HP (224 kW) and 393Nm (290 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for full details, HD pictures and pricing!

January 8, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition – US Price $21,295

Volkswagen has announced the 2014 Jetta TDI Value Edition for the US. It is based on the Jetta S specification and comes with more additional equipment.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition is priced from $21,295. It is fitted with a 2.0 liter TDI Clean Diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is able to return 42 mpg US – 5.6 liters / 100 km on the highway. For additional $1,100 USD it can be configured with a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox.

The standard equipment includes 16” steel wheels, electric power steering, heated front seats, cruise control, two more speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Media Device Interface (MDI).

Last, but not least, the 2014 Jetta has been awarded with a 5-star rating by NTHSA.

p.s. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 pictured

Source: Volkswagen

January 8, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 To Produce 620 Horsepower

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is gong to have its official full reveal at the North American International Auto Show in a week. A teaser image of the newcomer was revealed by Chevrolet in the beginning of December. In addition, back then it was also announced that the Z06 will be the most track-capable Corvette ever.

Since these promises were made a month ago, the American brand obviously didn’t manage to keep the secret about Corvette Z06’s performance figures. And luckily for all fans, the output figures of the muscle car have already leaked.

It is currently being rumored over the web that the forthcoming Corvette will be able to develop the astonishing 620 horsepower (455 kW) and 650 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. This means that the car will add almost 200 hp over the 450 hp and 200 lb-ft over the 450 lb-ft of torque of the base Corvette.

With the official debut of the car next week, we are to see it in its full glory. In Detroit we are also to see the other details around the vehicle including acceleration figures weight and much more. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will go on sale by the end of next year.

January 8, 2014

Seat Reveals Leon Cupra And Leon Cupra 280

The quickest and most powerful series production car in Seat’s range is finally here. Seat Leon Cupra 280 is the top car of a five-strong family. It is capable of achieving less than 6 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, while at the same time managing to deliver 44.1 mpg fuel consumption on average.

Leon Cupra comes as standard with a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system, DCC dynamic chassis control and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC). The new Leon is built on a new chassis and has a wider front track and entirely independent front and rear suspension.

In other words Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 offer power, performance and dynamics. For example the Cupra 280, with optional DSG transmission, accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox. The top speed is 155 mph.

The maximum torque of both models is 350 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 5,300 rpm. At the same time, the cars manage to deliver average fuel consumption of only 44.1 mpg and CO2 figures of just 149 g/km and 155 g/km.

Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 are equipped with 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine which delivers 265 hp (195 kW) and 280 hp (205 kW), respectively. The unit is packed with dual-injection system which combines direct injection with manifold injection under partial load. This serves in terms of fuel economy optimization and reduces particulate emissions. In addition, the efficiency package of the Cupra also features Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems.

The impressive dynamics of the model rely on the low weight and a stiff structure. With DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering, the vehicles can deliver now faster acceleration and dynamism.

Furthermore, the new front-axle differential lock improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. In addition, this system also eliminates torque steer. Progressive steering system is also included as a standard here. It enhances agile handling of the car.

Seat Leon Cupra also features new design. Precisely, its front end now features large air intakes and full-LED headlamps, while at the rear one can see rear diffuser and two oval end pipes. The car runs on exclusive 19-inch wheels alloy wheels with a titanium paint finish, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows highlight additionally its individuality.

Inside, the Cupra features unique sports steering wheel with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission. There can also be seen the sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching. As an option, Seat offers black full-leather upholstery with white stitching. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.

The Aerodynamic Pack offered for the model comprises of a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are decided in deep glossy black.

Seat Leon Range:

Model	Doors	Engine	PS	Combined mpg	CO2g/km	0-62 mph	Top speed	VED band

SC Cupra	3	2.0 TSI	265	44.1	149	5.9	155	F
SC Cupra 280	3	2.0 TSI	280	44.1	149	5.8	155	F
SC Cupra 280 DSG	3	2.0 TSI	280	42.2	155	5.7	155	G
Cupra 280	5	2.0 TSI	280	44.1	149	5.8	155	F
Cupra 280 DSG	5	2.0 TSI	280	42.2	155	5.7	155	G

Source: Seat

January 8, 2014

Audi TT With New Interior Design

Audi has just revealed the future interior of its TT model which promises to be “puristic”, sporty and fully focused on the driver. The interior design is to be shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and is promised to be launched on the market in the course of the year.

To be more precise, Audi virtual cockpit is the focus of attention here. This includes fully digital instrument cluster which shows all the information directly in front of the driver, meaning that there is no need for a central MMI monitor.

This is a very convenient solution because it gave the designers the freedom to slim down the instrument panel architecture such that it visually conveys the Audi lightweight construction principle. In other words, the interior sports clear lines and offers innovative technologies, and has been redesigned entirely.

In addition, Audi’s virtual cockpit also features 12.3-inch TFT monitor. Drivers can switch between two display modes: classic view and infotainment mode. The first one brings on the foreground the speedometer and rev counter, while in the second mode, the virtual instruments are smaller which leaves space for functions such as the navigation map.

All elements of the Audi TT operating concept are focused on the driver. Another example for this is the TT’s multifunction steering wheel which includes a flat-bottomed rim, with aluminum-look clips framing its spokes. The buttons and controls are positioned on the spokes.

Thanks to the MMI on the other hand, all the main functions are just in few clicks away. It also allows the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and on maps. Other innovations throughout the new interior feature S sport seats with significantly curved side bolsters, integrated headrests and low seating position.

All in all, the new Audi TT’s cockpit will offer in the future clear and sharp lines, and it will perfectly express vehicle’s sporty nature. Everything in the interior shows Audi’s attention to quality: from the design of the gear knob and the precise functioning of the rotary pushbutton to the Audi virtual cockpit.

Source: Audi

January 8, 2014

Vauxhall Astra GTC Hitting 200 PS With Ecotec 1.6

Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-shadow Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium The Vauxhall Astra GTC line will now be available with a 1.6 Ecotec power plant. This engine might just be the biggest cause of headaches at Volkswagen.

That’s right, the GTC now pulls off 200 PS and 300 Nm. Yikes! That’s 30 percent more power than the previous equivalent. If we translate that to 0-to-60-time, it means 7.3 seconds or the fastest non-VXR Astra. At the same time, the GTC returns 51 mpg and 154 g/km of CO2 emissions (13 percent less).

Just because its a new model anyway, they’ve decided to throw in an optional extra as well – an Intellilink infotainment system that’s supposed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It comprises of a satelite navigation, voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a picture viewer some reason and Gracenote album art for some reason. All gets mediated to you through a 7-inch screen.

The new GTC hasn’t hit the streets yet, but it is available for ordering. Arrival should be around Spring this year. Your move, other companies that make really good hatchbacks and rival each other. Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium-2

Source: Vauxhall

January 7, 2014

Loewenstein Impress With LM63-700 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Loewenstein-LM63-700-Mercedes-Benz-C63-AMG-shadow It’s not easy making a break in the aftermarket niche. It takes time and determination to build a good image. Only then will the majority of people will feel secure in handing in the keys to their prised stock-mobiles.

All that being said, we would like to wish good luck to the young, up-and-coming tuner house from Germany, Loewenstein Manufaktur. Here’s their latest creation which started off a as Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

“457 hp”, they must have said, “not nearly good enough.”

Thus, we open the hood and find a Magnuson-Roots displacement compressor and a big intercooler. Both installed and deinstalled as easy as one, two, three. Plug a few cables in and you have yourself a 702 hp 6.2-liter V8 plant with 883 NM of torque itching to destroy the rear tires. It won’t though. “The engine capacity does not descend “uncontrolled” on the rear wheels, but unleashes rather more elegantly and comfortably thanks to a continuous and flat torque curve”. They say. If you, nevertheless, feel that the power is way too overwhelming, there’s an optional on/off button available that goes right on the center console.

Loewenstein have also provided their own prototype coilover kit and the fine tuning has been made with the help of ZF Sachs. For that extra something, there’s also an automatic limited slip differential available. An in-house high-performance braking system, on the other hand, gives you all the stopping power you need: 8-piston calipers and 380-mm disks at the front; and 4-piston calipers and 356-mm disks at the back.

Visual treats:

Matt carbon external mirros, front spoiler back diffuser compile, what Loewenstein call, the “carbon-fiber exterior program”. At the back you also see the company’s own exhaust pipes peaking out – part of a system that employes an exhaust manifold with substitute primary catalytic converter pipes as well as a Loewenstein performance module.

Wheel choice varies between the 1-piece “Klassik” rims in sizes 8.5×19 and 9.5×19 with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in dimensions 235/35ZR19 and 265/30ZR19; and the 20-inch multi-piece “Rennsport” rims in sizes 8.5- and 10.5-inch. They wear even lower and wider Michelin Pilot Super Sports (front: 235/30ZR20, rear: 285/25/ZR20).

Inside, one finds a bi-color theme on the predominantly leather/Alcantara interior. There’s also aluminum for the pedals and carbon/aramid for the decorative strips here and there.

All in all, a very decent start for the guys Lowewenstein – a project that has surely gotten people talking.

Source: Loewenstein

January 7, 2014

Welcome To The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

2015-Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-shadow Here it is in the flesh: the world’s most powerful “series-produced four-cylinder engine”. It’s the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG and it’s fast. Like, 4.8-seconds-to-sixty-miles-an-hour kind of fast.

So, despite the tiny engine (2.0-liters), the GLA – AKA, the latest of the “Compact-SUVs” – offers 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque. How have they done that? Well, a twin-scroll turbocharger with a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar, and an air-to-water intercooler might be partly to blame. AMG engineers have fiddled with a host of other performance elements. Consider the forged pistons with friction-optimised rings, the spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, the weight-optimised crank mechanism or its all-aluminum case. Throw in a start/stop system and you get great gas mileage as well. 37.6 and CO2 emissions that will have you worry-free until 2017 at the least.

The overall power coming out gets crunched by a 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT sports transmission. It has three operational modes, double-declutching and a Race Start function. The modes are “M” and “S” (manual and sport respectively) for lightning-fast shifting, and “C” for controlled-efficiency – a leisure type of mode that by proxy activates the start/stop system, so that’s the one to go with between the traffic lights during busy Mondays. 2015-Mercedes-Benz-GLA-45-AMG-medium-2

Then there’s the sports exhaust system with an automatically controlled exhaust flap which responds accordingly to the engine speed and load condition. There’s a performance version of the same exhaust system available as an option. Either way, the sound is top-notch, so they tell us.

Albeit compact, this is an SUV, so you can’t just not provide a proper AWD drive. Hence, the AMG 4MATIC. Under normal circumstances, all the power goes to the front axle, but if the situation requires it, the drive ratio can be up to 50:50 between the front and back. All that transfer magic happens thanks to an electro-hydraulically controlled multiple-disc (talk about tongue twisters). At the same time stiff steering knuckles and new elastokinematics on the MacPharson front axle keep traction in check. The AMG sports suspension with specially tuned spring/damper units and bigger anti-roll bars provides for high lateral acceleration and reduced body roll in fast double bends. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with specific, speed-dependent power assist ensures high steering precision and agility.

Finally, for stopping power you get these beautifully red painted, AMG-inscribed (optional) callipers. Paired with vented, cross-drilled discs, you get quite the combination.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 7, 2014

Category: Auto News