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MINI Reveals 2015 Cooper And Cooper S Models

MINI has just unveiled the new 2015 MINI Cooper and Cooper S models. Although the models are instantly recognizable, they are also built absolutely anew from the ground up. Every component has been modified in order to optimize the function, performance and style of the car.

The result is that the 2015 MINIs now have significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery, driving dynamics, quality and personalization in terms of exterior and interior.

Speaking about the cabin, the new model is more spacious than before, safer and secures more dynamic and performance-oriented experience behind the wheel. One of the main highlights inside the car is the new LED display concept that provides the driver with visual feedback.

The exterior of the vehicle is undoubtedly unmistakable; however it also has a contemporary style. The body of the new MINI is 3,821mm long and of the MINI Cooper S is 3,850mm, they are 1,727mm wide and 1,414mm tall. These numbers show that the models are 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm taller than the preceding ones. The wheelbase has been also extended by 28mm.

A subtle reinterpretation can be seen on the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille, circular headlights, ‘side scuttle’ indicator surrounds, upright rear light clusters and black lower body edging.

Another exclusive element of the 2015 Cooper and Cooper S are the available LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. They are surrounded by an LED daylight driving ring. At the rear are also used LED-powered lights. The brand now also offers five new exterior colours which complement the already existing range of MINI’s palette.

Going inside the car, one finds more spaciousness due to the extended exterior dimensions. The interior is adorned by a choice of fabric or leather finishes, or a combination of both. The dashboard of the new MINI Hatch includes a horizontal structure of the cockpit, linked to circular and elliptical details.

A new display and operating concept can be seen on the instrument cluster on the steering column. On vertically arranged circular dials are displayed the speed, revs and fuel level. In addition, inside is also featured a groundbreaking LED lighting around the central instrument.

Keyless-go is now standard across the MINI Hatch range. More importantly, MINI is now offering for the 2015 Hatch three brand new engines and new gearboxes. Each unit includes MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The trio all also offer enhanced performance figures.

2015 MINI Cooper Hatch has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 134 hp (99 kW), while the 2015 Cooper S Hatch is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 189 hp (139 kW). 2015 MINI Cooper D Hatch comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 114 hp (84 kW).

Engine		MINI Cooper Hatch	MINI Cooper D Hatch	MINI Cooper S Hatch
Type/no. of cylinders/valves		in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 3 / 4	in-line / 4 / 4
Capacity	cc	1499	1496	1998
Bore/stroke	mm	82.0 / 94.6	84.0 / 90.0	82.0 / 94.6
Compression	:1	11.0	16.5	11.0
Output	kW/bhp	100 / 134	85 / 114	141 / 189
at engine speed	rpm	4500 – 6000	4000	4700 – 6000
Torque (with overboost)	Nm	220 (230)	270	280 (300)
at engine speed	rpm	1250 – 4000	1750	1250 – 4750

A six-speed manual transmission comes as a standard here, while the six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. Both make a contribution towards reducing CO2 levels. In addition, the suspension of the MINI has been optimized due to the less weight and it now delivers more fun of driving.

Also new to the car is the Variable Damper Control, which presents drivers with the choice of a more comfort-oriented response or a sportier and firm one. MINI Cooper Hatch and MINI Cooper D Hatch run on 15-inch forged light alloy wheels, while the Cooper S Hatch is fitted with 16-inch light alloy wheels as standard.

In terms of safety and security MINI offers front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, automatic passenger airbag deactivation and front and rear ISOFIX. Furthermore, a lot of standard features have been included for the MY2015. For instance there are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, air-conditioning, door sill cover strips with a model-specific inscription, front fog lamps, onboard computer, MINI Radio including aux-in, USB interface and Bluetooth.

They can be complemented by the available features such as two-zone automatic air-conditioning, heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, visibility package including windscreen heating, rain sensor and automatic light control, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, sports leather steering wheel, Park Distance Control, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, and both interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.

The technologies included in terms of connectivity are MINI Connected or MINI Connected XL, MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Navigation System. On the other hand, the driver assistance systems include MINI Head-Up-Display, a camera-based cruise control and distance control function, a collision and pedestrian warning system with initial brake function, road sign detection and high-beam assistant. As an option, there are also available rear view camera and parking assistant system.

Next to the ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), cornering brake control (CBC) with brake assistant, the driving stability control system (DSC), 2015 MINI includes a drive-off assistant, brake dry function, fading brake support and dynamic traction control (DTC).

The brand also offers a lot of personalization features which add to car’s individuality and exclusivity. The list of interior and exterior customizable features the following: John Cooper Works rear spoiler, various decorative trims for roof, exterior mirrors, bonnet, seat upholstery, interior surfaces and Colour Lines.

2015 MINI Cooper Hatch is priced at $24,660 USD (£15,300). It will be built in Britain at Plant Oxford and launched in the spring of 2014.

Source: MINI

November 19, 2013

Vorsteiner Transforms Audi S4 Series Sedan

The latest exclusive vehicle transformed by the specialists at Vorsteiner is the Audi S4 Series Sedan. The car looks stunning thanks to the added Aero Kit, of course made by carbon fibre. The S4 Sedan is equipped with Audi’s exceptional 3.0 L TFSI supercharged V6 engine.

The latter has been chosen as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2012 list. One of the resons for this is that the unit delivers 333 horsepower (245 kW) and 425 Nm (325 lb.-ft.) of torque. It has all-aluminium structure and four vane Roots-style supercharger. This makes it easier for the powertrain to behave like V8 one but at the same time to remain economical.

The same engine is utilized in A6 sedan, A7, Q7 and S5. When equipped with manual transmission, it offers an acceleration time of 4.9 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Now these figures can be transformed to even better ones due to Vorsteiner’s Aero Kit.

Its parts are made of Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber which gives them superior stiffness, aerospace strength and durability, when compared to traditional hand laid carbon fiber composites. What wxactly has been added here are the following elements: Carbon Fiber Front Add-On Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser and Carbon Fiber Deck Lid Spoiler.

Source: Vorsteiner

November 19, 2013

Porsche 918 Spyder With Weissach Package

Porsche 918 Spyder is definitely the fastest Porsche currently on the road. The reason for this is that it has been optimized with Weissach package that firstly contributes towards weight reduction. The result of course is nearly limitless speed and astonishing acceleration.

To speak in numbers, the 918 Spyder accelerates from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.6 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous model; and from 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 7.2 seconds (which saves 0.5 seconds). The top speed is passes the 186 mph (300 km/h) and it is reached after 19.9 seconds.

The improvements delivered by the package also bring benefits in terms of the electrical performance of the hybrid super sports car. The latter has been equipped with two electric motors on the front and rear axle which allow the 918 Spyder to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds, without producing any emissions.

What is more, Porsche 918 Spyder complete with Weissach package has also achieved a lap record for road vehicles on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a time of 6:57 minutes. At the same time, the model is certified to efficiency class A+, as a vehicle which is particularly low in consumption and emission figures.

To be more precise, the thanks to the Weissach package, the total NEDC fuel consumption of the 918 Spyder amounts to 94 mpg (3.0 l/100 km) , while the CO2 emissions are estimated at 70 g/km. The level of energy consumption is 12.7 kWh/100 km during the approval cycle.

Source: Porsche

November 19, 2013

Chevrolet To Debut Thirteen Vehicles In LA

Exactly thirteen Chevrolet models on display at this 2013 LA Auto Show will be making their first official appearance. It has been announced last week that the brand will premiere the brand new 2015 Colorado on 20th of November at the event.

The vehicle has been designed and constructed in order to be the most versatile and technologically advanced midsize pickup truck in the market. Another first appearance will be made by two new sedans to the Sonic family – the Sonic RS Sedan and the Sonic Dusk.

The latter has even been teased with an image, which you see above, and which clearly shows a new head-light design with probably some innovations on the grill. Both Sonic models offer vehicles with advanced technology and functionality.

Other Chevrolet vehicles making their debut in Los Angeles include the 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible, SS Performance Sedan, the fuel-efficient Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, the track-focused Camaro Z28 and the Chevrolet Silverado.

Source: Chevrolet

November 19, 2013

2014 Chevrolet Callaway SS – 570HP and 722Nm

Chevrolet has announced the 2014 Callaway SS, which a world-class performance sedan, quicker and faster than imports costing thousands more.

2014 Callaway SS is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 – 570HP (419 kW) at 6,400RPM and 722Nm (535 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. ¼ mile in 12.4 seconds with terminal speed of 176 km/h (110 mph).

Callaway SS Standard Equipment

Eaton Roots-style TVS supercharger system
Liquid-to-air intercooler, integral to intake manifold base
Increased flow rate fuel injectors
High flow intake system
Low restriction exhaust system
Badging, exterior and interior
Embroidered floor mats
Callaway key fobs
Callaway SS authenticity documentation
Callaway 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty

Callaway SS Optional Equipment

Callaway 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain service contract
Callaway SS car cover
Callaway factory delivery

Source: Chevrolet

November 18, 2013

2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition

Jeep has unveiled 2014 Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition, which makes its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

It is based on the Wrangler Sport model and features upgraded hardware, including a Dana 44 rear axle with Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75 R17 tires, rock rails and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a Jeep-branded bag. This works with the Jeep Command-Trac 4×4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio to give the Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition its improved off-road chops.

Special exterior design include a gloss black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin black “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal and “Willys” hood decals and unique high-gloss black 17” aluminum wheels. The Willys Wheeler Edition comes standard with a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows. A premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are available.

Willys Wheeler Editions feature the Connectivity Group with SiriusXM satellite radio, and Sport S-based models have the Power Convenience Group and Premium Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard. Jeep Wrangler’s iconic half doors are an option.

Wrangler Willys is powered by a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine – 285HP (210 kW) and 350Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. It is available with a standard 6-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, and delivers up to 21 mpg US on the highway.

2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is priced from $25,795 for two-door models and $29,595 for Unlimited (four-door) models.

Source: Jeep

November 18, 2013

JMS and Piecha Design Mercedes-Benz Viano

JMS and Piecha Design has announced their joint project based on the recently facelifted Mercedes-Benz Viano.

The exterior boasts a complete body kit including a new one-piece front apron with air intakes (€595), a new side skirts (€476) and a roof-mounted spoiler (€357). There is also a set of huge 21” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R19 tires – €2,399.

Other upgrades include DRLs fitted onto the original bumper (€357) and quad exhaust system for an additional €995.

Some of the upgrades like the wheels, roof spoiler and the side skirts are also compatible with the pre-facelift model.

Source: JMS and Piecha Design

November 18, 2013

KTM X-Bow GT By Wimmer Rennsporttechnik

Wimmer-Rennsporttechnik-KTM-X-Bow-GT-medium

It takes a special kind of person to have a look at a KTM X-Bow GT and go: “You know what? I want this to be madder. And I’m not talking madder by a degree. I want this to be able to blow your mind.” Here’s a testament, however, that there are such people. What you are looking at is Wimmer Rennsporttechnik showing off their latest abomination: a stock GT converted it into a machine that is, as they say, beyond recognition.

Okay, the profile of an X-Bow is very recognizable. Still, the figures sure do go beyond what we expected to hear. The original KTM GT boasts 285 hp and 420 Nm of torque, but the Wimmer people have managed to up the scale to 436 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Zero to sixty miles an hour now stands at 3.3 seconds they say. Although they specialize mainly in chip-tuning and engine modifications, with the KTM X-Bow GT, they have gone the extra mile. Apart from fiddling with the engine, they have added a custom-made turbocharger, a 100-cell sports cat converter with a Y-pipe, an all-new exhaust system , a high-pressure fuel pump, a pre-feed fuel pump, and even a new water pump.

In addition, Wimmer have thrown away the seats and bolted a set of their own with “orange colored seams”, replaced the gear knob and brake lever, added a sports muffler and finished off with four center lock racing wheels.

Mad enough? We think yes.

Source: Wimmer Rennsporttechnik

Wimmer Rennsporttechnik

November 18, 2013

Audi Reveals The Interior Of 2014 A8 L W12 Exclusive Concept

The interior of the exclusive concept vehicle 2014 Audi A8 L W12 has been just revealed by the brand. The outstanding special edition of its flagship has a W12 engine that can produce up t 500 hp (368 kW). The small-series production model will have a limited production of 50 numbers and is scheduled to begin rolling off the assembly line in March 2014.

As one can see from the released teaser image, the interior is elegant and features premium materials. Audi designers have utilized here aniline leather in the color Agatha cognac. As a matter of fact, this leather is sourced from the tradition-laden Italian designer furniture maker Poltrona Frau.

It is characterized by softness of touch and natural look. Moreover, the center sections of the seats include diamond quilting, while the inlays are made of fine grain olive ash natural silver brown.

The latter has a gray-brown shade that perfectly matches the granite gray piping, stitching and central pleat of the seats. The shade granite gray can be also seen on the steering wheel, the door top shoulders and the upper section of the instrument panel.

Fine Nappa leather on the other hand is used on the aforementioned part of the instrument panel. The headlining is in snow white Alcantara, the rear shelf is covered with cognac brown Alcantara and the carpeting is jet gray. At last, what has been revealed is that each vehicle will have a special logo on the door sill trims.

Source: Audi

November 18, 2013

Citroën C1 VT, Edition And Platinum Offer Additional Equipment

Additions of Citroën’s mini C1 line-up are the now presented C1 Platinum, Edition and VT. The vehicles include more standard equipment, when compared to the base version.

At the top of the range is positioned the C1 Platinum which replaces the current VTR+ trim level and includes a new standard specification ‘Look Pack’. The latter comprises of Carlinite Grey roof with colour-matched rear spoiler and door mirrors.

What is more, the new trim is being offered in two body colours that contrast the Carlinite Grey roof and exterior trim, namely – the Agrume Red and Lipizzan White. The third body colour option is Carlinite Grey to match the roof.

Other additional features that also come as a standard here are the brand’s Connecting Box (Bluetooth with USB socket), dark tinted rear windows, shiny black interior details and front fog lights.

Next, Citroën C1 Edition actually replaces the VTR models, and will offer a wide range of new equipment as standard including 14-inch ‘Rift’ alloy wheels and a leather trimmed steering wheel with matching gear knob.

At last, the entry-level C1 VT retains the same equipment and pricing as before. Both VT and Edition models are being offered in a choice of six colours. All three models are powered by the 1.0i 3-cylinder petrol that develops 68 horsepower (50 kW). The unit is matched with an Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG).

Citroën C1 VT includes the following:

ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA)
Cornering Stability Control (CSC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESP)
Driver’s & front passenger’s airbags
Front lateral & curtain airbags
Variable power assisted steering
RDS stereo radio/CD player
Auxiliary socket for MP3 player
Rear 50/50 split/folding seats
Rear Isofix child seat anchorage points
Height-adjustable steering wheel
14” ‘Notus’ wheel covers (set of four)

Citroën C1 EDITION adds:

Daytime-running LEDs
14” ‘Rift’ alloy wheels (set of four)
Air conditioning
Rev counter
Leather trimmed steering wheel & gear knob
Front electric windows
Body colour door mirrors & door handles
High-frequency remote control central locking
Rear head restraints
Black grille with chrome finish surround

Citroën C1 PLATINUM adds:

Platinum ‘Look Pack’ (Carlinite Grey roof, Carlinite Grey rear spoiler, Carlinite Grey door mirrors, black side rubbing strips)
Connecting Box (Bluetooth® system with USB socket)
Front fog lights
Dark tinted rear windows
Shiny black interior details

C1 VERSION	ECONOMY (COMBINED)	CO2 EMISSIONS	MRR OTR PRICE
1.0i 68 manual 3-door VT	65.7mpg	99 g/km	£8,095

1.0i 68 manual 3-door Edition	65.7mpg	99 g/km	£9,670
1.0i 68 manual 5-door Edition	65.7mpg	99 g/km	£10,070

1.0i 68 manual 3-door Platinum	65.7mpg	99 g/km	£10,345
1.0i 68 manual 5-door Platinum	65.7mpg	99 g/km	£10,745
1.0i 68 ETG 5-door Platinum	62.8mpg	104 g/km	£11,245

Source: Citroën

November 18, 2013

Seat Altea And Altea XL I TECH Editions

Seat-Altea-I-Tech-medium

Bad news? Your friendly “family hatchback with the size of an MPV” Seat Altea Copa is no more. Well, actually the Capo edition edition itself is gone. Instead, you now get the universal I TECH edition. Both, the Altea and the Altea XL (like the Altea but bigger) will be sold now exclusively as I TECH editions with bundles of equipment and, as the name suggest, technology.

The newly added set of goodies consists of 16-inch titanium finish alloy wheels, front parking sensors, a color TFT screen for rear passengers, and forward sliding rear seats for added versatility.

While the choice of editions will now limited only to the aforementioned, one can still contemplate on the range of engines. That is, a Volkswagen Group 1.6 TDI Ecomotive diesel with 105 PS, the same engine coupled with a DSG automatic transmission, and a 2.0 TDI with 140 PS. By far the most economical option would be the manual 1.6 as it is quoted to be delivering 62.8 mpg combined (relevant to the XL as well). The other two share the same value of 57.6 mpg. Oh… and there are two new colors available as well: “Bahama Blue” and “Technic Grey”. So many decisions!

Additional equipment for the I TECH includes dark tinted rear windows, roof rails, dual zone climate control, automatic wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors, Seat Media System 2.2, a double floor boot, and overhead interior storage.

Best part? No changes in the outgoing price. That’s neat, Seat.

Source: Seat

November 18, 2013

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept Debuts in US

Volkswagen-CrossBlue-Coupe-concept-medium

Remember Volkswagen’s hunky CrossBlue SUV concept that looked thoroughly American? Well, it will now decorate the German stand at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, but because this one is a “coupé” it is technically a “U.S. Debut”. Welcome to the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupé concept – a sleeker, less roomy version of the original. Could this five-seater bring something fresh and exciting to the table?

Here are the basics: 192.5 inches long and 79.3 inches wide and 66.1 inches high, the Coupé features sporty design motives: 22-inch wheels with five V-shaped double spokes, a massive hood, short A-pillars, a long and sloping roof-line, and a swept-back C-pillar. There’s also a fascination with horizontal lines (Volkswagen DNA they say):

“The designers have combined a dominant line—one that starts in the upper area of the rear lights and runs at the height of the door handles—with a second line that begins beneath the rear lights and ends in the front fender.”

Let’s get to the real straight talk though. Because of the MQB platform on which the Coupé is based, pretty much any four- and six-cylinder Volkswagen engine will fit inside. This current concept, however, is a plug-in hybrid with two electric motors and a turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) 295 hp V6 petrol engine. The bottom line is 415 hp of combined power. By default, one also gets Volkswagen’s MQB front suspension and four-link rear suspension; electro-mechanical steering, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Electrically speaking, there’s a 54 hp motor at the front and a 114 hp one at the back, while the li-ion battery pack that powers them can be found in the center tunnel.

Despite its still prominent size, the CrossBlue Coupé manages a 0 to 60 time of just below six seconds and a top speed of 147 mph. Yet, because of all the clever bits underneath, it has a manufacturer estimated combined fuel consumption of 70 MPGe and a “theoretical” range of 570 miles in hybrid mode. The default mode of driving is quoted as “Eco”. It is supposed to cleverly manage the power output from all sources in a bid to achieve an ideal balance of power and efficiency. Want to give it the full beans? Go for the “Sport” button which utilizes everything this SUV holds. Other modes include an all-electric one (the rear electric motor only) that holds for about 13 miles with speed of no more than 75 mph. If you run out of juice, you can switch on the “Charging” mode which sees the V6 TSI engine giving propulsion and charging the battery. Offroad mode is where it get’s complicated. Obviously, it’s an AWD mode but the back wheels are powered by the rear-electric motor, which in turn is being fed with energy from the front motor, which in turn acts as a generator powered by the engine, which in turn also provides power to the front wheels.

Inside, Volkswagen are especially proud of their (horizontal) dasboard that “extends into the side door trims”. For materials, do not expect anything less than soft Nappa leather in outlandish-sounding colors like Authracite Pearl and Asphalto. There are also chrome surfaces, wood accents and Graphite colored Alcantra for the roof pillars and headliner.

Don’t be fooled by all that trendy glamor as this is not your average H&M store. There are also enough gadgets inside to make even the most hardcore techie tingle with excitement. Take the “programmable” instrument cluster for example. Whilst driving in Eco mode the left side of the gauge shows the “Powermeter” and battery status. On the right you get your current speed and fuel level. The center panel can be used to display widgets such as gear selection, driving range, date and time, the weather and navigation data. In “Sport” mode, the left-hand instrument displays torque and battery status within a circling tachometer. The backseat audience also has access to the infotainment/multimedia system through two iPad minis mounted on the back of the two front-seat headrests.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen navigation also tends to adapt in accordance with the current driving mode. In Sport mode all the surrounding buildings represented on the screen are “suppressed” so that the image becomes less busy and thus the focus being on the actual road. Switch to “Eco” mode and the buildings will rise on the horizon Inception-style. (not our simile, VW’s).

There we are then. Expect more excitement starting on the 22th of November within the LA Auto Show, within the Los Angeles Convention center, within Los Angeles.

Source: Volkswagen

November 18, 2013

Category: Auto News