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Highest Efficiency in Class: 2014 Honda Accord PHEV [VIDEO]

2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle is rated by the EPA at 115 MPGe1 in full electric mode which makes it one of the most efficient vehicles. The PHEV is now going to be available for the customers in New York and California.

The hybrid efficiency here is combined with a powerful dose of instantaneous electric-motor torque. The gasoline fuel-economy rating is of 47/46/46 mpg (city/hwy/combined) which makes the first production car in the U.S. to meet the new LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard.

This Honda model is powered by the brand new Honda Earth DreamsTM technology two-motor hybrid system that uses a powerful 124-kilowatt (169 hp) electric motor. The latter serves also as a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) mated to a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC, Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine.

The electric-only operation is supported by a 6.7-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, with high efficiency regenerative braking provided (electric-servo braking system). The driving efficiency is optimized with the help of the new two-motor hybrid system, which allow the Accord Plug-In powertrain to switch between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive and direct Engine Drive within an instant.

Furthermore, two additional driving modes will be available which will help the driver to manage the capacity of the battery. First, in its default start-up mode, the Accord behaves like an electric vehicle. The car will remain in the full-electric mode until the battery state of charge demands the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation.

httpv://youtu.be/lE6Bzk_Oi6U

What happens when the vehicle is put under higher speeds? In this case the gasoline engine steps in and delivers more power. Moreover, a button on the center console allows the driver to manually select the EV mode. In such cases of extreme acceleration, where everything is possible, it’s important to not forget to search for the cheapest auto insurance companies on the market nowadays.

Next, there is also a selectable HV mode, which turns the Accord into a conventional hybrid. This means that it combines the power of the electric motor and gasoline engine and optimizes the fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level.

It is important to highlight that this PHEV can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours when plugged into a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet. When it is utilized a 240-volt “Level-2” charger, the car need to fully recharge in less than an hour. Here the HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will help the owners to remotely monitor the charging state.

2014 Honda Accord PHEV is based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan, but includes one-of-a-kind styling cues. It will be available in three exterior colors: White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and the model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic. Its starting price is $39 780.

Honda Accord Plug-In Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Model	EPA Combined MPGe Rating	EPA Fuel Economy City/Highway/Combined
Honda Accord Plug-In	115 MPGe	47/46/46
Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In	100 MPGe	44/41/43
Chevy Volt	98 MPGe	35/40/37
Prius Plug-In	95 MPGe	51/49/50

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

January 22, 2013

How to Fit a Towbar to your Car Safely

Fitting a towbar to your car offers a convenient and useful method of increasing the capacity of your car. It can afford you the opportunity to fit things like tow bar mounted bike racks and it can also provide you with a means of towing anything from a small and convenient utility trailer to something considerably larger like a touring caravan. As such, it is important that your tow bar is fitted properly and safely to ensure that it remains safely in place.

A poorly fitted tow bar may come loose and if this occurs when you are towing something then not only can this lead to damage of the trailer and its contents but it could cause a serious accident on the road. The safety element of your tow bar and the trailer that you are towing is one of the most important reasons why you must ensure that it is fitted properly.

One factor to consider is the make and model of tow bar. Not all bars will fit your make and model of car so be certain that you are buying one appropriate to the car you drive. You may also find different types of fitting that are best suited to towing particular types of item. If you are looking to tow a large caravan, for example, then you may require different fitting than if you were towing a small utility trailer.

With a professional tow bar specialist you can get a tow bar fitted and be absolutely certain that it has been fitted correctly and safely. You can receive a guarantee not only for the parts used but also for the work that was required to fit the towbar itself. This means that not only can you drive away with a high quality and professional fitted tow bar but with the peace of mind that guaranteed work offers.

There are many reasons to consider having a tow bar fitted and there are good reasons to use a professional fitting service to complete the work for you too. By having the work done professionally you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence that the job will be done properly and effectively.

January 22, 2013

Arden Jaguar F-Type – More Power and Wind in the Hair

Arden has revealed their tuning project for the high-anticipated Jaguar F-Type, which was introduced only several months ago. The drop-top gets not only styling, but performance modifications, too.

The roadster gets power upgrade for the mighty V8 S model, which is boosted to whopping 550HP (404 kW), which is an increase of 55HP (40 kW). Another performance kit is expected for the V6 models.

There is also a high-performance brake system behind the huge 20” Sportline alloy wheels.

The car is finished in the famous British Racing Green paint, which suits just perfectly to the stylish roadster.

Source: Arden

January 21, 2013

1969 McLaren M7C and MP4-12C Spider

McLaren is going to celebrate their 50^th anniversary on September 2^nd, this year.

The original name of the company is Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd and it has been launched since 1963. For the celebration, McLaren will use a 50th anniversary logo on everything from their shirts to the new MP4-28 Formula 1 that will debut on January 31^st. They also intend to host a lot of unique events and celebration throughout the year.

If we were to follow Bruce’s words to the letter, there’d be little time for recollection, but on the eve of our half-century there’s surely time for the briefest of breaths and the opportunity to take a look behind us at the sweeping vista built up in the indelible shadow of our founder:

Our Formula 1 team has become a global household name; since our arrival in the sport, at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, we have won more races (182) than any other constructor, started from pole position 155 times and scored 151 fastest laps. In 2012, we achieved the fastest-ever time for a Formula 1 pitstop (2.31s at Hockenheim), recorded our 58^th consecutive points-scoring finish, an all-time record, and have now led more than 10,000 racing laps.
The exploits of our greatest world champions will always bring F1 to life: Emerson Fittipaldi ignited the passion of his native Brazil; James Hunt created as many headlines on the front pages as on the back; Niki Lauda and Alain Prost turned sport to science; the burning intensity of Ayrton Senna will live on for ever, while Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton will always be remembered for their raw speed and fearless aggression.
Our legacy in North American sportscar racing is writ equally large: in the heyday of the mighty CanAm series, we steamrollered the opposition, lifting five successive championship trophies (1967-1971) and winning an incredible 43 races in our iconic, thundering V8-engined sportscars.
We went to the Indy 500 for the first time in 1970, returning with greater strength until we won the USA’s most famous motor race in 1974 with Johnny Rutherford. We repeated the feat with Rutherford in 1976, too.

Today, every single car in Formula 1, the Indycar Series and NASCAR relies upon McLaren Electronics’ standardised ECUs to control their engines and feed data back to the garage.
Introduced back in 1993, the McLaren F1 road car has lost none of its unique appeal and is still considered by many to be automotive world’s definitive supercar. To this day, it remains the fastest naturally aspirated production car in the world. In GTR racing guise, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also scooping third, fourth and fifth places on its debut in 1995.
The next roadcar project was with German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, and saw the successful build of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which became the best-selling carbon-based car ever.
Since its launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive has developed into a world-class road car manufacturer, successfully developing and building the 12C and the 12C Spider high performance sports cars. Both models exploit our unparalleled understanding of carbon fibre and electronic driver systems to create a groundbreaking product of unequalled weight, strength, performance and driveability.
In a return to our sportscar roots, the debut of the 12C GT3 was an unqualified success, scoring 19 victories on its competitive debut in 2012. In September, as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes crossed the flag to win in Monza, McLaren’s GT cars also took top spot at races in British, French and Spanish championships – an incredible achievement.
Fittingly, this year, McLaren Automotive stands poised to open its 50^th global dealership ahead of the worldwide launch of the P1™ – our newest model and a machine that’s set to rewrite the definition of the modern supercar.
Away from the track, McLaren leads the world in the application of Formula 1 technology and expertise to other industries. McLaren Applied Technologies helped British cyclists, rowers, sailors and canoeists win 15 gold medals last summer. We worked alongside Specialized to design Mark Cavendish’s world championship-winning S-Works Venge bicycle. Working with Birmingham Children’s hospital, we have improved the monitoring of sick children in intensive care. McLaren has also designed systems to help the Bay Area Rapid Transit railway in San Francisco to run more efficiently and to reduce the CO₂ emissions from plane movements at airports.

Source: McLaren

January 21, 2013

World’s Fastest Production Car from 0 – 300 km/h – Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance (HPE) has broken two sensational Guinness records. The first one is “Fastest Production Car from 0 – 300 km/h” and the second “Fastest Production Car from 0 – 200 mph”. The “tool” was a street-legal Venom GT supercar.

The acceleration time was an average of two runs made in opposite directions within one hour and validated by a VBox 3i GPS-based data logging system. VBox officials were on hand to certify the numbers as required by Guinness rules. The first run was completed in 13.18 seconds with a 4 mph tailwind. The second run was made in 14.08 seconds while encountering a 6 mph headwind. The resulting two-way 0-300 km/h average was 13.63 seconds.

“We are exceptionally proud of our team at HPE who helped to make this new Guinness® World Record possible,” commented company founder and president, John Hennessey.

“This is just the first of several validation tests designed to show the world what our special car is all about – being the fastest. Period.”, he added.

The Hennessey Venom GT is powered by a 7.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 – 1,244HP (915 kW) and 1,559Nm (1,155 lb-ft). The curb weight is 1,244 kg (2,743 lbs). So, the power-to-weight ratio is 1.

The street legal supercar has Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved radial tires, uses 93-octane pump fuel, and has a full interior replete with high-end stereo, air conditioning, and bespoke leather/Alcantara seats.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s1eBox1i-0

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

Source: Hennessey

January 21, 2013

G-Power BMW E92 M3 RS Aero Package

G-Power has presented their aerodynamics enhancement program for BMW E92 M3.

The “RS” project is completely made from carbon fiber, making the M3 lighter and therefore faster. At the same time the G-POWER “RS” Carbon parts increases the aerodynamic downforce and thus provides for even faster cornering speeds.

The Aero Package includes a new front spoiler, boot lid including tear-off edge, a new hood, custom rear wing or the stock M3 GTS rear wing. The weight reduction from the bonnet and the boot lid is 10,7 kg.

Besides the weight reduction and boosting the down-force, the engine received the SK III Sporty Drive supercharger kit and the engine displacement is now 4.6 liters. The result is 720HP (529 kW).

Source: G-Power

January 21, 2013

Fast and Furious 6: Nissan GT-R

Fast and Furious 6 will make its premiere on May 24, this year. This is one of the most fan appreciated movies in the world and it will feature one of our favorite cars – heavily modified Nissan GT-R.

It was prepared by R’s Tuning, who redesigned the entire cooling system. In charge of installing a new aerodynamics package is BenSopra. Third party – the SP Engineering took care of the ECM calibration and used 100 octane to generate more power.

The package includes carbon fiber doors, door sills and trims, engine cover and a cooling panel. There is also a the carbon trunk and AMS performance carbon roof. The package also contains AeroCatch flush Mount Hood pins and Sparco trunk latches. The interior is also modified, but no information is available about the touches.

An entire carbon ceramic brake kit has been installed by Weapons Grade Performance. Camber arms om R’s Tuning and the engine has received a Switzer P800 turbo kit with the necessary tuning done by SP Engineering who installed a HKS downpipe and a resonated Y-pipe.

We are eager to see the action, which this machine will provide.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsoRgW4RiDI

Source: SP Engineering via Youtube

January 21, 2013

Vilner Aprilia Stingray Adds 13 New Details

As it comes for Vilner the number thirteen seems to be rather a lucky one. The successful interior tuning specialists have now made an exceptional transformation on the Aprilia Stingray by adding to it brand new thirteen details.

And as one can see from the pictures, there is nothing similar with the original model, which in fact was the initial aim of the team. Vilner Aprilia Stingray now looks more exquisite than ever with its aggressive and futuristic stance.

The exceptional new visual appearance of this motorbike is a result of a work with great precision and attention to the tiniest detail. First of all, the Aprilia was equipped with brand new front fender, which was especially designed for the model.

Next, the headlight was modified with two new details: helmet and air-ducts, while the side front signals were mounted on it. They are also new and more importantly – all LED. The transformation doesn’t stop here. Two entirely new side spoilers with two vents each, serve as a means to lead away the hot air coming out from the engine.

In addition, onto the Bugspoile there have been added two pyramid-shaped details that enhance the aggressive presence of the Aprilia. To make it even more masculine and powerful, the tuning specialists from Vilner have also added three new details on the reservoir.

What is more, both right and left plastics were wrapped with the finest leather. From there one can see a light gray strip starting, which ends at the front part of the seat. To the rear part of the latter were added two new details made of brown leather.

Proceeding further to the rear of this breath-taking motorcycle, it must be mentioned that the rear lights were tinted in order to match the overall design philosophy of the tuning. Moreover, part of the frame is painted in Black Matt which contributes to the visual separation of the front and rear part. What is also completely new is the stand for the registration number, which was mounted a little bit more inward.

Furthermore, this completely transformed Aprilia, comes with two exhausts that were repainted in black. The aim of this modification was to make them fade away at the most. Additionally, the rear fork and the chain were extended by 15 centimeters and here is where Vilner gathered forces with Galaxy Custom.

At last but not least, the bike as well as the wheels was entirely repainted, so that it can look absolutely outrageous. The power of the Vilner Aprilia Stingray is enhanced by 10 per cent thus making this project complete and part of the Vilner Custom Bike projects.

Photographer: Stefan Solakov

Model: Carolina Bratanova

January 21, 2013

Aston Martin Vanquish Centenary Edition Reaches New Heights [VIDEO]

2013 is the year in which Aston Martin marks 100 years of power, beauty and soul. We have already seen a vehicle which was released to mark this special anniversary which carries the name Vanquish Centenary Edition.

The celebration of the brand’s birthday continues and it has just released a very special video showing how the Anniversary model “conquers” the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. The footage is indeed spectacular and brings forth many feelings and aspirations.

Thanks to this exclusive centenary event, which was attended by UAE dignitaries and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, the New Vanquish reached new heights, lifted to the helipad of one of the most famous buildings in the world.

The vehicle will be produced in only hundred examples worldwide and will feature one-of-a-kind graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver wing badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special hallmark.

A synonym of the name of the brand of course is “luxury”. We can see it not only outside, but inside as well. In these terms the interior of the car includes Deep Soft black leather with perfect contrasting silver stitching. In addition, special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the unique features of the car.

httpv://youtu.be/5-pJ2XaKu2o

Video Source: YouTube

January 21, 2013

Kahn Land Rover Defender Wide Body Winter Edition

Kahn Land Rover Defender Wide Body Winter Edition is unstoppable with excellent ground clearance, grip levels and good axle articulation. It delivers a driving experience comparable to adventure even in the most treacherous of conditions.

An excellent styling package refines this Defender and gives it more aggressive looking thanks to the wide track arch kit. The latter consists of lightweight extended wide wheel wings with integrated vents, stainless steel front grille with embossed Kahn feature, vented headlight surrounds, side vents with mesh, bonnet vents with mesh, clear rear light lenses, clear side repeaters, clear front light lenses, crosshair headlights, Kahn prototype wing blades, Kahn prototype tailgate badge and Kahn oval tailgate badge ensures drivers attain a great deal of motoring supremacy.

In addition, the interior of this Land Rover model has also been transformed by the designers at Kahn Design. The result is profoundly luxurious cabin including comfortable bespoke seats, a red Kahn rev counter, red Kahn Churchill time clock, black piano wood centre dash surround, red seat belts, aluminum machined pedals, front and rear racing seats in black quilted nappa leather with Harris Tweed Inserts and silver contrast stitching, centre glove box in black quilted nappa leather and grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching.

But the list doesn’t stop here. The modifications here also include instrument binnacle in grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching, dashboard in black nappa leather and grey alcantara with red and silver contrast stitching, roof lining in grey alcantara with Harris Tweed inserts and red contrast stitching, sun visors in grey alcantara with Harris Tweed inserts and red contrast stitching and door trims in black quilted nappa leather and grey alcantara with silver contrast stitching.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete tuning if we don’t consider the new wheels added. We are speaking here about Kahn 1983 Defender wheels in 18” size, which fit all original centre caps and deliver more pleasant driving and perfectly complement the exterior.

Source: A. Kahn Design

January 21, 2013

Regula Exclusive Porsche Panamera in Carbon Fiber

Regula Exclusive Porsche Panamera has a special kind of body kit. It comprises of a front and rear apron and side skirts, which are offered here in two variants. The first one is made of a high-quality flexible polyester-polyurethane-mixture and is primed outside.

In the second option, the complete body kit for the Panamera is made of carbon fiber, outside primed. In addition, it fits absolutely perfectly due to manufacturing relevant parts of the highest quality. It is equipped with original serial fastening points, but relative fast assembly is possible, since no changes to the vehicle must be made.

In addition to the assembled rims in 10×22 and 11,5×22 inches deliverd by Schmidt Revolution, this Porsche comes along with Chip-Box’ 500 Series –PS, through which it benefits from an increase in power. Speaking in numbers, the generated horsepower in now estimated up to 605 equal to 445 kW.

Source: Miranda Media

January 21, 2013

BRABUS B50 Mercedes E-Class Coupe

Brabus has introduced the B50-500 based on the Mercedes E-Class Coupe. The high-performance luxurious Coupe comes with a number of upgrades including styling and performance mods.

The 4.7 liter V8 bi-turbo engine is boosted to 500HP (368 kW) at 5,250RPM and 720Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 92HP (68 kW) and 120Nm (89 lb-ft). The B50-500 PowerXtra CGI performance kit includes new mapping for injection, ignition and boost pressure control, an additional water radiator lowers the boost air temperature further.

BRABUS recommends MOTUL high-performance lubricants.

BRABUS B50-500 Coupe has been tested by AUTO BILD SPORTSCARS magazine to reveal its true performance nature. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 13.3. seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited.

The BRABUS B50-500 PowerXtra CGI performance kit is available for all current Mercedes E 500 models.

The car is furthermore equipped with the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system, which is also available for production E 500 Coupes. A BRABUS LSD (limited-slip differential) is available as an option for further improving traction and handling.

Brabus aerodynamics package for E-Class Coupe includes a new front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights; a new rear spoiler with diffuser; aluminum sport fenders with integrated inserts and a pair of modified side skirts.

BRABUS B50-500 Coupe also features sets of 19” wheels of the Monoblock VI, F, Q, R or S wheel designs. The dimensions are 8.5J x 19” and 9.5J x 19” at the rear fitted with 235/35 ZR 19 in front and 265/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle from Brabus technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

The height-adjustable BRABUS sports suspension offers sporty handling in conjunction with a high ride comfort. It was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN.

The interior boasts stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, a speedometer with 330-km/h dial (205 mph) and aluminum steering-wheel shift paddles. The interior design also features soft and durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara. Last, but not least are the aluminum shift knob and pedals.

Source: Brabus

January 18, 2013

Category: Auto News