Car Makes – Page 398 – Automobiles Review

ABT Sportsline Presents the New Audi TT

Undoubtedly, the Audi TT has a unique outline and an iconic styling. Now at the German Essen Motor Show 2014, which really gives an opportunity to tuning companies to show their bests, ABT Sportsline will reveal a brand-new edition of Audi TT.

In terms of power, the car to be shown at the show is equipped with ABT Power uprating based on the 2.0 TFSI. It turns the previous 230 HP (169 kW) into screaming 310 HP (228 kW) and 440 Nm of torque (initially: 370 Nm).

The tuner injects the car with additional dose of masculinity and turns it into a model that is able to dazzle and amaze across the streets. The new front skirt makes the look of the Audi TT even edgier, more sophisticated and agile. The tuned car comes with one-of-a-kind mirror caps and black 20’’ DR alloy wheels with sporty Continental tires which underline the side of the car. In order to satisfy clients and their expectations even more, ABT Sportsline offers alternative designs, finishes and sizes.

Yet, the kicker of the set, the cherry on top of the cake, the part which stands out the most is the ABT Sportsline-refined rear. The tuning company used a fixed wing, which transforms the serial version’s elegantly-looking retractable spoiler and round back into something more racy and sporty. In a way, Audi TT underwent a transition which resembles that of a teenager growing up and becoming an adult. Finally, there is a rear skirt insert with two extra side attachments and an impressive four-pipe rear muffler which further highlight the sportiness of the coupe.

Source: ABT Sportsline

November 28, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Shows First Teaser of GLE AMG Sports Range

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is scheduled to debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year. Two teaser images were just revealed next to the news for the expansion of the range of the AMG Sport lineup. One of the cars depict on the image is the C450 AMG Sport and the other is probably the future GLE Coupe AMG Sport. AMG Sport’s will offer enhanced performance and technical refinements and will fill the gap between the AMG Sports package for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the classic AMG models.

In addition, the lineup will feature updated engines, standard all-wheel drive and special chassis components and brake systems. The GLE Coupe is actually the old M-Class, which is expected to change the name after the future release of the facelift model.

This means that we can expect similar engine range: a 329 hp (242 kW) twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter petrol V6 or the 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 which produces more than 570 hp (419 kW).

There is no other information on the previewed cars, but if we look very closely we will see that the SUV has a coupe-like roofline. In other words it definitely looks like the Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe that we saw debuting at the Beijing Motor Show.

The Concept Coupe is powered by V6 engine with a displacement of 2996 cc. Its output has been rated at 333 hp (245 kW) at 5500 rpm and torque at 480 Nm (353 lb-ft) at 1400- 4000 rpm. The unit is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with torque converter lock-up. If our suggestion is right then we will see exactly these figures in Detroit.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 27, 2014

2015 Opel ADAM S Goes On Sale in Europe

2015 Opel ADAM family is ready to go on sale from early next year, being available at dealerships and for purchase. ADAM S sits at the top of the family, offering great performance, easy handling, precise steering and the exceptional brakes. There are also numerous individualization possibilities for bodywork, roof and interior that highlight the sporty characteristics of the car. The heart of the ADAM S is the 1.4-liter Turbo engine.

It produces 150 horsepower (110kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque between 2,750 und 4,500 rpm. The engine is coupled with a crisp six-speed transmission with sporty gear ratios. It is then effortless for this Opel model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.5 seconds.

The new engine uses only 5.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle. The dual cam phasing allows for continuously variable valve timing. In addition, the turbocharger integrated within the exhaust manifold reduces weight and delivers compact packaging.

Other weight-saving features include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold. Performance tuned chassis is the next key characteristic off the model.

The steering performance is so sharp that it enhances driving characteristics dramatically. Furthermore, tailored performance brakes deliver outstanding braking characteristics and a defined pressure point. For the optional 18-inch “Typhoon” alloys there are red brake calipers prepared.

The front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumperare key elements for the differentiation of the model from others in the family. The chrome-plated tail pipe completes the sporty look. Sport pedals and optional Recaro sport seats are what rounds-out the individual take on the car.

2015 Opel ADAM S has a starting price of 18,690 Euro.

Source: Opel

November 27, 2014

Ford’s Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility Vehicles Repeat Top Performance Results

2015 Ford EcoBoost Police Interceptor sedan has effortlessly repeated its top performance in Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department testing. This means that it still keeps the title “the quickest-accelerating pursuit vehicle”. The Interceptor bested all V8-equipped competitors’ sedans in testing by both authorities, while Ford Police Interceptor utility with EcoBoost out-accelerated the competition’s all-new V8-equipped utility and all V6-powered sedans.

Ford announced that this is great news, because the car still has the best acceleration, quickly closing the distance between an officer and a target vehicle. This is key to safely avoiding high-speed pursuits.

The results of Michigan State Police testing the 2015 model year AWD car reportet a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.85 seconds, compared to 6.31 seconds for a competing 5.7-liter V8 AWD sedan. All-wheel drive is standard on Ford Police Interceptor sedan and optional on the competing model.

The vehicle also topped a competing 6.0-liter V8-equipped sedan, which clocked a 0-60 mph time of 6.17 seconds. In addition, Police Interceptor sedan turned a 14.19-second 0-100 mph time, while a competing 5.7-liter sedan posted 15.63 seconds and a rival 6.0-liter sedan took 14.69 seconds.

How about the results of the utility vehicles? Ford Police Interceptor utility, which also comes with a standard all-wheel drive hits 60 mph in 6.55 seconds and 100 mph in 16.13 seconds. A competing all-new utility vehicle powered by a 5.3-liter V8 posted a 0-60 mph time of 7.31 seconds and a 0-100 mph time of 18.99 seconds.

The other results from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are even more dominant for Ford Police Interceptor. Ford Police Interceptor sedan showed a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. On the other hand, the EcoBoost-equipped utility vehicle not only out-accelerated its competition, but was quicker at 0-60 mph than all base model V6-powered sedans.

Source: Ford

November 27, 2014

BMW xDrive Technology Featured in the New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW continues to progress and develop in the field of drive technology. With its intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive, first used in the BMW X3 and the X5 in 2004, the manufacturer adds a high degree of functionality, improved cornering dynamics and tries to achieve minimum fuel consumption and low emission levels.

Now, the most recent example of model-specific alignment of the four-wheel drive system is served by the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer models. The most cardinal difference when it comes to previous variants and the last ones is that, for the first time, BMW xDrive is used on a front-wheel drive concept with transversely installed engines.

With the BMW 225i xDrive Active Tourer (combined fuel consumption of 6,5–6,4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 152-148 g/km) and the BMW 220d xDrive Active Tourer (combined fuel consumption of 4,8-4,6 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 127-122 g/km), the intelligent four-wheel drive system is now available for top-notch power units. Both BMW vehicles are equipped with BMW xDrive as standard in combination with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

What the xDrive system does is utilizing an energy-efficient operating strategy which enables the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer to be driven only via the front wheels. And since, in this case, BMW is really about compactness, convenience and practicality, in order to make use of additional saving potentials, the manufacturer has given the multiple-disk clutch a spring-loaded Efficient valve. It decreases the oil level in the clutch and reduces friction losses (oil splash losses).

Furthermore, thanks to the Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC), which analysis, collects and provides an information about the running condition, any possible wheel slip, for instance, is detected at an early stage. Additionally, the xDrive manages and directs excess force to the front wheels in case the rear of the vehicle turns outwards. This ensures an ultimate four-wheel performance which is possible even before the occurance of any swerves. In consequence, xDrive featured in the BMW 220d Active Tourer and BMW 225i Active Tourer provides with better traction, more safety in different road conditions and enhances the vehicle stability, cornering dynamics and ride comfort.

Source: BMW

November 27, 2014

BMW 3-Series Plug-in Hybrid Prototype Unveiled

During the Group Innovation Days 2014, BMW has revealed its extremely good-looking 3-Series plug-in hybrid saloon. At this stage it is only a prototype which, I believe, will not stay just as a prototype but will undergo an official production in the future.

The plug-in 3-Series is equipped with an advanced plug-in hybrid technology already seen in the BMW’s i8 sports car, starting with an X5 eDrive in concept form. There is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine which works in combination with an electric motor. According to BMW, it will be able to provide the prototype with the same level of performances as a six-cylinder 3-Series.

The combined output of the system is 245 HP (180 kW) and a peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) transmitted to the wheels via an upgraded eight-speed Steptronic transmission. In terms of the fuel consumption, it is estimated at only 2 liters / 100 km (140 mpg UK or 117 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 50 g/km. The electric-only driving mode with a fully charged battery is considered to be about 22 miles (35 km), hitting a top speed of 74.5 mph (120 km/h).

The BMW 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack. It is installed underneath the load compartment which is able to be charged from a normal household socket. Pretty convenient, isn’t it? What is more, the car features a Driving Experience Control switch placed on the center console. It offers the driver an option of COMFORT, SPORT or ECO PRO mode. Consequently, each mode changes the settings of the suspension, gearbox and the hybrid operating strategy.

What do you think though? Will we see the BMW plug-in 3-Series in the market any time soon?

Source: BMW

November 27, 2014

First All-New Ford Mondeo Hybrid Models in Europe

Ford is doing two things: it celebrates its 21^st birthday and distributes the fifth generation all-new Ford Mondeo in Europe, which becomes the first hybrid electric car built and sold by Ford there. The Mondeo Hybrid combines advanced Ford technology, better efficiency, reduced emissions, genuine style, elegant design and excellent driving performance which guarantees remarkable experience on the road.

The hybrid arrives with a large range of powertrains. The variety of engines includes: the 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 2.0-litre EcoBoost along with the award-winning l 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

Another option is the high-powered 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine which generates 210 PS and 450 Nm of peak torque. An ECOnetic Technology model will be available too and will be powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine with class-leading diesel CO2 emissions of 94 g/km and 2.0-litre TDCi diesel models with 150 PS or 180 PS.

Finally, the new Mondeo Hybrid combines a specially-developed 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery in order to provide better fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

Furthermore, the car comes with significantly more safety and luxury features. In Europe, the car will be offered in five-door, wagon and four-door versions with the option of all-wheel-drive. The car premiers with integral link rear suspension as well as Ford’s innovative inflatable rear seatbelts, massage function-equipped multi-contour seats with Active Motion and Ford’s first adaptive LED headlights in Europe which help raise the overall quality statistics.

The all-new Ford Mondeo Hybrid is available in the UK from December a four-door saloon from only £24,995 – the same as its 2.0-litre diesel Mondeo Titanium Powershift five-door equivalent.

Source: Ford

November 27, 2014

JE Design Presents Their Widebody Kit for the Seat Leon Cupra

JE Design has introduced their upgraded tuning program for Seat Leon Cupra 5F Five-door.

The tuned hatchback conveys more dynamism, sportiness and sophisticated elegance. JE DESIGN loads the agile sports car with an additional dose of racing virtues by boosting its power to a new level.

Precisely, on the performance front, we see the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output increased by 70 PS (51 kW) and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft). As a result, JE Design Seat Leon Cupra jumps to 350 PS (258 kW) and a peak torque of 440 Nm (324 lb-ft). The tuning program allows the hatchback to speed up from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds before rocketing to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The cost of the tuning pack is estimated at €2,299.

Additionally, JE Design takes care of the bodylook of the Spanish compact car. With the new widebody kit, available for 6,188 Euro, the compact car turns into an eye-catcher that is able to turn heads across the country. The widebody kit includes a three-part bumper attachment, massive wheel arch flares front and rear, side skirts in carbon look and a rear apron with two molded diffusers. There are also twin tailpipes integrated in the rear apron with the dimensions of 105 x 85 millimeters. All of those enhancements make the family-friendly vehicle seem more brutal, aggressive, sporty and powerful. The overall exterior improvement costs €6,188.

The sporty look of the hatchback is further underlined by the JE DESIGN Y-Spoke wheel set which is available in size 9.5 x 19 inches. Available tires, for example, are the Dunlop Sport Maxx GT in 255/30 R19. The price for the complete wheel set is €2,052.

Source: JE Design

November 27, 2014

John Hennessey Test Drives Stock 2015 Mustang GT up to 150 mph [VIDEO]

Remember the Hennessey Performance Ford Mustang GT HPE700? Well, if you do than you will be satisfied to see the video below. In it John Hennessey test drives the stock 2015 Mustang GT up to 150 mph. Stock baseline dyno testing was also performed. Hennessey’s 717 horsepower supercharged 2015 Ford Mustang has firepower to battle the Corvette Z06 or the SRT Hellcat! And this makes it the most powerful Mustang currently on the market. And also the fastest!

The car with superpowers runs from 0 to 100 km/h in mere 3.6 seconds. Key to that are not only the 717 hp (527 kW), but also the torque, which is 856 Nm (632 lb-ft) at 4400 rpm. Helping the Coyote V8 breathe more deeply is a high-flow throttle body and stainless-steel exhaust system.

Upgraded injectors and fuel pumpfeed the V8, but this happens under the command of the proprietary engine management calibration. More personalization and performance can be achieved with the optional CarbonAero carbon-fiber bodywork. The pack includes front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and rear lip spoiler.

Available are also the 20-inch Hennessey H10 wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires, behind the spokes of which we see Brembo brake package with 15.1-in. front rotors. With this package Mustang gets better downforce, corneing and braking.

Great news is also that Hennessey announced a 2.3-liter EcoBoost-powered Mustang, which is under development. Note that only 500 units of the HPE700 will be produced. The pricing starts at $59,500 USD.

httpv://youtu.be/NIgejAV07TA

Hennessey Performance Ford Mustang GT HPE700 Details:

Power
• 717 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
• 632 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance
• 0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.
• ¼ mile: 11.2 @ 131 mph

HPE700 Supercharged 5.0L V8 Engine Upgrade
• 2.9 Liter Supercharger System
• HPE Air Induction System
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel Pump
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• HPE700 Exterior Badging
• Supercharged Exterior Badging
• Hennessey Premium Floormats
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

CarbonAero
• CarbonAero Front Splitter
• CarbonAero Side Sills
• CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler

Additional Upgrades
• Hennessey H10 Lightweight 20-inch wheels (Mounted on factory tires)
• Stainless Steel Exhaust System

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey Performance

November 27, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI Facelift is Almost as Good as the Polo R WRC

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI has just been announced and it is intended to be launched only for the European customers. The car is the fourth generation compact GTI and comes with an output of 192 hp (141 kW), which is 12 hp more than its predecessor. In addition, the vehicle is also going to be available with manual gearbox again. The top speed of the new Polo GTI is estimated at 236 km/h. Interestingly enough this makes it 7 km/h shorter of the 220 hp (162 kW) Polo R WRC.

The option of automatic dual clutch gearbox is also available. Both transmission variants accelerate the Polo GTI from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. This is just 0.3 seconds more than the figure for the Polo R WRC.

In terms of fuel consumption the car shows 5.6 l/100 km and 129 g/km of CO2 emissions with the seven-speed DSG, and 6.0 litres and 139 g/km of CO2 with the six-speed manual variant. And here the Polo R WRC, which has a fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100 km is finally overtaken by the new Polo GTI.

The exterior of the facelifted Volkswagen car includes new bumpers, distinctively flared door sills, the GTI logo on the front wing and classic GTI insignia. LED headlights are available for the first time in the model.

The sporty appeal of the model is additionally improved by the set of new alloys that come in the size of 7.5×17 inches. Through them we see gleaming red brake callipers and standard sports suspension. At the back of the car we can’t pass the GTI roof spoiler, tail light clusters in ‘Dark Red’, the black grained diffuser and the chrome dual exhaust tailpipes.

GTI red accentuates the sporty design of the interior. For instance, the leather sports steering wheel has contrasting red stitching, as do the gear lever and handbrake lever, while the floor mats feature borders with red beading. The driver and occupants will enjoy height-adjustable heated sports seats with centre panels upholstered in exclusive ‘Clark’ cloth.

The infotainment systems offered here include Bluetooth audio streaming, a proximity sensor and two-finger map zooming in navigation mode. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI which are the core technology basis of the optional ‘Sport Select’ suspension.

Source: Volkswagen

November 27, 2014

Vilner’s Audi RS6 is Capable of 700 Horsepower!

It was the end of 2012 when we showed you a one-off project on Audi RS6 that made history and everyone was talking about for a long, long time. The tuner of course was Vilner and with company’s current take on RS6, it is aiming to change history once again. This Audi has just received attentive therapy not only in terms of interior modifications, but also in terms of what is standing under the hood.

Inside, the car is defined by predominantly white, blue and black colors. In details, the ceiling is wrapped in black nubbuck and the same goes for the rearview mirror. Black is also to be found on all of the plastic details, which have also been covered with rubber-like material.

The white seats are also contrasted perfectly with the seat belts in racing blue color that corresponds to the exterior paint scheme. Enough for the interior!

More importantly, it is almost unbelievable what “sleeps” under the hood of this RS6. The V10 unit, which originally produces 560 horsepower (412 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, got some “attention” from RaceChip Germany.

In particular, the company has delivered a powerbox that increases the overall power output of the car from the aforementioned 560 hp to 700 hp (515 kW) and from the standard torque to 889 Nm (654 lb-ft).

Source: Vilner

November 26, 2014

2015 Nissan GT-R Gets Track Edition and Goes on Sale in Japan

2015 Nissan GT-R goes on sale in Japan and gets some updates for the new model year. The car now has been refined in terms of chassis; it is quieter and more luxurious than before. There is new trim level offered, called Track Edition and it was engineered by NISMO. Yesterday we revealed the exclusive GT-R 45th Anniversary Limited Edition which will be produced in only 45 units and will be exclusively distributed in Japan only. 45th Anniversary features a special paint color called “Silica Brass” and is offered with the Premium Edition trim level (picture above).

Among the modifications are the improvements to the car’s driving comfort. The engineers have dramatically improved car’s ride quality, keeping its handling at its best. Also, noise and vibration have been reduced to additionally make better the environment inside the GT-R.

In terms of suspension, damper rates of the shock absorbers and the ECU setting have been updated to improve cornering stability. Same modifications reduce the amount of steering and add further sense of security.

The material and the inner structure of the tires have been improved. This also influences in a positive way the ride quality and driver confidence. Next, the shim structure between braking feel from initial activation was improved as well as better overall braking control. The brake noise was also reduced.

Steering Dynamic Damper has been optimized, the engine and transmission management systems have been retuned, and the material for the trunk carpet has been changed to improve sound insulation.

For those who desire even more performance, Nissan has added the Track Edition (picture below). The car was engineered by NISMO and is a new grade based on the standard model enhanced with NISMO technology.

The general modifications include custom adhesive bonding for increased body shell rigidity, custom flared front fenders with outlet air duct, custom suspension and stabilizer, RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST tires.

Source: Nissan

November 26, 2014

Category: Car Makes