Car Makes – Page 411 – Automobiles Review

Audi TT Roadster to be Manufactured at Audi Hungaria

Audi TT Roadster is the fourth Audi model after the A3 sedan, A3 Cabriolet and Audi TT Coupe which will go into series production at the new automobile factory in Győr. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler pointed out that Győr plays a significant role in the development of Audi’s global production network. The automobile production in the Hungarian city has been operating since June 2013 and it adds up to the already existing engine production there.

The compact two-seater Audi establishes an innovative benchmark in the sense that it comes with original design, improved powertrain, better suspension and useful technologies. For instance, the new Audi comes with a virtual cockpit which underscores the design of the car. This digital display combination replaces physical instruments and gathers all the relevant information in the driver’s field of vision. The TT Roadster has already been praised for this original display and operating system with the Car Connectivity Award and, also, the prize for Interior Innovation of the Year in the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards. In addition, TT Roadsters are powered by either a 2 liter TDI delivering 184 HP, 280.3 lb-ft (379 Nm) or 2.0 TFSI rated which produces 230 HP. The car has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.3 to 7.5 liters/100 km (54.7 US mpg) which reaches CO2 emissions from 114 to 174 gr per km.

Audi Hungaria was the first branch planted outside of Germany about 21 years ago. Its commencing marked the company’s further development in a worldwide aspect and helped for the development of Audi’s international influence and presence. So far the successful background and results prove that this decision could not have turned out any better.

Source: Audi

November 5, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang RTR is Fast and Furious with 725 Horsepower

Since they were shown in the summer just as “teasing” sketches, we’ve been waiting for the SEMA show impatiently. Of course we are talking that passionately about a custom muscle car based on the Mustang of 2015. The tuner releasing the project is called RTR which for only five years (since its birth) has rapidly become one of the most popular automotive brand names worldwide.

In August, the customization has released info that they are to built a 2015 Ford Mustang based RTR Spec 1 and Spec 2 packages. Now the details about them are revealed officially. Both packs feature the following modifications, which concern only the external appearance of the car: Spec 1 and Spec 2 chin spoiler, rear spoiler, rear diffuser with side splitters, rocker splitters, upper grill with integrated lighting as well as lower grill.

Of course, there is also a performance upgrades that come on the top of the appearance modifications of the Spec 2 package. Here are the new adjustable amperes and sway bars as well as lowering springs.

Magnaflow ensured that there is enough sound in the air around the car by delivering the exhaust system. RTR added also optional supercharger and cold air intake system. The engine was tweaked and the result is super exciting: 725 horsepower (533 kW) generated from 5.0-liter V-8 engine with a supercharger attached.

2015 Ford Mustang RTR will go on sale in January next year through only select Ford dealerships around the globe.

Source: RTR

November 5, 2014

Volvo Cars Unveils the New V60 Cross Country

Take a deep breath of relief, Volvo fans. The long-awaited Cross Country is finally here and it comes with quite some attitude indeed! The third true Cross Country vehicle will be unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show this month.

Interestingly enough, the Cross Country brand has a prolonged legacy that dates back to 1997 when the V70 Cross Country was first introduced. Ever since, Volvo’s primary idea circles around its intention to bring to life vehicles with absolute all-road capability and peculiar styling.

It could be said that the new V60 crossover implements a combination of the features of the smaller V40 Cross Country and the regular V60’s characteristics. It certainly makes an impression. Mixing Volvo’s heritage and love of nature and adventure, the V60 Cross Country takes the best of both worlds and conveys it with sufficient class. The vehicle is sporty, comfortable enough and gives a driving experience to remember. It perfectly fits the lifestyles of people who are adventurous, active, dynamic, exploratory and are not afraid of diving into an experience of wildness, dirt and muddy waters.

The individualist style includes increased ground clearance, skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders. The capable sporty nature of the V60 Cross Country demonstrates a dominating, beefy presence that strikes everyone’s attention.

The first V60 Cross Country cars in the US and Canada will get Volvo’s impressive five-cylinder petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled to an automatic transmission delivering a highly around 23 mpg and 250 hp (186 kW). Drive-E four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines will serve as the base for the Front-Wheel Drive version. They will be available in the V60 Cross Country in early 2015 worldwide. The proven five-cylinder D4 powertrain will be used for the All-Wheel Drive model.

Source: Volvo

November 5, 2014

Lexus Shows Two Custom 2015 RC F Studs at SEMA

News from SEMA again. This time we will review what is happening with Lexus at the show. They have just released two super sports and super luxury models at the event. Both are based on the RC F model: the Rocket Bunny Lexus RC F SPORT and the Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting & Beyond Marketing. The first on is designed by TRA-Kyoto and boasts devilish red paint and some unique tweaks.

It sits on Enkei custom 6666 wheels, again designed by TRA-Kyoto, and wrapped in Toyo Tires 888. They measure 265/30-19 at the front and 325/30-19 at the rear. Brembo Performance Brakes are also at hand and they feature 6 piston front monoblock calipers with 2 piece 380 x 32mm type III discs and upgraded brake pads. At the rear, the caliper is 4 piston mono block with 2 piece 345 x 28mm type III discs and upgraded brake pads.

As one can see from the stickers all around the shell of the car, a bunch of tunign companied has been involved. For instance, KW supplied the suspension coilovers, while GReddy delivered the Prototype Supreme SP exhaust system. There is also a V3 + HLS 4 lift system and added Motul performance engine oil.

The second RC-F project is result of the work of Gordon Ting And Beyond Marketing. There are a lot of carbon fiber elements such as the front lip and splitter as well as the side diffusers. New wheels ensure that the ride will be breath-taking. Precisely, the car has been fitted with Yokohama Advan AVS F50 wheels fitted with tyres from the same company that measure 255/30-20 at the front and 285/30-20 at the rear.

Here, the tunes did not miss to substitute the production brakes with Brembo Performance Brakes. The front 6 piston monoblock calipers come with 2-piece 405 x 34mm type III discs and upgraded pads, while the rear 2-piece 345 x 28mm type III discs – with OEM Lexus RC F calipers.

Unlike the aforementioned project, this one is fitted with coilovers by EDFC Active Pro, GReddy supplied the exhaust again as well as the high performance intake kit. Not forgetting to mention the custom front and rear tower bar and lower reinforcement braces, as well as the Nitrous Express 100-shot wet Nitrous System.

Source: Lexus

November 5, 2014

The All-new Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 in Japan

As it looks like Mazda2 is simply in the limelight! JAPAN’S reigning car of the year has received another award. This time the car scooped the Good Design Award’s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’s Award), which was sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion. Good Design Award is Japan’s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design which was established in 1957.

The all-new Mazda2, powered by SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter engine, is created to boast confidence, inspire and, finally, deliver a whole new driving experience that will change even more positively the usually perceived notions about the carmaker. Supplied with all the new technological aspects and crafted with original ideas, the vehicle establishes another understanding about the new generation subcompact class of cars.

The applied KODO design has been used in a sense that combines sumptuous luxury with substantial high-tech safety and comfort. It simply gives a new feel of liveliness and definite presence both of which complement the compact size of the Demio. Furthermore, the interior is designed with such detail-orientated mechanism used by Mazda designers to set a new global leading standard for the segment. The choice of colors, compositions, rearrangements, forms and textures brings a sense of springing quality and excellence.

In its commendation, the Japan Institute of Design Promotion stated that; “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body […] Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all five senses.”

Source: Mazda

November 5, 2014

Mercedes Vito Upgraded by Hartmann Tuning

The German tuner Hartmann, which specializes in individual van-rebuilding, does its magic on Mercedes-Benz Vito. As it seems, Hartmann has a soft spot for Mercedes for after working on a Sprinter model earlier this year, now the company has decided to upgrade the Mercedes Vito and make it appear in a top shape.

Originally, this model is a 119 CDi Tourer which puts out 190 HP (140 kW) and has a nominal stock of 440 Nm (324 lb-ft). Now the new Mercedes-Benz Vito of Hartmann Tuning receives a power bump and produces 224 HP and also develops an impressive maximum torque of 505 Nm. This is due to an additional control device with easy plug-and-play-functionality.

The truly remarkable, sporty and luxurious style is revalued on the inside too. The driver’s cabin is improved with chic piano lacquer surfaces, custom floor mats and aluminum door sills with the logo of Hartmann Tuning.

The improvements do not stop here though. A huge part in the highlights of the Mercedes-Benz Vito plays VANSPORTS styling line. In order to match the additional charms of the van, there is a robust ABC manufactured VANSPORTS-VP-Spirit-Aerodynamik body kit. It is comprised of new front and rear spoilers, side skirts, widened wheel houses filled with racy “Navik 1”-wheels and 8.5 x 20 and 245 / 40 tires. The sporty style and dynamic design is indeed excellently accentuated. Last but not least, the VANSPORTS suspension lowers the Vito down and brings it closer to the road by 30 mm.

With the new customizations the van is tuned to another level. The refreshed face, enhanced interior and boosted power form a vehicle that will definitely make a lasting statement.

Source: Hartmann Tuning

November 5, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Makes Plans for the Future with Vision G-Code Concept [VIDEO]

Mercedes-Benz Vision G-Code Concept is a vehicle study from Asia an intended for Asia. The car was revealed at the opening of the new Product Engineering Centre in Beijing. The Sports Utility Coupé (SUC) is so strange and versatile that it probably aims to show the evolutionary design possibilities for Mercedes‑Benz. The car is fitted with dynamically flowing greenhouse and has sporty proportions, extensive assistance and camera systems as well as the variable plug-in hybrid drive system.

The G-Code, which is a 2+2 seater, features wide range of technical innovations. It measures about 4.10 metres in length and has counter-opening doors. Its muscular appearance is strengthened by the 21-inch aluminium wheels with delicate carbon-fibre spokes.

And if you think that this SUC features a conventional louvred grille, then you are wrong. The central trademark star and the two chrome louvres in the radiator are surrounded by a continuous display. The engine is cooled via air deflection though the apertures in the side and at the bottom of the front.

The innovative grille is complemented by two full-LEDs. If they are switched on, they extend from the depth of the headlamp and focus the light in line with the driving and traffic situation. Furthermore, two cameras replace the classic rear-view mirrors and retract flush into the A-pillars after the G-Code is parked. An LED light strip across the entire rear is used by the turn indicators, tail lights, and brake lights.

Inside there is space for four. When the counter-opening doors open, the G-Code offers unrestricted access for everyone. The steering wheel rests in the instrument panel, unfolds like a butterfly. The wide multi-information-screen display spans almost the entire width of the instrument panel offering an ease of access of the multimedia functions.

Driver assistance systems haven’t been spared here: 360-degree monitoring of the surroundings via 3D cameras, radar, infra-red scanner and GPS data, are all here. The interior of the G-Code is decided in striking contrast between dark and light areas.

The black components such as the dirt-resistant floor covering or the carbon-fibre seat structure are supposed to visualise stability, durability or utility. On the other hand, the white interior components (soft leather upholstery on seats and armrests) exude comfort and wellness.

More importantly, the power of this Mercedes comes two individually controlled units. The first one is positioned at the front and it is a turbocharged combustion engine, which runs on hydrogen and solely drives the front wheels. The second is the electric motor which drives the rear axle and transmits its power selectively to the two wheels via a dual multi-disc clutch.

In addition to the classic energy intake, here power is supplied via the high-tech “multi-voltaic silver” paint finish. It acts like a giant solar cell and is also electrostatically charged by the relative wind or by the natural wind. But this is not all: the special “power on the move” suspension aids in the generation of electricity.

httpv://youtu.be/6BrFD8KQ750

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 5, 2014

2015 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Racer Revealed at SEMA

The famous COPO Camaro model has shown its 2015 form at this year’s SEMA Show. In fact, this is the fourth edition of the limited-production race car, of which only 69 will be built. The vehicle will participate in the 2015 racing season where it will amaze the viewers with its Abalone White exterior with gray and orange accents as well as the new COPO graphics. What makes the mode even more attractive is that each of the 69 units has been built by hand. The car will be powered by a 350 “LSX” V-8 engine with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger.

Furthermore, as a true racer, the COPO is fitted with NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment features. Racing chassis and suspension components are a necessity as well as the unique solid rear axle system which has replaced Camaro’s independent rear axle.

COPO crate engines and parts have been specifically made by Chevrolet Performance for this production race car. Many of the specialty parts allow racers to construct their own race cars using the proven components of the genuine COPO Camaros.

In the engine range there are three six different powerplants, which are perfect for the 2015MY version of the racer: the naturally aspirated COPO 427 and COPO 396, the supercharged COPO 350 (2.9L SC), the naturally aspired COPO 350 and the supercharged COPO 327 (4.0L SC) and COPO 327 (2.9L SC).

Soruce: Chevrolet

November 5, 2014

Ford issues five safety recalls

Sometimes it just happens like this – you buy a new car, you enjoy it for a few months and then a big recall is announced and you have to bring it back to your dealer for repairs. Given you do not own a Ford you are safe for now but if you have a recently manufactured Ford vehicle you may be in some hot water.

The thing is that Ford has issued five recalls and this is the bad news. The good news is that vehicles sold in North America are the only ones that are affected and here we will list the vehicles that have a problem.

There’s a safety recall for about 27,600 2014 Ford Transit Connect vehicles for potentially incorrect fuel and vapor line routing. If the lines happen to be incorrectly routed, they may rub together and may cause a leak in the fuel line over time. Given there’s a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source there might be a fire. Affected vehicles include certain 2014 Transit Connect vehicles with a 2.5-liter engine built at Valencia Assembly, Aug. 1, 2013 to July 10, 2014. Ford is aware of 25,238 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, and approximately 2,359 in Canada. Fortunately no incidents have been reported as of now. The problem will be fixed at no cost to the owner by the nearest Ford dealer.

Approximately ninety 2015 Ford Transit vehicles are also recalled due to an issue with the bracket that holds the fuel filter to the frame. It may become detached over time, resulting in a knocking sound or an engine stall due to fuel starvation. An unexpected engine stall while driving, with the inability to restart the engine, may lead to an increased risk of a crash.Affected vehicles include certain 2015 Transit vehicles with a 3.2-liter diesel engine built at Kansas City Assembly, July 28, 2014 to Aug. 7, 2014. Ford is aware of 89 vehicles in the United States and three in Canada. No incidents have been reported so far. The problem will be fixed by a Ford dealer at no cost.

About 38,600 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car are also recalled because they may have been improperly repaired during a previous safety recall for an issue with the lower intermediate steering shaft. The improper repair may cause a loss of steering. The vehicles being recalled include certain 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, March 23, 2004 to Aug. 30, 2011; certain 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, March 23, 2004 to Aug. 30, 2011; certain 2005-2007 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at Wixom Assembly, March 8, 2004 to June 5, 2007 and certain 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, Aug. 28, 2007 to Aug. 30, 2011. No incidents have been reported so far and Ford dealers will fix your car for free.

Approximately 950 2014 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America are recalled due to a brake pedal position switch issue. The brake pedal position switch may be incorrectly adjusted, which may result in a delay or a non-illumination of the brake lights when the brake is depressed. Drivers may need to use additional brake pressure to disengage the cruise control system, so Ford is advising customers not to use cruise control until the vehicle has been repaired. The cruise control system off switch on the steering wheel will continue to disengage the system. No incidents have been reported and the problem will be fixed by Ford dealers at no cost to the vehicle owner.

The last recall affects about 135,000 2014 Ford Flex and F-150 vehicles and is announced because of a passenger seat occupant classification sensing issue that may result in deployment of the passenger airbag in certain frontal crashes, if an adult is in the passenger seat. This may increase the risk of injury in certain frontal crashes.Affected vehicles include certain 2014 Flex vehicles built at Oakville Assembly, March 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014; certain 2014 F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck, March 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014; certain 2014 F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly, March 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014 and certain 2009-2014 F-150 vehicles serviced with a suspect seat track assembly repaired Feb. 17, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2014. No accidents have been reported and the problem will be fixed for free at your local Ford dealer.

Source: Ford

November 4, 2014

Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Volkswagen Beetle with SEMA Premiere

Volkswagen Beetle is conquering SEMA in a special form which is a result of the collaboration between Volkswagen rallycross driver Tanner Foust and famed Porsche tuners RAUH-Welt Begriff. As a basis they have used the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle R. The car has been subjected to customization and now is about eight inches of wider thanks to the distinctive RAUH-Welt Begriff wide body kit.

As a matter of fact both companies have been in talks over the past decade to do a project together. The result now is at hand, although this Beetle may seem like an unusual choice for a shop known worldwide for its work with Porsche 911s. However, the historic connections between the two cars made it a good fit … of course – through some innovation.

Starting with the wheels, this VW sits on custom Motegi Racing Traklite wheels. They come in the format of 18×10 inches at the front and 18×12 inches at the rear. They have been built specially with a one-off stepped lip.

The Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Beetle also includes brand’s R-Line accessories. This means that it gets upgraded shift knob and pedal set. What is more, additional accessories are in development.

There are no words on engine modification, but there sure are going to be some. At the top of the engine range of the production R-Line sits the 2.0 TSI, which produces 200 horsepower (147 kW) and we definitely expect to see this poweplant getting supercharged.

Source: Tanner Fous

November 4, 2014

New ADAC Formula 4 Racing Cars Fitted Out with Abarth Engines

Following a continuous series of tests, Abarth was chosen as a German Fomrula 4 Championship partner for the next season. The prestigious carmaker was welcomed by the German automobile club and association ADAC with extreme enthusiasm. Demonstrating high-class support during the Italian Formula 4 Championship where Abarth contributed by supplying its engine to the Federation, now it is expected to deliver the same quality of products and satisfaction.

The Abarth 1.4 T-Jet 160 HP will be fitted on the single-seater built by the Italian company Tatuus. This car demonstrates the required high level of safety which is initially demanded by FIA. The first ADAC Formula 4 event of the 2015 season is appointed for Friday 17 to Sunday 19 in April, at the Oschersleben circuit. It will be the first of eight appointments on the calendar, two of which will take place on circuits outside of Germany.

For the upcoming Championship, Abarth will supply the engines to Formula 4 which serves as training foundation for the higher categories while taking into account the very young age of participants. Therefore, Abarth will be given an opportunity to stimulate the young population of athletes as well. In the future they will be able to turn into prosperous drivers who, later on, will be racing in Formula 1 and will be as good as today’s champions such as the four-time world winner Sebastian Vettel, Nico Hulkenberg, Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher, and, in the DTM, such as Martin Tomczyk, Pascal Wehrlein and Timo Glock, all coming from the ADAC promotional championships.

Source: Abarth

November 4, 2014

Galpin Auto Sports has Prepared Monstrous Custom Acura TLX for SEMA

Two exclusive sketches of the Galpin Auto Sports Acura TLX were just released, showing one of the SEMA entries of the Japanese company. The TLX model will be displayed in three distinctive variants. The aim is to express the customization potential of the car and its performance character. The tuning company chosen for this task is Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) that makes a debut at the TLX. GAS TLX will be joined by the twin-turbo TLX GT Race Car, jointly developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) and RealTime Racing, as well as a 2015 Acura TLX with the Genuine Acura Accessory package.

As you can see on the pics below, the sedan includes custom exterior styling and chassis modifications. Galpin TLX has a new signature Acura brand color, called Andaro Blue. Main modifications here are the custom aero body kit with new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and deck-lid spoiler, the custom exhaust outlets as well as the RSR Sport SI Series suspension kit with fully adjustable coilovers featuring 36-way damping adjustment.

The exclusiveness of the car is further strengthened by the special ADV5.0 M.V2 SL custom wheels in the size of 19×9 +38 at the front and 19×9+35 at the rear. The alloys are coupled with Pirelli 245/40/19 P Zero Tires and come equipped with Wilwood Superlite 6 Piston Caliper with 14″ Vented Rotor Front and Rear Brakes

Acura TLX GT Racecar is brand’s second entry. It was developed from the production by Honda Performance Development (HPD) and RealTime Racing. This means that it features HPD chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge GT-class competition. The power of this Beauty comes from its direct-injected twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which was also developed by HPD from the normally aspirated production engine.

At last, the TLX with Acura Genuine Accessory package is equipped with factory accessories developed specifically for this model. We are speaking about the Aero Kit that comprises of front, rear and side underbody spoilers, decklid Spoiler, chrome door trim, new floor mats and illuminated side sills. Not to mention the 19-in Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels fitted with Michelin tyres in the dimension of 245/40R19.

Source: Acura

November 4, 2014

Category: Car Makes