Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • 2015 Mustang GT Receives a New Supercharger Kit

    The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT will get a new supercharger kit thanks to the collaborative work between Ford Racing and Roush Performance channels. Initially, 2015 Mustang comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost which produces around 310 hp (231 kW) at 5500 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. With the upgrade kit now, which comes complete with all hardware and exclusive calibration, the car will boost more than 600 hp. As it seems, for Ford and Roush performance is important but performance with a distinctive style is even more significant.

    In relation to this slight improvement on the Mustang GT, Ford Racing Performance Parts manager Doug White said that; “Ford Racing and Roush are known for our winning collaborations in professional and sportsman racing. By combining our mutual expertise and high-quality engineering, we are delivering an outstanding supercharger kit for 2015 Mustang GT owners.” He then continued and added that; “Our software and calibration was developed using Ford Racing calibrators and test facilities. The result is a kit that delivers peak performance and exceptional drivability.”

    The supercharger kit will be distributed and available through all Ford dealers, independent Ford Racing distributors and Roush Performance dealers. Ford Racing/Roush Performance parts limited warranty will cover the supercharger kit when it is installed by an authorized dealer. Moreover, technical support will be provided by both Roush Performance and Ford Racing technical hotlines. Sellers will be able to give further information to buyers on request.

    Ford Racing/Roush Performance supercharger kit will be available in the fourth quarter of 2014.

    Source: Ford

  • SEMA Chevy Natique Concept Pairs Custom Colorado With Super Air Nautique

    It is the same car, it is the same company, it is the same show. This time the SEMA-bound Colorado Concept is called Natique and it is a joint product of Chevrolet and Super Air Nautique 210 that is one of the industry’s best wakeboard boats. In contrast to the previously presented Colorado, the exterior of this is decided in two-color paint scheme – a custom orange metallic flake and black paint. Complementing the darker side of the truck are the 18-inch Chevrolet accessory wheels.

    As you can see, the model was entirely redesigned via styling and performance features. First, it is powered by the 3.6L V-6 rated at 305 horsepower (224 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb.-ft.) Along with this range of power, this modified pickup offers a comfortable interior. It features innovative technology such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

    Chevrolet has included in this concept traditional truck features such as four-wheel drive and a highly flexible bed with Chevy’s GearOn™ cargo management system. Some of the exclusive additional features in this concept include four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors, G80 automatic locking rear differential, Standard CornerStep rear bumper and EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

    Furthermore, the standard two-tier loading allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, thus making it easier to haul, store and conceal items There are thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for utilization. The aforementioned Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning come as part of the safety package includes. Both systems use camera-based technology to warn driver of potential accidents.

    Source: Chevrolet 

  • Ferrari F80 Concept Car: Winner or Sinner?

    Take a look at this beast but try not to let your jaw drop just yet. It is edgy. It is jazzed. And it looks freaking good! The acute style embodied in this red carnivore glides on and pinches the human senses. The only drawback, though, is that, well… the car is not real. What you see is Ferrari F80 which is the brainchild of the Italian designer Adriano Raeli.

    Each line of this monstrously sick car is marked out in a manner that shapes a bold and powerful bodylook which certainly makes a strong point. The nose of the car is sharp and the rear long and aggressive. With those predator-like headlights, the concept car appears to be staring right at you. Challenging. Provoking. Tempting. On the outside, every part is outlined with extreme precision that forms compact and streamlined symbiosis with the rest of the body of the car. This smooth and gleaming fantasy design seems like something that Picasso would have dreamt about in his most daring dream. It is a mere killer! It is a car for supervillains.

    In fact, it is not just pretty. It is pictured as hyper powerful as well. Under the hood, the designer expects Ferrari to equip the car with a twin-turbo hybrid V8 using Ferrari’s KERS technology. Hypothetically, Ferrari F80 is expected to produce the striking 1200 hp (895kW). What Adriano Raeli has also pointed out is that the car will purportedly weigh only 1763-pounds which will enable the hypercar to sprint to 62 mph in just 2.2-seconds, with a top speed of 310mph.

    Source: Adriano Raeli

  • Chivas Brothers Company Teams up with Vauxhall Again

    Scotch Whisky and premium gin company, Chivas Brothers, has decided once again to turn to Vauxhall in order to increase its fleet, ordering 15 Combo Crew vans. In relation to this, Tristan Campbell, Fleet Advisor at Chivas Brothers comments that; “We chose Vauxhall again having used the previous version of the Combo. We have a long- standing relationship and we knew that this vehicle was perfect for the task and are really impressed by the enhanced levels of comfort the new vehicle offers to both driver and passenger.”

    The 15 Vauxhall Combo Crew vans will be used by Chivas Brothers’ company as site vehicles. Moreover, they will stay on the fleet for the next five years and will be travelling between one warehouse to another to load and unload casks. This will happen at the beginning and at the end of the whiskey maturation process. There will be approximately 2,000 miles covered every year.

    The vans are powered by 1.3 CDTi 16v engine which delivers 90hp (67 kW) and 57.6mpg on the combined cycle. The vehicles are supplied with ecoFLEX and Start/Stop technology that helps them lower the overall average emissions of Chivas’ fleet, thus, emitting just 129g/km CO2. Thanks to the excellent payload of 730kg, the Combo Crew van in L2H1 specification receives an advantage from 60/40 split rear seats, which is able to fold individually or as a pair. As a result, this gives the warehousing teams an opportunity to increase the load length from 1341mm to 1750mm.

    Source: Vauxhall 

  • Ricky Carmichael Shows His Chevy Colorado Performance Concept at SEMA

    2014-Chevrolet-Colorado-Performance-Concept-THUMBSince SEMA show started today the automotive world is furiously witnessing the birth of special one-off vehicles. An example for this is the 2014 Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept which was developed by the American auto-builder and the motocross legend Ricky Carmichael. The midsized pickup truck is all about supporting this lifestyle. The vehicle features a cargo bed that is large enough to haul a motocross bike and a mountain bike. In addition, this Colorado has the power to confidently take them anywhere.

    Precisely, crew cab’s 6’ 2” cargo bed allows hauling of items up to eight feet long (when the tailgate down). To secure the bikes, the concept has a tailgate extender. In addition, company’s GearOn™ system has been also included in order to hold larger items such as bikes, boards and kayaks above the bed. In this way it leaves enough room for smaller gear.

    Carmichael’s Colorado boasts unique exterior and interior and racer’s competitive spirit. The body is painted in the famous nowadays matte gray (my not-so-favourite, so I consider it as a disadvantage), which was highlighted with high-gloss silver and yellow accents, and a graphic of Carmichael’s signature.

    The 17-inch Z71 aluminum wheels, wrapped in Goodyear Duratec off-road tires, feature the same yellow accents. They are also to be seen inside, where racer’s racing number 4 is embroidered into the front seat headrests.

    Furthermore, this concept version, just like the production, stays connected via Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also a standard rearview camera system. When it comes to the power the Colorado is driven by the 3.6L V-6 engine. The unit produces 305 horsepower (224 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft), and is equipped with a 2WD and a concept performance exhaust system.

    At last, the Colorado is famous for its trailering capacity, which is rated at 7,000-pound at its maximum, when equipped with heavy-duty trailering package. The maximum payload capacity is of 1,590 pounds.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Citroen Receives Two Greenfleet Awards

    This year Citroen has been prized with two key GreenFleet awards, which acknowledge the manufacturer’s outstanding quality of LCV products as well as its growing number of efficient, low emission city vehicles. The official ceremony took place in Birmingham and presented Citroen with two very significant awards: GreenFleet City Car Manufacturer of the Year Award and GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year Award. Additionally, the carmaker was also praised in the GreenFleet Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year category.

    This double triumph is a repercussion of Citroen’s prolonged development of design innovations and remarkable engineering improvements. What is more, with its expanding range of ultra-low emission city cars, the company is placed among the most adequate and the best efficiently operating automobile manufacturers worldwide.

    Currently Citroen offers a great number of cars (51 in total) with ultra-low, 0-100g/km CO2 emissions. These models vary between city cars, coupes, lower medium hatchbacks, upper medium saloons/estates, small people carriers, cabrios, full size 5/7seat people carriers, premium upper medium hatchbacks and super-minis. Part of the ultra-low emissions range is the New C1 with its 19 model variants all of which are under 100g/km CO2 emissions. The recently-launched C4 Cactus is another ultra-low-emission vehicle. Its engine options are comprised of three cylinder PureTech petrol engines, as well as new Euro 6 Blue HDi diesel engines, for emissions as low as 82g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy of up to 91.1mpg.

    Finally, the van line-up boasts economy improvements and class-leading payload capacity. The fuel economy figures of the newly released Relay range, for instance, have been refined by up to 15% – with combined cycle fuel economy around 37.7-42.8mpg, which is quite exceptional. New Relay CO2 emissions are estimated at less than 200g/km for the average 3.5 tonne model.

    Source: Citroen

  • Rocky Ridge and Callaway Create a Special Edition Silverado

    2015-Callaway-Chevrolet-Silverado-Rocky-RidgeTHUMBSEMA Show isn’t the only automotive exhibit happening in the United States. Texas Motor Speedway is one of the events where people can be introduced to new tuning models such as Callaway’s latest project. For it they have collaborated with Rocky Ridge Trucks of Franklin Springs, Georgia. The end result is called 2015 Callaway Chevrolet Silverado Rocky Ridge Special Edition. 

    The 540 horsepower supertruck was revealed by two special persons: Chase Elliott (NASCAR Nationwide Series points leader) and his father Bill Elliott (Sprint Cup champion). To achieve this amount of power both tuning companies have used a supercharger system.

    In fact, it is with a third generation design, meaning that it is completely new. It was introduced earlier this year in the Callaway Corvette. The new supercharger housing and integrated intake manifold delivers better airflow and increased charge air cooling capability. In addition, the intake manifold runner cross-section and length were tuned for a broad torque band.

    The new triple-element intercooler configuration is provided by Callaway. It lowers inlet charge air temperatures. Due to system’s increased efficiency, the trucks can produce more consistent power.

    The tuners also provided Silverado’s new exhaust system, which uses a very low restriction muffler assembly with an abbreviated tail pipe, exiting at the side of the bed, in front of the rear tire. It has a full stainless steel construction and includes Double-D tip.

    Source: Callaway

  • Mini F56 with a New KW Coilover Kit

    This summer Thomas Fürst and Fritz Kreis from Gigamot Racing took the new MINI F56 for a round-the-world tour titled “MINI goes all around” and tested its new KW coilover kit. Covering a distance of 22.000 km and passing the deserts of New Mexico, the mountains of Japan and overcoming severe weather conditions in Siberia, the MINI F56 with the installed kit demonstrated astonishing performance.

    The KW coilover kit was used on the MINI during the trip around the world and enables a continuous lowering of about 20 to 45 mm on the front and on the rear side. The dampers are adjustable and they can be altered depending on the road conditions so that the driving is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

    There are three KW coilover kit variants – V1, V2 and V3, all of which are made of stainless steel. KW coilover kit V1 has a sporty, balanced damping setup which is set beforehand by KW at the factory. KW coilover kit V2 and V3 feature rebound adjustments. In addition, apart from being offered with separately adjustable compression, V3 coilover comes with rebound damping and is able to minimize harsh rides. The adjustable compression can be implemented at the lower end of the stainless steel strut without the need of using any tools. In consequence, the driver is enabled to control the pitch and roll of the body without making any changes to rebound damping.

    As a result, with the new KW coilover kit the MINI F56 displays better performance, bigger comfort and improved driving-experience.

    Source: KW automotive

  • The All-new Mazda2: Technologically Advanced, Interiorly Rich

    The all-new Mazda 2 is designed to bring comfort and absolute driving experience. Now SKYACTIV Technology and the “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme have decided to work together and transform Mazda’s qualities into even more class-beating and sophisticated characteristics.

    KODO is renowned for its outstanding and dynamic refinements which it works on a car. With its defining design philosophy, it brings powerful stance, determine bodylook and strong expressions that strike the heart. The characteristics of Mazda2 are now conveyed with a better attitude and presence which is stronger than ever before. Like other KODO-based Mazdas, this model also features the signature wing Mazda grill and aggressive, carnivore-like headlamps along with highlighted character lines and rear-leaning cabin. There is also a slightly longer wheelbase. The car can be purchased with 15 and 16-inch aluminum or 15-inch steel wheels. This is the first Mazda that has four-lamp LED design that accompanies the dynamic round signature of the low-slung headlamps. The latter contribute to the U-shaped signature of the horizontal combination taillights.

    The SKYACTIV Technology establishes a perfect balance between economy and performance. The engines and transmissions are properly upgraded for this particular size of car. The body and chassis are given the strongest and most cohesive enhancements which provide with the best ride quality and smooth responsiveness. In terms of safety, the all-new Mazda2 is equipped with a progressive high-tech innovations like the MZD Connect in-car connectivity concept and i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems which answer the requests of the modern-day drivers.

    Superminis are known for their economy, affordability, safety, rich equipment and their easy-to-be-driven mode. All of these are presented one level up on Mazda2 thanks to KODO enhancements. The all-new Mazda2 is the fourth Mazda model which has been given a KODO – Soul of Motion design. The cabin is crafted to seem more spacious and brings a feel of being more practical and convenient too. Thanks to KODO refinements, the position of the pedals along with the seats and steering wheel adjustments there is enough space for taller drivers too. Limit is not a word that features KODO’s dictionary. Finally, the upgraded Mazda2 includes an innovative human-machine interface (HMI), Active Driving Display and seven-inch touchscreen, updated Mazda2 navigation system and more.

    The Mazda2 comes with SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter engine which has low compression, great torque and excellent fuel economy. The output is that of 105hp (77 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 220 Nm at 1,400-3,200 rpm. The fuel economy and CO2 emissions are estimated at 3.41/100km and 89g/km.
    SKYACTIVE-G 1.5-liter is available for the smaller packaging of the all-new Mazda2 in three variants. It has highly competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 4.7l/100km and 110g/km (with five-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox).

    It is officially scheduled for launch in Europe in five-door hatchback version in early 2015.

    Source: Mazda

  • Hyundai Previews New Sport Series with HB20 R-Spec Concept

    Hyundai-HB20-R-Spec-Concept-THUMBHyundai HB20 R-Spec Concept is another vehicle that most of us will see only on pictures. But if you are living in Sao Paolo and you are a car enthusiast, then you have already seen this little gem as the auto show which is currently taking place in the Brazilian city. Of course, like all of the other concept an production vehicles that have debuted there, this one is specifically developed for the Latin American market.

    In fact, the HB20 derivative is very popular in the country, an in my opinion it absolutely mimics the Chevy Spark. Well, in Sao Paulo for local consumption, Hyundai produces this HB20 in three versions: hatchback, sedan and crossover. It is the former on which the current HB20 R-Spec is based on.

    The concept car is covered in matte blue and as you can see it features aggressive aero kit. There are additional cooling ducts and LED headlights. This mini runs on 17-inch alloys and knows how to treat its occupants, because of the leather trimmed interior and the striped seats.

    There is no official data on engine or other technical equipment. Even though, this R-Spec looks pretty well and we suppose that it will go in production very soon. This was the story of the HB20 Crossover which debuted in 2012 at the show in Sao Paolo and a year later went official on the market.

    Source: Hyundai

  • Nissan Qashqai Clocked up Two Million Units in Record Time

    The British-built Nissan Qashqai hits more than two million unit-sales in just eight years of production. It is an event which marks a highly significant stage in the fast-progressive development of Nissan.

    The unquestioned style, technology, design and level of performance help Nissan move from one strong point to another. With this manufacturing milestone now, Qashqai sets a remarkable year for the automotive company, thus polishing even more its marvelous reputation. The launch of the new generation model in January and winning What Car? magazine’s coveted Car of the Year, as well as Tow Car’s ‘Car of the Year’, ebay customers’ ‘New Car of the Year’ and the Prize for Quality from prestigious Spanish business magazine Ejecutivos all add up quite some weight and importance to the successful 2014 of the motor company.

    The two million customers and their obvious interest in the brand are clear testimony for their loyalty and trust in Nissan’s productions. The high sales prove that the company continues to evolve, develop and accomplish results which are better than expected. What is more, according to the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP; “Nissan is one of the driving forces behind the UK’s world-renowned automotive industry.”

    The finest small SUV is powered by 1.5-liter diesel dCi engine which is punchy enough and capable of generating 110 hp (81 kW). It has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. Qashqai’s diesel range with 1.6 dCi delivers 130 hp (96kW). Next, the 1.6 dCi, which comes in two-wheel-drive manual form, has CO2 emissions of 115g/km. The petrol 1.2 DIG-T unit delivers 115 hp (85 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. It emits 129g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg. Finally, the 1.6 DIG-T produces 150 hp (110 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. Its fuel consumption is 50.4mpg, while CO2 emissions are 132g/km.

    Source: Nissan

  • They Call it the Clark Kent of Cars: 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

    2015-Dodge-Charger-R_T-Scat-Pack-THUMB2015 Dodge Charger has received R/T Scat Pack just like its sibling the famous Challenger. This means that the car will be driven by the SRT-made 6.4-liter HEMI powertrain. But actually what we get is more than this. The muscle vehicle shows-off some menacing looks. Just take a look at the power-bulge aluminum hood and the NACA duct for better engine cooling. The front fascia of the car looks contemporary due to the addition of an upper grille in black with dynamic grille texture. This new feature spans between the projector headlamps.

    If focus below you will also see a massive lower grille and integrated front splitter. They serve in terms of optimizing engine and cooling module airflow. Car’s athletic stance is emphasized by the flared side sills and wide 20×9 inch wheels coupled with three-season performance tires.

    At the back, there is a Satin Black single piece decked spoiler and exhaust system’s 4-inch round exhaust tips. In terms of performance this Dodge has received some special upgrades such as red Brembo four-piston caliper front brakes, high-performance suspension, 3.09 rear-axle ratio and performance steering wheel.

    But to go back to the main highlight in this car – the naturally aspirated 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm 475 lb.-ft. of torque 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated to a paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission. The four-door muscle beast is potent enough to turn mid 4-second 0-60 mph times and mid-12-second quarter mile times.

    There are also a lot of other special tweaks like the performance seats with “Scat Pack” embroidery and the huge 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The added technologies include ParkView rear backup camera and ParkSense rear park assist. Of course, this special car will be recognized simply by hte Scat Pack grille badge, “HEMI 392” fender badges along with “Charger” and “R/T” heritage badge on the deck lid.

    No additional information on pricing has been released so far or any details on release date. We hope to see this beauty sooner than later. Any thoughts on what Dodge have missed in this incredible project? Would you like to add or substitute anything?

    Source: Dodge