Car Makes – Page 463 – Automobiles Review

Eight-speed transmission to debut in select Chevrolet and GMC vehicles

The US car brands of Chevrolet and GMC, fully owned by General Motors, have confirmed that certain Chevy and GMC models will receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission starting in 2015. The new models that will boast this gearbox will be the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models that come with 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engines.

The new transmission is called Hydra-Matic 8L90 and has been developed by GM. It comes with about the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic gearbox. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.

The 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine is also impressive – it offers 309 kW (420 HP) of power and 460 lb.-ft. (624 Nm) of torque as well as a maximum available trailer rating of 12 000 pounds (5448 kilograms), based on the SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. Just like many other EcoTec3 engines, it can also work with four cylinders only under lighter loads to improve fuel efficiency.

More information on the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine will become available when the unit enters production, which will be in Q4 2014.

Source: GM

July 21, 2014

2015 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer officially launched

People looking for a vehicle that combines both mobility and style can now take a look at the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, freshly launched by the respected German auto maker. The new vehicle series offers users space, comfort, style, power and elegance and will surely be appreciated by customers who do not need a large car for every day needs yet they insist on having the BMW sign on their cars.

We will not waste time so we’ll take you straight to the engines department as there is some interesting news – the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is the first front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout vehicle sold under the BMW brand. Designed to compete directly with Mercedes-Benz B-Class vehicles, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes with new turbocharged engines with three or four cylinders, BMW EfficientDynamics features and BMW ConnectedDrive technology. The total number of engines is three but they all come with transverse installation and BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology while at the same time they fully meet the latest EU6 emissions standard. There are two gasoline models installed in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and in the BMW 225i Active Tourer, and one diesel unit installed in the BMW 218d Active Tourer. The first gasoline engine comes with displacement of 1.5 liters and three cylinders that need 4.9-5.2 l/100 km (57.6-54.3 mpg UK) of fuel to deliver 100 kW (136 HP) of power under a six-speed gearbox. The BMW 225i comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 170 kW (231 HP) of power with 5.8-6.0 l/100 km (48.7-47.1 mpg UK) of fuel consumption; this model comes with a standard eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 218d Active Tourer needs just 4.1-4.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (68.9-65.7 mpg UK) to deliver 110 kW (150 HP) of power to the wheels. This car has a standard six-speed transmission with an eight-speed gearbox available as an option.

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has another feature worth noting – the cars in this series feature compact dimensions of 4342 x 1800 x 1555 mm (171 x 71 x 61 inches) but despite this they come with impressive internal levels of space. The driver and the front passenger enjoy a far higher seating position than in a sedan, which affords a commanding all-round view at the same time as making it easier to get in and out. The wealth of storage facilities and the option of a fold-flat passenger seat backrest are just two examples of the interior’s impressive flexibility and cleverly devised layout. The cabin has a light and spacious feel to it, with all surfaces horizontally structured in a layered look. There is also the option of a large panoramic roof that lets light flood into the interior. Add a luggage compartment that can be enlarged from 468 to 1510 liters and you do have a really spacious vehicle.

People buying these cars will be treated with ultimate BMW quality on the inside that includes Radio Professional, including a hands-free telephone facility with a Bluetooth interface, the BMW iDrive control system with a controller on the centre console and a 6.5-inch Control Display, a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, a sports leather steering wheel, the Intelligent Emergency Call system and the Collision Warning with City Braking function and more.

Later this year the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will also be available in the M Sport specification. This version will come with special M Sport suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch M light-alloy wheels, an M-leather steering wheel and sports seats. The M version will be available in Germany on September 27, 2014 starting from EUR 27 200.

As to the other models there is no pricing information at the moment but given all the tech specs and the luxury that one will find inside, the new cars are not likely to be that cheap. Still you get what you pay for and this is also true for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

O.CT Tuning Gives More Horsepower To Dodge Challenger SRT8-700

O.CT Tuning Dodge Challenger SRT8-700 not only looks amazing but also has much power to be proud of. The tuners that are responsible for this conversion are settled in Austria and Switzerland, rather in the U.S. Namely, the company O.CT Oberscheider Tuning GmbH can show-off with enhancements of the many exclusive models of the brands Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.

To go further into details, O.CT Tuning has modified the output of the 6.4 liters engine of this Dodge Challenger SRT8. The tuning of the model includes an installation of compressor kit and a charge air cooler system. However, what has been done at first here is the individual software optimization. The result is a staggering increase of 88 horsepower.

Precisely, the software update has boosted the serial 476 horsepower (350 kW) of the Challenger SRT to the staggering 564 horsepower (415 kW). The original maximum torque of 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) has been uprated to the impressing 735 Nm (543 lb-ft).

OCT also offers over 600 horsepower boost of the engine for racing purposes. It is not an accident that this project carries the name “OCTSRT8-700”. Engine’s size on special customer’s Challengers has been enlarged up to 7.0 liters and, consequently has been equipped with a compressor. The end result is maximum output of 720 horsepower (530 kW) and 875 Nm (644 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Source: O.CT Tuning

July 21, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang GT Gets Performance Pack

2015 Ford Mustang GT will get a performance pack next to the inherent fully independent front and rear suspension systems. The sixth-generation model has lighter body in comparison to the previous version. This was achieved via wide use of advanced technologies and materials such as hydroforming, laser welding and high-strength steels. For instance, lightweight aluminum was utilized for the hood and front fenders. This not only minimizes body mass but also enhances weight balance. The structure of the 2015 Mustang includes other components also made of aluminum that include rear suspension knuckles, rear axle housing on automatic transmission cars, rear control arms and rear brake calipers.

Every 2015 model of this muscle car includes new integral-link independent rear suspension. It has an architecture that is based on a lower control arm, integral link, upper camber link and a toe link. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings have all been specifically modified and tuned to deliver enhances mechanical grip for high-performance results. Furthermore, the new double-ball-joint front MacPherson strut system allows for larger, more powerful brakes without resorting to excessive wheel offsets that would hurt steering feel.

Three brake packages are available for the new Mustang. The first one is the Mustang V6 for the Mustang EcoBoost which adds two-piston, 43-millimeter floating calipers, 320- millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 320-millimeter rotors. The second one is the Mustang EcoBoost performance pack for the Mustang GT, which includes four-piston, 46-millimeter fixed calipers, 352-millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 330-millimeter rotors. And the last one is the Mustang GT performance pack. It adds six-piston, 36-millimeter Brembo calipers, 380-millimeter rotors, front; single-piston, 45-millimeter calipers, 330-millimeter rotors.

Ford is also offering the option of performance pack that can be added to the Mustang EcoBoost fastback and convertible or Mustang GT fastback. Both performance packs get retuned springs, bushings and monotube rear dampers, additional cooling capability for track-day durability, thicker rear sway bar, K-brace connecting strut towers, tuned ABS, electronic stability control and electric power-assisted steering and center gauge pack.

Specifically, the EcoBoost performance package features four-piston front brakes with 46-millimeter fixed aluminum calipers with 352-millimeter rotors. Single-piston rear brakes with 45-millimeter floating iron calipers with 330-millimeter rotors, 9×9-inch alloy wheels painted Ebony Black and fitted with Pirelli 255/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires.

Next, the 2015 Mustang GT performance package benefits from six-piston Brembo front brakes with 36-millimeter fixed aluminum calipers with 380-millimeter rotors, single-piston rear brakes with 45-millimeter floating iron calipers with 330-millimeter rotors. This enhanced Mustang rides on 19×9-inch Ebony Black painted alloy wheels with Pirelli 255/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires at the front, and 19×9.5-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli 275/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires at the rear. There is also a strut tower brace, 3.73:1 final drive ratio with Torsen differential as well as front splitter to channel cooling air to the front brakes.

Source: Ford

July 21, 2014

Dongfeng Nissan Introduces Venucia R30

Venucia is an entirely new brand which enters its fourth production model called R30 at the Chinese market. Venucia is a product of the Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV). The R30’s development was based on Nissan’s global platform and will be specifically built for the Chinese market. R30 aims to attract buyers in terms of affordability and quality.

Its cockpit is generous: it has a wheelbase of 2450 mm and exterior dimensions of 3775 x 1665 x 1530 mm. The car is powered by the 1.2-liter HR12DE engine. It is powerful but at the same time has similar fuel consumption to most of its peers, which have 1.0-liter engines. Furthermore, the R30 is agile enough delivering a minimum turning radius of 4.5 m. In addition, it features a stable suspension and chassis.

Venucia R30 is based on the Micra model. It has been given brand new luxury dashboard, new steering wheel, console with instruments and different centre consol. Nevertheless, the circular AC vents and the basic layout are the same as Nissan’s model.

Furthermore, the car gets seats with integrated headrests, dual front airbags and a music system. The exterior silhouette of the R30 is similar to this of Mirca. However, there are some substantial changes done to the front and rear fascias.

The brand name Venucia is very special and its name is derived from the ancient Roman goddess “Venus”. Her functions encompassed love, beauty, fertility and prosperity. The five stars of the brand logo represent company’s five promises. They are the following: respect to customers, creation of value, always doing the best, achieving world-class quality and constantly seeking the dream.

Source: Nissan

July 21, 2014

BMW X5 F15 M50d vs Range Rover Sport – Drag [video]

Here is an interesting test made from Cars.co.za between BMW X5 F15 M50d and the latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Although, there is a huge power gap between the two vehicles, it is quite fascinating to see them in a drag race.

2014 BMW X5 F15 M50d is powered by the world’s most powerful diesel – 3.0 liter three-turbocharged with 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power through xDrive AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). What is more, the big SAV is able to achieve 42.2 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine – 510HP (375 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is 13.8 liters / 100 km.

So, both vehicles accelerate to 100 km/h in the same time, but after that the Range Rover Sport is a lot faster, because of its 129HP advantage.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSMxYS6h2tw

Source: Cars.co.za via Youtube

July 21, 2014

Chris Pratt To Drive Chevrolet SS Pace Car At Brickyard

The official Chevrolet SS Pace Car at the Brickyard has been unveiled next to the news that it will be driven by the actor Chris Pratt. His latest film – “Guardians of the Galaxy” will soon have its premiere. The actor disclosed that it is a “dream-come-true” for him to drive the official pace car at the race. The John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard will take place on Sunday, 27th of July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The SS is Chevrolet’s first V-8 rear-wheel-drive performance sedan built since 1996. It is driven by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (305 kW) and 562 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles positioned on the steering wheel.

The Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 is part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Chevrolet has a long history of pacing races specifically at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has delivered pace cars for every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race since 1994.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing. Furthermore, Chevrolet has entered the SS as its race car in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition from the last year. Back then, behind the steering wheel sat Jimmie Johnson. Chevrolet has also won 11 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Brickyard. In addition, it has also won 15 of 20 races in the overall history of the Brickyard 400.

The company will also pace every race during the Kroger Super Weekend (July 25-27) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next to the SS, other pace car Chevrolets will be: Camaro ZL1 in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Corvette convertible in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and Camaro 1LE in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Source: Chevrolet

July 21, 2014

BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition – Price €83,000

BMW has unveiled a new special 2-Series M235i Track Edition in the Netherlands. The small coupe combines superior driving dynamics with a strong appearance and high quality. It boasts a number of upgrades improving the road behavior as well as the comfort of the driver.

The exterior boasts a complete ///M-Performance body kit including a new front splitter, a pair of revised side skirts and a new rear diffuser housing a stainless steel sports exhaust system. Other highlights include a black front grille, a trunk-mounted lip spoiler and a set of 19” lightweight alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires.

The interior also comes with a number of ugprades – a set of aluminum pedals, a carbon fiber handbrake with Alcantara upholstery and an Alcantara-wrapped sport steering wheel with a race display providing information like lap times, temperature, shifting moment, etc.

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically-limited.

BMW will limit the production to just 12 units with pricing starting from whopping €83,000.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

Skoda Launches Eight New Black Editions

Skoda is introducing to the market eight new models all together. And we are not speaking about entirely new, never seen before, vehicles, but about the current Black Editions. These are striking and well equipped limited edition models, which are available on every one model in Skoda’s line-up: everything from Citigo to Superb. The Black Editions are based on the abundantly-specified SE trim, and they can have either black or white exterior paint scheme. The models Citigo, Roomster and Rapid will be offered only in black exterior paint.

These Black Edition vehicles additionally improve the cutting-edge contemporary style of the entire range of Skoda’s passenger cars. The enhancements included in the cars varies by model, but examples of the equipment feature black alloy wheels, additional black exterior styling details, sunset privacy glass, ‘Amundsen’ satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, full leather upholstery, cruise control, floor mats and metallic and pearl effect paint.

The most popular Skoda Octavia also gets a Black Edition. It will be available in both Hatch and Estate body styles. Furthermore, the company will offer it with a choice of two engines. The first one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR which is coupled with a manual/DSG transmission, and produces 140 horsepower (103 kW). The second one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR mated to the same transmission, but producing 170 horsepower (125 kW).

The range of Black Editions features the following models: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Superb and Yeti.

Source: Skoda

July 21, 2014

2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan vs E30 M3 DTM – Hockenheim [video]

Sport Autohas published a nice video with an epic battle between the latest 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan and the classic E30 M3 DTM. There is a huge 22-year gap between the production dates of the two models, but the old racing car is faster than F80 M3. 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan closed a lap around Hockenheim in 1 minute and 13.1 seconds, while the E30 M3 DTM needed just 1 minute and 9 seconds.

2014 BMW M3 Sedan is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

BMW E30 M3 DTM was driven by the former race pilot Johnny Cecotto, while the M3 F80 was driven by Sport Auto’s journalist – Christian Gebhardt. Alberto “Johnny” Cecotto is one of the few drivers who managed to compete in motorcycling, Formula 1, DTM, Formula Two, BTCC and Le Mans. The multi-talented pilot is currently supporting the racing career of his son – Johny Cecotto Jr.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pApuVB_UHg

Source: Sportauto

July 21, 2014

2015 Sonata officially rated as very safe

Korean automobiles are usually regarded as cheap alternatives to German and Japanese cars but quite often they win prestigious awards here and there. This is now the case of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, which has been officially rated as one of the safest cars on the road today. This recognition comes from none other but the US Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), which has named the 2015 Sonata “2014 Top Safety Pick+”.

Just a quick look at the car will convince you that this is indeed the case. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata comes with a host of active safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning and rear parking sensors. All these technologies bring a new level of safety and refinement to the midsize sedan category.

“The TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation recognizes state-of-the-art safety,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is not only engineered to protect people when crashes happen, but with its optional forward collision warning system rated basic in our tests, this car can help drivers avoid some of the most common kinds of collisions altogether.”

“Occupant safety is at the forefront of Hyundai design and engineering,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition reinforces our dedication to occupant safety, and integrating our accident prevention technologies makes the 2015 Sonata one of the safest midsize sedans on the market today.”

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata also offers a number of additional technologies that include Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure indicators and Electronic Stability Control. The car, however, comes with no new engines. In the USA customers can choose between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 185 HP (136 kW) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 274 HP (201 kW) of power. The car also has a six-speed automatic transmission for both models and more versions of it are expected soon.

In the USA you can have the 2015 Hyundai Sonata for as little as USD 17 870.

Source: Hyundai

July 18, 2014

2014 Smart ForTwo vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Crash Test

Here is a very interesting video featuring the new 2014 Smart ForTwo and the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class. They are involved in a head-collision crash test proving that the small car, which is half of the weight of the big saloon is just as safe as the S-Class.

2014 Smart ForTwo is even more safe than the legal requirements. In some points in terms of safety, the small city car exceeds the Euro NCAP regulations. This was demonstrated by a recent in-house offset crash against a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The impact speed is 50 km/h with 50 % overlap and the Smart offers its two passengers an intact occupant space and excellent chances of survival.

After all, the new Smart ForTwo has undergone the same development programme as, for example, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Daimler’s 75 years of safety expertise and smart’s 21 years of expertise in building small cars have gone into the safety concept of the new smart generation.

You can see, how the main frame of the 2014 Smart ForTwo is virtually intact and the doors can be opened without additional devices used in heavily crashed vehicles.

Of course, the new Smart doesn’t have so much crumple zones as the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan, but still offers impressive passenger protection.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v708z67ALww

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 18, 2014

Category: Car Makes