Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Ferrari at 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Ferrari has made an impressive introduction at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Italian manufacturer exhibited a number of iconic sports cars including 250 LM, 250 GT LWB, 275 GTB, 333 SP, 156 Sharknose, 166M Barchetta and 512S Coda Lunga. Also present were the epic 458 Italia Speciale, California T, LaFerrari and F12 Berlinetta.

    Most of these cars tackled the Hillclimb, one of which Pedro de la Rosa was particularly intrigued with: a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB. The owner of the car was honoured to share the history of his historic Endurance Racer with the F1 driver, who clearly appreciates the importance that such iconic cars have had in creating the Ferrari myth that it is today.

    Atty Lennox, Lord March’s daughter drove a 458 Italia Speciale. She was truly impressed by Ferrari’s latest mid-engined supercar.

    “It’s an incredibly powerful car, yet so beautiful and smooth: it totally blew my mind.”, she said.

    “It has a different vibe every year with the different cars that come, but it’s the same familiar faces that are the motorsport family of Goodwood. It’s a really magical place.”, Lennox added.

    The Goodwood Festival of Speed continues with Kimi Räikkönen making an appearance as a special guest at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of John Surtees’ F1 World title.

    Source: Ferrari

  • 2014 Lexus IS 300h Executive Edition

    Lexus has presented the Executive Edition of the new 2014 IS 300h. The super-efficient saloon is now available to order with pricing starting from £29,995. It packs a number of nice upgrades and boasts low tax and running costs.

    2014 Lexus IS 300h Executive Edition is based on the Luxury grade model and comes with leather upholstery and Satellite Navigation system. It represents £3,390 of “complimentary” value to the customer.

    Standard extras include front and rear parking sensors, a set of 17” alloy wheels, dusk-sensing HID headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers.

    The IS 300h boasts impressive street presence and offers the kind of comfort and luxury for which Lexus is renowned. The Hybrid Drive system returns impressive official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures – 4.5 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK) with 103 g/km of CO2. Still, the performance is not harmed at all and the new IS300h accelerates 0-100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds.

    The Hybrid Drive consists of a 2.5 liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with 178HP (133 kW) and a 141HP (105 kW) electric motor. The petrol engine benefits from a new D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing and a high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation system.

    Source: Lexus

  • Liberty Walk Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

    The Japanese tuning company – Liberty Walk has presented a sensational styling package for Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. The hyper-car is completely restyled with a full wide body kit.

    The customization program includes a wide body kit consisting of a new front bumper, a new front splitter, side diffuser, a big rear wing and a new rear diffuser. All parts are manufactured from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Upon request, they can be produced from carbon fiber. The price for the aerodynamics package is $25,860 (FRP) or $30,618 (carbon fiber). Other components include wide fenders – $6,500 and a new lowered sports suspension – $3,780. The car (as seen on photos) is upgraded for $37,118. All new body components can be individually purchased.

    No words about performance upgrades for the naturally aspirated 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 – 700HP (522 kW) at 8,250RPM and 690Nm (511 lb-ft) at 5,500RPM. The engine is connected to a 7-speed ISR transmission sending the power to an AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8.6 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 24.5 seconds. The top speed is 350 km/h (218 mph). ¼ mile in 10.2 seconds with 219 km/h and 1 km in 19.1 seconds with 281 km/h.

    Source: Liberty Walk

  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Sport and Night Packages

    Mercedes-Benz has published some pictures and details of Sport and Night packages for the recently announced 2015 CLS Facelift. The stylish four-door coupe boasts some nice upgrades adding more value for money and improving driving experience.

    Sport Package includes a set of twin-spoke 18” alloy wheels with a Himalaya gray finish. A 19” set is available as an option in different styles. There is also a Direct Control sports suspension with a comfort setup without additional charge. Other upgrades include bigger front brakes with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering on the calipers as well as a dual exhaust system with stainless steel tailpipes. The Sport Package is available for all models except CLS 500 and AMG.

    The Night Package features two 18” alloy designs and two 19” wheel sets. There are also high-gloss black mirrors, black window surroundings, tinted rear windows and a  glossy black look for the AMG rear apron, radiator grille and the front splitter. The night package is available only with the optional AMG Line kit, which is standard for the CLS 500 model and CLS 500 4MATIC.

    2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS is powered by a 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel for CLS 220 BlueTEC – 170HP (125 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). The same engine produces 204HP (150 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque for the CLS 250 BlueTEC. There is also a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 258HP (190 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque – CLS 350 BlueTEC.

    The petrol range includes the new CLS 400 – 3.5 liter V6 bi-turbo – 333HP (245 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft). The CLS 500 has 408HP (300 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, while the extremely powerful CLS 63 AMG model is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with either 557HP (410 kW) and 720Nm (533 lb-ft) or 585HP (430 kW) and 800Nm (593 lb-ft). All engines comply with EURO6 regulations.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Aston Martin Reveals DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

    Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Concept has just been unveiled not only with a series of pictures but with an exclusive video. They all show the detailed design of the car, which will be available from July for all those who have the latest Gran Turismo6 (GT6) racing game on the PlayStation3 platform. The car is in the shape of a Design Prototype 100, or simply – DP-100. The development of the vehicle was in-house. The design team at Aston Martin began from scratch and via hand sketches and 3D modelling, they’ve managed to create this unique concept.

    After that, the car was got a full realisation in the virtual world. It took them six months too finalize the project. As you can see the DP-100 provides great levels of detail. It features fully functioning suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics.

    Exclusive feature here are the revolutionary “active aerodynamics”. They are not only a way of enhancing, but also support car’s function in the game. Other design cue visible in DP-100 is the light blade rear lamps.

    And while the car features clean and classy in design, it has a powerful potential hidden at its rear. DP-100 not only looks beautiful but also includes a high degree of engineering integrity. It is powered by the twin-turbo V12 which produces up to 800 hp (588 kW). This ensures exhilarating performance fully in resonance with the high octane nature of the game.

    And we can only regret that this is a virtual-only GT racer. However, it has the full potential to become a real one.

    httpv://youtu.be/3FROCsPRyWI

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Aston Martin

  • 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Gets New Premium Package

    2014-Volkswagen-Beetle-Premium-Package-THUMB2014 Volkswagen Beetle was introduced to the market in the beginning of the year. The car is equipped with direct-injected 1.8T which has replaced the previous 5-cylinder 2.5 liter one. The unit produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powerplant is also economical and returns 33 mpg on the highway. It can be mated with five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. Other innovations for MY2014 include the new electric power steering.

    From July, those who are looking to get a 2014 Beetle will have a new option to consider: the Premium Package. The pack is offered on both Coupe and Convertible trims equipped with the aforementioned engine or the TDI Clean Diesel engine. The Premium Pack adds features new to the Beetle, as well as equipment previously only available on the Beetle R-Line trim.

    To be more precise, the front will get Bi-Xenon automatic headlights, which will light up the way of the car. Three exterior color options are new and come exclusively with the pack. They are namely: Oryx White, Platinum Gray and Deep Black.

    The Premium Beetle will also get a sport suspension, grey door sills and mirror caps and R-Line bumpers with foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. What rounds out the exterior are the 8″ Disc wheels in Galvano Grey, which are featured in the TDI, and the 19″ Torando wheels in White for the 1.8T.

    Inside, the iconic Volkswagen is getting also enhanced. Unique seating surfaces with leather inserts and contrast stitching is the first thing one sees when they enter the car. The other new features here are: Climatronic Automatic Climate Control, RNS 510 with navigation and satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Fender Sound System and iPhone 5 cradle.

    2014 Volkswagen Beetle with Premium Package has a starting price of $27,355 USD.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – 1,968 km on a Single Tank of Fuel

    Although the extremely-efficient 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid didn’t set a world record on a single tank of fuel, it managed to complete an epic journey from Africa to the UK.

    The travel took Andrew Frankel (a British journalist) from Tangier in Northern Africa to the UK. He visited two continents, four countries and three time zones in a total time of 27 hours on the road, which he shared with a relief driver. Andrew arrived at Goodwood in time for its appearance at the Festival of Speed. He covered a total of 1,968 km (1,223 miles) without refueling.

    What is more, on arriving the fuel gauge was yet to register empty, the car estimated an available range of 160 km (100 miles). This results in a range of 2,129 km (1,323 miles) on a single tank of fuel.

    2014 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel – 204HP (150 kW) at 4,200RPM and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque at 1,600RPM. There is also an electric motor mounted within the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (26HP). The combined power is 230HP (169 kW). 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). The big family saloon can achieve a fuel consumption of just 4.2 liters / 100 km with emission of 109 g/km of CO2. The curb weight is 1,845 kg (4,068 lbs).

    The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is available as a Saloon or an Estate with prices starting from £39,880.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EITiqurE8dc

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Ferrari Marks 15 million Facebook Fans with LaFerrari On-board Google Glass Video at Fiorano

    Ferrari has published an impressive video clip featuring Raffaele De Simone, Head of Development Ferrari Test Driver behind the steering wheel of the sensational LaFerrari. The on-board video was taken with Google Glass, so don’t expect an ordinary clip.

    The footage was recorded to celebrate reaching 15 million Facebook fans.  Only 499 units of Ferrari LaFerrari were produced and each of them is priced at $1.7 million (€1.3 million). A track-only FXX version is also expected, which will be limited to just 30 cars. It will be boosted to the epic 1,050HP (772 kW). The range will be also joined by a road-legal LaFerrari Spider expected to cost twice as much as the car in this video. The Spider model will be also built in limited series of just 50 units.

    2013 Ferrari LaFerrari is powered by a 6.3 liter V12 with 800HP (588 kW) at 9,250RPM an 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at 6,750RPM. With the help of HY-KERS, the overall power is whopping 963HP and over 900Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7 seconds and 0-300 in breath-taking 15 seconds. The engine’s bore and stroke is 94 x 75.2 mm with a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and a specific power output of 128HP / liter. It is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the car has RWD (rear-wheel drive) configuration.

    A lap time at Fiorano race track takes 1 minute and 20 seconds – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.

    Other Special features include a carbon-ceramic Brembo brake system with enormous 398 mm discs up front and 380 mm at the rear axle. They are fitted behind ultra-lightweight wheels with tires measuring 265/30 R19 and 345/30 R20, respectively.

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

    Source: Ferrari

  • 2015 Ford Focus ST – Officially Unveiled

    Ford has officially unveiled the 2015 Focus ST, which is expected to make its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The facelifted model comes with a lot of updates including modified exterior, retuned suspension, new engines and a modest makeover for the cabin.

    The exterior of 2015 Focus ST boasts new front and rear bumpers, a new front hood and updated headlights featuring HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels . The car also comes with restyled fog lights and a set of new 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a new exterior color: Magnetic Metallic, which replaces Ingot Silver. Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps.

    The interior features redesigned instrument panel center stack with improved climate controls and new finishes. There is also a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port. Also updated are front door storage places and cupholders. The new flat-bottom steering wheel will provide extra leg clearance for the driver. The options list include: Recaro sport seats, heated steering wheel and eight-way power driver’s seat.

    The engine range will include a revised 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 250HP (183 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph). The fuel consumption is impressive – 6.8 liters / 100 km in combined cycle (41.5 mpg UK or 34.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. The result is thanks to a new engine start/stop system. The other new engine is a 2.0 liter TDCi with 185HP (136 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). It will average 4.4 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK or 53.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

    Source: Ford

  • 2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City [video]

    Here is a very interesting vehicle – 2015 Dodge Ram ProMaster City. Although you may recognize it as Fiat Doblo, the ProMaster City comes with slightly revised design and best-in-class, functional elements tied directly to commercial customer demand. The model also features strengthened unibody and an increased ride height.

    The exterior features a new new front fascia and revised headlights, while inside the working vehicle is pretty basic – a simplified color palette, durable fabric seats and six tie-down rings. The model can be equipeed with a 5” Uconnect infotainment system with GPS navigation and internet connectivity upon request.

    The engine range includes a 2.4 liter Tigershark four-cylinder petrol engine – 178HP (137 kW) and 234Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to Chrysler’s 9-speed automatic transmission that promises to deliver best-in-class fuel economy.

    2015 Ram ProMaster City also features a best-in-class payload capacity of 854 kg (1,883 lbs) and an unsurpassed towing rating of 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The model also boasts an impressive cargo capacity of 131.7 cubic feet (36.87 m3).

    “As businesses strive for lower costs, the demand for a smaller, more efficient van has increased and Ram Commercial is answering the bell with the all-new ProMaster City,” commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.

    “Years ago, the selection of delivery and cargo vehicles was limited and those offerings didn’t focus on cost of ownership. Today all of that has changed with the recent introduction of the full-size Ram ProMaster, and the now the Ram ProMaster City.”, he added.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRi6FwKyKJQ

    Source: Dodge

  • Hennessey 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray HPE700

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    Hennessey Performance has presented their more powerful HPE700 performance package for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. The sports car comes with a number of performance upgrades as well as some style improvements. The tuning specialists also published an interesting video with the car (below).

    2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 LT1 – 460HP (343 kW) and 624Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual gearbox with active rev matching.

    The HPE700 performance package includes High Flow Supercharger System, High Flow Cylinder Heads, Custom HPE Camshaft, HPE Air Induction System, All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids, Professional Installation, HPE Engine Management Calibration, Dyno Tuning & Road Testing, Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques, Hennessey Exterior Badging, Hennessey Premium Floormats, Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sills, a 3 Year or 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty. The result is 700HP (515 kW) at 6,300RPM.

    Optional upgrades include: Hennessey CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler, Side Sills & Front Lip Spoiler;  Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates; Hennessey H10 Monoblock Wheel Upgrade; Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires; Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake Upgrade; Penske Adjustable Suspension Upgrade; Custom Interior Leather Upgrades; Carbon Fiber Interior Upgrades.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3gdM4eV8IE

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    Source: Hennessey

  • Wald International Mercedes-Benz SLK Black Bison (R172)

    Wald International has presented their latest tuning project based on the latest version of Mercedes-Benz SLK – the R172 model. It comes with complete Black Bison package including a number of styling upgrades.

    The Black Bison package is designed to give the R172 an “overwhelming presence”. The roadster boasts a new front bumper with integrated LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and bigger air intakes. There is also a pair of new aerodynamic side skirts and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. The Black Bison package is priced from ¥464,400 ( around $4,560).

    Available as an option is a new carbon fiber rear spoiler for an additional ¥73,440 ($720). The car on the pictures is also fitted with a complete four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and a set of unique alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires. No words about pricing of these upgrades.

    Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 is available in four models – 200 CGI, 250 CGI, 350 CGI and 55 AMG. The SLK 200 CGI has a 1.8 liter engine with 184HP (135 kW); the SLK 250 CGI is equipped with also a 1.8 liter engine – 204HP (150 kW); the SLK 350 CGI has a 3.5 liter V6 with 306HP (224 kW) and the SLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 with 422HP (310 kW).

    Source: Wald International