Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Nissan Teases Vision Gran Turismo Concept

    There are exactly 148 Nissan cars in the Gran Turismo franchise. And with the teaser revealed by Nissan we are definitely expecting to the 149th one. These numbers speak of only one thing – that the company has developed more Gran Turismos than any other automaker in the industry. Each car, ranging from the Skyline Sport Coupe and Fairlady Z to the GT-R NISMO GT3, displays a chapter of Nissan’s history. There hasn’t been revealed much about the new concept, except for the debut date – June the 10th. This means that we are soon to expect the full official information and images, so stay tuned!

    The project Vision Gran Turismo involves world’s leading brands, which develop concept cars for Gran Turismo and its fans. The previous models that we have covered in our blog are the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo, BMW Vision Gran Turismo and Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo, and you might like to look them up.

    The video game, created specifically for PlayStatio3 players, was introduced in 1998. It is one of the biggest and most famous award-winning racing simulations. It offers a wide range of realistic racetrack options and authentic-looking HD graphic images.

    Source: Nissan

  • Toyota Introduces 2014 Camry RZ Special Edition

    2014-Toyota-Camry-RZ-THUMB2014 Toyota Camry RZ is a special edition model which expresses the sports potentials of the Camry model. It is packed with a substantial list of added features. One of the styling updates include Inferno Orange premium paint, which has never been offered on Camry. This paint scheme joins the five other colours available. In addition, the revised frontal treatment features front foglamps with black surrounds, sports headlamps with dark inserts, and a stylish grille that combines body colour and gloss black elements. Other enhancements include sports suspension, sports body kit with side skirts and rear bumper, and a boot lip spoiler in gloss black.

    Camry’s newest special-edition model also gains dual exhaust system, which lifts maximum power output to 184 hp (135 kW) from the 2.5-litre dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine. Camry RZ side view is dominated by gloss-black 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique gloss black finish. They are set off with a black wheel ornament with chrome highlights.

    Inside, RZ’s interior includes sports combination meters, premium three-spoke steering wheel and gear-shift knob, and display audio with reversing camera monitor. What rounds out the package is the black interior trim and the Camry RZ logo embroidered on the front floor mats. The logo can be also seen on the decals on the doors and rear bumper.

    As a standard, Camry RZ offers six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, electric power steering, and six-speaker sound system with steering-wheel controls.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2014 Porsche 911 S Martini Racing Edition

    Porsche has unveiled the 911 S Martini Racing Edition , which is specially designed to celebrate the brand’s returning to the world famous 24 hours Le Mans race. The 911 Carrera S pays tribute to the successes of the legendary Porsche Le Mans race cars such as the 917 and the 935 “Moby Dick”. The special edition is limited to 80 units and will be exclusively sold in select markets of Europe, in China, Japan and in Latin America. For select 911 models, Porsche Tequipment will be selling the exclusive Martini decal set as an aftermarket kit in Germany and other markets.

    The special Martini Racing Edition of the 911 S is available in two color – white or black featuring Martini’s traditional blue-red color scheme on the roof, rear wing, boot lid and sides. There is also an Aerokit Cup front apron and fixed rear spoiler. Other special features include stainless steel door sill panels with “911 Carrera S – Martini Racing Edition” illuminated lettering.

    A standard Sport Chrono package and a sport steering wheel are also fitted. Other standard extras include Porsche Communication Management (PCM), black leather-wrapped electric sport seats, tachometer with black gauge and a Bose premium audio system.

    The sports car is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six with 400HP (294 kW) at 7,400RPM and 440Nm (326 lb-ft) at 5,600RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph).

    The production will be limited to just 80 units.

    Source: Porsche

  • 2014 Lotus Exige LF1 – Exceptional Performance

    Lotus has unveiled the 2014 Exige LF1 Limited Edition created to celebrate the manufacturer’s Formula One “origin”. This summer, totally 81 Lotus Exige S cars will get a Lotus F1 Team livery and interior trim to mark the number of grand prix victories held by the Lotus marque.

    2014 Lotus Exige LF1 Limited Edition is based on the Exige S and boasts a black and gold exterior with red accents and special badges. There are also golden alloy wheels and the Race Package including a Dynamic Performance Management system, high-performance brakes and Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tires.

    The interior also comes in two-tone scheme – black and gold leather/fabric seats with embroidered headrests and seat backs, air conditioning and an individually numbered carbon fiber plaque.

    Lotus Exige LF1 is powered by a 3.5 liter supercharged V6 – 350HP (257 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph). The curb weight is 1,176 kg (2,593 lbs).

    The customers will also get an “Exige LF1 Membership” that includes a factory tour of Lotus Cars in Hethel and a tour of the Lotus F1 Team headquarters at Enstone. It also includes a Romain Grosjean 1:2 scale replica helmet, a Lotus F1 car key fob, a Lotus F1 Team USB stick and special discounts for the manufacturer’s lifestyle products.

    2014 Lotus Exige LF1 Special Edition:

    Exterior:

    • Bespoke black and gold livery with red accents
    • Bespoke exterior badges incorporating ‘LF1’ logo
    • Exclusive black and gold ‘Lotus’ nose badge and wheel centres

    Interior:

    • Bespoke trim in leather and technical fabric featuring black and gold design with gold contrast piping and stitching details
    • Embroidered ‘LF1’ logos on headrests and floor mats
    • Embroidered ‘Lotus F1® Team’ logo on seat backs
    • Matt gold 5-spoke 17”/18”cast alloy wheels
    • Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo Tyres
    • Race Pack
    • Two-piece high performance brake discs
    • Red brake calipers
    • Air conditioning
    • Individually numbered limited edition carbon fibre build plate
    • Bespoke carbon fibre engine plate

    Optional Equipment:

    • Convenience Pack
    • Heated seats
    • Rear parking sensors

    The Lotus Exige LF1 special edition comes with the following Formula 1 package within the purchase price of the car:

    • A factory tour for 2 people of the Lotus Cars production facility at Hethel
    • A factory tour for 2 people of the Lotus F1® Team headquarters at Enstone
    • Collector’s edition owner’s pack including Exige LF1 Membership card entitling members to 20% discount on Lotus Originals and Heritage ranges and 10% off Lotus F1® Team Replica collection
    • Romain Grosjean 1:2 scale replica helmet
    • Lotus F1® car key fob
    • Lotus F1® Team USB stick

    Source: Lotus

  • Audi RS1 Sportback [render]

    Remco Meulendijk from The Netherlands is the designer of the stunning Audi RS1 Sportback. The two render pictures give us an imagination of a potential look for the ultra-hot hatchback. The German manufacturer has released the S1 and S1 Sportback just a several months ago and we are pretty sure, that the RS1 is “on the table”.

    The S1 Sportback is powered by the well-known 2.0 liter TFSI from Golf GTI Performance – 231HP (170 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The power is put on the road through a 6-speed manual gearbox and Quattro AWD (all-wheel drive) system.

    Some of the highlights include a set of 17” alloy wheels fitted with 215/40 R17 tires. There is also an option for bigger 18” wheels with 225/35 R18. There are also xenon plus headlights combined with LED taillights, enormous 310mm front disc brakes with red calipers and S1 logo.

    The pricing for 2014 Audi S1 Sportback starts from €30,800 in Germany.

    The expected RS1 will have a lot more power and probably will do 0-100 km/h in around 5.0 seconds or less. It will be also a lot more expensive considering the new special features.

    Stay tuned!

  • Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Huracan LP850-4 Lucifero

    Wheelsandmore are continuing to surprise everybody with their project based on super expensive sport cars. Their latest creation is based on Lamborghini Huracan and named LP850-4 Lucifero. The tuning specialists have developed three significant performance upgrades and minor styling improvements.

    Stage I includes a stainless steel sports exhaust system, high-flow air filters and of course an ECU re-map. The result for the 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine is 640HP (470 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 30HP and 40Nm.

    Stage II includes a full supercharger kit as well as a reinforced clutch and limited-slip differentials. The result is spectacular – 777HP (571 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 167HP and 140Nm.

    Stage III increases the boost produced by the compressor and the result is 850HP (625 kW) and 730Nm (538 lb-ft)… a real Lucifer(o).

    Other upgrades include a set of multi-piece concave forged wheels – 9.5 J x 20” at the front with 245/30 ZR20 performance tires and 11.5J x 21” at the rear fitted with 305/25 ZR21. The modular three-piece construction allows an individual customizing according to customer´s specifications.

    Last, but not least a hydraulically adjustable racing suspension with adjustable train and compression damping is currently on development.

    Source: Wheelsandmore

  • 2014 MINI Cooper SD – 170HP and 370Nm

    MINI has revealed the new powerful Cooper SD, which is the most powerful diesel ever in a vehicle of the brand. After its successful market launch, the engine range for the new original in the small car premium segment continues to expand as of July 2014.

    2014 MINI Cooper SD is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine – 170HP (125 kW) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (or 7.2 seconds with the optional 6-speed Steptronic transmission). The small car is able to cover 100 km with just 4.0 liters – 58.8 mpg US or 70.6 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

    MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology has a turbocharging system with variable turbine geometry and common rail injection with magnet valve injectors operating at a maximum pressure of 2 000 bar. This combination enables both highly spontaneous power delivery as well as a precisely controlled fuel supply.

    MINI also offers a One First model powered by a a 1.2 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder diesel engine – 75HP (55 kW) and 150 Nm (110 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 12.8 seconds and an average fuel consumption of 5.0 liters / 100 km – (47 mpg US or 56.4 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 117-122 g/km.

    Both models will hit the market in July and in the United Kingdom the Cooper SD will be priced from £19,450 OTR.

    Source: MINI

  • 2014 FPV GT-F – Price $77,990 AUD

    2014 FPV GT-F

    FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) has finally revealed the extremely powerful limited edition GT-F. Only 550 units will be produced (500 for Australia and 50 for New Zealand) and the pricing is starting from $77,990 AUD.

    2014 FPV GT-F is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 477HP (351 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a GT RSPEC’s suspension and a set of 19” alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires.

    “Our goal was to create the best vehicle we could; a vehicle that pays respect to Ford GTs of old yet celebrates all that is good about Ford’s performance credentials.”, commented FPV Chief Program Engineer, Peter de Leur.

    The exterior of the GT-F boasts a unique bonnet, black panel extensions, roof and rear deck lid. Exposed too was the model’s distinctive ‘stealth’ exterior striping package, together with gloss black accents on the ‘raccoon eyes’, grilles, appliques, door handles, mirrors and rear diffuser, ensuring that the GT F is unlike anything that has come before it.

    GT orange detailing is another feature, which used on the model’s unique 351 badging, instrument dial faces, seat stitching and embroidery, build number and manual transmission plaquette and the ICC start-up screen.

    2014 FPV GT-F is available in five colors and every owner will be able to purchase a tailored car cover in dark grey and with model logo and stripe print.

    Source: FPV

  • First Liberty Walk Nissan GTR In Vancouver

    Liberty Walk Nissan GT-R looks incredible with its massive swollen arches and extremely aggressive stance. The car is literally outrageous and includes some special features such as that mega wing mounted on the rear. The very popular Japanese tuner, Liberty Walk, did some amazing job with this Nissan supplying with a special wide body kit. The currently presented car is the first Liberty Walk GT-R to roll on the streets of Vancouver, Canada, thanks to the Europa Auto Design which officially released it.

    In conjunction with the talented photographer Marcel Lech, they have managed to make a bunch of exciting images, which you can view below. But going further to the details, the front of the GT-R has been widened by five centimeters, while the rear – by eight centimeters. Under the hood lies a dormant 600 horsepower engine. It includes Phoenix intercooler a special exhaust system.

    We have mentioned the massive rear wing, and what we will additionally discuss is the wheels. They rest perfectly under the new large extended fenders. Precisely, they are the PUR LG01, which are finished with a matte black diamond and include gloss chestnut brown lip. The wheels come in sizes 20 x 11 inches at the front, while at the rear they measure 20 x 12 inches. Behind them one can see signature Brembo orange brakes.

    Source: Liberty Walk via SR Auto Gourp

  • Alfa Romeo MiTo And Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde Debut At Goodwood

    2014-Alfa-Romeo-Giulietta-QV-THUMBAlfa Romeo introduced MiTo and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde models at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Now, both vehicles are set to make a debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June. In fact, the Giulietta is celebrating its 60th anniversary with this new QV version. The car is the perfect example of the brand’s DNA. It is driven by the 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, which produces 240 hp (276 kW). The unit is coupled with a six-speed, twin dry clutch ALFA TCT transmission that contributes to the achievement of 6 seconds acceleration time for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is electronically limited to 149mph.

    The exterior of the car is distinguished by its lowered sports suspension and the legendary Quadrifoglio Verde emblem on the front wings. In addition, the car features dark-tinted rear window glass and the Anthracite finish on the mirror fairings, front grille, door handles and fog-light frames. At the back, there are two large exhaust tailpipes. Giulietta QV runs on 18-inch alloy wheels behind which one can see red four-piston Brembo brake callipers and large 320mm brake discs.

    The ultimate expression of Italian style can be seen throughout the interior of the car. First of all, the designers added new wraparound sport seats, with a one-piece backrest and trimmed in leather and Alcantara. There is a brand new steering wheel, trimmed in leather and accentuated by contrasting white stitching. Aluminium sports pedals, darkened interior headlining, special floor mats and a leather-trimmed gear lever and parking brake lever round-out the interior.

    Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde also includes 6.5-inch Uconnect touch-screen multimedia system. It comes with integrated satellite navigation with 3D bird’s-eye view maps, progressive route guidance and ‘One-Step Voice Entry Destination’ function. The system also features DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming, Aux-in/USB port and voice command operation.

    The other model which is carrying the Quadrifoglio Verde emblem is the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The car is powered by 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine, which works in combination with the ALFA TCT transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters. The unit produces 170 hp (125 kW) and up to 184lb/ft (250 Nm). ALFA TCT achieves 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time in 7.3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 136mph.

    The new MiTo is also getting a new matte Magnesio Grey exterior body colour. It features enhanced styling attributes such as a burnished finish on exterior elements and the 18-inch alloy wheels, plus a rear spoiler, sports rear bumper and twin exhaust pipes. The interior is also revised. It includes new flat-bottom sports steering wheel and the new Uconnect five-inch touchscreen multimedia system with DAB and satellite navigation. And this comes as a standard.

    The interior is also highlighted by the new flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, trimmed in leather with contrasting white stitching (just like Giulietta QV), and including paddle-shifters for the ALFA TCT transmission, as well as the new instruments with integrated Quadrifoglio Verde logo. The sports seats are trimmed in specific Quadrifoglio Verde fabric and finished with white-and-green stitching.

    Source: Alfa Romeo

  • 2015 Buick Verano Adds 4G LTE And Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot

    2015-Buick-Verano-Turbo-THUMB2015 Buick Verano has great thoughtful design, including meticulous attention to detail inside and out. It delivers wide range of equipment features such as a standard rearview camera, heated steering wheel and soft-touch interior surfaces. The model is available in four trim levels: the basic 1SD, Verano Convenience 1SG, Verano Leather 1SL and Verano Turbo 1ST. Now Buick is enhancing Verano’s connectivity with OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

    Furthermore, a new exterior color will adorn the range. It is the Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic. There is a new appearance package available for all models except the Turbo. It includes a rear spoiler and a silver/bright chrome grille.

    Standard safety features for the model range are the side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert crash-avoidance technologies, while the forward collision alert and lane departure warning come as an option.

    This Buick model can be driven by either of two four-cylinder engines: the standard Ecotec 2.4L and the available Ecotec 2.0L turbo. The latter produces 250 horsepower (187 kW) and 260 lb-ft of torque (353 Nm). However, it is still capable of great fuel efficiency: it achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 city and 30 highway.

    The standard Ecotec 2.4L with direct-injection is delivering 180 horsepower (134 kW) and 171 lb-ft of torque (232 Nm). The fuel efficiency is 32 mpg (highway). Both engines are coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control.

    Verano’s IntelliLink system has been standard on all models. The system is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements and be highly customizable. It includes seven-inch-diagonal screen which can be also used as standard rearview camera system. There is an optional navigation system.

    What is new to the connectivity features in the new Verano is OnStar with 4G LTE and the standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. 4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network. With OnStar, it also offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network.

    OnStar Directions and Connections include all of OnStar’s advisor-based safety and security features: Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Assistance, as well as Turn-by-Turn navigation. On the other hand the OnStar Basic Plan includes RemoteLink Key Fob Services, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and Dealer Maintenance Notification.

    Source: Buick

  • Toyota Upgrades 2015 Aygo Range

    2015-Toyota-Aygo-x-cite-THUMB2015 Toyota Aygo x-cite is just one of the special edition models which come to upgrade the current Aygo range, Next to it, the company is also introducing the x, x-play, x-pression, and x-clusiv grades. The new models offer wide range of customization opportunities with up to 10 interchangeable exterior and cabin features. One of the highlights is the addition of the Toyota x-touch multimedia system and x-nav navigation option. 2015 Aygo is also the first in its class to offer a rear-view camera and it can be specified with Smart Entry and push button start.

    The car will be launched in three and five-door bodystyles as well as five color options: White Flash, Silver Splash, Electro Grey, Deep Blue Buzz and Red Pop. In addition, the x-cite will be offered only in Orange Twist and the x-clusiv in Bold Black.

    Toyota developed an x-tra premium pack for the x-cite and x-clusiv models. It includes leather seat upholstery and Smart Entry and Start. For x-play and x-pression grades, the INstyle option provides leather seats with accents in a range of four different colours. As an option there are being offered automatic air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlights and Smart Entry and push-button start. In addition, the OUTshine pack adds extra chrome touches to the front, front and rear parking sensors, a boot liner, aluminium scuff plates, rubber floor mats and mud flaps.

    The customization packs offered for the range are the OUTstand pack, which adds front X, A-pillar x-tension and rear bumper insert, in a choice of three colours; OUTburst pack with front bumper decal, side sills and rear diffuser decal in red or chrome; INspire pack for the interior with surrounds for the air vents and gear shift to match any exterior colour; Intense pack with body colour-matched instrument panel, centre console and gear surround.

    2015 Toyota Aygo is going on sale on 1st of July.

    Key equipment features:

    Aygo x Aygo x-play adds Aygo x-pression adds
    14-inch wheels 15-inch wheels 15-inch silver alloy wheels
    Projector headlights with LED tracer light Piano black front X finish Piano black rear bumper insert
    LED daytime running lights Body colour matched doorhandles and mirrors Piano black x-tension on A-pillars
    2-speaker audio with Aux and USB connections Leather steering wheel and gear shift trim Front fog lights
    Power front windows 4-speaker audio Part-leather sports-style seats
    Wireless door locks Bluetooth Chrome internal door handle finish
    Isofix child seat anchors Audio and phone control switches on steering wheel Body colour-matched instrument panel
    ABS and Vehicle Stability ControlHill-start Assist Control Air conditioning with clean air filter Glossy black centre console and gear shift and air vent surrounds
    Driver, front passenger and curtain airbags Tachometer x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
    Seat belt warning system Driver’s seat height adjustment DAB
    Tyre pressure monitor 50:50 split-folding rear seats Rear-view camera
    Aygo x-cite Aygo x-clusiv
    Orange Twist exterior paint finish Bold Black exterior paint finish
    15-inch gloss black alloys with orange centre cap 15-inch machined finish alloys with large black centre cap and chrome surround
    Gloss black doorhandles and mirrors Super chrome front X and A-pillar x-tension
    Piano black rear bumper insert Super chrome rear bumper insert
    Piano black A-pillar x-tension Front fog lights
    Front fog lights Chrome internal doorhandle finish
    Chrome internal doorhandle finish Piano black instrument panel and centre console
    Gloss black instrument panel and centre console
    with Orange Twist air vent surrounds
    x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink
    x-touch multimedia system with MirrorLink DAB
    DAB Rear-view camera
    Rear-view camera Dusk-sensing headlights

    Source: Toyota