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Lexus IS 25 Anniversario [teaser]

Lexus has published the first teaser image of the upcoming IS 25 Anniversario, which will make its official debut at the Madrid Auto Show in Spain. The special edition car will celebrate the brand’s 25^th anniversary and will be limited to 25 units exclusively for Spain.

The manufacturer didn’t release any further details, but the teaser image is actually a crop of 2014 Lexus IS Toyota Racing Development (TRD). So, the IS 25 Anniversario will come with a number of nice upgrades like a set of 19” gloss black forged alloy wheels fitted with low profile tires, a quad exhaust setup, a new rear diffuser as well as a pair of new side skirts, new front spoiler and a trunk spoiler. All parts are developed by Toyota Racing Development.

Last, but not least are the new anniversary badges, which will complete the look of the special edition model.

On the other hand, there will be some performance mods as well – a sport-tuned suspension featuring new springs and dampers. There are also new underbody member braces and stiffened joints.

The limited edition IS will be officially unveiled on May 20^th.

Source: Lexus

May 13, 2014

Hartge BMW 2-Series – Power Boost

Hartgehas presented several tuning packages for the 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe lineup. The small coupe is going to get a significant power boost across the entire range. As an official BMW tuner – Hartge offers warranty for all upgrades.

Starting with the diesel variants, Hartge boosts the 218d to 174HP (128 kW) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) – an increase of 31HP and 60Nm. The 220d output is now 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) – an additional 34HP and 70Nm. The 225d can be boosted to the impressive 258HP (190 kW) and 530Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 40HP and 80Nm.

For now, Hartge offers power boost only for 220i, which is boosted to 218HP (160 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque – an additional power of 34HP and 50Nm.

Besides the power upgrades, Hartge also offers several sets of sport spring for lowering the ride height up to 30mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. There are also new black wheel caps, a tire repair kit, bespoke floor mats and of course full package of Hartge emblems – front and rear hoods as well as for the steering wheel.

Hartge will soon offer more performance packages for 228i and M235i.

Source: Hartge

May 13, 2014

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe

Beware Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STI fans! BMW is going to offer 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe. The sports coupe with the world’s most intelligent all-wheel drive system will be a very tough competitor considering its weight distribution and extremely powerful engine.

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i xDrive Coupe will hit the market this summer. It is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to an 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). For comparison, the RWD version of the model accelerates 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds with 6-speed manual and 4.8 seconds with 8-speed automatic.

Of course, there are two disadvantages – the curb weight is increased to 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs) and the combined fuel efficiency is 7.8 liters / 100 km (30.1 mpg US or 36.2 mpg UK).

The dimensions of BMW 2-Series Coupe are: 4,432 mm length; 1,774 mm width; height 1,418 mm and 2,690 mm wheelbase. The boot space is 390 litres, which is 20 litres more than 1-Series Coupe. The BMW 2-Series Coupe also has better aerodynamics than both the BMW 1-Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.

Source: BMW

May 13, 2014

Toyota Verso-S MPV Gets Refreshed For 2015

2015 Toyota Verso-S MPV has been updated for the new model year. The B-MPV segment vehicle retains its keen looks of clear, expressive and intelligent styling, but comes with an upgraded front. It includes engaging headlights featuring projector technology and LED daytime running lights. They come as a standard on all grades. The upper grill has been refreshed via a chrome bezel surround. At the rear there has been made changes, too. There, Toyota designers have featured new light design which not only adopts LED lights, but also benefits from more distinctive contrasts.

Other improvements include the 16” alloy wheels, which feature new design with 3-D effect. Furthermore, a new trendy bronze metallic paint finish has been added to the color palette to replace the current light blue metallic.

Inside, Verso-S customers can choose between a single-tone black interior or a bi-tone brown interior with black seat bolsters. To provide additional safety and convenience, a tire pressure warning system has been added to the standard equipment list.

The technologies featured include 6.1″ full colour touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling and music streaming, a USB port to connect portable music players and an optional DAB/DAB+ radio. Also as a standard, Verso-S includes a rear-view camera.

The available equipment here includes: Touch 2 with Go with full map navigation with customisable speed limit & speed camera warning, which offers Toyota Real Time Traffic powered by TomTom, Google Street View, Panoramio, Google local search, weather, fuel price and parking space information.

Source: Toyota

May 13, 2014

Project Blue Deluge: iND BMW F10 M5 In Yas Marina Blue

iND BMW F10 M5 comes in exquisite Yas Marina Blue exterior paint scheme and we must say it looks incredibly beautiful! IND made its own initial testing of the M5. The tests proved that this car is an incredibly competent track monster, and at the same time docile and polite street car. The staff at IND re-tooled the M5 project to what it is today: a street-driven, turn key test bed for all of the best components available for the F10 M5.

They have kept many of the original components: AMS downpipes, the larger AMS-built turbos, the KW 3 way adjustable ClubSport coilovers. One of the changes made include a raise in the height of the car for a more easy to use ground clearance.

In addition, they have reinstalled the original BMW interior and have removed the roll bar. After that, the tuners repainted the car in BMW’s amazing Yas Marina Blue finish. This led to the removal of this BMW’s racing livery inspired design.

What is more, this version of IND’s M5 also includes additions such as an RKP front lip and rear diffuser. This project is called Blue Deluge and is still in development. It aims to delivers what M5 is best at – a perfect performance at the race track on Saturday, while still taking the owner to the office on Monday.

Source: iND

May 13, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Golf VII SportWagen – Versatility and Fun

Volkswagen US has presented the all-new 2015 Golf VII SportWagen. It is lighter, bigger, roomier, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the outgoing model. Thanks to the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels, the new SportWagen bodyshell is lighter than the current Jetta SportWagen and offers an enhanced crash structure.

The Golf SportWagen is 1.1” longer and 0.7” wider than the current SportWagen model. It is also 0.9” lower, which benefits aerodynamic performance, fuel efficiency and the car’s proportions: the CdA number has been reduced by almost 10 % compared with the previous model.

The interior package has been optimized to give more rear-seat leg and shoulder room. Although the new SportWagen’s overall height was lowered by nearly an inch, front and rear headroom has been improved by 0.4”.

The engine range includes a 1.8 liter TSI with 170HP (125 kW) connected to a 5-speed maual or 6-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 2.0 liter TDI Clean Diesel with 150HP (110 kW) and 319Nm (236 lb-ft). It is offered with 6-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Along the lines of the new Golf 7, the SportWagen will bring a number of available new features to market including a panoramic power tilt and slide sunroof, 12-way power driver’s seat, Climatronic automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Park Distance Control, and available 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Source: Volkswagen US

May 13, 2014

Volkswagen Announces Pricing For 2015 Golf

2015 Volkswagen Golf – or the seventh-generation version of VW’s worldwide best seller is not only offering more spaciousness, less weight, and increased efficiency, but also comes at an even better value. Whatever the trim level, the new Golf is better equipped than its predecessor. For instance, the two-door Golf Launch Edition model adds many standard features over the outgoing Golf 2.5L. Some of them include the turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder as the base engine, standard 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod integration, Standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (APCBS) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

The new Golf is scheduled to be available at dealerships in August. It will be offered in two- and four-door variants with two powertrains: the EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine, mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; and the all-new EA288 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, coupled with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Golf TSI models equipped with the first engine will be available in five trim levels: Launch Edition, S, S with Sunroof, SE, SEL. The Golf TDI Clean Diesel models only feature four doors and will be offered in three trims—TDI S, TDI SE, and TDI SEL.

Some of the optional features for the new Volkswagen model include Fender Premium Audio System and Climatronic automatic air conditioning. Furthermore, at launch, the German brand will also offer the Golf Sport model, that will be equipped with six-speed automatic transmission and the Lighting Package. The latter includes standard Bi-Xenon headlights.

On the other hand, Launch Edition can be offered in either Pure White or Platinum Gray. The model has been visually enhanced with a bodykit that includes a front lip spoiler, side skirts, a rear valence, a larger rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips. The pricing of 2015 Volkswagen Golf Launch Edition begins $17,995 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

May 13, 2014

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection will be previewed to selected public at an event. The model adds to the latest Bespoke Collection from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The event will take place at the site of the original Bluebird Motor Company, now the Bluebird Restaurant, on the King’s Road, London today. After that the vehicle will be premiered at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa D’Este on the shores of one of Italy’s famous Lake Como. Right there, it will be shown to the general public for the first time.

Waterspeed Collection Phantom Drophead Coupés include Bespoke design and engineering features. They were designed and built to make contemporary tribute to Campbell’s famous craft. The vehicle is finished in a specially developed ‘Maggiore Blue’ exterior paint. It was inspired by Bluebird’s famous colour scheme.

An interesting fact is that for the first time in company’s history, the exterior finish extends to the engine, creating a visually homage to the power behind Campbell’s records. The finish also can be seen applied on the fully-polished eleven-spoke wheels for the first time.

Furthermore, the exterior is completed with a hand-painted coachline that culminates in a Bluebird motif. To make the prefect harmony, Car’s Maggiore Blue exterior finish is subtly echoed inside via accents on the dashboard. The interior includes Windchill Grey leather scheme, hand-engraved door armrest tunnel caps, Abachi wood used for several elements.

Another inspiration taken from Campbell’s success is reflected onto the famous ‘power reserve’ dial. As the driver presses on, the dial moves backwards towards a yellow and blue zone, echoing Campbell’s original K3 boat’s ‘going into the blue’ at maximum engine revolutions.

In addition, direct tribute to the records is paid in the glovebox. There, one can see a hand-embroidered panel which expresses the records Campbell achieved at Lake Maggiore and Coniston Water. At last, the steering wheel is decided in two-tone for the very first time. It also includes Maggiore Blue accents that balance perfectly the traditional black leather used for the interior.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 13, 2014

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition Celebrates V-Series

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition comes to mark the last chapter of the current model line-up. The brand has announced that the next-generation models are currently in development and will premiere next year. The production of this special-edition is limited to 500 examples. They will be available at the dealerships during the second half of 2014. The new vehicle has the same high-performance technology equipment as its predecessors.

This means that it features company’s Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and the supercharged V-8 engine. The latter produces 556 horsepower (415kW) and can be coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

CTS-V Coupe is the most dramatic model in the V-Series range. It mixes the personal 2+2 layout with a drivetrain tested at the famous Nürburgring track. There are three exterior color options for the model: Crystal White, Black Diamond and Phantom Gray. Cadillac also offers an available sunroof.

Inside, the luxury equipment of the 2015 special edition version includes Ebony interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro performance seats, metal pedals, Midnight Sapele wood trim, microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dark-finish V grille, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition will be produced this summer and will have a starting price of $72,195 USD.

Source: Cadillac

May 12, 2014

Seat Mii Mango Special Edition Goes On Sale

Seat Mii Mango Special Edition was introduced to the general public in January this year. Now it is time for the luxury and stylish car to go on sale. This vehicle is a result of the collaboration of the two Spanish brands – Seat and Mango. The Mango Mii is considered the most highly specified compact car so far. It is available in both three and five-door body-styles, and also shares model’s already appreciated attributes of quality and impressive packaging.

Mii by Mango also offers low running costs and wide range of additional standard features over the Sport trim on which it is based. The youthful but yet tasteful design of the car is catwalk-inspired edition. It features MANGO badging and choice of several colour schemes.

In addition, there is the option of either custom-palette Nude with dark grey alloys or a Deep Black metallic hue and silver wheels. Privacy glass plus contrasting side trim detailing and door mirrors round-out the look.

Inside, one can see unique leather and perforated alcantara upholstery, contrast piping and stitching, branded door sills, floor mats and key fobs. Other equipment features include remote central locking, electric windows, air conditioning, Isofix anchoring points and a suite of airbags.

SEAT’s Portable System Live adds to the driving experience. It comprises of satellite navigation, bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming for the musically minded. As an option, there is also a Mii by Mango Style Pack, which includes a panoramic glass sunroof and front fog lights.

Moreover, all Mii trim levels will get ESC, tyre pressure monitoring and Hill Hold Control as a standard. The car is powered by the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine which is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

This means that the compact car will also deliver adequate performance: the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in 13.2 seconds; while the CO2 emissions are rated at 108g/km CO2 and the combined fuel efficiency – at 60.1 mpg.

Seat Mii by Mango can be currently ordered from brand’s dealerships with first deliveries expected in August. It is priced at £10,995($18,570 USD).

Source: Seat

May 12, 2014

BMW And MINI Vehicles Beautified With AC Schnitzer Type VIII Anthracite Alloys

AC Schnitzer is offering an exquisite Type VIII alloy rim in Anthracite finish. The new wheel type is supplementing the Type VIII wheel range. The latter also features Type VIII forged racing wheels, lightweight forged rim and the light alloy wheel Type VIII BiColor in black and silver. The new offering has undoubtedly a beautiful but “easy care” look.

As a matter of fact, the Type VIII alloys are made in the low pressure process and afterwards – subjected to casting and heat treatment. The high quality casting process contributes towards the delicate and lightweight design of the new five double spokes of the wheels.

Furthermore, the perfect “anthracite” finish, gives the Type VIII alloy wheel a sophisticated sporting look, suitable for many current and classic BMW models. The wheels can also perfectly be fitted in the wheelarches of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman.

AC Schnitzer’s Type VIII Light Alloy Wheels are available for BMW 1 to 7 series, as well as for the Z4, X1, X3, X5 and X6 models. They are also perfect for MINI Paceman and Countryman as mentioned.

Source: AC Schnitzer

May 12, 2014

New Volkswagen Concept To Be Born Out Of Global Design Contest

Volkswagen has announced the beginning of global Design Contest for young design talents. The company is expecting proposals for its new concept car, which is to be featured in a video game, The contest has been underway since 5th of May and will last till 14th of August. In addition, the participants are called on to submit a video game including video game scenario. The price is a six-month internship in the Volkswagen Design department in Wolfsburg and there will be chosen three winners.

Students from the fields of interior and exterior design, interface design, graphic design and/or colour and trim design can participate in the concept. The only condition is that the concept vehicle should carry the typical character of a Volkswagen.

The contestants have almost four months to visualize and submit their ideas on three charts. They can work individually or as a team. The winners of the contest will be selected by Klaus Bischoff, who is Head of Volkswagen Design, and announced on 30th of September this year.

Back in 2011 the iconic German company has successfully launched the Volkswagen Design Contest with the theme “The first electrical Volkswagen for my country!”. The participants were students from Russia, India and China.

The aim of Volkswagen with the new competition is to find talented students. In addition, the company is interested in establishing long-term cooperation with international universities and design academies. Information on the contest can be found at www.volkswagen-design-contest.com.

Source: Volkswagen

May 12, 2014

Category: Car Makes