Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Bentley at the 2014 New York International Auto Show

    Bentley is going to present the upgraded performance of the Continental GT Speed and the acclaimed V8 engine to the Flying Spur luxury sedan at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

    “I’m excited for the new Flying Spur V8 and 2015 GT Speed models to make their North American debut in New York,” commented Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

    “2013 was a record year for Bentley and demonstrated the high level of performance the brand is capable of. I look forward to seeing that success continue as the depth and breadth of our model lines continue to expand. All of our new products and initiatives will continue to embody the spirit of Bentley’s heritage while delivering effortless performance.”, he added.

    Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe is powered by an uprated 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12 engine with 626HP (460 kW) and 820Nm (607 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 332 km/h (206 mph).  The GT Speed Convertible is the fastest four seat open top car in the world, capable of 324 km/h (203 mph).

    The flagship comes with sharp front splitter, discrete side skirts and elegant rear diffuser of the Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint color. The 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps are given a dark tint finish. The exterior modifications are completed with red-painted brake calipers and chrome “Speed” badge.

    The interior boasts a dark mono-tone scheme, accent stripes in a contrasting color are applied across the doors, rear panels, fascia wings, inner console and gear lever. “Speed” branding is sewn to the headrests, while a chrome “Speed” badge enhances the passenger side fascia panel.

    Bentley’s renowned 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine develops now has 500HP and 659Nm (488 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The Flying Spur is capable of covering more than 800km (500 miles).

    Source: Bentley

  • TopCar MINI Cooper S Bully

    Russian tuning company TopCar has unveiled their latest project based on the previous MINI Cooper S. It is named Bully and features a full customization kit.

    The exterior boasts a new front bumper, front and rear fender extensions, two-piece side skirts, an aluminum radiator grille and a new rear bumper apron with diffuser. The complete package costs €4,375, but provides unique aggressive look for the small car. TopCar also offers a REMUS rear silencer with large exhaust tips for additional €592. There is a new set of 18” forged alloy wheels fitted with proper low profile tires – €2,500. Last, but not least is the Brembo big brake system for the front wheels – €2,375.

    The interior is revamped thanks to Mansory. It boasts Nappa leather, green carbon fiber accents and crocodile leather and headrests. The price is spectacular as well as the interior itself – €7,000. All prices exclude 21 % VAT.

    MINI Cooper S is powered by a 1.6 liter supercharged petrol with 163HP (120 kW) at 6,000RPM and 210Nm (156 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox powering the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h (148 mph). The curb weight is just 1215 kg.

    Source: TopCar

  • 2015 Volkswagen Jetta – US Spec

    Volkswagen US has unveiled the 2015 Jetta Facelift, which will make its official debut  at the 2014 New York Auto Show. The new Jetta Sedan comes with a lot of styling changes for the exterior and the interior. The engine range is also updated as well as the optional equipment.

    The exterior boasts new optional bi-xenon headlights featuring LED DRLs (daytime running lights). There is also a new trunk lid with a ducktail spoiler along with LED taillights for the GLI and Hybrid models. 2015 Volkswagen Jetta also has slightly reworked body in order to be more aerodynamic. There are new underbody panels and modified rain gutters near the A-pillars.

    The interior features new chrome elements for the dash and gauges as well as a new multi-function steering wheel. The air conditioning controls are also new and last, but not least there are some black accents. The manufacturer is also introducing new seat fabric colors and designs and ambient lightning.

    2015 Volkswagen Jetta Facelift still rides on the PQ35 platform (Golf V), but the engine line-up now features a four-cylinder 2.0 liter TDI with 150HP (112 kW), which 10HP more. It will return 32 mpg US in city, 45 mpg US on the highway and 37 mpg US on combined cycle.

    Lastly, the new Jetta can be ordered with a wide range of safety assistance systems including blind spot detection, frontal collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Pricing will be announced in the beginning of the summer.

    Source: Volkswagen US

  • CRP Racing Team Competes With Audi R8 LMS ultra

    CRP-Racing-Audi-R8-LMS-ultra-THUMBAudi R8 LMS ultra was shown in the beginning of the month, when it participated in the qualification race for the 42nd running of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Now, Audi customer-racing continues to add new teams with the announcement that CRP Racing is joining the fold. The team competed in the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) at the Long Beach race.

    Behind the steering wheel was James Sofronas who defended his title in the GT class. He also welcomed the talented GMG newcomer Andrew Palmer, to the GT category.

    As a matter of fact, the number of Audi R8 LMS customer race teams continues to grow in Pirelli World Challenge. The reason for this is the attractiveness of the global GT3 specification. In addition, there is an emphasis of supporting the teams by the Audi of America customer-racing program.

    CRP Racing has received great support from Audi and this is one of the key reasons for the team to switch to the R8 LMS ultra. The team made its Audi R8 LMS ultra debut in Long Beach this weekend with Mike Skeen behind the wheel.

    Audi R8 LMS ultra comes with carbon fiber reinforced plastic doors, high-energy absorbing new crash foams, new PS1 safety seat and updated transmission. It delivers up to 570 horsepower (419 kW) and higher torque at lower engine speeds. It also sports larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, enlarged air vents and optimized brake cooling at the front wheels.

    Source: Audi

  • Chevrolet To Show 2015 Cruze In New York

    2015-Chevrolet-Cruze-LTZ-THUMB2015 Chevrolet Cruze will debut at the New York International Auto Show. It will show there its revised exterior and interior, as well as a range of technologies introduced for the first time. Some of them include new Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi hotspot. As one can see from the pictures, the new Cruze features an exterior appearance inspired by the Impala and restyled Malibu. It will come in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS and LTZ.

    Just like the Impala and Malibu, the facelifted Cruze feature prominent dual-port front fascia. The latter incorporates LED daytime running lamps on LT and LTZ trims. They complement the Cruze’s swept-back headlamps. Several new exterior and interior colors will also be added. The updates on the interior include revised cupholders, trunk release relocated to the center console and door lock switches relocated from the center console to the front doors.

    2015 Cruze lineup includes Cruze Eco and Cruze Diesel, both delivering 151 horsepower (111 kW) and 358 Nm (264 lb-ft) of torque. In terms of safety feature, the car includes 10 standard air bags including side-impact and knee air bags for front passengers, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist and a rearview camera.

    New for the model is the enhanced connectivity which is possible via the new Text Message Alerts feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile. This technology reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers. In addition, there is also included Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users that enables voice-controlled connectivity.

    Additional standard and available features in the 2015 Cruze include seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen and additional USB ports, OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, OnStar and MyLink enhancements with natural language voice recognition, available Chevrolet AppShop and navigation.

    2015 Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale this autumn.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Chevrolet Introduces 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible

    -2015-Corvette-Z06-Convertible-THUMB2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible is already a fact. Its coupe sibling was introduced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Both models are the most track-capable Corvettes in Chevrolet’s line-up of vehicles. Both can offer up to 625 horsepower (466 kW) and 861 Nm (635 lb-ft) of torque. They are built on brand’s new aluminum structure that is 20 percent stiffer than the previous one. Also common for the both versions of the Z06 is the curb weight, chassis, powertrain output, driver technologies and equipment options.

    The difference is in the electronic top that can be dropped remotely via key fob. The top is made from thick fabric and customers can chose it in four different colors. Chevrolet has also installed here sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window. Behind the seat backs the designers have installed dual accent panels in either Carbon Flash-painted or exposed carbon fiber.

    Like the coupe, the Z06 convertible runs on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in size P285/30ZR19 at the front and 335/25ZR20 at the rear. They are coupled with spin-cast aluminum wheels in the dimensions of 19 x 10 inches and 20 x 12 at the front and rear, respectively.

    To deliver best performance, the standard Z06 includdes a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and rear spoiler. Chevrolet also offers available carbon-fiber aero package. It comprises of carbon fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill. The package is available in black or a visible carbon-fiber finish. Another option comes via the available Z07 package. This one adds larger winglets to the front splitter and see-through center section on the rear spoiler.

    The new Corvett features wider and lower appearance. At the front one can see Stingray’s taillamp assemblies, unique grille with dedicated brake-cooling intakes and wider grille outlets on the bottom that serve as air diffusers.

    Inside, the car features steel-reinforced grab bar on the center console, soft-touch materials on the edge of the console, and two seating choices: a GT seat and a Competition Sport seat. The interior is fully wrapped in Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and micro-suede, depending on the trim and purchased options. It also includes a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber center spoke. Corvette Z06 Convertible offers five interior colors – two unique to Z06 – blue and dark gray.

    As the coupe, the cabrio is driven by the LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine. As stated, tit generates at least 625 horsepower (466 kW) and 635 lb-ft of torque (861 Nm). The engine also features direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing. Transmission options include the standard seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match and the otional 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic one.

    The technologies in the Z06 Coupe and Convertible include SLA-type front and rear suspension design, Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers, standard Driver Mode Selector and smart electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD).

    Source: Chevrolet

  • 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan Debuts In New York

    2015-Nissan-Versa-Sedan-thumb2015 Nissan Versa Sedan is to debut on Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show. The same day it will go on sale across the United States. At the show, Nissan is also to premiere the brand new Murano. The improvements for the 2015 model year feature new front and rear fascias, a range of interior refinements, and new grade level and packaging content. The enhanced car will be available in four trims: Versa Sedan S, Versa Sedan S Plus, Versa Sedan SV and Versa Sedan SL.

    The most prominent change here is the front end treatment. It features larger headlights, redesigned front fascia and standard chrome plating on the grille. Adding to this are the following exterior upgrades: new fog light finisher design, side mirror designs for SV and SL trim levels, integrated turn signals for SL and refined rear fascia design. In addition, the new Versa runs on 15-inch V-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels.

    Inside, the five-passenger model offers comfort and refinement. Interior improvements include a new center stack shape, a revised meter display with white LED display, new steering wheel with standard audio, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System controls, optional AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), standard assist grips, a passenger-side vanity mirror and new seat fabric.

    Furthermore, the customers will enjoy technologies such as NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps system. They can order them with the SL Technology Package, which also includes a 5.8-inch color touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link.

    The car is powered by 1.6-liter HR16DE 4-cylinder engine. It produces 109 horsepower (80 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The power plant can be mated to three transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or Xtronic with D-mode step shift programming.

    In terms of fuel economy, 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan is rated at 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined, when it is equipped with the Xtronic transmission. Those models which have the 5-speed manual transmission offer 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. At last, the cars with the 4-speed automatic are rated at 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.

    Source: Nissan

  • 2015 Volkswagen Golf VII SportWagen – US Premiere

    Volkswagen US has presented the all-new 2014 Golf VII SportWagen model with 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and the new EA288 TDI Clean Diesel. The concept version will be presented at the 2014 New York Auto Show and the production model is expected in the beginning of the next year.

    Based on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture, the Golf SportWagen will continue the trend introduced by the seventh generation Golf whereby it is lighter, bigger, roomier, more fuel efficient and more powerful than the outgoing SportWagen model.

    The new Golf SportWagen is 1.1” longer and 0.7” wider than the current SportWagen model. It is also 0.9” lower, which benefits both aerodynamic performance. The CdA is reduced by almost 10% compared with the previous generation. 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”.

    There will be two powertrains – a 1.8 liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI – 170HP (125 kW) and the new EA288 2.0 liter common-rail, turbocharged and direct-injection diesel with 150HP (110 kW).  The gasoline model comes with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, while the diesel has 6-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

    The new features include a panoramic sunroof, 12-way power driver’s seat, Climatronic automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and the Advanced Front-lighting System, Park Distance Control, and available 18” aluminum-alloy wheels.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 1,000,000 Dacia Dusters in Four Years

    A lot of people used make fun of Dacia, but the Romanian manufacturer has proven that they actually can build cheap and reliable cars. Especially, when they start cooperating with Renault several years, ago. Now, when Duster reached 1 million sales worldwide in more than than 100 countries, nobody laughs.

    “Duster is a truly global success story,” said Arnaud Deboeuf, the Renault Group’s Entry Programme Director.

    “With Renault branding, it perfectly meets the demands of our international customers and is contributing to Renault’s expansion in emerging markets. At the same time, the Dacia-badged version sold in Europe and our Mediterranean Basin markets has succeeded in attracting a new clientele to the brand thanks to the styling and genuine all-terrain capability it delivers for an affordable price. Duster is definitely a model that is winning us new customers.”, he added.

    The facelifted 2014 Dacia Duster now has a new engine, better equipment and improved material quality. The options list has grown a lot and more and more customers want it.

    Duster’s five biggest markets

    Market Brand Total sales since launch
    Russia Renault 151,633
    France Dacia 145,612
    Brazil Renault 117,303
    India Renault 85,974
    Germany Dacia 70,159

    Source: Dacia

  • Mercedes-Benz ML63 Wide Body R By Expression Motorsport [VIDEO]

    Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML63 Wide Body R - Front Angle ViewMercedes-Benz ML63 Wide Body R by Expression Motorsport is a project we must review. The iconic ML63 model of the German brand has been tuned in order to deliver enhanced racing aesthetics and performance on the track. The vehicle has been carefully customized with carbon fiber parts, includes new LED lights and wheels and more importantly features a wide body kit which makes it even more aggressive.

    Firstly, the tuners added larger openings in the front bumper. They help the engine get a better cooling. Carbon fiber has been used for the new inserts and front spoiler lip, thus giving this Mercedes-Benz better racing capabilities and more muscular stance.

    Furthermore, the front bumper set features LED daytime running lights. A wide body kit was then mounted and it includes a set of fender flares comprising of 10 pieces and including air intakes.

    This modification has allowed the specialists at Expression Motorsport to mount wider wheels in the size of 23″. Another benefit from the kit is the added lower suspension. A carbon fiber rear diffuser with F1 brake light combined with the double twin tip exhaust rounds out the entire modification of the vehicle.

    httpv://youtu.be/d9TRsg3aYJ4

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Expression Motorsport

  • Mopar Customizes 2014 Jeep Cherokee

    2014-Mopar-Jeep-Cherokee-THUMB2014 Jeep Cherokee has been fully customized by Mopar. The latter brand offers more than 100 parts and accessories with the aim to deliver unique vision for every Cherokee driver. The new version of this Jeep was introduced in the beginning of last year at the New York Motor Show. Its exterior was much different and combined aggressive and bold design. Take a look at the curved griller, thin headlights and entirely redesigned front hood.

    Mopar offers now versatile product range that enhances the appeal and practicality of the vehicle. Some of the products include chrome mirrors, Mopar Web, Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS) and even a pet carrier.

    The customization company also provides available accessories to help owners make the most of the Jeep Cargo Management System (JCMS). Precisely, the universal module rack is mounted on the driver’s side of the rear cargo area and includes hooks, removable first-aid kit, Trailhawk Off-Road Accessory Kit, Roadside Safety Kit, storage tote, collapsible cooler and more.

    Here is the list of selected Mopar parts and accessories available for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee: Rock rails, multiple lifestyle racks and carriers, Mopar Web, Mopar EVTS, chrome mirror, pet carrier matte black hood decal, premium carpet mat, door-sill guard, front and rear splash guards, JCMS Trailhawk bag, JCMS Roadside Assistance Bag, JCMS Cooler, JCMS Storage Locker and JCMS Cargo Mat Bag.

    Source: Jeep

  • 2015 Volkswagen Golf VII GTI – Best Interior

    2015 Volkswagen Golf VII GTI is selected to take place in “Ward’s 10 Best Interior” competition for this year.  The editors of the magazine tested more than 40 vehicles and recognized the refined, upscale, and functional new interior of the Golf GTI, which is completely redesigned and scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms in June.

    The all-new GTI boasts high-quality materials used for the interior as well as a sport steering wheel, GTI shift knob grip and instrument cluster. Other highlights include special trim inserts, and stainless-steel pedals and foot rest. The Golf GTI also features sport seats that are covered with distinctive plaid seating surfaces in the S trim and leather on the SE and Autobahn models.

    Although the new Golf is quite small hatchback, it boasts more interior space – 0.6” more rear-seat legroom; In front, the shoulder and elbow room were increased by 1.2” and 0.9” inches, with commensurate improvements in the back by 1.2” and 0.8”.

    The interior is entirely redesigned compared to the previous model. The wide center console is now oriented towards the driver, a feature that’s more typical of premium vehicles rather than compacts. In the middle of the console, beneath the hazard warning light switch, is the infotainment screen. For the first time, Volkswagen is using touchscreens with a proximity sensor, allowing users to change functions with a swipe of the hand, just like a smartphone.  All Golf models receive a standard 5.8” touchscreen. The available new navigation systems are DVD-based with a 3D display.

    Source: Volkswagen