Car Makes – Page 513 – Automobiles Review

BMW Driving Experience in Sweden

BMW has a great tradition teaching owners of ///M-powered cars how to use them correctly even in severe conditions such as ice, rain, snow, etc. The Driving Experience program has recently visited Arjeplog, Sweden, which is no less than 60 km south of the polar circle.

The test aimed to teach the drivers and owners of ///M cars, what to do on ice and snow, when sitting behind the steering wheel ofBMW M3 and particularly the E92 model.

BMW E92 M3 is simply brutal car, which hardly can be compared with anything else. It is powered by a magnificent high-revving S65B40 – 4.0 litre V8 delivering 420PS (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass 300 km/h (186 mph).

Of course, the tested models were fitted with spiked tyres to maintain a little traction.

“The fastest option on asphalt is to make a clean streak, while drifting is the answer on slippery surfaces. The front of the car points towards the inside of the bend, so that the propulsive power of the centrifugal force counteracts this a little and actually permits a faster speed than stable driving”, said the legendary rally champion Walter Röhrl.

Source: BMW

April 9, 2014

Fiat Shows The Interior Of Upcoming 2015 Fiat 500

2015 Fiat 500 is going to make its world premiere at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The brand has just shown the first official images of car’s interior, which features numerous enhancements. They were made in order to increase driver convenience and ease of use. And instance is the featured advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition TFT cluster display.

The latter allows drivers to monitor important information like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. On the main screen, one can see an image of the vehicle, which is surrounded by data such as distance traveled, gas mileage and range.

In addition, a parking screen helps drivers while moving in reverse if the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist. Other screen options include a radio screen and a telephone screen. The Sport mode of the vehicle makes the TFT display “more aggressive”. Of course – in terms of appearance.

What was also disclosed by Fiat is that the TFT display will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models, and optional on the Pop. Furthermore, the other interior updates include a redesigned center console, which now sports cup holder design.

Scarce information on the exterior has been released yet. What we have understood is that the new Fiat 500 will be available in several new paint colors: Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver).

At last, the Fiat 500 lineup, Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio and Turbo will add an available six-speed automatic transmission. 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will be available at dealerships in July this year.

Source: Fiat

April 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV rival of BMW X6

Mercedes-Benz is going to exhibit a direct rival of the popular BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV will be previewed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting this month.

BMW X6 has been unveiled back in 2008 and already has received a minor facelift in 2012. The German manufacturer is preparing a 2^nd generation of it, but Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t launched a direct rival of it. However, the long-rumored MLC is going to be introduced to the audience in a couple of weeks.

2016 Mercedes-Benz MLC is scheduled to begin production next year in the US at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama factory alongside the M-Class. It will look considerably more aggressive than a regular M-Class and will have a “very dynamic handling”. Practically, Mercedes-Benz will create a X6 with different headlights, grille, badges and some other elements. The engine range will be taken from the M-Class except, of course, the smallest power units.

Stay tuned for more photos and information, which will be available on April 20^th during the press day of Beijing Motor Show.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 9, 2014

Honda To Show Two New Concepts In Beijing

Honda Beijing Concept model is going to take the stage at the Beijing Motor Show this month, Next to it, Honda has announced plans to debut one more concept vehicle as well as new production models for the Honda and Acura brands. The new concept, of which we have a teaser sketch, was exclusively developed for the Chinese market. The second concept vehicle to be exhibited is the new Spirior, which is a product of Dongfeng Honda.

Chinese premiere will have the new middle-class SUV and the third-generation Fit, which will be sold by Guangqi Honda. Production cars such as the Crosstour, Accord, Crider, Odyssey, City, CR-Z and Li Nian S1, CR-V, Civic, Elysion, Jade, Insight and CIIMO will be also displayed.

The teased concept shows a sporty looking coupe. Judging from the image we are also not sure about the size of the car. It appears to be a small coupe. The contemporary design is visible through the new muscular grille and the dramatic five-spoke wheels.

Acura will be also present at the show, making a premiere of the RLX hybrid model, equipped with SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD. This is high-efficiency and high-output hybrid system that realizes both outstanding driving performance and fuel economy. Also on display will be the NSX Concept, MDX, RDX and ILX.

Source: Honda

April 9, 2014

Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI

Hartmann Tuning has unveiled their latest project based on a facelifted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI. The tuning specialists has reworked the big vehicle almost entirely. Hartmann Sprinter comes with complete body kit, new wheels and improved interior.

The exterior boasts a new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of redesigned side skirts and a new set of fog lights. There is also a nice “red and racy paint” finish and huge alloy wheels – 9J x 20” Zaro fitted with 265/45 R20 tires.

The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon fiber applications and chromed sill plates. Other upgrades include a leather shift knob, leather upholstery with red stitching, as well as an Alcantara trim on the doors.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI is powered by a 3.0 liter DOHC V6 diesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Although, the big van is not quite fast, it can embarrass a lot of everyday small city cars. If, the 319 CDI gets and ECU re-map, it will easily develop over 220HP (162 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque.

The first generation Sprinter was launched back in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz TN, which was on the market since 1977. The Sprinter immediately became best-seller and was voted International Van of the Year for 1995. The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with super-efficient and powerful engines, a lot of extras and ever AWD system.

Source: Hartmann

April 9, 2014

Audi Teases TT-Based Crossover Concept Ahead Of Beijing Debut

Audi TT-Based Crossover Concept is going to be the main star of the auto show in Beijing, where it will have its full reveal. The brand has just released three teaser sketches, which you can view below. The name of the model wasn’t revealed, but from what we can see from the pictures – it looks like the bigger sibling of the 2015 Audi TT.

It is visible that the new concept incorporates sleek styling and proportions. In these particular sketches, it is finished in provocative yellow color. And since lately this paint finish has become extremely popular, we are almost sure that it will debut dressed in it.

In fact, the car looks very much like Audi’s Allroad Shooting Brake, and if it is an evolution of it, we are also expecting that it will be powered by the same engine and deliver the same figures. Precisely, the Allroad Shooting Brake has a powerful 2.0-liter TFSI engine that 400 hp (294 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. It helps the car accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.

As we can see from the third image, the car inside is a typical four-seater. What is interesting however is that it has the same dashboard with the new TT. More news to be released after concept’s official debut at the Beijing Motor Show, which starts on 20th of April.

Source: Audi

April 9, 2014

Seat Ibiza FR Edition Powered By 1.4 TSI ACT engine

Seat Ibiza FR Edition has just been introduced. The car is powered by the new 1.4 TSI ACT engine, which has four cylinders, and uses less amount of fuel. The powerplant also helps the car accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under eight seconds, while the fuel economy is rated at 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle. In fact, the 140 PS ACT petrol engine replaces the 150 PS 1.4 TSI non-ACT engine in the Ibiza range, thus delivering superior efficiency, and 30 g/km less CO2 – down to 109 g/km.

The unit is mated to a manual transmission only. As a matter of fact, the Ibiza FRs which utilize the ACT engine sit above the standard FR in the Ibiza range. Furthermore, the usual FR specification adds red seatbelts, red brake callipers, titanium-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, matching coloured door mirrors, climate control and dark tinted rear windows.

1.4 TSI engine uses an Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off the second and third cylinders at low engine speeds and when low torque outputs are required. It does so seamlessly, and conversely it will re-activate the cylinders in unnoticeably when more torque is required. The transition between two- and four cylinders takes less than 40 milliseconds, and the system can save up to one litre of fuel over 60 miles of careful urban driving.

Seat Ibiza FR Edition is available in SC and five-door body styles. On the other hand, the 1.4 TSI ACT is available in standard FR trim in all three body styles: SC, five-door and ST.

Source: Seat

April 9, 2014

Mini Cooper S by Cam Shaft

Mini Cooper S by Cam Shaft has a completely changed visual identity. The main reason for this is the applied foil wrapping that the specialists at the tuning company Cam Shaft has done on the popular model. In addition to it, the tuners have also performed an engine optimization and now the car is capable of delivering nearly 60 hp more power.

Mini Cooper S has been subjected to a two color complete wrapping. Up to the waistline it was decided in shiny orange with pearl effect. The colons, roof and chrome parts were made in glossy black. The flared wheel arches got a mat black contrast.

The serial Mini can produce up to 184 hp (135 kW). With the help of the specialists at PP performance, Cam Shaft upgraded the power of the car via software optimization and the result is 240 horsepower (176 kW).

In addition, what also has been done here are the modified the air inlet with sports air filter, complete new exhaust system including sports cat, down pipe and valve commanded axle back exhaust with remote control.

In terms of driving dynamics, this MINI now boasts V2 KW coilovers, which reduce the rolling inclination in sharp bends, and a really predestined for the Mini tire-wheel-combination. The latter comprises of very light and glossy black powder coated ATS aluminum rims in the dimension of 7,5×17” fitted with Toyo semi slicks in size of 215/45-17.

Source: Miranda Media

April 8, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger And Charger To Be Revealed In New York

2015 Dodge Challenger and 2015 Dodge Charger will deliver a sleeker and more modern appearance, when they debut at the New York Auto Show on 17th of April. The brand will introduce both models just ahead of the summer celebration of its 100th anniversary. By far, Dodge didn’t reveal many details about the car, except for a teaser image showing partially what happens behind the wheel.

Therefore we will have to wait for their official reveal. Nevertheless, Dodge disclosed that the Challenger is inspired by its classic predecessor and has been redesigned inside and out. The model also will feature new powertrain combination.

The most-successful four-door muscle car, namely 2015 Dodge Charger will also make a debut in New York. This model has received full-body makeover with nearly every single body panel being resculpted.

Obviously, for its 100th anniversary Dodge is focusing on the future and aims to deliver vehicles that are exciting to drive. Such instances are the recently reintroduced Shaker hood as well as the special 100th anniversary editions of the Charger and Challenger that have unique exteriors and interiors.

Source: Dodge

April 8, 2014

Skoda Introduces SE Business Range

Skoda SE Business range of vehicle has just been launched. The 2014 suite of vehicles offers comprehensive specifications, class-leading space and versatility. The cars have been specifically tailored to suit business applications. Skoda is offering a choice of 19 stylish variants from the Octavia and Superb hatch and Estate to Yeti Outdoor off-road crossover model.

The SE Business line-up is equipped with package that comprises of state-of-the-art technology and safety equipment, next to ‘Amundsen’ touchscreen satellite navigation system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, dual zone air conditioning and cruise control, ESP, driver and passenger airbags and ABS.

Furthermore, the fuel economy of the vehicles has been enhanced by the introduction of stop/start system and low rolling resistance tyres. Two highly-efficient 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI CR DPF diesel engines are available. These include the GreenLine II and III powerplants which deliver CO2 emissions as low as 85g/km with an impressive combined fuel consumption estimated at 88.3 mpg.

Skoda SE Business range:

Model	mpg g/km	CO2
Octavia hatch SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	74.3	99
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG	72.4	102
1.6 TDI CR 110PS DPF GreenLine III	88.3	85
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DPF	68.9	106
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DSG DPF	62.8	119

Octavia Estate SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	74.3	99
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG DPF	70.6	104
1.6 TDI CR 110PS DPF GreenLine III	88.3	85
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DPF	67.3	110
2.0 TDI CR 150PS DSG DPF	62.8	119

Superb hatch SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine III	67.3	109
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	54.3	135

Superb Estate SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine III	65.7	113
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	54.3	137

Yeti Outdoor SE Business
1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF GreenLine II	61.4	119
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DPF	48.7	152
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DSG DPF	44.8	164

Source: Skoda

April 8, 2014

Ford Reveals S-MAX Vignale Concept

Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept has been unveiled today in Milan. The new model follows the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept and just like it expresses the premium design, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. In addition, Ford also announced that a production version of the Mondeo Vignale will be available to customers next year followed by a production S-MAX Vignale.

S-MAX Vignale Concept runs on 21-inch Vignale alloy wheels with fine detailing and high quality finish. The car also boasts jewellery-like appliques and chrome mirror caps, distinctive hexagonal Vignale grille design; and unique “Milano Grigio” paint colour.

The car is decided in “Milano Grigio” paint finish, while Dark Rose Grey detailing is to be found in the exhausts, hexagonal air-vent surrounds, and the lower front fascia. The grille features a darker matt metallic finish with polished aluminium surround.

Inside, Vignale-embossed seating with hexagonal quilting and high-quality and soft-touch leather enhanced with woven texture-embossed aluminium detailing is present. Some of the technology highlights include advanced car-to-car communications, tablet device-docking stations for second row seats and an intelligent flexible seating concept with thin seat technology.

Leather extends from the dashboard and instrument panel to sweep past the glass roof to the rear luggage compartment in a single colour that creates a lounge-like environment. The seats feature quilting effect which we have first seen in the Mondeo Vignale Concept.

Source: Ford

April 8, 2014

BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition for China

BMW has announced a 7-Series F02 Horse Special Edition for China, which is expected to be exhibited at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on April 20^th. The German manufacturer has already presented the exclusive M5 and M6 Gran Coupe Horse Edition, now it is turn to the luxurious flag-ship.

2014 BMW 7-Series F02 Horse Edition is specially developed to celebrate the year of the horse. It is based on the 740Li xDrive (long wheel base and all-wheel drive) and can be finished in some the exclusive color schemes: a metallic Black Sapphire, Moonstone, Citrine Black paint or with this pictured Ruby Black hue.

Other features coming as standard include the ///M-Sport kit featuring a complete aerodynamics package (front and rear bumpers, a new diffuser and side skirts). There is also a set of big 19” ///M alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. Other goodies are complete Shadowline trim as well as LED headlights and a rear chrome strip with “limited edition” lettering.

The interior boasts Comfort seats with ventilation and heating, rear seats with massaging function, an Anthracite roof liner and the Chinese character for horse embroidered in the front headrests.

The engine is a 3.0 liter TwinPower turbo I6 with 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

No words about pricing!

Source: BMW

April 8, 2014

Category: Car Makes