Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • DMC Transforms Ferrari 458 Italia With Aero Package

    DMC-Ferrari-458-Italia-ELEGANTE-THUMBDMC Ferrari 458 Italia ELEGANTE is the latest addition to the garage of finely tuned vehicles of the transformation specialists at the luxury tuning company DMC. The company is more famous with its exceptional modifications of Lamborghini vehicles, however it can also proudly show-off with its current take on the 458 Italia.

    The Elegante aerodynamic tuning kit gives this Ferrari even more aggressive appearance, and we have already seen it installed on the 458 Italia Spider last year. Nonetheless, DMC have taken it further with this project.

    The Body Kit includes new front lips, side skirts and other details that look great while supporting a better road feel. What is more stunning in the appearance of the Italian car however, is its windows. They all have been blacked out including the side, rear, and even the front window.

    To sum up, this is another great transformation delivered by the specialists at DMC, in fact it is truly breath-taking and makes the car looks exceptionally special.

    Source: DMC

  • Lingenfelter Has Supercharged Reaper Package For Chevrolet Silverado

    Lingenfelter-Supercharged-Chevrolet-Silverado-Reaper-THUMBLingenfelter is a tuning company which is specialized in transforming muscle vehicles. It has just introduced its latest project which is on the massive 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. The professionals have prepared for this Chevy a special Supercharged Reaper Package, which improves the vehicle in terms of performance and visual style.

    The Southern Comfort Reaper Package is what restyles the body of this Silverado. It includes a front clip restyling grill and high clearance bumper with reinforced skid plate, as well as integrated Rigid Industries Flood light system and daytime LED running lights. The suspension system here is delivered by Fox Racing while the exhaust package – from Corsa Performance.

    But this is not all, the visual stance of the Chevrolet is further enhanced by the Rock guard and side steps, auxiliary switch panel, reaper gauge package, custom stitched headrest covers, reaper custom graphics and serialized Reaper badging. Of course, the designers have considered the wheels and have equipped the truck with standard Reaper 20″ wheels and tires. As an option, there are available the Reaper 17″ Bead Lock Wheels with 33″ Off Road Tires.

    The word supercharged in the name of the package means that the vehicle will boast additional horsepower. The models equipped with 6.2 L powertrain will get the 550 HP Lingenfelter TVS1900 Magnuson Supercharger package, while those powered by the 5.3 L unit – the 475 HP Lingenfelter TVS1900 Magnuson Supercharger package.

    Source: Lingenfelter

  • BMW 7 Series Long Wheel Base Joins xDrive Lineup

    2014-BMW-7-Series-Long-Wheel-Base-THUMBBMW 7 Series will be the latest model which will be equipped with brand’s Advanced Diesel technology in the form of BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan. The long-wheelbase 7 Series will sports BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine and xDrive.

    Precisely, the aforementioned engine generates 255 horsepower (188 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque available from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The unit is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which also aids the BMW 740Ld xDrive in its acceleration. In fact, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

    The features that help the driver reduce fuel consumption and that also come as a standard here, are the Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode and Auto Start/Stop. Furthermore, the 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel powertrain includes a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, which helps improve low-end torque while facilitating precise control of the boost pressure and eliminates the need for a wastegate.

    In addition to this, the unit also utilizes the latest generation of electronically controlled high-precision diesel injection system. The latter plays an important part in the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.

    The exhaust gas system uses a combination of a Nox Storage Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with 9 specific sensors working together to keep exhaust emissions to an absolute minimum. In terms of weight savings as well as noise reduction, work the aluminum crankcase and hollow camshafts

    2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan will make a debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February and will be available in showrooms in the spring with a starting price of $83,425 USD.

    Source: BMW

  • BMW – New Engines and xDrive Models for 2014

    BMW will offer a number of new models this year including diesel variants for 2-Series Coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. The German manufacturer will also offer xDrive AWD system for 335d Gran Turismo, 430d and 428i.

    The all-new 2-Series Coupe will be available as 218d – 143HP (105 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and 225d – 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The 218d comes with 6-speed manual and can be paired with 8-speed automatic, while the 225d is only available with 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW 218d Coupe accelerates 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, while the 225d Coupe needs only 6.3 seconds. The small diesel consumes 4.2 liters / 100 km, while the powerful one needs 4.7 liters / 100 km.

    The 3-Series Gran Turismo gains a new 3.0 liter straight-six diesel engine – 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

    The 4-Series 425d Coupe also can be fitted with the four-cylinder diesel engine with 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The coupe also gains a new 430d xDrive model and the convertible will be offered as a 428i xDrive for the first time.

    Last, but not least BMW is going to offer a range of Individual accessories including unique paint and special alloy wheels for all models in the range.

    Source: BMW

  • 2014 Nissan Qashqai – Technology Highlights [video]

    In the new Qashqai, Safety Shield technologies include the following features:

    • Forward Emergency Braking

    By scanning the road ahead using a built-in radar system, the Qashqai delivers three levels of assistance. First is an audible warning, alerting the driver if the gap to the car in front is closing. Secondly, if the driver does not react, the brakes are automatically partially applied. Finally if the gap is still closing, the brakes will be applied harder if necessary.

    • Driver Attention Alert

    The new Qashqai gets to know you so that it can tell when you are getting drowsy. After learning your driving style, the system will monitor driving inputs, showing a dashboard alert if steering becomes erratic, indicating the driver should take a break.

    • Traffic Sign Recognition

    Helping new Qashqai drivers to both stay safe and within the law, speed limit signs are automatically read by the front-facing camera and displayed to the driver. This function works across Europe, regardless of national sign typography. It even recognises that some countries enforce a weather dependent lower speed limit if it’s raining, so both dry and wet weather limits are displayed to the driver.

    • Lane Departure Warning

    A great feature for multi-lane highways, Lane Departure Warning detects if the car is starting to drift out of lane. Advanced computer programming detects road markings allowing the Qashqai to determine if it is drifting out of position. If it does, and the driver has not operated the indicators, a warning is given to the driver to correct their road position.

    • Blind Spot Warning

    Nissan’s system uses the rear view Around View Monitor camera to detect vehicles in the hidden blind spot areas on both sides of the Qashqai. If a vehicle is detected in either blind spot, a discreet warning light illuminates in the glass of the door mirror. If the driver indicates to change lanes and the system detects a vehicle in the danger area, the light flashes and an audible warning is given.
    Moving Object Detection

    • High Beam Assist

    A high resolution camera combined with advanced software has led to a sophisticated automatic high and low headlight beam function for the new Qashqai. The system optimises the use of the headlamps in order to provide the maximum amount of light possible for any driving scenario.
    Safety Shield is just the start of the Qashqai’s technology story.

    • Chassis Control

    Using Nissan’s very latest ride and handling know-how, Chassis Control enhances both ride and handling, learning from the development of a vast variety of features from past Nissan and Infiniti models. While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) continues to correct severe traction loss, at lower speeds with lower forces the Active Trace Control applies specific braking force to each wheel to correct the course of the Qashqai when cornering, giving a more dynamic feel without interfering with the driving experience. What’s more, when driving over undulating surfaces, Active Ride Control applies subtle braking to individual wheels to deliver flatter body control enhancing comfort for all occupants.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzkh92n2QlM

    Source: Nissan

  • 2014 Lexus CT 200h – Price £20,995

    Lexus UK has announced the pricing of the 2014 CT 200h, which starts at just £20,995 for the entry level S model. This is a a £1,000 reduction compared to the previous model.

    2014 Lexus CT 200h boasts a new class-leading low of 82g/km for the S version and an incredible combined cycle consumption of 78.5 mpg US. Full details of the across-the-board improvements to the CT 200h will be revealed soon.

    The current range of six model grades – S, SE, Advance, Luxury, F Sport and Premier – is retained, with the addition of some new equipment features and options.

    At the heart of the range the Advance model benefits from a comprehensive upgrade that introduces parking sensors, heated front seats and the new, fully integrated Lexus Navigation system as standard. This wealth of new features it provided with no increase in the model’s on-the-road price.

    Elsewhere in the CT 200h line-up a GPS-controlled clock is provided on higher grade models and the Lexus Navigation package is offered as an alternative to the established Premium system (standard on the Advance, as detailed above). Additional features for the Premier grade include new aluminium scuff plates and LED front fog lamps.

    The 2014 CT 200h is available to order now with first deliveries in March

    MODEL/GRADE VED BIK INSURANCE OTR PRICE PRICE CHANGE
    CT 200h S A 10% 18E £20,995 -£1,000
    CT 200h SE A 10% 19E £22,495 -£1,500
    CT 200h Advance A 10% 19E £23,995 No change
    CT 200h Luxury A 10% 19E £24,495 -£1,500
    CT 200h F Sport A 10% 20E £26,745 -£1,250
    CT 200h Premier A 10% 20E £29,495 -£1,500

    Source: Lexus

  • Global Touring Cars Launches New Motorsport Series

    Global-Touring-Cars-Ford-Focus-THUMBGlobal Touring Cars is launching new motorsport series that are promised to provide competitive racing and fierce competition, exhilarating 500 horsepower (368 kW) from a V8 powertrain, proven and clearly defined package.

    With the series, the brand wants to bring the focus back on serious affordable racing. The GTC cars will offer performance, looks or build quality for the mid-sized saloon car bodies. The 500 hp V8-powered spaceframed race cars are designed by Australian-based Paul Ceprnich.

    They are equipped with sequential-shift gearboxes, while the bodyshell and the spaceframe has been designed to accept Original Equipment body panels based on versions of most saloon or hatchback-sized vehicles. In this way, eight-cylinder and rear-wheel drive versions of everyday cars becomes reality.

    What is specific here is that the cars will be mechanically identical and its design is created in such way to fit a variety of body panels, such as the presented Ford Focus here. Global Touring Car Series will have US run, but will also expand globally via franchise.

    Source: Global Touring Cars

  • Audi Q7 Gets S Line Style And Sport Edition Models

    Audi-Q7-S-Line-THUMBAudi has just announced that its Q7 model will get a new S Line Style Edition and S Line Sport Edition. Thanks to the kits the seven-seateater is more imposing and enchanting.

    S line Style Edition specification will be equipped with either a 3.0-litre V6 TDI that generates 245 hp (333 kW) or a 4.2-litre V8 TDI 340 hp (462 kW) engine. It runs on a standard on 21-inch five-arm rotor design matt titanium-finish wheels. In addition, Audi also adds to this trim an upgraded offroad styling package which comprises of stainless steel underbody protectors and extended wheel arches flowing into special bumpers with modified lower sections painted in body colour.

    Q7 S line Style Edition models will be also offered in solid, metallic or pearl effect paint as standard in a choice of seven colours: Night black, Teak brown, Lava grey, Orca black, Graphite grey, Daytona grey and Scuba blue.

    The second special edition that will add to the Q7 range is the S Line Sport one, which can be equipped with the 500 hp (680 kW) Q7 V12 TDI powertrain, 3.0-litre TDI 245 (333 kW) or 4.2-litre TDI one.

    Furthermore, it sits on 21-inch five-segment-spoke wheels and adds a sport styling package which includes body-coloured wheelarch extensions, enlarged front air intakes with high gloss slats, lower bumper spoilers, stainless steel underbody protection and dual oval exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper. Exterior paint finishes here include 13 solid, metallic or pearl effect paints.

    The S Line editions also feature equipment such as privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, supple Verano leather upholstery, stainless steel side running boards, powered tailgate operation, HDD satellite navigation, the Audi parking system advanced with visual and acoustic guidance, the Audi Music Interface, Audi connect, adaptive air suspension and double glazing.

    Source: Audi

  • Toyota RAV4 Comes Enhanced For 2014

    2014-Toyota-RAV4-Cruiser-Turbo-Diesel-THUMB2014 Toyota RAV4 now gets further enhanced. It adopts a wide variety of technology features such as Reverse Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Alert in order to add more safety and convenience. What is more, the two mentioned technologies come as a standard.

    Furthermore, RAV4 is also fitted with a reversing camera on all models, as well as multimedia audio units operated through a 6.1-inch display screen and switches on the steering-wheel hub. To go to the absolutely new features the mid-sized SUV gets 11-speaker JBL sound system with DAB+ digital radio, Automatic High Beam and Back Guide Monitor.

    The range-topping variants of RAV4 runs as a standard on 18-inch machined alloys wheels with black highlights fitted with wider and lower-profile 235/55 Dunlop tyres. To go further into details, this Toyota model is offered with three four-cylinder engines.

    The two-wheel drive variants are equipped with 145 hp (107 kW) 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the all-wheel drive versions can be specified with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that generates 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol that develops 180 hp(132 kW).

    2WD RAV4’s engine is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or Toyota’s Multidrive S seven-speed automatic transmission. Petrol AWD variants are fitted with a six-speed multi-mode sequential-shift automatic, while diesel AWD RAV4 comes with the choice of the six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.

    Dynamic Torque Control AWD is an advanced AWD technology which is featured here. It utilizes data from various sensors and continuously controls the torque transfer between the front and rear wheels via an electromagnetically controlled coupling positioned in front of the rear differential.

    Next, the Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is designed to provide additional safety and convenience when backing out of a car space. Precisely, it warns the driver of approaching vehicles, when the reversing vehicle is travelling at less than 8km/h and vehicles are approaching from the left or right at between 8 and 28km/h.

    Lane Departure Alert (LDA) detects the vehicle when it is about to go astray from the traffic lane, while the Automatic High Beam (AHB) detects the lack of light from surrounding street lamps or from other vehicles at night and automatically switches the headlamps to high beam.

    Source: Toyota

  • 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee And Wrangler Get Altitude Models

    Jeep-Cherokee-Altitude-THUMBTwo years ago a very special line up of vehicles appeared on the marked. We are speaking here about Jeep’s Altitude line-up. The name came to life when the brand introduced a production-intent concept Grand Cherokee and connected with customers to name it. “Altitude” emerged as the winning name, and later Jeep created a limited run of Altitude models across its lineup.

    The limited editions are regarding the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Altitude can boast with its stealth-like visual stance, thanks to the use of gloss black grille surrounds, roof rails, lower applique and badging at the front fascia, and a black daylight opening. It can be ordered in the following exterior colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat and Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat.

    The vehicle runs on 18-inch gloss black painted aluminum wheels and will be exclusively offered in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. Unlike the other two models, the Cherokee Altitude is offered with a choice of two powertains: the 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 and the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 one. The latter delivers 271 horsepower (200 kW) and like the Tigershark is matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

    The same engine can be found in the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude. However, it is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and produces 290 horsepower (213 kW) and 352 Nm (260 lb.-ft.). The model is based on the latest Laredo and is also offered in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations.

    Grand Cherokee Altitude will have the same exterior color choices as the Cherokee, but it will add Deep Cherry, Granite Crystal and Maximum Steel. Other exterior design cues include front grille gloss black bezel inserts, fog lamp bezels, lower front fascia applique, badging, rear step pad surround, 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, halogen headlamps with black bezels, grey satin gloss tail lamp bezels, platinum chrome grille texture, bright dual exhaust tips, lower body-color fascias, wheel flares and side cladding, a body color antenna and an SRT-style roof rail.

    The interior of the SUV features the following: black Capri leather seats with perforated suede inserts and black stitching, leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen and power sunroof.

    In terms of technologies, the vehicle is fitted with the Security and Convenience package that comprises of remote start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, security alarm, 115 volt outlet, universal garage door opener, cargo cover, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, ParkView back-up camera and ParkSense rear back-up sensors.

    At last, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude, which is based on the current Sahara model, sports incredible exterior design. Here can be seen the matte black grille with gloss black throats, head lamp rings and Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliqués, 18-inch seven-spoke aluminum wheels, Freedom Topbody color and matte black “WRANGLER” decal on the hood.

    Wrangler boast a standard black leather seats with black stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with black painted spokes and black stitching, black finish hex bolts and black painted vent rings and door, instrument panel grab handles and Wrangler Connectivity Group.

    This limited edition model is also equipped with the V6 engine which was finely tuned to generate 285 horsepower (210 kW) and 352 Nm (260 lb.-ft.). The transmission choice here consists of standard six-speed manual or available five-speed automatic transmission.

    2014 Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Altitude models are going to be available at dealerships this spring.

    Source: Jeep

  • Renault Spices Up F1 With The Introduction Of Energy F1-2014 Power Unit

    Renault-Energy-F1-2014-Power-Unit-THUMB2014 FIA Formula One World Championship is introducing a radical technical regulation changes. The cars that will compete will be powered by new powertrain technology, with a powerful turbocharged internal combustion engine coupled with energy recovery systems.

    Furthermore, the power output will be increased up to unseen levels in over five years. Two types of energy will propel the cars – internal combustion and electrical energy. The first unit will produce power through consumption of traditional carbon-based fuel, while the second will be harvested from exhaust and braking by two motor generator units. Of course, both will work in harmony. Such engines are to be called now “Power Units”.

    Since these announcements have been made, Renault came up with the statement that it is entirely prepared for this technical revolution by introducing the Energy F1-2014 Power Unit.

    The new Power Unit key elements include the following:

    • 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine
    • Direct injection
    • Maximum engine speed of 15,000rpm
    • Potent Energy Recovery Systems incorporating two motor generator units – the MGU-H, recovering energy from the exhaust and the MGU-K recovering energy from braking
    • Electrical energy recovered stored in a battery
    • Combined maximum power output of 760 hp (559 kW), on a par with previous V8 generation
    • Double restriction on fuel consumption: fuel quantity for the race limited to 100 kg (-35% from 2013) with fuel flow rate limited to 100 kg/hr max (unlimited under V8 regulations)
    • Engine development is frozen during the season, only changes for fair and equitable reasons are permitted
    • 5 Power Units permitted per driver per year

    To go further into details, the internal combustion V6 engine includes cylinders arranged in two banks of 3 cylinders arranged in a ‘V’ configuration over a common crankshaft. It has a displacement of 1.6 litres and will make around 600 hp (441 kW) alone.

    Furthermore, all Power Units must include direct fuel injection (DI). This is a key sub-system at the heart of the fuel efficiency and power delivery of the power unit. Here fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber and not into the inlet port upstream of the inlet valves. The fuel-air mixture is formed within the cylinder.

    Next, the turbocharger utilizes exhaust gas energy to enhance the density of the engine intake, thus producing more power. In addition, it allows smaller engine to make much more power than its size would normally permit, while the exhaust energy is converted to mechanical shaft power by an exhaust turbine. The mechanical power from the turbine is then used by the compressor and the MGU-H.

    You might ask what is MGU-H. The answer is simple: on the Renault Energy F1, the turbo rotation speed is primarily controlled by the MGU-H, however a wastegate is needed to keep full control in any circumstance. In comparison, on conventional turbo engines, a wastegate is used in combination with a turbocharger to control the high rotation speeds of the system. In fact, the wastegate is a control device that allows excess exhaust gas to by-pass the turbine and matches the power produced by the turbine to that needed by the compressor.

    MGU-H is connected to the turbocharger and acts like a generator by absorbing power from the turbine shaft to convert heat energy from the exhaust gases. The electrical energy can be later directed to the MGU-K or stored in the battery.

    On the other hand, the MGU-K operates as a generator that recovers some of the kinetic energy during braking. In addition, it also converts it into electricity. When the car accelerates, the MGU-K is powered by the Energy Store and the MGU-H. In these cases it acts as a motor and propels the car.

    At last, the Battery or Energy Store consumes recovered Heat and Kinetic Energy. The stored energy can be utilized by the vehicle with the MGU-K or can be also utilized to accelerate the turbocharger with the MGU-H. The result is two times more power and the energy contributing to performance is ten times greater.

    Renault Energy F1-2014 Power Unit Technical Specifications

    ENERGY F1-2014
    Engine
    Displacement 1.6L V6
    Number of cylinders 6
    Rev limit 15,000rpm
    Pressure charging Single turbocharger, unlimited boost pressure (typical maximum 3.5 bar abs due to fuel flow limit)
    Fuel flow limit 100 kg/hr (-40% from V8)
    Permitted Fuel quantity per race 100 kg (-35% from V8)
    Configuration 90° V6
    Bore 80mm
    Stroke 53mm
    Crank height 90mm
    Number of valves 4 per cylinder, 24
    Exhausts Single exhaust outlet, from turbine on car centre line
    Fuel Direct fuel injection
    Energy Recovery Systems
    MGU-K rpm Max 50,000 rpm
    MGU-K power Max 120kW
    Energy recovered by MGU-K Max 2MJ/lap
    Energy released by MGU-K Max 4 MJ/lap
    MGU-H rpm >100,000rpm
    Energy recovered by MGU-H Unlimited (> 2MJ/lap)
    General
    Weight Min 145 kg
    Number of Power Units permitted per driver per year 5
    Total horsepower 600hp (ICE) + 160hp (ERS)

    Source: Renault

  • 2015 Kia K900 Now With V8 Power

    2015-Kia-K900-shadow2015-Kia-K900-mediumThe K900 – Kia’s flagship sedan – now comes with a V8 engine. V6 engines will also be available, but they won’t be the top of the top now, will they? Also, each version of the 2015 model year has quite a few equipment packages, so you’ll have to extra careful in your choice.

    The V6 K900 base range – which will go on sale later this year – is called the Premium. It’s still pretty luxurious with front and rear park-assist sensors and cameras, a leathered interior, a multimedia steering wheel, LED interior illumination, a 12-adjustable driver’s seat and power lumbar support and a few more bits.

    For that extra something, you can equip the V6 with a Technology Package. It offers a variety of gadgets that, supposedly, should make your life easier. To name a few, consider the 16-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power headrests and cushion extender for added thigh support. Or how about the first-ever-in-a-Kia color Head-Up Display (HUD)? It displays not only things like speed and navigation directions, but also draws and provides information from the Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning systems (both of which are also standard on the Technology Package). Also included in the package is the radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) which is just plain clever (keeps a certain distance from the traffic upfront by adjusting the speed of the car by itself).

    The most expensive K900 model you can have would be the V8 with the added VIP Package (daft name). It incorporates all of the features above plus super-fancy back seats with multi-stage heating and cooling. Both of them recline independently and have power lumbar support and lateral headrest adjustability. Behind the wheel of the VIP V8 one finds the “largest TFT instrument panel ever offered in a Kia”. On the centre console: a 9.2-inch display that offers access to the Driver Information System. Think of it as Kia’s version of the iDrive. It even has a similar rotarty knob. From there you control the 900-watt Lexicon high-fidelity audio system, the navigation, the lot.2015-Kia-K900-medium-2

    Enough IT lingo, though. Let’s move on to the essential bit – the V8. It’s a 5.0-liter GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) plant with dual CVVT variable timing on all 32 valves. It’s rated at 420 hp which is 109 more than the V6. The V8 utilizes a roller-type chain and a Teflon coated crank oil seal to reduce wear and tear. A sophisticated catalytic converter is said to help reduce emissions, but we don’t know any figures on that yet. The accompanying automatic transmission sports 8 gears. The shifts themselves happen at different rpm points depending on the mode of driving selected (Eco, Normal, and Sport).

    The 3.8-liter Lamba V6 is still the most powerful Kia six-pot with 311 hp. It too uses the GDI module and CVVT. A three-step Variable Intake System (VIS), on the other hand, ensures optimum low- and mid-range torque. The Lamba is mated to the same 8-speed transmission the V8 but with appropriately modified ratios.

    The chassis is 75 percent high and ultra-high tensile strength steel and holds an advanced five-link fully independent, sub-framed suspension. Front coaxial coil-spring shock absorbers and a new friction bearing in the steering column enhance straight-line stability and steering precision. The back benefits from individual coil springs and shock absorbers which in turn allows negative camber.

    The K900 V8 includes as standard equipment staggered P245/45P-19 front and P275/40R-19 rear tires on 19-inch chrome alloy wheels.

    Source: Kia