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  • New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is here in early 2017!

    Mercedes E Class Estate Front viewThe estate version of the new E-Class proudly demonstrates innovative engineering and incredible intelligent gadgets. And provided that the vehicle is geared with the latest Mercedes drivetrain systems, we tend to believe that this is by far the most advanced estate that the premium brand has ever created.

    Featuring an E 220 d 194hp (143kW) four-cylinder diesel engine, the lineup will be aided by a even more powerful E 350 d six-cylinder diesel that would be available later this year. At the same time, the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC Estate that would be available from the fourth quarter will offer the aid of 401 horses (295kW) via a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine, mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times. But first, let’s talk about design!

    Exterior styling

    The new E-Class Estate looks modern, confident an agile, just as any sporty Mercedes-Benz vehicle should look like. With long bonnet, elegant lines and sporty curves, the vehicle enters the new model year with steeply tapering rear window, short overhangs, longer wheelbase and large wheels.

    SEE ALSO: Prior-Design meets Vossen Wheels in a cool Mercedes-AMG GT S project and everything is shot in Monaco

    Completing the exterior fairytale is the rear end with broad shoulders and the roof spoiler with a third brake light that altogether define the distinctive and muscular rear. Also, all Estate models will feature and a load sill guard in stainless steel. Sweet.

    Interior styling

    2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

    The inside utilizes Saloon’s award-winning design. The instrument panel can be adorned with two optional wide and high-resolution displays, while the controls are provided in terms of touchpad with special controller that recognizes handwriting.

    SEE ALSO: Lorinser releases power-upgrade for Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S

    Also, as you might have expected, everything in the cabin is high-quality and looks premium. The open-pore wood components, wooden flowing lines, combined with metal elements contribute to that premium and comfortable ambience. And let’s not forget for that meticulous attention to details: there are attractive color combinations, various shade of gammas and overall plenty of opportunities for personalization.

    In terms of space, the E-Class Estate will remain one of the best in the segment. With cargo volume of up to 1820 liters and despite the sporty roofline, the headroom and elbowroom in the rear are in turn the best in the class.

    Utility and convenience

    2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

    The EASY-PACK tailgate, as part of the standard equipment, can be opened and closed with a touch of a button, while the keyless go and hands-free access makes loading even more comfortable: you just make a kicking motion with foot underneath the rear bumper and the boot lid opens automatically.

    Also, in few simple steps, the rear bench seat becomes a communications and entertainment centre courtesy of iPad Rear Seat Integration Plug and Play.

    Aiding the driver are Active Brake Assist system, along with Driver Pilot system, Distance Pilot Distronic, Remote Parking Pilot and more.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Volvo S90 and V90 flagships benefit from Polestar upgrades. Here are some details!

    2016 Volvo S90 Polestar Polestar launches a new generation of performance upgrade packs for the new Volvo S90 and V90 models. Also known as Polestar Performance Optimization, the pack enhances the whole drivetrain system and greatly improves driving dynamics and vehicle’s agility.

    As we have told you, the S90 and V90 models are the latest Volvo cars to incorporate the SPA technology, brand’s  new modular vehicle architecture that is expected to enhance Volvo’s whole 90 and 60 model lineup. And after Polestar brought some neat upgrades for the XC90 sweeties, the tuning team decided it is about time they did the same with Volvo’s flagship 90 range.

    The interesting thing is that Polestar Performance Optimization is not focused only on delivering more horsepower. The idea is to improve throttle and off-throttle response, gearshift speed and smoothness and to deliver overall smoother and more pleasurable ride.

    SEE ALSO: Volvo to invade the small car segment: Concept 40.1 and 40.2 have been just revealed! [w/video]

    Developed in close relation with Polestar Cyan Racing team, the performance pack is exclusively optimized for the D5 diesel, while a special T6 petrol pack will be available later this year. Also, the changes of the Polestar performance upgrades are made with certified emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and of course, Volvo warranties.

    The first S90 and V90 lucky vehicles with the upgrade will be available for order in October 2016.

    Source: Polestar 

  • Transformers 5 Bumblebee based on Chevy Camaro to go into production?

    Transformers 5 Bumblebee front and side viewTransformers: The Last Knight is the fifth episode of the movie series, which is about to be released on 23rd of June next year. There is more than a year to go, but still the interest among fans is very high. Director Michael Bay knows that and has just published the first image of the Bumblebee, based on the Chevy Camaro and specifically made for the film.If you remember the last time Bay done this (previewing the Bumblebee Concept for the Transformers 4), then you should also know that it caused a little bit of disappointment among fans. They thought that the car is more than “overdone” and that it has nothing to do with reality (pictures included in the link below).

    SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee Concept – Transformers 4 

    Unlike the previous version, the new Bumblebee features an aggressive front fascia, which looks a lot like the recently released 2017 Camaro. This actually hints to the fact that the concept might actually hit production. Or? We don’t have enough details to confirm that, but we are still hoping.What do we see here? The Bumblebee above features a lot more than an aggressive body kit. It exudes style and temper, which is the perfect combination needed for future blockbusters like Transformers 5. However, the changes we see here are a brand new front splitter and ventilated vents, ventilated hood, air ducts as well as LED fog lights. The sides are adorned by new skiers, while the rear carries a brand new carbon made wing. And have you spotted the black paint coated five-spoke alloys? Aren’t they cool?The only problem we have with the production variant of this car is that it would be extremely expensive and will have a very limited market. If… it happens. After all, the audience is mainly under 18. More teasers are coming so stay tuned!

  • Lorinser releases power-upgrade for Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S

    Lorinser Mercedes-AMG GT S front and side viewMercedes-AMG GT and GT S, oh, who doesn’t love these? Especially when it comes to high-speed and style the models are among the most preferred, not only for a stock purchase but also by tuning companies, which love to play with these little masters. One of those customization specialists are those at Sportservice Lorinser, who know what they are doing when it comes to refining Mercedes-Benz models. With their newly produced components for the AMG GT and GT S, these guys are “killing it”!

    They have done here a power performance increase and added some in-house made sports accessories. Nothing much you might say, but the result after all is the most important part of a job that is very well done. Here are the details you need to know!

    SEE ALSO: This is how the Mercedes-AMG GT S could look, if … 

    The stock engine of the AMG GT and GT S is the 4-litre V8 unit, making it possible for the GT series to unleash 456 hp (340 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 600 Nm (441 lb-ft); and for the GT S series: 503 hp (375 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft).

    Lorinser Mercedes-AMG GT S rear and side view

    These numbers serve well to make a comparison to the result after the tuning, which is clocking 595 hp (443 kW) at 6,100 rpm and an impressive 750 Nm (554 lb-ft) of maximum torque, available at 4,900 rpm. When it comes to acceleration time, both model versions cut the time to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h to 3.6 seconds. In addition, the Lorinser-powered coupes reache 200 km/h in 10.1 seconds, driving on their way to the 300 km/h top speed.

    The powerful uprating is complemented by RSK 8 light-alloy wheels, sized 20- and 21- inches at the front and rear, respectively. They were then fitted with 265/30 R20 at the front and 305/25 R21 at the rear. And this is all. It is not much, but still enough to enjoy a quality ride. And very fast one, too.

    Source: Lorinser

  • What happens when you power your BMW M2 with M4’s engine?

    dAHLer BMW M2 Coupe front viewHave you ever dreamt of substituting the ultimate BMW M2 Coupe’s engine with a larger one? For example with the one used by the M4 model. What would happen? Well, we can stop imagining and see the results of the specialists at the tuning studio at dÄHLer, who have made exactly this.

    The Performance Details & More …

    Basically, the skillful Swiss BMW individualization company has fitted and installed the M4-engine into the M2 Coupe, and then updated the in-line six-cylinder M TwinPowerTurbo (S55) with 2.979 cubic capacity. The result: 540 HP (397 kW) and 989 Nm (730 ft-lb) of torque reached between 2,900 and 4,900 rpm; 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint in under 4 seconds; and a top speed of 320 km/h.

    SEE ALSO: dÄHLer Releases BMW M235i Cabriolet with 390HP

    But is there anything else done here? Yes. The agility of the car has been increased even more via coil-over suspension system, which was in-house made. It serves in terms of lowering, 18th level rebound and compression stage. In addition, dÄHLer has installed their well-proven 8-pistons-high-performance-brake-system, which features massive 400 millimeter brake discs. At the very end of the car we see a brand new stainless steel exhaust system, which was also built by the tuning company.

    Anything New Around the Exterior & Interior Design?

    dAHLer BMW M2 Coupe rear view

    As you can see nothing much seems to be changed in terms of exterior appearance here. It looks like that the M2 is very close to the original series. However the aerodynamic, and in particular the contact pressure of the front axle, benefits from the modest and efficient front spoiler lip. An installation of a rear wing is optional. We have to also mention the dÄHLer CDC1 wheel, sized at 20-inches.

    It is not much, but it is still impressive, isn’t it? After all: the devil is in the details.

    Source: dÄHLer Design

  • 2017 Mazda CX-3 heads our way! What to expect?

    2017 Mazda CX-3Mazda CX-3 was nominated as one of the finalists for 2016 World Car Design of the Year by more than seventy media jurors. But as we all know, looks are not everything: Mazda Radar Cruise Control and its Active Driving Display are the heroes of the lineup, along with the incredible driving dynamics and smooth driving. But apparently this does not stop the engineering team to deliver more and more refinement to the segment.

    For 2017, CX-3 will come with neat 18-inch alloy wheels, Mazda’s  i-ACTIVESENSE Package and tons of horsepower. To be precise, there are a total of 146 horses (108KW) to aim the sporty feel and road behavior. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter power unit is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and comes with selectable driving modes.

    In terms of style and convenience, the CX-3 Sport models will be equipped with 16-inch alloys, power mirrors, cloth seats, voice-command systems, Bluetooth phone connectivity, keyless entry, push-button start, power door locks, six-speaker audio system and air-conditioning.

    SEE ALSO: Mazda3 comes refined, enriched and more powerful. Here are some details

    On the other hand, CX-3 Touring are expected with 18-inch alloys, heated exterior door mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, leatherette and cloth seating surface, heated front seats, heather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, fold-down central armrest with phone holder, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

    And last, but not least, the CX-3 Grand Touring, the lineup topping model comes with all of the above, along with leather and Lux Suede seats, LED headlights, Adaptive Front-light System, LED fog lights, navigation, automatic climate control, paddle shifters and Active Driving Display.

    Prices for the 2017 Mazda CX-3 start from $19,960 USD.

    Source: Mazda 

  • Neat improvements and elegant additions: 2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo has a lot to demonstrate!

    2016 Toyota Aurion SportivoToyota team expands the appeal of the V6 Aurion range with tons of premium features and goodies. So, let’s waste no time and see what the sweeties have to offer.

    First of all, the Aurion Sportivo’s standard equipment will  include convenience of satellite navigation with real-time traffic updates, premium 10-speaker JBL audio system, digital DAB+ radio, Toyota Link connectivity, seven-inch touch screen monitor. All of these goodies will be optional for the AT-X.

    Sportivo also benefits from sporty leather-accented seats, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, auto-levelling LED headlamps and LED foglamps, along with power-operated driver’s seat with two memory positions. Cool. Also, there are some neat cosmetic changes for the Sportivo: distinctive 18-inch alloys and exclusive Cherry body finish.

    2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo

    Of course, there are also sweet safety features that include seven airbags, rear camera, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes and more.

    SEE ALSO: Refreshment accepted: 2016 Toyota Camry lineup and its new features are here!

    In terms of performance, the Aurio comes with a powerful, yet efficient 149hp (200kW) 3.5-liter quad-cam V6 petrol engine, certified to Euro 5 emissions.

    Standard AT-X features have also been improved – at no extra cost. It is now shod with 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tyres, including the spare wheel, replacing the 16-inch alloys and steel spare previously offered.

    2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo

    And range’s topping, the Aurion Presara comes with lane departure alert, auto high beam, tilt-and-slide electric moonroof and auto rain-sensing wipers. Buyers can also be granted with optional 18-inch wleel-and-tire pack, fine-tuned suspension and steering systems for a bit more cash.

    Source: Toyota

  • Believe it or not but this Audi RS3 can make it to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds

    B&B Audi RS3 8V front viewB&B Audi RS3 8V features unique tuning, which is responsible for making it deliver up to 550 horsepower (404 kW) and 750 Newton meters (554 lb-ft) of torque. In comparison to the stock output, this is a significant gain. Precisely, the market variant of the RS3 8V generates no more than 367 hp (270 kW) and 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque from the 2.5 litre TFSI five-cylinder engine.

    Stages Are Important

    The magic done here is due to the development of four stages of tuning. The first stage sees a remap of the fuel and ignition curves, and an increase in boost pressure of 0.2 bar. As a result, it achieves 430 hp (316 hp) and 620 Nm (458 lb-ft).

    The second stage grants the Audi 450 hp (331 kW) and 655 Nm (484 lb-ft). Here have been optimized the air intake system, ignition remap, and a boost pressure, thus increasing of around 0.25 bar over stock.

    B&B Audi RS3 8V engine

    The Stage 3 delivers 485 hp (357 kW) and 700 Nm (517 lb-ft), and encompasses the Stage 2 air intake mods to which are added an in-house high-performance intercooler and a free flow sports exhaust system.

    At last, to bring about the final goal, the tuning studio had to extract 550 hp and 750 Nm with their Stage 4 conversion. Here, the B&B engineers substituted the factory turbocharger with a larger bespoke unit; added race exhaust system with free flow metal catalysts, along with a high-pressure fuel pump, and an uprated oil cooler system. At last, they optimized the forced air induction and the ECU.

    And Everything Else…

    Additional goodies, which result in power increase of over 15 hp (11 kW) are the bespoke downpipe and sports catalyst. In order to make the soundtrack better, B&B added sports exhaust with high-flow catalyst. Furthermore, the in-house-made sport spring set lowers the ride height of the RS3 with 30 mm and 20 mm, at the front and rear, respectively. This is aided by the KW V3 fully adjustable coilover suspension.

    B&B Audi RS3 8V rear view

    The braking power is ensured by the high-performance brake system, which features 396 mm vented discs used on the front axle and sitting behind the factory 19-inch Audi RS3 wheels. However, the wheel arches look better if one added B&B’s B10 style alloys sized at 20-inches and fitted with 235/30ZR20 tyres.

    It Is All About Numbers

    After all of these modifications, the B&B Audi RS3 8V could eventually sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, which is significantly faster than the standard 4.3 seconds. The 0-200 km/h time is dramatically slashed from 16.1 sec to just 11.8 sec. At last, the ECU remap done here also converted the fabric 250 km/h top speed to the optional 280 km/h, and when the limiter is removed, the B&B Stage 4 RS3 can go over 300 km/h.

    Source: B&B Automobiltechnik

  • Barracuda Racing Audi RS3 8P “Shoxx” with exclusivity and style

    Barracuda Racing Audi RS3 side viewBarracuda Racing is not usually in our news very often, but when it does it comes out with some special tuning, which demands attention. The here presented Audi RS3 is being under the spotlight today, with a minimally invasive tuning but still looking good as hell. This project won’t satisfy the taste of many, but will please those who love class and style expressed with a lot of attention to the detail and minimum invasion. So, here is what has happened to the RS3.

    First bringing the attention are the new double-five spoke alloy wheels from Barracuda Racing The wheels feature an individuality that eschews mainstream designs. They are called Shoxx and come in 9.0×19-inches. Colored in an attractive ‘Bronze’ Finish, they were eventually coupled with 235/35R19 tyres.

    SEE ALSO: Barracuda Racing Toyota GT86 meets Tzunamee

    Furthermore, this five curved double spoke design can be also perfectly compatible with high performance brake systems, without the need of any bodywork alterations. In order to additionally improve the appearance as well as the driving dynamics, this powerful Audi hatchback has been equipped with the KW Variant 3 coilover suspension.

    Barracuda Racing Audi RS3 rear view

    The benefits from the addition of this suspension upgrade, is that it features independently adjustable bounce and rebound damper control, and the ability to lower RS3’s ride height by 40 and 35 mm at the front and rear respectively.

    There has been nothing additionally done here, despite the fact that many of you have probably wished to see an engine conversion. Still, the Audi RS3 is capable of boasting 367 hp (270 kW) and 465 Nm (434 lb-ft) of torque from its multiple award winning 2.5 litre TFSI five-cylinder engine. This means that it can effortlessly cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, and the 0-200 km/h time in 16.1 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.

    Source: Barracuda Racing via JMS Fahrzeugteile 

  • This is how the Mercedes-AMG GT S could look, if …

    Mercedes-AMG GT S by Marcus PIECHA This great sketch of a unique Mercedes-AMG GT S has been designed by Marcus PIECHA himself. It is his vision of how the AMG GT S could look in the best possible way and it is currently in a “preparation” form. Although the tuning studio says that it is just a teaser, we are absolutely sure that this vehicle is about to come up to life very, very soon. So here is what we know.

    Marcus Piecha has envisioned everything as “entirely new design”, but that still keeps the characteristics that make the Mercedes-AMG instantly recognizable. Despite that it is only a sketch, we can definitely see how much work is about to get involved in this project.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz SLC has never looked better and there is just one reason for this 

    What has been also emphasized is that the exciting new design was not supposed to re-invent the AMG GT or GT S, but to highlight its beautiful character. In other words, the designer wanted to make its racy look more pronounced, but without neglecting its elegance.

    Plans for optimization include aerodynamic enhancement, optimization of AMG GT S’ suspension and boost of the overall performance. Just to remind you: the production variant of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is capable of generating 462 hp (340 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, while the GT S variant of the model is rated at 510 hp (375 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. So we can expect much more than these numbers.

    Although no more details and data were announced, we believe that we will soon witness the first photorealistic renderings or images of the model. Still, fans will have to wait a few more months until the car is eventually entirely ready. Stay tuned!

    Source: Piecha Design 

  • Let’s take one more look at the 2016 Audi A5. It deserves it, right?

    2016 Audi S5Since 2007 the world of mid-size sporty cars is not the same. As we all remember, this was the year that Audi introduced the first S5 model and everything in the segment had new benchmark to follow. And since this glorious year, Audi team had not stopped delivering us more and more new features, more refined technologies and changing the definition of perfection.

    2016 is no different. One more time the well-known luxurious manufacturer unveils a refined vehicle and show that it is still ambitious and still wants to change the world of cars. So, what’s has Audi’s latest masterpiece to show?

    The new S5 Coupe is fresh, beautiful and agile. Blending the traditional DNA of the segment with some neat additions, the S5 also impresses with incredible drivetrain system and advanced driver assistance technologies.

    And with the wonderful body proportions with long engine hood, stretched wheelbase and shorter overhangs, the new Audi Coupe is ready for some road action. So, let’s waste no more time and see the key additions.

    Drivetrain system

    The new Audi S5 Coupe comes with wide choice of engine options: there are a total of five units, two TFSI and three TDI. The output is greatly increased, compared to older models and ranges between 190hp (140kW) and 286hp (210kW).

    These bad boys are mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S Tronic. There is also a special eight-speed tiptronic for the diesel 286hp unit. All engines come with quattro all-wheel drive and deliver an optional rear-axle sport differential for even more dynamics and precision.

    SEE ALSO: The newest Audi A5 and S5 are already here and there’s a lot to be excited about

    Also, the fresh S5 comes with special suspension system with damper control as optional feature, dynamic handling system, the well-known Audi selectable driving modes, electromechanical steering and dynamic steering as an option.

    Interior styling

    The cockpit is wider and offers more space and comfort, thanks to the longer wheelbase. The more generous space also means that the horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip are somehow more comfortable to use and create a wide sense of space.

    Of course, the interior build quality is at the usual for brand high levels. There are high-quality components and materials all over the place, providing comfortable and pleasurable ambience, but at the same time pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking.

    SEE ALSO: Fostla.de is killing it with this Audi R8 V10 Plus project

    Needless to say, the vehicle is fraught with all kinds of gadgets. There is the optional Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation, large touch screen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and many, many more.

    So, how do you find the sweetie? Write down in the comment section!

    Stick with us for further information!

    Source: Audi 

  • 2017 Ford Raptor gets a neat set of BFGoodrich tires. The result? Check for yourself! [w/video]

    2017 Ford F-150 Raptor America’s toughest, smartest and most versatile 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor receives a set of BFGoodrich tires with improved on- and off-road performance, while at the same time, the comfort of driving is greatly increased.

    Raptor’s neat set of tires was especially created in parallel with vehicle’s chassis in order to fit them perfectly. Ford Engineers, along with their colleagues at BFGoodrich went through comprehensive research and experiments and tried out more than a dozen variation in order to ensure that this particular set is the ideal one for the monstrous truck. Also, the team spent hundreds of hours for computer simulations and researches to predict how the tires and the chassis will react in different expected and unexpected road and off-road situations.

    SEE ALSO: Ford announces details for the ST-Line Focus and Fiesta lineup

    Also, the new tread pattern comes with optimized contact patch with more tread area, wider channels between the tread and large sidewalls lugs to ensure better off-road performance and improve wear life. The strong steel and nylon belts also enable the tires to confrom better to the road surface and make the truck more comfortable for driving.

    2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

    And in order to showcase how capable the tires are, Ford team used them on its Raptor race truck in the Best in the Desert race series. In fact, Ford is working with Michelin to create some more tires for the Ford Performance lineup that includes Focus RS, Shelby GT350 and the latest and greatest Ford GT supercar.

    https://youtu.be/a5CanDJDFi0

    Source: Ford 

    Video source: Youtube