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Ines de la Fressange Paris and Citroen Create Stylish DS3 Limited Edition

Citroen continues to expand its limited edition DS3 range with the introduction of a new model called Ines de la Fressange Paris. As the company says, this car is stylish and eminently Parisian. This is the first vehicle, which Citroen shows in the New Year. This step signals that DS3 is very important model in the lineup of cars, and that customer’s individuality is one of brand’s main priorities.

D3 Ines de la Fressange Paris was co-developed by the teams at Citroen’s DS brand and Ines de la Fressange Paris. In fact, the model made its debut as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show last October, and now DS is introducing limited edition model echoing that concept model.

Just like the many other DS3 limited editions, this one features some key and unique characteristics. The first one is the Encre blue body paint, which was specifically developed for this model. In contrast to it is the Onyx black roof, giving the car a bi-tonal design statement. The big contrast however makes the rearview mirror housings, which are painted in bright red.

The unique model exudes strong identity. Inside and out, meticulous attention was paid to the tiniest details in terms of colours and materials. The car is also equipped with new Xenon Full LED headlamps with sequential indicators.

Inside, the interior was meticulously individualized with a “Rouge Ines” dashboard and special front seat headrests. Citroen did not reveal any technical details, except for the information that the car will be available with four environment-friendly engines. Citroen DS3 Cabrio Ines de la Fressange Paris limited edition model will also be available.

Source: Citroen

January 16, 2015

The Car of the Future Will be Able to Avoid All Accidents

Every vehicle should be a combination of attractively-crafted design and ultimate safety, the latter, of course, being the key factor in every automotive industry. In attempts to create a car which is “capable of avoiding accidents totally in the future”, the experts from Seat Technical Centre are working hard, running a number of tests which serve to push them closer to the development of a smart and accident-preventing automobile.

Going into some details, Henrico Puttenstein, one of the engineers at the Technical Centre’s Department of Passive Safety explains that; “We launch different impact elements against the car, mimicking parts of the human body, such as a leg, hip or head.“ He, then continues and says;” The tests we carry out reduce the probability of serious injury in accidents to 20%.”

Interestingly enough, the start of the safety-measures began in 1970’s with the development of the safety-belt. But there is more than just safety-belts and airbags in the car when it comes to secure driving experience and environment. For instance, there is a specially-designed energy-absorbing area along with foams of different densities which are integrated behind the front bumper and the bonnet. Their function is to help reduce the force of the impact.

Still, the biggest ambition of Seat engineers is to craft a vehicle which is fitted with systems and technologies that are able to detect accident in advance and as a result “can change the speed and direction of a car autonomously” in order to avoid collision.

Source: Seat

January 16, 2015

Volkswagen Introduces the Second Gen Polo R WRC

There is a world premiere happing right now and under the spotlights is the next generation Volkswagen Polo R WRC. The company introduced the second gen motorsport car in Autostadt, Wolfsburg. At the same time, the team which will be racing with it has promised to successfully defend its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The car is in top form, both technically and visually. It is based on the first generation Polo R WRC that was introduced in 2013.

The start of the career of the new WRC is on 22nd of January when it will compete in the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. The driving line-up for 2015 consists of the double world champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F), Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), and Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene (N/N).

The new race car has undergone intense development, both on the inside and the outside. Undoubtedly, it looks more dynamic and sporty than before, and it also features many technical innovations under the bonnet. Many details of the package have been further developed and improved. The main focus of this improvement was on efficiency, reliability and performance.

The new design livery is built up from blue and white, and in fact the exterior of the new car is the most striking change for the 2015 season. The white of the first gen model has given way to dark-blue. White and light-blue stripes see the dark-blue front merge into the white rear, which features a towering new rear wing.

Integrated in the new design are VW’s partners in the World Rally Championship. You can see featured on the Polo those companies: Red Bull, lubricant partner Castrol, Volkswagen Financial Services, tyre partner Michelin, chassis and clutch specialist ZF Sachs, and supplier OMP.

More importantly, there have been changes made under the bonnet. For instance, there is new hydraulically activated gearbox, which is operated via a shift paddle on the steering column. This is the biggest innovation. Three quarters of last year’s components were checked and many of them were improved. The aim was to make everything “simpler, lighter, and stronger”.

2015 Season, FIA World Rally Championship (WRC):

22/01–25/01/2015 Rally Monte Carlo
12/02–15/02/2015 Rally Sweden
05/03–08/03/2015 Rally Mexico
23/04–26/04/2015 Rally Argentina
21/05–24/05/2015 Rally Portugal
11/06–14/06/2015 Rally Italy
02/07–05/07/2015 Rally Poland
30/07–02/08/2015 Rally Finland
20/08–23/08/2015 Rally Germany
10/09–13/09/2015 Rally Australia
01/10–04/10/2015 Rally France
22/10–25/10/2015 Rally Spain
12/11–15/11/2015 Rally Great Britain

Source: Volkswagen

January 16, 2015

BMW 1-Series Models Receive A Bunch of Unnecessary Features [VIDEO]

BMW has prepared a new facelift for its entry-level model, BMW 1 Series but it isn’t the best of what we have seen by the automaker. It becomes a little boring when we already have a comprehensive range of revised engines that got, wait-for-it… additional power units. Are they the latest-generation petrol and diesel engines? Yes. Do they have three and four cylinders? Yes. Is this really exciting? No. This time around, the updated line-up of engines include three- and four-cylinder power units coming from the BMW Group’s new engine family. And honestly, the last additions shouldn’t be existing. It is also true that the model arrives with some exterior and interior changes, but they are barely something exclusive. It feels like we have seen it already. And we weren’t really impressed even the first time.

The new power-provider is the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition which produces 116 HP (85 kW) and average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres/100 kilometres (83.1 mpg imp). The combined CO2 emissions are rated at 89 g/km in the EU test cycle.

But wait! There’s more to it! The six-cylinder in-line engine allows the new BMW M135i to move with 326 HP (240 kW) with an average fuel consumption of 8.0 litres/100 km (35.3 mpg imp) and combined CO2 emissions of 188 g/km. Additionally, the BMW M135i that benefits from an all-wheel drive system xDrive sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds.

The exterior couldn’t have been less imaginative than this. You know the feeling when you are expecting something, but you are hoping it won’t happen? Well, this is the situation with the “improvements” now. The styling answered our expectations… in a bad way! We have foreseen what the model would look like so there wasn’t any surprise to increase our excitement. The “meeh”-effect is just unavoidable. There are now newly designed BMW kidney grille and larger air intakes, headlights which come with LED daytime driving lights, remodeled rear lights which show the typical BMW L shape… Only this time, the L equals “Lame”.

Inside the cabin, the facelifted BMW 1-Series receives another bunch of necessary features that are rotting in desperation to shape something nice. They fail though. For example, the 6.5-inch central display and a Controller unit mounted on the center console do nothing apart from producing the same effect as Captain Jack Sparrow’s jewels – the effect of tasteless insipidity which is there but shouldn’t really be there.

Here’s one unnecessary video too. Yo-ho-ho!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8jh5dFj1Is

Source: BMW

January 16, 2015

Kahn Shows-Off with Chelsea Truck Company Jeep Wrangler Sahara CJ400

A sleek Flame Red Jeep Wrangler Sahara is the latest addition in Kahn’s garage. This vehicle brings visions of traveling. The spirit and magic of the legendary Wrangler has been given the ultimate tribute by Chelsea Truck Company. When I’m looking at it, I’m mesmerized by its exterior paint scheme. Then my sight is carried over to the new Jeep 1941 wheels in Satin Black. They come in the size of 7.5×17 inch at all four corners and are fitted with 245x75x17 inch tyres.

Behind those wheels, one finds a set of Liquid Red brake callipers and mud flaps. At the front, the tuners have also included Chelsea Truck Company grille and industrial mesh, LED Diamond bright and horizontal headlights, and Tron ring lighting.

The flanks are adorned by side wing blades, new fuel filler cap in satin black and new door mirrors. At the back one sees quad exhaust system in stainless steel and a spare wheel cover which display the Chelsea Truck Company CJ400’s exclusivity.

Those inside the cabin sit in front heated and rear GTB sport seats and behind privacy tinted glass. The centre glove box and armrests have all been re-upholstered in black and red quilted/perforated leather.

Foot pedals have been changed with new. More comfort for the passengers is added via the floor mats and stainless steel door entry sill plates. Kahn’s Jeep Wrangler Sahara 3.6 Petrol 2DR – Chelsea Truck Company CJ400 is currently on sale at a starting price of £43,875.

Source: Kahn Design

January 16, 2015

Lotus Transforms Elise S into a Cup Variant

Lotus has transformed its Elise S model into a Cup variant. The enticing new model has already been extensively tested, showing some great results. This engaging model highlights the pure driving competence elicited by Lotus. It is light, agile and significantly faster in comparison to the standard Elise S. The car has developed from the successful Elise Cup R race car and this means that it has a racing pedigree. In line with Lotus history, the S Cup variant has been tested both at Hethel and the Nürburgring Circuit in Germany.

First thing to be mentioned is the dramatic 3.0s reduction of the Hethel lap time. Then, we should point out the exterior appearance, which has been bolstered with some striking additions. Precisely, the car received new front splitter with end winglets, lateral bargeboards, a fixed roof, tail wing and a purposeful rear diffuser. As a matter of fact, the benefits from the enhanced aerodynamics increase downforce by 66kg at 100mph.

Of course, the car has inherited company’s vital characteristics of combined lightweight engineering and chassis rigidity. All of the modifications are track biased, delivering ride and handling in perfect balance.

The exterior appearance is fresh, with applied focus on the details. In addition, in order to create the transition from road to thoroughly focused track car, the Elise S Cup is equipped with a T45 specification roll-hoop and full roll cage.

Some electrical modifications have also been made. They enable easier installation of a fire extinguisher and “kill-switch”. Lotus Elise S Cup is scheduled to roll off the Lotus production line soon. UK price tag starts at £43,500, while in Germany it will be sold for at least €56,525.

Lotus Elise S Cup Specifications:

Max power – 217 hp at 6800 rpm (220 PS)	Fuel Consumption Urban – 28.5 (9.9) (mpg (l/100 km)
Max torque – 184 lb-ft at 4600rpm (250 Nm)	Fuel Consumption Extra Urban – 46.3 (6.1) (mpg (l/100 km)
Max speed – 140 mph (225 km/h)	Fuel Consumption Combined – 37.5 (7.5) (mpg (l/100 km)
0-60 mph – 4.2 seconds	CO2 emissions – 175 g/km
0-100 km/h – 4.6 seconds	Unladen weight – 932 kg

Source: Lotus

January 16, 2015

John Force and Chevrolet Reveal the 2015 Camaro Funny Car

If it wasn’t true I’d probably think that this car is some sort of joke. It has funny visuals which were inspired by Chevrolet’s history. As a matter of fact, even the name of this vehicle signifies its comical appearance: John Force Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car. The image was released next to the announcement that John Force Racing and Chevrolet will join forces to back the 18-time NHRA Funny Car championship team starting with the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

It is multi-year agreement which will include three John Force Racing Chevrolet Camaro Funny Cars adorned with the iconic gold bowtie. There will also be a JFR Top Fuel dragster. If you happen to not know who John Force is, well, he is a champion, in fact – a legend, both on and off the track.

A driver and at the same time a team owner, Force is a racer’s racer and a fierce competitor. The first 60 starts of his career were behind the steering wheel of a Chevrolet. In details, from 1978-80 he drove a Corvette before switching to a Citation (1981-82), Camaro (1983-84), Corvette (1985), and then a Cavalier (1986).

The famous driver won the 1994 NHRA Funny Car championship with a Chevy Lumina to a 50-8 record, 11 finals, 10 wins, and 12 No. 1 qualifiers. In fact, this will be Force’s 16th participation in the Funny Car champion and he says that he impatiently waits fro its start.

Force also says that he won his first round of racing, went to his first final and got his first No. 1 in a Chevrolet product. And since then he has won more rounds, races and championships than anyone in the sport. With excitement he reveals that he can’t wait to get to the Winternationals and start adding to those records in a brand new Chevy.

Source: Chevrolet

January 16, 2015

Toyota Aygo X-Wave Open Top for Ultimate Driving Fun

Are you looking for something that will make driving your Toyota Aygo even more fun than it is now? Well, you better stop searching. Toyota is introducing a new retractable x-wave canvas roof for a classic open-top enjoyment.

Launching the x-wave as an additional option on the five-door Toyota Aygo x-pression model, the automaker really knows how to prepare its customers for the upcoming warmer days. The new factory-fitted roof is electrically operated, pressing on a switch next to the map light control in the headlining. It comes in black finish and is full length which makes sure that those who travel in the rear seats can also enjoy the same “wind-in-the-hair experience.”

With the new addition, the Aygo x-pression receives more appealing and attractive look. The compact cart also benefits from 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, x-touch multimedia system with DAB and Bluetooth, as well as reversing camera and air conditioning.

What is more, the small automobile makes a not-so-small statement thanks to the gloss black accents in the bodywork and the cabin. Those elements are completed by the choice of White Flash, Electro Grey, Silver Splash, Red Pop and Deep Blue Buzz paint colors.

The x-wave roof is priced at £895 (including VAT). It can be ordered along with the x-tra convenience pack, as well as all other features available for x-pression, apart from the roof decals.

Source: Toyota

January 15, 2015

2015 MEC Design Mercedes E-Class Cerberus Arrives from Hell

MEC Design has finally revealed their new wide body kit, named Cerberus, for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Convertible. In Greek mythology, “cerverus” means a 3-headed dog that guards the entrance gates to the underworld. It is a symbol of death and endless darkness. Choosing such name, MEC Design has definitely succeeded in giving us a perception of something unusual and different.

Even though the 2015 MEC Design Mercedes E-Class Cerberus does not have three heads, it is fitted with four massive fenders which are part of the new body kit. The package is comprised of: a new front bumper, a front lip spoiler and wider fenders. Other components include: a new hood, sportier side skirts (optional with LED lights), a five-piece rear spoiler and a rear bumper that arrives with an integrated diffuser.

For a stronger and more aggressive appearance, the Mercedes-Benz W207 E Class vehicle has a lips black gloss finish inside as well as on the outside. It also benefits from re-tuned suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels from the meCCon series with 245 + 325 tires. In terms of the interior, there is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, piano black trim and MEC-branded floor mats with Nubuck Leather edging.

Source: MEC Design

January 15, 2015

Smart Fortwo Perfect for the Urban Traffic

The economical Smart Fortwo rated at 71 HP (52 kW) is now available for ordering with a twinamic dual clutch transmission. Gear shifting, then, becomes possible to be carried out automatically or manually.

Thanks to this twinamic transmission, the changing of gears becomes smoother, easier and without any interruptions in tractive power. What is more due to the twinamic, the small Fortwo is cabaple of speeding up from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 15.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 151 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 4.1 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres, which equals a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometre.

Crafted out as a 3-shaft dual clutch manual transmission, the twinamic automatic transmission has six forward gears and one reverse gear. The clutch actuation and gear changing are automatic. Nevertheless, the choice of manual or automatic shifting is a way of offering a more convenient driving, especially in urban traffic. Taking advantage of the manual shifting becomes possible by using the selector lever in a separate gate or by the shift paddles which are part of the Sports package. Customers, as excepted, should pay additional sum for the twinamic. For instance, in the standard version it will cost 1275 euros (RRP, incl. 19% VAT); in combination with the passion, prime and proxy lines 1000 euros (RRP, incl. 19% VAT).

The first Smart Fortwo models with twinamic will be delivered in March 2015.

Source: Smart

January 15, 2015

Infiniti QX70 with a Head-turning S Design

2015 Infiniti QX70S Design Front Infiniti QX70S Design which premiered last year at the Paris Motor Show has received a new S Design in dark chrome. This is a way to reveal the dark side of the luxury crossover and to extract more powerful virtues out of it.

Unlocking bigger provocativeness, dynamism suitable for a typical sports car as well as more sophisticated stance, the new Dark chrome Infiniti is able to make people turn around and gaze with amazement. The special S Design polishes the grille, fog light surrounds, side air scoops, side sills and rear number plate surround. Moreover, the prevalent use of dark chrome gives the nicely-shaped body somewhat more serious look which adds up to the seductive nature of the car. Meanwhile, the headlights are also touched by this smoked finish which complements the overall elegance. There are also 21-inch six-spoke alloy wheels finished in black, which represent a perfect addition to the black roof rails and black mirrors.

Inside the cabin, the S Design is found on the centre console in black lacquer finish. Contrasting this darkish theme, there is a purple stitching for the seats, steering, wheel, armrest and door trims.

Power derives from V6 engines in either petrol or diesel versions. This means that the power unit of the redesigned Infiniti QX70 can produce 325 HP and 267 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the reworked crossover wis capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, thus going with a top speed of 155 mph.

The 2015 Infiniti QX70S Design is on sale now and can be bought for £49,620 for the diesel or £49,775 for the 3.7-liter petrol engine.

Source: Infiniti

January 15, 2015

Aspire Design Crafts Styling Tweaks for Range Rover Sport

Today is the day of Land Rover, since this is the third news we got! For this review are responsible the tuners at Aspire Design, who have taken the Range Rover Sport to a next level. They have finely crafted and custom-made body styling options that add unique solutions and new inspiring look to one of the most popular models. And this goes not only for the exterior but also for the interior.

First to mention is the body styling package, which as you can see endows the Range Rover with sportier and menacing look. When you look at the vehicle, you can’t skip the new front bumper and splitter that incorporate DRL intakes and lights. Then your sight stops at the new front grill which wears tuning company’s logo proudly.

At its flanks the unique car carries new sidevents, door mouldings and extensions for the latter. When you look the Range Rover Sport from its sides, the wheels immediately stand out! Precisely they were custom made and come in the grandeur size of 22×10.5 inches. Currently, Aspire Design is offering them in two finishes: gloss black/machined face and gloss black/machined edge.

At the back, the new rear bumper incorporates brand new rear diffuser and exhaust tips. The rear roof and tailgate spoiler should be also mentioned. All Aspire Design parts are produced from Polyurethane plastic and Carbon fibre.

Although we haven’t received any pictures from the interior, the designers say that the vehicle is equipped with leather interior trim as well as carbon fibre interior paneling.

Source: Aspire Design

January 15, 2015

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