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Ferrari 458 Spider Uglier than Ever

Ferrari 458 Spider Golden Shark Side

What is going on in the automotive world? Seriously. In order to visualize their out-of-the-box thinking and in their attempts to stand out from the crowd, some tuners craft out (I am not really sure if the word “craft” is right when we talk about failures) something that is not even good enough for a low-budget cartoon production. If making a model which can only stand for displeasing intrusiveness is a skill, then the Japanese tuning company Office-K definitely has it.

Stripping down the luxurious Italian flavor of the Ferrari 458 Spider, Office-K designs (I swear such verbs simply do not fit the spoiled look of the Ferrari) an outrageously awful body styling which does nothing but obliterating the initial concept of the vehicle. The new look of the Ferrari 458 Spider Golden Shark screams out “Ugliness”, with a gigantic capital letter! If the tuner’s goal was to make a completely unattractive look, it almost succeeded. I say almost because if unattractiveness had feelings, even it would get offended by this hideousness.

The modified exterior seems to have been done in a two-stage process. Firstly, there is an underlying layer of galvanized steel, followed by a topcoat of transparent gold and pearl framework. If we exclude this eye-not-pleasing finish and the Forgiato Aguzzo-M 22-inch rims which have the same color as a matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth, there is something else that significantly contributes to the overall unpleasantness: the shark mouth painted on the front end of the Ferrari! Instead of conveying the message “danger, get away from me”, the shark front fascia theme cries out “meh, I’m ugly and it couldn’t be any worse.” Wait! It can! Did you notice the creepy teddy bear lurking between the front seats?

At least the 4.5-liter, 562-horsepower V8 engine under the hood hasn’t been replaced by a decorated brick.

Source: Office-K

B&B Improves the New VW Passat B8

With the introduction of its all-new Passat B8, Volkswagen managed to impress some people with the car’s 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine. It came with a new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Still if you are among the ones who were more like “meeeh” when they found out the specs, there is another chance now to be wowed. At least a little bit.

The Siegen-based tuning specialist B&B optimized the performance of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8 by increasing the power output from 240 HP to 300 HP. There is not only an increase of horses but of Newton meters as well. As a result, they have grown from 500 Nm to the screaming 630 Nm of peak torque. The 0 to 60 mph (to 100 km/h)run is covered in 5.5 seconds, accompanied by a Vmax increase to 250 km/h. To compare these numbers before the tuning, the standard model was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds. See the difference?

Now, because there are always-complaining individuals who might find the 300 HP too much and the 240 HP not enough, B&B has taken care of this too. The tuner offers another power package which is not as comprehensive as the first one that costs 3,950-euro. The second engine programme is priced 1,298 euros and produces a total output of 275 HP and 570 Nm of torque.

Other extras for the Passat B8 distributed by B&B include: fully-adjustable coil-over suspension kit (1.498 euro), which comes with both comfort or sport settings and exclusive B&B 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Source: XMedia-Group

DMC Lamborghini Teddy Bear Edition

We all know about the eccentricity of China. After all, there are plenty of bizarre things to see there. Like crocodiles ready for roasting, as well as frogs and turtles… and dried reptile parts sold in Chinese supermarkets. The country also presented to the world Conchita Wurst. No, I’m taking that last one back. It wasn’t China. But still, now it wows the streets of Dalian with a quite strange Lamborghini: Teddy Bear Edition (ha-ha) !

One of the proudest and most sophisticated models tuned by DMC, Lamborghini Aventador, has been spotted with a giant teddy bear on its roof in the city of Dalian, China. The reason why is unknown but it definitely succeeded in capturing people’s attention!

To recap briefly the specifics of the DMC Lamborghini Aventador, it arrives in three versions: Spezial, Molto Veloce and Edition GT. All of the three variants feature new front and rear bumpers with enormous splitter and diffuser featuring a one-of-a-kind design. There are also side skirts, refined side vents, and an optional rear wing made from carbon fiber. The supercar takes advantage of unique 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Dione alloy wheels with orange brake calipers. In addition to this, the tuning company can provide its customers with an individualized interior and engine enhancements which boost the power up to 900 HP. Not bad, right?

Now that I’m thinking, it might be the year of the great bear in China. Who knows…

Source: DMC

Photos: Jinze Li Photography

The Return of the King: Reborn 1958 ‘Knobbly’

Built to the exact specifications and details as the original 1958 Knobbly model, Lister Cars’ racer made its debut at Autosport International at the NEC Birmingham. This little devil is created to acknowledge the 60^th anniversary of Lister.

The charming black beauty is powered by a race-prepared Jaguar D-Type 3.8-litre straight-six engine which pumps out 330 HP. The performance of the reborn Knobbly car matches that of modern-day sports cars despite the fact that it strictly follows the initial design crafted out 55 years ago. The vehicle can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds before scoring a top speed of 181 mph.

After receiving overwhelming positive reactions to the limited production of 10 cars which are now sold out, Lister Cars is planning to build additional three individual final models. Each of them are said to mark the exclusive history of the well-known Knobbly.

In relation to this, Lister Cars chairman Lawrence Whittaker said that: “It’s a testament to the quality and skill of our workforce and the reverence with which the brand is held that we’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the reborn ‘Knobbly’. With the limited run of ten cars now sold out, we are looking at creating three individual special final editions, each giving a distinct nod to the incredible racing heritage of the ‘Knobbly’”.

By preserving and continuing the legacy of Brian Lister, the founder of Lister Cars, who recently passed out, the company is able to honor his memory in a way that will be remembered.

Source: Lister

Volvo Depicts the Future with the S60 Cross Country

With the unveiling of the exciting S60 Cross Country at the Detroit Auto Show, Volvo Cars is trying to satisfy the customers’ requirements and their expectations. Delving into deeper levels of the automotive world with the Cross Country brand, the manufacturer seeks to offer one completely different and unique on-road driving experience with a remarkably stylish and sporty unit.

The new Volvo S60 Cross Country will take its power from the front-wheel drive diesel D4 engine that pumps 190 HP. This power unit is based on Volvo’s class-leading Drive-E powertrain architecture which demonstrates uncompromising mixture of quality and performance in European markets. What is more, a diesel All-Wheel Drive D4 will also be introduced based on the 2.5L 5-cylinder diesel engine which is already known for its efficiency.

Similar to its sibling, the recently announced V60 Cross Country, the S60 Cross Country’s ride height has been increased by 65mm (2.5 inches) and arrives with the same All-Wheel Drive system. The latter turns the crossover into the only fully capable and good-looking all-road saloon on the market. Additionally, the new Volvo will be available with front-wheel drive in the UK and selected markets as well.

Lastly, the 2015 Cross Country moves on 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels with high-profile tires which are said to not only ensure better comfort, but also lower the level of noise and increase wheel protection in different on – road as well as off-road conditions.

The crossover is set to debut in a few days at NAIAS when most probably we will learn about the price as well.

Source: Volvo

Predictive Safety Cruise Control System by Honda

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) is the world’s first predictive cruise control system which is going to be introduced by Honda. Its debut will be on the European market Honda CR-V this year.

After studying how drivers in Europe perform, the Honda team of professionals created a ground-breaking system which uses a camera and a millimeter wave radar to monitor the position of other vehicles on the road. Thanks to the application of a specially developed algorithm, the i-ACC is able to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighboring lanes, thus allowing the equipped vehicle to have a quicker, safer and more comfortable reaction in case the other vehicle cuts in from a neighboring lane.

Honda states that “traditional ACC systems keep a preselected longitudinal velocity, which is only reduced for maintaining a safe distance to a car in front. However, if a vehicle cuts-in from a neighboring lane, the traditional ACC system reacts later thus requiring stronger braking.”

In addition to this, it takes exactly five seconds for the new Honda Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control system to detect the possibility of such cut-in before it actually occurs. Moreover, the system is designed in a manner which enables it to respond very smoothly without alarming the driver, who still might not be aware of the upcoming cut-in. In a situation like this one, the i-ACC system uses a mild brake, with an icon showing up on the driver display. It informs the driver why a slow-down happens. After this instant warning, it applies a stronger brake to adapt the speed so that the vehicle can keep a safe distance.

Source: Honda

The New SEAT Leon ST Curpa Conveys Compact Sportiness

Seat revealed its top-of-the-range Leon ST Curpa which takes the Leon ST wagon bodylook and twists it through its own prism, thus turning it into the Curpa hot-hatch style we are able to see.

The new Seat Curpa three and five-door hatchbacks manage to condense simple style and utility along with a top-class performance. Both versions are powered by the well-known four-cylinder 2.0 turbocharged gasoline engine. The powerplant in the Leon ST Curpa can deliver 265 HP (195 kW) while the motor in the Leon ST Curpa 280 pushes out 280 HP (206 kW). Still, the cars produce a peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

Among the models, the Curpa 280 represents the fastest version, fitted with the optional DSG gearbox which accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6 seconds. When we compare it to the manual gearbox, the first one is 0.1 quicker. As a result, the regular Leon ST Curpa covers the 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 6.1s with the DSG and in 6.2s with the six-speed manual. The top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) is reached by all Curpa variants.

Let’s talk about equipment now. The new Seat Leon ST Curpa benefits from a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system which can adapt the chassis characteristics to the road conditions within seconds. The front-wheel drive car also has a front-axle differential lock that significantly enhances traction and handling and also reduces torque steer.

Standard for the Leon ST Curpa is the set of 18-inch alloy wheels while the “280” version takes advantage of bigger 19-inch rims featuring titanium paint finish. Something that differentiates the second version is its spoiler mounted on the rear roof side, “Curpa ” lettering on the brake callipers and black side mirrors. Inside it receives deep glossy black or classic chrome trim accents.

Both Seat Leon ST Curpa models have full LED headlights, LED taillights, Alcantara-wrapped sport seats, LED ambient lighting and a Media System Plus infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen color display.

The Leon ST Curpas will be officially presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Source: SEAT

Toyota Opens up Hydrogen Fuel Cell Patents [VIDEO]

At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, Toyota announced that it opens “the door to the hydrogen future” by sharing freely more than 5500 hydrogen fuel cell patents. This patent release announcement is very similar to a suggestion made by Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk in June, last year. Nevertheless, it is rather important as by doing this, the Toyota gives pretty much carte blanche to different automakers around the world to build more and more fuel cell cars, which will result in requesting more hydrogen stations.

The list of royalty-free fuel cell patents is comprised of 1,970 patents which have to do with fuel cell stacks, 290 related to high-pressure hydrogen tanks, 3,350 associated with fuel cell system software control and 70 patents that cover hydrogen production and supply.

In relation to this highly important statement, Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota in a statement pointed out that; “When good ideas are shared, great things can happen.”

Interestingly enough, the announcement was made after the introduction of the new Toyota Mirai which receives an estimated range of about 300 miles from its hydrogen tanks. In addition to this, hydrogen tanks takes around five minutes to be refilled, which is something similar to gasoline-fueled vehicles. Finally, the hydrogen-powered car by Toyota went on sale in Japan in December and will go on sale in the US and Europe and in late 2015.

If you want to find out more, check out the link bellow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU8PMd-pwkg

Source: Toyota

Video Source: Toyota via Youtube

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Teased [VIDEO]

Aston Martin has been toying around with the idea of a road-going Vantage GT3 model which will be officially presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

In order to escalate the impatience of customers, Aston Martin teased with a video which draws connections to the V12 Vantage GT3 racer. Even though there is a sufficient lack of any further information that might feed the hunger of those who are anticipating the final moment of the car’s release, the vehicle is expected to be powered by an advanced version of the 6.0-liter V12 engine. The powerplant will be able to pump a not inconsiderable power output of 600 HP approximately.

The teaser video shows the V12 Vantage GT3 racer in action on the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. At the end we are given a glimpse of a sketch of the street-legal machine. What we can see is a massive rear wing, more aggressive front end with a reworked bumper and redesigned engine hood. But that’s scarcely enough, isn’t it? For more, we have to wait slightly longer.

Aston Martin not always teases, but when it does, it knows how to do it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_51BWtp4Fk

Video Source: Aston-Martin via Youtube

Land Rover Shows Trio of Defender Limited Editions [VIDEO]

Land Rover is closing one chapter and opening a new one in the Land Rover Defender life. In order to celebrate its iconic modals, the automaker creates three bespoke special editions named: Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography. Each of them highlights a specific aspect of the Defender’s nature, while conveying a sort of individualism, distinguishable sophistication and breadth of character.

To start with, Land Rover Heritage Edition takes its inspiration from early Land Rover models and embodies “nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts.” It comes with a Grasmere Green paintowork contrasted by a white roof. This model is further defined by a heritage grille and HUE 166 graphics as a recollection of the registration plate of the first pre-production Land Rover called “Huey”. Its production will be limited to 400 units in the UK in August with a starting price of £27,800.

The exclusive Defender Autobiography version unleashes better performance, luxury and convenience than before. It has duo-tone paintjob, full Windsor leather upholstery and an improved power output from 122 HP (90 kW) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) to 150 HP (110 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The Defender Autobiography Editions will be available in the UK from April. 80 units will be produced exceptionally as a 90 Station Wagon. The starting price is that of £61,845.

Lastly, the Land Rover Defender Adventure Edition is designed for people who enjoy the great outdoors and like the free-spirited attitude of the Defender which allows them to go whenever they want and do whatever they want too. It is equipped with an extra underbody protection and Goodyear MT/R tires which enhance the all-terrain capabilities of this madness on four wheels. What makes the Adventure model stands out is the use of unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin. There are going to be 600 Adventure Editions in the UK in August, priced at £43,495.

Honoring the Defender’s story, Land Rover has created the largest sand drawing ever made in the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4roB2KHK3PE

Source: Land Rover
Video Source: Land Rover via Youtube

Donkervoort D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition with a Recognizable Design

Donkervoort D8 GTO - Front view

I tend to like what Donkervoort usually comes up with but this time it was rather disappointing. The Dutch automaker has finally managed to craft out something (yes, I call it something because it is much easier this way rather than writing down the whole name of the new automobile, which I guess I will have to mention at some point) that sways between being too extravagant and being too… ugly. (Perhaps, if the cabin was moved a bit forward, it would make a huge difference it terms of the vehicle’s bodylook.)

Named after the Bilster Berg track in Germany, the Donkervoort D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition knows how to stand out from the crowd: firstly by its name, and secondly by its not-so-pleasing appearance. The base model takes advantage of Audi’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine (from the RS3 and TT RS), that propels 380 HP.

Featuring a uniquely designed carbon fiber nose (which is probably the only thing that I like about it), this GTO arrives with new badges and a reworked roll cage which brings a higher level of safety. The car is fitted with limited series production, semi-slick tires which are the result of the collaborative work between Donkervoort and Hankook tyre manufacturer.

The D8 GTO Bilster Berg Edition is marked by a special emblem for immediate recognition and also has a dashboard which is adorned with a type plate with the number and name of the car’s owner.

In attempts to make the Bilster Berg Edition more tempting, the car-maker will built it in a limited series of just 14 cars. This is a number that will represent the highly eventful and successful year for Donkervoort.

Source: Donkervoort