Automobiles Review – Page 479 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Fiat Introduces the 500X Crossover in Paris

Fiat 500X is also making a world premiere at the Paris Auto Show. This crossover is the latest addition to the Fiat 500 family. The model will be offered in two versions. The first one is designed to appeal to those with spirited, metropolitan outlook, while the second one is a more rugged version with stylish and adventurous appeal. The company will offer the model in 12 different body colors and eight different designs. The alloy wheel-size range starts from 16 inch to up to 18 inch.

The new crossover is offered with a range of engines and transmissions, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which is the first added in a Fiat vehicle. This feature and the all wheel drive will end up delivering to the owner highly efficient drivetrain.

MacPherson rear suspension, active safety systems, front headlights with DRLs and front fog lights with adaptive cornering have all been added here. The sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Lane Assist (lane departure warning system) and Blind Spot Assist (lane change assistance system), “Brake Control” assisted braking system as well as the ParkView reversing camera are also available in the new 500X.

Furthermore, the “Drive Mood Selector” has three different modes for engine, brakes, steering and gearbox/transmission settings: “Auto”, “Sport” and “All Weather” or “Traction” function in the more rugged version. Fiat 500X also offers eco:Drive that further reduces emissions and fuel efficiency.

Next, the engine range offered has four petrol engines and three diesels. Precisely, the front-wheel drive, petrol-powered models are either equipped with a 110 hp (81 kW) 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive petrol models are powered by the 170 hp (125 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine or the 184 hp (135 kW) 2.4-litre Tigershark engine. Each of them is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The car is also offered with a front-wheel drive diesel range. It comprises of 95 hp (70 kW) 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel with five-speed manual, and 120 hp (88 kW) 1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive diesel option is the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.

500X is compact: it is 4.25 metres long, 1.80 metres wide and 1.60 metres high. The interior is cozy and spacious and has seven different interior fabric, leather and colour configurations. Inside, one can find also a 5.0- or 6.5-inch Uconnect colour touchscreen infotainment systems. DAB and a Beats Hi-Fi system are also available.

Fiat 500X will go on sale in the the second quarter of 2015. More specifications and pricing are to be announced closer to launch.

Source: Fiat

October 3, 2014

Maserati Ghilbi Ermenegildo Zegna Edition Concept with Parisian Premiere

Maserati Ghilbi Ermenegildo Zegna Edition Concept comes to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company just like its sibling, the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition. The Ghibli S Q4 was designed in collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna; it has dynamic and contemporary look, tri-coated paint finish in a new colour shade and runs on 20 inch wheels in specially developed color. In addition, the interior of the model expresses style and exclusivity through a contrasting color scheme created by combining the finest leather and valuable Zegna yarns.

The model shows the future design philosophy of the brand towards new product line-up. In particular, the exterior paint finish is called Azzurro Astro and is made via a production technology based on a triple layer of pigment. The paint is enhanced by changing shades of blue at the brightest points, and toned down to ash grey in the darker areas. The transparent top coat adds depth and a glossy shine.

As mentioned, the vehicle sits on 20” Urano wheels, which also feature specifically created distinctive color, named Liquid Metal. More importantly, the style focus of the work of both companies is mostly on the interior. Just like in the Quattroporte, Ermenegildo Zegna added pure silk fabric, combining an essential and soft feel with an elegantly technical look.

Inside, the dual-color in the passenger compartment is achieved via a natural colour leather of POLTRONA FRAU matched with Ermenegildo Zegna’s micro-chevron silk weave. The seats are wrapped in extra fine grain, natural colour leather with contrasting, light grey stitching.

On the door panel, we see a matching salt and pepper silk jersey that is enhanced by alternating rib embroidery. There, the central span is covered with Zegna silk Jersey and embellished by a diagonal roll pattern, with ton-sur-ton ornamental stitching and alternating rib embroideries. The same fabric is utilized to cover the car’s roof lining, top pillars and sunshades. These elements carry the “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” brand labels on the inside.

In addition, the headrests include an embroidered Trident emblem and contrasting stitching. Decorative inserts in glossy carbon fibre, applied to the massive central tunnel and door panels, add to the exclusive look.

Other exclusive equipment include: black mat covers with leather insert and the embroidered Ghibli name, door sill plates machined from billet aluminium and satin-finished. Ermenegildo Zegna Edition plate is applied to the external central pillar and tunnel between the front seats.

This Maserati Ghilbi is driven by the powerful V6 Twin-Turbo engine, which produces 410 horsepower (301 kW) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque. The car features a “Q4” four wheel drive, ensuring 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is of 284 km/h.

Source: Maseratti

October 3, 2014

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor Special Edition Shown in Paris

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor is a very special edition vehicle which made an official European premiere at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The vehicle is the fastest and most powerful Jeep model has ever produced. It has masculine appearance via features that lend it aggressive look. Such are the 20 inch five-spoke “Goliath” wheels with black chrome finish as well as the various glossy black “SRT, “Jeep” and “Grand Cherokee” badges.

To go further into details, this Grand Cherokee is powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. It generates 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 624 Nm (461 Nm) of torque. The unit is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes it easier for the car to cover the sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The top speed here is 257 km/h (159 mph).

Other changes in this limited edition Jeep include three exterior color choices: Redline Pearl Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Bright White Clear Coat. Inside, the interior is adorned with black leather seats with Radar Red suede inserts. In the cabin can also be seen SRT logo on the sports steering wheel, which is backlit and anodized silver finish steering wheel bezel.

This model also features carbon fiber trim, Radar Red contrast stitching and engine beauty covers trimmed in dark red. Furthermore, we can’t miss the added 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation as well as Active Noise Cancelling technology for more in-cabin refinement.

Source: Jeep

October 3, 2014

KW Coilover Kits For BMW 4-series convertible [VIDEO]

BMW is well known for their outstanding standard dynamics but when you add a high-end technology coilover kit the performance of the BMW vehicles improves amazingly. The presenting of the V1, V2 and V3 coilovers for the BMW 4-series convertible (F33) greatly improves the dynamics and the lowerring of the front and rear axle by 65 millimeters. There are number of BMW cars equipped with KW dampers, some of which are BMW FR3 and BMW M325i.Adjusting the rebound takes exactly 16 clicks using the piston rod. The KW coilovers can be installed on the BMW 4-series to provide more modifications like: additional engine performance, bigger wheels, etc.

The KW Variant 1 offers comfortable sporty ride, on the other hand, the Variant 2 can offer 16 adjustable damping. But Variant 3 suits all driving conditions with its 16-clicks adjusting rebound, Soon enough the KW coilovers will be in stock for 435d xDrive and 435i xDrive- both 4 wheel drive versions of the BMW 4 series convertible. If customers want balance between sporty handling and daily use, there is nothing better than Variant 1 for their desires. All these coilover kits are made up from stainless steel and allow lowering of 40mm to about 60 mm for both axles. However, the KW coilover will be available for the BMW 4-series convertible.

There are additional details regarding the damping technology which you can see in the following Youtube video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRABTRAShzE&feature=youtu.be

Source: BMW

October 2, 2014

An Attractive Audi A5 ABT AS5 Dark Now Comes at a Good Prize

The black painted Audi A5-based ABT Dark only comes in unique new impressive design. The ABT AS5 Dark is one of the some available as a Coupe or Sportback. There are bright red elements on the front spoiler and the rear skirt set. The tailpipes are chrome-plated in black. There are 20-inches ABT CR wheels, making the vehicle look more aggressive with wide 265 tyres. There are new floor mats as well. ABT Sportline has decorated the AS5 Dark with labels and emblems inside and outside. There is a four-pipe exhaust system which sounds incredible, which, produce different sounds depending on engine type. ABT AS5 Dark Coupé & Sportback – additions

ABT AERODYNAMICS
ABT front spoiler lip
ABT side skirts
ABT rear spoiler
ABT rear skirt set
ABT “Dark”-decal set
ABT “Dark”-emblem set

ABT WHEELS in CR-Design in 9.5 x 20 inch. You can also get them also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres in 265/30 ZR20 ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT rear muffler with four end pipes (black-chromed)

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT spacers

ABT INTERIOR

ABT “Dark”-floor mats
ABT emblems at the headrests

Source: Audi

October 2, 2014

Driving Pleasure of Suzuki Swift with ap tunning

For more than a decade, ap has provided its customers with high-end technology suspension kits. That technology is best known for beeing high quality and outstanding processing while beeing cheap at the same time. If customers are looking for new lowering spring and coilovers for their Suzuki Swift, available both as three- and five-door, ap Sportfahrwerke offers those kind of amazing additions for the car model. The starting price of the lowering springs is 151,31€ along with shock absorbers the springs allow lwoering by up to 30mm, which tangibly improves the handling of the Suzuki. However, the coilovers enable handling of 65 mm. The back axle is possible to be lowered from 35 to 65 mm, whereas the front axle between 30 to 60 mm. The recommended retail prize for the Suzuki coilovers, without the all-wheel drives is 589,05€.

Theese are in brief all the additions:

ap coilovers and ap lowering springs available
increased steering precision and track stability
TÜV-tested and German engineering

This is the perfect combination between sporty looks, safe, comfort. You can drive even sportier and still be compact in everyday life. The suspension kit is easily entered into the car’s documents due to TÜV’s included certificate.

Source: Suzuki

October 2, 2014

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Revealed at the Paris Auto Show

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration which was teased a several times the last month was revealed today in its full glory at the Paris Auto Show. The bold concept also shows Infiniti’s future plans for design and smart powertrain technology. Q80 Inspiration’s name indicates production intent and suggesting not only changes in the design language, but also an introduction of ingenious technologies and more importantly, brand’s ambition to launch into a new segment.

The presence of the car is firstly defined by its proportions. Its width is 2010mm (79.1 inches) and length – 5060mm (199.2 inches), while the height measures 1340mm (52.8 inches). In other words, the Q80 is luxurious sedan-like car with a fastback contouring.

Inside, there are four individual seats. The most striking thing about this vehicle is that its doors are portal-style ones. Driver’s interface is simplified, while the unique head-up display (HUD) keep the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information drivers need.

The person standing next to the driver also gets an HUD for display of external information. In addition, each rear passenger has a touch screen at the back of the front seat rest. The interior is exquisitely detailed and includes quilted leather seats as well as Alcantara, leather and metal finishes. The sculptural panoramic glass roof bathes with light this unique interior.

Q80 Inspiration is powered by a downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and a hybrid electric powertrain. The total output is 550 hp (404 kW), but the car is still capable of returning 5.5L/100km (42.8 mpg) and 129g/km of CO2 emissions. What is more, the smart drivetrain has the ability to switch from rear wheel drive to all wheel drive on demand.

Furthermore, the concept vehicle uses an autonomous driving technology system, which features cameras, lasers and sensors. They can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. All the needed data is delivered to the driver via the HUD display and is projected on the windscreen. This enables them to utilize the driving assistance at their own judgement.

Source: Infiniti

October 2, 2014

Ettore Bugatti Legend Makes European Premiere

Ettore Bugatti, the last legend was revealed in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now, the unique model is making European premiere in Paris. This is the sixth and final model of its Edition „Les Légendes de Bugatti”. It is dedicated to Ettore Bugatti, who was the founder and patron of the brand. What is more, at the event, the luxury company is also celebrating the successful completion of its Legends Edition.

From the six Legends, Bugatti will build only three vehicles per model. This makes 18 vehicles in total, and they have been sold out even before the final model was unveiled. With these editions, Bugatti honors important personalities and cars in its company history.

Last year, the super sports car manufacturer presented the Legends model “Jean-Pierre Wimille” in California, then “Jean Bugatti” was revealed at the IAA in Frankfurt, while the “Meo Costantini” was shown at the Dubai Motorshow. This year, the company revealed the “Rembrandt Bugatti” at the Automobile Salon in Geneva and “Black Bess” at Auto China in Peking.

Ettore Bugatti is based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, just like the other Legends. The sports car produces powerful 1200 horsepower (882 kW) from its 8-liter W16 engine, which in addition generates 1500 Nm (1106 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000-5000 rpm. This car needs only 2.6 seconds to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) on its way to a top speed of 408.84 km/h (254 mph). These numbers make it world’s fastest production roadster ever built.

This is also one of the most expensive production super sports cars. Veyron is limited to 450 units in total, from which 300 are coupes and they are already sold out, and 150 roadsters. After all Veyrons have been built, Bugatti will begin a new chapter in its history of success.

Source: Bugatti

October 2, 2014

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 is a Hybrid with 910 Horsepower

At the 2014 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile Lamborghini has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV): the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4. Asterion defines a solution to significantly reducing CO2 emissions through technologies available today. In addition, it also offers the unique Lamborghini driving feel with superior power. The car has a pure electric range of 50 km.

Asterion LPI 910-4 returns a 4,12 l/100 km fuel consumption on the combined cycle (NEDC) with exceptional CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. The car’s engine, the V10 5.2 liter FSI one, is based on a monocoque made entirely of carbon fibre. The unit is located longitudinally as a mid-engine and is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, located behind the engine at the rear transaxle. The lithium battery is placed in the central tunnel area.

The hybrid architecture of the model is achieved via an electric motor which includes an integrated starter motor and generator (ISG), placed between the V10 engine and the double clutch gearbox. There are also two electric motors at the front axle fed by the ISG power with a torque vectoring function. The system allows the car two driving modes: a hybrid and pure electric drive mode.

V10 5.2 l mid-engine can generate up to 610 horsepower (449 kW) and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The three electric motors add further 300 hp (220 kW), which means the total hybrid power is achievable to a maximum of 910 hp (669 kW). The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h happens in only 3.0 seconds. The top hybrid/combined speed is 320 km/h.

The exterior of the car is decided in Blue Elektra glittered colour. The Asterion has clearly defined lines, the front end is produced as a single component, giving the Asterion a dynamic look, while the headlights are realized in materials such as forged carbon and titanium.

At the rear, we immediately see the remarkable rear lights, including a grid covering two radiators, and a clear separation between body colour and black parts. A transparent engine cover is comprised of three hexagonal glasses that turn according to the engine driving mode: pure electric, hybrid power or pure thermal engine power. The vehicle runs on Pirelli tyres fitted with 20″ and 21″ rims in carbon components.

Inside, the minimal contemporary interior of the Asterion reflects the exterior design. The two seats are positioned higher than those in Lamborghini super sports cars. They are wrapped in Extensive Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather. Materials such as aluminium and forged carbon fibre, as well as titanium are also visible inside.

Asterion’s steering wheel includes three buttons from which the driver selects his engine driving mode: Zero – for zero emissions/full electric; I for ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid); and T for ‘Termico (thermal) power. The portable tablet helps in managing the climate control and other functions including GPS and in-car infotainment.

And if you wonder why this model is dubbed with this name, well Lamborghini says that LP stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’, which is the position of the conventional engine, I stands for ‘ibrido’, 910 for the system power and 4 for the permanent 4WD system. In addition, the vehicle is inspired by the Asterion – the name of the mythical Minotaur, a hybrid figure and symbolic cross-breed.

Source: Lamborghini

October 2, 2014

Volkswagen XL Sport is Powered by Ducati Superleggera V-Twin Engine

Volkswagen XL Sport Concept is being shown for the first time at the Paris Auto Show today. This vehicle is a lightweight sports car, based on the XL1. Just like it, the XL Sport will be built in only 250 examples. This concept achieves its best ratio between weight of 1962 pounds, power – 197 hp (147 kW) and aerodynamics – CdA of 0.44 square meters. This combination allows the car to achieve an impressive top speed of 168 mph.

The vehicle is powered by world’s most powerful two-cylinder engine – the Ducati 1199 Superleggera’s V-Twin unit, which has been modified for use in the XL Sport. It is coupled with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a standstill the XL Sport needs only 5.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).

Furthermore, here the chassis has been also significantly redesigned chassis. It incorporates high-strength steel subframes which house upper and lower control arms at the front with pullrod actuation for the dampers. At the back, the control arms at the back have pushrod. The car runs on forged magnesium-alloy wheels fitted with 205/40 R18 front and 265/35 R18 rear high-performance tires. XL Sport has a powerful ceramic brake disc setup.

XL Sport shares the same basic design as the XL1. Its central monocoque and most of the body panels are manufactured in carbonfiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) process. The monocoque includes slightly offset seats for the driver and passenger. XL Sport that is currently on a display in Paris is 168.9 inches long, 72.7 in wide and 45.4 in mm high. The wheelbase measures 95.4 in.

The new concept model has some distinctive exterior traits such as the dual LED headlights and the XL1’s signature LED daytime running lights, air intakes on either side of the headlights and vents in the rear fenders. In addition, there are no conventional door mirrors. Instead, they are replaced by e-Mirrors. These are small streamlined cameras integrated in the fenders that send images of the surroundings behind the car to two displays inside.

At the rear, we see wide “shoulders” above the wheels and an extendable rear spoiler. There also is a coupe-shaped roofline without a rear windshield. The iconic red LED ribbon follows the shape of the rear section and is framed at the sides by another, vertical, LED element. And at last, there is a black diffuser that merges into the completely enclosed underbody and is finished at each side with a chrome exhaust tip.

Inside, the interior of the XL Sport is based on the XL1’s. There are some changes made, such as the digital instrument cluster which includes a lap timer and oil pressure display. There is also a carbon fiber cowl that extends across the top of the instrument cluster. The steering wheel has decorative red stitching and has been equipped with aluminum-alloy shift paddles. The red color also appears through the seat belts to harmonize the design inside.

Source: Volkswagen

October 2, 2014

The high Spec tech behind modern vehicle manufacture

Many drivers take for granted the technology that goes into getting their vehicle off the assembly line and onto the road. The fact that motor vehicles even exist is down to the growth of radical technology in the 19th century – the internal combustion engine – aided by the increasing availability of petroleum. Technology continues to shape the motor industry and in recent decades the sector has become incredibly high-tech. Indeed, the availability and precision of engineering technology has allowed car manufacturers to create a generation of truly advanced vehicles.

Engineering innovation is particularly notable in the luxury car sector of the motoring industry. Precision is essential in the supercar segment, with manufacturers required to make niche vehicles that can withstand the type of driving conditions that the ordinary family car would never be exposed to. Many of the technologies used in racing cars have gravitated towards mainstream manufacturing too, from developments in engine technology to the use of lighter materials, such as aluminum, in the bodies of vehicles.

The advent of computer aided design (CAD) has been a great boon to car manufacturing, allowing designers and engineers to bring their concepts to fruition. A key element of CAD is that it facilities cooperation between designers and engineers, making the sharing of information so much easier as the feasibility of a project is evaluated and the concept moves towards the factory floor. Modern CAD software even allows the simulation of actual vehicle performance. From the point of view of marketing and selling the finished vehicle, CAD also allows designers to create visual prototypes of what it will look like. CAD can be employed along each step of the way, including the development of tools from specialist manufacturers such as Transducer Techniques, who offer load cells requiring precision engineering, to accurately measure the type of forces they are designed to measure. CAD systems for automotive design are even used to identify and eliminate faults in the design, using 3D simulations to model real-life situations in which vehicles are exposed to various conditions, such as high speeds and adverse weather conditions.

Of course, high-tech is not limited to the manufacturing floor, with modern, luxury vehicles featuring high-spec systems that make the actual driving process as smooth as it can possibly be. The level of electronics featured in luxury models is astonishing; with some cars relying on a level of software integration that people might more readily associate with an airliner. From adaptive cruise control to sensors that enable safer parking, software is used to manage many of the features that people have come to take for granted in their vehicles. In recent years, mobile technology has been integrated into vehicles, and has moved from the luxury segment down into more mainstream market segments.

Technology, therefore, plays an integral role in the manufacturing of modern vehicles. Nonetheless, it is humans who design technology and not the other way around, so the role of real-life automotive designers still remains central to the design of high-tech vehicles.

October 2, 2014

Rolls-Royce Phantom Metropolitan Collection Debuts in Paris

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is today premiering the Phantom Metropolitan Collection at the Paris Motor Show. The car is inspired by the modern metropolis and features exquisite hand-crafted design. Only twenty units of this beautiful model will be available to commission. As you can see, the car and specifically it’s interior pays homage to the world’s great metropolises.

Precisely, this was achieved via application of marquetry, which is the art of inlaying small pieces of wood veneer to form decorative motifs. When Phantom’s signature picnic table is opened, the occupants see an elevated view of the city. This view was created through the expert application of 500 individual wood veneer pieces.

On the other hand, when the tables are closed – the occupants see a different perspective of the cityscape. The cityscape theme extends and includes the Aetherius Greyleather colour, which was created to echo the colour palette of the modern city.

In addition, the 6,800 two-tone stitches to the central rear seat flutes form an abstract image of a skyscraper. There is also a bespoke clock, which extends the theme to the front of the car. It features a rotating bezel that expresses the 24 of the great cities of the world and their time zones.

Going on the outside, the exterior of this Rolls-Royce is decided in Darkest Tungsten, inspired by city skylines finishes. The exterior is rounded-out with a hand-applied coachline, which depicts an abstract silhouette of skyscrapers.

Source: Rolls-Royce

October 2, 2014

Blog