Automobiles Review – Page 482 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

HOT: Vilner Reveals BMW Stormtrooper

One year ahead of the premiere of Star Wars 7, the new Stormtrooper is here. The next George Lucas movie will be released in theaters next year, but the Bulgarian studio Vilner has already warmed-up the premiere with its latest project – the Stormtrooper. When you see it you will immediately understand why it carries that name. With its sparkling white color and with power hidden in its forms, the car is reminiscent of the Imperial Army troops of Darth Vader. Unlike the numerous army of Lord Vader, BMW Stormtrooper by Vilner is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Stormtrooper by Vilner is the second big project of the design studio. Nearly a year ago, the team revealed the BMW Bullshark – E63 coupe. The Stormtrooper is the convertible version of Bullshark. Both machines are subject to the same design idea, but they are very different.

This time we have a real E64 M6, while the Bullshark relies on the mechanics of the E63 645i. The front and rear bonnets, bumpers, rear fenders, and all accessories for them are also different. Only the front fenders make an exception – they are all handmade and are single units.

Typical for studio Vilner, the color combination is again non-traditional. This time the tuning specialists rely on white and brown. An emphasis is made thanks to the addition of 20 inch black wheels. The designers have further beautified them with white stripe, so that they can remind us of the ion engines of the X-Wing fighters.

The coupe is covered with three-layer white pearl paint, while the hood is decided in brown. Just like the interior. There, Vilner has used antique nappa leather and brown Alcantara. The dashboard is warped, so that it can get a tinted brown carbon. Highlights on it are the mileage-meters which are in the same color. The seat belts and iDrive controller system are in sparkling white, as well as the back of the front seats.

The decorative elements of the exterior are decided in brown mat. It covers the kidney in the pre-radiator grille, the lips under the front bumper, the doorsteps and “gills” in the front fenders. The latter are functional openings which are involved in the aerodynamics of the car. Below the doorsteps an additional spoiler is added. Just like the Bullshark, the Stormtrooper uses BMW emblems as side indicators.

The headlights are built-in LED lights and have a black base, with the beds of the lighting “bulbs” painted white. The rear taillights also rely on LEDs and send us directly into fight scenes with Star Wars’ light-sabers. Vilner judged that the 500 hp (368 kW) of the V10 engine are completely enough and did not make any changes to the engine compartment.

September 26, 2014

Ferrari debuts 458 Speciale A spider

Ferrari has announced the upcoming debut of the 458 Speciale A spider at the upcoming Paris Motor Show (4-19 October 2014). The new car will be a celebration of the dazzling success of the various versions of the 458, a model that has collected an array of international motoring media awards and track victories, including category wins in classic endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale A spider will be limited and only 499 cars will be built. The value of the vehicle is enhanced by the fact that the car includes the most powerful naturally-aspirated road-going V8 engine ever built by Ferrari with displacement of 4.5 liters. It delivers a massive 605 cv (135 cv/l specific power output) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque at 6000 rpm at the cost of just 275g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. This allows the car to reach 0-100 km (0-62 mph) in just 3.0 seconds and cover a Fiorano lap in 1’23”5. These results are also achieved thanks to the front and rear active aerodynamics, the rigid chassis that incorporates 10 aluminum alloys and Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) which guarantees unparalleled sporty driving in all conditions.

The new car will arrive in triple-layer yellow livery with a Blu Nart and Bianco Avus central stripe as well as five-spoke forged wheels in Grigio Corsa. As of now there’s no information on how much a single Ferrari 458 Speciale A will cost.

Source: Ferrari

September 26, 2014

Chevrolet presents 2015 Colorado Sport Concept

The US automaker Chevrolet has taken the opportunity to present the new 2015 Colorado Sport Concept at the on-going State Fair of Texas. Equipped with a few mountain bikes and gear enough for a weekend in the woods, the new 2015 Colorado Sport Concept clearly shows what it has been designed for.

“It’s not just mountain bikes, but just about any passion you can name, from kayaking, fishing, dirt bikes and more,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “It’s a truck for those who need the versatility of a pickup to support their work and lifestyle interests, but don’t need a full-size truck to do it.”

The new 2015 Colorado is a flexible vehicle as it comes in various versions including extended- and crew-cab models. The vehicle is powered by a few engines, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 200 HP (147 KW) or a 3.6-liter V6 powerhouse. Chevrolet is proud with its 2015 Colorado engines as the third choice of a 2.5-liter V6 engine is the most fuel efficient in the segment with its 27 US MPG (8.7 liters per 100 km) highway fuel consumption. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is the most powerful in the same class with its 305 HP (224 kW).

In order to capture customer attention the new Colorado bets on accessories and comfort. The vehicle’s interior has been designed to meet the needs and expectations of modern mid-size truck customers. The cabin has been made extra quiet and it also offers features and functions common for automobiles and crossovers including Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and segment-first applications of Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert. The back of the vehicle provides features that ease users such as an easy lift-and-lower tailgate and rear bumper assist steps for easier cargo loading – a feature not found in competitors’ vehicles. The vehicle also offers the innovative and adjustable GearOn^TM Accessory System that allows customers to stow larger items such as bikes and kayaks above the bed, leaving room for smaller gear, such as coolers and tents, inside the bed. The GearOn^TM System is at the heart of the Colorado Sport concept’s package of lifestyle and personalization accessories. The list of additional accessories includes assist steps, splash guards, tiered storage, a bike rack, a cargo divider, cargo rings, wheel lip moldings and more. The cost of added accessories can be factored into financing for the Colorado, and all vehicle accessories are covered by the new-vehicle warranty.

The new 2015 Colorado starts at USD 20,995 for a four-door extended cab model with a 200 HP (147 kW) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Chevrolet supports Colorado owners with two years or 24,000 miles/38,000 km (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance.

Source: Chevrolet

September 26, 2014

Next Generation Renault Espace with Premiere in Paris

This year’s Paris Motor Show is just around the corner and automotive brands are competing in showing us teasers, pictures and scarce information of what we are to see there. Such is the case with Renault, which will be taking the wraps off the new 2015 Espace model. The company has currently revealed three pictures of the soon-to-be-revealed crossover and gave us some details around it.

As we can see the large, elegant and innovative crossover has a strong design and seductive appeal. It is based largely upon the concept car that was revealed one year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 2015 Renault Espace keeps the 30-year long tradition of the product live alive, by offering a brightly-lit, comfortable and modular interior.

Espace will also charm the public in Paris with its fluid lines and occupant-friendly cabin and floating centre console. Renault said that it will offer the model in five- and seven-seat version. Both variants will feature ingenious interior modularity and huge attention to detail with regard to new car’s design.

The premiere of Espace will happen at company’s press conference at 11.00am on Thursday, October 2nd, on the Renault stand at the Paris Motor Show. However, we will all be able to see the event and be “virtually” there. The internet public will be able to access the on-line unveiling at www.crossover.renault.com.

Source: Renault

September 26, 2014

Mercedes-Benz IMSA S 63L 4M

Mercedes’ flagship limousine as given a more eccentric and aggressive appearance, along with tremendous power, making it even more elegant and sportier than before. The car’s front side now looks purer and IMSA’s aero package adds a dual front lip spoiler to the already AMG front. An automotive crbon fibre is integraded into all aerodynamic parts, making it seem extremely light, yet resistant material.Customers can get their vehicle with alloy wheels, which have genuine elegant look. In the S-class the come as 9.0J and 10.5J x 21-inch, 255/35R21 tyres at front side and 295/30R21 tyres at rear side. IMSA’s known finishing touched is the special aluminum coating.

Renewed ECU upgrades for the ignition, valve timing and boost pressures are introduced. All of these upgrades contribute to the 720 hp (536 kW) power and 1080 Nm (796 lb-ft) of torque output the car reaches.

IMSA is the best there is when it comes at combining technology and style.That customized luxurious limousine comes with a special interior design. Everyone’s taste and personality can be satisfied by IMSA, with limitless possibilities of colors and materials.

Additional features are the included carbon body parts: Front-lip for front bumper, upper lip for front lip along with Airintake front bumper left and Airintake front bumper right. New left and right sideskirts plus a rear-diffusor. An IMSA Exhaust tail-pipes placed on the left and right, covered in titanium-grey color. A nice aluminum Grill for Rear-diffusor is mounted as well.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 26, 2014

Ford Celebrates 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty

Ford will celebrate the production of the 5-millionth Ford F-Series Super Duty next month. In the range of 15 years, Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks as well as from F-250 to F-550 chassis cabs have been constructed in the assembly line at Kentucky Truck Plant. The latest 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch FX4 offers maximum horsepower and torque and gets the work done. In addition, its powertrain be as efficient as possible, thus operating at low costs.

The original 1999 Super Duty got the gasoline Triton 6.8-liter V10 engine, which produced 275 horsepower (202 kW) and 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the 7.3-liter diesel engine produced 235 horsepower (173 kW) and 678 Nm (500 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Today, Super Duty’s 6.2-liter gasoline V8 unit generates additional 110 horsepower to the figure of the 1999 V10, making a total of 385 horsepower (283 kW) and 549 Nm (405 lb.-ft.) of torque. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel supplies 440 horsepower (324 kW) and 1165 Nm (860 lb.-ft.) of torque. Despite the higher outputs, these engines are more fuel-efficient than the 1999 powertrains.

Both contemporary engines generate power through the efficient TorqShift six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission. In contrast, the transmission in the 1999 Super Duty trucks was a four-speed automatic and six-speed manual, with the latter one available only with the diesel. TorqShift transmission delivers live drive power takeoff, or PTO, to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers and dump trucks.

In addition, the Super Duty trucks are also famous for their capability. 1999 F-350 Super Duty pickup had a maximum tow capacity of 14,600 pounds. 2015 F-450 Super Duty pickup leads the way with a tow rating of 31,200 pounds. With its new tow rating, the 2015 F-450 has 40,400 pounds towing capacity.

Source: Ford

September 26, 2014

Volvo V40 Cross Country Gets All-Wheel Drive

Volvo has announced that its V40 Cross Country will get an added capability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Drive-E powertrain with a 245 hppetrol turbo T5 engine is currently being introduced for the V40 Cross Country. This combination of the Drive-E T5 unit with AWD will make the driving experience for customers more adventurous and they will get all the control they need in any road condition.

The powertrain of the vehicle also delivers 245 hp (180 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, the Swedish company is also adding the eight-speed automatic gearbox with optional paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting.

Furthermore, the model also shows impressive CO2 reductions. Since last year’s introduction of Volvo’s ground-breaking four-cylinder Drive-E engines, they have been praised for their unique ability to combine power and efficiency with a small footprint.

The new powertrain has decreased emissions, rated at 149 g/km, when one compares it to the previous generation model. This figure is unmatched for instance by the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro (179 g/km), the BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine auto (170 g/km) and the Mercedes-Benz B-class (SUV) 220 Sport 4MATIC DCT (156 g/km).

Besides the engine upgrade, V40 Cross Country has also received various enhancements. New additions are the 19” Damara alloy wheel with grey diamond-cut rims. They not only offer extra comfort and off-road capability, but also less noise and added rim protection. There are also new exterior colour, called Power Blue, updated on-board infotainment and navigation system, Sensus Connect.

Source: Volvo

September 26, 2014

European Wrap Star – FolienCenter-NRW

The FolienCenter-NRW is going to celebrate a landmark anniversary next year, for their team has spent almost over nine years of designing car paint, car wrapping window tinting etc.

FolienCenter-NRW’s wrapping can be seen on boats and even planes, as well as every detailed digital wrap is viable. The team does not make any difference between different car models. Everything is designed with the same exact style by the team. Working only with high-quality material, FolienCenter is known to be an outstanding wrapping designers and manufacturers. The PWF-Exclusive Line, which is currently on high demand, is also among the range.

Last November, FolienCenter-NRW received two awards for excellent performance and style, during the “European Wrap Star 2013”. It took part of wrapping competition among other 25 international competitors. The competition was about swiftness and class in it’s segment. FolienCenter-NRW ended up in first place at the end of the race. This year’s November, the team will be competing again at the”European Wrap Star”, in order to repeat last year’s success and defend their title.

FolienCenter-NRW’s has its own wrapping hall of 500 m2, and six new works paces where its seven trained employees can do their work undisturbed. There are additional customization area and construction area, where interested customers can browse the wrapping materials in their genuine state, before they make their respective order.

Source: FolienCenter-NRW

September 26, 2014

High-Strength Steel Chevrolet Silverado Toughnology Concept to Debut at SEMA

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Toughnology is a SEMA-bound concept which is built with high-strength steel that makes it lighter, stronger and more efficient than the conventional carbon steel vehicles. In addition, this concept also displays Silverado’s connectivity technologies such as the OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The high-strength steel is pressed while still in molten form. In fact, it can be 30 percent lighter than the carbon steel that has the same strength. In addition, it also delivers great weight savings at a lower cost than aluminum. This also contributes towards better fuel efficiency and capability.

Silverado 1500 which is powered by the EcotTec3 5.3L V-8 engine has an EPA fuel economy rated at 23 mpg on the highway. What is more, it offers a maximum trailering capacity of 11,200 pounds. As an option, Chevrolet is also offering the 6.2L V-8 engine equipped model as well as the new eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to them the Silverado’s trailering capacity increases to 12,000 pounds.

For the construction of Silverado Toughnology the engineers have used nearly 67 % of the durable material. Precisely, it is utilized in the A-pillars, B-pillars, rockers and roof rails and strategic sections on the interior structure. Furthermore, the ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody, which helps improve performance in crashes.

The floor is made of roll-formed steel, which is also a lightweight material but more durable than the conventional stamped steel. Silverado also strategically uses aluminum in places such as the hood, thus saving 17 pounds over a conventional stamped steel hood.

To go into details, this particular vehicle, called Toughnology concept has a stripped-down appearance. The paint job resembles the look of raw, unpainted steel and is accented with steel molecule graphics. The black painted hood is the only visible metal exterior component that isn’t steel.

There are also additional black and chrome exterior accents and Chevrolet Accessory 22-inch wheels coupled with off-road tires. The special content includes Chevrolet Accessories grille insert, tubular assist steps, soft, folding tonneau cover, washable carpet bedliner, fender flares and tinted headlamp lenses.

Other upgrades in terms of performance feature enhanced performance exhaust system and performance brakes. Under the hood there is a performance air intake system on its 5.3L engine which generates 355 horsepower (261 kW) and 519 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque.

The interior of the Silverado Toughnology is the same as this of the LTZ trim. It features heated, leather-appointed bucket seats, rear-seat entertainment system, the OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and a wireless phone-charging mat.

Source: Chevrolet

September 26, 2014

2015 Toyota Tundra Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition

By marking the partnership between by Toyota and Bass Pro Shops, Toyota introduced the new 2015 Toyota Tundra Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition at the 2014 State Fair of Texas. The Thundra range presents one of the highest US fulkl-size pick up truck parts content.

The car is available in a wide range of colors, exclusively in silver with a 4×4 Crewmax SR5 arrangement, providing comfort and extra cargo space for various of outer equipment. The vehicle is capable of handling rough terrain while providing a comfortable drive at the same time. 2015 Toyota Tundra Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine reaching 381 hp (284 kW) with a six- speed automatic transmission. The car comes with a top-safety equipment as well, namley the “Toyota’s Star Safety System”, along wit unique braking technology, also This Toyota allows the comfort for drivers to fit in an ATV or a boat on their way for their destination with ease. Additionally, adding roughly around $1,000, customers can get their 2015 Toyota Tundra Bass Pro Shops Off-Road Edition with special outdoor gear including: ca,ping, fishing and hunting gear.The vehicle is hitting the market in October 2014 in the United States. The 2015 Toyota has a price at $43,975.

Source: Toyota

September 26, 2014

PWF Film „Matt Caribbean Metallic“ by Bruxsafol

The new “Matt Caribbean Metallic“ unique, beautiful color has been presented by BRUXSAFOL along with its „PWF“ film range just before the start of the summer. This Volkswagen Scirocco was the first car to be upgraded with this turquoise matt film color which really becomes one head turning car. As far as for the interior, its equipped with sports bucket seats with white inside lighted by LED lights. This car can only be described as a “real super sports car” with specifications like “Bull X-exhaust system” from “Turbo”, RS5 rotor rims 9×20 et 26 in high gloss original. It also comes with optimized software, icluding level three+ “DSG”.

The BRUXSAFOL designed films of the „PWF“ series („PWF“ stands for „Platinum Wrapping Film”) can be ordered only from carefully selected dealers. Manufactured from only the latest most modern high materials only,films of the “PWF” range materials provide best protection, UV resistance and value to its every tunned car.

There are really no limits to the choice of color you can chose from. The designer’s fantasy here introduce exceptional effects and colors. Anyone can upgrade his car into a genuine, stylish and extragavant car, making it one head turning, outstanding vehicle.

Source: Volkswagen

September 26, 2014

2015 Subaru Impreza gets new looks and technologies

One of the best selling auto brands in the past few months – Subaru – has presented the new 2015 Impreza. The new car comes with a number of improvements that touch all vehicle categories but the most new features can be found in the looks and the technologies used inside the car.

Available as 4-door and 5-door models the new 2015 Impreza now comes with revised front styling with a new front bumper, grille and headlights that give it a closer kinship to the all-new 2015 Legacy. A new exterior mirror enhances aerodynamics, as does a low-profile trunk spoiler on 4-door models. The sedans also feature LEDs (light emitting diodes) for the center high mounted stoplight. Rides have also been made quieter thanks to the usage of additional sound deadening materials and thicker side glass windows with improved sealing. All models now have a standard Rear Vision Camera while the base 2.0i model has standard cruise control and a touch-screen infotainment system. Certain versions of the 2015 Impreza now feature integrated turn signals in the exterior mirrors and more. A major new feature of the 2015 Impreza is that it now joins the Legacy, Outback and Forester lines in offering the brand’s innovative EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

On the inside the new 2015 Impreza has a new standard 6.2 infotainment system that is operated via a 6.2-inch multi-function touch screen display and single-touch gesture control. The system includes an AM/FM stereo and HD Radio, a Radio Data Broadcast system, a single-disc in-dash CD player, Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha Infotainment, Pandora and iHeart Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, an iPod control capability and an iTunes Tagging capability, a USB port and an aux. input jack, and four speakers. The Impreza 2.0i Premium features the same system, but with six speakers.

The 2015 Subaru Impreza is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine that delivers 148 HP (109 kW) of power at 6200 rpm and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine features a long-stroke configuration with 84 mm bore and 90 mm stroke for better low and mid-range torque. The camshafts are chain driven, reducing long-term servicing costs. Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing optimizes torque performance and emissions. The BOXER engine can be connected to a 5-speed manual or the second generation, lighter and more compact version of the Lineartronic CVT that is now also offered in all 2015 Subaru models except the BRZ sports car. All Impreza models (5-speed and CVT) feature Incline Start Assist, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling back when moving away from a stop on an incline. In addition to that all Imprezas with the CVT, except the base 2.0i, feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission. In the base 2.0 models with the CVT, a driver-selectable Low shift mode can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade, to enhance vehicle control.

Thanks to the new engine and the transmissions the new 2015 Impreza offers improved fuel economy of 28 US MPG city (8.4 liters per 100 km), 37 US MPG highway (6.4 liters per 100 km) and 31 US MPG combined (7.6 liters per 100 km) which is great mileage for an all-wheel drive car.

The new car should be at a Subaru dealer near you in November 2014. Pricing is unknown.

Source: Subaru

September 25, 2014

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