Automobiles Review – Page 486 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2015 Dacia Duster Gets Styling Upgrades

The latest edition of the Dacia Duster has been enhanced and now benefits from a package of styling and trim upgrades. The range of 2015 Duster vehicles include two- and four-wheel-drive models that are based on three trim levels and two engines. The entry-level is called Access and it is driven by the 105 hp 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine. The mid-range trim is dubbed as Ambiance while the top-grade – Lauréate. Both they have a 107 hp (109 hp on 4×4 versions) 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbodiesel power unit.

The new Dacia model gets a stylish chrome front grille made up of two layers of four small intakes surrounding brand’s logo. There are also ‘Duster’ branded roof bars, which are chromed on Lauréate models. At the back of the vehicle, a black tailgate trim with ‘Duster’ branding sits above the number plate. In addition, there are five new metallic colours offered for the model: Mercury, Khaki, Pearl Black, Slate Grey and Cinnamon.

The Lauréate trims run on new Tyrol 16-inch alloy wheels and also features body-coloured door handles and dark metal door mirror casings. There is new upholstery and seats for every model. Access versions are finished in Hassium cloth, Ambiance in Osmium cloth and Lauréate in Rhodium cloth with ‘Duster’ lettering.In contrast with the top of the range trim, the highlights on Access model are 16-inch Eiger steel wheels, remote locking, a Thatcham-approved engine immobiliser, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, a Tyre Pressure Monitor, four airbags, an ECO driving mode and gearshift indicator and a four-speed heating and ventilation system.

Duster Access features standard body-coloured bumpers, black door handles and Duster-branded roof bars and bumpers. Glacier White is the sole colour, while the 4×4 version has a centre differential lock with 2WD, Auto and Lock modes. The next Ambiance version gets Matterhorn 16-inch steel wheels, satin chrome door handles, a chrome gearlever insert and instrument surrounds, a radio/CD player with AUX and USB sockets and Bluetooth, front foglights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat.

Lauréate modelss add manual air conditioning, electric mirrors and rear windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, a seven-function trip computer, a glovebox light, a passenger vanity mirror and body coloured door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills. There are also standard piano black interior door handles, door and steering wheel inserts and centre console surround, a leather-covered steering wheel and map pockets in the front seat backs.

2015 Dacia Duster Technical Details

Model	Power (hp @ rpm)	Torque (Nm @ rpm)		0-62mph (sec)	Top speed (mph)
Access 1.6 16V 105 4×2	105 @ 5750	148 @ 3750		11.5	104
Access 1.6 16V 105 4×4	105 @ 5750	148 @ 3750		12.8	99
Ambiance dCi 110 4×2	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750		11.8	106
Ambiance dCi 110 4×4	109 @ 4000	240 @ 1750		12.5	104
Lauréate dCi 110 4×2	107 @ 4000	240 @ 1750		11.8	106
Lauréate dCi 110 4×4	109 @ 4000	240 @ 1750		12.5	104
Model	MPG	CO2 (g/km)	BIK (band %)	VED (band)	Insurance group
Access 1.6 16V 105 4×2	39.8	165	26%	G	6E
Access 1.6 16V 105 4×4	35.3	185	30%	I	5E
Ambiance dCi 110 4×2	56.5	130	22%	D	10A
Ambiance dCi 110 4×4	53.3	135	23%	E	10A
Lauréate dCi 110 4×2	56.5	130	22%	D	11A
Lauréate dCi 110 4×4	53.3	135	23%	E	10A

Source: Dacia

September 19, 2014

LUMMA Tuning Mercedes-Benz SLK R170

Since the release of the series 170 , mercedez-benz introduced a brand new roadster model in 1996, the SLK ( sporty light and short). One of the spectacular technical features of the model is the Afaria folding roof which folds in just 25 seconds. This is the first Mercedez car delivered without a spare tire, instead tire fit is included. The SLK continues its path of success with a new look along with technological advances. The ESP(electronic stability program) along with 6 gear transmission.

A lot of years have passed since then, yet the SLK R170 still looks like a modern car. LUMMA Tuning experts as well as i-move gmbh recently designed a new wide body kit which is known as ”Black Move“.Chassis is “Bilstein” coilover suspension system.

Equipped with an all new front spoiler bumper (aluminum grill inclusive) it gives the SLK R170 a fresh renewed look. The ride has a new motorsport look with its new tail bumper with integrated diffuser. The wide position of the small roadster is support by new front fenders which lead the aircurrent aside.The “Black Move” body kit also consists of: Tail apron bumper with diffuser (aluminum grill inclusive),Real wheel arch widenings and side skirts.

The exaust is “Angular LUMMA Tuning” tailpipe trims.A more economical alternative, the tail damper can be connected with the tailpipe. If you are one of those extreme motorsports enthusiasts, you can also get the parts in extremely lightweight carbon construction.

Moreover, the LUMMA Tunning “Black Move” vehicle is equipped with light alloy set of wheels in 8,5 by 20 and 10 byt 20 inches. The tyre dimension is 235/30R20 as well as 285/25R20. A bilstein coilover ensures perfect positioning and cooperation between the wheel and tire combinations.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 19, 2014

Range Rover Evoque SW1 is Inspired by Britain

2014 Range Rover Evoque SW1 is a special edition, which celebrates the best of British. The model is the first in a series of “Inspired by Britain” special edition vehicles from Jaguar, providing additional personalization opportunities for Evoque customers worldwide. The design of the British flag and its combination of red, white and blue delivers the perfect theme for the Evoque. The SW1 Evoque model will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show and will be available for customers to order from mid-October.

The vehicle is based on the most recent Dynamic body style, and it will be produced in the following colors: Firenze Red, Fuji White, Loire Blue, Santorini Black and Corris Grey with a contrast Fuji white roof and gloss 20″ alloy wheels in the same color. UK’s Union Flag graphics can be seen on the rear spoiler and the white door mirror housings. White tick decals also adorn the bodywork, and they come in red in the case of Fuji White paint option.

Inside, the car is decided in Taurus Ebony leather upholstery, door inserts, arm rests and facia trim picked out with contrast Cirrus stitching. Anodised red finish is applied to the rotary shift controller and shift paddles for models fitted with the nine-speed automatic transmission, while versions with the manual transmission receive a unique themed gear lever insert. The Union Flag appears on the headrests, carpet mats, sill plates and vehicle key.

Next, the SW1 Special Edition Evoque Monochrome adds a twist by following the style treatment of the Evoque Union. Its graphics and details are presented in a single colour. This particular trim is based on the Pure body style, but it will be available with a choice of Santorini Black, Fuji White and Corris Grey paint finishes, with a contrast black roof on the second two colours. Again, Fuji gloss white 20″ alloy wheels and the tick decals are featured.

Inside, its interior includes Ebony upholstery, door trim and facia insert. The anodised red rotary control and shift paddles make beautiful contrasting impression inside. Both special edition models feature unique white Range Rover lettering on the bonnet.

The Evoque model is now available with an advanced integrated laser Head-Up Display (HUD). This system features laser holographic techniques, resulting in superior colour saturation, brightness and contrast compared to rival systems, and all in a small, lightweight package. HUD allows drivers to maintain a clear view of the road, while simultaneously receiving key driving information such as road speed, gear position, turn-by-turn navigation, traffic sign recognition, the cruise control set speed and the Automatic Cruise Control (ACC) status, including warnings.

Source: Land Rover

September 19, 2014

MG3 Personalisation Design concept Unveiled at Superbrands London

MG3 Personalisation Design Concept was unveiled at Superbrands London as part of London Design Week. The car was created by MG Designer Louise Thorburn, who is a recent graduate with an honours degree in Textile Design. In fact, she is the latest addition to the MG Design team after completing two internships, one at MG and one at iconic shoe designer, Jimmy Choo, before returning to MG as Colour and Materials designer.

The latest collection of MG3 personalisation graphics is dubbed Autumn Additions Collection. It will join the existing range of more than a million options that are now available in the MG3 range. Another interesting fact is that MG3 personalisation options have already achieved great success. Since the supermini has been launched last year, over 40 per cent of orders have included at least one specified design addition.

Three new designs have been launched yesterday and they have been added to the online configurator of the company. The MG3 has been launched in September last year, benefiting from great interior and boot space, superb leading chassis and driving dynamics and high levels of equipment on all specifications as standard.

At Superbrands this year there are over 280 companies from 29 countries. They will be grouped into four ‘trends’: Raw, featuring exposed textures and revealed processes; Bold and Beautiful, exuding big colours and arresting visuals, Frame, with geometric and arrestingly simple design; and Refraction – optical effects and Pop Art stylings.

The eight edition of the Superbrands event is currently running till 21^st of September in central London. There the visitors will be able to see the very best in global contemporary design, witness more than 300 events and exhibitions.

Source: MG

September 19, 2014

“Project: Top Secret!”, Special Exhibition at the Porsche Museum

At the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, 16 genuine vehicles, will be demonstrated, the majority of which have never been shown to the public. The showcase is going to be presented from September 17, 2014 through January 11, 2015. The range of car models which are about to be presented are concept cars, experimental vehicles and unique record-breaking models.

The large teams of engineers working at the Porsche Development Center in Weissach make sure that Porsche is always ahead of its competition. Porsche has a great arsenal of ideas and concept cars and the company often utilizes its plans in total secrecy, because, as we know excellent ideas are always copied by others. That’s why msot of the new concept cars never even leave the development center. But now at the special exhibition you can observe some of this great car concept designs, for the first time.

With some car models, which date back to 1980, including the Porsche 959 aerodynamic prototype, the 928 Cabriolet and the Roadster Type 984 have never been shown before. You can also enjoy the prototype of the Porsche 965 high-performance sports car, powered by a water-cooled V-8 engine.

You have the unique opportunity to view the “rolling chasis” of the 918 Spyder super sports car which is a technological advance in to the future. The “Project: Top Secret!” special exhibition features hybrid technology as well. One car model reveals Porsche’s most astonishing testing model range, a protype in camouflage Porshce Panamera. The Porsche 989 “family sports car” is also going to be presented at the exhibition. This model never went out of the experimental stage.

Source: Porsche

September 19, 2014

Slayer- and Riley Hawk-Inspired Scions Teased Ahead of SEMA Reveal

Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association Show is approaching and some automobile companies have already released some visuals to teas the public. We are speaking here about Scion, which has released two sketches giving a sneak peek at a Riley Hawk- and Slayer-Inspired vehicles. Obviously the new customized SEMA-bound vehicles will be entirely inspired by metal, music and some serious skateboarding. At the event, Scion will debut the Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC for heavy metal band Slayer and the Scion x Riley Hawk Skate Tour xB for pro skateboarder Riley Hawk.

The metal band Slayer has a look, sound and approach all its own. This style is carried into the tC sports coupe’s exterior look and band-inspired details. Inside, the vehicle has been transformed into a multimedia machine with amps, towers of speakers, a custom mixer and a 32-inch monitor for media playback. The build process is lead by Mike Vu of MV DESIGNZ.

The other car pays tribute to Hawk’s skateboarding career. His xB ride features high-end sound system, space for skateboards and classic orange and yellow striped paint job. Details like bubble windows, interior wood grain paneling, an 8-track player and requisite shag carpet make it a rolling, retro hangout spot. Scott Kanemura of KMA Productions is leading the built of this project.

At the show, there are also three other vehicles, which will be joining the aforementioned duo. The trio will consist of FR-S sport coupes designed by partners as part of the 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge. For those willing to see the Slayer tC and Skate Tour xB, there will be opportunities to do this at Scion events later in this year.

Source: Scion

September 19, 2014

Volkswagen GRC Beetle Debuts at Global Rallycross Series

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Global Rallycross Beetle, or simply the GRC Beetle is currently under preparation for the seventh and eighth rounds of the 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship. The team at Andretti Rallycross will be racing at the Port of Los Angeles this weekend. In addition, it will also debut the exciting Global Rallycross Beetle that will also take part in tea’s 2015 Championship chase. This two-race event is a new challenge, being the only double header weekend in the 2014 season.

The driver under the number No. 77 7UP Volkswagen will be Scott Speed. He is hoping of taking advantage of twice the number of championship points being on offer. Currently, after six rounds, he is third in points behind Nelson Piquet Jr. and Ken Block.

In the driver championship Tanner Foust is in a close battle with Sverre Isachsen and Bucky Lasek for seventh position. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen, which is now pushing for podium finishes in the last four races of the season and will also debut team’s new car.

His Beetle is driven by Volkswagen‘s 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, which generates 544 horsepower (440 kW) and makes the Volkswagen very competitive. The Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle boasts unique appearance and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Source: Volkswagen

September 19, 2014

Citroen Divine DS Brand’s Future Presented At The Paris Motor Show

The attention at the Paris motor show is prone to be turned at the DS Brand’s spectacular launch. Citroen is very serious about the DS brand being a stand-alone unit. The Divine DS represent a vision of the future for the DS brand. A compact four-door vehicle the Divine DS stands out due to its sensual looking exterior, but msotly due to the striking interior. The cabin design features a bold, high-tech layout with spectacular contrast, which introduces the hyper typish tehcnique, allowing customers to choose an interior trim that reflects their personality.

While the german auto makers are engaged in battle to see how can make the best sports car out of a family hatchback, french care maker Citroen is having another goal at the perfect luxuty experience. The all-new DS Divine is making its debut at the Paris motor show. This is the first european car model launched since the PSA decided to turn citron and DS into separate car brands with different identities. You can deffinitely tell the Divine DS is in a totally different league from the likes of the the DS 3

The Divine DS power comes from one of the most impressive engines PSA owns. The same one 1.6 litter turbo used by the Peugeot RCZ delivering up to 270 PS at 6,000 rpm, 243 lb feed from 1900 rpm. The DS’s 1.6 Liter THP turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, developing 270 hp and a maximum torque of 330 Nm, 243 lb-ft between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm provides you with one pretty fast ride.

Even though, it clearly borrows its headlights style, key highlights of the design, like the interior or the tailights take on the appearance of a multi-faceted service made up of small interlocking triangles. Another interesting feature is the laser technology used on the headlights. Inspired by the facelift DS3, the light signature at the front, maintains the principal of independent lead modules and features “Swarowski” crystal fabric at the base of each unit. The headlights combine sequental indicators with laser technology. They include two high-powered laser diodes per module, which are 50% more powerful than conventional LED lights. Equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels which have floating spokes.

The interiror also boasts a new headliner design, inspired by three branches with jewel enctusted dashboard. The cabin features three interchangable interior ambiences, each with its own unique style that can be changed in just 15 minutes. These three different ambiences are called “mâle”, French for male, “Parisien chic”, were designed with the help of famous names, including embroidery and crystals from “Swarowski”

The car is 4.21 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.35 meters high, this makes it about the same length as the C4 hatchback, but a lot wider. Its proportions and well rounded rear quarters look like the Alfa Romeo Brera, it may look like the french car manufacturer is copying an Italian design but this nothing like that.

The Paris Motor Show is going to be opened to the public on Saturday, 4 October 2014.

Source: Citroen

September 19, 2014

Peugeot Quartz Concept – Ultra-Athletic Crossover

Peugeot has presented the interesting Quartz Hybrid Crossover Concept. The vehicle is expected to make its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show, next month. Peugeot Quartz Concept is designed to present the future imagination of the French manufacturer for the SUV models.

Quartz boasts a set of enormous 23” alloy wheels as well as a huge body – 4.5 meters in length and 2.06 meters in width. It features composite structure and bonded body panels to save weight. Since the model doesn’t have B-pillars, it will be fitted with scissor doors, which will boost the concept’s presence.

The engine is a 1.6 liter THP turbocharged petrol with 270HP (198 kW) and 330Nm (243 lb-ft) powering the rear wheels, while the front are powered by an electric motor – 115HP (85 kW) charged by a battery pack positioned into the floor of the vehicle. At the back there’s another 115HP (85 kW)electric motor for propulsion and battery charging.

The Quartz offers an all-electric range of 50 km (31 miles). There is also a Road mode as well as Race mode unleashing the maximum power of the vehicle.

The interior of the vehicle boasts i-Cockpit design with a small steering wheel with built-in controls for shifting gears as well as changing driving modes. There are four bucket seats for occupants and retractable harness.

The Peugeot Quartz concept will be exhibited from 4^th October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Source: Peugeot

September 18, 2014

2015 Volvo XC90 R-Design – Innovative and Sporty

After the revealing of the all-new 2015 Volvo XC90, the manufacturer has presented the sporty version – R-Design. The trim level is available across all engine range and will be available to order from October, this year. The first deliveries are expected to start sometime during May, 2015.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including modified front and rear bumpers, extended wheel arches, different exhaust set up, big alloy wheels and matt silver side mirrors. Other highlights include silver roof rails and some tweaks for the interior like new sport seats (front), sporty multi-functioning steering wheel with paddle-shifter and last, but not least – a new pedal set.

There is also a new touchscreen – 12.3” fully graphical driver display. The driver display also features a unique R-Design theme. The heart of the all-new in-car control is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access a range of Internet and cloud based products and services.

“In principle, we have replaced the previous top level with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasise each of their distinctive individual personalities,” said Alain Visser, Vice President Sales Operations withing Marketing, Sales and Customer Service.

The top-of-range model boasts a 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder power unit as well as an electric motor at the front wheels. The combined output is impressive – 400HP (298 kW).

Stay tuned for pricing and more specs.

Source: Volvo

September 18, 2014

Ford Adds Surveillance Mode Technology to Police Interceptor Vehicles

Ford is introducing to its 2014 Police Interceptor utility vehicles the surveillance mode technology. The award-winning mode was created with the goal to warn law enforcement officers of unexpected approaches from behind the vehicle. This exclusive feature will help protect law enforcement officers and military personnel around the globe. For this technology Ford has worked closely with InterMotive – a company based in Auburn, California, known for providing innovative vehicle control systems for various applications, including law enforcement.

To go further into details, the surveillance mode technology utilizes the existing rearview camera and radar to detect a person approaching the vehicle from behind. Then, it automatically sounds a chime, rolls up the driver’s side window, lock all doors and flashes exterior lighting. The system can be also activated by the officer. In these cases it provides added situational awareness and a first line of defense from potential assailants.

This technology is perfect for use, while officers write reports, monitor their in-car computer or radar and perform other tasks sitting in their vehicles. They will undoubtedly feel secure, because surveillance mode gives them an extra set of eyes to help protect against potential assailants.

Another interesting fact around this technology is that it has earned the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executive’s Award. The award was presented at NOBLE’s 38th Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Source: Ford

September 18, 2014

Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L Concept to Debut in Paris

Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L Concept is going to be officially premiered at the Paris Motor Show this October, showing its environmental credentials and great fuel economic pressures. The vehicle is packed with advanced technologies that offer innovative responses to the automotive challenges of the present and those of the future. This Citroen delivers breakthrough fuel consumption of 2l/100 km (over 141mpg)!

This is due to the fact that it has optimised design with a 20% improvement in aerodynamics, it runs on lower rolling resistance “tall & narrow” tyres, it is built with lighter parts that reduce overall vehicle weight by 100kg and at last but not least – it features the Hybrid Air technology, which cuts fuel consumption by 30%.

This C4 Cactus features a body optimized for aerodynamic performance. This means that some styling features have been modified and others created in order to optimise vehicle aerodynamics. For instance, the new front bumper includes three air intakes that continuously adjust in accordance with vehicle use, both for engine cooling and to regulate air flow. There are mobile side deflectors added to effectively guide the air flow around the vehicle. The wheels feature mobile shutters activated and controlled by centrifugal force.

The fixed-geometry components include: new generation 19-inch “ultra ultra” low rolling resistance “tall & narrow” tyres, wheel arches with “Air Curtain”, lengthened spoiler smaller and slimmer rearview cameras instead of rearview mirrors and LED light modules at the front and rear instead of the existing lights. The colour orange identifies all the aerodynamic features and underlines the high-tech character of the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept.

In terms of weight, this concept is 100 kg lighter than the production C4 Cactus. To achieve this, Citroen has reduced the weight of many structural components, with the body sub-structure featuring new materials such as aluminium, for the upper cowl panel, inner side members and rear floor pan, high-yield steels, for the front side rails and heel board and composite materials for the front of the vehicle floor.

Furthermore, in this project the French company utilizes the Hybrid Air technology for breakthrough fuel consumption, which combines a range of proven sub-systems and technologies. Precisely, this includes a 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engine, a compressed air energy storage unit, a hydraulic pump/motor unit and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic gear train.

In addition, the intelligent electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimise energy efficiency. There are three operating modes are available: zero emissions Air power mode, where the compressed air motor takes over from the petrol engine; Petrol power, using only the combustion engine; and Combined power, drawing upon both the combustion engine and the compressed air.

The combination of PureTech 82 engine and Hybrid Air technology minimizes fuel consumption by 30%. In addition, it also contributes to achieving a vehicle capable of 2l/100 km, while approaching the PureTech 110 in terms of dynamic performance.

Citroen C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L Concept Technical Characteristics: