Automobiles Review – Page 503 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Arden Individualizes MINI’s Interior

The German based Arden tuning company has just released some details and pictures of its latest project. The customization specialists have worked this time on the enhancement of a MINI in cabrio form. And given the fact that driving pleasure is not just a question of technical parameters, but also depends upon interior design, they have disclosed primarily details of what they have done inside the car.

There are almost limitless possibilities to individualize the vehicle’s interior. Of course, Arden has done this with handcrafted perfection. Every working process, including this MINI, is performed in the in-house saddlery of the company, which is positioned in Krefeld.

In this particular project, they have utilized only the finest materials such as Conolly leather and Alcantara. Carbon fiber, chrome, precious wood and even a complete leather conversion – all this is what makes MINI’s interior individualized. This contributes to a very unique ambiance inside the car. Arden also included wide range of attractive accessories and individual interior features such as extensive entertainment and audio systems, or a pedal set.

From the outside, we can see that the car has been also customized: from the handmade and electro polished stainless steel grille to the brand new wheels. The unique bi-color paint scheme further contributes towards the charming appearance of the car.

This MINI runs on “Mini Challenge rims” in the dimensions of 8 x 18 inches. They are made from solid block thus weighing only 6,9 kg. In addition, they provide the necessary traction and guarantee optimum driving characteristic and excellent smoothness.

Source: Arden

August 21, 2014

Dodge Charger Make Fun of Volkswagen Passat [videos]

Dodge has released two very funny commercial videos of the new 2015 Charger. Actually, they are mocking to Volkswagen Passat. As the US manufacturer declared in May – “No kid ever grew up with a poster of a Passat on his bedroom wall” and we will add – “But many with a Charger”.

The all-new 2015 Dodge Charger is powered by a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 – 292HP (218 kW) and 353Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine coupled with a TorqueFlite electronic 8-speed automatic transmission. It develops 370HP (272 kW) and 535Nm (395 lb-ft) of torque. The SRT8 model has a 6.4 liter HEMI V8 with 470HP (346 kW) and 637Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque, which is mentioned in the first clip (below).

The ad says “Here it is, the 470HP HEMI V8, butt kicking, Mötley Crüe blasting Volkswagen Passat. No, I’m just kidding, it’s a Charger.”

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPEM-_b3eu8

Recently, Dodge has unveiled the extreme Charger SRT Hellcat, which is the most powerful family saloon in the world. It has a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 – 707HP (527 kW) and 880Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. ¼ mile is covered in just 11.0 seconds and the top speed is whopping 328 km/h (204 mph); 0-160-0 km/h in less than 13.0 seconds. It also features 5 driving modes, complete aerodynamics package, big brake system and enormous wheels fitted with performance tires.

Beat that!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMfB70VtsP0

Source: Dodge

August 21, 2014

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge at Spa-Francorchamps

Infiniti has published several promotional videos of the Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype hitting the world’s famous Spa-Francochamps racing circuit.

Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti’s Director of Performance and four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion for Infiniti Red Bull Racing, had the honor of putting the car through its paces as part of a social media powered race against U.S. professional race driver Parker Kligerman and Nine-Ball World Champion snooker player Pan Xiaoting of China.

“Even though it was difficult to get a proper feel for the car’s performance due to the wet track, the engineering team have made definite improvements to the car in the areas of steering and suspension since I first drove it earlier in the year,” commented Vettel.

“There is definitely no shortage of power from the Q50 Eau Rouge. All in all it was an interesting day and we had fun. It was a privilege to be given the task of driving the Q50 Eau Rouge on one of the most demanding corners in the world.”, he added.

The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge is powered by an aluminum and magnesium twin-turbo 3.8 liter V6 24-valve engine – 560HP (412 kW). Some of the highlights include bespoke Infiniti engine mapping, air intake and exhaust, and F1-inspired aerodynamic bodywork and more The engine is connected to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 288 km/h (180 mph).

Speed Is Not Enough

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvc-BUrSg68

Q50 Eau Rouge

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZHVMOq6Dss

The Storm Arrives

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-0pT9jZjDY

The Limit

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZfhySyW81s

Parker Kligerman on the Eau Rouge Corner

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD1mT6RZLw8

Source: Infiniti

August 21, 2014

2015 Audi TT Gets A-Grade Evaluation

2015 Audi TT has received A-grade evaluation. The new model benefits from emissions reduction of 11 per cent compared with its predecessor, while the increase of power is also substantial, namely – up to 14 per cent. In this way, Audi has made significant step in minimizing the whole-life impact on the environment. The increase in power output and the simultaneous decrease in greenhouse gas emissions contribute towards new life cycle assessment.

Basically, each car of the third-generation TT saves around 5.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases over its entire life cycle. And we are not speaking only of carbon dioxide, but also of other substances such as methane, nitrous oxide and halogenated organic emissions.

Many technologies have contributed for this positive change. This first one is the lightweight construction of the car. Thanks to specific combination of materials, Audi engineers have, for the second time in a row, succeeded in reducing the TT’s weight.

Back in 2006, the engineers managed to achieve up to 90 kilograms weight savings. Now, the front-wheel driven 2.0 TFSI Audi TT, weighs just 1,230 kilograms and this means that the car is around 50 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

The intelligent lightweight construction and the weight reduction of the 2015 TT also have an impact on the vehicle manufacturing process. Precisely, the saved greenhouse gas emissions in this step are around nine per cent. Audi also states that the new generation car offers a better life cycle assessment right from the very first mile.

Source: Audi

August 21, 2014

Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa

Pagani has presented Huayra La Monza Lisa Special Edition. The model is produced exclusively for an American customer, who obviously wants his vehicle to be unique. This is the first time then Italian manufacturer builds a special model. The Huayra La Monza Lisa Special Edition is prepared for Kris Singh, a wealthy businessman and a car collector from Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

The exterior boasts a unique bodywork in a fully-exposed carbon fiber. There is also Italian flag livery similar to that of Zonda Revolucion. There are also polished alloy wheels with detailed Pirelli word on the tyres. The owner also get a second set of black Zonda R wheels.

The original Huayra is powered by an AMG 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 with 710HP (522 kW) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration – 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph). However, this one has some modifications, but no official figures has been unveiled.

The most unique feature of Huayra La Monza Lisa is that the car is signed by the whole Pagani team who worked on it, including Mr. Horacio Pagani.

Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 01

Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 02

Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 03

Pagani Huayra La Monza Lisa picture 04

Source:Lovecars

August 21, 2014

TechArt Power Kit for Porsche 911 Turbo

Techart is now offering a power kit for Porsche 911 Turbo. Based on the intelligent TechArt engine management system TechTronic, the additional control unit provides additional 60HP and 130 Nm to the 3.8 liter 6-cylinder boxer bi-turbo engine.

The TechArt power control unit provides extra power on request with a single push of a button on the center console. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds (3.0 seconds for the Cabriolet) and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Without using Sport- or Sport Plus mode the vehicle operates with series engine management system.

The TECHART engine management system TECHTRONIC is characterized by the following product features:

significant increase of performance and driving dynamics
activation by pushing the Sport button at the center console
quick and easy installation, trouble-free deinstallation at any time
intelligent electronic power management
highest material quality and fulfillment of OEM specifications
does not affect vehicle diagnostics or servicing
does not affect electronic engine protection features

Like every factory-new TechArt product, the high quality standards of the TechArt Power Kits are backed by a 2-year limited warranty. But more than that, TechArt grants an additional warranty on damages at engine or gearbox according to the TechArt TechTronic Warranty Terms.

The tuning specialists also offer TechArt exhaust system with valve control. The TechArt sport tailpipes are made from stainless steel in dual oval tube design. They are available in gloss chrome and matt black chrome finish.

Last, but not least are the forged centerlock wheels in 5-twin-spokes design.

Dimensions:

FA: 9.0J x 20” ET 46 (for Porsche 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3)
RA: 12.0J x 20” ET 47 (for Porsche 911 GT3)
RA: 12.0J x 20” ET 58 (for Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S)

All wheels can be ordered in titanium grey or with polished front surface. According to the vehicle’s equipment, a modification for a central locking device might be required.

Source: TechArt

August 21, 2014

Dotz Shift Volkswagen Passat Freeride si

Dotz Shift Volkswagen Passat Freeride si is a very simple project which looks stunning. This is because the wheels and rims specialists at Dotz Shift have supplied it with Dotz Freeride si. These are all-year rims with its five spokes and the shiny silver coating that makes it a true eye-catcher. The customizers promise that they can endure driving fin for every season. They have dynamic construction with the asymmetric design elements at the outer rim as well as minimalist structure.

As mentioned, the finish of the wheels is in shiny silver. It truly makes them stand out in all weather conditions. The wheels are offered by Dotz in numerous ABE applications from 15” to 19”. Moreover, they are Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) approved and are one hundred percent compatible with ALCAR T-ProSensor.

Volkswagen Passat as we can see serves as the perfect vehicle for these rims. The 2015 model year car was unveiled in the beginning of last month; in front of public it will be premiered at Paris Motor Show in October. This is the eighth-generation Passat and in its construction the engineers have saved up to 85 kg.

One of the main highlights of the model is the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine. It generates 240 horsepower (176 kW) and the huge 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm. This engine will be mated only with the new seven-speed DSG gearbox and will also feature 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The sales of 2015 Volkswagen Passat will start before the end of this year.

Source: Dotz Shift

August 21, 2014

Six Customized 2015 Honda Fit to be on Display at SEMA

Six build teams will each customize 2015 Honda Fit, which later will be on display at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In this way, the company will showcase the great personalization potential of the new model via an ambitious project vehicle program and interactive Tumblr experience, which starts today. To go further into details, Honda has selected six build teams: Bisimoto Engineering, Kontrabrands, MAD Industries, Spoon Sports USA, Tjin Edition and Kenny Vinces.

Each team will customize a 2015 Honda Fit which will later be displayed at the SEMA Show. Every single personalized Fit is expected to receive modifications such as aerodynamic body kits, wheels, custom paint jobs and much more.

To support this Fit project, Honda is starting the Fit Performance Project (#ProjectFit) on its official Tumblr page. In this way fans will have the opportunity to follow teams’ progress with each vehicle.

#ProjectFit starts from today and will continue through 22nd of October. It will feature many photos, animated GIFs and videos. On Tumblr people can vote for their favorite customized Fit by liking and reblogging posts tagged with #ProjectFit. The shop which will gather the highest total likes and reblogs will win and receive an award from Honda.

The last to be mentioned is that the Fit Performance Project posts will include several themes. For instance, “Preview” will reveal the design illustrations or renderings of the cars, the “Show Us Your Mods” will display five modifications made to the vehicle, while “In Progress” will reveal headway on the design.

Source: Honda

August 21, 2014

2015 Kia Sportage increases comfort and more

2015-Kia-Sportage_thumb 2015-Kia-Sportage_651

The Korean automaker Kia Motors has described the new 2015 Kia Sportage. A particular feature of the upcoming vehicle is that it comes with greatly enhanced driver and passenger comfort apart from other tech improvements. The new car is offered in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX and comes with two powertrains – a 2.4L GDI I4 (LX and EX) and a 2.0L Turbo GDI (SX).

Even with the basic LX trim, the new Kia Sportage offers a number of standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels matched with 225/60R17 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, Bluetooth^® Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity, solar glass, privacy glass, keyless entry with folding key and a six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission. The next-level EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, high-performance dampers, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The most luxurious SX trim upgrades all this equipment with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine that produces 260-horsepower (191 kW), unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings, LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance and a unique SX grille. For added driver comfort, a tilt and telescopic steering column is standard across all trims.

There are certain features that all trims come with and here’s a short list – the 2015 Kia Sportage will also come with standard rear vents and reclining outboard seats as well as an optional ventilated seat for the front passenger. Drivers of the EX trim are treated to the perks of standard heated front seats, Infinity^®Premium Audio, and heated outside mirrors. The impressive Premium Package adds navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, leather-trimmed seats, panoramic sunroof, smart key with push-button start, and power-folding outside mirrors. In addition buyers of all versions will get Apple USB compatibility, a UVO system (optional on LX models only) that provides diagnostics capabilities and more convenience features such as Advanced Voice Recognition for easier music control and hands-free mobile phone operations. When equipped with UVO eServices, the 2015 Sportage also features a Rear Camera Display and auto headlamp system.

The new Kia Sportage will go on sale sometime in 2015.

Source: Kia Motors America

August 20, 2014

Certain 2015 Subaru models earn Top Safety Pick+ awards

2015-Subaru-Legacy_thumb 2015-Subaru-Legacy_651

No matter what kind of car you drive on a daily basis, safety remains a top objective because after all the goal of travelling and driving in particular is to get where you want on time and well. This is the reason why many safety technologies get implemented in various cars and they tend to improve on a yearly basis. Still, it is really hard to pick a safe car but thanks to the efforts of the US Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) this task has become a bit easier.

The IIHS has just enriched your choice with the addition of the all-new 2015 Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback, which have been given the 2014 Top Safety Pick+ designation. The new Subaru Legacy has achieved the highest possible rating of “good” in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations of front small overlap, front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact. The sedan also received a “superior” rating in the Institute’s front crash avoidance testing. The catch is that in order to have the 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation the 2015 Subaru Legacy must have the optional EyeSight® driver-assist system.

2015-Subaru-Outback_651

The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback has also achieved the highest possible rating of ‘good’ in the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, as well as a “superior” rating in the front crash avoidance testing. Just like in the 2015 Subaru Legacy case, the new 2015 Subaru Outback needs to be equipped with the optional EyeSight® driver-assist system.

Subaru is also proud to announce that seven Subaru models, including the BRZ, Impreza, WRX/STI and XV Crosstrek, have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – four with Top Safety Pick and three with Top Safety Pick+ including its Forester, Legacy and Outback models equipped with optional EyeSight®. As Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc., says “The Institute’s findings reinforce our dedication to building safe vehicles. We are proud of the 2014 Top Safety Pick endorsement for every Subaru vehicle in our line-up.”

Source: Subaru

August 20, 2014

Inside Performance BMW X6 M – 700HP and 1,000Nm

Inside Performance has presented their latest tuning project based on the mighty SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) – BMW X6 M. The tuning specialists offer both styling and performance modifications for the X6 M. The name of the project is White Shark and we can see, why.

The BMW X6 M will be powered by the well-known 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with around 600HP (441 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). This version was presented with the special 2014 BMW M5 30 Jahre Edition. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch 7-speed DCT gearbox sending the power to xDrive AWD (all-wheel drive) system. 0-100 km/h in around 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited or a little more with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The performance package boosts the engine to 700HP (515 kW) and 1,000Nm (741 lb-ft) of torque. The result is thanks to an ECU re-map, a complete sports exhaust system with new down-pipes and catalysts. There is also a high-flow air system. 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

The exterior features a complete aerodynamics package with modified front and rear bumpers, wide wheel arches and spoilers for the boot lid and the roof. There is also a set of enormous 22” alloy wheels fitted with high-performance ContiSport Contact tires.

The price for the conversion is available upon request.

Source: Inside Performance

August 20, 2014

Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V Zaragoza

Vorsteiner Lamborghini Aventador-V Zaragoza is the newest creation of the Californian based tuners. They have been working on it for the past months and now show their project with exclusive and beautiful photo-session. The latest addition to the Aventador-V program is the Zaragoza front spoiler. The customizers reveal that it was a particularly difficult to create it, because it is constructed to fit with the existing OE front bumper in a single piece of carbon fiber.

To ensure this spoiler is incorporated and unified with the distinctive Aventador character, Vorsteiner has extended lines from the factory bumper in order to flow with the lower, wider, and longer carbon spoiler. To go further into details, the Zaragoza front spoiler is approximately 25 mm lower, 25 mm wider, and 200mm longer when one compares it to the factory front bumper.

There are also added vertical blades which direct air away from the body. This results in decreased drag and turbulence and also significantly optimizes downforce and increases the stability of the front end at high speeds by directing the air away reducing frontal pressure. Aventador-V gets not only the Zaragoza, but also – an active aero wing, side blades and rear diffuser as well as OE Exterior Carbon Package.

This particular Lambo shown in the pictures below runs on Technica Multipiece VTM-350 Forged Wheels in Matte Black finish. The wheels come in sizes 20×9 at the front, and 21×13 at the rear. They are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres in the dimensions of 255/30/20 and 355/25/21 at the front and rear, respectively.

Source: Vorsteiner

August 20, 2014

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