Automobiles Review – Page 508 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2015 Nissan 370Z – US Pricing $29,990

Nissan US has announced the pricing for the 2015 370Z Coupe, 370Z Roadster and 370Z NISMO. All models offer an expanded range of trim level as well as a lot of other key enhancements – starting with a new design for the ultra-performance NISMO model. The 370Z Coupe starts at just $29,990, the Roadster is $41,820 and the NISMO has a price tag of $41,990.

In conjunction with the addition of new trim levels, all option packages have been removed, streamlining the ordering and purchase process.

The engine is the well-known 3.7 liter naturally aspirated DOHC V6 – 332HP (244 kW) featuring Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match synchronized downshift rev matching system or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The NISMO model comes with improved aerodynamics, Hyper LED DRLs, black headlight bezels, signature NISMO red stripe accents and reshaped and downsized rear spoiler. It is offered in just four exterior colors – Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White. The interior features redesigned black-and-red Recaro leather seats with Alcantara accents. The engine is boosted to 350HP (257 kW) and 373Nm (276 lb-ft).

The 370Z NISMO also features a 4-wheel independent suspension, large Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z Coupe:

370Z Coupe 6MT	$29,990 USD
370Z Coupe 7AT	$31,290 USD
370Z Coupe Sport 6MT	$33,570 USD
370Z Coupe Sport 7AT	$34,870 USD
370Z Coupe Sport Tech 6MT	$37,070 USD
370Z Coupe Sport Tech 7AT	$38,370 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 6MT	$37,970 USD
370Z Coupe Touring 7AT	$39,270 USD

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO:

370Z Coupe NISMO 6MT	$41,990 USD
370Z Coupe NISMO 7AT	$43,290 USD
370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 6MT	$45,490 USD
370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 7AT	$46,790 USD

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster:

370Z Roadster 7AT	$41,820 USD
370Z Roadster Touring 6MT	$45,270 USD
370Z Roadster Touring 7AT	$46,570 USD
370Z Roadster Touring Sport 6MT	$48,100 USD
370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7AT	$49,400 USD

Source: Nissan

August 13, 2014

Burton Racing BMW 128i – Street Tuner Victory at Road America

BMW 128i Coupe managed to scoop the first ST victory of the 2014 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season in Saturday’s 2.5-hour race at Road America, in Elkhart Lake. It was piloted by the 2013 Street Tuner class champions – Terry Borcheller and Mike LaMarra.

BMW drivers also scored fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth place Street Tuner class finishes. Bimmerworld Racing’s three 328i machines finished fifth, seventh and eighth. Ted Giovanis and David Murray finished sixth in the No. 64 Team TGM 328i. Logically, the result moved BMW to the top of the Manufacturer’s points standings.

“We’ve been closing in on the podium throughout the season and got very close to a win at Indy,” commented Keith Burton, Burton Racing Team Principal.

“It is extremely satisfying to win here at Road America and validates all of our hard work this year. I believe we are back in a position where we can fight for another championship for BMW.”, he added.

the No. 46 Fall-Line Motorsport BMW M3 of John Edwards and Trent Hindman finished 4^th. The car started from the pole and led 18 laps of the 54 lap contest, only 1.768 seconds separating the car from the winner at the checkered flag. The next best finishing BMW M3 was the No. 97 Turner Motorsport car of Tom Kimber-Smith and Michael Marsal in 13^th.

“Congratulations to Mike and Terry and the entire Burton Racing team on their return to the podium and their first Street Tuner win of the season,” said Gordon McDonnell, BMWNA Motorsport Manager.

“In Grand Sport, both John and Trent put up a great fight in the Fall-Line Motorsport BMW M3 to finish fourth, but the new Camaro seems to have a distinct advantage in the class.”, he finished.

Source: BMW

August 13, 2014

Haiopai Racing – Three Unique Volkswagen Golfs from Cam Shaft

Cam Shaft are famous with their extraordinary good craftsmanship, which is absolutely necessary for the transparency print technology. The tuning company offers full customization for your vehicle including body foil wrap, custom interior and performance upgrades.

„Haiopai Racing“ is a group of motorsport enthusiasts, showing their love for the world’s most extreme race track – the Nurburgring-Nordschleife. Three extremely tuned and customized Volkswagen Golf VI hit the race track. All of them come with lowered suspension provided by H&R, lightweight wheels fitted with high-performance tires and boosted engines – up to 355HP (261 kW). The result is thanks to a new turbocharger, custom downpipe, complete sports exhaust system and an ECU re-map.

Of course, all three cars come with bucket seats, 4-poing harness, big brake systems and roll-cages. It is always a pure pleasure for a petrol head to take his everyday car to the race track. Still, safety should be highly considered and no compromises should be made.

Other highlights include various carbon fiber elements for the exterior like a new front splitter, rear diffuser and mirror caps. Complete foliation is also present and it is different for all three cars.It expresses the unique taste of the owners and their racing nature.

Source: Cam Shaft

August 13, 2014

The 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR is a high-performance vehicle

Range-Rover-SVR_thumb Range-Rover-SVR_651

Range Rover has proudly presented the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR, which is the first Range Rover to come with the new high-performance SVR badge.

The new vehicle comes with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower (404 kW) of power and 502 lb-ft (681 Nm) of torque, which is 40 HP (29 kW) and 41 lb-ft (56 Nm) of torque more than what the standard supercharged V8 engine produces. The advanced ZF 8HP70 eight-speed transmission and the four-wheel drive chassis are also tuned to complement this fantastic performance. The engine’s advanced and highly efficient design characteristics include: low internal friction; high-pressure direct injection with a centrally mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided injection system; dual independent variable camshaft timing (VCT); and an advanced intelligent Stop/Start system that stops the engine instead of idling and instantly restarts it when the driver is ready to proceed. This allows the car to achieve 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 162 mph (261 km/h), though.

Showcasing an electronically controlled two-stage active exhaust, the SVR produces an inspired soundtrack at higher engine speeds while maintaining refinement during steady-state driving. Emphasizing all-terrain capability, vehicles are equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/45 R21 all-season Continental Cross Contact tires.

The new 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR also comes with an eight-speed ZF 8HP70 transmission with eight close ratios and reduced shift times (by 50 per cent) for shorter and better shifts while utilizing engine inertia for a sense of acceleration through the shift. The transmission’s adaptive shift strategy monitors acceleration and brake inputs, lateral cornering forces, kickdown requests and even the severity of gradients, before choosing one of 25 pre-determined programs to seamlessly adapt to driver behavior and road conditions. Sportier driving triggers more aggressive gearshifts and defers upshifts.

On the outside the 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR offers a front bumper with muscular trapezoidal air intakes, dark Range Rover script on the clamshell hood, which also features revised vents, and a new grille in a dark finish that contrasts with the headlights’ LED signature lighting. At the side of the vehicle, an all-new fender incorporates a distinctively designed vent, while unique side moldings add muscularity. At the rear, prominent Range Rover Sport SVR badging and a pronounced high-level spoiler with a centrally mounted brake light signal the vehicle’s sporting intent. The unique rear bumper features a gloss black diffuser, which incorporates unique quad exhaust pipes, instantly differentiating this high-performance derivative. Additional brake cooling has also been introduced for the six-piston Brembo brake set-up, ensuring optimal stopping power.

On the inside the SVR sports distinctive leather sports seats with generous legroom and full 14-way electric adjustment. The rear seats have been redesigned to echo the performance-oriented front seats. This leads to having space for a fifth passenger. They also offer full 60/40 folding capacity and up to 62.2 cubic ftee (1761 liters) of load space.

The 2015 Range Rover Sport SVR will sell for USD 110,475 excluding a USD 925 destination fee. This is a minimum suggested retail price so local pricing may vary.

Source: Range Rover

August 12, 2014

Jaguar unveils continuation E-Type vehicle

Jaguar-Lightweight_thumb Jaguar-Lightweight_651

The famous car maker Jaguar has unveiled the prototype of its continuation Lightweight E—Type vehicle, six of which will be built and sold.

Jaguar announced in May 2014 that it would create six continuation Lightweight E-Type vehicles, each built by Jaguar Heritage, part of Jaguar Land Rover’s new Special Operations division. Each of the six cars will be built to the specification of the last Lightweight E-Type delivered in 1964 and will be hand-crafted at a new Heritage facility located at the spiritual home of the E-Type, Browns Lane in Coventry, England. The cars will be sold as competition vehicles and all will be suitable for FIA homologation for historic motorsport purposes.

These six cars are special – they are the “missing” six vehicles from the “Special GT E-Type” project, which originally started in February 1963 with the objective of building 18 cars. Only 12 of the aluminum-bodied Lightweight E-Type vehicles were eventually built and the remaining six designated chassis numbers have lain dormant, until now. The six new cars will carry these unused Lightweight E-Type chassis numbers. A race winner in the hands of a variety of famous drivers during its competitive career, the car achieved worldwide fame, and today, original examples are highly sought after.

The upcoming Lightweight E-Type will come with an aluminum body shell that reduces the car weight by 250 lbs (114 kg) versus the production steel bodywork. Although no modern materials and build methods will be used the new vehicles will have advanced technology applied to ensure the highest quality and most faithful rendition of the Lightweight E-Type. Using advanced scanning technology, the inner and outer surfaces of a Lightweight body shell were digitally mapped. The resulting detailed scan, which recorded dimensions and shape down to a fraction of a millimeter, was assessed to validate how the body was assembled in the 1960s. This also revealed how consistent the structure was side-to-side, and how it could be engineered today to produce the highest quality results.

There are 230 individual elements in the body of the continuation Lightweight E-Type. About 75 per cent of them are made in-house at Jaguar Land Rover but some of them are delivered by external partners of the company. The aluminum used is almost the same when compared to the material used for the first cars. The aluminum body will be completed with the addition of an aluminum hood, doors and trunk lid. An aluminum hard top is standard, just like in the original.

The new Lightweight E-Type will have an engine, based on the 3,868 cc (236 cu. in.) engine, which won Le Mans in 1957 in the D-Type. A similar cylinder head is used, but in place of the D-Type’s cast iron block, Jaguar introduced an aluminum block with steel liners for the Lightweight E-Type, which substantially reduced the amount of weight over the front wheels. A dry sump lubrication system reduces oil windage, maintains oil pressure during fast cornering and allows for higher oil capacity. The compression ratio is 10:1 and the car also comes with three 45 DCOE carburetors. This results in over 300 horsepower (221 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque at 4500 rpm. The power is transferred to the road via a lightweight, low inertia flywheel, a single-plate clutch, and a close-ratio, four-speed, fully-synchronized manual gearbox. The standard rear axle ratio is 3.31:1 and a variety of final drive ratios will be available. All Lightweight E-Type vehicles will be delivered with the Powr-Lok limited-slip differential.

The car will be built at the Jaguar Land Rover facility in Whitley, England where it is mated to its tubular engine sub-frame and then shipped to the JLR Gaydon facility for painting. It is then taken to Jaguar Heritage facility at Browns Lane where the car receives its’ powertrain, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical items, instrument panel and soft trim. This process takes place in a dedicated work area close to where the original Lightweight E-Type vehicles were assembled. No word on pricing and availability though.

Source: Jaguar

August 12, 2014

First official photos of all-new Kia Sorento now available

Kia-Sorento_thumb Kia-Sorento_651

The first official photos of the all-new Kia Sorento are now available and they show a vehicle that features a striking and more mature appearance with bold and swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

The new look of the Kia Sorento is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation. The exterior style has been created by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea but significant levels of input were received from the Kia studios, based in Frankfurt and California, USA.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, “While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the current model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.”

The new car is 95 mm longer and reaches 4,780 mm. At the same time it is 15 mm shorter, down to 1,685 mm, while the 80 mm longer wheelbase, now 2,780 mm, gives passengers more space in all three seat rows.

The all-new Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and the European premiere of the vehicle is scheduled for October, 2 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Sales are expected to commence in spring 2015.

Source: Kia

August 12, 2014

Volkswagen fans can now order the new Jetta

Volkswagen-Jetta-front_thumb Volkswagen-Jetta-front_651

Volkswagen has announced that the new and revised Jetta is now open for ordering at Volkswagen retailers. The first deliveries will occur in December of this year.

The new Jetta arrives with better efficiency, revised styling for the front and rear parts of the car and enhanced features and trims. The car is now sleeker than before and the overall improvement when it comes to aerodynamics reaches 10 per cent. A revised radiator grille is up front and it comes with three horizontal fins; a reprofiled bumper is beneath. In the back the boot lid has been revised to incorporate an aerodynamically efficient lip that extends into the wings at the side. New tail lights and a revised bumper are underneath.

On the inside the new Jetta offers a new design for the steering wheel, a variety of new trims around the center console, revised instruments and new fabric designs for the seats and the door trims. The ambient light inside the Jetta has also been updated. There are a few optional assistance systems too including Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert.

Volkswagen-Jetta-rear_651

And now we come to the sweetest spot – engines. We can tell you that all of them come with BlueMotion Technology that features some modifications too, including stop/start and battery energy recuperation. All engines also fully meet the latest EU6 requirements. There are four of them – a 1.4-liter TSI unit with 125 horsepower (92 kW) and a six-speed manual gearbox; a 1.4-liter TSI unit with 150 horsepower (110 kW) and a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox; a 2.0-liter TDI engine with 110 horsepower (81 kW) and a five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 2.0-liter TDI engine with 150 HP (110 kW) with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. Three trim levels are available – S, SE and GT. The standard equipment includes a DAB digital radio, Electronic stability control, electric windows and air conditioning.

SE trim adds to the list 16-inch “Atlanta” alloy wheels, lumbar support, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, MDI multi-device interface and cruise control. The top-of-the-range GT trim comes with 15 mm lower sports suspension, 17-inch ‘Lancaster’ alloy wheels, front fog lights, front sports seats, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heat-insulating tinted rear glass, a color multifunction trip computer, driver alert system and ambient interior lighting.

Source: Volkswagen

August 12, 2014

Bentley to present Continental GT3-R at 2014 Pebble Beach

Bentley-GT3-R_651

Bentley will debut its Continental GT3-R vehicle at the upcoming 2014 Pebble Beach event, which will be the car’s North American debut. Bentley says that the Continental GT3-R is the most dynamic and fastest-accelerating Bentley ever produced. Continental GT3-R will be a hand-built car and only 300 of it will be built with 99 of them to be sold in the United States and four in Canada.

Christophe Georges, President and CEO, Bentley Motors, Inc. comments: “Pebble Beach is the perfect location for the debut of the rarest and most dynamic Continental GT, the GT3-R. It is a testament to the Bentley trademarks of luxury and performance and we’re excited to share it with the friends of Bentley during this gathering of fine automobiles.”

All the power inside the Continental GT3-R comes thanks to the installed road and race proven 4.0-liter V8 engine. This is a retuned version of the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine used in the new two-seater Bentley GT. The engine delivers 572 bhp (580 horsepower/426 kW) and 516 lb.-ft. (700 Nm) of torque and makes the Continental GT3-R the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. The car is now able to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds and all this is done with an engine that is 220 lb (100 kg) lighter than before.

On the outside the car will offer a Glacier White exterior with two-tone graphics that trace the two prominent power lines to the side profile of the car. A new front splitter provides an assertive look to the front of the car, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in carbon fiber. Additional unique exterior features adding to the sporting design include gloss black headlamp bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips. The look is complemented by an all-new lightweight 21” wheel finished in gloss black. The theme continues under the bonnet where the 4.0-litre V8 receives a unique GT3-R carbon fiber cover.

On the inside the GT3-R offers a two-seat configuration of new bespoke sporting seats, finished with Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara. A unique trimmed rear cabin is in the place of the rear seats, complete with a carbon fiber surround and finished in leather and Alcantara. Unique GT3-R badging adorns the center console and passenger fascia panel, while headrests receive stitched logos in contrast green thread. All 99 models bound for the US will receive sequentially numbered GT3-R sill treadplates identifying the car’s one-of-a-kind status.

The new Bentley Continental GT3-R will sell for USD 337,000 and if you want one you can order it now at a Bentley dealer near you. For the Americas region deliveries will start in Q1 2015.

Source: Bentley

August 11, 2014

McLaren to debut 650S Sprint at 2014 Pebble Beach

McLaren-650S-Sprint_thumb McLaren-650S-Sprint_651

The 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be remembered with the debut of one more sports car – the McLaren 650S Sprint. This will be the race car’s global debut along with a number of other models from McLaren Automotive, four of which will debut at the same Californian event, scheduled for later this year.

As the name of the vehicle suggests the McLaren 650S Sprint is based on the already released McLaren 650S Coupe but the newcomer arrives with a number of important enhancements that include new developments to the Brake Steer system, more refined aerodynamics and a race set-up for the ProActive Chassis Control (PCC). All these improvements deliver a more engaging GT racing experience, without losing any of the refinement and balance found in the road car.

But the new features of the McLaren 650S Sprint do not end here – the new car comes with an aerodynamically optimized design, increased levels of downforce and optimized cooling for the 3.8-liter twin-turbo M838T engine the car comes with. This is the same engine, which is featured in the McLaren 650S Coupe but it also comes with unique engine and transmission calibration for even better on-track driveability and driver engagement. Weight has also been minimized thanks to the strong carbon fiber MonoCell chassis but driver safety has not been compromised. A lightweight carbon fiber HANS-approved racing seat, with full six-point harness, offers an optimized driving position, while an air-conditioning system is retained adding comfort. An integrated fire extinguisher system is also installed.

At the same time the McLaren 650S Sprint shares some design features with the McLaren 650S GT3 race car like a larger motorsport fuel “bag” tank with quick-fill connectors, optimized cooling from the larger GT3-developed front radiator with a GT3-inspired bonnet integrating radiator exit ducts and more. The 650S Sprint has a lower ride height with recalibrated adaptive damping for revised spring rates, and sits on 19-inch center-locking racing wheels, fitted with Pirelli slick or wet tires, while an onboard air jacking system enables quick tire changes. Stopping power is also enhanced and provided by a race-prepared braking system developed for the 650S Sprint. This system combines with the road car’s highly effective Brake Steer system and enhanced active aerodynamics to offer superior braking performance. This allows for later braking into corners, but also improved brake feel and greater cornering speeds. A range of options is also available including a computational fluid dynamics developed aerodynamics package including carbon fiber rear wing and front splitter a passenger seat with six-point harness, and further lightweight components including a polycarbonate windscreen.

In the UK the new McLaren 650S Sprint will cost GBP 198,000 and will be available from all official McLaren retailers around the world.

Source: McLaren Automotive

August 11, 2014

Aston Martin to showcase Q by Aston Martin bespoke service

Q-by-Aston-Martin_thumb Q-by-Aston-Martin_651

The famous automobile brand Aston Martin will showcase a new collection of bespoke commissions created by the company’s Q by Aston Martin division at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week next week.

There is a total of four new Q by Aston Martin designs, led by the Los Angeles-based dealer partner, Galpin Aston Martin. All new designs are based on the DB9 Volante, V12 Vantage S and Vanquish sports cars.

The Q by Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe comes with amplified colors, bold contrasts and a new and innovative enlarged carbon fiber weave structure. The exterior is painted in Abor Orange, which is an exclusive new Q paint finish, and offers the vibrancy of a rich orange red fired with an intensity emphasized by a shimmering pearl effect. Ensconced in the Obsidian Black leather interior, the carbon theme is continued with a printed leather in a design called ‘Helix’; inspired by a carbon molecule helix and influenced by experimental rapid prototyped furniture. Running like a spine down the centre of the car, the Helix print is set on an unbroken expanse of leather headliner panel, and is revealed again in the door panels.

The Q by Aston Martin Vanquish Volante comes with a new exterior paint finish – Frosted Silver – that offers better light to dark travel. Graphite-finished 10-spoke alloy wheels are set against classically styled polished calipers that match the Solid Sterling Silver seen in the Aston Martin wings and Q badges.

The Q by Aston Martin DB9 Volante offers an Ashen Blonde exterior – warm silver taken from the exclusive Q palette and paired with polished alloy wheels. Inside, the DB9 adopts a blush pearl leather, Piano Ice Mocha facia and drawing inspiration from luxury furniture, a blanket stitch which runs the length of the central spine of the interior. As a final touch a pink Rhodachrosite stone is inlaid in the Q buckle badge strapped to the console.

Finally the Q by Aston Martin V12 Vantage S comes with a rich purple amethyst exterior paint that gets combined with bright painted Monterey Pearl front grille and rear diffuser. An Obsidian Black interior is punctuated with Vivid Purple leather details on a number of details including seat stripe, headlining, steering wheel and glove box lining. Also included are a series of special carbon fiber details such as the rotary controls which are each hand wound from a single filament of carbon fiber.

Matthew Bennett, The General Manager for Q and VIP Sales said: “The Q by Aston Martin collection of cars shown at Pebble Beach are a bold statement of the intent and capability we are developing within Q. They show how customers can be inspired to create truly unique cars and the breadth of bespoke capability at their disposal.”

Source: Aston Martin

August 9, 2014

BBR upgrades the 2005-2014 Mazda MX-5 with “Super 200” package

Mazda-BBR_thumb Mazda-BBR_651

The famous performance tuner BBR has unveiled the so-called “Super 200” upgrade package for owners of 2005-2014 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. In particular the upgrade package targets people who own the 2.0-liter Mazda MX-5 Mk3 / 3.5 / 3.75 (NC) models. The main perk of the package is engine power that was previously considered impossible.

“BBR knows that the Mazda MX-5 owners’ community is a broad church and not everyone wanted the supercar style performance of our highly successful turbocharged upgrades,” says BBR-GTI’s Neil McKay. “Therefore we decided to develop a package that built upon our entry level Super 175 and 180 upgrades by incorporating exclusive BBR hardware and further electronic development to deliver the first genuine 200 bhp normally aspirated conversion to an eager Mazda performance aftermarket, whilst being designed for everyday use and offering exceptional value for money,” he continues.

The “Super 200” package includes the following components: high flow BBR panel air filter, BBR stainless steel 4-into-1 exhaust manifold, BBR high performance intake and exhaust camshafts, BBR 3.5-inch diameter branded tailpipes with stainless steel clamps, BBR ECU remap and BBR badges for front wings and bootlid. Thanks to these hardware improvements the BBR Super 200 upgrade boosts peak power to 201 bhp (204 horsepower) at 7450 rpm, which is a remarkable tested gain of 43 bhp (44 horsepower).

Having more peak power is nice but BBR has put extra effort into delivering all this power to the right spots. Thanks to a carefully designed and tested pair of exclusive camshaft profiles with unique lift and timing specifications, the Super 200 package delivers strong gains from just 3000 rpm upwards with standard power output exceeded at every point in the rev range. These efforts have results that can be measured in numbers. Thus the MX-5 2.0-liter 16-valve engine with the upgrade package produces 166 lb.-ft. of torque (225 Nm), which is 19 lb.-ft. (26 Nm) more than in the original, with the peak value arriving at just 4000 rpm, which is 1100 rpm lower than in the original.

Mindful of both costs and occupant comfort for high speed, long distance driving, the standard exhaust centre section, catalytic converter and rear silencer are retained with the BBR Super 200 upgrade, but the package includes a set of 3.5-inch branded stainless steel tailpipe trims which are adjustable to accommodate different bumper options on Mk3 / 3.5 / 3.75 models. In addition, exclusive yet subtle BBR wing and bootlid badging is included in the Super 200 upgrade.

In the UK the new upgrade package costs GBP 2,195 and this price includes drive-in, drive-out installation. A do-it-yourself version sells for GBP 1695. You can also find the Super 200 upgrade package at certain Mazda UK dealers.

Source: Mazda

August 8, 2014

Chevrolet to debut next-gen Volt at 2015 NAIAS

2016-Chevrolet-Volt_thumb 2016-Chevrolet-Volt_651

Official sources from Chevrolet have announced that the US car maker will debut the new Volt at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, United States.

The upcoming 2016 Chevrolet Volt will be based on the award-winning original’s strong foundation and technology innovations. The car enjoys continued popularity in the US where sales were up by 13 per cent in July and more than 65,000 vehicles have been sold since the Volt debut in 2010. According to Chevrolet Volt owners drive more than 63 per cent of their overall miles in electric vehicle mode, having covered more than 500 million miles with no gasoline usage. This has saved more than 25 million US gallons (94.5 million liters) of gasoline so far. Volt owners who charge regularly typically drive more than 970 miles between fill-ups and visit the gas station less than once a month.

The Volt has received multiple customer satisfaction awards from leading third-parties. According to a recent leading independent satisfaction survey, the Volt is the highest-rated compact car under USD 55,000. Owners are showing their satisfaction as well. For the past three years, a leading customer publication has reported survey results showing more than 90 percent of Volt owners said they would definitely buy a Volt again. Among its accolades, the 2014 Volt has been recognized for its safety, most recently receiving the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2014 Top Safety Pick+ designation for vehicles equipped with an available Forward Collision Alert system.

Source: Chevrolet

August 8, 2014

Blog