Automobiles Review – Page 512 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

K.MAN Audi R8 V8 Bi-Turbo GTK, GTK S and GTK RS

Chiptrick has unveiled their latest project based on Audi R8 4.2 liter V8. The name of the project is K.MAN and it is available in three powerful versions – GTK, GTK S and GTK RS. There are also some styling improvements as well.

Stage I – GTK – boosts the engine to 590HP (434 kW), which is an increase of 170HP compared to factory’s power. The GTK weighs just 1,680 kg (3,704 lbs), so it has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.85 kg/HP.

Stage II – GTK S – offers 640HP (471 kW), a power boost of 220HP. The power-to-weight ratio is 2.64 kg/HP.

Stage III – GTK RS – has whopping 750HP (551 kW), an increase of 330HP. The power-to-weight ratio is impressive 2.27 kg/HP.

No words about acceleration 0-100 km/h, but it is around 3.0 seconds. Still, Chiptrick revealed information for 0-200 km/h times – GTK 11.9 seconds; GTK S 11.4 seconds and GTK RS 10.6 seconds.

Other highlights include Club sport chassis frame and a reinforced brake system for the top-of-range GTK RS. There is also a manual gearbox for all performance stages.

Optionally, K.MAN also has a wide range of carbon and GFK parts for those who prefer a little extravagance, and this allows K.MAN to offer individual identities from “cautiously different” up until the radical “DTM looks”.

Source: K.MAN

July 31, 2014

Kia Cadenza Premium And Limited Enhanced For MY2015

2015 Kia Cadenza is company’s premium sedan which now is even more refined, adding style, more equipment features and amenities. There have been also added advanced technology and safety features, thus contributing to Cadenza’s exclusivity. The enhancements are designed to offer more luxury, technology and convenience for the new 2015 model year. The car will be offered in two trim levels: Premium and Limited.

They will use as a basis the MY2014 Cadenza and will build on its success. In fact, the car was named the “International Car of the Year” by Road and Travel Magazine. For 2015 this Kia will continue offering responsive and engaging driving dynamics.

To go further into details, the Limited trim level gets number of features as well as some design enhancements. For instance, new is the grille and fender garnish. The interior of the model includes a driver-oriented cockpit. As a standard, Limited receives features such as: Flex Steer, Surround View Monitor which offers 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for easier maneuvering and parking, LED lighting elements, analogue clock design and additional chrome trim pieces.

Both trim levels will also get as a standard an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat to augment the available 12-way driver’s seat. Furthermore, the Technology package also comes improved for the new model year.

In details, it features Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers of cross traffic when in reverse, and also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System, electronic parking brake, and water-repelling Hydrophobic front side windows for better visibility during inclement weather. All of these features come also as a standard on 2015 Kia Cadenza Limited.

Source: Kia

July 31, 2014

Toyota GT86 sets Guiness World Drift Record – 144.1 km [video]

Harald Müller managed to set a new Guinness World Record for longest vehicle drift in a Toyota GT 86. The previous holder was Johan Schwartz – BMW Performance Center Instructor, who managed to drift the new M5 F10 for 82.520 km (51.278 miles). Harald Müller has achieved whopping 144.126 km (89.55 miles).

The record attempt was made in Samsun, Turkey on July 15^th at an event organized by local board of Youth and Sports. The course measured 235.5 meters, where Müller did 612 laps in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 18 seconds with a 2012 Toyota GT 86.

The lightweight RWD car is powered 2.0 liter boxer engine delivering 200HP (147 kW) and 205Nm (152 lb-ft) of torque. It also features a rear spoiler, 17” light alloy wheels, chrome-finished dual exhaust tailpipes and a signature “T”-mesh grille. That T motif is repeated in the shape of the rear fog light, set centrally between the tailpipes.

At the video below you can see, that the GT 86 didn’t go all the time with a proper drift (sideways). Instead, the vehicle was going straight several times and stopped for a turn. We believe that the record should be a continuous drift without any stops or huge corrections. Still, Guinness admits the record, so it is official.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrHDUkQZry4

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

Toyota Adds Persona Special Edition To Prius Range

2015 Toyota Prius Persona Special Edition is a limited edition version of the best-selling hybrid in United States, brought to the next level. This elegant vehicle is tailored with exclusive exterior and interior touches, which make it truly one-of-a-kind. It has this eye-catching exterior and adds several changes to the equipment to create a visually distinctive car. Precisely, this car is based on the Prius Three Special Edition, and will be available exclusively in two exterior paint finishes: Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl. The former dye is offered for the first time on Prius.

In addition, it runs on 17-inch alloy wheels which include a premium dark metallic finish. The special edition also comes equipped with premium heated power mirrors with turn signal indicators. At the rear there will be a badge “Persona Series”, which will help differentiate the model.

Inside, the Persona is trimmed in black SofTex with gray stitching. The same treatment has been implemented to the steering wheel. However, it includes a dark chrome bezel that complements car’s dark chrome shift knob ring and door grips.

To the luxurious feel of the Persona Series adds the blue driver and front-passenger foot area illumination. 2015 Prius Persona Series Special Edition will begin arriving in dealerships in September and will be priced at $26,985 USD.

Source: Toyota

July 31, 2014

2015 Cadillac ATS-L To Be Introduced In Mid August

2015 Cadillac ATS-L is going to be launched in Shanghai, China, on 15th of August. And yes, this means that the model won’t be available nor for the customers in the United States, nor those in Europe or any other part of the world. The letter “L” stands for luxury and in addition the new sport sedan will also add some extra legroom and headroom for the rear passengers. Of course, the newest member of the Cadillac family is based on the ATS.

ATS is being currently offered in sedan and coupe form. The model went on sale in China at the end of last year. Now, the L trim level will provide up to 85 mm longer wheelbase, thus increasing the legroom and headroom for passengers riding in the back seat. What is more, Cadillac has also implemented some ergonomic enhancements to the rear seats to further improve the ride comfort.

The ATS-L will keep the main key features of the vehicle: its sportiness, balanced proportions and performance. It will also incorporate a redesigned front fascia which will add more stylishness and sportiness.

The luxury sport sedan will be driven by the 2.0L SIDI turbocharged engine. In fact, in 2013 this unit was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. Thanks to it, the car will produce 279 horsepower (205 kW) and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The result is 0 to100 km/h acceleration time of only 6.2 seconds.

At last, just as the ATS, the L derivative retains a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution as well as the high-strength, lightweight architecture, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control suspension and high-performance run-flat tires.

Source: Cadillac

July 30, 2014

Lincoln Updates The Interior Of 2015 MKC

2015 Lincoln MKC is a small premium utility vehicle which shows company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Now, it is even more premium than before, because it includes a brand new seating surface. For this task, the company had contacted the Bridge of Weir Leather Company, which has created specifically for the MKC the so called Deepsoft leather. In this way both brand had refreshed the stance on one of the brand’s most luxurious cars. The exclusive seat covering was just introduced and it will appear in this and other models very soon.

The Deepsoft leather is softer and heightens customer’s experience. In fact, this material is semi-aniline and was treated with only a partial protectant to maintain its soft touch. In contrast to many other leathers that are embossed to give seating surfaces a uniform appearance, this one is chromium-free and non-embossed and naturally milled. Each piece’s natural grain remains visible.

Furthermore, the Deepsoft leather is dried slowly for 16 hours. This results in its soft, buttery feel. Lincoln’s newest vehicle also offers the new Lincoln steering wheel, French stitching on the instrument panel and seats, and open-pore wood trim to additionally highlight MKC’s elegant interior.

2015 Lincoln MKC is driven by the four-cylinder 2.0 liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine. It produces 240 horsepower (177 kW) at 5,500RPM and 366 Nm (270 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM. There is also an optional 2.3 liter EcoBoost unit, which generates 275 horsepower (202 kW) at 5,500RPM and 406 Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM.

Source: Lincoln

July 30, 2014

2018 Audi A9 Concept By Daniel Garcia

2018-Audi-A9-t 2018-Audi-A9-651.3

The new Audi A9 which is coming in 2018 is planned to be the most luxurious and at the same time the most expensive model that the company has ever created. The concept is designed by Spanish designer – Daniel Garcia. It is going to be something you’ve never seen before and it will take the game to a completely new level.

The model will follow the basic lines of the current Audi Sportback, but at the same time it will use the modular building block platform (MSB) used in models of Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche in a way the audience has never expected.

The A9 is equipped with a one-piece roof and windscreen, both made of nanotechnology materials creating the typical bold and innovatory outlook of the series. We are expecting professional details like original leather seats, wooden insertions and a brand new upgraded technology. The exterior and interior are described as a masterpiece of the modern age.

The driver will be able to change the opacity and the color of the vehicle with a single push of a button thanks to the nanotechnology embraced in the new A9. As you may already suggested it will be more than well equipped with the latest gadgets, high quality materials and perhaps an internal-combustion engine accompanied with four electric motors.

The new Audi offspring will be a bit naughtier by using a 3.0-liter TFSI engine and a V8 engine with a full power output of 500 horsepower. An option with a hybrid powertrain will be available as well. It will consist of a gasoline engine and an electric motor generating around 500 horsepower.

There are rumors that the A9 will offer both four-wheel and rear-wheel, but the possible transmission stays a mystery. The basic model will be launched in 2015, but in the process of development will be launched many more versions of A9.

The debut should be by the end of next year, and model will most probably be released during 2016. A coupe and convertible variants will cost around $100,000, while the sedan is raising the bar to $150,000.

Source : Daniel Garcia Design via Facebook

July 30, 2014

Renaultsport Reveals First Image Of R.S.01 Race Car

Just more than a month ago Renault Sport Technologies has revealed a teaser image of their new project – the Renaultsport Trophy car. Now, the brand not only announced the name of the model, but also released an image. Despite it is a little bit dark, the picture clearly displays the back of the future race car with its unique taillights. Precisely the name of this trophy is Renaultsport R.S. 01. The next important date in Renault calendar is 27th of August.

This is when the car will be fully unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show. There will also be disclosed the entire details and specifications of this spectacular new race car, which is set to become the next star in the World Series by Renault Championship.

Form what we can grasp from the image, is that the vehicle will feature uniquely stunning design. In fact, the design clearly shows that the car will also offer exceptional performance. At the moment, Renault is conducting an intense programme of development tests, so that the trophy car can join the World Series in 2015.

Renaultsport R.S. 01 was built by Dallara. Its carbon monocoque will be driven by a Nismo engine which will produce more than 500 horsepower (368 kW). The power unit will be coupled with a seven-speed sequential gearbox supplied by Sadev.

Michelin will deliver the tires, which in will be specifically created for the car. The over weight of the vehicle is expected to be around 1,100kg. At last, Renault said that the car will be used in a single-model championship. The company has also revealed that the specifications of the car are a reflection of its racing pedigree.

Source: Renault

July 30, 2014

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 To Debut At FIA WRC

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car is to make its official premiere in front public next month on the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, which is the ninth round of 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. The car has bee engineered by Toyota Motorsport (TMG) and it is a rally version of the famous GT86 coupe. The prototype of CS-R3 is breaking cover at the WRC event, while the fully finished car will be available for competition model for private customers a little bit later.

In fact, the CS-R3 will not compete at the rally. Instead, it will be the official “pathfinder” zero car, driven through each stage as a safety test immediately ahead of the field. The double women’s world rally champion, Isolde Holderied, will be behind the wheel of the car.

TMG has reduced the weight of the vehicle and also ensured the safety, reliability and its driving fun. There are also modifications to the powertrain to be made, which will result in an increased the unit’s output, which is expected to be between 240 and 250 hp (176–184 kW).

The car will also be equipped with the sequential shift six-speed transmission and a limited-slip rear differential. There will be also included a weight-optimised safety cage designed according to FIA requirements.

The first customer vehicles will be ready in the beginning of next year in the form of a kit. Pricing will be announced after confirmation of final specifications.

Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car Technical Specifications:

ENGINE
Type		FA20
Configuration		Horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder
Displacement (cc)		1,998
Max. power (bhp)		240 – 250
Exhaust		HJS racing exhaust and exhaust manifold
Fuel tank		75-litre FT3 safety cell
CHASSIS
Bodywork		Steel monocoque bodyshell with roof ventilation
Roll cage		Homologated FIA R3-standard safety cage
TRANSMISSION
Type		Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox		6-speed sequential
Differential		Limited-slip with variable ramp settings
Final drive		Short final drive, with options
Clutch		Racing clutch and lightweight flywheel
Steering		JTEKT hydraulic power steering with short ratio
SUSPENSION
Front		MacPherson-type
Rear		Double wishbone
Shock absorbers		Reiger, 3-way adjustable for Tarmac and gravel
Wheels	Tarmac	OZ 7 x 17in
	Gravel	OZ 6 x 15in
BRAKES
Front discs	Tarmac	330 x 30mm
	Gravel	300 x 30mm
Rear discs	Tarmac	300 x 10mm
	Gravel	300 x 10mm
Callipers		Front: 4-pot Rear: 2-pot (regulation)
DIMENSIONS
Overall length (mm)		4,240
Overall width (mm)		1,775
Wheelbase (mm)		2,570
Minimum weight (kg\|)		1,080 (regulation)

Source: Toyota

July 30, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan US Pricing Announced

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan has been shown for the firs time at the end of last year. Now the company is announcing the US pricing of the car, next to the already announced price tag of the new GLA. The C-Class will be launched later this month, while the GLA SUV – in September. The new generation C-Class is longer and wider than its predecessor. The total increase in length is due to the 80 mm longer wheelbase. This means that the rear passengers will enjoy an increased leg-room.

There are three trim levels of the 2015 C-Class: C300, C300 4MATIC and C400 4MATIC. Below is listed the exact US price of each. C300 4MATIC is driven by the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It generates 241 horsepower (177 kW) at 5,550 rpms and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft.) of torque at 6,500 rpms. The seven-speed automatic transmission immediately sends the power to the rear wheels.

The C400 comes with an all-wheel drive. It is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It produces 329 horsepower (342 kW) and a healthy 480 Nm (354 lb-ft.) of torque. This unit uses the same transmission as the previous one. Later, diesel and hybrid versions are also expected to be offered in the United States.

The new gen model offered by Mercedes raises the bar again with new levels of technology, safety, expressive design and sophistication. The new safety equipment, which has already debuted on the new S-Class, is now featured in the new C-Class. It includes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which is radar-based system that can brake autonomously to avoid collisions. It can also minimize their effects in combination with PRE-SAFE that prepares the car if a collision is coming.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Pricing And Launch Timing:

2015 C300 – $38,400, Q1 2015
2015 C300 4MATIC – $40,400, August 25, 2014
2015 C400 4MATIC – $48,590, August 25, 2014

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 30, 2014

New Land Rover Discovery Sport Gets Third Row Seating

Land-Rover-Discovery-Sport-651

After the debut of the new camouflage wrap we now know for sure that Discovery Sport, the new compact SUV by Land Rover, should arrive as standard or 5 plus 2 seats in the UK.

Land Rover has released a new video and images of a test Discovery Sport vehicle, giving us more insight. We can see that the SUV will actually have two seats in the third row, confirming that the company is trying to appeal more to families in the compact SUV class.

A few prototypes with the new design have been noticed leaving Halewood, UK , the place where the new Discovery Sport is said to be manufactured. According to sources the vehicles are on their way across the world for a final stage of tests before they get to the production lines.

“As you would expect from a Discovery, the versatile Discovery Sport will feature 5+2 seating in the UK, offering spacious load space and configurable seating, while still retaining a more compact footprint than traditional 5-seat SUVs,” added Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer for Land Rover.

The new Discovery Sport is expected to be powered by a variety of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines. The British company has previously announced that the first mass production engine will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel.

The New Discovery Sport compact SUV will go on sale in 2015.

Land-Rover-Discovery-Sport-651.1

Source : Land Rover

July 30, 2014

BMW M235i Coupe – Drift Mob [video]

BMW has released a promo video with their “drift mob show” organized in Cape Town, South Africa. The epic show features several M235i Coupe cars driven by professional stuntmen. The synchronized drifting at a large roundabout in South Africa is really spectacular. The entire video is full of adrenaline and impressive scenes.

All fans of BMW expected to see the all-new M2, which is expected to hit the market sometime in the end of the next year. It will have the same engine, but tuned to 380HP (279 kW), stiffened suspension and a big brake system. It will also get different aerodynamics package and unique interior with a lot of carbon fiber elements and other expensive materials.

The 2014 BMW 2-Series M235i is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically-limited.

Some of the stuntmen stars are Rhys Millen and Samuel Hübinette aka The Crazy Swede, who started working as a test driver for Volvo.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz2rAgXjkCA