Automobiles Review – Page 514 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition To Be Auctioned At Pebble Beach

BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is going to be auctioned during the weekend of the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 16th of August. This will happen just before the US sale date scheduled for the fall. What differentiates this BMW from the rest i8 is the unique paint scheme and interior treatment, and also the additional features included. This means that it will be truly unique. The car will be sold by Gooding & Company, which is the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours. All of the gathered proceeds will go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

Precisely, this one-of-a-kind car is distinguished by its BMW Individual Frozen Grey Metallic exterior paint. Inside, there is also unique interior, which boasts Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery tanned via color derived from plant extracts. Highlights of the upholstery feature stitching in BMW i Blue. Furthermore, the Pure Impulse Tera World interior includes other accents in the same color such as the seat belts.

There is also an embossed BMW i8 on the front headrests. Other unique features include laser headlights, pending government approval, a BMW i8 Display key and the first BMW Charging Station, professional edition. “Concours d’Elegance Edition” i8 will be also embossed throughout the interior.

BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle which features an all-wheel drive powertrain that combines an electric motor driving the front wheels and 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine driving the rear wheels. The car can move only on electric power at speeds up to 75 mph for approximately 20 miles. And of course, in this mode it generates zero CO2 emissions.

When the gasoline engine works along with the electric motor, the i8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. The vehicle was constructed with an extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The lithium-ion battery pack can be charged from any 240-volt level 2 charging station as well as a conventional 110-volt outlet.

Another excusive technology featured in the BMW i8 Concours d’Elegance Edition is the laser headlights. They generate a pure-white and extremely bright light. It will also be the first BMW in the United States to include a display key which features an integrated LCD touch screen.

Source: BMW

July 29, 2014

2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito – The Better V-Class

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the all-new 2014 Vito. The mid-size van offers a best-in-class cargo capacity, three different lengths and two wheelbases. Although, the new Vito has a record-level payload, the purchase price and maintenance costs are unexpectedly low. The price tag for the entry level – Vito 109 CDI panel van is just €17,990.

2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito boasts a record payload of 1,369 kg (3,018 lbs). The length variants include: 4,895mm, 5,140mm and 5,730mm – a full 140 mm longer than its predecessor. The maximum height of the vehicle stands at 1,910 mm. The new Vito can be had in panel van, Vito Crew and Vito Tourer variant. All models come with adaptive ESP (electronic stability program), disc brakes and up to 8 airbags.

All models also feature tire pressure monitoring system and optionally can be had with Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

An optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) provides an alternative in the new Vito to the standard, powerful halogen headlamps. Unique for vans, this technology consists of LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and main beam with cornering light function. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter four-cylinder diesel – Vito 109 CDI – 88HP (65 kW); 111CDI – 114HP (84 kW) – for the front wheel-drive versions. The rear-wheel drive models include 114 CDI, 116 CDI and 119 BlueTEC all powered by a 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel with 136HP (100 kW), 163HP (120 kW) and 190HP (140 kW), respectively. These engines are mated as standard to a 6-speed manual except for the Vito 119 BlueTEC which comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The automatic gearbox is available as an option for the Vito 114 CDI and Vito 116 CDI.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 29, 2014

Jaguar XE To Feature Lightweight Aluminum-Intensive Construction

Jaguar XE is company’s upcoming premium sports sedan, which, as it was recently announced, will debut on 8th of September in London. Now, Jaguar is announcing that the car will also be built around aluminum-intensive construction. The new modular architecture was developed around the fifth-generation of bonded and riveted aluminum technology. This technology results not only in the lightweight of the car, but also delivers strength and rigidity to its body.

As a matter of fact the lightweight aluminum accounts for 75 percent of XE’s structure. This lightweight construction is one of the key elements in the design of Jaguar. For instance, around such are built the Jaguar XJ, XK and F-TYPE. They have all been developed with the utilization of the stiff bonded and riveted aluminum structures.

Another interesting fact around this technology is that it is aerospace-inspired. It is light and strong and has the capability of offering exceptional torsional stiffness. In addition, it will incorporate advanced suspension systems. What is more, the new XE model will sport world class driving dynamics – with supple ride and precise handling.

Jaguar XE will use new grade of high strength aluminum. It is named RC 5754 and includes high level of recycled material. This fact adds to Jaguar’s goal to use 75 percent recycled material by 2020. In addition, this aluminum also reduces energy consumption and lifecycle CO2.

Source: Jaguar

July 29, 2014

Inspired Autosport 2014 Dodge SRT Viper GTS

Inspired Autosport has unveiled their project based on 2014 Dodge SRT Viper GTS. The extremely powerful sports coupe has received even more power and exceptional stance from the tuning specialists.

The 2014 SRT Viper GTS is powered by an all-aluminum 8.4 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine – 640HP (471 kW) and 813Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,521 kg (3,354 lbs). 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph). The ¼ mile is covered in 11.5 seconds and 0-160-0 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

Inspired Autosport has boosted the engine to 700HP (522 kW). The result is thanks to a complete titanium sports exhaust system, an Agency Power CAI (cold air intake) and an ECU re-map.

The exterior boasts a complete 3M frozen black body wrap giving the sports car a unique and aggressive look. The stance is improved by a set of Eibach coil springs and a set of light alloy wheels – 20” at the front and 21” at the rear fitted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires measuring 355/25 ZR21 (rear).

No words about pricing, but a regular 2014 Dodge SRT Viper GTS is priced from $122,390 in the US. The standard equipment includes a rearview camera, SAT NAV system, HD radio, 12-speakers Harman-Kardon audio system with two subwoofers and Uconnect infotainment. The optional hi-end stereo with 18 speakers is just $1,955.

Source: Inspired Autosport

July 29, 2014

Volkswagen recalls certain Golf vehicles

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The US branch of Volkswagen has issued a voluntary safety recall that affects the front stabilizer rods on certain 2015 model year Golf GTI and Golf vehicles.

The number of affected cars reaches 2001, all from model year 2015. The problem with these vehicles is that the fasteners that secure the front stabilizer rods may become loose over time. In such an event drivers will experience considerable noise that comes from the front of the vehicle. In certain, but rare, cases this malfunction may lead to the rod detaching and interfering with the vehicle’s steering, which will lead to increased steering effort. Unfortunately in certain cases this may lead to vehicle crashes and potential injuries, including death.

Volkswagen has announced that it will replace the front stabilizer rods on all affected vehicles. The good news is that no accidents or injuries have been reported so far. You do not have to check your car – Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them where to find a VW dealer and schedule an appointment to get the problem fixed.

Source: Volkswagen

July 28, 2014

BMW unveils fast chargers and more

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At the on-going Plug-In 2014, a conference dedicated to the future of electric vehicles, BMW of North America unveiled the brand new i DC Fast Chargers that can charge the BMW i3 electric vehicle up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. Speed is not the only advantage of the new BMW product – the i DC Fast Chargers are the first compact and affordable DC Combo chargers. In addition to this BMW also announced its new ChargeNow DC Fast program in cooperation with NRG eVgo, in which BMW i3 drivers in California can enjoy no cost unlimited 30 minute DC fast charging, at NRG eVgo Freedom Station sites equipped with DC Combo Fast Charging, through 2015.

Unlike regular DC fast chargers that are usually as large as a standard refrigerator the new BMW chargers measure just 31 x 19 x 12 inches and weigh approximately 100 pounds. This means that you can install your i DC Fast Charger on a wall, which is a first for electric car DC fast chargers. In addition the i DC Fast Charger will be significantly cheaper than other DC chargers selling for USD 6548 at select BMW dealers.

“This is a milestone in the development of the DC fast charging infrastructure. With more than five years of real world experience, we understand that a robust network of publicly available DC Combo Fast Chargers is a key part of the mobility of tomorrow,” said Robert Healey, EV Infrastructure Manager, at BMW of North America. “BMW is offering the BMW i DC Fast Charger at an appealing price point, and more manageable size, to make the convenience of DC fast charging more accessible for BMW i3 owners.”

The new BMW i DC Fast Charger comes with 24 kW of power and can feed the vehicle battery directly, which results in more efficient and faster charging. BMW i DC Fast Chargers use the SAE Combo 1 connector, the North American automotive industry standard for fast charging; feature a rugged aluminum IP54 enclosure; meet NEMA 3 requirements; and are designed to perform in extreme weather conditions, from -40°F (-40°C) to 185°F (85°C). Additionally, the BMW i DC Fast Charger is ChargePoint network-enabled, allowing electric vehicle drivers with the SAE Combo 1 inlet to access the BMW i DC Fast Charger using a ChargePoint or ChargeNow card.

The new ChargeNow program gives BMW i3 drivers access to unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions with the ChargeNow DC Fast program. BMW i3 owners can sign up easily for ChargeNow DC Fast at chargenow.com/us. In order to receive the full benefits of the program, BMW i3 drivers must use the ChargeNow card, provided with their BMW i3, to charge the vehicle at least once by December 31, 2014, at a participating eVgo Freedom Station. By doing so, BMW i3 drivers will enjoy continued access to no cost DC charging sessions through the end of 2015. Eligible BMW i3 vehicles must be equipped with the DC Fast Charging option (SAE).

Source: BMW

July 28, 2014

Ford Brings Under The Hammer 2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition

2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition - Side 2015 Ford Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition has an aircraft inspired design. This unique car will be donated and sold at charity auction on 31st of July at the Gathering of Eagles charity event during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, which is World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. The proceeds will benefit the EAA Young Eagles program that helps inspire and motivate the next generation aviators and innovators. For the creation of this unique vehicle Ford was supported by Lockheed Martin. Another interesting fact is that this muscle car is one of the first 2015 Ford Mustangs to be sold.

2015 Mustang F-35 Lightning II Edition has a creative design which was inspired by Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The latter is the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter jet. This one-of-a-kind sports car is modified Mustang GT fastback. It not only puts emphasis on the new design cues of the brand new pony car, but also exudes a creative connection to the F-35 Lightning.

MAD Industries took the job to modify the F-35 Lighting II Edition Mustang. From the outside, the muscle car is finished in custom glossy and matte titanium paint scheme accentuated by blue and yellow lightning tail livery. The bubble canopy of the stealthy F-35 features a distinctive gold tint on the windows of this Mustang.

The springs of the car are from Eibach, which deliver lower height. The exhaust system is larger and features ceramic-coated outlets. This one-of-a-kind Mustang runs on custom Forgiato 21-inch wheels. Other unique elements here include carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and rocker moldings, mirror skull caps and a vertically-enhanced rear spoiler.

Inside, car’s exclusivity is further strengthened by modified instrument cluster, Recaro seats, custom audio system and floor mats embroidered with F-35 Lightning II elements as well as sill plates.

Source: Ford

July 28, 2014

2014 Ford EcoSport – Practicality, Space and Flexibility

2014 Ford EcoSport combines the agility of a small car as well as its affordability and fuel efficiency with the flexibility and space of a big SUV. The stylish and rugged Ford EcoSport boasts a number of technologies like the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine, Ford SYNC with AppLink and impressive standard equipment.

“All-new Ford EcoSport delivers a clever and connected small car for our European customers,” commented Nick Fitzgerald, EcoSport chief programme engineer.

“Ford’s new urban SUV is economical, flexible and stylish, and will line-up alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta to complete Ford’s comprehensive small car line-up for the UK.”, he added.

The exterior of 2014 EcoSport boasts a short bonnet, raked front pillars, and a distinctive five-piece chrome front grille with angular headlamps and signature LED light strips.

The engine range includes a 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine (three times winner of International Engine of the Year) – 125HP (92 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft) capable of returning 53.3 mpg UK (5.3 liters / 100 km) with 125 g/km CO2. There is also a 1.5 liter petrol engine with 112HP (82 kW) and a 1.5 liter diesel – 90HP (66 kW) returning up to 61.4 mpg UK (4.6 liters / 100 km) with CO2 of 120 g/km on combined cycle.

EcoSport features Hill Start Assist, Cruise Control, automatic wipers and headlights, and rear-parking sensors. The Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system enables voice-activation of phone calls and music selection from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

Ford SYNC Emergency Assistance will directly connect the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, and crucially, in the correct language for the region. Ford SYNC with AppLink will enable EcoSport owners to voice-activate apps, including leading music streaming service Spotify.

Source: Ford

July 28, 2014

Brand New Smart Fortwo and Forfour – pictures and details

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Smart has introduced the all-new ForTwo and ForFour at a special ceremony in Berlin, Germany. The small city cars were finally revealed after a long teaser campaign. Both of them boast a completely new exterior compared to the predecessor and resemble to Toyota iQ a lot.

The exterior of the 2015 Smart ForTwo/ForFour boasts a new front fascia with a honeycomb grille. It is flanked by a bigger headlights coming with integrated DRLs (daytime running lights). There is a higher rear bonnet and a bold overall stance. Last, but not least is the contrasting Tridion safety cell. The dimensions measure 2,690 mm in length, 1,660 mm in width and 1,550 mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,873 mm – ForTwo, while the ForFour is slightly longer – 3,490 mm with a wheelbase of 2494 mm. the luggage compartment is 185 liter with rear seats up and 975 liters, when folded down.

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There are three trim levels and the standard equipment includes: LED DRLs, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobilizer, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows in the front and others. Both models are equipped with an automatic start/stop system.

The engine range includes a 1.0 liter naturally aspirated petrol – 71HP (52 kW) and 91Nm (67 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a 0.9 liter turbocharged petrol with 90HP (66 kW) and 135Nm (100 lb-ft). There will be also a “basic petrol engine” delivering just 60HP (45 kW). The gearbox variants include: 5-speed manual or a twinamic 6-speed dual clutch automatic.

The official pricing is not announced, yet.

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

Source : Daimler

July 28, 2014

2016 Ford Focus RS at the Nurburgring [video]

2016 Ford Focus RS has been spied during hardcore tests around the world’s most tough race track – Nurburgring. The ultra-hot hatchback is going to come with the typical FWD (front-wheel drive), extremely powerful EcoBoost engine and a lot of improvements.

The range-topping RS model will be powered by a 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine from a Ford Mustang – 330HP (243 kW) and around 450Nm (333 lb-ft) of torque. This is 30HP more power than its predecessor, which is powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (169 mph). The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

A mechanical LSD (limited slip differential) will take care for the traction. There is also a new RevoKnuckle suspension ensuring perfect handling and minimizing the extreme torque steer. This is a typical problem of the powerful FWD cars, because the front wheels must do two function – steering and power transmission.

The 2016 Ford Focus RS will be priced from around €34,000 ($46,000) and will be available in Europe as well as in North America. The ultra-hot hatchback will face some serious competition in the face of the all-new Civic Type R, which will claim the King of the Ring title from the extreme Renault Megane RS 275.

Stay tuned and enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGJUU6TGnPo

Source: TouriClips via Youtube

July 28, 2014

Smart ForFour Edition 1

The 2^nd generation of Smart ForFour has received Edition 1 treatment. The Special Edition model will be offered during the first twelve months of production. Still, no words about pricing, but we expect several thousands more.

Smart ForFour Edition 1 comes with a number of upgrades including a graphite paint finish combined with Tridion safety cell in lava orange or optionally in black. There is also a panoramic roof with sunblind, a set of 16” black alloy wheels in 8-Y-spoke design – 6J x 16” ET44 fitted with 185/50 R16 at the front and 6.5J x 16” ET40 fitted with 205/45 R16 rear. Other special features include a radiator grille in black, exterior mirror caps in Tridion color as well as an exhaust system with chrome tailpipe.

The interior boasts new two-tone upholstery for the seats in black/orange as well as instrument panel and door center panels in orange fabric and trims in black/gray. Other extras include 3.5” TFT instrument cluster; Cool & Audio Package with automatic climate control and audio system; Direct steering with speed-dependent power assistance and variable steering ratio; Velour floor mats with edition #1 logo; Knob in leather, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs; multifunction sports steering wheel in 3-spoke design in leather; Vanity mirror in the sun visor for driver and passenger; Spectacles compartment for driver, passenger grab handle, trunk lights and inside door opener in matte chrome.

Source: blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com

July 28, 2014

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001 To Be Auctioned At Barrett-Jackson

Dodge will auction the first production 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with VIN number 0001. By far this model is the modes powerful and fastest muscle car ever built. Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001 will be brought under the hammer during the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction this year. It will be held between 25th and 27th of September at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in the famous city. The proceeds gathered from the auction held on 27th of September will go to the Opportunity Village organization of Las Vegas.

This one-of-one special-edition Challenger SRT Hellcat hides under its hood the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine. In addition, it carries the 0001 vehicle identification number (VIN) and has an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds at 126 mph. Its V8 engine is rated at 707 horsepower (520 kW) and 880 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque, making this model the most potent and fastest muscle car.

VIN0001 Challenger Hellcat will come straight from the assembly line. In addition, this will be the only Dodge Challenger to ever have a Viper-exclusive Stryker Red exterior. This means that it will be hand-painted at the Dodge Viper paint facility, will include special Hellcat badging, and of course carry the specific VIN documentation and one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Car’s engine is coupled with a TorqueFlite 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission with RPM matching downshifts. It also features 15.4-inch Brembo front disc brakes with two-piece rotors and six-piston calipers. As a matter of fact, these are the largest brakes ever offered by the company.

The vehicle will run on 20 x 9.5-inch wheels that were made of lightweight matte black forged aluminum. Furthermore, the first production Hellcat will include interior trimmed in premium Black Laguna leather, contemporary dash layout as well as forged-aluminum supercharger plenum cover under the hood.

Furthermore, the package that will go under the hammer will also feature HEMI painted presentation box with a VIN0001 electronic vehicle build book, video documentary, still shots, vehicle footage, Hellcat embossed Laguna Leather iPad sleeve, signed SRT Hellcat lithograph and unique “birth certificate” for VIN0001.

Source: Dodge

July 28, 2014

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