Automobiles Review – Page 538 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Tuningwerk Refines BMW M235i RS

BMW 2 Seires have been on the market for just several months. This fact howver didn’t stop the tuners at Tuningwerk to get inspired by it and do their magic. The exclusive 2-doored compact M-series coupe, now has an enlarging in TW design with front lip, rear diffusor and rear spoiler, all made of carbon. Besides main and oil cooler, there is an additional cooling agent cooler and a 850 W fan. As an option, the customizers offer heat exchanger.

Moreover, there is a single mass flywheel with sports clutch, amid pipe eliminating the bottle neck on the flexible element and a stainless steel axle back exhaust with valve command and tail pipes. The latter also produces strong and deep sound.

The braking system is also new. It features adapted Brembo components, precisely 350×34 racing steel discs and 6 piston brake calipers on the front axle. Steel flex pipes and an optimized DSC/ABS controller setup stop the braking.

Of course, an appropriate wheel/tyre combination was also given to this BMW. Tuningwerk forged steel rims in 8,5×18” were fitted with Dunlop SportMaxx RT in size 235/40R18 at the front, while at the rear they are 9×18” and with 265/35R18, respectively

Under the PolePosition Recaro seats were mounted seat slide rails. As an option there is a rollover cage and 6 point seat belts. Besides the modified aluminum oil pan, the Uniball axle elements are also to be mentioned. The 6 cylinders engine with 2.979 l of engine size, TwinScroll Turbo and manual gear shift produces 444 horsepower (326 kW) with 600 Nm of torque. The result is stunning acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for only 4.3 seconds.

For the hard racing use the tuning company has added additional car body stiffening and struts. Sparking plugs with higher heat value and the modified airflow reliably serve their purpose. Tuningwerk BMW M235i RS has an empty weight of 1.490 kg with full tank.

Source: Miranda Media

June 19, 2014

2014 Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Based on BMW 4-Series

After the unveiling of the super-powerful and efficient D3 Bi-Turbo, Alpina has now presented the new B4 Bi-Turbo based on BMW 4-Series – Coupe and Convertible. Both comes with a tuned engine, nice body kit and all nice Alpina upgrades.

2014 Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter I6 engine with twin-scroll single turbocharger, which is replaced by a twin-turbo system. The result is impressive – 410HP (300 kW) and 600Nm (444 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds (4.5 for the Convertible) and the xDrive models available in left hand drive markets only will be able to accelerate to 100 km/h in an astonishing 4.0 seconds. What is more, the new B4 Bi-Turbo boasts a fuel economy of 37 mpg UK – 7.6 liters / 100 km on combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of just 177 g/km.

The B4 Bi-Turbo comes with increased performance, comfort, efficiency and style. More than 50 development engineers worked with specialist suppliers to enhance the engine, gearbox, cooling system, body structure, wheels, tyres, aerodynamics, steering, suspension and interior.

Standard equipment includes Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are luxury carpet overmats and subtle Alpina logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in Alpina Blue and the steering wheel is covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather. The acoustically insulated metal roof of the Convertible can be closed in just 20 seconds at up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

Last, but not least are the 20” Alpina alloy wheels in the company’s famous Classic design.

The B4 Bi-Turbo will be launched in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 27 – 29), where visitors will also be able to see the XD3 luxury compact SUV. The BMW Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo is available in the UK as a Coupe for £58,950 or as a Convertible for £62,950.

Source: Alpina

June 19, 2014

Audi RS5 TDI Concept – Details

Audi has released full details and pictures for the impressive RS5 TDI Concept. The performance diesel model comes with an astonishing engine delivering exceptional power and fuel economy. It is designed to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the TDI engine.

Audi RS5 TDI is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged V6 TDI with a “supplemental electric turbocharger”. The electric turbocharger is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery and uses a separate 48 volt electrical system that is connected to the conventional 12-volt electrical system via a DC/DC converter. This special turbocharger can accelerate the compressor wheel to over 70,000 rpm in a few hundredths of a second. The exhaust turbochargers also provide as much as 2.4 bar of relative boost pressure. The result is astonishing – 385HP (283 kW) and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque at 1,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 16.0 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The fuel economy result in 5.3 liters / 100 km (44.3 mpg US or 53.2 mpg UK).

“25 years ago, Audi launched the first TDI on the market, writing the first chapter of an enduring success story,” commented Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development.

“Our latest innovation is the electric turbocharger, which further improves not just sprint times and pulling power, but also efficiency. This technology illustrates the possibilities harbored by 48-volt electrical systems, which we are currently developing for use in production vehicles.”, he added.

Source: Audi

June 19, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

The new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon will have more power than expected. Both pick-up trucks are expected to hit the market this fall. They feature a number of upgrades including two revised engines, high-quality materials and impressive capabilities.

The engine range includes a 2.5 liter four-cylinder – 200HP (149 kW) and 258Nm (191 lb-ft) of torque and a 3.6 liter V6 with 305HP (227 kW) and 364Nm (227 lb-ft). Both are connected to a 6-speed matic transmission that has been “specifically” designed for trucks and offers auto grade braking and a tow mode. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be also available, but only for the extended cab models with rear-wheel drive.

The Colorado and Canyon will also provide class-leading maximum trailering capabilities, with the capacity to tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s more than enough to take a truck full of friends, gear in the bed, and a trailer full of toys to your favorite weekend adventure.

“Every decision we made considered the wants and needs of midsize truck customers. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are engineered to deliver class leading horsepower,” said Anita Burke, vehicle chief engineer for Midsize Trucks.

“Not everyone needs the size or the capability of a full-sized pickup. Now customers have a viable option in a smaller package.”, she added.

Source: GMC

June 19, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Adds 2LOOK Edition To SL AMG Range

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG are getting a 2LOOK Edition version, which shows-off sports- and dynamic style. The new editions feature a combination of exclusive interior and exterior equipment, which make the SL AMG even more exclusive. In addition, the luxury German company has announced that from this month the SL 63 AMG is equipped with an updated version of the V8 engine which delivers 585 hp (430 kW).

Some of the highlights here include a vario-roof, the cross-strut in the AMG front apron, exterior mirror housings, fins on the wings and bonnet, surrounds of the LED daytime running lamps, spoiler lip on the tail end and the diffuser insert in the AMG rear apron. They are all painted in high-gloss black.

At the back, the tailpipe trim elements of the AMG sports exhaust system include a black chrome-plated finish. The contrasting high-gloss chrome has been used for the twin louvre of the radiator grille and the AMG lettering.

The 2LOOK Edition will run on large 48.3 cm (19-inch) or 50.8 cm (20-inch) AMG 10-spoke forged wheels. They are painted in matt black and include a high-sheen finish, and the red-painted brake callipers.

Inside, the driver and passenger sit in AMG sports seats feature an embossed AMG emblem in the backrest. They are wrapped in exclusive Nappa leather carrying the AMG-specific diamond pattern. There is also a contrasting trim in designo platinum white pearl nappa leather.

The door centre panels also sport the AMG-specific diamond design. In addition, the designo leather in platinum white pearl adorns the side sections of the armrests, the doors and the centre armrest. This exclusive look is further highlighted by an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather andAlcantara with a bezel in high-gloss black. The steering wheel also features white contrasting topstitching.

One of the most exciting news here is that from mid-June the SL 63 AMG will be driven by an engine output of 585 hp (430 kW) and 900 newton metres (664 lb-ft) of torque. This means that the current variant which produces 537 hp (395 kW) will be discontinued. The same will happen with the car with the AMG Performance package and 564 hp (415 kW). The SL 63 AMG will also get as a standard an AMG rear axle locking differential.

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG 2LOOK Editions will be available at dealers from mid-June with a starting price of € 169,991 for the SL 63 and € 244,188 for the SL 65 variant.

Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 2LOOK Edition Data:

	SL 63 AMG	SL 65 AMG
Engine/cylinders	V8 biturbo	V12 biturbo
Displacement	5461 cc	5980 cc
Output	430 kW (585 hp) at 5500 rpm	463 kW (630 hp) at 5500 rpm
Max. torque	900 Nm at 2250-3750 rpm	1000 Nm at 2300-4300 rpm
Fuel consumption NEDC combined	9.9 l/100 km	11.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions	231 g/km	270 g/km
Efficiency class	F	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.2 s	4.0 s
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 18, 2014

Detroit Electric SP:01 Electric Sports Car Prepared For Launch

Last year we have witnessed the rebirth of world’s fastest production electric vehicle, the Detroit Electric SP:01. The manufacturer back then announced that the car will be produced in only 999 examples and buit at company’s new production facility in Wayne County, Michigan. The electric model delivers the astounding top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The rear wheels of the car are driven by the mid-mounted 201 hp (148 kW) electric motor which also delivers 225 Nm (166 lb-ft) of torque. SP:01 is capable of covering the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in only 3.7 seconds. And this is why the car, with a total weight of 2,354 lb., is regarded as the fastest pure-electric car.

Now, Detroit Electric is finalising the dynamic testing of its SP:01 pure-electric sportscar at a facility in Europe. After completing the tests, the ca will be introduced in several world markets. The lightweight car has only two seats and offers also an open-top experience. This is a promise to thrill the EV market with blistering performance and great dynamics.

In fact, the latest version of the SP:01 has undergone additional development work carried out by Detroit Electric’s engineers and designers. Unfortunately, we have no details of the car’s production and sales plans. However, the company has disclosed that further information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: Detroit Electric

June 18, 2014

Renaultsport Teases Trophy Show Car

Renault Sport Technologies has prepared a special debut. The car that just has been teased is the Renaultsport Trophy show car and it will shortly be unveiled. Form what we can see from the graphic image, is that the vehicle boasts uniquely stunning design. On the other hand the design hints to an exceptional performance. If you are curious about the exact date of debut, the Trophy show car will be officially presented to the media and the public at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS), which runs from 27th of August to 7th of September. With this brand new show car, Renault is set to present a unique vehicle which was designed solely for competition.

Currently, the brand is conducting an intense programme of development tests, with the car joining the World Series by Renault in 2015. The World Series has been uncovering champion drivers for the last decade, but the news here is that it will welcome a new category next year.

Renaultsport Trophy will be used in a single-model championship. Next to its spectacular performance designed, it has all the makings of being a big hit with the teams, drivers and fans at the Fast, Free & Fun events.

In addition, the company has also disclosed that the specifications of the car are a reflection of its racing pedigree. It was built by Dallara, while the carbon monocoque will be powered by a Nismo engine delivering more than 500 hp (368 kW).

The power unit will be coupled with a seven-speed sequential gearbox supplied by Sadev. Of course, Michelin will provide the tyres which in this case will be specifically developed for the car. The over weight of the vehicle is expected to be around 1,100kg.

Source: Renault

June 18, 2014

DD Customs Restyles Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

DD Customs Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG not only pays homage to its legendary 300 SL-ancestor from the late 1950s and the early 1960s, but also has the contemporary looks and design features. Just take a look at the slightly forward-inclined grille, the incredibly long motor cowl, the upwards curving winged doors and the rounded rear with flat tail lights. DD customers were inspired by this and did an incredible job for the enhancement of the exterior of this unique car. The body of this sleek Mercedes-Benz was refined with a body kit. The aerodynamics updates include front bumper with cup spoiler, side sills and a tail apron with new diffusor.

To match the masculine appearance and even to reinforce it, the tuners gave the SLS AMG new wheel/tyre combination. At the front were added Corniche Sports Wheels in 9×20 inches, while at the rear they come in size of 10.5×21 inches. Then the rims were combined with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres that have the dimensions of 265/30R20 and 295/25R21 at the front and rear, respectively.

Furthermore, the car is several centimeters lower due to the addition of version 3 undercarriage from KW automotive. The coilover suspension not only has adjustable push-and-pull stage dampenings, but is also combined with the KW Hydraulic Lift System.

The latter offers a brief increase of the vehicle’s ground clearance by up to 40 millimetres on the push of a button. At last, the 6.2 litres V8 engine was left in serial condition. However, there is a new sports exhaust, which delivers a surprising variation of voice by the push of a button.

Source: DD Customs

June 18, 2014

BMW 3-Series GT ///M Performance by Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Motors is currently exhibiting another specially prepared BMW model – a 3-Series GT ///M Performance. The car comes with a number of styling upgrades drastically improving its presence.The Abu Dhabi 3-Series Gran Turismo boasts a set of 20” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires, a white body paint combined with the world famous ///M stripes. Other notable highlights include chromed dual exhaust pipes, a glossy black diffuser, carbon mirror caps and blackened front kidney grilles featuring M-colored finish. Last, but not least are the corner spoilers for the front bumper.BMW 3-Series GT M Performance looks pretty nice with the new upgrades. It is definitely a lot better than before and can make up for the oddly looking rear end.The overall length of the new BMW 3-Series GT is 4,824 m, which makes it even longer than the 3-series Long version (4,734 m). The hatchback offers significantly more luggage space – 520 liters – than the normal 3-Series. There is also a possibility of opening the entire fifth door. The 3-Series GT also offers more leg- and headroom, so it is a lot more convenient.The engine range is carried from the normal 3-Series as well as the transmission choice and RWD or xDrive (all-wheel drive) variants.

June 18, 2014

Voltage-Design Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe

Voltage-Design has presented their latest project based on the all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and particularly on the powerful model S63 AMG. It comes with a number of upgrades including more power, improved braking system, level oriented chassis and performance exhaust system. The tuning company also offers different alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

Voltage-Design also offers a complete aerodynamics package from carbon fiber including a new radiator grille, a front spoiler, front apron wings, air inlets mounted onto the bonnet, new mirror housings, a pair of side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and a distinctive diffusor. Optionally – an engine bonnet and a radiator grill are available from carbon fiber.

The S63 AMG Coupe is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 – 585HP (430 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. The power-to-weight ratio is 3.41 kg/HP. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

However, Voltage-Design fitted new downpipes, new air filters, a sports exhaust system with valve command, modified manifold, charge air cooler and new turbochargers. The result is impressive – 800HP (588 kW) and 1,150Nm (852 lb-ft). Stage II includes bigger turbochargers – 850HP (625 kW) and 1,150Nm(852 lb-ft).

There is also a new bon-ceramic braking system with 4 piston calipers and 420/40 mm front discs and 370/32 mm rear. They are behind a new wheel-tire combination – Vossen CVT rims in silver metallic 9J x 22” at the front and 10.5J x 22” at the rear axle. Last, but not least are the adjustable coilovers allowing lowering between 10 and 35 mm.

Source: Voltage-Design

June 18, 2014

2014 Ford Fiesta Red and Black Editions – 1.0 liter EcoBoost

Ford has presented the Red and Black Editions for the new Fiesta coming with a more powerful and efficient 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine than ever. Both models will be available to order now and first deliveries will commence in September.

“These two new Fiestas make an unquestionably bold statement on the road and will give drivers an equally distinctive experience behind the wheel with a sportier version of our 1.0-litre EcoBoost and enhancements to the Fiesta’s acclaimed ride and handling,” commented Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.

The 3-door models come with front upper and lower grille surrounds, front bumper aerofoil and mirror caps in contrasting colours. There is also a set of 16” Panther Black alloy wheels or optional 17” set. The body kit includes front and rear sports bumpers, side skirts and rear roof spoiler; and the contrasting colour roof on both models has been painted to achieve a consistent and higher quality gloss finish than can be achieved using a foil applique or sticker.

The interior boasts gloss black centre stack and door handles; black leather sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter with red stitching; black floor mats with red stitching; and charcoal black sport seats in Ultimate material with contrasting red stitching and bolster exteriors.

The most important is the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder – 140HP (103 kW). The result is thanks the a unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management. 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The fuel consumption is just 4.5 liters / 100 km (52.3 mpg US or 62.8 mpg UK) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Although that that the manufacturer claims the 1.0 liter EcoBoost has more power per litre than Ferrari 458 Speciale, that’s not quite accurate, because the Italian supercar has a naturally aspirated engine. So, the comparison is pretty irrelevant. However, the small three-cylinder power unit actually has more power per liter than the normal Veyron, but not the Grand Sport model.

Source: Opel

June 18, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS and CLS Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the updated 2015 CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake. Both models come with impressive design and a number of technologies. There are a lot of upgrades for the exterior as well as the interior. The extremely powerful and efficient engines bring additional joy and driving pleasure.

The most important feature are the all-new Multibeam LED headlights. They feature 24 individually-controlled LEDs automatically adjusted 100 times per second by using a camera and four control units. The innovative technology can detect oncoming vehicles and automatically adjust the light beam, so the drivers won’t be affected. The headlights can also detect upcoming bends and illuminate them ahead of time while the navigation system will detect roundabouts, which will make the headlights to provide optimal visibility.

The engine range includes a 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel for CLS 220 BlueTEC – 170HP (125 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). The same engine produces 204HP (150 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque for the CLS 250 BlueTEC. There is also a 3.0 liter V6 diesel with 258HP (190 kW) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque – CLS 350 BlueTEC.

The petrol range features the new CLS 400 (replacing the CLS 350 CGI) – 3.5 liter V6 bi-turbo – 333HP (245 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft), which is 26HP and 110Nm more. The CLS 500 has 408HP (300 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, while the extremely powerful CLS 63 AMG model is powered by a 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with either 557HP (410 kW) and 720Nm (533 lb-ft) or 585HP (430 kW) and 800Nm (593 lb-ft). All engines comply with EURO6 regulations.

Available as an option is the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission (for the CLS 220 BlueTEC, CLS 250 BlueTEC, CLS 350 BlueTEC or CLS 500). It promises to slash fuel consumption while “enhancing shift comfort and agility”.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 18, 2014

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