Blog

  • Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge at 2014 Goodwood

    The extremely powerful Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge will make its first dynamic public appearance this year at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which is taking place from 27th to 29th June. The special model is the most powerful Infiniti ever, but is not confirmed for production, yet.

    The Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype is powered by a V6 twin-turbocharged engine with 568HP (418 kW). It will be driven by Christian Horner, Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team Principal and Sebastian Buemi, Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s Test & Reserve Driver.

    Sebastian Buemi will also be available on the Infiniti hospitality stand for a question and answer session regarding the Formula One season so far and what we can expect going forward.

    Originally, the Q50 Eau Rouge was a static design concept revealed at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show. After that, it came to Geneva with a mighty engine installed below the hood. In April, during the Beijing motor show, Infiniti announced it has reached a further step forward towards a production version with a full working prototype now undergoing tests and evaluation.

    Stay tuned for more details, pictures and a video!

    Source: Infiniti

  • Qoros 9 Sedan Concept

    Qoros has already presented several models as the 3 Sedan is currently on sale in China and Slovakia. The 3 Hatch model will be also available on the market in a couple of months. Now, the manufacturer has presented the Qoros 9 Sedan Concept, which displays a next-generation interpretation of Qoros’ pioneering New Premium philosophy.

    The Qoros 9 Sedan Concept boasts clean horizontal lines and generous proportions. The vehicle features modern and distinctive look as well as some new technologies. The side profile is elegant and powerful, with a bluff leading edge and coupe-like rear end. There is also a trapezoidal grille with a chrome surround, flanked by powerful LED Xenon headlamps and fog lamps.

    The Qoros 9 Sedan Concept has no traditional door mirrors; instead, a high-definition rear-view camera is discreetly integrated into the LED side indicator repeater module just below the base of each A-pillar. Perforated and diamond-cut eight-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels exude dynamism and a premium feel.

    “Qoros is a rapidly growing brand and we are dedicated to helping and educating young, up-and-coming talent. Finding the very best talent will be a crucial success factor for our company in the future. Jihoon is the eighth design intern we have welcomed at Qoros in just the past few years and we will continue to offer internships to the brightest students.”, commented Qoros’ Executive Director of Design, Gert Volker Hildebrand.

    “Our internship programme also allows us to give something back, offering the same opportunity today that many of us in the Qoros design team benefited from when we were students or working in our earliest days in automotive design. Jihoon is a very talented young designer and it’s been our pleasure to be involved in helping him on the first steps of his career,” added Hildebrand.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX0PCE8zrFI

    Source: Qoros

  • 2015 Acura ILX – US Price $27,050

    2015 Acura ILX is going on sale tomorrow in the US with pricing starting from $27,050 for the entry-level model. The ILX is available in four trim levels offering different blends of performance and premium features. Of course, all models boast the famous Acura refinement and quality in a sleek, sporty and luxurious package.

    There are two powertrain choices including a 2.0 liter i-VTEC with 150HP (110 kW) is coupled with a 5-speed automatic gearbox (5AT), which is able to return 35 mpg US on the highway. This powertrain is available in standard trim, Technology Package or Premium Package. The more powerful 2.4 liter i-VTEC with 201HP (148 kW) is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission is available only with the Premium Package. It can return up to 31 mpg US on the highway.

    2015 Acura ILX boasts enhanced styling, comfort, and driving enjoyment along with excellent value on a luxury scale.

    Standard features include 17” alloy wheels, projector beam headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats and 8-way power driver’s seat, a Keyless Access System with smart entry and push button start, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Active Noise Cancellation.

    The Premium Package come equipped with a premium sound system including XM Radio, USB port and AUX jack connectivity, Bluetooth Audio, Pandora interface, SMS text messaging feature, speed-sensitive volume control, 7-speakers with subwoofer and 360-watt amplifier.

    TRIM MSRP1 EPA MPG RATING2
    (city/highway/combined)
    2015 ILX 5AT $27,050 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 5AT w/Premium Package $29,350 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 5AT w/Technology Package $31,750 24/35/28
    2015 ILX 6MT w/Premium Package $29,350 22/31/25

    Source: Acura

  • Peugeot Teases 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition

    2014-peugeot-208-gti-THUMB2014 Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition comes to commemorate the celebration of 30 years of brand’s GTi. It has just been teased and will be officially premiered at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, so we have to wait a little longer to receive more details around it. The car will debut in the Supercar & ‘First Glimpse’ class, and will also make dynamic demonstrations. Except for the released image we weren’t informed of anything else.

    It is visible though, that the car is carries the typical 208 front-end and is painted in aggressive red color scheme. At the bottom of the grille we also see UK’s flag, which probably signifies the place of premiere.

    If we go even deeper, we shall find similarities with the front of the latest 2014 Peugeot 208 Style edition that was introduced last month. It has the same head- and fog-lights and it is also red. While 208 Style is based on the Active trim level and is offered in three- or five-door variant, we suppose that the GTi will be a three-door only.

    Going back in time, Peugeot GTi was first introduced with the iconic 205 GTi back in 1984. Since then the GTi badge has been proudly featured on performance versions of the company’s products. 2014 is also a memorable year for Peugeot because of another reason: the French brand marks a 125-year anniversary of automotive development.

    The evolution of the company initiated in 1810 from a business in the development of cutting tools and mills, kitchen utensils and other. Then it progressed to the production of cycles, scooters, motorcycles and at last – motor vehicles. Stay tuned for more information ahead of official premiere of the anniversary edition GTi vehicle!

    Source: Peugeot

  • 8HP90 TorqueFlite Transmission Added To 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

    8HP90 TorqueFlite TransmissionTorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmissions are now a substantial part of more than one million vehicles worldwide. Reportedly, vehicles equipped with it, save more than 700 million gallons of gasoline, which is equal approximately to $2.5 billion USD. TorqueFlite transmissions in model-year 2014 Chrysler Group’s vehicles contribute to 19 fuel-economy/driving-range benchmarks across four vehicle segments. In addition, the special transmission also reduces the overall CO2 emissions by more than six million metric tonnes. Now, the company is expanding the availability of the transmission to the 2015 HEMI-equipped Dodge Charger and Challenger lineups.

    In 2012 TorqueFlite 8HP45/845RE made its debut as the first eight-speed available outside the luxury market. Back then it was coupled with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 which drove the Charger and Chrysler 300 lineups. Since then, both transmissions have migrated to Pentastar- and HEMI-powered versions of the Dodge Durango, Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee lineups.

    In 2015 TorqueFlite 8HP70 transmission will be paired with HEMI-equipped Dodge Chargers, Challengers and Challenger SRTs. Now, the introduction of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, marks also the introduction of the next member of TorqueFlite transmission family – the 8HP90 high-performance automatic.

    dodge challenger srt hellcat side

    The transmissions are fully electronic and their software adapts to the shift patterns of driver’s behavior and driving conditions. Internally, the TorqueFlite includes four gear sets and five shift elements, which include multi-disc clutches and brakes. In fact, only two shift elements are open at one time. The result is reduction of drag losses originating from the rotation of multiple parts.

    Another benefit of the new transmissions is that they never requiring oil changes, when subjected to normal driving conditions. In addition, 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 equipped with this transmission, benefits from a thermal management system. It quickly raises engine and transmission fluid temperature, which contributes towards improvement of fuel efficiency by 1.7 percent.

    Source: Chrysler

  • Peugeot 108 Has 196 Litres Of Carrying Capacity

    Peugeot-108-THUMB2014 Peugeot 108 is getting readied for a market introduction on 1st of July. It is company’s offer for a small but perfectly formed urban vehicle, which will take city car versatility to a new level. It features a wide range of enhancements over its predecessor (the 107) like improvements in the boot. In fact 108 is boasting 196 litres of carrying capacity which were previously 139 litres. The boot sill is also 20 mm lower for easier loading.

    Another practical innovation is the new parcel shelf. A neat fabric cover conveniently lies flat against the inside of the hatchback glass when the boot is open. As the boot is pulled down, the cover pivots to the horizontal and hides whatever is below. In addition, the hatch also features twin gas struts for more stability when open.

    Furthermore, at the rear one can find another convenience feature: the reversing camera built into the rear bumper and positioned above the number plate. It comes as an option in the base trim, but it is standard on the two highest trim levels in the range, Allure and Feline.

    More practicality is added via the rear bench seat, which splits 50:50, and each side can be folded with the use of a separate fabric handle accessible from the boot. Here, two rear seat ISOFIX child seat fixing points are also standard.

    The new model will be offered inn three- and five-door body styles. The interior can accommodate up to four occupants. Driver’s seat is now height-adjustable on all but the entry Access trim, while on three-door models both front seats now include a memory function.

    Other premium features of the 108 ownership are the multi-function steering wheel, which is standard on all but bas trim level, the air with climate control, the passenger-side glovebox with horizontal cut-out section and many more.

    2014 Peugeot 108 offers two engine options: the 1.0 liter e-VTi – 68 hp (51 kW) coupled with the 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic one, and the 1.2 liter PureTech VTi with 82 hp (61 kW).

    Source: Peugeot

  • AC Schnitzer Exhaust Systems – Racing Evo

    AC Schnitzer is now offering high performance rear silencers made from stainless steel with different chromed tailpipes. The new silencers deliver impressive sonorous sound and a sporty appearance. This is really important because the exhaust is the acoustic and optical signature of a car.

    AC Schnitzer also offers polished and chromed exhaust tail trim Racing Evo manufactured from stainless steel. The new tailpipe design is an evolution of the successful Evo tailpipe trim, which is now superseded by the new one.

    The “Racing Evo” trim is an “evolutionary jump” with its unique design featuring two classic round tailpipes with slash cut, joined into a harmonious whole by an undulating cover positioned above.

    The “Racing Evo” tailpipe is perfectly matched to the latest BMW models for which it was exclusively developed – BMW 1-series F20 and F21, 2-series F22 and F23, 3-series F30 and F31 as well as 4-series F32 and F33. The “Racing Evo” trim is also available as a purely aesthetic solution, as a standalone tailpipe trim.

    The improved dispersing of exhaust gases allows your car’s engine to work more efficiently and “breathe” properly. This can improve the engine performance and fuel consumption. The original AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer is specially designed for your engine so it benefits in greater response and faster achieving of full power. Even in the lower rpm ranges, the system emits a characteristic, sporting sonorous note.

    Last, but not least, the AC Schnitzer twin sports exhaust system is made from V2A stainless steel boasting a long life and optimum resistance to corrosion.

    Source: AC Schnitzer

  • 2015 Lexus RC F Adds “Solar Flare” Paint Finish Chosen By Fans

    lexusw-rc-f-solar-flare-THUMBLast month Lexus has challenged its Facebook fans to come up with a name for the blazing orange paint finish which will be available for the 2015 RC F high performance coupe. There were hundreds of suggestions from which the best one was picked and it is called “Solar Flare”. The choice was made by company’s director, Richard Balshaw. “Solar Flare” will become an official color for the RC F in the UK and will be offered exclusively when it goes on sale at the end of the year.

    RC F was officially revealed at the Detroit motor show in January. The coupe matches its visual impact with great performance. It is powered by the most powerful V8 engine Lexus has engineered for a production model and which in addition was specifically developed for the RC F. The 5.0-litre 32-valve unit produces more than 450 hp (330 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque.

    Furthermore, the powertrain is coupled with an eight speed direct-shift transmission. The unit has been engineered to switch between different operating cycles in order to secure optimum efficiency and performance in driving. RC F is built from lightweight carbon fibre parts, and has an active rear wing and a torque vectoring differential. They all part of the RC F’s advanced engineering package.

    Source: Lexus

  • O.CT Tuning – Power Boost for 6.4 liter SRT8

    O.CT Tuning is now offering a significant power increase for all SRT8 models from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep. The performance package includes a complete compressor kit and increasing the displacement of the engine.

    Firstly, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 has received a compressor kit and a charge air cooler system. The engine displacement is increased to 6.4 liters. The result after an ECU re-map is 564HP (415 kW) and 735Nm (544 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 88HP and 98Nm. Additionally, the car can be boosted to over 600HP (441 kW) for racing purposes.  O.CT also offers the same tuning package for Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 as well as Dodge Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300C SRT8.

    The tuning specialists offer a compressor refitting for the new Dodge RAM 5.7 HEMI. It comes with MOT certificate and is absolutely legal. The optional exhaust system can be registered together with the compressor conversion. It provides additional performance and impressive sound.

    Last, but not least O.CT offers “OCTSRT8-700” package boosting the enlarged 7.0 liter V8 engine to 720HP (529 kW) and 875Nm (648 lb-ft) of torque. Of course, all cars or SUVs fitted with O.CT performance packages are street legal and usable for everyday drive.

    Source: O.CT-TUNING

  • 2014 BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe – UK Price

    BMW is now offering the all-new 2014 M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe at the UK market. The pricing is starting from £56,175  and £56,635, respectively. For the first time the Coupé and Saloon models receive individual model names, in deference to the different model series that provide their basis.

    Both models boast exceptional performance and fuel efficiency. They are powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters (32.1 mpg UK) of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

    Other special features include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

    “The superior performance of the BMW M3 Saloon and BMW M4 Coupe should be obvious at first glance,” said Karim Habib, Head of Design at BMW Automobiles.

    “Indeed, the exterior design has a visual impact that elevates the BMW M design language to a new level of expression, highlighted by a purposeful character, emotional appeal and dynamic verve.” , he added.

    Source: BMW

  • Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo

    Nissan has officially unveiled the staggering Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo after a lot of teasers and leak images. It is described as a “vision of what a high performance Nissan could look like in the future”, the Concept Gran Turismo boasts a lot of GT-R features.

    Essentially, it is a 2+2 supercar featuring a “V-motion” front fascia, slender LED headlights, a ventilated front hood, a carbon fiber front splitter and of course the typical taillights. Other features word mentioning are the impressive and aggressive rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear wing.

    The huge air-intakes are going to deliver enough air for the expected extremely powerful engine, which will power the upcoming Nissan GT-R.

    The Concept was developed by a young team from Nissan Design Europe, which was helped by an advanced engineering team from Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan. The manufacturer didn’t confirm the rumors that the Concept will preview the next generation GT-R, but they said that the model “hints as to how a supercar of the future might look”.

    Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo will be available in Gran Turismo 6 in July.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX3sN6na3Eo

    Source: Nissan

  • Lotus LMP1 Unveiled At 24 Hours Of Le Mans

    Lotus-LMP1-THUMBLotus LMP1 or the P1/01 has just took a centre stage at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans event and was unveiled to the media and public for the very first time. However, the car didn’t participate in the race due to delays resulting from an unavoidable change in engine supplier. Despite this, the unveiling was an enormously proud moment for the team, because the iconic LMP 1 class represents the highest class of sports car racing. It attracts some of the best drivers in the world and is dominated by world famous manufacturers.

    The Lotus LMP1 car is an entirely new car built from the start to meet the new WEC regulations for the LMP1 L privateer racing category. LMP1 car was designed by Chief Designer Paul White and is powered by an AER (Advanced Engine Research) V6 turbo engine.

    Precisely, it is an aluminium 6 cylinder, 90 degree V angle Turbocharged unit which uses one turbocharger per bank. It has 2 aluminium cylinder Heads with 4 valves per cylinder and 4 camshafts. The fuel injection system is GDI which features 2 Synchronous High pressure fuel pumps. The ignition system uses Bosch Motorsport Coils and Bosch Spark plugs, while the throttle System is independently drive by wire per bank. The engine is coupled with a six-gear sequential gearbox with pedal shift.

    In fact, the LMP1 stands for “Le Mans Sportscar Prototype 1”. The prototype vehicle stands on a chassis built from carbon composites monocoque with CFK crash elements at the front and rear. The vehicle runs on BBS fogged rims of the size 13 x 18 inches both at the front and rear. They are wrapped in Michelin tyres of the size 31/71 – 18 X Radial.

    The total weight of the car is impressive – it is just 850 kg, which promises a good performance. This weight is due to the material used for the bodywork which is primarily a lightweight carbon composite. At last, the wheel suspension of the car is independent and includes adjustable dampers.

    Source: Lotus