Blog

  • Michael Schumacher Out of Coma

    Michael Schumacher is out of coma and has left the hospital in Grenoble. He was treated after a horrible skiing accident in December, last year. Schumacher suffered a severe head injury and has been in hospital for several months. At the end of January, doctors started to bring him out of a medically-induced coma and now he is awake.“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation,” stated Sabine Kehm, the manager of Schumaher.“He is not in a coma anymore. His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.”“The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him. For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”Michael Schumacher will continue his rehabilitation at a different location. There is no further information about the current condition of the legendary F1 pilot, but the entire world is hoping that he will make a full recovery.

  • 2014 Citroen C1 Makes Goodwood Debut

    2014-citroen-c1-THUMCitroen is currently refreshing its 2014 C1 model, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. The firs version of the car was revealed in 2005 and since then tthe best-seller has notched up more than 780,000 sales. This new city car is available in 3- door and 5-door versions. What is more, it is also available in a new open-top body style called Airscape. Although a small car it has a strong personality, which delivers an upbeat response to urban mobility requirements. The new C1 reflects all that new Citroen design philosophy is about.

    The C1 features more attractive design, with dynamic lines and a cheerful front end with a cheeky gaze created by the headlamps. Two-tone versions and brightly coloured interiors underline the car’s character. Its unique styling and irresistible looks is what makes in an immediate eye-catcher.

    Furthermore, the vehicle offers more comfort in everyday driving. An agile car designed to nip in and out of traffic, it allies compact exterior dimensions (just 3.46m), with easy handling and a turning circle of 4.80m. It also delivers great suspension comfort.

    The car has been equipped with more useful technology. For instance, Citroen has added convenient features such as the 7’’ touchscreen, and Mirror Screen technology to copy and run smartphone apps from the touchscreen, as well as hands-free entry and drive, with a reversing camera, and with hill-start assist.

    C1 also offers optimised running costs. The firs reason for this is the weight, which is just 840 kg. The second factor is the new-generation petrol engines, that are regarded best in class for fuel consumption of 3.8l/100 km and CO2 emissions (88 g/100km).

    2014 Citroën C1 is currently making an UK debut at 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

    Source: Citroen

  • Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R – King of The Ring – 7:54.3 [video]

    Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you King of The Ring – Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R Special Edition. As expected, the ultra-hot hatchback is the new fastest car with FWD (front-wheel drive) around the Nordschleife. It managed to stop the clock at 7 minutes and 54.36 seconds, which is 4 seconds faster than the previous record holder – Sean Leon Cupra R.

    2014 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 275HP (202 kW) at 5,500RPM and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque at 3,000RPM – an increase of 10HP compared to the previous model. The result is thanks to a new Akrapovic titanium exhaust system which is also lighter than the standard exhaust. The hatchback is able to cover 100 km with just 7.5 liters fuel.

    A lot of new modifications help the RS 275 Trophy to seize the record. These include a new Cup chassis with a limited-slip differential. There are also Öhlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs derived from the Megane N4 rally car. The new Megane RS can be also ordered with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires available as an option.

    Renaultsport has published an onboard video showing the impressive lap record.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02cpzgoVqC4

    Source: Renault

  • 2015 Ford Explorer XLT Has Bold And Rugged Looks

    2015-Ford-Explorer-XLT-THUMB2015 Ford Explorer is being upgraded and now features many attractive characteristics and design elements. For the new model year it will offer its customers a sport-inspired appearance package that will deliver more comfort and technology. Next to the new colors and features included, Ford is adding a brand new trim level called XLT. It is based on the Sport grade, but has bolder and rugged looks. The vehicle will be available later this month at company’s dealerships.

    For 2015 the Explorer will add as a standard 18-inch aluminum wheels. In addition, also as no-cost option on the Sport grade is the Class III trailer tow package. Three exterior colors are new: Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic and Magnetic Metallic.

    In details for the XLT, this SUV has some striking exterior details. It runs on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets. It also features black body-side cladding and roof rack rails. Other striking design elements include the Magnetic Metallic painted grille, mirror caps and liftgate applique, “EXPLORER” hood badge and body-color door handles.

    The interior of the vehicle is also impressive. It features leather-trimmed, heated front seats with Miko suede inserts and contrast stitching. There are also included floor mats with special badging and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

    The technology upgrades featured in the XLT are SYNC with MyFord Touch, two 4.2-inch color LCD screens in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch color LCD touch screen in the Meteorite Black center stack, two USB ports and an SD card reader.

    Source: Ford

  • McLaren Teases Track-Focused P1 GTR

    McLaren-P1-GTR-Teaser-THUMBMcLaren P1 GTR is planned to be introduced. The famous 24 Hours of Le Mans was the place where 20 years ago the legendary McLaren F1 GTR made an unforgettable victory. The track-only edition of the P1 comes to resurrect the iconic fame. The limited-run model will go into production when the 375th and final example of the road car has been completed. Of course, the vehicle will have no need to comply with road legislation. McLaren P1 GTR will be designed and developed as the best drivers’ car in the world on track.

    It will deliver even greater levels of performance, grip, aerodynamics and downforce than the road car. The car will be equipped with wide range of technologies and a powertrain, which is promised to deliver an intended power output of 1,000 PS (986 bhp).

    In addition, it will run on race-proven slick tyres, a widened track and will feature more aggressive and distinctive styling designed to offer optimized performance around the lap. McLaren P1 GTR programme will be priced at £1.98 million. For this price, each customer will receive an individually tailored car.

    The customer will also “receive” exclusive consultations with the McLaren-team and Design Director Frank Stephenson. The exact production numbers of the track-focused P1 GTR are still to be determined, but what is for sure is that it will be strictly limited.

    Source: McLaren

  • 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C US-Spec

    Alfa Romeo 4C US-Spec is already available at the American market with pricing starting from $53,900 and the first deliveries are expected this fall.

    “The all-new 4C marks the return of ‘the great Alfa Romeos` and represents the purest formation of the brand’s DNA with its supercar-levels of performance and innovation, all while focusing on making the driver an integral part and completion of the machine,” said Harald Wester, CEO of Alfa Romeo.

    “With its technological solutions derived directly from Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 4C creates an infusion of body and machine, an extension of its driver’s soul that is ready, capable and willing to respond and deliver.”, he added.

    The US-Spec model is slightly different, because Alfa Romeo had to add some aluminum enforcements to the carbon fiber monocoque as well as a new fuel system and modified substructures for impact absorption. The result is additional 155 kg (342 lbs).

    The engine is the well-known 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol with 240HP (177 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h (160 mph). It will average 6.8 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km. However, the additional weight will harm the figures, so the expected acceleration is around 5.0 seconds to 100 km/h and a fuel consumption of around 8.0 liters / 100 km (29.4 mpg US).

    The Italian manufacturer is going to offer a limited-series Launch Edition of 4C, which is expected to reach the dealerships this summer. The price is a bit higher ($68,400), but the 4C Launch Edition is going to offer a lot more – bi-xenon headlights with LED DRL, carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps and painted brake calipers.

    There is also a set of new wheels – 18” at the front and 19” at the rear, a racing exhaust system and carbon fiber interior trim. Other highlights include a race-spec suspension with front- and rear-sway bars and shock absorbers.

    Source: Chrysler

  • Range Rover Sport Stealth Package

    Land Rover is going to offer a special Range Rover Sport Stealth Package, which is expected to make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the end of this month. Order books will open in July (dependent on market) and first customer deliveries are expected towards the end of the year.

    The Stealth Pack will be offered only for the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography Dynamic trim levels. The special package includes a number of styling upgrades – a satin black front grille, new grille surround, fender vents, fog lamp bezels, a tailgate finisher and new mirror caps. There is also a set of new 21” nine-spoke alloy wheels and even 22”five-spoke satin black set available as an option. The complete the vision, the manufacturer offers black wheel nuts, and a stealth finish for the non-reflective headlamp and tail lamp surfaces.

    “With the addition of the Stealth Pack, we are further extending the appeal of the Range Rover Sport and offering even greater choice to our customers.”, commented Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s Design Director & Chief Creative Officer.

    The new Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic Land Rover yet, providing owners with an agile and responsive driving experience on- or off-road and has won more than 50 global awards since its launch.

    Source: Land Rover

  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta TRS – Price $4,200,000

    Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is simply astonishing vehicle. It features everything that a petrol head needs – impressive acceleration, power, agility, unique design and mind-blowing sound… and of course more power! However, there is even more spectacular version of the hyper car – F12 TRS.

    Ferrari’s Special Projects division has already prepared the SP12 EC, SP America, SP FFX and now it is turn to the F12 TRS. There are not many details about the project, but it features a targa design and aggressive styling elements.

    The one-off Ferrari F12 TRS was prepared for a wealthy customer, who paid $4.2 million. Besides the impressive vision and the new modifications, the special model comes with an F1-inspired KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) like the famous LaFerrari. This means, that the hyper car will have even more power.

    As a reminder, the F12 Berlinetta is a sensational sports car. It is powered by a 6.3 liter 65° naturally aspirated V12 engine – 740HP (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). The curb weight is just 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs).

    Source: jalopnik.com

  • 2014 BMW M4 Coupe – Nurburgring Lap 7:52

    BMW has officially unveiled the lap time around Nurburgring of the all-new M4 Coupe. The sports car is able to cover the 20.81 km course in just 7 minutes and 52 seconds, which is an impressive 13 seconds faster than its predecessor (E92 M3).2014 BMW M4 Coupe is powered by a 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 of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.Other highlights 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 new M4 is not only lighter, but is more powerful than M3 E92. The car is superbly balanced and it is a real fun to drive.

  • Les Legendes de Bugatti: Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess [VIDEO]

    bugatti-veyron-grand-sport-vitesse-black-bess-THUMBBugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess was officially unveiled two months ago and then exhibited for the first time in front of public at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on 20th of April. This is fifth model of Bugatti’s “Legends” series, which (just like its siblings) is based on the powerful Grand Sport Vitesse and comes along unique styling upgrades. Now, Bugatti is launching a promo video which shows-off the great characteristics of the roadster. And I must confirm that after watching it I was really impressed.

    The Veyron Black Bess pays tribute to the Type 18 “Black Bess” – one of the first street-legal super sports cars. It was built in 1913 and was powered by a spectacular engine for that period of time. Precisely, the 5.0 liter four-cylinder powertrain was capable of developing 100 horsepower (73 kW) and achieved a maximum speed of 161 km/h (100 mph).

    The new Black Bess edition will be limited to only three examples. It has the price tag of $3 million US dollars like the other legends. Despite this, Bugatti has sold every single one of the previous four versions in the range.

    Veyron Black Bess edition is powered by a 6.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 engine, which produces nearly 1200 horsepower. What is specifically astounding about this special edition is the radiant black paint, the accents from pure gold, an of course the special interior treatment. Just watch the video below!

    httpv://youtu.be/vgVtNufHQbA

    Video Source: YouTube via Bugatti

  • Nissan Pulsar Nismo RS Variant Previewed

    Nissan-Pulsar-Nismo-RS-TGHUBM2014 Nissan Pulsar was revealed last month. The C-segment vehicle sports a design which has been inspired by this of the Qashqai, X-Trail and Note. It was basically created to redefine what cars in its design look like – inside and out. The model is packed with a range of accessible and practical technologies, offers large cabin space as well as energetic and athletic styling. Today we found information at roadmag.co.uk (link featured below) that Nissan is planning for the Pulsar to have a Nismo RS version. On the site was also published an image of the future vehicle.

    As we can see from the picture, the vehicle has the typical for Nismo line design characteristics: white exterior paint finish, red accents and sportier on road presence. It has a V-shaped grille surrounding the badge, headlights angled and virtually identical to those of Qashqai, as well as LED headlights and new engines.

    The entry level Pulsar hatch can be powered by the 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol unit, which generates an output of 115 hp (85 kW), or the 1.5-litre dCi that produces 110 hp (80 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. There is also an even more powerful 190 hp (140 kW) 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit.

    If there is a Nismo version, then we definit4ely expect to see at least a boost to the latter engine, or in other words – more than 190 horsepower! Rumors are saying that we should expect an output around 200 hp. In addition, the Nismo RS will also feature a mechanical limited-slip differential on the front axle. But till then we have to wait for Nissan’s official confirmation.

  • 2014 FPV GT-F [video]

    2014 FPV GT-F

    The recently announced all-new 2014 FPV GT-F, which will be built in a limited series of just 550 units, is taking place in a nice video clip showing some of its highlights. The performance saloon will be sold exclusive in Australia and New Zealand and the pricing is starting from $77,990 AUD.

    2014 FPV GT-F is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 477HP (351 kW) at 6,000RPM and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) at 2,500RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed sport-automatic ZF transmission. The fuel consumption stands at 13.6 liters / 100 km with 324 g/km of CO2. There is also a GT RSPEC’s suspension and a set of 19” alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires.

    Outside, the new GT-F comes with a new bonnet, black panel extensions, roof and rear deck lid. The interior boasts instrument dial faces, seat stitching and embroidery, build number and manual transmission plaquette and the ICC start-up screen.

    “Our goal was to create the best vehicle we could; a vehicle that pays respect to Ford GTs of old yet celebrates all that is good about Ford’s performance credentials.”, said FPV Chief Program Engineer, Peter de Leur.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTq1yIOfVK4

    Source: FPV