Automobiles Review – Page 552 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Fiat Fiorino – Best Light Van for 2014

Fiat is celebrating 3^rd consecutive success for Fiorino, which is named “Best Light Van” in the 2014 Van Fleet World Honours. Fiorino’s versatility and capacity convinced the judges to give it maximum points as well as its low running costs.

Fiat Fiorino has a payload of up to 660kg and a load volume of up to 2.5 cubic metres (or 2.8 m³ with folded passenger seat). Thanks to its advanced MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines, the FIAT Fiorino returns up to 65.7 mpg UK (4.3 liters / 100 km) on the combined cycle, while also benefiting its users with long service intervals and low repair costs.

For 2014, Fiat Fiorino customers also have the possibility of opting for the new Sportivo version, which builds on the high specification of the Tecnico model by adding alloy wheels, Sportivo side-stripes and an engine power upgrade to 95HP (70 kW) with no fuel economy or emissions penalties. As with Tecnico versions, air conditioning; Blue&Me™ connectivity with a TomTom satnav dock; front fog lights and parking sensors are also standard, making the Fiat Fiorino Sportivo amongst the best equipped and best value models in its segment at just £9,695.

“While there have been a number of car-derived launches in the last year, none matches the versatility and load-carrying capabilities of the FIAT Fiorino. The addition of enhanced traction versions of the Fiorino – with Traction+ grip control and standard Mud & Snow tyres – simply adds to its versatility, offering operators who regularly have to cope with poor weather conditions a relatively cost-effective alternative.”, commented According to Dan Gilkes, Editor, Van Fleet World.

Source: Fiat

May 27, 2014

Volvo Shows 2015 XC90’s Interior

2015 Volvo XC90 was just partially revealed – the company has shown the first interior pictures of the upcoming model. The official premiere of the car will happen in August. In fact, the original XC90 was introduced in 2002 and eventually revolutionized the SUV segment with its combination of space, versatility and safety. As we can conclude from the photos, the XC90 features the most luxurious interior that have ever been designed for a Volvo.

Inside, the design of this SUV is inspired by the country of Volvo’s birth, Sweden. The country actually has the global reputation for integrating the latest technology with design that is clean, beautiful and crafted from the finest materials.

The most striking feature is the tablet-like touch screen control console. It is button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services.

Furthermore, the interior combines materials like a soft leather and wood with handcrafted details. For instance, the gear-lever was made of crystal glass, as the diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control.

2015 XC90 is the first Volvo to use Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). The latter creates a far wider range of design possibilities, improves driveability and permits the inclusion of the latest safety features and connected in-car technologies. In addition, it increases interior space.

Other details, for example around the safety and interior air quality will be released in late July or early August. The full reveal of the technology highlights, including chassis and powertrains, will start in mid-July and will continue throughout the summer. The exterior launch of 2015 Volvo XC90 is scheduled for the end of August.

Source: Volvo

May 27, 2014

Goodbye, Lancia!

Lancia is going to axe the Delta model later this year. The Italian manufacturer will also remove the Voyager from production sometime in 2015. It other words, Lancia is dying slowly, but for good.

According to a report issued by Bloomberg, Lancia is going to produce only the Ypsilon by 2016. The sales of the Delta are expected to end in the next several months, and the Voyager will share the same faith next year, when Chrysler will stop rebadging cars for Lancia. This strategy didn’t work at all, because last year’s sales went down by 20 %.

“Fiat is not killing Lancia right away because they still want to keep options open and wait until other models reach the market to fill the gap. Lancia could be axed entirely, if Alfa Romeo’s strategy will be a success.” Commented Ian Fletcher, an analyst with IHS in London.

Lately, the small Ypsilon was presented in the new Elefantino trim level, which is priced from just €10,450. The engine range includes a 1.2 liter petrol with 69HP (51 kW) as well as the 0.9 liter Turbo TwinAir with 85HP (62 kW). The 1.3 liter MultiJet diesel has 95HP (70 kW). Other economical variants are a 1.2 liter engine on LPG or a 0.9-liter Turbo TwinAir Methane with 80HP, which costs €16,500.

Source: bloomberg

May 27, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Restores 540 K Streamliner

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Streamliner was built in the first half of 1938 and was delivered in June that year to the tyre manufacturer Dunlop. The car was employed for the testing of high-performance tyres for particularly fast and heavy vehicles, and then was adopted into the collection of the Mercedes-Benz Museum during the 1950s. 73 years after its introduction – in 2011 the vehicle was submitted for a full restoration process. The work began in the beginning of the following year and took approximately two and a half years to be fully reconstructed.

540 K was featured a streamlined aluminium body, which was an absolute one-off. It was designed strictly in accordance with the understanding of aerodynamics at that. As you can see it has flowing lines, low silhouette and minimal surface interruptions.

Streamliner was driven by an engine with 5401 cc output that produced 115 horsepower (85 kW). With a supercharger the power reached 180 hp (132 kW). The car managed a top speed of 185 km/h and a drag coefficient of Cd = 0.36.

Thorough research in the archives the specialists at Mercedes-Benz found that the vehicle was painted in silver-bronze and featured grey interior appointments and walnut wood trim. An important basis for the restoration was provided by the photos, quotation drawings and a historical description of the surface of the outer shell.

Of course, the restoration and reconstruction process was conducted via contemporary craft skills, methods and materials. The original line drawing of 1938 was transposed in meticulous detail to a 3D surface model with the help of CAD design techniques.

Extreme precision in the preparation and implementation of every detail and each stage of the work was then implemented. Original components were preserved and re-used, still showing the marks of time.

An interesting fact is that rebuilding the body shell alone involved more than 4800 hours of work. Then the reconstruction of the underbody panelling involved the help of aerodynamic experts from Mercedes-Benz passenger car development. The engine and transmission were repaired and eventually tested. The result is stunning – don’t miss the pictures below!

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 27, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Citan Extra-Long Wheelbase

Mercedes-Benz is going to offer an extra-long wheelbase of the popular Citan in Germany. The 7-seater boasts high flexibility thanks to the variable usable interior space. The new model variant aimed at the alternate transport of people and material in commercial use, for use as a taxi and on the mixed-use for professional and private purposes.

The new long Citan is 4,705 mm and offers seating for up to 7 people. The luggage compartment is between 300 and 400 liters, but can be expanded to up to 3500 liters, when the second row is folded flat and the third row is removed.

The power is coming from a tiny, but versatile 1.5 liter diesel engine – 90HP (66 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine is also available with 110HP (81 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, which is obviously the better variant.

The practical vehicle boasts a number of safety technologies included as standard – Adaptive Electronic Stability Program – ABS (anti-locking braking system), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), TCS (Traction Control System) and ASR (Acceleration Skid Control).

2014 Mercedes-Benz Extra-Long Wheelbase Citan is currently available on the market with pricing starting from €19,400 (excluding VAT).

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 27, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Passat Revealed In Sketches

2015 Volkswagen Passat has been revealed in several drawings. The company has also disclosed the first technical details of the new Saloon and Estate trims. The car will have its official debut July, while in front of public it will be premiered at Paris Motor Show in October. This is the eighth-generation Passat. For 41 years the car model been sold in over 23 million examples worldwide. From the brand are promising that it will bring a range of new technologies and features.

For the 2015 Passat Volkswagen has utilized advanced materials such as high-strength, hot-formed steel and aluminium. This has saved up to 85 kg (in comparison to its predecessor), thus achieving fuel-efficiency improvements of up to 20 per cent. The exterior dimensions are marginally smaller than those of the previous Passat. However, the interior space is improved, with more leg- and head-room and increased luggage space.

One of the main highlights of the new model is the high-performance, four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine. It produces 240 horsepower (176 kW) and the huge 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm. This engine will be mated only with the new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

In addition, Volkswagen announced that a plug-in hybrid model will also be offered. It will have the potential to travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone, and with a maximum range of around 600 miles.

Other new technology includes the Active Info Display, a heads-up display, the latest Modular Infotainment System, including the Car-Net remote app, 360-degree Area View function and the latest generation of Park Assist. The latter includes the option for the car to park itself forwards into perpendicular spaces as well as the world-first Trailer Assist that helps when reversing a vehicle with a trailer attached.

Other safety technology includes Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist and the latest Front Assist system with City Emergency Braking that can optionally combine both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection. 2015 Passats will boast LED tail lights, while the headlights will be halogen or LED. In conjunction with Dynamic Light Assist, one of the two LED headlight options automatically modifies the beam for optimum illumination of the road.

More details and the first pictures of 2015 Volkswagen Passat will be available before the official premiere in July. The sales will start before the end of this year.

Source: Volkswagen

May 27, 2014

JE Design Seat Leon Cupra – 350HP and 440Nm

JE Design has unveiled their latest project based on the “King of the Ring” – Seat Leon Cupra 280. The ultra-hot hatchback comes with a number of styling upgrades and a significant power increase.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is boosted to 350HP (258 kW) and 440Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 70HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. The result is thanks to only an ECU re-map and the car still fulfills the EURO 6 emissions standard. The price is €1,899.

Other performance upgrades include KW coilover suspension DCC Plug & Play – €2,299. The ride height can be adjusted according to driver’s needs, but not lower than 45 mm. Alternatively, lowering springs for original shock absorbers are offered. They provide approximately 35 mm of additional depth, and are also suitable for DCC – €236.

JE Design also offers a full sports exhaust system featuring twin tailpipes – each with diameter of 80 mm. The system, which comes with EC approval, costs €2,023. Those who choose real carbon tail pipes will pay €2,392.

Aerodynamics package features a new front spoiler – €417 and side skirts in carbon look – €357. Last, but not least is the set of Y-Spoke JE Design wheels – 8.5J x 19” ET 45 fitted with 235/35 R19 performance tires – €1,851.

Source: Je Design

May 27, 2014

Eibach Adds Pro-Kits To Seat Leon Cupra

Eibach Seat Leon Cupra is equipped with tuning company’s suspension components which make the car even more dynamic. The Leon Cupra is in fact one of the most powerful cars in its sector, delivering 280 horsepower (205 kW). It is also famous for its dynamics. The proof for this is from the most recent lap record that the Spanish hatchback made (in its class) on the famous Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. However, the professionals at Eibach saw more fine-tuning potential here.

The modifications offered by them are through several Pro-Kits. Namely they are: the basic Pro-Kit, B12 Pro-Kit, Pro-Street-S, Anti-Roll-Kit and the Pro-Spacer. The first one offers additional performance springs, which reduce Seat’s centre of gravity. This of course also contributes towards a lower to the ground silhouette and more dynamic handling.

Next, the Eibach B12 Pro-Kit builds on the first one but also includes specially adapted Bilstein monotube gas-pressure shock absorbers. Eibach Pro-Street-S features Coil-Overs with stainless-steel components and the option for an individual height adjustment.

The Anti-Roll-Kit comprises of performance sway bars and offers less body roll and an even sportier set-up. It can be combined with the previous kits. At last, the Eibach Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers are made of aluminum. They lend the Seat Leon an more energetic look by widening the track width.

Source: Eibach

May 27, 2014

Nissan Skyline 200GT-t JDM

Nissan has unveiled an all-new Skyline 200GT-t in Japan. The sedan will be built exclusive for Japanese domestic market and is expected to go on sale on June 5^th. Although, it has the name of the legendary Skyline R-model, the new 200GT-t is a normal everyday vehicle.

It is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine taken from Mercedes-Benz. It develops 211HP (155 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. There are no official performance figures, but the small saloon is going to have “exhilarating driving response and powerful acceleration.”

The engine is equipped with direct-injection, variable valve timing and an engine start/stop system. This means – 7.3 liters / 100 km (31.9 mpg US or 38.4 mpg UK) on combined cycle, which is decent considering the power.

Besides the new engine, the Skyline gains a modified rear suspension, a Drive mode selector and an optional Direct Adaptive Steering system. 2014 Nissan Skyline 200GT-t is priced from ¥3,834,000 (including tax). The manufacturer is expecting to sell 200 units every month.

Source: Nissan

May 27, 2014

2014 Fiat 500 Facelift – Price £10,160

The new 2014 Fiat 500 Facelift is already available in the UK. It is priced from £10,960 OTR for the hatchback and £13,510 OTR for the 500C. Available options include Dualogic transmission for £750 (1.2 69HP and 0.9 TwinAir 85HP), an electric sunroof for £580 and Blue&Me connectivity for just £270. A key new feature is the segment-first 7” TFT digital instrument display, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.

Standard on 500S and Cult models (and optional on Lounge versions), the layout and execution of the speedometer, rev counter and trip computer will be familiar to anyone who has driven the current FIAT 500, but the centre of the display – which contains a digital image of the car – can be configured to show various trip computer readouts, such as distance travelled, instant fuel consumption, range, etc.

Other significant innovation is the new 0.9 liter TwinAir Turbo engine. It comes with a high-efficiency turbocharger; an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head; a Start&Stop fuel-saving system and the new MultiAir II intake valve control system to provide an even more enticing combination of power and efficiency. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The power is 105HP (77 kW) at 5,500RPM and 145Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque at just 2,000RPM in “sport mode” and 98HP and 120Nm in “eco mode”. 0-100 km/h in 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 187 km/h (117 mph). Despite the improved performance, the small car is able to return 67.3 mpg UK (4.2 liters / 100 km) and just 99 g/km of CO2.

A high level of safety equipment includes – ABS with EBD, 7 airbags, ISOFIX attachments and DRLs. ESP, complete with ASR/MSR and Hill Holder, is also available on all versions as an extremely affordable option.

FIAT 500 Model	Hatchback 500 OTR Price	Convertible 500C OTR Price
Pop 1.2 69hp	£10,160	£13,160
Pop 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£12,560	£15,560
Colour Therapy 1.2 69hp	£10,960	£13,510
Colour Therapy 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,160	£14,710
Lounge 1.2 69hp	£11,560	£14,560
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£12,960	£15,760
Lounge 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,560	£16,360
Lounge 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£13,960	£16,960,
500S 1.2 69hp	£11,710	£14,710
500S 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£13,110	£15,910
500S 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£13,710	£16,510
500S 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£14,110	£17,110
Cult 1.2 8v 69hp	£13,060	£15,560
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 85hp	£14,460	£16,760
Cult 0.9 TwinAir 105hp	£15,060	£17,360
Cult 1.3 16v MultiJet 95hp	£15,460	£17,960

Source: Fiat

May 26, 2014

ABT Audi S3 Saloon – 370HP and 460Nm

ABT has revealed their latest project based on the recently introduced Audi S3 Saloon. It boasts upgraded engine and impressive exterior.

The 2.0 liter TFSI is boosted to 370HP (272 kW) and 460Nm (341 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 70HP and 80Nm. This helps the S3 to achieve a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph) and a staggering acceleration 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The result is thanks to a new sports exhaust system and an ECU re-map. There is also a complete cold air intake system including high-flow filter.

Other highlights include 20” DR alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. There are also 18” or 19” versions and the ER-C and CR wheels are also available. ABT fitted the sports saloon with new fender inserts made from high-quality ABS plastic. ABT integrated entrance lights, floor mats and air caps round off the package and raise the styling to a higher level.

And at full throttle, the S3 saloon will indeed resemble a rocket. “Lean back, accelerate and enjoy,” as ABT Sportsline CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt said.

Pricing for the upgrades is available upon request and all of them can be ordered separately. The tuning specialists from Abt offer installation at additional cost.

Source: ABT

May 26, 2014

Brabus Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Brabus has introduced their latest tuning program for the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The tuning company offers both styling and performance improvements for the big crossover. The exterior features complete aerodynamics package, while the interior can be upholstered in any desired color.

Outside, Brabus GL-Glass comes with a new front spoiler and Brabus attachments for the side air inlets. There is also a LED lighting system that is activated with the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle. At the rear, there is a new spoiler that attaches to the hatch, and the BRABUS rear bumper insert that mimics the underride guard design of the front element. There are also four tailpipes of the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust. All components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade PUR plastics.

Brabus GL rolls an enormous 9J x 21” “Platinum Edition” wheels fitted with 255/30 R21 tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The stance is further improved thanks to a set of sport springs lowering the vehicle by 25 mm. However, the tuning specialists also offer a suspension kit that raises the ride height of the GLA by about 30 millimeters.

There are performance upgrades for GLA 220 CDI and all four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline models of the vehicle including the mighty GLA 45.

The GLA 220 CDI is boosted to 210HP (155 kW) and 410Nm (302 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 40HP and 60Nm. 0-100 km/h in 8.0 second and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The GLA 45 AMG is boosted to 400HP (294 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 40HP and 50Nm. 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Brabus also offers numerous refinement options for the interior. Bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with Brabus logo – also available with optional lighting – are part of the product range as are matt-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and Race aluminum shift paddles.

Source: Brabus

May 26, 2014

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