Automobiles Review – Page 553 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

BMW 1-Series M-Power – 0-250 km/h [video]

Motorsport has published an interesting video showing the brutal acceleration of BMW 1-Series ///M from 0 to 250 km/h. The sports coupe comes with several upgrades making the motorsport engine even more impressive.

Originally, the 1-Series M comes with 340HP (250 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) from a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 17.3 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It can cover 100 km with just 9.6 liters of petrol and CO2 emission of 224 g/km – combined cycle.

This particular car was upgraded by Auto Racing. The result is 420HP (313 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) – an increase of 80HP and 100Nm. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

2011 BMW 1-Series M has a curb weight of 1,495 kg (3,295 lbs). As a true ///M car, it comes with sport-tuned suspension, big brakes, a complete aerodynamics package and a lot of ///M styling features. Last, but not least is the ///M differential that responds to differences in rotational speeds in the right and left rear wheel, redirecting drive torque within a fraction of a second to maintain perfect traction.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTNlvgKq4B4

Source: Motorsport

May 26, 2014

First Look: MINI Superleggera Vision Concept

MINI Superleggera Vision Concept is an exclusive interpretation of an open-top two-seater. It was created by MINI and Touring Superleggera. A classic roadster and a compact and agile two-seater, this car expresses minimalism and emotional style. In addition, it features an electric drivetrain, classic Italian body construction and hand-shaped metal sheeting. The exterior and interior elements have been reduced to the optimum level, in order to deliver a clear focus on the distinctive driving experience. High-end materials were utilized for the construction of this car: leather, aluminium and black chrome highlights.

The electrically powered MINI’s exterior features a stretched bonnet, long wheelbase and cool, short overhangs. The wheels are set widely on the body, while the passenger cell is slightly set back. At the front one can see the two circular headlights and a hexagonal grille define, which are unmistakable for the brand.

Classic sports car elements such as a wide track and distinctively curved wheel arches give the front a dynamic presence. The MINI bonnet stripes are three-dimensionally embossed. They run on into high-quality polished aluminum accents.

In addition, the horizontal rib look of the radiator grille evokes a classic sporty touch. The two fog lights perfectly complement and echo the circular contours of the headlamps. Also in circular form are the air inlets. A flat front splitter made of carbon fibre closes off the front to the road.

The large aluminium sheets of the construction of this concept vehicle are hand-crafted with the help of the most performing frame structures. What is more, the car was painted in specially developed exterior paint finish called Como Blue.

The rims and the elegant exterior mirrors in long-hole look are completed with a mirror base in polished aluminium. Discreet CFRP sills not only echo the front section, but also underscore the sporty character of the MINI Superleggera Vision.

At the rear, one finds striking fin, unusual lights designed in the form of a Union Jack and divided in two, a chrome bar that demarcates the rear lights at the centre of the rear, as well as a CFRP diffuser.

The interior of the vehicle is as minimalistic in terms of design as the exterior. Only a surrounding shoulder line in polished aluminium separates them. The most striking is the dashboard, which was created from a single aluminium sheet and has been left in the state the automobile body would look like without a paint finish.

The doors and the sporty 3-spoke steering wheel pay tribute to the traditional method of construction. The structural elements in the doors form a Union Jack. On the other hand, the Center Instrument in the middle of the instrument panel includes a touch-sensitive control element. Two circular instruments with metal surrounds are positioned on the right.

Furthermore, the interior was covered in brown leather in the classical color Sabbia. The structural elements in the doors and centre console are finished in high-quality black chrome. This sets them apart from the aluminium surfaces and the matt textured paint finish in the footwell area. The sporty bucket seats are covered in high-quality black leather. Misty Magenta was used for the air outlets under the instrument panel and inside the door openings in the structural elements of the doors.

MINI Superleggera Vision undoubtedly blends creativity and flexibility, classic beauty and pure art. It will have its world premiere at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Source: MINI

May 26, 2014

BMW i8 – Innovative Technologies

BMW has published a nice promotional video of the incredible i8 hybrid sports car. It features a lot of Efficient Dynamics technologies, which aim to make the vehicle faster and more economical. Weight saving is one of the key characteristics, so the BMW i8 is able to combine dynamics and efficiency.

2014 BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5 liter three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine – 231HP (170 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) powering the rear wheels and an electric motor – 131HP (96 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) on the front axle. The total output is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The i8 weighs just 1,490 kg (3,285 lbs). It is able to return 113 mpg UK or 94 mpg US – 2.5 liters / 100 km and a zero-emission range of 35 km (22 miles) with top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

Extensive standard equipment includes the Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display and leather sports seats; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants There are also 20” alloy wheels, a rear view camera, high beam assistant, speed limit info, Surround View, Head-Up Display and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition.

Source: BMW

May 26, 2014

Minitune Enhances Mini Cooper S R56

Minitune Mini Cooper S R56 is a project of a brand new company, which is committed completely to the enhancing of vehicles of the model portfolio of the German premium compact car producer with British roots. Via a new body kit, wheels and performance boost the tuners have tailored a fashionable outfit for this Mini. To be more precise, the company’s Minitune body kit consists of a front spoiler bumper bar with big inlets, a black front grill, side skirts and a rear apron in diffuser optics and roof spoiler in racing looks.

In addition, Minitune integrated an air inlet with a formed scoop in the engine hood. Every reflective surface of the car has been lacquered in glittering black, in order an unmistakable sportier appearance to be achieved.

At the back, we can see dark LED rear lights and fog tail lamps in Union Jack design. To match the color of the bodywork, Minitune endowed the Cooper S R56 with a set of Motec Nitro single piece wheels in black with outline in matching car color. They come in the size of 8×18-inches and are covered with Kumho tires of the dimension 215/35R18.

The brake calipers have been also painted in the matching car color. Perforated EBC turbo groove brake disks on the front axle with EBC red stuff brake pads are also at hand. The brake upgrade is a reasonable counterweight to the performance boost.

The car’s power has been enhanced from 174 horsepower (128 kW) and 240 Nm (178 lb-ft) to the present 218 horsepower (160 kW) and 319 Nm (235 lb-ft). Minitune also mounted a better high-performance charging air intercooler.

Furthermore, a sports exhaust system made of stainless steel including the 200-cell sports catalyzer has been added. It features a centrally positioned double tailpipes that ensure the sound background to match the evolved performance. At last, Minitune Cooper S also features a sports chassis frame from the specialists of Koni. It delivers more agility and excellent driving comfort.

Source: Minitune

May 26, 2014

Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este [video]

Lamborghini exhibited a one-off 5-95 Zagato at last weekend’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Zagato is celebrating its 95^th anniversary with a special project based on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4. The car is commissioned by the collector – Albert Spiess.

The exterior features a lot of typical for Zagato styling cues such as double bubble roof, wind deflector as well as new side intakes, shortened chassis and a sense of energy through fluid and organic surfaces that recall an animal’s muscles as it is ready to leap forward. The volumes intersect each other and suggest a jump, as if the central part of the front is ahead of the fender. The rear volume has been slightly reduced introducing a “coda tronca” (truncated tail) to emphasize the perception of the leap.

The engine remains untouched – a 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine – 570HP (419 kW) and 540Nm (397 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed E-gear transmission. 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).

“We have chosen the Gallardo because it is the most sensational project in Lamborghini’s history. An extraordinary car, perfect in engineering terms, that has brought the image of ‘the Bull’ from a ‘cottage industry’ to a worldwide major industrial reality. The Gallardo production figures exceeded the whole Lamborghini production since its foundation.”, commented Andrea Zagato.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89iGjI1d58

Source: Lamborghini

May 26, 2014

2015 Infiniti QX50 And QX70 – U.S. Pricing Announced

2015 Infiniti QX70 and QX50 are two extremely beautiful and luxury SUVs which are currently available in dealerships across the United States. The QX70 will go to its customers equipped with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, offering a rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive derivative. In addition, this model also can offer even sportier and luxury exterior and interior due to the available Sport Package. The QX50 on the other hand adds Bluetooth Hands-free Phone as a standard feature on base models.

Infiniti’s iconic performance crossover is undoubtedly the QX70. It embodies premium design, craftsmanship, performance and innovative technology in one shell. For the new model year, this SUV will have two variants: QX70 3.7 and QX70 3.7 AWD.

The company is offering four special equipment packages. Precisely, they are the Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Technology Package and the new Sport Package. The last one adds unique dark finish exterior accents, 21-inch dark finish aluminum-alloy wheels, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and climate-controlled front sport seats.

Next, the QX50 offers a sleek, sculpted, elegant exterior design, great driving performance and luxury interior. Unlike its bigger sibling, it will be produced in four variants: QX50, QX50 AWD, QX50 Journey and QX50 AWD Journey.

Each on of them will be equipped with the 325 hp (240 kW) 3.7-liter V6 engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission. What is more, the QX50 AWD models will also include Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and heated front seats. Three special equipment packages come available for this SUV: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package and Technology Package.

2015 Infiniti QX70 Pricing:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX70	3.7-liter V6 / RWD	$45,850 USD
QX70 AWD	3.7-liter V6 / AWD	$47,300 USD

2015 Infiniti QX50 Pricing:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
QX50	3.7-liter V6 / RWD	$35,000 USD
QX50 AWD	3.7-liter V6 / AWD	$36,400 USD
QX50 Journey	3.7-liter V6 / RWD	$37,200 USD
QX50 AWD Journey	3.7-liter V6 / AWD	$38,600 USD

Source: Infiniti

May 26, 2014

Skoda Yeti Xtreme Concept Debuts At Woerthersee

Skoda Yeti Xtreme Concept is a compact SUV with rally car ambitions. It is dynamic thanks to its engine, all-wheel drive and DSG, height-adjustable chassis and Octavia RS brakes. In addition, it features a rally car inspired interior that boasts aluminium floor panel, Recaro sports seats, carbon fibre trim, ‘Super Sports’ steering wheel, iPad cradle, fire extinguisher, off-road and rally equipment. Just as the Skoda CitiJet Design Concept, this is the second concept vehicle, which the visitors of Woerthersee Festival in Austria will be able to see. The premiere at the event will happen on 28th of May.

The sporty concept rally car is based on the popular compact Yeti SUV. It combines the power of an AWD SUV with the strong design elements and equipment features of a racy rally car. It is powered by a 1.8 TSI engine coupled with six-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG).

The unit produces 152 horsepower (112 kW) and maximum torque of 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) which is achieved between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. Yeti Xtreme accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 192 km/h. The concept is also equipped with special Octavia RS brakes.

Furthermore, in terms of exterior, the concept model is painted in striking matt-grey. It runs on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with large off-road tyres. It features tinted side windows, roof and wheel rim inserts in bright yellow-green. Powerful bumper and a large air intake, along with LED headlights are all at the front.

Shaped wings and powerful door sills can be seen from the side, while at the rear, the strong rear bumper and wide exhaust tailpipes round it all-out. The boot includes a spare wheel and recovery tracks.

Inside, the racy rally design theme continues. This means that this Skoda vehicle is equipped with features typically associated with rally use. Passengers can sit on 4 individual Recaro sports seats with integrated four-point safety belts, while only the driver can enjoy the “Super Sport” steering wheel with integrated gearshift paddles.

High-tech materials for various parts in car’s interior were utilized. For instance, the inner door covers have been made entirely from carbon fibre, a sand shovel and a thermos flask have been integrated into holders fitted in the paneling, the floor panel is made from aluminium.

Colour & Trim package is offered in this concept. It includes further carbon fibre elements and high-quality, dark Alcantara surface with green colour accents, aluminium pedals and special door sill plates. The centre console has been completely redesigned.

Source: Skoda

May 26, 2014

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Exclusive – Jet Black Metallic

Porsche Exclusive has unveiled the specially customized Panamera Turbo S finished in epic Jet Black Metallic paint. The Individual program of the manufacturer has already released special Boxster S, Macan S and 911 Turbo and now it is turn of Panamera Turbo S.

The four-door coupe boasts extreme exterior featuring 20” glossy black alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+), smoked LED taillights and four black sport exhaust pipes. It looks really menacing and with the incredible engine, it can be quite dangerous.

The interior comes with impressive red and black theme featuring contrasting leather, carbon gear lever, a rear-seat infotainment system and the Porsche emblem embossed on all headrests. There are also ite instrument dials and Sport Chrono stopwatch, leather-wrapped air vent slats, illuminated door sills, bespoke floor mats with leather edging as well as alloy pedals and footrest.

The new 2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo S is powered by a 4.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 – 570HP (419 kW) and 750Nm (556 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph). The additional 20HP and 50Nm came from new turbochargers with a larger compressor improving air flow and combustion.

Source: Porsche

May 23, 2014

Kahn Shows Volcanic Grey Range Rover Evoque RS Sport

Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS Sport shows performance-oriented design from the outside, while on the inside – exceptional interior trim. The vehicle has been refined by the highly skilled specialists at A. Kahn Design. For this project they have used a combination of hi-tech materials and artisan craftsmanship. The lightweight design philosophy was implemented via the new front and rear bumper replacements, which have been engineered in carbon composite material.

Precisely, the designers have given this Range Rover a special RS Sport tech pack. It comprises of a 3D mesh front grille, LED daytime running lights, front bumper mesh in matt black at the front. At the back, the pack enhances the vehicle via lower boot lid spoiler lip in matt black, extended upper roof wing, rear tailgate trim in gloss black.

The brake calipers were finished in liquid gold. There were also added20mm lowering springs, twin crosshair exhaust system in stainless steel, sump guard in matt black, side vents in matt black, lower boot lid spoiler, rear diffuser in matt black, door handles and door mirrors in piano black and Kahn bonnet and tailgate lettering.

The Evoque is painted in volcanic grey color. It runs on RS 9.5 x 22″ gloss black wheels, which deliver optimum grip, body control and handling.

Inside, one can expect only multitude of improvements. This Kahn’s interior includes perforated front and rear seats in black nappa leather with Alcantara. There were also the following elements added: diamond gear selector, centre glove box re-upholstered in perforated black nappa leather, rev counter dial in red, speedo & rev counter coloured facia, machined vented aluminium foot pedals and intricately hand woven transmission tunnel, roof headline stitching and transmission tunnel in Alcantara with contrast stitching.

Source: A. Kahn Design

May 23, 2014

Audi S3 Limousine By SR Performance

SR Performance Audi S3 Limousine is a low attitude racer. It features a striking lowering modification through a special KW coilover kit. In addition, the kit also includes an adjustable suspension strut bearing on the front axle. For this massive lowering SR Performance just had to add huge wheels, that will harmonize with vehicles new appearance.

The 8.5×20-inch forged wheels in 10-spoke V-design were initially created for S3 bigger brother A6 4G, but they also fit perfectly here as well. Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires of the dimension 225/30R20 were then matched with the wheels. What is more, 5-millimeter spacing rings were additionally applied for the horizontal fitting.

Another exterior modification done here is the wrapping don over the roof which now shines in glittering black. The effect of the foiling is that the the hard “edge” was eliminated. SR Performance continued with modififactions regarding the performance of this Audi.

Precisely, the 2.0-liter turbo engine was given an MTM M-Cantronic performance boost and a BN pipes-downpipe and a 200-cell HJS catalyzer. The pipe of the exhaust system measures 85/76 millimeter in diameter.

The result is that the unit generates 380 horsepower (280 kW) and a maximum torque of 470 Nm (347 lb-ft). Just for a comparison, the production S3 delivers 300 hp (220 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). What is left to mention is that SR Performance S3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds.

Source: SR Performance

May 23, 2014

2014 Lexus NX – Price and Specs

Lexus is going to offer the new NX, which is the manufacturer’s first mid-size crossover. Initially, it will be available only as a full hybrid NX 300h, but later next year, it will be joined by NX 200t – the first model to adopt Lexus’s new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine.

Sharply styled and offering true Lexus quality and refinement, the NX will open up new opportunities for the brand in an expanding and popular part of the premium car market.

NX will be the first model to feature Lexus’s Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard on all versions. Other “firsts” for a Lexus include a wireless charging tray for easy charging of mobile phones and other devices and the first application of a new Remote Touch Interface with a touchpad control.

Some of the interesting extras include a new Panoramic View Monitor, a comprehensive multi-information display (incorporating for the first time a G-sensor and boost meter on NX 200t), head-up display, blind spot monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

2014 Lexus NX 300h S is priced from £29,495.

Equipment specifications and options

Standard features of the NX 300h S include: –
17-inch alloy wheels
LED low-beam headlights and daytime running lights
Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control
Dual zone climate control
Eight-speaker audio system
Lexus Media Display with Remote Touch controller
DAB digital radio
60/40 folding rear seats
Electric, folding door mirrors
Drive Mode Select
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Hill Assist Control
Eight airbags
USB multimedia port
Remote double door locking
Speed-sensitive automatic door locking

SE grade adds: –
All-wheel drive
Integrated roof rails
18-inch alloys
Rain-sensing wipers
Heated front seats
Towing capacity (1,500kg braked, 750kg unbraked trailer)

Further features which are standard on the Luxury grade include: –
LED fog lamps
Rear privacy glass
Heated, electrically adjustable front seats
Silver trim inserts and scuff plates
Parking sensors
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Smart Entry

The NX 300h F Sport gains a series of dedicated styling features as well as further equipment: –
18-inch alloys with two-tone finish
Headlights with LED high and low beam functions
F Sport heated electric front seats with lumbar support
F Sport suspension with performance dampers
Electric steering column adjustment
Power tailgate
Wireless smartphone charger

At the top of the range the Premier model builds on the Luxury specification with: –
18-inch alloys with dedicated design
Headlights with LED high and low beam functions
Auto-dimming door mirrors
Heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support
Driver’s seat position memory
Mark Levinson audio system
Card key
Lexus Premium Navigation
360-degree panoramic view
Automatic high beam
Lane Keep Assist
Head-up Display
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Heated steering wheel

Lexus Navigation is available as an option (£995) on all S, SE, Luxury and F Sport grades, with the more sophisticated Lexus Premium Navigation system (£1,995) additionally offered for F Sport.

The NX 300h Luxury can be specified with a Convenience Pack (£495), comprising the new wireless smartphone charger and power-operated tailgate). Customers can add a sunroof (£1,000) to the F Sport and Premier NX models and Lexus’s Adaptive Variable Suspension system (£750) can added to the F Sport specification. Across the board, metallic paint is a £645 option.

Model range and pricing

The new NX 300h is priced from £29,495 for the S grade model. The price of the NX 200t F Sport will be announced later this year.

MODEL	PRICE
NX 300h S FWD	£29,495
NX 300h SE AWD	£31,495
NX 300h Luxury AWD	£34,495
NX 300h F Sport AWD	£36,995
NX 300h Premier AWD	£42,995

Source: Lexus

May 23, 2014

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe Individual Frozen Cashmere Silver

BMW has unveiled a 435i Gran Coupe Individual Frozen Grey in Bilbao, Spain. The color emphasize on the sporty and elegant lines of the stylish vehicle.

The 4-Series Gran Coupe is available in four trim levels – Luxury, Modern, Sport and M-Sport. In addition to many familiar colors, such as Glacier Silver, Alpine White or Black Sapphire, there is also a new color brown Jatoba.

Only with the ///M Sport Package, the Estoril Blue and Carbon Black are available to customers. The Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Glacier Silver and Mineral Grey are other options. For models without ///M Sport Package, the manufacturer offers Black, Kalahari Beige, Midnight Blue, Sparkling Brown, Melbourne Red, Imperial Blue, Mineral White and Jatoba.

The individual program offers Citrine, Pyrite Brown, Tanzanite, Brilliant White, Moonstone and Frozen Cashmere Silver. The individual 435i Gran Coupe Frozen Gray looks very impressive. It is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seocnds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The model is priced from $46,925, but there is a cheaper version – 428i with 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 245HP (180 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: BMWBlog

May 23, 2014