Blog

  • AMS Nissan GT-R Alpha Omega – Epic History Moments and Records

    There is no doubt that Nissan GT-R is one of the best sports cars ever created. It is not only extremely fast in its factory version, but it discovers new horizons in terms of tuning and drag racing. TheRacingChannel has published a video on Youtube showing epic history moments from the creating of AMS Performance Nissan GT-R Alpha Omega to a lot of record breaks.

    The tuning company has created the first 9-,8- and 7-second Nissan GT-R and holds some other records like 60-130 mph (96-209 km/h) in 2.67 seconds and 100-150 mph (160-240 km/h) in 2.42 seconds, which are practically unbeatable.

    As a reminder, the GT-R Alpha Omega did ¼ mile in 7.984 seconds with a terminal speed of 299.33 km/h (186 mph). It also set 0-60 mph in spectacular 1.72 seconds.

    Still, the tuned GT-R is completely street legal and can go in city almost unnoticed for pedestrians and police. The car doesn’t make scary noise, when its driven normally and goes smoothly even in bumper-to-bumper situations.

    We just can’t describe the atmosphere that the video is offering so… Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX3yCiduBqs#t=314

    Source: TheRacingChannel via Youtube

  • 2014 Volkswagen CrossPolo, Polo BlueMotion and BlueGT

    Volkswagen is going to exhibit several models of the recently 2014 Polo Facelift at the Geneva Motor Show, next week.

    First is the small crossover called CrossPolo coming with a set of new 17” alloy wheels, covered lower areas of the bumpers, sills and the wheel arches. There are also silver inserts on the roof rails, mirror housings and both bumpers. 2014 Volkswagen CrossPolo also boasts a new steering wheel, better fabrics and different gear and parking brake lever.

    Second is the Polo TSI BlueMotion powered by a 1.0 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 90HP (66 kW). It is able to return 57.3 mpg US or 68.9 mpg UK – a 4.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. The Polo TDI BlueMotion has a 1.4 liter three-cylinder diesel with 75HP (55 kW) – 75.8 mpg US or 91.1 mpg UK – just 3.1 liters / 100 km.

    Last, but not least is the Polo Blue GT (Polo GTI), which boasts lowered suspension (by 15mm) and 17” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There are also different bumpers, wide side sills and a rear spoiler above the tailgate. It is powered by a 1.4 liter TSI with 150HP (110 kW), which is 10HP more than before. It also has a spectacularly low fuel consumption – 4.8 liters / 100 km (48.9 mpg US or 58.8 mpg UK).

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Lamborghini Updates Ad Personam Personalization Program

    Lamborghini-Aventador-Roadster-Ad-Personam-THUMBExclusive news for all Lamborghini admirers! The Italian brand has just unveiled that it will present its renewed Ad Personam program at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The personalization program is to be available for the Aventador range, but will soon be offered also for the Huracán.

    The customers will have the unique chance of refining even better their own supercar to the smallest details. Passenger compartment color combinations have been increased, with an expanded choice of leather and Alcantara colors, range of colors for floormats and seatbelts. There is also available a new dual-color exterior paint finish as well as the same livery theme.

    To go further into details, the Ad Personam features a range of new materials such as semi-aniline leather, Forged Composite, a Lamborghini patented carbon-fiber material offered for the hard top, interior and exterior details. The program also adds to the interior via hand-stitched seat emblems and monograms and custom interior colors.

    At the show the brand will present an example of the infinite range of combinations offered by Ad Personam. It will be of course an Aventador Roadster, which will sport a range of high customizations to both its interior and exterior. Further highlight here is that it is the first vehicle with Forged Composite inserts on the front spoiler, air intake, rear spoiler; and, in the interior, on the door sills, instrument cluster cover, infotainment controls and screen trim.

    Moreover, the mirrors and transparent engine hood details have been refined with the choice of a matt silver paint instead of black. The body is decided in shimmering blue a.k.a. Blue Sideris that matches the dual-color rims and the Forged Composite roof with blue highlights and special Y-shaped livery.

    Source: Lamborghini

  • Believe It Or Not MINI Clubman Concept Has Six Doors!

    MINI-Clubman-Concept-THUMBMINI Clubman Concept showcases brand’s new design philosophy and vision for a higher class of vehicles. The model is 26 centimeters longer and around 17 centimeters wider than the current Clubman. In addition, the concept is also more sophisticated and elegant.

    The vehicle is envisioned as a four-door one and sports five seats. As a classic MINI, it features hexagonal radiator grille, Side Scuttles, the Black Band, short overhangs and elliptical front and rear headlights. Clubman Concept is 4223 mm long, 1844 mm wide and 1450 mm in height. The car is decided in Berry Red exterior color, while the roof is in a metallic grey color, called “Blade”.

    Seen from the front, the radiator grille incorporates black chrome bumper in the front section. The three-dimensional structure of the chrome ribs inside the front grille additionally improves the front section. In the lower area one can see a continuous air inlet, while a finely wrought chrome rib appears to hover inside the air inlet. In the outer section of the front apron there are the AirCurtains. They give the wheel arches an aerodynamically optimized closure.

    Continuing to the sides, there are three chrome elements which give the side section a sense of exclusivity with modern understatement. At the front, the Side Scuttle includes filigree mirror base and turn indicator in an elongated element. Above this, the surrounding shoulder line in chrome offsets the corpus of the car from the greenhouse and roof in hallmark MINI style. At last, the 19″ light alloy rims decided in bicolor Black Chrome and Chrome finish round-out the side view.

    At the rear, the Clubman Concept is broad and athletic. The highlight at the rear is the characteristic split doors. In addition, the horizontally positioned rear lights have a highly detailed finish. Here one can also see an aerodynamically enhanced bumper, and a Smart Opening function which is a sensor underneath the bumper.

    Inside the concept car also shows exclusivity. The interior has o larger dimensions and offers plenty of space. Unusual materials were utilized here. Some of them include nubuck leather in a light Sky Blue, patent leather in rich Berry Red and black soft nappa leather. In between, elements in patinized silver add accents. Two fabrics were used – Tweed Grey and Black Twill, while the small details such as the buttons with Union Jack embossment on the seats and central console, contrast stitching, piping or red accentuation surfaces in the sun blinds add a touch luxury.

    The most powerful presence inside however is attributed to the leather-covered instrument panel. It has a surround in blue limed ash grain and a white porcelain finish. The linear air vents have patinized, silver-plated surrounds; while between them there is an area in Black Chrome which can be back-lit. The lower section of the instrument panel is finished in Berry Red patent leather, which contrasts the discreet design of the upper half.

    Source: MINI

  • Nissan Note Range Gets Enhanced With DIG-S Model

    Nissan-Note-DIG-S-THUMBThe next news from Nissan for the day is that it has just enhanced the Nissan Note range with the DIG-S trim level. The car will be powered by company’s supercharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, thus promising best in class efficiency and low running costs.

    However, the unit sports low-friction, it is lightweight and highly efficient, and has a displacement of just 1,198cc. Despite the compact dimensions, the Direct Injection Gasoline – Supercharged generates 98 hp (72 kW) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque for CO2 emission and fuel efficiency figures of 99g/km and 65.7mpg, respectively.

    Furthermore, the DIG-S has Nissan’s Idle Stop/Start system that switches-off the engine when the car is stationary. The brand has made some improvements to the system that result in reduced noise and vibration during the restarting process.

    The new powertrain can be matched with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional XTronic one. XTronic is a low friction technology which makes the Note more efficient than ever.

    What is more, in terms of exterior and structure enhancements, the DIG-S models benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, revised suspension including new springs, dampers and roll-bars, revised steering settings, changes to the VDC and ESP software.

    As an option, the brand is also introducing a very special Style Pack. It adds two-tone diamond cut 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, carbon look rear bumper, neat rear roof spoiler, side sills, aggressive front bumper with a glossy black grille and topped by black bezel headlamps.

    The interior here is adorned with a three spoke steering wheel, and features Nissan Safety Shield, which brings together a number of features that use cameras and sensors to monitor the area around the car at all times. These include Blind Spot Warning, Land Departure Warning, Moving Object Detection and Around View Monitor.

    Source: Nissan

  • Nissan Sharing A Glimpse Of 2015 Juke

    2015-Nissan-Juke-THUMB2015 Nissan Juke is to be revealed for the first time at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The brand is teasing the public by releasing an image of the side of the new car, which is wrapped in something like a net.

    Juke is undoubtedly a car which has triggered the birth of many opinions, and Nissan is promising that people will continue to talk about it. The latest version of the premium B-segment crossover promises even more striking design, and we are definitely already eager to see it.

    Furthermore, the new Juke will also offer improved efficiency and enhanced refinement, thus ensuring its place among the stars at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. Until then, the brand is starting a campaign: it will unveil the 2015 Juke gradually via its social channels (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). There the image of the model will become clearer and will define some new design cues.

    Source: Nissan

  • Hyundai Unveils Intrado Concept Ahead Of Geneva

    Hyundai-Intrado-Concept-THUMBHyundai Intrado Concept is set to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, where it will showcase the brand’s belief that advanced vehicle technologies and intelligent design. The model is an embodiment of a car which is easy to use, intuitive to interact with, and readily adaptable to the varying demands of a busy and active lifestyle.

    The name of the concept stems from the underside of an aircraft’s wing – the area that creates lift. The designers have used here advanced materials and technologies also inspired by the aircraft. Of course, the shape of the car is dictated by the need to be aerodynamically efficient. What I personally like very much in this concept is that it is free of unnecessary adornments and features minimal detailing.

    The interior of the concept car is as practical as the exterior and puts the man focus on the usability and adaptability. It is also built with advanced materials. Inside, one sees how the seals of opening panels shut directly against the central carbon frame, showcasing the carbon fibre whenever doors, hood or trunk are opened.

    In fact, inside, the components which are usually hidden are here emphasized. Such are the ‘see-through’ air vents and exposed frame onto which the seats clip directly. The interior theme is decided mainly in bright ‘Beaufort Orange’, which contrasts with the exposed carbon fibre.

    Intrado is built with the use of Hyundai’s super-lightweight steel, thus giving the concept a lighter and stronger structure. In addition, the central carbon frame structure is constructed using new, patent-pending manufacturing and joining techniques.

    In terms of power, under the hood of this Hyundai concept sleeps the next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that uses a Li-ion 36 kWh battery. The latter is refueled in just a few minutes, and gives the Intrado a range of up to 600 kilometres, and of course – it emits only water.

    Source: Hyundai

  • Volvo V40 D4 Adds New Drive-E Powertrains

    Volvo-V40-D4-THUMBVolvo Drive-E powertrains will now be available for the Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country. Precisely, the Volvo V40 D4 delivers 190 hp (140 kW) alongside the 85 g/km CO2 emissions. The V40 model can be equipped with two engines from the Drive-E engine family, the 245 hp (180 kW) petrol turbo T5 one and the turbo diesel D4 that provides 190 hp.

    Both engines are matched with an 8-speed automatic gearbox which contributes to the refined drive. As an option there is also available the enhanced six-speed manual transmission which was tuned for improved fuel economy, as well as versions with the automatic gearbox that have paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting.

    To go even further into details, the D4 turbo diesel not only delivers 190 hp but also can secure 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This is due to the world-first i-ART technology which uses pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail.

    In details, each of the injectors has an intelligent chip on top of it that monitors injection pressure. With the gathered information, the self-adapting i-ART system injects the ideal amount of fuel during each combustion cycle. The diesel powerhouse also includes modifications such as a state-of-the-art twin-turbo, reduced friction and a smart valve solution on the cooling system.

    V40 D4 has a fuel consumption estimated at 3.3 l/100 km on a combined cycle, which corresponds to 85 g/km CO2 emissions. The figure for the V40 Cross Country is 4.0 l/100 km and 104 g/km CO2 when it is equipped with the manual gearbox. On the other hand, the four-cylinder petrol turbo T5 unit produces has 245 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel efficiency here is rated at 5.8 l/100 km (136 g/km).

    Source: Volvo

  • Jaguar Introduces XFR-S Sportbrake

    Jaguar-XFR-S-Sportbrake-THUMBJaguar XFR-S Sportbrake is the third model to join the high performance R-S range of the luxury company. The car incorporates engineering characteristics from XKR-S and the F-TYPE two-seater, thus delivering focused, agile and responsive driving qualities.

    XFR-S Sportbrake is equipped with 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which is capable of producing 550 hp (404 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft). The unit is coupled with an eight-speed transmission which also includes the ‘Quickshift’ technology that was developed for the F-TYPE. The result is acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

    Furthermore, Sportbrake’s rear suspension was modified with revisions to both rear spring rates and the adaptive damper tune. In addition, the recalibrated active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control settings were also tuned for this model.

    In terms of exterior design, the car features deeper front bumper with larger carbon-fiber lower central and side air intakes. The front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper was aerodynamically enhanced, while the extended side sills and aeroblade mouldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break-off point between the lower bodywork and the road surface. The same design philosophy was applied to the deeper side mouldings behind the rear wheels, where the extended rear bumper also includes a central, carbon fibre diffuser.

    The new Jaguar model runs on wider, six-spoke, 20-inch lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels. In addition, the assertive appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake was further enhanced via the gloss black trim in place of chrome around the grille, within the side vent, around the front and rear screens, windows and across the bootlid.

    The exterior colors offered here are: Ultra Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. On the other hand the interior trim is standard and features Warm Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors enhanced through the use of carbon effect leather. Also on the inside, the XFR-S Sportbrake is equipped with as standard with a 825W, 18-speaker Meridian system.

    The tyres for the model were specifically developed in conjunction with Pirelli and are are 10mm wider all round, namely 265/35 and 295/30 at the front and the rear. The difference between the wheel rim and tyre width increases has the effect of pre-loading the sidewall to improve handling and steering response without adversely affecting refinement.

    The revised electronic programmes controlling the Adaptive Dynamics, active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems, work in harmony with the refined suspension, wheels and tyres. Jaguar’s active electronic differential on the other hand can apply full locking torque almost instantaneously when necessary. Furthermore, the car is fitted with High Performance Braking System. The 380mm front and 376mm rear discs are internally ventilated and assure repeated stopping power.

    Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake Technical specifications:

    Engine 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
    Capacity (cc) 5000
    Bore/Stroke (mm) 92.5/93
    Peak Power (PS@rpm) 550@6500
    Peak Power (kW@rpm) 405@6500
    Peak Torque
    (lb/ft @rpm)
    502@2500-5500
    Peak Torque (Nm@rpm) 680@2500-5500
    Transmission Eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic
    0-60mph (secs) 4.6
    0-100km/h (secs) 4.8
    Top Speed (mph | km/h) 186 | 300 (electronically limited)
    Combined Economy
    (EU mpg | l/100km)
    22.2 | 12.7
    CO2 Emissions (g/km) 297

    Source: Jaguar

  • Subaru Teases Viziv 2 Geneva Concept

    subaru-viziv-2-concept-THUMBSubaru has just announced that it is going to make an official premiere of the Viziv 2 Concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The company has also released a teaser image of the car as well as some information around it.

    Subaru Viziv 2 Concept follows the footsteps of its predecessor, which was introduced at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, as well as the Viziv Evolution Concept which was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013.

    Precisely, the new model is a vision for a future-generation crossover concept that shows the future path for the Subaru’s brand value of “Enjoyment and Peace of Mind”. The name “VIZIV” is a coined word inspired by the phrase “Vision for Innovation”, a glimpse of future that spurs revolutionary ideas. In fact, the new Viziv 2 Concept expresses Subaru’s determination to continue the pursuit of this value.

    Next to the new concept model, Subaru will also showcase at the show the new WRX STI and the new racing car developed from the latter. Both are making their European show debut.

    Source: Subaru

  • Nissan GT-R Cabrio by Newport Convertible Engineering

    The tuning specialists from Newport Convertible Engineering, who have already chopped off the roof of the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Evoque and Toyota Prius, now unveiled Nissan GT-R Cabrio.

    NCE didn’t release any specific details about the special GT-R, but there are three different designs for a GT-R Cabrio available only through a custom order. These include a dual hump behind the driver and passenger, a fixed roll bar and a design without the roll bar.

    Of course, the GT-R Convertible will be a lot heavier, but it already has plenty of power. As a reminder – VR38DETT engine – a 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 550HP (400 kW) at 6,400 RPM and 632Nm (466 lb-ft) of torque at 3,200RPM. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph).

    However, GT-R Cabrio is a brilliant idea, because the car is now even more spectacular.

    Source: Newport Convertible Engineering

  • 2014 Citroen C1 – A Perfect Car for City Driving

    Citroen has unveiled the all-new 2014 C1, which will make its official public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next week. It is described as “A Perfect Car for City Driving” thanks to its agility and compact dimensions.

    2014 Citroen C1 is just 3.46 meters long, 1.62 meters wide and has a 4.8 meters turning circle. This makes it extremely useful and easy to drive in city. The new C1 looks a lot different than its predecessor with a striking front fascia, interesting headlight configuration and overall more premium appearance. The new model will be offered in 3-, 5-door and open-top variants.

    The interior of the New Citroen C1 is bright and airy with a colourful ambience. Designed with clean, structured lines, the dashboard features bright colours on the multimedia panel, air vent trim and gear lever base. The door panels also include body-coloured inserts. There is a 7” touchscreen display with Mirror Screen technology, a reversing camera, hill-start assist and hands-free entry & drive.

    The engine range includes the e-VTi 68 Airdream engine, which is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and featuring Stop&Start technology with a special aerodynamics pack. There is also new 1.2 liter three-cylinder VTi 82 petrol from the PureTech engine family. It uses innovative technologies for fuel consumption of 65 mpg UK and just 99g/km CO2 emissions, combined with driveability and nimble performance – torque of 118 Nm and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11 seconds.

    2014 C1 combines an affordable price tag with optimised running costs. The curb weight is just 840 kg and fitted with very-low rolling resistance tyres, it ranks well for efficiency, as well as delivering low servicing costs.

    Source: Citroen