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  • A Trendy Seat Mii Mango Special Edition

    Seat-Mii-Mango-Special-Edition-shadowSeat-Mii-Mango-Special-Edition-mediumWhat do you get when you take a Spanish fashion house and a Spanish car make (that’s actually supervised by a German company) and put mash them together. Why, the Glam Beige Seat Mii by Mango special edition of course. It’s the one car that will make its début on a fashion show rather than on a car show. That is to say, the 080 Barcelona Fashion event (27-31 January).

    On the outside, the Mii special edition distinguishes itself with a special set of dark grey 15 inch alloy wheels, grey electric door mirrors and “Mii by Mango” badges at the back and on the B-pillar.

    The interior is where most of the designer side of it really shines. Leathered steering wheel and gear stick, Alcantara upholstery on all seats with a beige trim and, again, “Mii by Mango” embossing. The door sills too read the same. The mirror on the driver sun visor and the glove box handbag hanger clearly hint that Seat are targeting a very specific group of people (women) with the Mii by Mango. Is that sexist?

    The Mango Mii will be available in either 3 or 5-door versions and will be equipped similiarly to the Style trim line. That means ESC, ABS, front and lateral airbags for the front seats, head-thorax airbags, air conditioning, CD/MP3 audio system, hill hold control, central locking, power windows and more as standard.

    Source: Seat

  • An Adventure: Fiat Panda 4×4 Antartica From Turin To Sochi

    Fiat-Panda-4x4-Antartica-To-Sochi-shadowFiat-Panda-4x4-Antartica-To-Sochi-mediumThe “Panda to Sochi” project is happening right now as we speak. Fiat, in collaboration with Vice Media and a couple more sponsors, is sending a team of four to Casa Italia, Sochi (Russia) in a Panda. That is, Fiat Freestyle Team riders Stefano Munari – star of Italian snowboarding – and Stefan Lantschner, a BMX talent from the Alto Adige area, together with Markus Keller, the famous Nitro team rider who will take turns with Dmitri Sartor during the trip. Gersin Livia Paya, editor of Vice completes the quartet.

    Before their final destination, the team will stop by in 16 different European locations. They will shed some light on the diverse cultures along the way. A team of photographers and videomakers will also join in, immortalising the crew’s tricks and manoeuvres at characteristic landmark sites such as Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, the Potëmkin Stairs in the Ukraine, or Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

    The Fiat used is no ordinary Panda as well. It’s a 4×4 Antartica special edition. It carries a TwinAir Turbo 0.9 petrol engine which yields 85 hp. Antartica specific features include a white and black roof, 15-inch alloy wheels in grey diamond finish, orange hub caps, fog lights, tinted rear and back windows and a badge on the cnetral pillar that serves as an identifier. 175/65 R15 84T M+S Winter Snow Flake tires go on all four wheels as standard – good not only for snow and ice but also dirt roads and general low-grip surfaces. A lot of software also ensure save travels: a torque on demand drive system, an Electronic Stability Control, and an Electronic Locking Differential

    Inside, the Antartica showcases an overwhelming theme of orange and grey fabric (most of it eco-leather). A 3-seater rear seat with 60/40 folding backrest and height-adjustable driver’s seat offers adequate comfort and versatility.

    The team team should also arrive in Sochi with their spines intact since the Antartica sits on a revised MacPharson independent suspension at the front and a interconnected wheel with torsion beam at the rear.

    Source: Fiat

  • Brabus Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 Gets Military Green Exterior And ADV1s

    Brabus-Mercedes-Benz-AMG-G63-ADV1-MV2-THUMBOne of the most emblematic vehicles in Mercedes-Benz range is undoubtedly the G-Wagon. The model was introduced back in 1979 and since than it made an uncompromised mark in the automotive industry.

    Many tuners have taken the challenge to make this machine even more stunning. The tuners at SR Auto Group have also made a contribution to the world of modified G-Wagons with their take on the AMG G63.

    At first, they have equipped it with a complete Brabus Widestar Kit, which includes Fender Flares and Door Add-Ons. Brabus Front Lip with Integrated DRL LED System was later added, as well as Brabus Side Skirts, Rear Bumper, Roof Spoiler, and Carbon Fiber Hood Vent.

    The specialists have then proceeded to treat the exterior with a matte military green vinyl wrap. As a result the exterior of this G63 is now more rugged and aggressive. The final touch in the tuning is the addition of new wheels. Precisely, SR Auto installed a set of 22″ ADV1 7.0 MV2 Wheels in Man Bronze finish, giving this truck an entire transformation from top to bottom.

    Source: SR Auto Group

  • Callaway Introduces Chevrolet Corvette Stingray SC610

    2014-Callaway-Chevrolet-Corvette-Stingray-THUMBCallaway Chevrolet Corvette Stingray SC610 is a high performance version of the latest Corvette Stingray. In 2013 Callaway Competition won the ADAC GT Masters championship. The major benefit and consequence was that Chevrolet authorized Callaway to construct and homologate Corvette C7R GT3 race cars for FIA competition.

    The specialist has refined this Corvette model in terms of performance and exterior appearance, by offering two special enhancement packages for the car as well as engine modification. Just to name some new features, Callaway included direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and advanced engine management control architecture.

    First of all, the LT1 powertrain of the Stingray has been modified and now generates 610 hp (450 kW) at 6400 rpm, while the torque is of 753 Nm (556 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm. This makes it possible for the SC610 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds, and at the same time to maintain unchanged fuel consumption.

    To go further into details, the supercharger system which has been added features Eaton’s TVS four-lobe, high helix rotor pack, OEM-certified quality and service-proven reliability. In fact, Callaway’s new supercharger housing and manifold have been entirely redesigned for improved airflow, while the new intercooler configuration minimizes charge air temperature.

    It is also important to mention that the supercharger is being front-driven. It has a new design which extends through the hood, which has been framed by a Callaway Carbon hood surround panel and integrated underhood air extractor.

    2014 Callaway Corvette Standard Equipment:

    • Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) Supercharger System
    • Callaway Honker High Flow Intake System
    • Callaway Double-D Stainless Steel Exhaust System
    • Callaway Carbon Hood Surround/Extractor, with “Supercharged” Emblems
    • Callaway Exterior Badging
    • Callaway Door Sill Panels
    • Callaway Floor Mats
    • Callaway Underhood Plaque with Vehicle Identification Number
    • Callaway Dash Plaque
    • Callaway Key Fob
    • Callaway Corvette Authenticity Documentation
    • Callaway 3 year/36,000 mile Limited Warranty

    2014 Callaway Corvette Optional Equipment:

    • Callaway AeroWagon Package (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Nine Spoke Wheel/Michelin Tire package (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Coil-Over Suspension with Double Adjustable Dampers (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway ShortThrow Shifter (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Le Mans GT Brake Package (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Sport interior Group (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Carbon Body Package (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Carbon Splitter (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Carbon Rear Spoiler (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Carbon Rocker Panels (Spring 2014)
    • Callaway Corvette Car Cover
    • National Corvette Museum Delivery
    • Callaway Factory Delivery
    • Callaway Extended 5 year/100,000 mile Limited Powertrain Service Contract

    Source: Callaway

  • Mitsubishi Unveils Mirage G4 Sedan

    Mitsubishi-Mirage-G4-Sedan-THUMBAt 2013 Auto Shanghai we have seen the birth of n exceptional concept vehicle – the Mitsubishi G4 Compact Sedan Concept. Now the automaker is releasing an official production version of the concept – Mirage G4 Sedan, which has just officially appeared at the Salon International de l’auto de Montreal in Canada.

    The vehicle is equipped with Mitsubishi’s 1.2-litre, in-line DOHC 12-valve MIVEC three-cylinder engine with a continually variable transmission. It is offered in tow trim levels – ES and SE, each of which is equipped with either a standard five-speed manual transmission (5MT) or available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

    The sedan version of the Mirage G4 has overall proportions of 4,245 mm length, 1,670 mm width, height of 1,515 mm height and 2,550 mm wheelbase. In fact, the car has been offered in a hatchback form as well, which has been rated at 4.4 L/100 km (64 mpg) in highway driving and is one of the most fuel efficient subcompact vehicles.

    To go further into details, the G4 sedan is equipped with wide range of technologies, which include Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Keyless Operating System, power-side mirrors with integrated LED-type lamps and standard15-inch alloy wheels fitted with 185/55 R15 tires.

    Furthermore, the ES trim of the models adds as a standard seven standard airbags Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Override System, Brake Assist System and Electric Brake Force Distribution plus Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) Body System.

    ES runs on P165/65 R14 all-season tires and is also equipped with front disc/rear drum brakes, 140-watt, four-speaker audio system with CD/MP3, halogen headlamps, folding and power side mirrors, intermittent wipers, power front windows, tilt steering, multi-function information display and 60/40 split folding rear seat.

    Source: Mitsubishi

  • Skoda Octavia Hatch GreenLine: 88.3 mpg

    Skoda-Octavia-GreenLine-hatch-shadowSkoda-Octavia-GreenLine-hatch-medium

    There is a new addition to the Skoda Octavia range. It’s the GreenLine hatch – an 88.3 mpg and 85 g/km (CO2) car that still manages to pull off 110 PS.

    The main culprit behind these impressive figures is the 1.6 TDI CR diesel engine. It’s managed by a Start-Stop system which comes as standard on all third-generation Octavia cars anyway. The GreenLine however, comes also with a set of uniquely styled low-resistance wheels. 16-inch in diameter, these alloys go by the name of “Velorum”. The intended tire pressure for the GreenLine is a bit higher than usual in in order to reduce the friction surface area on the road.

    Other technological highlights include regenerative braking and front fog lights as standard. Visual treats: GreenLine badges on the front grille and rear hatchback. The gearstick inside also reads GreenLine.

    The Octavia GreenLine is now officially on sale in the UK and is priced at £20,150 or about $33,118

    Source: Skoda

  • An Exclusive Maybach 57S By Knight Luxury

    Knight-Luxury-Sir-Maybach-57S-shadowKnight-Luxury-Sir-Maybach-57S-medium

    Meet Mr. Toby Knight, the founder of Miami-based Knight Luxury Inc. He firmly believes that the “failure” of the Maybachs around the world is partly due to their unsophisticated design. Would love to know how he feels about caviar hors d’oeuvres. Too rustic maybe? Main point: This is the $1,000 000+ Sir Maybach 57S project by Knight Luxury. Let’s see how things have gotten from unsophisticated to unparalleled.

    The front apron and the back-end bumper seem to be the only non-carbon pieces left on the car, yet they are new as well. The latter hosts a carbon fiber diffuser, while the former sports a set of LED daytime running lights. As for the rest (hood, trunk lid, all four wings, all pillars and all doors), it’s carbon fiber all the way. It’s all very light but we don’t get to see the Sir on a scale, which is a pity. Apparently, if you open the hood carbon air filter boxes and a carbon engine cover will glare at you.

    Four 24-inch inch wheels measuring 9.5 inches at the front and 10 inches at the back The wheel rim stars are carbon-finished and painted, while the wheel beds are black powder coated. A 285/30 R24 tire fits all wheels.

    A 4-pipe sports exhaust system with valve control provides the appropriate soundtrack, while a LED underbody lighting gives that extra pinch of drama. Yeah, lights under the car spell sophistication, apparently.

    Moving on to the inside, you are greeted by a black and white dashboard, an ergonomic sports steering wheel with red Kederrand. The door covers, the foot wells and the door sills are all clad in diamond stitching. The trunk too is lined with diamond patterned leather. In total 28 parts inside were replaced with white carbon counterparts and 39 parts, again inside, were replaced with back carbon. Interior ambiance is achieved through an indirect UV black light inside.

    In terms of connectivity, the Sir Maybach comes complete with an Apple TV module, two iPads and an Apple keyboard accessible to the rear passengers. Among the arsenal of gadgets are also an LTE wireless module and a GPS tracking module.

    Source: Knight Luxury

  • ABT Volkswagen Transporter T5

    ABT has presented their latest project based on Volkswagen Transporter T5. The passenger van comes with both – styling and performance ugprades.

    The 2.0 liter TDI is boosted to 200HP (147 kW) and 440Nm (326 lb-ft) of torque. The 2.0 liter TSI can produce 240HP (176 kW), which is an increase of 36HP over the factory power. ABT Sportsline also offers chip tuning for the less powerful variants – the TDI with 84HP, 102HP and 140HP.

    The tuning company can install special suspension springs lowering the ride height or an entire sport-type suspension.

    The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including front and rear skirt, rear spoiler, side skirts, front grille and daytime running lights available for both the long and short wheelbase. All parts are made from PUR-RIM material guaranteeing perfect quality.

    Last, but not least is the stainless steel quad-pipe sports exhaust system.

    Source: ABT

  • The Beginning Of The Vorsteiner Lamborghini LP-550/60 Renazzo

    Vorsteiner-Lamborghini-Gallardo-Renazzo-front-piece-shadowVorsteiner-Lamborghini-Gallardo-Renazzo-front-piece-mediumFinally, some actual news from Vorsteiner. It’s not much, but it will have to do for now. We’re talking about a new front piece for the Lamborghini Gallardo. Called the Renazzo, it replaces the OEM fascia with a distinctive carbon-fiber bits end vents. The tuners have called the Lambo featured in this gallery the Vorsteiner Lamborghini LP-550/60 Renazzo. We’re guessing the logic behind the name is that the piece fits both the LP-550 and LP-560?

    The 2×2 carbon composite pre-preg construction features two floating aero fins and honey comb mess grills. As an option, there’s, again a 2×2 carbon fiber, center splitter add-on piece and dual fins for even more looks and (possibly) stability.

    The design didn’t just come out from thin air. Vorsteiner’s partial source of inspiration was the Gallardo Super Trofeo race car that competes in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo league. The Renazzo project aims to bring that concept onto the streets.

    Yes, there will be more Vorsteiner bits coming out to complete the program. Oh, and the wheels featured here in this gallery belong to Vorsteiner’s Forged VSE-001 one-piece line. We’d venture 20-inches in size.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • 2014 BMW Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo – 410HP and 600Nm

    Alpina has presented the all-new 2014 B4 Bi-Turbo based on the recently announced BMW 4-Series Coupe 335i.

    The sports coupe comes with a lot of unique features like an aerodynamics package from Alpina, new wheels and improved interior.

    The exterior boasts a new front apron and rear spoiler. There is also a set of 20” ALPINA Classic wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. At the rear we can see ALPINA lettering and signature twin tailpipes.

    The engine is the well-known 3.0 liter straight-six – 410HP (301 kW) at 5,500RPM and 600Nm (444 lb-ft) at 3,000RPM. The engine is connected to a ZF 8-Speed Sport-Automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (188 mph). Furthermore, the new B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe achieves a class-leading combined fuel economy of just 7.6l/100km and 177g/km CO2.

    The suspension set-up of the new B4 Bi-Turbo provides great ride-quality and comfort while simultaneously offering sharp and dynamic handling. The adaptive ALPINA sport suspension solves this conflict of interest by means of electronically adjustable dampers in collaboration with performance springs, bump stops and stabilisers. The system allows the driver to use the Drive Performance Control (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) to select the suspension setting and driving dynamics to match his mood.

    Last, but not least is the high-performance brake system – 370mm discs at the front and 345mm discs at the rear with 4- and 2-piston calipers, respectively.

    Dimensions

    Length (mm) 4640
    Width (mm) 1825
    Height, unladen (mm) 1373
    Wheelbase (mm) 2810
    Track, front (mm) 1552
    Track, rear (mm) 1576
    Luggage capacity (l) 445
    Fuel tank capacity (l) ca. 60

    Weight

    Unladen (kg) 1615
    Max permissible (kg) 2135
    Permitted load (kg) 520
    Max axle load, front (kg) 1030
    Max axle load, rear (kg) 1150
    Max trailer load, braked (kg) 1700
    Max trailer load, unbraked (kg) 750

    Engine

    Cylinders 6 in line
    Capacity (cc) 2979
    Bore (mm) 84.0
    Stroke (mm) 89.6
    Compression ratio (:1) 10.2
    Max output (kW / hp / 1/min) 301 / 410 / 5500-6250
    Max torque (Nm / 1/min) 600 / 3000-4000
    Engine management BOSCH MEVD 17.2.6
    Fuel type Super Plus
    Emissions classification Euro 6

    Transmission

    Transmission 8-Speed Sport-Automatic ZF 8HP70 SWITCH-TRONIC
    1st 4.71
    2nd 3.14
    3rd 2.11
    4th 1.67
    5th 1.29
    6th 1.00
    7th 0.84
    8th 0.67
    Final drive ratio 2.81

    Performance

    Acceleration 0-100km/h (s) 4.2
    Top speed (km/h) 305

    Fuel consumption *

    Urban (l/100km) 10.2
    Extra-urban (l/100km) 6.1
    Combined (l/100km) 7.6
    CO² emissions (g/km) 177
    Efficiency category D

    Wheels and tyres

    Standard wheels and tyres ALPINA CLASSIC 20″
    Front 8 x 20 245/30 ZR20
    Rear 9 x 20 265/30 ZR20

    Standard Equipment

    Adaptive ALPINA Sport Suspension
    Air conditioning and radio control panel with Black High-gloss highlight
    Air conditioning, automatic with two-zone control with extended features
    Airbags – front, side and head airbags, for driver and passenger, fond Curtain system
    Auto Start-Stop
    Automatic seat belt extender
    Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (e.g. MP3 player)
    BMW Emergency Call
    Brake Energy Regeneration
    Brake system 18″ high-performance, callipers painted in blue with ALPINA lettering
    Centre armrest
    Cruise control with brake function
    Door sill finishers ALPINA
    Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO mode
    Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comprising: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
    Exhaust system ALPINA, made by Akrapovič, stainless steel, two double-ended tailpipes
    Extended lighting
    First aid kit and warning triangle
    Floor mats ALPINA
    Fog lights
    Front spoiler ALPINA
    Hands-free facility with USB interface
    Headlight wash
    Instruments ALPINA
    Interior trim: ALPINA luxury wood Burled Elm
    Kidney grille, Chrome with Black vertical slats, front air inlet with Chrome finisher
    Paintwork: non-metallic paintwork in standard BMW colours
    Production plaque
    Radio Professional
    Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation
    Rear spoiler ALPINA
    Rear valance ALPINA with two double-ended tailpipes
    Remote control, including integrated key – two. Separate button for opening of the luggage compartment
    Remote control, including integrated key, in Black with insert in Chrome
    Seat heating, front
    Side air inlets (Air Breather) in matt Black
    Sport Automatic Transmission (8-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC
    Sport seats, driver and front passenger, incl. electric seat adjustment with driver memory
    Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC sport leather steering wheel with Multi-function
    Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS)
    Upholstery: Dakota leather, with ALPINA roundels in seatbacks
    Variable sport steering
    Wheels: ALPINA CLASSIC 20
    Windows well covers and frames in matt Black
    Windscreen with grey shade band
    Xenon headlights, with LED day running lights

    Source: Alpina

  • 2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso – Test [video]

    2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has been tested by by Premier League aces Olivier Giroud, Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Wojciech Szczęsny. The Arsenal players put the car on its paces and made a short video about it.

    The new compact 7-seater comes with a lot of  innovative technologies such as dual display screens – a 7” touchscreen and a customisable 12” panoramic HD screen – which are a stylish and smart way of keeping users connected and in control.

    There is also a Park Assist providing automatic assistance when manoeuvring into a tight parking space. As an option, Grand C4 Picasso offers a motorised front passenger footrest and massaging front-seats for maximum comfort.

    2014 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is now available on the UK market with pricing starting from just £19,200.

    Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab7_6KlXCJQ

    Source: Citroen

  • Shelby Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of 289 FIA Cobra

    50th-Anniversary-Shelby-289-FIA-Cobra-THUMB289 FIA Shelby Cobras are an example of the most important cars in American racing history. They debuted in 1964 and competed in 1964 World Manufacturers Championship series. Back then the FIA Cobras were piloted by racing legends including Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant, and logically put the car into the winner’s circle.

    The reason for the success of the vehicle can be also attributed to its robust and powerful engine, combined with a lightweight chassis. Now, the model marks 50th anniversary and to celebrate this, Shelby is releasing 50 limited editions (CSX7000) Shelby 289 FIA Cobras.

    Each of the cars is painted in “Viking Blue” finish and features the iconic FIA stripes and roundels. In terms of interior the vehicles are fitted with black FIA interior. Other special features in the Anniversary cars include billet anniversary badges, original style wheels, a new dash, widened front and rear fenders, cut-back doors, new dampers, racing wheels featuring the pin-drive hub, oil cooler scoops and a competition 289 V8 small block engine.

    Shelby has also translated the beauty of the 1964 model in contemporary language by using modern disc brakes, a stronger frame and the bodies in either aluminum or fiberglass. The Anniversary Edition also includes a special fitted car cover and optional detachable steering wheel.

    50th Anniversary FIA Shelby Cobra made an official first appearance last Friday at the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale. Each car has a starting price of $94,995 USD.

    Source: Shelby