Automobiles Review – Page 620 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Peugeot 308 SW Revealed Ahead Of Official Geneva Debut

2014 Peugeot 308 SW is the next addition of the 308 range which will be offered by the French brand. The model has undergone en entire redesign in order to bring about more convenience, and high levels of competitiveness.

308 SW sports sleek proportions. It is 4.58m long and has a height of 1.47m). The generous dimensions provide ample volume, spaciousness, versatility and practicality. As a matter of fact, the car will offer 610dm3 of boot capacity which makes it a class-leader in the segment.

Furthermore, the 2014 Peugeot 308 SW will use Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) which will contribute for the optimization of the weight and will deliver enhanced dynamic efficiency. In fact, the 2014 model is 140kg lighter than its predecessor and this greatly enhances the overall driving experience. The car will be equipped with BlueHDi unit which will emit just 85g/km of CO2.

The interior of this Peugeot offers modern, clean and clear i-Cockpit with new driving sensations. It is built with high quality materials and features a lot of details as well as offers great roominess.

2014 Peugeot 308 SW will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale across Europe in the Spring.

Source: Peugeot

January 6, 2014

2015 Subaru WRX STI To Debut At NAIAS

Subaru has announced that it will make an official introduction of the 2015 Subaru WRX STI at the North American International Auto Show on 14th of January in Detroit. Still, no images have been revealed so far and we don’t have even the slight idea of what the car will look like.

It is rumored that Subaru’s iconic performance flagship model will be equipped with 2.5-liter turbocharged engine which is expected to generate more than 300 horsepower. Another interesting rumor is that the STI will be probably sporting five doors.

2015 Subaru WRX made its official premiere at Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder BOXER engine complemented by a twin-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler. The unit is capable of developing 268 hp (197 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft) of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.

What we hope to see on 14th January is that the STI is wider, edgier and definitely more powerful version of the WRX. 2015 Subaru WRX STI will make its debut in a week when more details will be revealed.

Source: Subaru

January 6, 2014

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Goes Officially On Sale

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 officially goes on sale. The car will be offered in five distinctive exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White; as well as one available option package which includes air conditioning and a total of six audio speakers.

It is no secret that this Camaro has been optimized aerodynamically and has achieved a lap on Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1. Another factor that plays crucial role in these terms is the power of the Chevy which comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine.

The petrol unit generates 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential that includes a helical gear set in order to achieve optimal traction.

2014 Camaro Z/28 is fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers. They allow four-way damping control, greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality. Other changes regarding the chassis include stiffer spring and bushing rates for better cornering response.

19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires in size 305/30ZR19 is what also gives the Camaro the exceptional qualities of a fast and furious car. To fully exploit their grip, the Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers.

Inside, this vehicle includes unique matte-metallic finish called Octane, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats also feature bolsters for high-performance driving, and seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 will be available for those willing to buy it for the price of $75,000 USD in late January.

Source: Chevrolet

January 6, 2014

Ultima GTR Twin Turbo Charged by Heffner [VIDEO]

Heffner-Ultima-GTR-shadow Heffner-Ultima-GTR-medium You May have heard about the Ultima GTR. If you haven’t, all you need to know is that it comes from a small company (Ultima Sports) based in Leicestershire, England and can be ordered as a kit car. It is fiberglassy (light), has a tubular steel space frame chassis, an engine mount in the middle and rear-wheel drive. Best of all, you can slot in a variety of power plants in it and it will still run. Ergo, the Ultima GTR is the tuner’s dream come true.

So, back in November, Heffner sported an Ultima GTR on their Facebook page. The caption claimed a power output of “over 1,000” wheel hp and a weight of just 2,500 pounds. Today we bring you a YouTubic testiment to that. Driving Force Club have laid their hands on it. Well, we are 90% sure that this is the same car, given the green Heffner rear wing winglets and callipers and the same ADV.1 wheels. This one has 850 hp though. Still, the custom twin turbo Ford GT engine it sounds ear-bleedingly good. And hey, it does really weigh as little as 2,500 (almost)

Technicalities aside, just watch these rear wheels struggle for grip on a car that weighs less than a Big Mac:

httpv://youtu.be/ylts-LDNWPw

Source: Heffner Performance via Facebook

Video Source: DrivingForceClub via YouTube

January 3, 2014

JMS Tune Up for Mercedes-Benz W176

JMS-Mercedes-Benz-W176-A-Class-shadow Seen enough of JMS‘s minimalistic approach to aftermarket customization? Well, too bad. Here’s a Mercedes-Benz W176 – or, in other words, the latest A-Class – with a slight visual upgrade.

JMS are calling it a kit but we are not so sure about that. It’s just one piece really. A front lip spoiler with an “integrated central diffuser”. You can bolt and glue that thing on the stock bumper A-Class for just 289 Euros ($394). Oh, and it doesn’t fit the AMG variants.

Will you gain something in terms of performance? Is it a hotfix to a known Mercedes aerodynamic glitch? Not likely. But hey, if you find yourself with some spare cash, why not? Might as well throw some more money at it and get the other available JMS parts. That is, alloy wheels, suspension kits speedpedal, chiptuning and exhaust kits. At least then your W176 will really stand out.

Either way, JMS, step up your game. We demand excitement… please.

Source: JMS

January 3, 2014

2014 Lotus Elise S Cup R

Lotus has introduced the 2014 Elise S Cup R, which will take its place alongside the Exige V6 Cup and Exige Cup R as well as the mighty Evora GT4. The small sports car is going to race in Birmingham between 9^th and 12^th January.

Lotus owners looking to race their road cars at weekends, or indeed take racing a step further by entering their Lotus to compete around the world through the global Lotus Cup network; or indeed take part in the almighty GT and endurance series with the outstanding Evora GT4 – there is a Lotus to suit.

2014 Lotus Elise S Cup R is powered by a mid-mounted 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine. It also comes with a bespoke aerodynamic body kit and a motorsport-specific map in the engine control module (ECM).

The body kit includes a revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing. The clever manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce – and combined with adjustable dampers and springs, lap times are reduced by circa 4 seconds on a 3.54km (2.2 mile) lap over the standard Elise S.

Source: Lotus

January 3, 2014

2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo at the Sodegaura Raceway [video]

2014 Nissan GT-R Nismo has hit the Sodegaura Forest Raceway in Japan. The video shows some highlights and sounds of its impressive performance. The lightened GT-R is now faster than ever. It can close a lap around Nurburgring Nordschliefe in just 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

2014 GT-R Nismo is powered by the well-known 3.8 liter V6 (VR38DETT) – 600HP (441 kW) and 650Nm (481 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in less than 3.0 seconds and top speed of around 322 km/h (200 mph) – without limiter.

Other highlights include Bilstein DampTronic dampers, improved aerodynamics, a lot of carbon fiber elements and a massive rear wing adding 100 kg more downforce (at 300 km/h). The Nismo GT-R rolls 255/40 ZRF20 front and 285/35 ZRF20 rear Dunlop tires.

The color range include: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver, Vibrant Red, and an exclusive for this model Dark Matte Grey.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw4VpJXn41c

Source: Nissan

January 3, 2014

2014 Subaru Levorg [video]

Subaru has published a video on Youtube with first impressions of the 2014 Levorg. The model is expected to hit the Japanese market tomorrow. The pricing starts from ¥2,667,600.

2014 Subaru Levorg is described as a “real sports tourer”. The production model is practically identical to the concept, which was presented at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

The engine range includes a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol with 170HP (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque and a 2.0 liter turbocharged with 300HP (221 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Both are mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) sending the power to an all-wheel drive system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVjkgeqxGH8

Source: Subaru

January 3, 2014

Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept Reduces Emissions And Aims For The Future

Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is undoubtedly a first-of-its-kind. It is a sun-powered vehicle which does not depend on the electric grid for fuel. Instead of powering its battery from an electrical outlet, the concept model draws power of the sun by using a special concentrator that acts like a magnifying glass, directing intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof.

The new concept vehicle delivers EPA-estimated 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway, and a combined 100 MPGe. In addition to this by the utilization of renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept will reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions.

In this project, the high-efficiency solar cells on the roof were provided by SunPower. In order to make the solar-powered hybrid feasible for daily use, Georgia Institute of Technology supplied the car with amplifier of the sunlight.

In fact, the engineers at the institute developed an off-vehicle solar concentrator that uses a special Fresnel lens to direct sunlight to the solar cells while boosting the impact of the sunlight by a factor of eight. In addition, this system can also track the sun as it moves from east to west, in order to gain as much power as possible, which in turn makes it equal to a four-hour battery charge (8 kilowatts).

With a full charge, the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to have a total range of up to 620 miles, including up to 21 electric-only miles. What is more, the car has also retained the charge port so that drivers retain the option to power up via the grid.

Without a doubt, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi can make an extremely positive environmental impact and envisions an emissionless future. The innovative concept car will make its official debut at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

Source: Ford

January 3, 2014

Infiniti Unveils Q50 Eau Rouge Concept With First Image

Infiniti has just revealed the first image of the Q50 Eau Rouge Concept. The car will have its official launch at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 13th of January. The high-performance concept model is based on Infiniti’s Q50 premium sports saloon and therefore sports aerodynamic design.

The aerodynamics was in mind, when major bodywork components have been redesigned and manufactured in carbon fibre. The result is that the Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider, while only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the production Q50.

What is more, Infiniti also revealed a lot of details around the new car. First of all, the Q50 Eau Rouge will include deep and detailed carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts. Secondly, a carbon fiber will be also the material for the roof and door mirror casings.

And thirdly, the concept car will run on 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and will be equipped with dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler. More information about Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept is expected to be disclosed during a press conference on 14th of January in Detroit.

Source: Infiniti

January 3, 2014

Triathlete 4×4: Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company CJ300

The second project which A. Kahn Design has prepared for us today is the Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 which is said to be the ultimate athlete’s car. Let’s see why that is so.

First of all, the Wrangler is considered one of the most iconic vehicles ever built. Bud secondly, and more importantly, the Jeep Wrangler is practically designed to be customized. In addition, the vehicle has iconic contour and split level targa roof, which is very attractive to those who like to enjoy weekends outside the urban area.

To go further into details, in terms of exterior enhancements the tuners at A. Kahn Design have added to this project the following elements: Kahn touch includes brake calipers, colour coded side rear panels, door handles, body colour door mirrors, fuel filler cap, smoked headlamps, horizontal LED daytime running lights, door entry sill plates in stainless steel, military smoked headlamps and side repeaters, privacy tinted glass, rear sections and rear wheel.

Furthermore, the new front grille of this Jeep is manufactured with the help of the latest impact resistant technology, which delivers to it luxurious stance and imposing looks. What is more, Kahn’s cross hair exhausts are also included here ad are made of stainless steel to reflect an attraction to a pluto-matic lifestyle.

Going inside the Wrangler, one sees diamond stitched interior decided in red and black and made of the finest leather. Additionally, the interior is easy to wash and doesn’t absorb too much odor or event grime.

At last, to put this perfection onto the road, the designers adorned the Jeep with Kahn RS wheels which in this project were chosen in the size 9 x 20” in smoked black color.

Source: A. Kahn Design

January 3, 2014

A. Kahn Design Reveales Range Rover Sport Cosworth Edition

On the third day of the new year we are to make you familiar with not one but two projects by the famous British tuners at A. Kahn Design. The first project is Kahn Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 RS300 Cosworth Edition which is the perfect vehicle for those who want performance and style.

The car, which is carrying unique exterior color – Military Grey, has an updated engine via ECU remap. The result is the stunning 290 horsepower (213 kW) taken from the peak engine power of 245 hp (180 kW).

After the power enhancement, A. Kahn Desing has included in this Range Rover Sport project a styling package that comprises of 10 piece wide arch body kit, lower front bumper lip extension, RS Extended Large Upper Roof Wing, Kahn enamel wing shields, door handles in body colour, quad exhaust system in stainless steel, RS front grille surround insert in body colour, privacy tinted glass and a pair of bullet side vent inserts.

To make the final touches of the exterior, the tuners have added the emblematic Kahn wheels, namely the RS wheels in Military Grey, which in this case come in size 9.5 x 22” at the front and 10 x 22” at the rear.

We can be sure that wherever the name Kahn is involved, we can expect breathtaking deign of the interior. In this case, the coupe of this Range Rover features front and rear seats in perforated black leather, a Kahn time clock facia insert, vented foot pedals in machined aluminum and a diamond quilted centre glove box. All in all, the result is an exquisite Range Rover Sport which can now proudly join the A. Kahn Design family of magically transformed vehicles.

Source: A. Kahn Design

January 3, 2014

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