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Kia Soul EV Under Development For U.S. Market

Kia Motors are currently developing an all-electric version of the Kia Soul. The EV model is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 and it will be company’s first electric, zero-emissions car marketed outside of Korea.

Soul EV will benefit from the knowledge gained during development of the Ray EV. Of course, the car incorporates the same design philosophy as the recently-launched 2014 Kia Soul. Kia is also promising a range of more than 120 miles at a single charge, which makes it perfect for urban utilization.

Precisely, this EV will be equipped with a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. In an effort to optimize efficiency and range, the vehicle recycles back into the battery the energy produced while the car is coasting and braking.

The charging of the Soul EV is achieved by plugging it into 240v standard outlet. The time needed for full-recharging is up to five hours, while it takes the car only 25 minutes for a ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The prototype shown on the picture is powered by a 109 hp (80 kW) electric motor that produces 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of torque. The motor transmits its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

In terms of acceleration, this Kia Soul EV is capable to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 90 mph. What is more, this EV is extremely “quiet” due to the absence of the noise generated by the engine and to the sound-proofing materials used for the construction of the car.

In addition, the car will be also equipped with Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) which produces audio signals at speeds below 12 mph and whenever the car is in reverse, so that the pedestrians can be more aware of the vehicle in their vicinity.

Soul EV will also offer projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16-inch alloy wheels and other distinctive exterior features.

The interior is promised to be fitted with Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen. As a matter of fact, the interior will focus on the use of eco-components and will feature increased range of recycled materials such as Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, low volatility organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Source: Kia

2015 Subaru WRX Teased Ahead Of Official Reveal

Subaru has just announced that it will exhibit the 2015 Subaru WRX at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The specifications in the model were made specifically for the US market, and in fact the car is making its world debut at the event.

The iconic Subaru’s AWD performance vehicle will be officially unveiled at the press briefing scheduled on 20th of November. A week ahead of the happening, the brand is also releasing a teaser image of the 2015 WRX, revealing its hood and front.

As one can see, the car includes more aggressive stance thanks to its rugged forms and imposing red paint finish. Subaru hasn’t released yet any details about the WRX but we expect to do it on the official reveal.

Next, to the all-new WRX, a design concept model will also make its world premiere. With both vehicles, the brand will stay committed to its statement: “Confidence in Motion” and will continue to pursue further growth and offer customers a future vision of “driving enjoyment and peace of mind”.

Source: Subaru

Honda FCEV Concept To Debut At LA Auto Show

Honda has released a sketch that teases the futuristic Honda FCEV Concept. The next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle will make its world debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show on 20th of November, and will be launched on the market in 2015.

Of course, the image reveals what are the future potential styling directions for Honda and in particular for its new fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV), and also confirms the commitment of the brand in developing advanced alternative fuel vehicles.

As a matter of fact, this model is another step for Honda towards the way to a zero-emissions future. In addition to producing the FCX Clarity, Honda has deployed numerous technologies to enhance the fuel efficiency and minimize the CO2 emissions.

Some of these technologies were utilized in the Accord Hybrid, Accord Plug-In Sedan, Honda Fit EV and the Civic Natural Gas. The FCX Clarity was also named the 2009 World Green Car.

More details and exclusive pictures about the Honda FCEV Concept will be revealed on 20th November.

Source: Honda

Cadillac Partners With Saks Fifth Avenue For White Diamond ELR

Cadillac is partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue in order to create a unique limited edition 2015 Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV, as well as an exclusive special-edition 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe through the 2013 Saks Holiday Catalog.

On 25th of November, they will unveil a specially designed “Frozen Escalade” window display at the Saks flagship store near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The display will feature the brand new limited edition series White Diamond 2015 Escalade with functioning light-emitting diode, or LED, running lamps, which appear embedded and breaking through a wall of ice.

The other star at the display will be the 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition Cadillac ELR, which has a production limited up to 100 units. Among them is the one-and-only 2014 Cadillac ELR with a White Diamond exterior paint.

The Saks Fifth Avenue Special Edition ELR package is priced at $89 500 with deliveries expected in the beginning of March.

To go further into details, the 2014 Cadillac ELR is equipped with Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) propulsion system that generates 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. If the driver selects the Sport mode, the reconfigured accelerator pedal provides quicker torque application and more sensitive feedback through altered suspension and steering settings.

The ELR is also equipped with LED lights. In particular, the design of the main projectors for instance extends from the ELR’s front fascia up into the fenders. The result is a sleek and dramatic appearance. The LED lights are more advantageous, because they last much longer and use less energy than the halogen bulbs.

Source: Cadillac

TEASER: DMC Ferrari 458 Italia ESTREMO Edizione 10/10

The German luxury tuner DMC has just released the firs teaser image of its latest Limited Edition project. In it the designers and engineers at the refining company are again expressing the freedom to use the latest high-tech, without any boundaries. DMC proudly presents the DMC Ferrari 458 Italia ESTREMO Edizione 10/10.

The transformed Ferrari vehicle is kept in secret and is currently being assembled by DMC’s partner in Japan for the 1st client in Tokyo. As one can see from the image, the car has a completely new front fascia that has extreme air channels for better cooling and in addition supports additional downforce.

Furthermore, there is also modified new side-vented front hood which creates lighter specs and a one-of-a-kind visual stance. The side panels in this project add an aggressive touch and were redeveloped to smoothen windflow.

At the back, the entire rear facia is made of carbon fiber, and creates additional dowforce thanks to the massive wing spoiler, which further contributes towards the design character of DMC’s kit. The total weight saving is roughly 60 KG compared with the stock car.

Plenty of photos and more details will be unveiled near official launch.

Source: DMC

EVR Proto VX-101 Rally Raid Concept To Enter 2014 Dakar

Eric Vigouroux Racing has two developed pickup trucks which are going to be featured in 2014 Le Dakar. The specialists have worked in close collaboration with Jefferies Racing. At the rece, the experienced Dakar pilot Eric Vigouroux will team up with American off road racing ace ‘Ballistic’ BJ Baldwin.

The vehicle carries the name EVR Proto VX 101 Rally Raid Concept which is the latest and technically most advanced desert racer. It is powered by a LS7 Corvette Racing engine mated with a Fortin sequential gearbox.

Eric Vigouroux has reced in the past several seasons with Chevrolet Silverado and has achieved top honours. His experience and this of Jefferies Racing resulted in the development of a totally new race truck. In fact, the 2014 Dakar will be the first real competition for the EVR Proto VX 101 Rally Raid Concept vehicle. However, the team aims to show excellent results.

Another interesting fact is that Eric Vigouroux, who is a veteran off-road racer, has won almost every rally he had entered the last four years. In 2010 he became FIA World Cup Champion in the 2WD category and last year Eric was the overall winner of the 2012 Rally of Morocco. BJ Baldwin on the other hand is also a well-known rally raid driver in the USA, who holds four championships in the last six years with several race wins including the Baja 500.

Source: Eric Vigouroux Racing

Porsche Macan SUV To Make Official World Debut At LA Auto Show

At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show which will start on 20th of November, the luxury brand Porsche will make two world premieres and three North American debuts. For this occasion, the company is releasing the first teaser image of the much anticipated Porsche Macan compact SUV, which is automaker’s fifth model line.

Other debuts include the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models, which show astonishing acceleration time of 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, from zero to 100 km/h. Their top speed is 195 mph.

The Porsche 918 Spyder is going to be shown for the first time in North America at the Auto Show as well. This is a plug-in hybrid super sports car that is destined to be a high-performance hybrid, and offers an unprecedented combination of performance by combining the 887 hp (652 kW) output of a super sports car and the silent propulsion of an electric vehicle.

The acceleration time here is estimated at 2.8 seconds for the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h. As a hybrid this car also offers extraordinary low fuel consumption.

At last, also on display will be Porsche Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive models. The Turbo S models are the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious models in the Panamera range.

They have a power output of 570 hp (416 kW) and a top track speed of 192 mph. The models also include wide range of technology and luxury features. For the first time the Executive version will be available with a wheelbase that is extended by 5.9 inches.

httpv://youtu.be/tMKAF7xq6Po

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Porsche

G-Power BMW E92 M3 Hurricane RS – 720HP and 700Nm

G-Power has revealed their latest project based on BMW E92 M3. The sports coupe has received a number of upgrades, but the most important is the performance package – SK III “Sporty Drive”.

The performance upgrade include an ASA T1-724 supercharger, MAHLE forged pistons and new connecting rods. There is also a full titanium sports exhaust system and a modified crankshaft. The engine displacement has grown up to 4.6 liters, instead of 4.0.

The result is spectacular – 720HP (530 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top seed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

The exterior comes with full aerodynamics body kit including a front spoiler, bonnet and a boot lid with tear-off edge. The M3 HURRICANE RS aerodynamic program is manufactured from supremely light and highly strong Carbon fibre in a gas-proof autoclave. The package saves more than 10kg.

Other highlights include G-Power Clubsport coil-over suspension and 20” G-Power Silverstone Diamond forged wheels. The tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in the dimension 255/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 295/25 ZR 20 for the rear axle to keep the vehicle in contact with the road. Braking is done with the G-POWER-ceramic brakes on the front and rear axle, which provide low-weight and reliable high-performance braking. „Fade“ is therefore a foreign word for the 6-piston brake calipers in front which bite on 396 mm rotors and the 4-piston calipers at the rear axle which clamp on 380 mm rotors.

Source: G-Power

2014 Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG – 630HP and 1,000Nm

Mercedes-Benz has announced the high-performance luxurious saloon 2014 S 65 AMG. The car will make its public debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

	S 65 AMG
Displacement	5980 cc
Output	630HP (463 kW) at 4800-5400 rpm
Max. torque	1000 Nm (741 lb-ft) at 2300-4300 rpm
Fuel consumption, NEDC combined	23.7 mpg
CO₂ emissions	279 g/km
Acceleration 0-62 mph	4.3 s
Top speed	250 km/h (155 mph)

The engine is connected to a 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission. The S65 AMG is able to return 23.7 mpg UK – 11.9 liters / 100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of 279 g/km. This makes the S-Class 65 AMG world’s most fuel-efficient V12 high-performance saloon in terms of power and torque.

Other highlights include 20” multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels fitted with 285/35 R20 tires. Behind them, there is a high-performance ceramic composite braking system which is 20 percent lighter than the standard braking kit and comes with 420 mm discs and specially painted brake calipers.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is fitted as standard with MAGIC BODY CONTROL system with ROAD SURFACE SCAN, along with ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist which eliminates understeer when turning into corners by braking the inside rear wheel.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG will hit the market in the beginning of the next year with pricing starting from €232,050.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ohCq35OPc

Also included in the standard equipment package of the S 65 AMG:

AIR-BALANCE package
AMG full-pile footmats, with edging in nappa leather and AMG badge in solid metal
AMG sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
Ambient lighting
ATTENTION ASSIST
Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system
Chauffeur package
Exclusive package
COMAND Online
Driving Assistance package Plus
KEYLESS-GO package
Convenience telephony
10 loudspeakers with Frontbass
LED Intelligent Light System
MAGIC VISION CONTROL
Media Interface
Metallic paintwork
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Parking package
PRE-SAFE^® PLUS
Tyre pressure loss warning system
Electrically adjustable rear seats
Seat Comfort package incl. ENERGIZING massage function
SPLITVIEW
Sun Protection package
Exclusive trim package

Numerous personalisation options are available from the AMG Performance Studio (selection):

AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA, black
AMG trim in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer
Brake calipers, painted red

Additional optional extras (selection):

360° camera
Business Telephony in the rear
designo appointments packages
Executive seat
First-Class rear suite
Individual Entertainment System in the rear
Folding tables in the rear
Warmth Comfort package

Source: Mercedes-Benz

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line – Price £29,505

Volkswagen has announced the price list of the 2013 CC R-Line. The R-Line offers even higher level of equipment than standard and GT trims. It also gives the CC a unique styling and appearance.

The R-Line builds on the already generous equipment list of the GT, adding a distinctive R-Line front grille with round fog lights, R-Line front bumper, R-Line logo in the radiator grille, sill extensions, LED daytime running lights and 18″ Mallory alloy wheels. The interior features an R-Line multi-function steering wheel and trim adds a distinctive touch to complete the look. Despite the additional kit, the R-Line commands a premium of just £650 over the equivalent GT, with prices starting at £29,505.

Two engines will be available with R-Line trim – a 2.0 litre 210HP TSI petrol and a 2.0 litre 177HP TDI with BlueMotion Technology which includes battery regeneration and Stop/Start systems. Both engines come with a choice of either a 6-speed manual or smooth-shifting DSG gearbox. The petrol engine returns up to 38.7 mpg UK on the combined cycle, while the manual TDI returns a very frugal 58.9 mpg UK.

The CC R-Line is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers from tomorrow, with first customer deliveries due in late January.

The CC R-Line line-up:

Engine	Price, OTR RRP, £	Combined mpg	CO₂ emissions, g/km
2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6spd manual	29,505.00	38.7	169
2.0-litre TSI 210 PS 6spd auto DSG	30,905.00	36.7	179
2.0-litre TDI BMT 177 PS 6spd manual	30,045.00	58.9	125
2.0-litre TDI BMT 177 PS 6spd auto DSG	31,520.00	54.3	137

Source: Volkswagen

Lykan Hypersport – Price $3,400,000

W Motors has unveiled the production-ready version of Lykan Hypersport. The hyper car will be exhibited this at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show. The production is limited to just 7 units each priced from $3,400,000.

Lykan Hypersport is powered by a flat-six 3.7 liter twin-turbo engine (developed by RUF) – 770HP (566 kW) and 1,000Nm (741 lb-ft). The engine is connected to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 395 km/h (245 mph).

The spectacular Lykan boasts diamond-coated LED headlights and gold-stitched leather seats. There are a lot of titanium and carbon fiber accents as well as precious stone inserts.

The buyers of Lykan Hypersport will get a Special Edition Cyrus Klepcys Watch worth $200,000.

Source: W Motors