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  • 2014 Cevrolet Corvette Stingray Rated At 460 Horsepower

    The latest SAE certifications have confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray has the most powerful standard engine ever. Namely, the new LT1 6.2L V-8 engine has been rated officially at 460 horsepower (343 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm, with the available performance exhaust system.

    The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. These numbers signify that the particular Corvette model has the highest standard power ratings ever. In addition the efficiency that it shows is expected to exceed 26 mpg on the highway.

    Therefore, drivers can expect to experience even greater acceleration because the power and torque of the unit surpass many other engines offered on the market. As a matter of fact, at 74 horsepower per liter, the LT1 offers greater power density than the C6 Corvette’s LS3 6.2L engine and even the C6 Z06’s racing-derived 7.0L LS7.

    In addition, it also generates torque up to 4,700 with 316 lb-ft available at only 1,000 rpm and 90 percent of peak torque available from 3,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm. This of course results in nothing else but outstanding acceleration at all speeds.

    What is more, the official results show that the Chevrolet can sprint form standstill to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. The high power density and efficiency of the engine are due to several advanced technologies such as direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing.

    First of all, the direct injection is the main reason for unit’s combustion efficiency. It also ensures that there is a complete burn of the fuel in the air-fuel mixture which is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. The same technology also keeps the combustion chamber cooler resulting in higher compression ratio and reduced emissions.

    Secondly, the Active Fuel Management is a synonym of cylinder deactivation. It is the first-ever application which helps save fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders in light-load driving. Thirdly, the continuously variable valve timing is now upgraded and it support the LT1 AFM and direct injection systems. The effect is additional enhancement of the performance, efficiency and emissions.

    These three technologies on other hand support the new advanced combustion system. The latter includes new cylinder-head and sculpted piston design, which in turn contributes towards high-compression.

    It is also important to mention the other engine features include that play their part here. These are the advanced oiling system with oil-spray piston cooling and available dry-sump oiling, engine-mounted camshaft-driven fuel pump, intake manifold with “runners in a box” design, four-into-one exhaust manifolds based on the design of the LS7 engine, Small Block legacy.

    2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe will be available at dealerships this autumn while its Convertible sibling – by the end of the year.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Audi A1 Quattro – XCAR [video]

    Audi A1 Quattro has been tested by XCAR.

    The A1 Quattro is powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol with 265HP (195 kW) at 6000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque from 2500RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). The A1 Quattro is able to return 33.2mpg (combined cycle). The engine is mated to a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

    The electronic stability program (ESP) also includes a sport mode which sets a higher threshold for intervention, and can be switched off entirely for track use.

    The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro has been adapted to suit the dynamics of the drivetrain, and the multi-plate clutch has also been positioned on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution.

    The exterior is finished in Glacier White metallic with a high-gloss black roof. It also boasts 18” turbine alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, grille, red painted ‘wings’ within the headlights, a large two-colour rear spoiler and two 100 mm polished exhaust tailpipes.

    A1 Quattro also has tinted LED rear lights, tinted rear windows and a contrasting black colouring for the rear hatch and rear diffuser.

    The hot hatchback is limited to just 333 units.
    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrvFPFrdJA

    Source: XCAR

  • ROUSH Ford Focus ST Gets Upgraded [VIDEO]

    ROUSH-Ford-Focus-ST-THUMBROUSH Performance has just announced that it is going to offer the Ford Focus and Focus ST models an enhanced upgrade program via exclusive components. The transformation began with the powertrain and continued through the cold air intakes and exhausts.

    To be more precise the additional equipment offered by ROUSH for the 2013 Ford Focus ST is the following: ROUSH Focus ST Cold Air Inztake Kit, ROUSH Focus ST Cat-Back High, Performance Exhaust System and the undergoing development PCM calibration upgrades, suspension components, wheel and tire packages as well as interior and exterior accessories.

    On the other hand the Focus-es produced between 2012-2013 can be equipped with ROUSH Focus (Non-ST) Cold Air Intake Kit. They can also get the PCM calibration upgrades, suspension elements, new wheels and tires as well as additional interior and exterior features.

    In the video below you can see and hear the new exhaust that the tuners have given to the Focus ST.

    httpv://youtu.be/KHG4oSkhqi0

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: ROUSH Performance

  • 2013 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4 litre Turbo – UK Price £16,719

    Vauxhall has announced a new model in Mokka’s range. The 1.4 liter Turbocharged petrol engine is now available to order in front-wheel drive, after being only initially available as an all-wheel drive manual.

    The engine has 140HP (103 kW), which is enough to accelerate 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph). The small car returns up to 47.9 mpg on combined cycle with 139 g/km CO2. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox (optional automatic is available) and Start/Stop function.

    The interior boasts state-of-the-art infotainment systems CD 600 and Navi 950. Intuitive and easy-to-use, the new systems feature a high-resolution, 7” colour display, where the image from the optional rear camera is also displayed. Bluetooth connectivity for both mobile and audio streaming is also available. The Navi 950 comes standard with comprehensive Europe-wide mapping and can be updated by simple download via the USB port. The Navi 950’s premium Bose sound system provides punchy, clear and robust audio with six loudspeakers, a subwoofer and digital amplifier.

    Also new to the Mokka range is a new, bold and eye-catching Orange Rock metallic exterior paint colour and optional 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

    Prices for the new Mokka front-wheel drive model with the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine start at £16,719.

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Kahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 In Striking Orkney Grey

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Evoque-RS250-OG-THUMBKahn Range Rover Evoque RS250 Orkney Grey definitely stands out in the crowd. With its performance-oriented design and special Orkney Grey paintwork, as well as the bespoke interior, it comes to show the meaning of the word masterpiece.

    In order to keep the lightweight design philosophy, Kahn decided to equip this Range Rover model with front and rear bumper replacements with integrated vents, front bumper mesh in matt black and silver, front bumper centre section graphic and 3D mesh inserts (front), front grille with 3D mesh, side vent inserts in copper, door entry sill plates in stainless steel.

    In addition, there were added LED daytime running lights in the front bumper vents as well as lower boot lid spoiler, floating roof stripe, privacy tinted glass, side sill trim in gloss black and brake calipers finished in Vesuvius orange which further maximize efficiency.

    What grabs the attention immediately in this project is the exclusive Orkney Grey colour. It was composed of a particularly concentrated glistening effect. Other words, the structure of this paintwork features a layer of transparent and highly reflective particles, which highlight Evoque’s silhouette. The vehicle runs on Kahn 9.5 x 22” RS600 wheels which are finished in matt pearl grey and rounding off the design.

    On the inside of the car, there can be seen only the finest materials used. The front and the rear seats for instance feature Alcantara and Vesuvius orange details. Next, a diamond gear selector, diamond quilted glove box with contrast stitching and four door armrests (diamond quilted) are also other accents here.

    Moreover, the centre dashboard trim is now in Alcantara and also features contrast stitching. There are also to be seen dashboard stitching, vented foot pedals in aluminium, quilted and perforated dashboard, transmission tunnel in Alcantara with contrast stitching and floor mats.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • 2013 BMW 5-Series 518d – UK Price £29,830

    BMW is now offering 2013 5-Series 518d available as Saloon and Touring model. The luxurious passenger car minimises buying and operating costs, and will be of particular appeal to UK business drivers.

    The engine is a 2.0 liter common rail turbo diesel with 143HP (106 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel consumption is sensational – 62.8 mpg (Saloon) and 58.9 mpg (Touring) – 4.5 to 4.8 liters per 100 km on combined cycle. The emissions are just 119 g/km CO2 (Touring 127g/km). Other important feature is that the 518d already complies with EU6 regulations. 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds for the Saloon and 10.1 seconds for the Touring.

    Standard equipment has also been enhanced to include Business Navigation, Xenon headlights, BMW Emergency Call and Teleservices. The Saloon and Touring also have new-style tail lights with slender, elegant LED light strips and along with an additional crease in the rear apron they emphasise the car’s width and sporting stance.

    2013 BMW 5-Series 518d SE costs £29,830 and the M Sport is £32,630. The Touring 518d SE is £32,155 and Touring 518d M Sport costs £35,080.

    Source: BMW

  • Premium Interior: Carisma Auto Design Mercedes-Benz Viano

    Carisma-Auto-Design-Mercedes-Benz-Viano-THUMBCarisma Auto Design has just unveiled a bespoke conversion of the Mercedes-Benz Viano which comes to offer ultimate luxury, hand craftsmanship, exclusivity and highly discreet travel. The vehicle’s interior is created via exotic materials and includes exclusive audio and visual equipment.

    As a matter of fact, Carisma has redesigned and revolutionized the interior of this Mercedes-Benz. No two interiors of any Viano transformed by Carisma Auto Design are ever the same. The specification and design of each conversion is totally one-of-a-kind because it has to meet the individual customer demands.

    Carisma Viano is equipped with leather carefully sourced from barbed-wire free environments. In addition it is complemented by a choice of real wood veneers, hand-built and fitted to the vehicle. Another highlight that has to be mentioned here is that Carisma’s tuners focus on Viano’s interior so that it ensures that there is no hint from the outside of the special environment within.

    A wide range of multimedia options is offered here in accordance with customers preferences. For instance the Viano V1 Pack includes WinWdows or Apple operating systems, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, audio equipment from Bang & Olufsen. And in other words all of them are there to deliver the ultimate and discreet luxury travel.

    Furthermore, there are also optional elements that can be added. Such include solid crystal ash trays, champagne flutes, integrated premium pen sets with tailored housing, customised seat embroidery, 42” televisions and refrigeration units.

    Source: Carisma Auto Design

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Edition 1

    Mercedes-Benz is now offering a limited edition Edition 1 model of the all-new 2014 S-Class. It will be available during the first 12 months of production.

    The S-Class Edition 1 follows the announcement of the CLA Edition 1 and A45 AMG Edition 1 coming with additional equipment. The luxurious saloon can be ordered in exclusive blue anthracite or bright diamond white metallic colors. There are intelligent LED headlights offered as standard and panoramic sunroof and “Edition 1” badges on the fender.

    The interior has Nappa leather with contrast stitching for the seats and roof lining. There are also leather-covered sun visors, a microfiber dubbed DINAMICA wrap for center armrest, top of the instrument panel and front/rear door panels.

    Other highlights include “Mercedes-Benz” illuminated logos on the sill plates, Nappa grab handles with contrasting stitching and an interior theme choice of deep blue sea or satin beige.

    The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Edition 1 comes with ambient lightning, parking, driving assistance and air balance packages – all of which are optional on the regular model.

    The price of Edition 1 is just an extra €19,706 over the standard 2014 S-Class. Considering all the additional equipment, the new special edition is a real bargain.

    Source: Mercedes

  • 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept Debuts At Hot Rod Power Tour

    1967-Chevrolet-Camaro-Hot-Wheels-Concept-THUMB1967 Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Concept will lead a caravan of Chevrolet high-performance production and concept vehicles at the beginning of the Hot Rod Power Tour, which is a weeklong road trip. Some of the other models which are going to be included in this event are the Camaro ZL1 Convertible, Camaro Hot Wheels Edition and the Corvette 427 Collector Edition Convertible.

    The Power Tour starts on 1st of June in Arlington, Texas and will end in a week later. The Hot Wheels Camaro Concept pays tribute to the Custom Camaro that was part of the original 16 Hot Wheels toys produced in 1968. In addition the model is a true example of Chevrolet Performance’s brand new emissions-compliant LS3 E-ROD Connect and Cruise crate powertrain system.

    The latter system features 430 horsepower (316 kW) LS3 engine mated to a 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Other engines and components that are going to be on display at the Chevrolet Performance trailer are the LSX454R, ZZ572 and ZZ383 crate engines; a partial chassis with an LS376/575 engine and 4L85E transmission installed; an LSA engine/4L85E transmission Connect & Cruise powertrain package; and a parts board with critical components like engine controllers and vehicle-specific parts.

    What is more, at the event, Chevrolet will also drive the one-of-a-kind “Motor Medic” Silverado support vehicle. It is equipped with tools and parts that are designed in order to help Power Tour drivers keep their cars on the road.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • 2014 GMC Sierra Denali 1500

    GMC has unveiled the new special 2014 Sierra 1500 Denali Pick-up Truck. The big vehicle is scheduled to hit the market this fall. It is described as the most luxurious and technologically advanced pickup in company’s history.

    The 2014 Sierra Denali boasts a chrome grille, body-color bumpers and a set of 20” alloy wheels. There are also projector-style headlights, LED DRLs and a polished stainless steel exhaust tip.

    The interior comes with leather upholstery, aluminum trim and super luxurious heated and cooled front seats. The steering wheel also has a heating function. The “Denali” branded sill plates deliver nice comfort feeling, while the 8” Customizable Driver Display is very handy. Other highlights of the interior include an infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system and a power sliding rear window with a defogger. Customers can also opt for a sunroof and a rear seat entertainment system with screens on the front head rests.

    The engine range includes an entry-level 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V8 with 355HP (265 kW) and 518Nm (383 lb-ft) and a powerful 6.2 liter EcoTec3 V8 with 420HP (313 kW) and 609Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque. RWD is standard, but there is an optional 4WD.

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

    Source: GMC

  • Power, Beauty and Soul: 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

    2014-Aston-Martin-V12-Vantage-S-THUMB2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S has made its debut today and it is going to take the place of the outgoing V12 Vantage in the world-wide markets, except for the One-77 Hypercar. In fact, this model is the fastest road-going Aston Martin ever produced.

    V12 Vantage S comes equipped with the new AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. Thanks to it this Aston Martin model is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 mph. With it it generates 573 horsepower (421 kW) and 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm.

    In addition, the model is equipped with race car technology, for example there is the CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts. Another instance is the new gearbox – the Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) which is a development of the automated manual gearbox seen in the current V8 Vantage S.

    Furthermore, in the car debuts the three-stage adaptive damping, which allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character. It offers ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes that are made to better suit the driver’s requirements.

    Other new highlights here are the exhaust system that has been “taken” from the One-77 Hypercar and the ZF Servotronic power assisted steering. The latter delivers quicker 15:1 ratio and is linked to the adaptive damping button.

    I terms of exterior, the car stands put with its exclusivity and aggressive presence. The first elemnet that grabs the attention is the grille which includes a carbon fibre arrangement of the famous aluminium vanes. The new grille is designed to optimize the airflow to the V12 engine, and it is inspired by the CC100 Speedster Concept.

    In this car also a debut make the new lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels and the exterior graphics pack that features black painted roof and part-painted boot panel. What are kept in this model are the proportions and the masculine stance.

    Next, the interior of the vehicle also reflects the sporty nature of the model. It includes new-style seating with Sport and carbon fibre Lightweight seat options, revised stitching and welt detailing, two leather grade options – Luxmill and semi-aniline – plus the possibility to include Alcantara. Furthermore, there is an optional Carbon Fibre Interior Pack that that adds carbon to V12 Vantage S facia and door pulls.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • DEBUT: 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS Delivers 576 Horsepower

    2014-Vauxhall-VXR8-GTS-THUMBThe new 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is equipped with Eaton supercharger and 6.2-litre LSA V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This means that it is capable of delivering nearly 600 hp (441 kW) and a soundtrack guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end.

    The vehicle is based on HSV’s GEN-F GTS and it is propelled by the new supercharged LSA V8 unit that is identical to that utilized in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL. To be more precise it delivers 576 hp (426 kW) and 739 Nm (545 lb-ft) of torque. This means an addition of 150 hp (110 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) respectively over the outgoing LS3-engined VXR8.

    In addition, the other highlight featured in this Vauxhall GTS model is the new VXR8’s Eaton supercharger which has 4-lobe rotors, 9 psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. The supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Moreover, the other LSA features are the stand-alone water to air charge cooling system, the separate transmission and differential cooling system, the water to oil engine cooling system, the Bi-modal air-intake system and the high-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers.

    This unique engine is matched with the latest MG9 spec six-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch as a standard. There is also available an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

    The VXR8 GTS has a brand new front-end design: bold graphics and shallow ramp angles emphasize vehicle’s width and stance. However, the highlight of the front fascia is the ‘twin-nostril’ grille which effects in more aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8. The daytime running lights now work when the headlights are turned on. What complete the design are the 20-inch ‘Blade’ forged alloy wheels.

    On the other hand, there are also some changes made to the rear. For instance, this vehicle is equipped with distinctive LED tail lamps, a ‘diffuser’ with exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome and body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents.

    The interior of the car has also received numerous changes when compared to the previous model. There is an upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliqués and door trims. In addition, there can also be seen VXR Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters.

    Some extra performance is ensured by Brake Torque Vectoring technology that helps decrease the understeer by producing a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. What is more, there is also featured an Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track, hardware and software improvements.

    Vauxhall VXR8 GTS runs on wide tyres, namely the Continental 255/35 R20 at the front and 275/35 R20 at the rear. Additionally, vehicle’s braking capacity has been enhanced thanks to the fitment of AP forged 6-piston calipers with two-piece discs front and rear.

    Finally, the range of technologies included in the VXR8 feature Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front, Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera, Passive Entry/Push Button Start, Head Up Display, Forward Collision Alert, a camera above the rear-view mirror and Lane Departure Warning.

    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS has a starting price of £54 999.

    Source: Vauxhall