Blog

  • Petrolicious: Time Machine [VIDEO]

    Petrolicious-Time-Machine-THUMBHave you ever wondered what a car’s life would be like? Of course, I don’t expect from you a positive answer, but just a rising interest of what it is all about. If I have done this, then you should definitely watch this video, where the fellows from Petrolicious follow one Peugeot through its circle of life.

    The video below tells the story of Venisio Pagani from Cortona, who’s passion is to restore old cars that have history and stand out from the crowd immediately. He shows a Peugeot which he has found by accident at a swap meet.

    But what made the car so special to him was the fact that back in the days his father had driven the same model. You will also hear how Venisio restored this car and what challenges had he faced during this process. And more importantly what kind of “surprise” eventually had he found …

    httpv://vimeo.com/55908190

    Video Source: Vimeo

    Source: Petrolicious

  • 2013 Ford Fiesta Van Offers New Design and More Technologies

    2013-Ford-Fiesta-Van-THUMB2013 Ford Fiesta Van is agile and stylish and in addition delivers great fuel efficiency and segment-first technologies. In particular, all diesel engines in the new model achieve under 100g/km CO2 emissions and 76.4 mpg.

    Moreover, the Fiesta ECOnetic Van includes improved fuel-saving technologies which deliver 87g/km CO2 emissions and 85.6mpg. The vehicle has a practical 1.0 cubic meter load space. The load compartment includes a secure steel bulkhead and four cargo tie-down hooks, plus a tough rubber floor mat and durable sidewall trim. The load length is exactly 1.3 meters and the gross payload ranges from 485-508kg.

    Fiesta Van comes with powertrain choices: the 75 PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi, 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi and the 82 PS 1.25-litre Duratec petrol units. The Fiesta Van with the ultra-efficient 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi powertrain includes as a standard Auto-Start-Stop, lowered suspension, aerodynamic rear under-tray and wheel trims, and low rolling resistance tyres.

    Ford’s driver assistance and safety features includes a number of important technologies such as Ford MyKey and Ford SYNC. The latter comes with Emergency Assistance, whcih directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after a possible accident.

    In addition, here is to be found the Active City Stop system, which is designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions. Other convenience features are also offered: Hill Start Assist, Easy Fuel and Rear View Camera.

    The Fiesta Van also features a sharper design inspired by the latest Ford global design philosophy and concept vehicles, including laser-cut headlamps incorporating LED technology, power-dome bonnet and 17-inch alloy wheels (optionally).

    In terms of interior, it is more ergonomic and reconfigured: it comes with relocated switch-gear, a new centre-console with arm-rest and new materials, interfaces and displays.

    Source: Ford

  • Kahn Range Rover Bali Blue RS300 Cosworth

    Kahn-Range-Rover-Bali-Blue-THUMBKahn Range Rover Bali Blue RS300 Cosworth is the latest tuning of the famous British company. This time they have combined Cosworth engineering with quintessential styling.

    To be more precise, the Range Rover is equipped with RS 300 Cosworth edition package, it is painted in Bali blue, and includes one of a kind interior design. As a matter of fact, the package is synonymous with style, comfort and luxury – it boasts a complete 10 piece wide arch body kit, extended front lower lip spoiler, exhaust side vents (pair), RS front grille with 3D mesh.

    In addition, it also includes squad exhaust system in stainless steel, privacy tinted glass, exhaust side vents in matte pearl grey, door handles in matte pearl grey, front wheel arch LED light strips, exterior Cosworth enamel tailgate logo, exterior Cosworth enamel seat logos and break calipers finished in liquid red

    But this is not all, Kahn did not take care only for the sharper looks of the vehicle, but also for its accelerations. The engine enhancements consist of an arrangement of alterations to the supercharger and ECU programming, and this ensures a boost in power to 300 hp (220 kW) – ensuring a very rapid and individual 4×4.

    What is more, the “bespoke touch” is to be found in the interior as well, where this Rover comes complete with door panel tops in quilted and perforated leather with silver stitching, interior facia trim (8 pieces), quilted leather binnacle (instrument surround), clock bezel – billet with Swarovski diamonds, Cosworth time clock, Cosworth speedo in blue, Cosworth rev counter in yellow, Cosworth door entry sill plates in stainless steel, Cosworth vented foot pedals in machined aluminum, floor mats (black charcoal finish), diamond quilted centre glovebox and interior Cosworth enamel seat logos.

    The vehicle received of course a brand new set of shoes. They were created with the utilization of the state of the art manufacturing and materials technology – namely the Kahn Cosworth RS wheels which come in 9.5 x 22’’ size for the front and 10 x 22’’ for the rear.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Mcchip-DKR Porsche 993 GT2 Turbo Widebody MC600

    Mcchip-DKR has presented the highly tuned Porsche 993 GT2 Turbo 3.6 Widebody MC600. Behind this long name there is a hell of a car. Of course, the last number means the amount of power under the rear hood.

    The 3.6 liter bi-turbo flat-six engine has a new engine block and rebuilt K26 turbochargers developed by PUTZ Motorsport. The result is 612HP (450 kW) and 847Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through the rear wheels with the help of a Drexler LSD (limited-slip differential). CARGRAPHIC provided the full exhaust system including sport catalysts.

    The widened Porsche rolls enormous 10J x 18” front wheels and 13J x 18” rear ones fitted with high-performance tires. The suspension comes from KW – Competition Variant 3.

    The interior boasts Recaro bucket seats, safety roll-cage and some panels from carbon fiber. There are also a fire extinguisher, a STACK display with video system and data recording capabilities, along with a shift-throw reduction to the shifter.

    The complete conversion costs whopping €200,000.



    Source: mcchip-dkr

  • RDX Volkswagen Golf VII – Exterior Upgrades

    RDX has announced their tuning program for the new Volkswagen Golf VII. The latest generation of the hatchback has received only exterior upgrades bringing better individuality.

    The 7th generation of the Golf will get complete aerodynamics package from RDX tuning. The aftermarket specialists offer a good variety of quality products fitting perfectly to the car without ruining the aerodynamics.

    RDX can fit Golf VII with two different front spoilers, a set of eyebrows, restyled side skirts, a new roof spoiler and two rear aprons. All parts are made from high quality materials and the two front spoilers and the rear one are manufactured from polyurethane plastics. This guarantees good durability and easy to paint surface.

    Nothing is mentioned about the prices.

    Source: RDX

  • KTW Tuning Mercedes-Benz Citan

    KTW Tuning has presented the tuned Mercedes-Benz Citan W 415. The city van boasts new stance, wheels and some nice accents.

    The KTW Tuning 18” rims with five double spokes fit perfectly to the vehicle. The set is wrapped in appropriate XL tires there can be read the following side dimensions: 225/40ZR18 92Y. There are also additional 10mm spacers giving more width and nice stance.

    Other nice upgrade is a set of KTW Tuning lowering springs reflecting on driving dynamics. Last are the red painted brake calipers.

    The price for the complete conversion is just €1,999. Not much considering the new vision.

    Source: KTW

  • 2013 Subaru Stella Facelift for Japan

    Subaru has announced the new 2013 Stella specially created for Japan domestic market. This is the second generation of the Stella, which was introduced in May last year, but the manufacturer already has prepared an updated version of the small vehicle.

    2013 Stella is based on 5th generation Daihatsu Move. The car has the same dimensions as before – 3395 mm length, 1475 mm width, 1620mm height and a 2455 mm wheelbase. The curb weight is 810 kg (1785 lbs) for the base level and up to 890 kg (1962 lbs) for top specs.

    The small car is powered by a tiny engine – 0.66 liter three-cylinder petrol available in naturally-aspirated or turbocharged versions. Both have 64HP (48 kW) of power, but the turbocharged model reaches full power at 6,000 RPM while the regular version reaches it at 7,200 RPM.

    The front suspension is MacPherson strut and a rear torsion bar. This guarantees good comfort as well as the standard extras – stop/start system and ventilated front discs. Other interesting upgrades are restyled front fascia and obstacle detection system, which is available as an option.

    Source: Subaru

  • 2012 Audi A6 Avant tuned by JMS

    JMS has announced their tuning program for the all-new 2012 Audi A6 Avant. The styling kit will fit all models except S-Line package.

    The tuning kit consists of: a new frontlip jms racelook exclusive line with an integrated diffuser (€319), fitted easy with glue and screws onto the series frontbumper. It lowers the front end with 3cm (1.1”). Other nice upgrade is a full KW Coilover adjustable suspension for €1,099. The ride can be lowered with up to 50mm at the front and 45mm at the rear (on the picture).

    There is a set of of one-piece OZ Racing Ultraleggera wheels with a matte black finish. The dimensions are 8.5J x 20” with 255/35 R20 tires. The price including rubbers is €3,599. A bit pricey, but definitely looks good.

    All parts will be ready to ship or installing from the specialist dealer at the end of January 2013.

    Source: JMS

  • Gemballa Racing 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 – Price €350,000

    The high-performance Gemballa Racing 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is already available for sale. Actually, just two units can be bought from jameslist.com. The price is sensational – €350,000 as the car itself.

    McLaren produced only 25 units for this year and only two of them are carefully tuned by Gemballa Racing. These versions come with 608HP (447 kW) twin-turbocharged 3.8 liter V8. 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph).

    Some of the upgrades include a bespoke racing gearbox, carbon safety cell, race front splitter, large fixed rear wing, optimised air vents at the front and a racing diffuser at the rear. The steering wheel with integrated display is an ode to Formula 1.

    The car has a crub weight of just 1,235 kg (2,722 lbs).

    However, both cars can be modified to be completely street legal. It is interesting to go to groceries store with such type of car.

    After all, a McLaren is always a good investment, so if you have spare €350,000 for a vehicle, this is your car.

    Source: Gemballa

  • Oakley Design Lamborghini Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition

    Oakley Design has announced their latest project based on the famous Aventador. The name of the project is Lamborghini Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition and besides the aggressive look, the car has additional 60HP and and 55Nm of torque.

    Oakley Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition will be run in limited series of just ten units. For now, only one is built.

    It comes with complete aerodynamics package including a modified front bumper, a large rear wing and some carbon fiber accents. The car rolls enormous HRE Wheels fitted with high-performance tires. It also has painted brake calipers with “Dragon Edition” badging.

    The interior features individually-numbered plaques and embroidered dragons on the doors. Looks authentic, because the hiper-car itself is a kind of angry dragon. At least, it sounds like this.

    This sound comes from a 6.5 liter V12 featuring a titanium sports exhaust system. The additional power comes also from an optimized ECU. Oakley Aventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition has 760HP (559 kW) and 745Nm (552 lb-ft) of torque.

    Source: Oakley Design

  • Volkswagen Snowareg – The Best Winter Vehicle

    What is the best winter vehicle? Subaru, Mitsubishi or Audi Quattro? You may think so, but none of them can be even close to the ultimate winter vehicle – Volkswagen Snowareg.The Snowareg is produced for Volkswagen Sweden in 2011. It is based on the latest version of the big SUV. It features tank-like tracks that work “perfect” on all surfaces. In other words, it is suitable not only for going in deep snow, but on mud, grass, ice or tarmac. Still, we doubt  a little for the last one.The Snowareg has a mighty 4.2 liter V8 TDI with 340HP (250 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), which is just enough to pull almost everything out of deep snow-drift, except a real tank of course. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and an average fuel consumption of just 9.1 liters per 100 km (25.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 239 g/km.So the Snowareg is not only the best vehicle for winter conditions, but it is very “green” and suitable for everyday driving. Luckily, only test drivers will do that and the company won’t put it into series production.

  • Atanas Vilner: Perfection To The Detail Is The Way To Success [INTERVIEW]

    Since Christmas is just a step away, we have decided to make a present to our readers! We had a talk with Atanas Vilner – the person who stays behind the breath-taking tunings of Vilner! Here you can read what we have asked him and what he had to disclose.

    automobilesreview.com: Your Company has achieved many accolades recently. Your tunings are exquisite and I must honestly say that they are one of the best ones I have personally seen. But, would you tell us when and how did everything start?

    Atanas Vilner: It all started as a joke in 1996. I began working on a personal automobile and since at this moment there was no one who could make the interior as I wished it to be, I decided to do everything myself. After seeing what I have done, most of my friends wanted me to make some changes on their cars as well. Then the friends of my friends contacted me, and then – resellers, car dealers, car collectors, racers … I am explaining this phenomenon with my perfection to the detail: I simply can’t allow crooked stitching, crease or any other defect in the interior. My whole team also strives for perfection, and through time the people who stayed with me embraced fully the idea that the customer should always be pleased.

    a: Where do you get inspiration from?

    A.V.: The positive emotions that our clients give us are what inspire us the most for our future projects.

    a: Which is your favorite project that you have worked on until now?

    A.V.: Chevrolet Camaro 2010. In fact, I have many favorite projects, but this car was mine and in it I made everything I wanted to – starting from materials, design and ending with stile.

    a: Is there any vehicle in the world which you dream of seeing in your garage so that it would be improved?

    A.V.: Pagani Zonda and I know that this will happen.

    a: And is there any vehicle that you don’t think it could be made better, or in other words that is perfect in its “stock” vision?

    A.V.: We are like plastic surgeons – every beautiful woman can become even more beautiful. Our work is similar: in terms of cars, there is always something which can be made better.

    a: If a client comes to your garage and asks you to do something absurd, how much are you keen on making the order as he or she wishes and what do you actually do in such cases? Is the client always right?

    A.V.: Every absurd project goes through our creative prism and as a consequence it isn’t absurd anymore. In other words, when it is mixed with our professionalism, I can fearlessly affirm, that we can transform it into a piece of art. It is only a pity that there aren’t any galleries for such masterpieces.

    a: And what do you think is your biggest achievement up to date?

    A.V.: For us each and every project is a great achievement. And we never allow ourselves to judge any project as big or small, as expensive or inexpensive.

    a: Rimac Concept One and how did you get there? Is it a fruit of your hard work or is it just a matter of luck?

    A.V.: It is rather a combination of both, but I think that Mate Rimac should answer this question, because he is the one who chose us. I assume that we have won him with our braver combination of colors for the interior, in comparison to our colleagues from Italy. We also don’t underestimate the fact that we have personal attitude towards our every single project and client. For that reason Rimac trusted us for their second project and we are currently working on it.

    a: We are eagerly looking forward to seeing it! And in this sense, what do you think of electric vehicles? Are they really the future of the automotive business?

    A.V.: I personally would drive one.

    a: We have recently seen that you have started modifying some exceptional bikes. Where do you find the biggest pleasure – in tuning a bike or a car?

    A.V.: Certainly the automobiles are my greatest passion. I don’t even have a driving license for a motorbike. (he smiles)

    a: Where do you picture yourself to be after ten years?

    A.V.: I hope that I would see my interiors all around the world!

    a: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the readers of automobilesreview.com?

    A.V.: The people out there must know that everything we do is absolutely individual and in other words it is made according to the wishes of the particular client: to satisfy his individuality, taste and comprehension. This isn’t a serial production which has the only goal to appeal to every customer. The same counts for paintings, tattoos, music … This is the reason why after the name “Vilner” we have put “Your Style” …

    a: Thank you for this interview and your time. I am sure that the readers of automobilesreview.com will be delighted to see it.