Search Results for “feed” – Page 19

2015 Honda Fit impresses at the 2014 SEMA Show

Honda-Fit-Tjin_651

We have known for months that Honda would present six customized 2015 Honda Fit vehicles at the 2014 SEMA Show but no one expected such a Honda storm at this event. Honda has not only demonstrated the promised six vehicles but has also taken the show by storm with the demonstrated cars. The company has nine personalized versions of the Fit in the Honda booth and won the dreamed “Hottest Sport Compact” SEMA award in no time after the vehicle presentation. The Honda booth is dominated by the Fit, customized by Tjin Edition, which was voted as the Fan Favorite in the 2015 Fit Performance Project, which enabled fans to track the build processes of several teams through an interactive Honda Tumblr site.

“The 2015 Fit is a worthy addition to Honda’s strong heritage of developing tuned sport compact vehicles, and it wears the mantle of “Hottest Sport Compact” well,” said Jeff Conrad, SVP & General Manager of Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co, Inc. “Fun to drive, versatile and a great value, the new Fit does so many things right, and it’s great to see it becoming a popular platform for owner personalization.”

During the past six months Honda fans were able to monitor the progress of the six build teams that customized the all-new 2015 Honda Fit through an ambitious project vehicle program and interactive Tumblr experience, known as 2015 Fit Performance Project. The six build teams – Tjin Edition, voted Fan Favorite; Bisimoto Engineering; Kontrabrands; MAD Industries; Spoon Sports USA; and the award-winning Kenny Vinces – customized the cars in public.

If you happen to visit Honda’s booth at the 2014 SEMA Show you will also see a Fit B-spec race car prepared for competition by Honda Performance Development (HPD), which is Honda’s North American racing company and then a Fit loaded with available dealer-installed Honda Genuine Accessories; and an additional Fit personalized by prominent tuner, Bisimoto, on behalf of Norm Reeves Honda in response to fan feedback prompted through the 2015 Fit Performance Project.

Honda has been on the US market for more than 30 years, producing vehicles in 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. The brand also has about 1,000 independent dealers in the United States. As to the 2014 SEMA Show – it takes place November 4 – November 7, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source: Honda

November 5, 2014

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Shown on Track for the First Time [VIDEO]

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 was shown on the track for the first time in Vallelunga (Rome). The evidence for this is the video below, which was officially released by Lamborghini. The Huracán GT3 made the testing on the ”Piero Taruffi” circuit under the supervision of Giorgio Sanna. The drivers were the two official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test drivers Adrian Zaugg and Fabio Babini. With joint forces the team set up the new race car for the first time.

The Huracán GT3 is an example of the next step for Lamborghini towards development and production of a race car for one of the most prestigious international categories. In fact, the GT3 model will be company’s first in-house racing project.

There not much revealed by Lamborghini, but the rumors say that the car will be powered by the 5.2-liter V10 engine, which is expected to produce up to 600 horsepower (441 kW). According to the GT3 configurations, cars must meet certain power to weight ratios and they must produce outputs between 500 and 600 horsepower. The weight is should be between 1200 and 1300 kg.

After the tests, Sanna confirmed his satisfaction with the Huracán GT3. Although they had much work to still do with the car, he found its performance and reliability feedback is encouraging. Sanna will be competing next season in the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series. The racings are scheduled at five venues in Europe such as the Spa 24 Hours.

httpv://youtu.be/bF28ssh-gP4

Source: YouTube

Source: Lamborghini

October 8, 2014

Hennessey Supercharges 2015 Ford Mustang GT with 717 HP

Hennessey Performance has made an HPE700 Supercharged Upgrade for the 2015 Ford Mustang GT 5.0L V8. Only 500 units will be built for the model year 2015, making the vehicle a limited Edition. What is more, thanks to the refinement, the Mustang is now capable of delivering 717 horsepower, meaning that it can finally battle Chevy’s Corvette Z06 and Dodge’s SRT Hellcat. In fact, with this project, the tuners are offering a 2015 Mustang that will outperform some of the fastest cars currently offered, but at a lower price point.

Key to that 717 hp (527 kW) and the 856 Nm (632 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm is the Roots-type high-helix supercharger packing 7.25 psi of boost. Helping the V8 breathe more deeply is a high-flow throttle body and stainless-steel exhaust system. Upgraded injectors and fuel pump feed the V8, managed by Hennessey’s proprietary engine management calibration.

The increase in horsepower also results in astonishing acceleration time, which in this case in only 3.6 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 60 mph. The tuning company is also offering for this Ford model customization options such as CarbonAero carbon-fiber bodywork that includes front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and rear lip spoiler. There are also available 20-in. Hennessey H10 wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires and a Brembo brake package with 15.1-in front rotors.

2015 Hennessey Ford Mustang GT has a pricing which starts at $59,500 USD.

Power

• 717 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
• 632 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm

Performance
• 0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.
• ¼ mile: 11.2 @ 131 mph

HPE700 Supercharged 5.0L V8 Engine Upgrade
• 2.9 Liter Supercharger System
• Throttle Body Upgrade
• HPE Air Induction System
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel Pump
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• HPE700 Exterior Badging
• Supercharged Exterior Badging
• Hennessey Premium Floormats
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Additional Upgrades
• CarbonAero Carbon Fiber Bodywork
• CarbonAero Front Splitter
• CarbonAero Side Sills
• CarbonAero Rear Diffuser
• CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler
• Stainless Steel Exhaust System Upgrade

Wheels & Tires
• Hennessey H10 Lightweight 20-inch wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires

Source: Hennessey

October 6, 2014

MINI Cooper D 5-Door Hatchback

Before the new many first-ever five-door hatchback makes an official world debut at the Paris Motor Show 2014, the company decided to unveil their pricing strategy for the UK, the new model will start at £14,350 ($23,545), the company’s second-biggest market worldwide. Compared to the 3-door, the car with two extra doors is just £600 more expensive. A more than reasonable increase, considering the advantages you get. If you put the two cars side by side, you will notice the new model has a longer wheelbase and a bigger trunk. Those extra 72-mm in between the wheels, translate into more room in the back, critical for rear seat passengers.

As for the technical specs, the exact same configurations are available. The range starting with the MINI one which is also the cheapest one, priced at at £14,350 ($23,545), with that kind of money you get a 12-liter 3-cylinder turbo-charged engine making 102 hp (76 kW) and a maxing torque of 133 lb-ft (180 Nm), more than enough for a car that weighs just over 1.2 tons. The MINI one D comes with a similar 12 liter 3-cylinder diesel engine making 95 hp (70 kW), and maximum torque power of 163 lb-ft (220 Nm) and better fuel consumption. But it’s more expensive, starting at £15,480 ($25,414). The Cooper comes with a new generation of 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engines. Depending on your choice, you can get a petrol or a diesel one. The petrol engines makes 136 hp (101 kW), 162 lb ft (219 Nm) of torque, while the Cooper D makes 116 hp (86 kW) , 200 lb-ft (271 Nm) of torque feed. Prices for the petrol model start at £15,900 ($26,096). While the more frugal choice is more expensive, starting at £17,050 ($27,974).

The top tier models are the Cooper S and the Cooper SD. The SD will be using a new engine that will be making its first appearance on the MINI, its 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel making 170 hp (126 kW) , 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque.

Source: MINI

September 25, 2014

Citroen Divine DS Brand’s Future Presented At The Paris Motor Show

The attention at the Paris motor show is prone to be turned at the DS Brand’s spectacular launch. Citroen is very serious about the DS brand being a stand-alone unit. The Divine DS represent a vision of the future for the DS brand. A compact four-door vehicle the Divine DS stands out due to its sensual looking exterior, but msotly due to the striking interior. The cabin design features a bold, high-tech layout with spectacular contrast, which introduces the hyper typish tehcnique, allowing customers to choose an interior trim that reflects their personality.

While the german auto makers are engaged in battle to see how can make the best sports car out of a family hatchback, french care maker Citroen is having another goal at the perfect luxuty experience. The all-new DS Divine is making its debut at the Paris motor show. This is the first european car model launched since the PSA decided to turn citron and DS into separate car brands with different identities. You can deffinitely tell the Divine DS is in a totally different league from the likes of the the DS 3

The Divine DS power comes from one of the most impressive engines PSA owns. The same one 1.6 litter turbo used by the Peugeot RCZ delivering up to 270 PS at 6,000 rpm, 243 lb feed from 1900 rpm. The DS’s 1.6 Liter THP turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, developing 270 hp and a maximum torque of 330 Nm, 243 lb-ft between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm provides you with one pretty fast ride.

Even though, it clearly borrows its headlights style, key highlights of the design, like the interior or the tailights take on the appearance of a multi-faceted service made up of small interlocking triangles. Another interesting feature is the laser technology used on the headlights. Inspired by the facelift DS3, the light signature at the front, maintains the principal of independent lead modules and features “Swarowski” crystal fabric at the base of each unit. The headlights combine sequental indicators with laser technology. They include two high-powered laser diodes per module, which are 50% more powerful than conventional LED lights. Equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels which have floating spokes.

The interiror also boasts a new headliner design, inspired by three branches with jewel enctusted dashboard. The cabin features three interchangable interior ambiences, each with its own unique style that can be changed in just 15 minutes. These three different ambiences are called “mâle”, French for male, “Parisien chic”, were designed with the help of famous names, including embroidery and crystals from “Swarowski”

The car is 4.21 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.35 meters high, this makes it about the same length as the C4 hatchback, but a lot wider. Its proportions and well rounded rear quarters look like the Alfa Romeo Brera, it may look like the french car manufacturer is copying an Italian design but this nothing like that.

The Paris Motor Show is going to be opened to the public on Saturday, 4 October 2014.

Source: Citroen

September 19, 2014

GGR has new Performance Package for Ford Fiesta ST

The performance specialists at Graham Goode Racing (GGR) are introducing their new performance tuning package for the 182 hp (134 kW) Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch. Last year they have released the mind-blowing 225 hp (165 kW) package, and now they are going a step further. GGR continued their development work on the Fiesta ST, using all of their BTCC turbocharged engineering experience to improve the performance of the 1.6-litre Ecoboost direct injection engine. At the same time they have managed to drastically lower the price point of the conversion.

As a result, the tuning company has released the GGR ST240 package, which comprises of an all-new High Flow Direct Air Induction System and a ‘Smooth Flow’ Air Induction hose allied to an entirely revised ECU remap from electronics experts Superchips. The ECU remapping is delivered via the well-proven bluefin handset.

The combination of these components results in a boost of Fiesta ST’s engine power to the blistering 240 hp (176 kW) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the increase in these numbers, the standard Ford exhaust system and catalytic converter weren’t change in order to ensure MOT emissions compliance.

The standard air filter box on the Ford ST is essentially the same as used in all Fiesta models and this obviously the limits airflow into the 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine. In addition, the standard air filter outlet pipe is very restrictive and uses convoluted sections. These are also very disruptive to air flow.

GGR has found a solution for this by creating a special High-Flow Direct Air Induction System and matching silicone air induction hose to eradicate the restrictions of the standard components. The result of course is greatly increased inlet flow.

The aforementioned system comprises of a large cone K&N filter element, which fits into a special spun aluminium trumpet assembly with a CNC machined mounting for the Ecoboost engine’s Mass Air Flow sensor. The cold air feed to the GGR High-Flow Direct Induction system channels air from the standard position at the front of the car, utilizing a special ABS plastic moulding to feed air directly to the cone filter.

There is no restriction to the incoming air due to the added large K&N air filter. The incoming air is then directed into the inlet hose and through the Ecoboost motor’s Mass Air Flow sensor by the special trumpet shaped section.

The tuning company’s air induction hose is moulded from smooth walled 4-ply silicone throughout. This also removes any restriction and prevents any disruption to the Ecoboost engine intake.

GGR Fiesta ST240 conversion package also features engine management system calibration or the so called ECU. For this part of the modification, GGR customizers have collaborated with long-term automotive performance electronics specialists at Superchips.

Comparison Engine Performance Figures:

Standard Ford Fiesta ST	Power 180 bhp	Torque 290 Nm
GGR Fiesta ST 240	Power 240 bhp	Torque 343 Nm

Source: Graham Goode Racing

September 17, 2014

The All new Vauxhall ADAM

Vauxhall-Adam-651

The new Vauxhall ADAM is like no other car. With a style to compete with MINI and A1, ADAM hits the market astonishing speed. Over the past few years the car has become highly competitive. Although it’s not the ideal compact, affordable and cheap to run, the ride scores A+ about its options for personalisation as well as 30,000 different style combinations and in-car tech.

With its own personal style the car has two ways to go on the styling front. It either tries to look modern or retro. However the ADAM is taking the modern approach. Like other members of the ADAM family, ROCKS AIR seems to be taller, wider and tougher in appearance. The buyers are given the opportunity to put their own personal touch in the car being able to choose between bright colors and option of painting the roof in a different shade.

As far as for the interior, Vauxhall manages to offer a decent level of spec, comfortable seats and other trim elements – all unique to ROCKS, as well as cup holders, glove box and many more. Prices are reasonable as well, for instance the infotainment screen right next to the leather steering wheel, which is a must, comes with a price of £275.

As for getting comfortable, there are plenty of adjustments in the seats Being the ideal city car, with its really light steering you are able to handle traffic jams a lot easier.The recently launched 1.0-litres three-cylinder turbo petrol engine provides a more fitting driving experience, its 113 bhp and 170 Nm of torque will see you hit 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds and on to a 121 mph top speed.

This inevitably brings me to the part where I have to talk about the car’s downsides. By taking you out of the city you will find the ride a bit firm.The car is a bit bouncy on bumpy road surfaces.The engine itself does not have much power accompanied by very little feedback on how the front wheels are behaving. Fuel economy is not exactly mind blowing. The trunk lacks a lot of space; it’s not exactly fitted for a family holiday.The backseats provide very little space as well. I would not necessarily call them spacious.

Overall a great car for those under 35 and pre-family, although the car really fits in the position of a second family car. Suited for city life this car is best not taken out in the country side, you would enjoy one sweet ride.

More detailed range, pricing and equipment can be read right below:

Remote Central Door Locking with ROCKS design flap key
CD 3.0 BT
Speakers (6+1 speakers)
DMB
Leather wrapped steering wheel w/ Deco Elements, CCtrl & IRC
ROCKS AIR interior visual content
Cloth/Morrocana Seats
ROCKS AIR exterior visual content: cladding, bumpers etc
17” alloys – Swissblade design
Deeply tinted glass – “black” – rear of B-Pillar incl. tailgate
Electric folding canvas roof
LED DRL Signature Lamps
LED Tail lamps
15 mm raised chassis
Chrome DLO
Vauxhall sill plates

The following options are also available:

IntelliLink
Park Assist rear
Floor Mats (standard w/ ROCKS AIR unique Brandy interior)
Car Alarm
Infinity Sound System
Leather trim
Interior decors – painted / foil
Backlighted foil decor
Start / Stop
17“ & 18 Alloy Wheels
Exterior mirror caps
Interior mirror caps
Coloured logo bar

Additional technical data

Six-speed manual gearbox:

Standard on 1.0-litre ECOTEC 12v Direct Injection Turbo (115PS) ecoFLEX Start/Stop

Five speed manual gearbox:

Standard on all models except 1.0-litre ECOTEC

Economy

	Max Speed	0-62 mph	Urban	Extra Urban	Combined	CO₂	First Year	Second
1.2 16v VVT (70PS) (17/18)	103	14.9	39.2	65.7	53.3	125	£0	£110
1.4i 16v VVT (87PS) (17/18)	109	12.5	40.9	64.2	52.3	126	£0	£110
1.0 12v Direct Injection Turbo ecoFLEX Start/Stop (17/18)	121	9.9	44.8	64.2	55.4	119	£0	£30

Brakes

Anti-lock Braking System

Electronic brake force distribution

Emergency brake assist

Cornering brake control

Straight line stability control

Dual circuit, diagonally split braking system

Fuel tank capacity

38 litres (8.4 gallons)

Steering

Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering

Suspension

Front: Independent. MacPherson struts with gas-pressure dampers and coil springs. Anti-roll bar.

Rear: Compound crank with coil springs and gas-pressure dampers.

Engines

Petrol

1.2I 16v VVT ECOTEC -4

Capacity	1229cc
Maximum power	70PS @ 5600rpm
Maximum torque	115Nm (85 lb.ft.) @ 4000rpm
Configuration	4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Naturally aspirated. Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Multi-point sequential fuel injection
Emission compliance	Euro 5
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year
Without Start/Stop	18%

1.4i 16v VVT ECOTEC-4

Capacity	1398cc
Maximum power	87PS @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque	130Nm (96 lb.ft.) @ 4000rpm
Configuration	4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Naturally aspirated. Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Multi-point sequential fuel injection
Emission compliance	Euro 5
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year – 18%

1.4i 16v VVT Turbo ECOTEC-4

Capacity	998cc
Maximum power	115PS @ 5200rpm
Maximum torque	170Nm (125lb.ft.) @ 1800-4500rpm
Configuration	3 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Water-cooled turbocharger with intercooler, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), Central direct injection
Emission compliance	Euro 6
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year – 16%

Source: Vauxhall

September 3, 2014

Rolls-Royce debuts the Ghost Series II in China

Rolls-Royce-Ghost-II_thumb Rolls-Royce-Ghost-II_651

The acclaimed British automaker Rolls-Royce has taken advantage of the ongoing 2014 Chengdu Motor Show and has unveiled the highly anticipated Ghost Series II to the vast Chinese market. Customers, living in China and the neighboring countries, can now make use of the latest industry technologies from Rolls-Royce and other companies and join the rank of leading businessmen and entrepreneurs who drive this premium-class vehicle.

During the unveiling of the Ghost Series II at Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center (CCNICEC), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Regional Director for Mainland China Henrik Wilhemsmeyer said, “The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is the ultimate entrepreneur’s business tool. Following the worldwide success of its predecessor, I am confident that this re-designed and updated Rolls-Royce will continue to attract increasing numbers of new customers to the marque, in particular business entrepreneurs seeking an oasis of calm in a frenetic business world.”

The Ghost Series II brings to China the same looks and technologies so you can expect to find re-sculpted LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights that lend Ghost Series II a more dynamic visual signature and blend perfectly with revised surface treatments to the front of the car. A tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy, evokes the sight of a jet’s vapour trail or wake of a fast luxury yacht and hints at the car’s dynamism. Subtle re-sculpting of Ghost’s bumpers creates a stronger stance and a sense of extra width and height, whilst the contemporary aesthetic is further enhanced with the addition of chrome inserts to the front air intakes, which now feed more air cooling to the front brakes. In addition, the famous waft line has been re-designed on Ghost Series II to lean further forwards emphasizing the car’s effortless dynamism.

“As a design statement, Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II continues to transcend time,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “This is ensured by the deft treatment of features such as the new headlights, the new wake channel on the bonnet and surfacing that lend the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance and hint at the cutting edge technology inside. I am very pleased with the overall sense of design harmony.”

The Ghost Series II delivers on the inside too – the vehicle combines luxury, technology and connectivity that include on-board Wi-Fi for available connections to the rest of the world so that you can do your business anywhere while Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) ensures that the car automatically adapts to its surroundings augmenting the drive experience. Updates to navigation systems and the car/user interface ensures accessing Ghost’s features remains an effortless experience, whilst optional Bespoke Audio – the most exhaustively engineered and finest audio system in automotive history – brings new levels of aural satisfaction to passengers.

There’s no information on the engine range and the pricing of the new vehicle but we are sure the car will have more than enough power under the hood. As to pricing there’s no way its price is going to be low but Rolls-Royce is Rolls-Royce after all.

Source: Rolls-Royce

September 1, 2014

Renaultsport R.S. 01 – 500HP and 600Nm

Renaultsport has unveiled the R.S. 01 racecar coming with a LMP1-eligible carbon fiber monocoque. The R.S. 01 complies with LMP1 regulations and has been developed in collaboration with Dallara.

The futuristic body will be made from composites and will include a front lower splitter channeling the air flow into extractors installed behind the front wheels. These extractors are running along the doors and change their shape turning into intercooler scoops aiding cooling. At the back there’s a massive wing and diffuser as well as LED taillights and a twin exhaust arrangement.

The R.S. 01 rolls 18” Braid wheels wrapped in specially developed Michelin tires while the stopping power comes from 380mm carbon discs with 6-piston calipers.

Other features worth mentioning include a steel roll cage and a double wishbone + pushrods suspension together with two-way Öhlins adjustable dampers. In terms of dimensions, the Renault R.S. 01 is 4710mm long, 2000mm wide and 1166mm tall, with a 2744mm wheelbase and 1675mm front & 1624mm rear tracks.

The engine is a 3.8 liter V6 from Nissan GT-R – over 500HP (373 kW) and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Sadev sequential gearbox.

Full specs – below!

CHASSIS
Type	Dallara carbon monocoque and steel roll cage
Safety	Monocoque, roll cage and crashboxes compliant with FIA LMP1 2014 standards, collapsible steering column, Sabelt seat FIA 8862/2009 standard
Bodywork	Composites
Aerodynamic features	Front blade and splitter, stepped flat bottom, rear diffuser and rear wing
ENGINE
Type	Nismo V6 – 24 valves – 3,799 cm3
Layout	Longitudinal central rear
Feed	Injection – 2 turbochargers
Max power	> 500 hp
Max torque	> 600 N.m
Max engine speed	6,800 rpm
Electronic management	Pectel SQ6M with traction control
Data acquisition	Cosworth ICD Pro
TRANSMISSION
Type	Rear wheel drive
Gearbox	Sadev sequential, 7 speed+ reverse
Control	XAP semi-automatic with steering-wheel paddles
Differential	Limited slip
Clutch	ZF Race Engineering, long service life with anti-stall function
RUNNING GEAR AND SUSPENSION
Suspension	Double wishbone + pushrods
Dampers	Öhlins 2-way adjustable
Brakes	PFC Brakes 380 mm carbon discs, 6-piston calipers, Bosch ABS system
Steering	Hydraulic power steering
WHEELS
Wheels	Braid wheels, central mounting
Tyres	Michelin 30/68 R18 (front) and 31/71 R18 (rear)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES
Length	4,710 mm
Width	2,000 mm
Height	1,116 mm
Wheelbase	2,744 mm
Front/rear track	1,675 / 1,624 mm
Fuel tank	150 litres
Weight	< 1,100 kg

Source: Renaultsport

August 27, 2014

Tij-Power Tunes Seat Leon 5F Cupra

Tij-Power Seat Leon 5F Cupra is a project that needs our attention. Tij-Power is a tuning company based in Germany, which is very well known for its intensive focus on the Seat Leon. The subtle adjustments and modifications made match perfectly the general setting of this car. In fact, the improvements made appear like a consistent progression. The suspension has been optimized with Plug & Play Coilovers from KW. They feature a rebound and compression stage, which can be set to pre-adjusted settings: Comfort, Sport or Cupra.

These settings can be reached by the DDC system in the cockpit. The Comfort setting delivers almost hover-like feeling, the Sport setting adjusts the steering sensitivity and offers direct feedback of the terrain, while in the Cupra mode, the car evolves to a true racecar.

This modified Seat runs on lightweight OZ Superturismo LM rims in grey finish which come in the size of 8.×19 at the front and 9.5×19 in the rear. They are matched with 235/35-19 tires. Next, this new Cupra was fitted with a tricky exhaust system. Once the pedal hits the floor and the throttle valve is fully opened, the car produces a mighty roar.

This is accompanied by an infernal sound, which escapes from the hand-welded 76 mm exhaust that begins right after the turbo charger. Tij-Power even says that this sound will remind one of racecars

Of course, there will be no full customization without changing engine’s parameters. The tuners substituted stock’s intercooler with performance part from Forge. In addition, thanks to the Tij-Power software, the car now yields the breath-taking 375 horsepower (276 kW) and 489 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers result in a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour.

Source: Tij-Power

August 25, 2014

Chevrolet talks about new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed transmission

Hydra-Matic-8L90_thumb Hydra-Matic-8L90_651 The new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado has many features to boast with but Chevrolet is very proud to present the GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed transmission that is implemented in the vehicle. Indeed, this is a technological masterpiece and deserves some attention because apart from the engine, the transmission is the most important car feature that defines a vehicle.

The new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed transmission is connected to a powerful 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine that is housed in the new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and provides 11 per cent more torque than GM’s 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. This along with the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine that gives off 420 horsepower (309 kW) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque is a combination that will satisfy everyone’s thirst for power.

“The new 8L90 eight-speed is designed tougher to handle the greater power of the Silverado’s powertrains, with great improvements in spin loss to complement that capability with greater efficiency,” said Kavoos Kaveh, global chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. “It is a marvel of packaging efficiency and driving efficiency that has garnered more than two dozen patents for General Motors.”

The Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed transmission features four simple gearsets for optimal efficiency, five clutches (two brake clutches and three rotating ones) and innovative packaging that allows it to fit in the same space as the previous six-speed automatic with a lower weight. A wider 7.0 overall gear ratio spread provides a numerically higher 4.56 first gear ratio, helping drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. Smaller steps between gears, compared to the 6L80 (see chart below), keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of its horsepower and torque to optimize performance and efficiency. They also enable numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway for reduced fuel consumption. The gearbox also features a number of friction-reducing technologies, including an all-new synthetic fluid and lower spin losses via a powerflow that uses only two open clutches. A new torque converter design with turbine damper enhances refinement, particularly during low-speed gear changes, for smoother performance when the truck is loaded or pulling a trailer.

Similar to GM’s six-speed automatic design, the eight-speed’s architecture locates the grounding clutches rearward of the middle of the structure, outside the gearsets. However, the grounding clutches are splined to the case, eliminating the center support, which reduces weight. This architecture also features a turbine shaft node that reaches to the outside of the barrel, enabling easy execution of a high-resolution magnetic speed sensor. The turbine shaft itself is very short, keeping oil channel drill lengths to a minimum. The rotating clutches are located near the front of the transmission, with short oil feed channels, supporting very fast shifts.

There are many other features that this revolutionary gearbox comes with such as an industry-first off-axis, chain-driven binary vane-type pump that allows for two pumps in the packaging size of a single, a 60-percent reduction in pump torque at points that represent large portions of the operating duty cycle, compared to the 6L80 six-speed, a new torque converter clutch friction lining and a new control strategy and more.

The new 8L90 is built at GM’s Toledo, Ohio, transmission facility.

Source: Chevrolet

August 21, 2014

Budget BMW M3 – M235i

Every fan of the BMW brand dreams of being an owner of a car, proudly wearing the M-badge on the engine. Many of the fans can show us their M-collection in the garage but the reality in Bulgaria can not offer achieving the M-dream of most of us. Having the option for just one car, everyone of us have to think well before buying it. It should be either economical and functional estate or a powerful coupe. This is a choice that everyone of us have taken several times. Part of the fans, me included, is choosing the functional shapes and the better fuel efficiency before the power and the fun behind the steering wheel. Other ones make the definite chose – the M!

Right now on the second hand market the most popular M-model is the E46. Here in Sofia you can see more M3s than regular 323s. The reason is simple – the real fan cannot take compromises and is ready to pay the exact price for the exact car. Sometimes it is hard to tell what you really want, sometimes is so easy. It is now easier than ever thanks to BMWs new project and model, being placed where the fans with mixed feelings are. For those who want more than just a BMW but are still not ready for a real M3 or M4. We present to you the M235i.

A month ago while traveling to Germany for the 24 hours of Nurburgring we saw so many 235s that we assumed two options: either it is pretty good or it is pretty cheap. What do you think? Thanks to our friends from BMW Bulgaria I had the chance to find out the correct answer. Or if I should be honest, I had the chance to reassure my answer that M235i is better than anything.

On Tuesday, day before the Driftmob video in the official BMW channel in Youtube, white 2-series model was waiting for me on the parking lot. Nothing surprising: 18-inch wheels, 4-piston brake calipers with M-logo, sport leather seats with electric controls and memory, leather multi-M steering wheel, heated, last version of the iDrive system. As I said – nothing that can surprise me… still. The shape and proportions were very much the same as the 1-series’s coupe. It was like a restyle… a facelift. A good one! The looks are pretty much subjective factor, but I liked them.

I placed my bottom on the seat and adjusted it so easy. It was like I’ve driven this car all my life. The essence of the interior is captured. Everything is there where I am used to see it. No new stuff to learn, no new control switches. Excellent! Start-button. Angry noise made by a typical in-line-six engine and a cold dual-pipe exhaust generation. So familiar. The sound that makes me smile! The classic sound that makes everybody goosebump in the morning before work.

I move the gear-lever on D and leave. Some of you may not like the automatic gearbox, but lets not forget that BMW always use the best technology. In this case the 8-gears ZF transmission with the M-performance setup is not a bad option. The other one is a 6-speed manual without paying extra money. While in motion in the city traffic I get several things – pretty short steering rack and in Eco Pro mode – very gentle throttle reactions. In Eco Pro mode the car and me are working together for as low fuel consumption as possible. I reset the fuel consumption data on the board computer and later will find out the cost of driving M235i in each of my moods. While exiting the city I was lazy. The traffic jams and the sleepy drivers gave me a chance to think of a nice roads for the journey. I asked myself where could we find nice twisty roads near Sofia. I ask you the same. Now you will say different mountain roads north but we took south. There we had the chance to pass Stara Planina trough the Petrohan road. It was completely rebuild last summer and is in perfect condition. The curves there… they are able to make every petrol head speechless. The reason wont be that he will has nothing to say, but there wont be enough time. Every driver will be too busy enjoying the entrance, the apex and the exit of every corner, putting hard on the gas-pedal on the short straights and preparing the car for the next combination.

We were lucky and we escaped from hot Sofia where the sun was melting everything. Petrohan pass offered so much shades from the trees and the temperature was around 22 degrees. This made me open the panoramic roof and enjoy the noise of an in-line-six turbo-gasoline engine driven on the max, the noisy exhaust, even noisier when in Sport mode. When releasing the throttle, the blow-off-valve was making nice-to-hear sounds.

What we had to do other than enjoying the combination of a road, a car and conditions. Unfortunately this is an emotion that can not be fully explained. But I believe that you have felt it many times. I can just make you remake it in your own mind. Assume that everything is perfect! And you don’t want it to end. Ever! We were running out of time and we continued our journey. We were heading to the Iskar Gorge, passing Montana and Vratsa – a cities where I should drive safely. It was now the time to try Comfort and Eco Pro modes. I forgot to mention that M235i has four driving modes which I will now explain. Lets start with Eco Pro. Choosing this mode you adjust the engine and the gears in a way that they work for maximum fuel-efficiency. The changes between gears are in as low rpm’s as possible. The braking energy is charging the battery. While in Eco Pro you can read the “saved” range on the dashboard. So while traveling in this mode we saved fuel for 30 more kilometers. In Comfort mode you don’t get the icons for saved fuel and more efficient driving. It just sets the suspension and the throttle response for maximum comfort. If you are in the car with your eyes closed and ears shut, you will never find out when the gearbox is switching gears.

Pressing the mode button once or two more times up you get to the evil modes. Yes, they are Sport and Sport +. They are very much the same thing – stiff suspension, better throttle response, changing the shifting time between gears and adding more noise from the exhaust. It is good to know that the engine noise is real, it is not made by Active Sound Design and played through the speakers. The difference in Sport + is that the Dynamic Stability Control system is half way switched of. If you want to turn it off completely… well you know how – press the DSC button and hold it for five seconds. Then everything depends on you. Everything but the gearchanges when with the 8-speed auto. But there is a solution too. All you have to do is place the lever on S-mode (slide it to the left) and this means that absolutely everything is in your hands. When you do this you can drive as long as you want on the selected gear and no electronics will mess with you. It is good to have it like an option especially when preparing the car, entering and exiting a corner with the opposite lock.

In the connection between the cities I preferred calm driving style – just cruising with the M235i. Yes, this can happen. Lets not forget that it is a normal car with M-ideas, not a proper M-car. The comfort is as you get it from a normal passenger BMW. Not very soft but not hard as a typical race car. The M235i is the perfect compromise variant. These two different suspension modes combined with the 18-inch 235s at the front and 245s at the back give what I am looking for. I had a chance to try the standard audio system (good enough), the interior (good materials in the visible spots), good visibility on the dashboard (typical arrangement), excellent navigation system (with 3D maps for the bigger cities).

And while discovering things in the M235i we got to the Iskar Gorge, where we would have the last burst of adrenalin. Perfect tarmac but kind of old one, so slippery. This means that every corner should be an adventure. The entry speed and the total weight made the Michelin Pilot Sport Cum tires to struggle. The important thing is that just the back end was loosing grip. I had the bad feeling that on these conditions the fronts will not be able to handle well but nothing like that happened. Every hard brake and every enter in the corner with the steering wheel were so easy… just like they should be. On a typical BMW-style the M-leather steering wheel was connected to the front tires and they were sending a proper feedback. Right corner and early before the apex I press the right pedal, the steering wheel almost by itself makes the proper counter lock to a straight position and I have to just control the power and the amount of opposite lock. So easy and so controllable. This little toy wants to make every owner as happy as possible offering him the right proportion of feedback and letting him to control everything while hearing his own pulse in his ears.

And just like that turn after turn I should be feeling bad for traveling to the BMW-office to return the car, but M235i was making me feel the opposite way.

In the end of the day at the parking lot I pressed the BC button to see what was the fuel consumption. Well I assumed something about 15-liters per 100 kms but not… 12,9/100! I was not interested in the mixture of technologies (8-shift gearbox, Twin-Power turbo, etc.) but I was pleasantly surprised… well it is a 320 bhp car with not bad efficiency.

Everybody who has driven E36 M3 and E46 M3 knows well that they are not cars like the others. You know what they can get and how they handle the new Chinese, Korean and French options. Have you ever thought about the fact how were they felt 12 and 22 years ago? It is the same now. BMW AG is perfectly doing the job of assuring that the customers will always get the best of the best and will never regret choosing BMW. And this was not even a M-model!

by Georgi Stefanov

August 15, 2014

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