Search Results for “feed” – Page 20

BMW unveils fast chargers and more

BMW-Logo_thumb BMW-Logo_651

At the on-going Plug-In 2014, a conference dedicated to the future of electric vehicles, BMW of North America unveiled the brand new i DC Fast Chargers that can charge the BMW i3 electric vehicle up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. Speed is not the only advantage of the new BMW product – the i DC Fast Chargers are the first compact and affordable DC Combo chargers. In addition to this BMW also announced its new ChargeNow DC Fast program in cooperation with NRG eVgo, in which BMW i3 drivers in California can enjoy no cost unlimited 30 minute DC fast charging, at NRG eVgo Freedom Station sites equipped with DC Combo Fast Charging, through 2015.

Unlike regular DC fast chargers that are usually as large as a standard refrigerator the new BMW chargers measure just 31 x 19 x 12 inches and weigh approximately 100 pounds. This means that you can install your i DC Fast Charger on a wall, which is a first for electric car DC fast chargers. In addition the i DC Fast Charger will be significantly cheaper than other DC chargers selling for USD 6548 at select BMW dealers.

“This is a milestone in the development of the DC fast charging infrastructure. With more than five years of real world experience, we understand that a robust network of publicly available DC Combo Fast Chargers is a key part of the mobility of tomorrow,” said Robert Healey, EV Infrastructure Manager, at BMW of North America. “BMW is offering the BMW i DC Fast Charger at an appealing price point, and more manageable size, to make the convenience of DC fast charging more accessible for BMW i3 owners.”

The new BMW i DC Fast Charger comes with 24 kW of power and can feed the vehicle battery directly, which results in more efficient and faster charging. BMW i DC Fast Chargers use the SAE Combo 1 connector, the North American automotive industry standard for fast charging; feature a rugged aluminum IP54 enclosure; meet NEMA 3 requirements; and are designed to perform in extreme weather conditions, from -40°F (-40°C) to 185°F (85°C). Additionally, the BMW i DC Fast Charger is ChargePoint network-enabled, allowing electric vehicle drivers with the SAE Combo 1 inlet to access the BMW i DC Fast Charger using a ChargePoint or ChargeNow card.

The new ChargeNow program gives BMW i3 drivers access to unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions with the ChargeNow DC Fast program. BMW i3 owners can sign up easily for ChargeNow DC Fast at chargenow.com/us. In order to receive the full benefits of the program, BMW i3 drivers must use the ChargeNow card, provided with their BMW i3, to charge the vehicle at least once by December 31, 2014, at a participating eVgo Freedom Station. By doing so, BMW i3 drivers will enjoy continued access to no cost DC charging sessions through the end of 2015. Eligible BMW i3 vehicles must be equipped with the DC Fast Charging option (SAE).

Source: BMW

July 28, 2014

Honda CR-V crowned as most reliable SUV

Honda-CR-V-2014_thumb Honda-CR-V-2014_651

Everyone wants to have a reliable car – after all you would want to have a car that is cheap to maintain and that will give you driving pleasure, taking you anywhere, instead of making you spend tons of cash and waste time in car repair shops. Well, the British Which? Car web site has made your choice a bit easier by naming the Honda CR-V the most reliable SUV for year 2014.

The model in particular that has earned this prize is the 4 x 4 Honda CR-V 2.2 i-VTEC model up to three years old. The car has zero reported breakdowns, average annual repair costs of just GBP 10 and an overall reliability score of 98.5% over a 12-month period.

Impressed? If yes, this is not everything – the Honda CR-V shines with 0.14 faults reported compared to 0.88 for the worst performing in its category and 0.11 days off the road with the worst performing recording an average of 1.09 days. The survey has covered 49 000 owners and some 58 000 cars over a twelve month period.

Leon Brannan, Head of Cars for Honda (UK) comments: “It’s fantastic to see Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability recognised yet again, particularly from a name as respected and trusted as Which?. It’s also really useful to get feedback from customers living with their Hondas day in, day out, as this gives us insight which we can use to continually maintain our high levels of service.”

The latest addition to the Honda CR-V line – the 1.6-liter i-DTEC vehicle – proves the quality, refinement, comfort and reliability of the brand. This car can cover up to 800 miles (1287 km) on a single tank of fuel and its CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km, which means that in the UK the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC qualifies for zero road tax for the first year and a road tax that can be as low as GBP 30 thereafter.

Source: Honda UK

July 25, 2014

Dodge Receives Three J.D.Power APEAL Awards

Dodge has earned highest ranks in three segments in J.D. Power’s U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study of this year. The awarded vehicles are Dodge Charger, Challenger and Dart which are leaders in Large Car, Midsize Sporty Car and Compact Car segments, respectively. APEAL awards are based on customer feedback. They come in the perfect time, when Dodge is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The APEAL Study finds out the level of gratification of the driver, based on customer evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes. The owners are surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

Other five Chrysler’s vehicles were raked in the top three in their segments. Precisely, Jeep Cherokee is at the third position in the Compact SUV segment, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are ranked second and third in the Midsize SUV category, Fiat 500L is ranked third in the Compact MPV segment and at last, the Ram 2500/3500 tied for second in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment.

2014 Dodge Charger is the only four-dour muscle car in the world. Equipped with the V6 engine, it produces 300 horsepower (220 kW). OThe other engine in the range is the HEMI V8 that generates 370 hp (272 kW). It features four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and one of the best handlings and refinements.

2014 Dodge Challenger is the most popular car in Dodge’s range. It has led the Midsize Sporty Car segment in J.D. Power’s APEAL not only this year but also in 2011 and 2012. It is powered by 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower (224 kW).

When equipped with the Scat Pack performance stage kits, plus Shaker performance hood with its HEMI V8 engine-mounted, fully floating scoop and exposed high-flow element for cold-air induction, the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker delivers up to 375 horsepower (275 kW). This fall, Dodge is unleashing the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever. 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat produces the staggering 707 horsepower (520 kW).

At last, the 2014 Dodge Dart hides under its hood the 2.4 liter engine with 184 horsepower (135 kW). It is also equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, hyper black 18-inch aluminum wheels, and features such as 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center and LED racetrack taillamps.

Source: Dodge

July 24, 2014

2015 Ford Expedition comes with EcoBoost engine, advanced technology

Ford Motor Company has announced the 2015 Ford Expedition full-size utility vehicle for everyone that wants capability, class-leading maximum cargo space in the extended length version and the latest automotive technologies.

Ford has something to boast with – the car company says that the 2015 Ford Exhibition is the most powerful and fuel-efficient Expedition ever with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and a SelectShift six-speed transmission under the hood. The vehicle also comes with some advanced technologies that include electric power-assisted steering, a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, SYNC with available MyFord Touch, and continuously controlled damping to give drivers control of ride performance.

“Customers still have a need for a traditional full-size utility vehicle and the new 2015 Expedition delivers what those customers are looking for,” said Keith Wilson, Expedition marketing manager. “These are Ford’s more affluent customers who won’t compromise – they want space, performance, comfort and capability all in one impressive package.”

The new 2015 Ford Expedition comes with numerous improvements, one of which includes increased engine torque, better fuel efficiency, an independent rear suspension and more. The 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine will be the only one to be offered in North America. The unit will deliver 365 HP (268 kW) and 420 lb-ft (567 Nm) of torque. The machine is also capable of towing up to 9200 pounds (4177 kilograms) – a fact that will make the 2015 Ford Expedition a useful vehicle for many people under many circumstances. The new 2015 Ford Expedition will also be the first Ford nameplate to offer a continuously controlled damping suspension that allows drivers to select among three drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. Thanks to 46 integrated sensors the continuously controlled damping technology analyzes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and reacts accordingly to help control wheel and body motions so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The list of improvements continues with Ford’s new and innovative electric power-assisted steering that gives drivers improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds while at the same time saving fuel. Customers will enjoy unprecedented levels of quietness thanks to a host of changes that include improved seals on the body and reduced air leaks by 20 per cent. New sound dampening material in the cabin pillars also improves quietness. The center console also makes use of this material for even lower levels of unwanted road and engine noise. The interior noise gets reduced too thanks to the usage of acoustic glass in the windshield.

The new 2015 Ford Expedition will be offered in four versions – XLT, Limited, Ranch and Platinum and King Ranch. This means customers can select from the sporty XLT; the confident, elegant Limited; the sophisticated, urban Platinum; or the rural, rugged King Ranch. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while Platinum colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

The 2015 Ford Expedition will be commercially available later this year. No word on pricing as of now.

Source: Ford Motor Company

July 18, 2014

Porsche Macan and Boxster – Auto Express Awards

2015 Porsche Macan has been rewarded by Auto Express New Car Awards. It won in the category – Best Compact SUV, while the sporty Boxster received the Best Roadster Award – for the third year in a row.

The Macan is the first Porsche to enter the compact SUV segment and combines the typical handling characteristics like excellent acceleration, braking and extreme agility. The fast crossover also boasts a nice steering precision as well as a high level of comfort and everyday suitability.

“Turn into a corner and the Macan responds with the same athleticism and poise as the mid-engined Cayman….Better still, you get the same perfectly-weighted controls that fizz with feedback. Amazingly, the Porsche is as capable off the beaten track as on it. The permanent four-wheel drive serves up near-unbreakable traction. Yet none of these remarkable dynamic feats comes at the expense of the Macan’s abilities as a desirable family runaround.”, commented Auto Express editorial team.

On the other hand, Porsche Boxster boasts a unique lightweight body, charismatic flat-six engines, sharp chassis responses and evolutionary yet utterly distinctive styling. It defines what an open-top sports car should be. Core to its enduring appeal is the mid-engined layout that delivers poise and balance combined with precise, agile handling.

“There are few cars we’d choose to go for a cross country blast in ahead of the Porsche Boxster. It has poise and power by the bucketload, yet it’s also tremendously comfortable to use as a daily driver. Best of all, for the performance on offer it’s seriously good value.”, the editorial team clearly agreed.

Source: Porsche

July 18, 2014

Isuzu Introduces D-Max Yukon Extended Cab

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is another addition to the popular D-Max pick-up range. It not only has the adaptability of a pick-up, but being a Yukon specification, it is also a luxury equipped. The extended cab configuration includes as a standard front seats, behind which one can see a large load area. There is positioned fold-down rear bench. The new variant will be available from October this year and has been entered to the market as a direct response to customers’ feedback.

As a standard all models that feature the “Yukon” designation include wide range of standard equipment such as cruise control, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and rear bumper, heavy-duty side steps, six-speaker surround-sound audio system with roof-mounted ‘Exciter’ speaker. There are also featured high-visibility projector headlamps and LED rear light clusters.

Isuzu D-Max Yukon Extended Cab is driven by the 2.5-litre twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine. It generates 163 hp (120 kW) and has a maximum torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) which is available from 1,400 rpm. The unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

Despite this amount of power, the vehicle has excellent fuel efficiency, which is rated at 38.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This Isuzu is also capable of towing 3.5-tonnes (braked)/ 750 kg (unbraked). This Yukon specification extended cab has a starting price of £19,249 and will be available only throughout UK dealerships.

Source: Isuzu

July 17, 2014

Top 3 Tuning Upgrades

Chevrolet Corvette C7 with Magnaflow

Petrol heads from all over the world simply love their own cars. They build, repair, improve and invest a lot of money in their personal vehicles to make them look prettier, go faster and perform incredibly on the road. There are different ways to improve my car and all of them cost significant amounts of money. However, with the right research, I can easily save couple of hundred and in some cases couple of thousand dollars.

1. Cold Air Intake System

K&N Cold Air Intake System

Literally hundreds of online shops offering a wide variety of tuning parts and it is quite difficult to find the right one for me and my requirements. The right structured shop is crucial for saving time and in some cases money. It is very important for the online shop to have a good searching feature, where you can search by vehicle, model, year, product or brand. For example, I have been searching for an air intake by K&N, which is very common upgrade and I have founded the right item at CARiD. I have also noticed that there are almost all kinds of car upgrades including exterior and interior improvement, performance and styling modifications as well as audio and body parts. I was also very delighted and satisfying with the shipping and the service provided by CARiD. The desired parts came in very fast and as described. The installation is fast and easy and the result is just awesome. The system has arrived in a box that was very well packed and protected the content perfectly. I highly recommend this cold air intake system by K&N. It is always a pleasure to work with such professionals like CARiD.

The air intake improvement is one of the most popular across petrol heads, firstly because it provides additional performance and secondly because the engine sound is drastically improved. Still, this upgrade is not very expensive with pricing starting from several dollars to several hundreds. Different brands offer different quality, but a reasonable air intake costs around couple of hundred bucks.

2. Projector Headlights and Led Taillights

Projector Headlights and LED Taillights
I have been also searching for new head and taillights, because they will give a unique look of my vehicle. New headlights also ensure additional safety with improved illumination despite the weather conditions, while the new taillights provide maximum visibility and thus more security for both – me and other drivers on the road. I have searched for a particular pair of head and taillights, and I was glad to find out that the needed items will fit just perfectly to my vehicle.

3. Sports Exhaust System

Magnaflow Rear Silencer

Other planned upgrade is the sports exhaust system, which is going to improve the sound and the performance as well. A complete exhaust system from the manifolds to the rear silencer can add a significant horsepower improvement. One of the best brands on the market is Magnaflow offering not only rear silencers, but entire exhaust systems for almost all car brands. The pricing is starting from around $172 and goes up to $3,904 for the most expensive items. Typically, depending on the budget, most of the fans only opt for a rear silencer, because it significantly changes the soundtrack of the vehicle.

Another very important part of the research for the needed car upgrade is reading reviews from real customers, who have already tried the item and can share positive or negative impressions. During the research I have done, I read a lot of reviews on the website of CARiD and contacted other fans in the Facebook. This was very useful for me, because I got the needed information and feedback right away.

Finally, I can say that there are no bad upgrades as long as the owners are happy with the final result. Whether you will make your car extremely fast or gorgeous looking, you are still one of us – a true petrol head.

July 11, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept [video]

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept boasts a sensational soundtrack. It has been caught on video – starting and revving its powerful four-cylinder engine. The German manufacturer has exhibited the radical Golf R 400 Concept at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

The ultra-hot hatchback is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 400HP (294 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed DSG transmission sending the power to 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The curb weight of the vehicle is just 1,420 kg (3,130 lbs).

There are also rumors about a production version with even more power as Heinz-Jakob Neusser said at the Vienna engine symposium in Austria – “The new Golf R 400 could make more than 400 horsepower“.

The uprated engine comes with a number of modifications including a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment enhances the economy and performance.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hacWi2-9Fo

June 6, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R 400 – Even More Horsepower!

Volkswagen Golf R 400 is expected to have even more power in its production version. Of course, it won’t reach 450 or 500HP, but we expect an increase of around 20 or 30HP. If, this happens, the new Golf VII R 400 will be the most powerful turbocharged car in the world (HP / liter).

For now, the most powerful production turbocharged car is Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 360HP (265 kW) – a specific output of 180HP / litre.Volkswagen Golf VII R 400 Concept was revealed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. It comes with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 400HP (294 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

The engine is connected to a 6-speed DSG transmission sending the power to 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).The reason we believe that the Golf R 400 will have more power is that the Volkswagen’s head of research and development Heinz-Jakob Neusser said at the Vienna engine symposium in Austria – “The new Golf R 400 could make more than 400 horsepower“.

The uprated engine comes with a number of modifications including a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment enhances the economy and performance.

The ultra-hot hatchback also has a number of improvements including performance tires and big brake system. The suspension is also revised in order to handle all that power.

May 12, 2014

Volkswagen Shows Golf R 400 Concept Car

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car was revealed a few days ago via several design sketches. The brand has just released the first official pictures of the car as well as additional data. The concept was on display at Auto China show in Beijing. The 400 in the name of the concept stands for the horsepower it generates. The new Golf also features unique body and bumper modifications s well as flared wheel-arches that make it even more aggressive and sporty. It is based on the standard Golf R hatchback and therefore features 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

Golf R 400 generates up to 400 hp (295 kW) and adds extra 70 Nm of torque to the production hatchback, making it a total of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm. The increase of power is due to the modified version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The unit is coupled to a six-speed DSG transmission, which helps the model accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 mph.

The optimized engine has a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment enhances the economy and performance.

Golf R 400 concept weighs only 1,420 kg. Its body is 20 mm wider on each side, when compared to the production version. It also sports flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches are painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

In addition, new sill extensions bridge the gap between the widened arches. They are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R19 tyres. At the front, the bumper has been entirely redesigned. In addition, a carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic ‘wing element’ help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille.

An ‘R’ badge is positioned on the gloss black radiator grille, and sits on a ‘Lemon Yellow’ background. A horizontal stripe across the grille continues into the bi-xenon headlights and is also Lemon Yellow.

At the rear, the bumper has been also redesigned and includes vents on each side. There are also four sporty tailpipes which have been replaced with two centrally mounted items. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look.

The interior of the concept Golf features motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. The seats are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and “carbon leathe”. The same approach is used for the two individual rear seats. A contrast stitching in Lemon Yellow can also be seen inside.

Unfortunately, there are no current plans for production of the Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car.

Source: Volkswagen

April 22, 2014

Porsche 997 V-RT Edition 911 Turbo By Vorsteiner

Vorsteiner Porsche 997 V-RT Edition 911 Turbo is simply stunning! It has been completely refined and now exudes even more class and luxury. The engine under the hood of this beautiful car is the 3.6 litre twin-turbocharged flat-six one. It generates 480 horsepower (353 kW) and 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) of torque, and catapults the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. The top speed here is 310 km/h (193 mph).

The additional enhancements by Vorsteiner include V-RT aerodynamics package, VSM-310 multi-piece forged wheels, as well as custom embroidered velour floor mats. At the front end of the Porsche, the aero kit adds a replaceable chin spoiler increasing the downforce as well as carbon fiber brake ducts which direct air to the rotors to maximize cooling during heavy braking.

At the rear, the kit enhances the car with a functional carbon composite rear deck lid/engine cover with twin ram air scoops. They feed air into the engine bay and air intake for optimum airflow and cooling. What is more, a carbon fiber wing blade rounds out the final appearance while increasing down force to the rear of the vehicle at high speeds.

Oh, we forgot to mention the unique wheels on which this 911 Edition runs. They are Vorsteiner’s Sport Multipiece Forged VSM-310 finished in Gloss Brushed Shadow and coming in sizes 20×9” at the front and 20×12” at the rear. Of course, the Michelin Pilot Super Sports complement them perfectly.

Vorsteiner Porsche 997 V-RT Edition 911 Turbo Details:

V-RT Edition 997 Aerodynamics Package:
- V-RT Front Bumper with Carbon Fiber Brake Ducts, Chin Spoiler and Grille Insert
- V-RT Carbon Fiber Side Intake Inlets
- V-RT Rear Wing with Integrated Twin Air Scoops
- V-RT Rear Bumper with Integrated Carbon Fiber Diffuser and Intercooler Shrouds
Interior:
- Porsche 997 4-piece Vorsteiner Embroidered Velour Floor Mats
Wheels:
- Sport Multipiece Forged VSM-310
- Wheel Finish: Gloss Brushed Shadow
- Wheel Size: 20x9J Front, 20x12J Rear
- Tire Size: 245/30/20, 325/25/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sports

Source: Vorsteiner

April 16, 2014

Infiniti To Debut Q50 Eau Rouge Prototype In Beijing [VIDEO]

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge running prototype will be making a debut at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show on 20th of April. At the event, the brand will show footage of the testing of a prototype version. The tests were conducted at the Millbrook Proving Ground automotive testing facility in the UK, and the driver behind the wheel was the four time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel.

It was also announced that Infiniti’s Q50 Eau Rouge high-performance prototype vehicle generates 560 horsepower (412 kW). In comparison, the concept version of the car, being the most powerful Infiniti ever built, produces more 500 horsepower (368 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque.

At the track, Vettel put the prototype through a challenging series of performance, handling and precision driving evaluations. Driver’s invaluable feedback will be engineered into the next stages of the prototype’s extensive development program. This will help the brand offer the necessary testing components, packaging and viability.

Infiniti has not yet released additional information about the prototype, but promises to do so on the press day at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. Watch the teaser video below and stay tuned!

httpv://youtu.be/tL10WZIjM5o