2014 Seat Leon ST

The 2014 Seat Leon ST might be one of the most anticipated new releases on the car market. For those looking for a vehicle that is both sporty and functional, this model may be it.

Engine

The engines available with the Sport Tourer are impressive. There is an 84 horsepower and a 103 horsepower engine available. Both are known for their high level of power and torque. For those looking for an engine that can start up immediately, reach high speeds, and stop with ease, both engines will deliver. Most impressive, however, are its fuel consumption.

Without a doubt, the fuel efficiency on these engines are very impressive. Vehicles that go a long way on a full tank of gas is very much in demand.

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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Wagon Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gals (50 L) MPG: 48 city / 66 hwy
Performance
Engine: 4 Cylinder TSI Displacement: 1197 cc
Horsepower: 104 HP Max RPM: 4500-5500 rpm
Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 1400-4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-62 mph: 10 seconds Top Speed: 119 mph (191 km/h)

Design

The suspension and chassis of this vehicle truly displays the amazing engineering and design that went into it. The brilliance of the design contributes greatly to how the vehicle handles on the road.

The Adaptive Chassis Control DCC offers three different driving modes which ensures the passengers can have an enjoyable and comfortable ride. The progressive steering feature makes steering nearly effortless.
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Exterior

The exterior of the vehicle has unique sharp lines designed to highlight its sleek nature. The load space in the rear of the vehicle is equally impressive. As for the interior, it is spacious with comfortable seats and a lot of luggage room.

Infotainment

”Infotainment” is a major feature in this vehicle. Entertainment and communications systems are built into the car adding to a brilliant driving experience. A “drowsiness detection unit” is included ensuring the safety levels remain high while driving. The 2014 Seat Leon ST truly does have many unique features that set it apart.

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August 24, 2013 at 4:40 pm | No comment

1932 Bugatti Type 41 Royale

The 1932 Bugatti Type 41 Royale remains one of the most visually stunning classic cars in the collector’s market.

The sleek look of this legendary French car does make it one a prized selection for anyone interested in vintage cars.

It can be said the vehicle was comfortable to ride in. This is a quality that Bugatti has maintained through the years, combining comfort with power.1932-Bugatti-Type-41-Royale-at-home-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Roadster Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50.2 gals (190 L) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 255.9 in. (650 cm) Wheelbase: 169.3 in. (430 cm)
Curb Weight: 6614 lbs (3000 kg) Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 8 Cylinder OHC Displacement: 12.7 Liter
Horsepower: 297 HP Max RPM: 2000 rpm

Engine & Performance

What made the Type 41 Royale such an impressive vehicle was its power. The original model was built with an 8-cylinder in-line engine connected to an overhead camshaft.

The engine block was massive allowing it to look intimidating. A modified version went into production which yielded a 2.7-liter engine. There are three valves per cylinder which was common among the Bugatti models produced during the era.

The power output of the engine was 297 horsepower at 2,000 rpm. While not the fastest car on the road, it certainly was faster than other models in production at the time.1932-Bugatti-Type-41-Royale-in-the-garage-B

Exterior & Interior

In addition to the amazing power of the 1932 Bugatti Type 41 Royale possessed, the car was known for its high level of style and comfort. The size of the vehicle was impressive. The car measured at 255.9 inches (6.5m) in length and slightly over 157.5 inches (4m) in width.

Probably the most novel visual aspect of the car was the elephant sculpture on the radiator cap. This elephant is still used as a symbol for the new cars to this very day.1932-Bugatti-Type-41-Royale-steering-wheel-C

Comfort

Comfort may have been deemed a true luxury in the 1930’s since many cars were designed for function. With this model, the interior of the car was luxurious in its level of comfort which contributed to its elegance and appeal.

August 24, 2013 at 10:40 am | No comment

2014 BMW i3

The people at Bavarian Motor Works have accomplished their mission of introducing a sustainable, electric vehicle into their product line. At the same time, the 2014 BMW i3 lives up to the automakers motto of the “Ultimate Driving Machine”.

The vehicle is based on the new “LifeDrive” architecture. This concept consists of 2 independent, horizontally divided modules.2014-BMW-i3-night-drive A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Hatch Base Price: NA
EV Mode Range: 118 miles MPGe for EV Mode: 81 miles avg
Dimensions
Length: 157.4 in. (399.9 cm) Wheelbase: 101.2 in. (257 cm)
Height: 62.1 in. (157.8 cm) Width: 69.9 in. (177.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 2634 lbs (1195 kg) Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Motor: Electric Battery: 18.8 kWh
Horsepower: 167 HP Torque: 185 lb-ft
0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds Top Speed: 93 mph (150 km/h)

The “Life” portion of this plan involves a lightweight, yet high strength passenger cell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

The “Drive” section is a combination of the battery and drive system as well as the structural and crash functions.2014-BMW-i3-on-display-B1

Engine & Performance

Under the hood of the BMW i3 has a hybrid synchronous electric motor generating 170 horsepower. The motor is mated to a single speed automatic transmission.

For an electrical vehicle, this car is quick. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 93 mph.

Exterior

The 2014 i3 is a standard 3 door hatchback. The rear doors swing towards the back of the car upon opening, versus the traditional frontward rotation. The front façade has dual, small kidney shaped grilles with the BMW logo centered above them. The LED headlamps are U-shaped.

Its profile is more squared than sweeping, with an interesting window alignment of 3 different styles. The rear window is large, affording great visibility to the backend, while the taillights match the U-shaped headlights up front. For aerodynamic purposes there is also a rear diffuser.

The “i3” will be offered in 3 trim lines of the basic “Mega World”, midpoint “Giga World” and top “Tera World”.

Interior

The first thing you may notice inside the 2014 BMW i3 is the missing center tunnel on the floor. The “LifeDrive” construction allows for a much roomier cabin. The driver controls are all ergonomically placed for easy access.

The free standing steering column includes the start/stop button and gear shift selector that resides there as well. The interior incorporates a layering technique and the dash is nicely appointed with a eucalyptus wood finish.

The driver’s seat is mounted higher than the passenger’s side for improved sight lines.

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August 23, 2013 at 4:26 pm | No comment

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is truly a game-changer in the electric small car market. This car is designed for fun.

Performance

The Spark EV uses no gasoline.

It has a GM-built motor and drive unit that delivers 400 lb ft of instant torque, a top speed of 90 mph and goes from 0-60 in less that 8 seconds.2014-Chevrolet-Spark-EV-at-dawn-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Electric Hatch Base Price: $19,995
EV Mode Range: 82 miles MPGe for EV Mode: 119 miles avg
Dimensions*
Length: 146.5 in. (372.1 cm) Wheelbase: 93.5 in. (237.5 cm)
Width: 64 in. (162.5 cm) Curb Weight: 2989 lbs (1356 kg)
Luggage Capacity: 9.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Motor: Standard Electric EV Battery Pack: 21 kWh
Horsepower: 130 HP Max RPM: NA
Torque: 400 lb-ft Transmission: 1-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds Top Speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)

*1LT

Exterior

This car comes in 5 different colors; summit white, electric blue, silver ice, titanium and black. It features a very prominent closed upper- grille and automatic shutter system that reduces drag and guides airflow around the car.

The full-length under-body panel helps reduce drag while the wheel deflectors, together with the integrated -rear- spoiler carry airflow just around and away from your car.

It is grounded and has a confident stance, this car has an energetic appearance while the accentuated headlamps and the 15″ wheels set it -apart.
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Interior

The interior is spacious and stylish. It comes in a bright electric blue color accent, and is able to accommodate 4 people in very comfortable seats. Since this car is electric, you will find it is surprisingly very quiet on the outside and the inside.

Chevrolet Spark EV gives the driver easy access to your music, media, mobile apps and all the information about the electric power while driving. You can turn your Spark EV into great extension of your cool Smartphone by connecting to a high-resolution, 7-inch touch-screen radio via Bluetooth technology or you can use the USB port.

With the help of the Siri Eyes Free technology, you can complete various hands-free tasks such as checking sports scores and retrieving your text messages. You can also master every route with the help of BringGo navigation found in this car.

Safety

In this car, the driver’s and passenger’s safety is the top priority. This is why the car comes with a technology that will help be in control; a StabiliTrak Electric Stability control system aids you stay on the right track on any slippery surfaces. You will also find 10 standard air bags and a GPS technology to help pinpoint your location in case you need help.

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August 22, 2013 at 4:31 pm | No comment

2013 Mini Vision Concept

While the auto community awaits the arrival of the latest Mini Cooper, MINI has given us a glimpse of something new and what we might expect with the unveiling of the 2013 Mini Vision Concept.

Technical innovations, a new aesthetic appeal and evolutionary design highlight this vehicles feature. The technical aspect is best exhibited in the wide array of interactive gadgets which includes Mini’s “Driving Experience Control” switch.

Even the “Glamorous Gold” color of this car is one we have never previously seen on a Mini.
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Engine & Performance

Mini has not disclosed much information as to what to expect in the drivetrain. It is believed the Vision Concept will use a conventional 4 cylinder engine as well as offering a family orientated inline 3.

The 4 cylinder version will most likely be a 1.6 liter engine generating 120 horsepower. A turbo could go up to 181 horsepower. All engines could be mated with a manual transmission and be front wheel drive.
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Exterior

The face of the Mini Vision Concept has a familiar feel as they have retained the hexagon shaped grille and elliptic LED headlights. Even with its boxy appearance, the “Vision” is aerodynamic in form with air intakes and outlets in front of each wheel arch.

The ease of air flow continues through the rims and outside mirrors to optimize it for the least resistance. There is also an integrated roof spoiler at the cars rear.

The body is clearly separated at the roof and glass area using chrome strips. The material used to manufacture the body is that of various fibers creating a composite of “organo metal”.
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Interior

The interior features vary to go along with the Vision’s functionality. The cockpit is open and features a floating center console. Inside the sweeping doors you will find a design reminiscent of the Union Jack flag. The best part of the design is the stripes are functional and can be used to hold your mobile phone or even a bottled water.

There is no shortage of other places to stow those items and more. There are specific areas designated for smart phones as well as storage boxes and cup holders.

Technologically, the new “Driving Experience Control” allows the driver to enter a fully interconnected mode. When fully connected, different shades of color are displayed to set the desired mood in the cabin. The ultimate setting lights the floor as if you are in a disco, with a variety of light, colors and shapes moving at your feet.2013-Mini-Vision-Concept-appealing-D

August 19, 2013 at 3:12 pm | No comment

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