2015 BMW X4

When BMW first unveiled the X6, it caused a good amount of head-scratching.

This is essentially an X5 with a sloping roofline that brought less cargo space and less headroom for backseat passengers.

The company has responded with the new 2015 BMW X4. As the name suggests, this is smaller than X6 but has the same 5-door configuration.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gals (67L) Miles Per Gallon: 26 city / 38 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 183.9 in. (467.1 cm) Wheel Base: 110.6 in. (281 cm)
Height: 63.9 in. (162.4 cm) Width: 82.2 in. (208.9 cm)
Unladen Weight: 3990 lbs (1810 kg) Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0 liter 4 Cylinder DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1
Horsepower: 184 HP Max RPM: 5000-6250 RPM
Torque: 200 lb-ft @1250-4500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Steptronic
0-60 mph: 8.1 seconds Maximum Speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)

* X4 xDrive 20i

Engine Preference

More than one option will be available during the launch. They come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive. The base 2.0 liter 4 cylinder produces 184 horsepower while the xDrive28i comes with BMW’s 2.0 liter twin-turbocharged engine which produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

If you opt for the xDrive35i, you will get a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and a torque of 300 lb-ft. The car can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.

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Exterior

This car is based on the X3, but it is slightly longer and lower and has a face similar to that of the X5. This car is more about high-riding style than utility. Along the hood, there are short overhangs and fastback-style roof line that give the car a dynamic stance.

The car borrows the tall doors and bulbous back end from the X6. The automaker also plumped up the front air intakes and touched them up with LED fog lights.

Interior

This SUV seats 5 comfortably which goes well with the 18 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat and 49.4 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded. The split rear bench can seat 3 passengers and can actually fold in a versatile 4/20/40 configuration.

A standard power tailgate equipped with a hands-free feature that opens when you swipe your foot under a sensor is available. The X4 comes with standard with iDrive and central screen, with navigation being optional.

Optional safety features include active cruise control, rearview camera, lane departure warning and automatic parallel parking system.

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June 5, 2014 at 1:07 am | No comment

2015 Audi TT Coupe

Audi is preparing a revamped version of their TT series for 2015. The upcoming model will feature minor changes to the exterior but most importantly, new technologies that improve driving and handling, road stability and driver comfort.

The new 2015 Audi TT Coupe will offer a budget solution for the car enthusiasts that aspire for a luxury sports car. No compromises were made when designing the interior or exterior. Performance-wise, the TT is equipped for delivering exceptional torque, power and comfort.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.8 gals (60 L) Miles Per Gallon: 22 City/31 Hwy
Dimensions*
Length: 164.5.3 in. (418 cm) Wheel Base: 98.6 in. (250.5 cm)
Height: 53.3 in. (135.3 cm) Width: 72.1 in. (183.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 2712 lbs (1230 kg) Maximum Seating: 2 + 2
Performance
Engine: 2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder DOHC Horsepower: 184 HP
Torque: 280 lb-ft Transmission: 6-Speed Manual FWD
0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds Maximum Speed: 146 mph (235 km/h)

* TT Coupe USA specs

Engine

The 2015 TT Coupe will have three different engine models available. All of them turbocharged with direct injection. The entry model has a maximum output of 184 horsepower while the high end model will reach 310 horsepower. Dual clutch transmission is available.
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Performance

Road stability of the TT is superior on the all-wheel drive model. The improved aerodynamics of the front, the air intakes and lower body will offer better road grip. Cornering is improved on the all-wheel drive.

Exterior

The first generation featured mostly curved lines on the edges at the front and rear. The model presented at the Geneva Motor Show follows a more robust exterior design with a wider frontal grille, additional air vents beneath the front bumper and discreet and narrow headlights.

Sharp lines can be observed on the hood and all the way across the car to the back. The rear shows more fluid lines with the tail lights placed higher.

Interior

The interior of the car is typical for a sports car. Controls have been placed conveniently on the wheel. The gearshift handle has been placed higher than usual for easier use.

The seats are in leather. Looking at the gauge and instrument placement, Audi managed to place everything conveniently for the driver, ensuring no obstructions would cause visibility issues.

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June 4, 2014 at 1:07 am | No comment

2014 Volkswagen T-Roc Concept

In the recent years, Volkswagen’s lineup of crossover and SUV concepts has been received with mixed results.

The latest is the 2014 Volkswagen T-Roc concept, which made its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motors how.

This new car has striking features that include a progressive design and 2 removable roof halves.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Cabriolet Base Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 164.5 in. (417.8 cm) Wheel Base: 102.2 in. (259.5 cm)
Height: 59.1 in. (150.1 cm) Width: 72.1 in. (183.1 cm)
Performance
Engine: 2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder TDI Horsepower: 180 HP
Torque: 281 lb-ft Transmission: 7-Speed DSG

Engine

Under the hood of the T-Roc concept is a conventional 2.0 liter turbo -diesel engine coupled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

It also features 3 different modes; street, snow and off-road. The engine produces 181 horsepower and 280 lb ft of torque.
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Exterior

This car is quite well proportioned, with very minimal overhangs. Thanks to the lightweight qualities of this vehicle, it only weighs 3130 lbs (1420 kg). The car’s wheels and tires are 19- inch, 245/45 series.

The front part of this vehicle is characterized by a wide grille element; this grille element incorporates LED projector lamps. The front & rear of this car have fog-lights located in ring-shaped bezels, which include reverse lights and cameras.

To add to the car’s aesthetic appeal, the middle portion of the car’s roof consists of 2 halves that can be removed and stowed in the trunk.

Interior

The interior is quite amazing. VW has said the car has room for 4 people. You will also find a 12.3 inch TFT gauge display and a very tough, non-slip surface for dirty excursions.

There is a centre console tablet that gives passengers control over the exterior cameras and the in-ward-facing HD camera located at the rear view mirror.

The interior features a combination leather and cloth that provide a fresh looking set of color schemes that actually turn from a blue to a dark black color.

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June 3, 2014 at 1:07 am | No comment

2014 Subaru VIZIV-2 Concept

Showcased recently at the 2014 Geneva Motor show was the new hybrid crossover concept in the 2014 Subaru VIZIV 2.

VIZIV is a term coined by Subaru, which means Vision for information. The concept has almost similar look as its predecessor, albeit some changes at the front.

While the VIZIV 2 is still a concept, it looks much more like a production ready design.
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Engine

The VIZIV-2 is expected to be powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder diesel engine, 3 electric motors and one Lithium-ion battery pack.

It comes in all-wheel drive with the front wheel being powered by the diesel engine and an electric motor.

The rear wheels are powered by the remaining two electric motors. The diesel unit generates 168 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The concept comes with an Eco Cruise mode which utilizes the ‘EyeSight’ sensing cameras to analyze the road ahead and accordingly tune the engine output to maximize fuel efficiency.

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Exterior

The design of the VIZIV 2 is contemporary and gives an impression of a solid build quality. The core shape of the body is hexagonal in nature, and the same is even reflected in the front grille and at the rear.

The C shaped headlamps give an impression of an aggressive car. The round LED fog lamps at the front and rear give it a distinctive look. Large 20-inch alloys and robust bumpers lend the car a solid yet dynamic stance.

Interior

The interior’s focus on functionality and safety. The instrument cluster design stresses on ease of use and drivability. The vehicle comes with EyeSight, which is Subaru’s advanced driver assistance system and multi-directional sensing system.

There is more than enough room for passengers inside and looks like a comfortable crossover for a family.

There is no official word on when we can expect a production version of VIZIV 2.

However, with incremental changes on the VIZIV, we see Subaru moving closer to a production ready model. Expect the same to hit the roads sooner rather than later.

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June 2, 2014 at 1:07 am | No comment

2014 SsangYong XLV Concept

Launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the 2014 SsangYong XLV Concept is a smart user interface vehicle as well as an innovative multi-role car designed for ultimate urban driving combined with exciting outdoor leisure experiences.

Inspired by the rhythmic movement, fluidity and dynamism of nature, Ssangyong has adapted a green-oriented philosophy they call “Nature born–3 Motion”.

The XLV Concept focuses on customer safety, energy efficiency and practicality that aims at making your driving experience safe, convenient, and enjoyable by employing the technologically advanced “3S – Cube” interactive communication system.

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General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid SUV Base Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 174.4 in. (443 cm) Wheel Base: 102.4 in. (260 cm)
Height: 63 in. (160 cm) Width: 72.6 in. (184.5 cm)
Performance
Engine: 1.6 Liter Diesel Hybrid System: 48V
Motor: 10 kW Battery: 500Wh-Ion

Engine

The XLV Concept boasts of a 48V hybrid system that incorporates a 1.6 liter diesel engine as well as a 10kW electric engine which is powered by a 500Wh lithium ion battery.

As a result, this SUV concept is able to produce 10% lower CO2 emissions when compared to other green SUVs.
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Exterior

The design of the SsangYong XLV Concept is dynamic, sturdy and nature-inspired. The front allure of this concept vehicle complements brilliantly the SUV s headlights and grille and is reiterated on subsequent SsangYong models.

The vehicle’s side features a sleek design that is aesthetically enhanced by a black-colored horizontal split sporting a double-tone effect sublimely inspired by a dolphin s body.

This concept vehicle also features a double-layer glass roof whose transparency can be controlled and adjusted with the use of a button in order to attain the desired ambient light in the car.

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Interior

The interior design of the is characterized by dynamism, simplicity and spaciousness. The revolutionary 2+2+2+1 seating arrangement, the seventh seat sliding optimally between the second and third rows, provides excellent accommodation for seven passengers.

This nature-oriented concept car is completely upholstered in eco-friendly fabrics.

The warm-touch orange-reddish trim line is also environment-friendly and it features honeycombed graphics illumination that is inspired by fireflies in the dark.

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June 1, 2014 at 5:26 pm | No comment

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