2014 Maserati Alfieri Concept

Maserati has had a very busy and productive past few months. In February it unveiled the very affordable Ghibli and now comes the 2014 Maserati Alfieri Concept.

This Maserati Concept is a 2 + 2 design and was built to commemorate the Italian automakers one hundredth anniversary.

Alfieri is a tribute to the Maserati brother who helped found the company in 1914 and shares the moniker as his first name.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gals (90 L) MPG: 10 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 180.7 in. (459 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 50.4 in. (128 cm) Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Curb Weight: NA Maximum Seating: 2+2
Performance
Engine: 4.7 Liter V8 DOHC Compression Ratio: 11: 1
Horsepower: 460 HP Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-62 mph: 4.5 seconds Maximum Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h)

Engine & Performance

Under the hood is the 4.7 liter, naturally aspirated, V8 engine that generates up to 470 horsepower and paired with a 6 speed, electro-actuated gear box (MC Shift). The same powertrain found in the Gran Turismo MC Stradale.

The concept is able to go from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

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Exterior

Up front, the imposing shark-like front grille features frosted headlamps on either side of it. The Maserati Trident logo is prominently visible at its center. It is also appointed with 6 vertical chrome strips from side to side.

The hood is long, with virtually no overhangs obstructing its profile while the rear wheel wells are muscular in appearance, they barely contain the 21 inch rear tires.

The rear window resembles the style used in the late 1970’s for the Corvette coupe, though not split as they were. The taillights are held within largely indented compartments.

The wheelbase is just over 106 inches and its overall length is a little less than 181″. It stands a touch above 4 feet, 2 inches.

The Concept’s exterior is painted in a “Steel Flair” silver hue accented by blue around the exhaust, rear diffuser, air intakes, brake calipers, and strikingly good looking wheels.

Interior

The only items that will provide a semblance of familiarity on the 2014 Maserati Alfieri Concept dashboard are the start button and shift lever. The rest of the instrument panel is comprised of screens.

There is a 1950 racing car feel and look to the seats and floor. The interior is a combination of dark gray and a lighter variation of the hue on the seats.

The steering wheel is a 3 spoke design with hand grips at 10 and 2 o’clock positions, red striping and the Maserati Trident once again displayed in the center hub.

This is not just a good looking concept car with substance; it is a fully operational vehicle. The Alfieri Concept sits atop a shorter version of the Gran Turismo chassis using the same 4.7 liter, V8 engine.

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May 21, 2014 at 2:51 am | No comment

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Recently released was the latest and much awaited2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250.

This is the sleekest and most efficient car in its showroom.

This is also the first front-wheel-drive Mercedes that has become available in the United States. It should draw a lot of attention from those looking for performance coupled with style in a car.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe 4 Door Base Price: $ 29,900
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.1 gals (50 L) Miles Per Gallon: 26 city / 38 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.3 in. (463 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 56.6 in. (143.7 cm) Width: 80 in. (203.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3262 lbs (1480 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: Inline 4 Turbo DOHC Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 208 HP Max RPM: 5500 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @1250-4000 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed DCT Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds Maximum Speed: NA

Engine

This car is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine produces 208 horsepower with 258 lb ft of torque.

The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The CLA250 has an EPA mileage of 26 city and 38 highway mpg.
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Exterior

This is a 4-door coupe design with a Diamond-block grille at the front. The light modules together with the LEDs just behind headlamp cover-glass have been placed in such way that they create a flare effect’ for daytime driving lights plus the indicators.

The car rides on 17-inch 5-spoke wheels with an option for an 18-inch triple 5-spoke wheels or you can choose 18-inch AMF 5-spoke wheels.

Other optional features include aluminum trim, burl walnut wood- trim, Panorama roof and Auto-dimming rear view & driver-side mirrors.

Interior

The progressive, sporty exterior appearance continues on the inside. What you find is a 3-spoke steering wheel, 4.5 inch color instrument cluster display, and sporty front seats, 14-way front seats that have memory, spilt –folding rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and a very spacious trunk.

Entertainment features include a central controller, HD Radio receiver, Hands-free Bluetooth interface, and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Optional features include heated front seats, dual zone automatic climate’ control and 80GB hard-drive navigation and 7-inch display.

More Features

The car has new standard safety features that include a Collision Prevention Assist function and integrated collision-warning system with visible and audible alerts. Blind spot monitors, parking sensors and lane-keeping assistance are optional.

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May 20, 2014 at 2:51 am | No comment

2014 Mazda Hazumi Concept

The 2014 Mazda Hazumi is a concept vehicle that was made to give the public a preview of what the next-gen Mazda 2 will look like.

The name Hazumi means to “spring up” or to “bind” in Japanese.

The concept car received a new look which mirrors the styling of the later models of the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hatchback Base Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 160.2 in. (407 cm) Wheel Base: 101.8 in. (258.6 cm)
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm) Width: 68.1 in. (172.9 cm)
Curb Weight: NA Maximum Seating: 2+2
Performance
Engine: Inline 3 SkyActiv-Diesel Displacement: 1.5 Liter

Engine

The Hazumi premiers the SKYACTIV-D 1.5 liter engine, which is a compact and clean diesel engine that focuses on maximum efficiency. This is much like the ultra-efficient internal combustion of the SKYACTIV-D 2.2, which is a bigger engine.

The SKYACTIV-D 1.5 liter engine has reduced CO2 emissions with an impressive rate of under 90 g/km. This fulfills the Euro 6 requirements without having after treatments.
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Exterior & Interior

The same angular headlights of the newer models are seen on this concept car. A contoured grille as well as a sculpted signature wing is featured.

The interior boasts of a light and youthful impression. There is a comfortable feeling of openness, which is brought about by the suspended center console. This creates more room for the driver at the foot wells of the cabin.

Features

The Hazumi focuses on different safety technologies which are based on Mazda Proactive Safety system. This is designed to help drivers minimize the risks of getting involved in an accident. The new technologies aim to give drivers peace of mind while on the road.

The car delivers very agile driving, yet delivers linear performance and a sense of security.

The KODO designed car has sleek and bold lines. It is equipped with Mazda’s SKYACTIV fuel-saving technologies. The concept car is Mazda’s new Mazda 2 model, which is a supermini automobile.

It focuses on safety and a sense of security for the driver. It is also equipped with new technologies which allow the driver and other passengers to utilize cabin technology through the use of their Smartphone.

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May 19, 2014 at 2:51 am | No comment

2014 Jeep Cherokee EU-Version

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee EU-Version was unveiled at 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

This model will be available in 4 different engine options and in 2 or 4-wheel drive configurations.

Judging from the exterior, this SUV will definitely receive attention and more people interested.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.8 gals (60 L) Miles Per Gallon: NA
Dimensions*
Length: 182 in. (462.3 cm) Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 65.7 in. (166.9 cm) Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 54.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: Inline 4-Turbo Diesel Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 170 HP Max RPM: 3750 RPM
Torque: 259 lb-ft @1500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

* Cherokee US specs

Engine & Performance

The new Cherokee EU version has several engine options you can put in including 2.0 liter turbo direct-injection L-4 common rail diesel engine. This is paired with 9-speed automatic gearbox and 6-speed manual transmission. This produces 170 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and a torque of 259 lb ft at 1,500 rpm.

In addition, the Cherokee is available as well in 2 different petrol engines: the 3.2 liter Pentastar V-6 that produces 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm 233 lb ft of torque at 4,300 rpm; the second is a 2.4 liter Tigershark 16-valve that generates 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 169 lb ft at 3,900 rpm of torque.

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Exterior

The SUV is designed using world-class material and craftsmanship. The focus may be on the waterfall hood with iconic peaked, 7-slotted grille that includes crisp, horizontal snap found in many classic jeeps.

The hood’s contour is clearly defined and separated from the front fenders in a modern way. Other added features include advanced LED lighting, Xeon headlights, and Daytime running lamps.

This new Cherokee rides on 17 inch alloy wheel for the Trailhawk and Longitude model; while the Limited model comes on 18 inch wheels.

Interior

The interior is made from premium material and available in 3 different interior trim choices; Gran Canyon, Morocco and Italian Mount Vesuvio. A 7 inch full-color TFT as the main control display; this provides information on speed, turn-by-turn navigation, real-time fuel economy, audio information, safety warnings and other Jeep-specific features.

As for Limited and Trailhawk models, you get an 8.4 inch touch-screen multimedia command center with the advanced UConnect system. The Jeep Cherokee also has a 5 inch touch-screen that controls a 506-watt sound system with 9 speakers & subwoofer.

Safety

Safety is a must, and Jeep has included 7 standard airbags, electronic stability control, forward collision warning-plus, park assist, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning-plus and rear cross path detection.

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May 18, 2014 at 12:35 am | No comment

2014 Hyundai Intrado Concept

Hyundai showcased their SUV of the future, the compact 2014 Intrado Concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

It is the Japanese automakers first time utilizing “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0”, a design language created in Europe by Peter Schreyer.

If you are wondering about the word ‘Intrado,’ it is the name of the underside of an airplane’s wing that allows the lift necessary for it to fly.

The description is in line with the vehicle’s connection to the world of aviation made by similar super lightweight materials.

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Motor & Performance

The Intrado Concept will be powered by an improved hydrogen fuel cell already in place as the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, via a Li-ion 36kWh battery.

This allows for a driving range of up to 372 miles. The emissions of this crossover are nothing more than H2O.

It is expected to go from 0-60 mph in 12 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.
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Exterior

To state that the exterior of the Intrado Concept is audacious would be an understatement. Imposing may be a better way to describe it.

When driving in the evening, it will grab your attention with its tall stance and slit-like LED headlights on either side of the grille, which features horizontal bars reminiscent of the 2015 Genesis sedan.

LED running lights are used on the front façade above large vertical air scoops.

The profile view presents an ornamental, undulating edging around the fenders which creases into the rocker panel and 2 doors.

The rear view has an exaggerated tailgate and the LED tail lights appear in the form of two sharks heading for a collision.

Interior

The boldness of the Intrado does not end on the outside. The dashboard is a bright orange which actually complements the lighter gray hue exterior paint.

It comes with flat bottomed steering wheel and the shifter appears to merge into a bridge connecting the center console to the dash, just above the instrument cluster and infotainment display.

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May 17, 2014 at 12:34 am | No comment

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