2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430

Aston Martin has a long history of creating unique vehicles. At the Geneva Auto Show, they showcased two special-edition cars that surprised many. Included was the new 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430.

This car comes in a handsome green and yellow exterior color that works well with features highlighted in black.

The styling is just the beginning, under the hood is Aston’s signature V8 engine that provides enough horsepower for any occasion.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: £89,995
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 US gals (80L) Miles Per Gallon: 14 city / 27 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 172.6 in. (438.5 cm) Wheel Base: 102.4 in. (260 cm)
Height: 49.6 in. (126 cm) Width: 73.5 in. (186.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 3549 lbs (1610 kg) Maximum Seating: 2 people
Performance
Engine: 4.7 Liter V8 DOHC Compression Ratio: 11.3: 1
Horsepower: 430 HP Max RPM: 7300 RPM
Torque: 361 lb-ft @5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-62 mph: 4.8 seconds Maximum Speed: 190 mph (306 km/h)

Engine & Performance

What you get is a 4.7 liter V8 engine. However, this version gets an extra 3.9 hp that gives you a total of 430 horsepower, thus the ‘N430’ branding.
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This engine produces 361 lbs ft of torque of 361 pound-feet, which is slightly more than the base V-8 Vantage. The car springs out from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and delivers a top speed of 190 mph.

Exterior

The N430 has similar kinks, curves and dimensions to the standard V8 Vantage.

The dark-themed accents in the grille, meshes, headlight bezels, windows and tailpipe finishers are evident throughout.

You will find the graphite painted alloy wheels gives this car an imposing look. It is available in 5 different color schemes; heritage, race, stealth, trophy and speedway.

Interior

Once you step inside, you are welcomed by machined carbon-sill plate. The seats are made of carbon fiber and Kevlar; along with the improvements on the wheels, the use of carbon fiber help shave about 44 lbs (20kg) from N430’s curbs weight.
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Other features include paddle shifters, carbon fiber gear-shift on the manual models, black anodized knobs, Plisse Alcantara door, unique seat patterns and indented leather on the roadsters.

April 30, 2014 at 1:49 pm | 1 comment

2014 Volvo Estate Concept

The third in the Volvo Concept series is the 2014 Volvo Estate Concept which made its debut on March 6th, 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show.

This futuristic and imposing concept wagon is the shooting brake version of the 2013 Concept Coupe, the first concept car in this widely acclaimed and award-winning series.

For the first time, the highly advanced technology and the ultra-chic look of the 2014 Estate Concept interior, mirrors the design of Volvo’s much-anticipated new model, the XC90 SUV, which is set to debut later this year.

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Inspired

Inspired by the classic and iconic design of the Volvo 1800 ES, launched in 1972, the new Estate Concept boasts an exotic, vivid and elegant interior with orange accents, exquisite detailing, and authentic Swedish materials.

Engine & Performance

Below the beltline, the Volvo Estate Concept is similar to the 2013 Concept Coupe. It comes with a 2.0 liter, four cylinder petrol engine from the Swedish manufacturer’s new engine family known as “Volvo Engine Architecture” (VEA).

Its rear wheels are driven by an electric motor, making this all-new concept car a plug-in hybrid just like its predecessor.

Combined, the engine and motor produce 396 horsepower with a max torque of 444 lbs ft (600 Nm).
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Exterior

The Estate Concept boasts a sleek silhouette, a long and wide stance, full-length, modern roof with see-through panes and an all-glass hatch-like tailgate echoing the all-glass rear hatch of the iconic Volvo 1800 ES.

The front grille and low bonnet of this dynamic three-door station wagon is flanked by an innovative, thin headlight that feature T-shaped DRL light guides.

The conspicuous contrast between the shiny 5-spoke, 21-inch wheels and the dark brown pear color of the exterior adds a cool and stylish touch to the exterior design.

Another distinctive feature of the exterior design is the rear light signature.

Interior

Volvo places an unprecedented emphasis on the interior. They combine simplicity with 21st century technology. The innovative, tech-forward and spectacular dashboard of this concept car (which is also be a key feature of the coming XC90 SUV) aligns navigation, media, weather controls and phone all in one place.

According to Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design for Volvo Cars, “…eliminating traditional buttons and replacing them with a single digital cluster, an iPad-like touch screen control panel positioned in the center console, we have created a digital environment that is fully integrated in this concept car.”

In addition, you receive extra space behind the front seats, the four modern bucket seats feature vividly colored and chic orange seatbelts that provide a contrast with the lightly colored Bridge of Wear leather incorporated in the seats.

This contrast, contributes to the bright and comfortable feeling of a Swedish living room.

The exclusive wool carpets with matching sport orange tones are designed by Kasthall, while the checkered black-and white wool material on the rear of the front seats add a bit of playfulness.

The crystal gear lever designed by Orrefors/Kosta Boda emits an auburn glow. Another innovative feature is the specially designed Swedish “cub” game set, visible through the load floor and whose rules are printed on the transparent floor.

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April 29, 2014 at 1:49 pm | No comment

2015 Citroen C4 Cactus

The world is changing and customer expectations are doing the same at a very high rate. To meet these expectations, the 2015 Citroen C4 Cactus has been produced.

The French car-maker believes the ultra-lightweight car will be a real alternative to the traditional compact hatchback. The car boosts a handsome design and stands out from its rivals. The C4 Cactus is designed for better comfort using new technology.2015-Citroen-C4-Cactus-studio-A

Engine

The C4 Cactus is expected to be powered by a 3-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine producing 110 horsepower.

Exterior

The C4 is available in 4 color themes; black, chocolate, grey and dune. It can be matched with the 10 body colors and 3 choices of interior trim; Habana highlight, stone grey ambiance and purple highlight, a wide range of options for you to choose from.

The new car features a smooth rounded nose complimented by high-tech headlights that come with daytime running lights. The black wheel arches and a floating roof has become a signature design.

The wheelbase is 102.4 inches (260 cm) long which matches that of the C4 hatch. This means the Cactus C4 is shorter and lower. The car also features shorter overhangs. The engineers have reduced the weight of this new car by 441 lbs(200 kg).
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Interior

The interior provides great comfort creating more space for the driver and passengers. The cabin has been de-cluttered to offer a friendlier, relaxing environment.

The conventional control buttons have been replaced by a 7-inch touch-screen. The touch-screen provides access to vehicle functions such as air conditioning, settings, media, telephone, navigation, driving aids and connectivity.

The styling includes door handles is inspired by leather straps for luggage’s and a storage compartment above of dashboard. The seat upholstery, dashboard and door trim are available in 3 different colors; purple highlight, stone grey and Habana highlight.

Safety

Safety features include airbag in roof technology, park assist and parking camera, Citroen eTouch service for emergency and hill-start assist.

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April 28, 2014 at 3:58 pm | No comment

2015 Citroen C1

The 2015 Citroen C1 is available in the 3-door and 5-door variants.

Both models come with an optional open top (roll-back fabric roof).

You get further with the choices on the powertrain that provide a better ride whether its around the country or just around the corner.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact Base Price: £6,995
Fuel Tank Capacity: NA Miles Per Gallon: 55 combined
Dimensions
Length: 136.2 in. (346 cm) Wheel Base: NA
Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm) Width: 63.7 in. (162 cm)
Curb Weight: 1852 lbs (840 kg) Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 3 Cylinder VTi Displacement: 1.2 Liter*
Horsepower: 82 HP Torque: 87 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual 0-62 mph: 11 seconds

* PureTech engine

Engine & Performance

The C1 comes with a choice of two petrol engines; the first option is a 1.0-L 3 cylinder e-VTi 68 Airdream petrol engine which is matched to a 5 speed manual transmission which features a start-stop system. This engine will produce 68 hp.

The other engine choice is a 1.2 L three-cylinder VTi petrol PureTech engine that produces 82 horsepower and 87 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also matched to a five-speed transmission.

This engine does 54 mpg and emits 99 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions. The C1 reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 11 seconds.

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Exterior

The front is equipped with daytime running lights using LED lights whereas the front bumper has a large trapezoidal air intake. The rear square LED taillights create a 3D effect.

The tailgate has a small rear spoiler and it opens separately. Therefore, the lights are not part of the tailgate

The 2015 C1 comes in color choices that include lipzian white, gallium grey or carlinite, olive brown, caldera black, smalt blue, and sunrise red or scarlet.

Interior

The cabin is bright with colorful shades and has room for four adults. Structured lines characterize the dashboard with a 7-inch touch screen interface that usage of multi-media functions.

With the help of the touch screen, you also can make copies, run smart phone applications, in addition to images from the rear camera, along with hill-start assist and keyless entry and start.

Other features are; power adjusted front seats with a memory function, GPS navigation, and electric power steering, and reversing camera; you also get a spacious glove box, cup holders, heated front seats, USB connection port and an automatic A/c control.

It has 6.9 cu ft of cargo space which increases to 27.5 cu ft after folding down the rear seats.

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April 27, 2014 at 3:58 pm | No comment

2015 BMW X3

BMW unveiled the 2015 BMW X3 at the just concluded 2014 Chicago Auto Show. This new and refreshed SUV features new diesel engine option, rear wheel drive variant, and an improved design.

A boost in safety technology that includes lane departure warning, active parking assistant with cruise control, pedestrian warning, frontal collision warning, and city collision mitigation have been added.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 US gals (67L) Miles Per Gallon: 26 city / 39 hwy
Dimensions*
Length: 183.3 in. (465.7 cm) Wheel Base: 110.6 in. (281 cm)
Height: 66.1 in. (167.8 cm) Width: 74.1 in. (188.1 cm)
Unladen Weight: 3869 lbs (1755 kg) Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder DOHC Compression Ratio: 10: 1
Horsepower: 184 HP Max RPM: 5000-6250 RPM
Torque: 200 lb-ft @1250-4500 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds Maximum Speed: 130 mph (210 km/h)

* 2014 X3 20i

Engine & Performance

One of the new performance features for 2015 on the X3 include: On the sDrive28i, a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged gas engine that produces 240 hp with 260 lb ft of torque, matched an 8-speed automatic transmission that helps the rear drive X3 28i sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Also, you have the xDrive28d, which is a 2.0 Liter turbocharged 4 cylinder diesel engine that pumps out 180 hp and 280 lb ft of torque. This version is also matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It can hit 60 mph in just under 8 seconds.

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Exterior

The makeover on the X3 includes circular headlights that extend to the chrome kidney grille which has been slightly widened. Moreover, the side mirrors are now equipped with the standard LED turn signals and LED fog lights.

The brake cooling ducts on the front bumper have been reshaped and the bottom of the rear bumper gets an additional metal trim. Four new paint colors and a smart opener power tailgate provides hand-free and convenient access to the cargo area.

Interior

The interior has been enhanced with new chrome trims, sliding covers for the cup holders, a black panel display for climate control, and a sliding armrest.

The cargo area holds 27.3 cubic feet of cargo. However, capacity can be expanded to 63.3 cubic feet when the 40/20/40 split folding rear seat is folded down.

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April 26, 2014 at 3:58 pm | No comment

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