Monday, March 31, 2014

Ford Fiesta Sedan, 2014

 Ford Fiesta Sedan, 2014Ford Fiesta Sedan, 2014
 Ford Fiesta Sedan, 2014
Ford Fiesta Sedan, 2014

Fuel efficiency and fun
The most dramatic and distinctive Ford Fiesta to date deliver the best miles per gallon among its rivals, led by Ford's patented new 1.0-liter Eco Boost engine. The landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International's International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, is expected to deliver more than 40 mpg.

With that, Ford Fiesta is projected to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid subcompact in America, and stands as a shining example of Ford's commitment to provide consumers with the most fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and trucks.

While the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter Eco Boost saves cash at the pump, it doesn't hold anything back on the road. At 123 horsepower for each liter of engine displacement (the engine's size), the 1.0-liter EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than a Lamborghini Aventador (at 108 horsepower per liter).

Eco Boost is fundamental to Ford's strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Eco Boost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines. Ford's leadership with EcoBoost has resulted in more than 125 patents on the technology. Currently, more than 500,000 vehicles have this engine and by 2013 more than 1.3 million will have Eco Boost.

A triple threat of fuel-saving features - variable-displacement oil pumps, polished tappets and coded pistons - appears together for the first time in the 1.6-liter Ford Fiesta, giving drivers maximum miles per gallon without sacrificing driving fun.

Small is smart
In addition to its new EcoBoost engine, Ford Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Ford Fiesta still features SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allows drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

Ford's My Key is a new feature on Fiesta, which enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers' exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

Built to excite the right-brain driver
Proving to be every bit as creative as its owner, the new Fiesta will offer custom exterior design graphics and sexy new color options. The redesigned exterior boasts a sporty new grille that reflects the new face of Ford.

Inside, things are just as expressive. The cell phone-inspired dashboard and available leather steering wheel and seats amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and get on the move. A selection of ambient lighting options allows Ford Fiesta drivers to set just the mood they want. Also available is a new Sony HD audio/satellite radio with eight premium speakers for drivers to more fully appreciate their music.

Big on safety
This continues to be a small car that is big on safety. Ford Fiesta offers the following standard safety features:
    Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control
    Dual-stage first-row airbags
    Driver knee airbag
    Side-impact airbags
    Side-curtain airbags
    Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
    LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
    Tire Pressure Monitoring System
    Child-safety rear locks
    Anti-theft engine immobilizer
    Improved side-impact safety capabilities


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Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014

Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014
 Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014
 Chevrolet Silverado High Country, 2014

The Chevy Silverado High Country will further broaden Chevrolet's portfolio in the premium pickup segment when it joins the LTZ and Z71 models in the Silverado lineup in the fall of 2013.

Chevrolet Silverado High Country is distinguished by a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front and rear bumpers. Unique 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires are standard, as are chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.

Inside, Chevrolet Silverado High Country features an exclusive saddle brown interior, with authentic materials throughout. Features include heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests, Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose premium audio and front and rear park assist.

Standard engine for the Chevrolet Silverado High Country is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8, SAE-certified at 355 horsepower (250 kW), with class-leading V-8 fuel economy of up to 23 mpg highway (2WD models). The all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 also will be available. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, proving the refined power and torque truck customers expect. Both seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.

Because of the high level of standard equipment, Chevrolet Silverado High Country will offer only a few options. In addition to the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8, they include a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, integrated trailer brake controller, sunroof, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a High Country Premium Package which includes heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Lexus IS, 2014

Lexus IS, 2014Lexus IS, 2014
 Lexus IS, 2014Lexus IS, 2014
 Lexus IS, 2014
Lexus IS, 2014

The all-new Lexus IS model range made its European debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Driving performance is considered the single most important element of sport sedan ownership by D-premium segment customers. In conjunction with a dramatic new design featuring the Lexus spindle grille, the new IS has been engineered to provide outstanding dynamic capabilities and driving experience.

The new Lexus IS showcases an all-new interior that combines all the refinement and quality expected of any Lexus, with a more sporting, focused driver's environment, a significant improvement in rear seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.

A Resolute Look
The dramatic design, sleek surfacing and tight, sporting proportions of the all-new IS perfectly reflect the significant advances made to the dynamic capabilities and driving performance of the Lexus premium compact sedan.

At 4,665 mm overall, the new Lexus IS is 80 mm longer and 10 mm wider than its predecessor. The front overhang has increased by just 10 mm, and the wheelbase has been extended by 70 mm to 2,800 mm.

The new generation GS, ES and LS models, the all-new IS features the sophisticated dynamism of the Lexus spindle grille frontal design, awarding the compact sedan a combination of aggressive elegance, a more powerful road presence and a stronger brand identity.

The new, powerfully articulated headlamp is underscored by Lexus trademark L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) located independently below the cluster, giving the new IS a unique, highly distinctive visual signature.

In profile, the strong horizontal beltline creates the impression of larger rear tyres and a lowered centre of gravity. The mass of the cabin itself appears to be concentrated rearwards, visually applying weight to the rear tyres to enhance the perception of traction. A rising crease line flowing from the lower body, through the rear wheel arch and into the rear lamp clusters adds further dynamism to the sweeping elegance of the sedan's sporting profile.

The clean, elegant, coupe-like lines of the new IS are further enhanced by a rear wheel arch hemming treatment which gives the tyre greater prominence by allowing it to be placed 5 mm further outboard and closer to the wheel arch, and a laser-brazed roof structure which joins the roof and side members without the need for an unsightly roof drip moulding.

The Interior Design
The clean, horizontal theme of the new Lexus IS interior design is bisected by the strong upward sweep of the centre console, creating a snug, focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within which the driver can fully exploit the new Lexus compact sedan's superb driving dynamics.

The newly designed, quilted driver's seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. The seat hip point has been lowered by 20 mm. The new, LFA-inspired, 3-spoke, 370 mm diameter steering wheel features a new paddle shift switch shape for easier, more accurate operation, and improved ergonomics to the wheel-mounted switchgear.

The angle of the wheel has been lowered 3 degrees, and steering reach adjustment has been increased by 23 mm, creating a more sporting driving position.

With 50 mm of its 70 mm longer wheelbase dedicated to increased rear seat space and 20 mm dedicated to increased luggage capacity, the new, 10 mm wider IS offers rear seat occupants significantly increased levels of comfort. The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in knee room for the new, 60:40 split/folding seats. And a 20 mm increase in the gap between the B pillar and the front corner of the seat improves accessibility.

Throughout the interior, high quality materials and finishes convey contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned. Soft touch finishes abound, including knee pads either side of the centre console for increased driver and front passenger comfort.

The new IS follows the GS and LS in adopting a Drive Mode Select system, with meter illumination and multi-information display design changing from blue to red in sports driving modes, along with the switching of the hybrid system indicator to a tachometer in the IS 300h.

Dual-zone Air Conditioning with Electrostatic Switches
The new IS features a dual-zone air conditioning system with touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature. Sliding a finger up or down the bar shaped switch allows for temperature adjustment in 0.5 degree increments. Temperature can also be adjusted by simply pressing the top or bottom half of the switch or the arrow markings.

Advanced Multimedia Systems
Two types of multimedia system are available for use in conjunction with the high-resolution 7" full colour display, Lexus Display Audio (LDA) and Electro Multi Vision Navigation (EMVN).

The EMVN system is operated via a second generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device, which has been enhanced for increased user-friendliness and ease of operation.

iPod functionality and interface quality has been enhanced; via USB port connectivity, the iPod menu can now be driven from the vehicle's steering wheel control switches, and album cover art displayed on the 7" multimedia screen.

Premium Sound System
The new Lexus IS is fitted with a sound system representing the next generation of realism and clarity in Lexus sound. It features a fully digital, Class-D, 6 or 8 channel amplifier capable of creating virtually distortion-free sound with minimal voltage losses. The natural sound dynamics and rich harmonies generated by the high definition amplification are faithfully reproduced by an enhanced, 6 or 8-speaker layout which features a new, 55 mm wide-range tweeter.

Mark Levinson Premium Surround System
Available with the new IS's EMVN system, the Mark Levinson Premium Surround System creates sound based on the concepts of Effortless Dynamics and Effortless Transient Response, which combine natural dynamics with high response and tracking performance to offer sound quality equivalent to that of a live, concert hall performance.

Using the same technologies as those found in top-end home audio systems, it features a 12 channel fully digital Class-D amplifier generating a total output of 835 Watts through 15 Green Edge TM high-efficiency loudspeakers. A new Auto Volume system automatically adjusts system volume for each song being played to ensure consistent volume levels and full audibility for even the quietest passages of music.

Developing twice the volume for the same power consumption, Green Edge TM power-saving technology has been incorporated into each of the 15 speakers. Green Edge TM technology covers a wider frequency band than conventional systems, giving an enhanced dynamic range.


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Monday, March 24, 2014

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

 
 
 
 
 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2014

The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

Global market leader: BMW 5-Series defends its leading position in the world's car markets

The quality and popularity of the BMW 5-Series are reflected in the host of prizes and distinctions awarded to the members of the model family around the world. In early 2013 the BMW 5-Series secured class victory - for the third year in succession - in the readers' survey "The Best Cars" conducted by the German motoring magazine "auto, motor und sport". This success came not long after the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition with BMW BluePerformance technology had been voted "Car of the Future" and awarded the ADAC automobile association's "Yellow Angel". The BMW 5-Series as a whole had been named "Germany's favourite car" in the same competition in 2011.

Design and body: Timeless elegance, cutting-edge functionality and made-to-measure luxury

Instantly captivating and enduringly compelling, the aesthetic qualities of the BMW 5-Series models have secured sales success around the globe and a wealth of awards and distinctions. "We haven't completely redesigned the BMW 5-Series, we've just given its character a slightly sharper sporting edge," says exterior designer Won Kyu Kang, describing the modifications made to the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring.

The BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring: sporting contours for the front end, xenon headlights as standard

Sporting elegance is the standout characteristic of the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring. Their design is defined by the hallmark BMW proportions created by a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs and set-back passenger compartment. At the front end, additional contour lines for the BMW kidney grille surround and the restructured lower air intake accentuate the car's sporting appearance. All the variants of the new BMW 5-Series model family are fitted with xenon headlights as standard.

Joining the LED fog lamps on the options list are Adaptive LED Headlights. Here, both the dipped and main beams are generated by LED units positioned on horizontal ribs in the centre of the two light rings, which are levelled off at the bottom. Sweeping chrome inserts with engraved BMW lettering add the finishing touches to the distinctive and extremely high-class appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights. The side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on all new BMW 5-Series models. And the Sedan and Touring have newly structured rear lights with particularly thin and strikingly contoured LED light strips. These lights and an additional crease in the rear apron emphasize the wide track of both models.

New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: powerful presence at the front, dynamic elegance at the rear

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines signature BMW proportions with an innovative body concept. The elegantly stretched coupé roof line, four doors with frameless windows and a high-opening tailgate exude sporting intent, luxurious long-distance comfort and extensive variability. Carefully targeted modifications to the car's design shine an even brighter spotlight on its unmistakable character, which meets the highest standards across an extremely wide spectrum.

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014

Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Dodge SRT Viper TA, 2014

Configured in-house by the Chrysler Group's SRT (Street and Racing Technology) team in collaboration with professional road racers, the exclusive, street-legal and single-spec 2014 SRT Viper TA (Time Attack) package is specifically built for the performance enthusiast driver who likes to exercise their machines at the more than 150 road-race courses around North America.

Less than one year since the long-awaited world debut of the new 2013 SRT Viper at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, the 2014 SRT Viper TA is set to make its public debut on the same show floor at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.

Based on the SRT Viper model - the lightest vehicle in the lineup, the SRT Viper TA package builds upon the legendary on-track capability of the American hand-built supercar using a majority of pre-developed components straight from the SRT stable, that are combined into a carefully balanced package that extract the most out of the Viper ultralow center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution and largest contact patch in the production car world.

The suspension on the SRT Viper TA is uniquely tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage and to maximize the performance of the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires which are mounted on ultra-lightweight, multi-spoke Sidewinder II wheels. A two-mode Bilstein Damptronic suspension system features firmer levels of damping and a smaller spread between modes than what is found on the current Viper GTS models.

Shock dampers, springs and road racing derived stabilizer bars have been retuned for optimal on-track performance. The standard aluminum structural X-brace is replaced with a lighter carbon fiber brace that effectively ties the four corners of the engine compartment together and contributes to the 50-percent increase in torsional rigidity and stiffness across the Viper lineup.

Based on the outstanding performance of the world-class brake system on the 2013 SRT Viper, SRT engineers are working in parallel with Brembo on a system that increases thermal capacity and optimizes heat dissipation providing improved extreme use. The brake calipers on the 2014 SRT Viper TA feature a black anodized finish with the Viper logo shown in Crusher Orange.

The unmistakable exterior of the SRT Viper TA features exclusive Crusher Orange paint with black 2D TA logos behind both front wheels, black Stryker logo on the front fascia and matte black, ultra-lightweight Sidewinder II wheels.

An advanced exterior aerodynamics package includes carbon fiber front splitters and rear spoiler, while a carbon fiber rear applique accentuates the rear width proportions and adds another level of detail.

Under the hood of the 2014 SRT Viper TA is the handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4-liter, mid-front V-10 overhead-valve engine. Performance ratings are 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque - the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports-car engine in the world.

The inside, the performance driver-oriented cabin of the SRT Viper TA uses the same standard premium ballistic fabric racing seats from Sabelt, featuring a lightweight fiberglass shell created by a state-of-the-art resin transfer molding technology for mass reduction and long-term durability. Both driver and passenger seats can also accommodate a 3- or 6-point harness for racing belts.

The standard black interior combination includes unique Crusher Orange accent stitching on the cloth seats, instrument panel (through the cowl), center stack, console, pull brake, shifter boot, shifter head, steering wheel and upper doors.

Curb weight is an estimated 3,348 pounds.
Only 33 units of the 2014 SRT Viper TA in Crusher Orange built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, beginning in third quarter 2013.


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Citroen Technospace Concept, 2013

 
 Citroen Technospace Concept, 2013

The Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso, Grand C4 Picasso and C3 Picasso, Citroën has built a real success story by asserting itself as one of the leaders in the compact MPV segment. Since 1999, the brand has sold almost 3 million Picassos. Now Citroën is entering a new phase in the sector by revealing the Citroën Technospace Concept, which points to the brand's future compact MPV that released from the second half of 2013.

A demonstration of Citroën's 'Créative Technologie', the new concept ushers in a new era with:
A record CO2 emissions level of 98g/km, achieved thanks to the new Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2), which features efficient architecture and minimises weight.
Multiple technologies for enhanced comfort, including a full-touch driving interface with a high-definition 12" panoramic screen.
Previously unseen proportions that combine compact size (length: 4.43m / width: 1.83m / height: 1.61m) with standard-setting interior space and class-leading boot capacity (537 Litres VDA).
Strong, expressive design with dynamic lines and high-tech headlamps complemented by 3D-effect tail lights inspired by the latest Citroën concept cars.


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Monday, March 10, 2014

Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2015

Chevrolet, 2015, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Chevrolet, 2015, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Chevrolet, 2015, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Chevrolet, 2015, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Chevrolet, 2015, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
Chevrolet Silverado HD, 2015

The new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HDs are engineered to be stronger, smarter, and more confident than ever.

Updates for the 2015 model year:
All-new exterior styling with enhanced cooling air flow, which enables Silverado's 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel and 6.0-liter Vortec V-8 to better maintain full power, even under heavy loads and high ambient temperatures
Integrated cruise control, Auto Grade Braking and Diesel Exhaust Braking (on diesel models) that help make tough towing easier
A 6.0L bi-fuel V-8, which can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas, will be available on regular-cab, crew-cab and new double-cab Silverado 2500 and 3500 models.
Standard Stabili Trak with Trailer Sway Control on all models including 3500 duallys.
All new cabs and interiors that provide increased space and comfort, with extensive storage space tailored to the way customers use full-size trucks.
Chevrolet My Link, which provides powerful connectivity for work or family with simple, intuitive controls.
New 6.5- and 8-foot boxes with standard Corner Step bumpers, EZ Lift and Lower tailgates, and other features that make cargo handling easier.

New exterior design for enhanced cooling, reduced wind noise
Silverado HD's all-new exterior communicates strength and capability, while also enhancing aerodynamics for improved efficiency and reduced wind noise, It also improves cooling for more consistent power under tough conditions.

The design of the 2015 Silverado HD is as much about brains as brawn. New inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the body side, help reduce wind noise for a quieter cab. The smallest details of the body, such as the roof and tailgate spoiler, were tuned in a wind tunnel to smooth airflow over the truck for reduced noise and improved aerodynamic efficiency.

Because HD pickups are frequently used for towing under adverse conditions, engineers paid particular attention to airflow for both engine cooling and the engine air intakes. Starting with air inlets sized to reduce drag and improve efficiency, engineers tested cooling airflow in the wind tunnel and on the road to make sure the engines could maintain power on long upgrades at high ambient temperatures. Careful sealing of the front end also ensures that air entering the engine intake remains cool, for optimum performance under tough conditions.

Integrated controls for easier towing
The new Silverado HDs are also designed to bring new levels of confidence to tough towing through further refinement of Silverado's available Cruise Control, Auto Grade Braking, and Diesel Exhaust Brake. The integration of these features helps the 2015 Silverado HD maintain a set speed up and down grades, even when towing a heavy trailer in mountainous terrain.

To activate the Auto Grade Braking on either gasoline or diesel Silverado HDs, the driver presses and holds the Tow/Haul button in the shifter for three seconds. The transmission will then automatically downshift when needed to enable engine braking to help slow the vehicle.

In addition, on Duramax diesel models, the driver can also engage the Diesel Exhaust Brake, which uses the variable vanes in the turbocharger to smoothly and quietly create additional backpressure in the engine to help slow the vehicle. The combination of the exhaust brake and the automatic transmission downshifts helps the driver maintain the desired speed, even on long, steep highway downgrades.

Stabili Trak with Trailer Sway Control is now standard on all Silverado HDs, including 3500 dually models, providing additional security to the drive.

Built strong, with rugged truck hardware
The foundation of 2015 Silverado HDs is a family of fully boxed frames, which use large cross sections, hydroforming and high-strength steels in key areas. The stiffness of the frames contributes to improved handling and ride comfort, while the strength of the frames enhances payload and towing capability.

The Silverado HDs independent front suspension is specifically engineered for HD pickup use, with forged steel upper control arms and precision machined cast iron lower control arms. Torsion bars are tailored to the weight ratings of the trucks, ad allow easier trim height adjustment to account for the weight of snow plows or other accessories.

Rear springs are asymmetrical leaf springs, which balance ride and load carrying, and improve control of axle hop. The steel springs, three inches wide, have been proven to perform year after year under the toughest conditions.

Payload and towing capabilities of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD are increased from 2014 models:
    Maximum available payload is 7,374 pounds, the best for any HD pickup, up from 7,222 pounds.
    Maximum available conventional towing is 19,600 pounds with the available factory hitch, up from 18,000 pounds and also best in class.
    Maximum available fifth-wheel towing is 23,200 pounds, up from 22,500 pounds.

Silverado HD is available in more than 150 combinations of cabs, bed lengths, powertrains, drivetrains and axle ratios, enabling customers to spec exactly the right truck for their towing and hauling needs.

The team that created the 2015 Silverado HD went to extremes to deliver a truck that would live up to Chevrolet's reputation for building the most dependable, longest lasting pickups, said Luke.

For example, GM's new full-size truck family will undergo more than 6 million miles of durability testing in the torture chambers at the Milford Proving Ground, over the deserts and mountains of Nevada and across the frozen flats of Kapuskasing, Ontario. That's equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks will accumulate more than 7 million real-world miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.

New cabs and interiors for all-day comfort
The 2015 Silverado HD receives the same updates to the interior, cab structure, and door designs as the new Silverado 1500, which has received positive reviews for its quieter cab and roomier, more comfortable interior.

The upright instrument panel, six-gauge instrument cluster and multiple storage options are tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers. Controls are functional, logically placed and easy to operate with work gloves on. For example, the available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is mounted high on the left side of the instrument panel, where it can be easily adjusted, and it displays Gain on the Driver Information Center in the instrument cluster. The new Chevrolet My Link, standard on all models except the base work truck, provides easy-to-use connectivity for the job site or the family vacation, with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices.

The new truck cab is stronger, with nearly two-thirds of the structure made from high-strength steel for a confident feel and improved safety. The cabs feature inlaid doors, which fit snugly into recesses in the body sides for reduced turbulence and wind rush. Combined with new triple door seals, the doors help create a quieter interior.

The rear doors on crew-cab models are larger, and combined with revised seats, create approximately two inches more rear legroom, and enable easier entry and exit for back seat passengers.

A new double-cab model, which features forward-hinged rear doors, replaces the previous extended cab, and allows easier access to the back seat, especially in tight parking spaces.

Rugged powertrains for gas, diesel, E85 and CNG
The 2015 Silverado HD offers three powertrains specifically tailored for tough tasks and dependable service.
The proven Duramax 6.6L turbodiesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission combination will continue to be available on both 2500 and 3500 Silverados.

Rated at 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax diesel features piezo-actuated fuel injectors for improved performance and efficiency, and a variable vane turbocharger that also acts as an exhaust brake to help control vehicle speed when needed on long downgrades.

The Allison 1000 transmission features a driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a Tow/Haul mode that reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.

The standard engine on all Silverado HDs is a 6.0L Vortec gas V-8 with continuously variable valve timing, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque on 2500 models, and is specifically engineered for low-end torque. A version rated at 322 horsepower is standard on 3500s. Pickups with either version are E85 FlexFuel capable.

A bi-fuel version of the 6.0L V-8, with special hardened valves and valve seats to enable operation on gasoline or compressed natural gas, will be available in all three models of the new Silverado HD - regular-cab, crew-cab and double-cab.

Chevrolet will continue to work with a second-stage manufacturer to offer a single-source option for its CNG vehicles. The bi-fuel trucks are built with the specially designed engine, the fuel system is installed by GM's Tier One supplier, and the completed vehicle is delivered directly to the customer. This process makes ordering the bi-fuel option as seamless as ordering a truck powered by gas or diesel, and ensures the highest level of durability, reliability and safety.

Smart solutions for cargo management
The pickup box is made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass, compared with the stamped beds used by major competitors, and it features a range of smart solutions for everyday life.

Silverado's CornerStep bumper, combined with hand assists built into the new standard box rail protectors, makes it easier to access cargo in the box, especially useful on HD pickups, with their higher ride height. The box is also available with new upper tie-down hooks, under-rail light-emitting diode lighting, and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate.

An available spray-in bed liner, which bonds to the steel bed to create permanent, water-tight protection for the box, covers the entire bed interior surface below the side rails, including the tailgate and front box top rail.

Enhanced safety and security
The 2015 Silverado HD will be available with segment-exclusive safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist. Head-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags are standard on 2500 and available on 3500 models.

Like all Silverados, the 2015 Silverado HD is backed by the best pickup coverage in America:
    3 year/36,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty;
    5 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty;
    2 year/24,000 mile schedule maintenance coverage, including diesel exhaust fluid.

Accessories for a wide range of tasks
The 2015 Silverado HD will be available with a broad range of dealer-installed accessories. Exterior accessories include four-inch or six-inch assist steps in chrome or black, 20-inch wheels, body-side moldings, and a range of chrome accents.
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BMW 5-Series, 2014

BMW, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture BMW, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 BMW, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture BMW, 2014, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 BMW 5-Series, 2014

The BMW 5-Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.
The quality and popularity of the BMW 5-Series are reflected in the host of prizes and distinctions awarded to the members of the model family around the world.
Design and body: Timeless elegance, cutting-edge functionality and made-to-measure luxury
The BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring: sporting contours for the front end, xenon headlights as standard

Sporting elegance is the standout characteristic of the BMW 5-Series Sedan and BMW 5-Series Touring. Their design is defined by the hallmark BMW proportions created by a long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs and set-back passenger compartment. At the front end, additional contour lines for the BMW kidney grille surround and the restructured lower air intake accentuate the car's sporting appearance. All the variants of the new BMW 5-Series model family are fitted with xenon headlights as standard.

Joining the LED fog lamps on the options list are Adaptive LED Headlights. Here, both the dipped and main beams are generated by LED units positioned on horizontal ribs in the centre of the two light rings, which are levelled off at the bottom. Sweeping chrome inserts with engraved BMW lettering add the finishing touches to the distinctive and extremely high-class appearance of the Adaptive LED Headlights. The side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors on all new BMW 5-Series models. And the Sedan and Touring have newly structured rear lights with particularly thin and strikingly contoured LED light strips. These lights and an additional crease in the rear apron emphasise the wide track of both models.

New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: powerful presence at the front, dynamic elegance at the rear

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines signature BMW proportions with an innovative body concept. The elegantly stretched coupé roofline, four doors with frameless windows and a high-opening tailgate exude sporting intent, luxurious long-distance comfort and extensive variability. Carefully targeted modifications to the car's design shine an even brighter spotlight on its unmistakable character, which meets the highest standards across an extremely wide spectrum.

A new air intake highlights the powerful presence of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo's front end. The tailgate, meanwhile, has been extended rearwards and gives the roofline's transition into the rear an even more harmonious appearance. All of which allows the car as a whole to cut a lower-slung and dynamically stretched figure. These sharpened contours have also had a positive effect on the boot capacity of the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, which has been increased by 60 litres to 500 litres.

Horizontally structured and three-dimensional surfaces play a defining role in the new look of the rear end. Vibrant light and shade effects around the licence plate mount, a dynamically sweeping crease extending into the flanks and a chrome trim strip in the rear apron give the tail end a lighter and sportier feel. This impression is reinforced by the new outline of the two-section rear lights. Their horizontal layout is accentuated internally by a light design distilled into two LED light strips.

Interior: each model variant offers its own take on long-distance comfort, variability and a luxurious ambience

New details inside all the cars in the new BMW 5-Series provide a refined premium impression and increased functionality. In all models the Control Display of the standard iDrive operating system is now bordered on both sides by high-quality chrome trim strips. And the storage compartments and cup holders in the centre console of the Sedan and Touring now have increased capacity.

Generous levels of space, exquisite materials and high-quality workmanship all contribute to the premium ambience characteristic of the BMW 5-Series model family, as do exclusive interior design details like the standard iDrive and the black-panel technology of the instrument cluster and automatic climate control system's display.

The iDrive Controller can be ordered as an option with a touch-sensitive surface allowing character recognition. For example, a destination can be programmed into the navigation system by spelling out the desired address using finger movements on the Controller's surface. The existing "Speller" in the Control Display can also be used to this end, and the driver can alternate freely between the two operating methods while entering a command.

Another option unique in this segment is the multifunction instrument display designed to enhance driving pleasure. This 10.25-inch TFT cockpit screen takes its cues from the Driving Experience Control mode selected. Varying graphics and colour schemes ensure clear differentiation. In COMFORT mode the instrument display depicts a classical combination of four circular instruments. A magnifying glass function highlights the car's current speed and revs. In ECO PRO mode the rev counter morphs into an EfficientDynamics display, which indicates how efficiently you are driving. In SPORT mode the speedometer shows the car's speed digitally in the form of a large central figure, while the gear currently engaged is displayed in the centre of the rev counter.

The new BMW 5-Series Sedan underlines its qualities as a mile-devouring car for business use or trips away with its high level of long-distance comfort for all passengers. What's more, its boot can hold 520 litres of cargo.

For those with further-reaching requirements when it comes to load capacity, the BMW 5-Series Touring will be the model of choice. An array of individual solutions lends the Touring a level of functionality and variability unmatched in its segment. Even when all the seats are in use it offers 560 litres of boot capacity, which can be expanded to as much as 1,670 litres as the occasion demands. The rear seat backrests split 40 : 20 : 40 as standard and can also be ordered with an adjustable tilt angle as an option. A pair of levers in the load compartment allows the folding-down process for the backrests to be initiated from the boot, and their approach into a horizontal position is now cushioned slightly to settle them into place. The load compartment cover is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. Plus, the tailgate of the BMW 5-Series Touring comes as standard with a Soft Close Automatic function and a rear window that can be opened separately from the tailgate itself, flipping up automatically at the touch of a button.

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: the perfect combination of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility

The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo offers an unmatched blend of luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility, fusing the imposing elegance of a Sedan with the variable-usage interior of a Touring model and the versatility of a Sports Activity Vehicle. Its seating position - slightly raised to a height somewhere between that offered by a sedan and an SAV - allows particularly comfortable entry and exit. Rear passengers can enjoy legroom and headroom normally the preserve of luxury cars. The rear seats slide forward by 73 millimetres and the angle of their backrests can be adjusted through 33 degrees. When released from its locked position, the partition behind the rear seats follows the longitudinal movements of the seats, allowing boot capacity to grow from 500 to 650 litres. The partition and rear seat backrests can be split 40 : 20 : 40. Folding down all the elements and moving the rear seats all the way forward allows the Gran Turismo to reveal its maximum 1,750 litres of load capacity. To load items into the boot, one can either open the full, high-opening tailgate or a separate boot lid below the rear window. Similarly to a sedan, this smaller opening allows access to the load area without disturbing rear seat passengers.

Automatic tailgate operation comes as standard on the BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo and is also available as an option for the BMW 5-Series Sedan. The function of the optional Comfort Access system that allows the tailgate to be opened hands-free has been extended - for all members of the new BMW 5-Series model family - to include a closing mechanism, which means that a movement of the foot under the rear apron can now be used to prompt the tailgate to close as well as open. After unloading items from the boot, customers can therefore also close the tailgate without having to put down the items they're holding.

New to the BMW 5-Series: BMW Lines offer detailed personalisation

BMW 5-Series customers can choose from a wide selection of exterior paint colours. New additions to the range - and available for all models - are Calisto Grey metallic, Jatoba metallic, Mineral White metallic and Glacier Silver metallic. New variants have also been added to the line-up of optional light-alloy wheels.

Exclusively composed BMW Lines are now available for the first time to all members of the new BMW 5-Series model family as an alternative to standard specification. Customers can choose between the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line design packages, which shine the spotlight on selected facets of the car's character to great effect. Both Lines include LED fog lamps, 18-inch (BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo: 19-inch) light-alloy wheels, B-pillar trim and exterior mirror bases in high-gloss black, illuminated door pulls with chrome trim and likewise illuminated door sill strips with aluminium inserts bearing BMW lettering. Luxury / Modern badges can be found on the front side panels.

The BMW Luxury Line exudes a high level of elegance and exclusiveness thanks to a carefully assembled selection of further particularly high-class features for the exterior and interior. The chrome finish of the trim bars in the outer sections of the lower air intake, the fronts of the black kidney grille slats, the window recess finishers, the trim strip in the rear apron and the exhaust tailpipe embellishers all add gleaming touches. Leather upholstery with exclusive stitching, a black sports leather steering wheel and interior trim strips in exquisite Fineline anthracite wood create a particularly refined interior ambience.

The BMW Modern Line package displays a strikingly contemporary and dynamic edge. The air intake bars, kidney grille slats, rear trim strip and tailpipe embellishers come in matt chrome, and the instrument panel and sports leather steering wheel can be specified as an option in the light colour shade Oyster. Interior trim strips in dark Pearl and exclusive stitching for the optional leather upholstery ensure the interior creates an eye-catching impression.

All variants of the new BMW 5-Series can also be ordered with a model-specific M Sport package, further increasing the scope for individualisation.
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Monday, March 3, 2014

Audi A3 Sportback S-Line, 2014

Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
 Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture
Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture Audi, Automotives Review, Luxury Car, Auto Insurance, Car Picture


Audi A3 Sportback S-Line, 2014

Sporty, versatile and functional - Audi presented the new A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment is groundbreakingly light thanks to ultra lightweight technology. The engines are powerful and highly efficient. The infotainment with the intuitive connect technology and the driver assistance systems available in the new Audi A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment. The overall design language concentrates on the essentials, with each individual design element making a confident aesthetic statement.

A lightweight car is a prerequisite for sportiness and efficiency. ultra lightweight technology from Audi reduces the weight of the new Audi A3 Sportback by as much as 90 kilograms (198.42 lb) compared with the previous version. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a curb weight (without driver) of just 1,205 kilograms (2,656.57 lb). Hot-shaped steels are used in the occupant cell of the new A3 Sportback to reduce the weight. The complete occupant cell is 37 kilograms (81.57 lb) lighter overall than in the previous model. Significant weight reductions were also achieved in the interior and with the engines. Audi, worldwide pioneer in lightweight construction, has reversed the weight spiral and once again set a new record.

The body of the new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 millimeters [14.14 ft]), width (1,780 millimeters [5.84 ft]) and height (1,425 millimeters [4.68 ft]) of the new model are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase is now significantly longer at 2,636 millimeters (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in).

The front end is low; the roof arch spans a dome that extends beyond the subtle roof spoiler to the muscular tail end. The design with the three side windows is taut, with every detail precise and expressive. The large wheel wells underscore the sporty aspirations of the new Audi A3 Sportback.

The distinctive, Stone Gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners is the distinguishing element at the front of the vehicle. Its horizontal slats and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The flat headlights are works of art and give the new Audi A3 Sportback a determined gaze. Full LED headlights will be offered at a later time.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback is elegant, airy and cleanly designed. It carries over the dynamics of the exterior. The instrument panel with its curving front is slim and low. Together with the center console oriented toward the driver, it appears to float slightly.

Large, round air nozzles in jet design, the elegant user interface panel for the climate control system and sculpturally styled trim set the tone - with their polish they bring the quality of the full-size class into the new Audi A3 Sportback. The seats and steering wheels are new developments, and the car's user controls are clear and intuitive - as they are in every Audi. The compact five-door model offers a generous luggage capacity of between 380 and 1,220 liters (13.42 and 43.08 cu ft).

Audi ultra lightweight technology
ultra lightweight construction has long been a main pillar of the brand. Audi recorded a pioneering achievement in the use of aluminum as a body material back in 1994: The first A8 had a full-aluminum body in ASF (Audi Space Frame) technology.

ultra lightweight technology reduces the weight of the new Audi A3 Sportback by as much as 90 kilograms (199.42 lb) compared with the previous version. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the compact five-door model has a curb weight (without driver) of just 1,205 kilograms (2,656.57 lb). Audi, worldwide pioneer in lightweight construction, has reversed the weight spiral and once again set a new record.

ultra lightweight construction in the body
The broad-based expertise of the Audi body development engineers is by no means restricted to a certain material, but rather encompasses all relevant materials. The multimaterial construction of the new Audi A3 Sportback is entirely in keeping with the motto "The right material at the right place for optimal function."

High-end components of hot-shaped steel in the occupant cell form a strong, yet lightweight structure. Before deformation, they are heated in a continuous flow furnace to nearly 1,000 degrees Celsius and are then cooled to about 200 degrees in a water-cooled stamping press.

This extreme temperature jump creates an iron-carbon structure with extreme tensile strength. Hot shaped steels are able to perform with relatively thin walls, and this makes them lightweight.

Hot-shaped steels represent a roughly 25 percent share of body materials. They are used in the transition from the front of the vehicle to the occupant cell, in the A-pillars, roof arch, center tunnel, side sills and floor panels. What is known as a tailored rolled blank forms the transition from the floor to the rear body section - its eleven individual segments are rolled into five different thicknesses.

The B-pillars also consist of this high-end steel; their lower sections are more flexible than above, since the energy of a side-impact collision must be absorbed here. All together, the hot-shaped steels in the new Audi A3 Sportback reduce the weight of the vehicle by 37 kilograms (81.57 lb) compared with the previous model.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel grades are used in many other body areas such as in the side members and in the floor of the passenger cell. The engine hood, fenders, the subframe of the front axle and the sections mounted behind the front bumper as crash absorbers are made of aluminum. Together the aluminum components save around twelve kilograms (26.46 lb), thus improving axle load distribution.

Processing aluminum components in body construction and joining these components with steel components are challenging tasks. The same is true of welding hot-shaped components, which are coated with a corrosion-inhibiting aluminum-silicon alloy. Audi benefits here from its extensive know-how in ultra lightweight construction - the joining technologies have been practice-proven for years now in models such as the TT. A number of very different joining technologies are used to assemble the new A3 Sportback, including bonding, clinching and punch riveting.

Between the side wall and the roof, which are both made of steel, a Plasmatron brazed seam produces the joint, where the allowable tolerance is just a few tenths of a millimeter. The finished seam is smoothed with brushes - the practically invisible zero-joint that is produced is an expression of the stringent precision thinking at Audi.

Unlike the previous model, the doors and window frames are stamped in one piece, and this also saves weight. The door hinges integrate a convenient new type of clamping mechanism.

Safety and aerodynamics
The new Audi A3 Sportback is tops when it comes to passive safety. In a frontal collision, the front cross-member distributes the forces to the two side members, which undergo defined deformation to dissipate these forces. The structural members for the engine and front suspension, as well as the sections in the upper area of the fenders, act as additional load paths. If necessary, the pedals are decoupled from the firewall; the steering column absorbs energy and is not displaced into the occupant cell.

In a side impact, the occupant cell offers excellent protection with its hot-shaped steel components such as the sills and B-pillars. In a rear-end collision, the bumper's cross members redirect loads to the large side members made of high-strength steel.

ultra lightweight construction in the interior
The Audi ultra lightweight principle is not limited to the body or to specific subassemblies and parts - developers always consider the vehicle as a whole, and in their work every gram counts. This is the only way the car's curb weight could be reduced by up to 90 kg (198.42 lb) compared with the previous model.

The engineers have internalized the Audi ultra lightweight principle, and in the interior of the new Audi A3 Sportback they also succeeded in eliminating every superfluous gram. The redesigned seats contribute a one kilogram (2.20 lb) weight savings; lightweight plastic inserts replace the steel wire used previously in the frame of the rear bench seat.

A new control unit arrangement requires fewer wires, thus reducing the weight by 1.5 kilograms (3.31 lb). The blower motor requires fewer coils, and the air conditioning system shed four kilograms (8.82 lb) of weight. The housing of the passenger airbag is made of polymer; the mounting for the MMI monitor is made of magnesium. Together these two solutions save 640 grams (1.41 lb). In the previous model, many linings in the interior were fastened with steel screws. In the new Audi A3 Sportback, polymer expanding rivets were used here for a weight savings of four grams (0.01 lb) per fastening point. When it comes to the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle, every gram counts.

ultra lightweight construction in engines and chassis
The engines of the new Audi A3 Sportback have shed a significant amount of weight as well. The engines of the new A3 have shed a lot of weight as well. The 1.8 TFSI, for example, weighs just a little over 130 kilograms (286.60 lb), while the 1.4 TFSI weighs in at just 107 kilograms (235.89 lb) - 21 kilograms (46.30 lb) less than the previous engine. With a weight difference of 15 kilograms (33.07 lb), the aluminum crankcase accounts for the largest share of reductions, but progress has also been made in many small engine details - e.g. in the new aluminum pistons and the hollow-bored connecting rod pins.

Environmental footprint
In developing the new A3, Audi conducted an environmental assessment of two of the engine versions. The 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI - both with a manual transmission - were subjected to a detailed analysis. Both versions offer clear benefits compared with their respective previous models. Greenhouse gas emissions, for example, are reduced by roughly two metric tons per model. This corresponds to roughly seven to nine percent of the greenhouse gas emissions over the entire life cycle. This is due in large part to the substantially lower fuel consumption and low weight of the new models. At the end of its life, about 95 percent of the new Audi A3 Sportback can be recycled.
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