2014 HAMANN Limited based on Lamborghini Aventador - Design and Pictures

2014 HAMANN Limited based on Lamborghini Aventador - Hamann has taken the bull by the horns and puts the ultimate finish on one of the most striking and powerful sports cars of all time. Even more uncompromising, even more spectacular: the independent body concept of the factory in Swabian Laupheim has turned the martial Lamborghini Aventador into a personalized masterpiece – with unique design details and an impressive increase in power of almost ten per cent.

The leitmotif of the Hamann "Limited" is uniqueness in every way. The front boasts custom-made carbon air vent inserts. The optical counterpart of the lightweight nostrils is the two-piece front spoiler made of the same high strength racing material, which provides for racing grade down force and gives the front wheels increased grip. To optimize the aerodynamics, the new eye-catching side skirts help calm the airflow on the underside.

The greatest optimisation requirement for motorsport specialist Hamann was at the rear of the Aventador. The redesigned features were thus particularly extensive here. Hamann replaced the rear apron and rear diffuser with their own designs and constructions made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. The adjustable rear spoiler is made of the same material, as well. Hamann also developed the sport final muffler specifically for the "Limited." There is also a special race version available with backfire.

The voluminous air intake slots on the engine compartment lid supply the huge twelve-cylinder unit with plenty of cool air. Here, Hamann has integrated very high quality clear-coated carbon fibre, which allows a clear view of the Lamborghini power package.

Highlights of the customised Aventador are the alloy wheels, which go perfectly with its new look. The multi-part Hamann "Professional" is produced by a forging process, which guarantees maximum driving dynamics through lightness and the highest level of stiffness. The high-performance wheels in sizes 9x20 and 13x21 inch bear ultra-high-performance tyres in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 in front and 355/25 ZR 21 in the back.

The specialists of Hamann push the performance of the potent Italian to new heights. 700 hp (515 kW) and 690 Nm were the numbers to beat – and that's what motor racing professional Hamann clearly managed to do. The completely redesigned software of the control unit of the twelve-cylinder in the "Limited" now reaches 760 hp (559 kW). The maximum torque of the 6.5-liter V12 increases with the identity field optimisation to a raging 735 Nm*.

Hamann presents the first “Limited Lambo” in the special matt grey paint “Stealth Grey” – and “poison” green contrasted body details. And Hamann fulfils every customer desire imaginable. The highest manufacturing quality and selected materials have been the benchmark at Hamann for over 28 years.

A special hue also makes the interior unmistakable: the three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel is trimmed in green leather on the top and bottom. Intricately stitched applications on the instrument panel, the side panels and the centre console correspond excellently with other features, such the instrument panel cover and the seat tracks of the exclusive, high-speed sports seats.

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2014 ABT Audi RS5 Cabrio - Review, Specs and Design

2014 ABT Audi RS5 Cabrio - Review and Pictures - The forecasts from Bavaria are unequivocal: in spring and summer 2014, wind speeds of up to 290 kph are certainly very possible, especially when the sun is shining. This is because ABT Sportsline, the globally largest tuner of Volkswagen brands, has done away with the original speed limiter of the Audi RS5 Cabrio. Now, the 450 hp (331 kW) 4.2 FSI can show what it’s really able to do. A fitting stainless-steel muffler system consisting of a mid and rear muffler underscores the eight-cylinder car‘s emotional sound.

ABT Sportsline can also supply an height adjustable suspension kit that make for a flexible lowering of the CoG. The car’s look can’t be topped anyway, although the photo car only features some key elements. “With the machine-relieved well and the gunmetal coat of paint our DR alloy wheels lend the car a new look,” says CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt about the mounted set of 4 wheels in 9.5 x 20’’. Wheel spacers do also improve the car’s handling. And the ABT wheel collection 2014 features even more attractive cast and forged wheels.

If you are looking for a very special eye-catcher to underscore the RS5 sporty characteristics, you should also choose the ABT fender inserts, which make the convertible’s dynamics even more dramatic. The ABT RS5 is thus always a fresh breeze – be it closed or open.

Data and Facts

• ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
• Engine: 4.2 FSI, 4163 cc capacity
• Speed Limit now: about 290 km/h
• ABT AERODYNAMICS
• ABT fender inserts
• ABT SUSPENSION
• ABT height adjustable suspension springs (lowering approx. 15-40mm)
• ABT height adjustable suspension kit (lowering approx. 50 mm)
• ABT wheel spacer (4 x 15 mm or 4 x 25 mm)
• ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY
• ABT muffler system (mid and rear muffler)
• ABT WHEELS in design ER-F, ER-C and DR in 8.5 x 19 or 9.5 x 20 inches
• Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires in sizes 255/35 R19 or 275/30 R20

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2014 MTM VW Golf 7 R 4Motion - Specs And Pictures

2014 MTM VW Golf 7 R 4Motion - Specs And Review - Even in its standard version, the 300 hp Golf 7 R 4Motion is cut from a different cloth than the stable of Golf variants conceived and confected for the mainstream German car buyer. But be careful: once MTM has worked its magic, Germany’s most popular car effortlessly operates on a different plane otherwise dominated by very much more illustrious marques. Namely those which, like this, are capable of sprinting from nought to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and which reach their top speed of 250 km/h – in the seventh gear of the standard DSG gearbox.

The MTM-modified Golf 7 R 4Motion’s engine pushes it to 250 km/h. The two litre engine owes this power, generated by 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque, to MTM’s M-Cantronic module, fitted in 90 minutes and which comes with an all-up price tag of around 2,055 euros.

The front wheels are held in check by MTM’s 380x34 mm eight-piston brakes to ensure continuing unmarred pleasure in this feisty forward momentum. The rear axle is served by the ideally sized standard brake system. The motor sport-proven brake system is your’s for 5,115 euros, with fitting costing another 367 euros.

As the outward manifestation of its special talents, the MTM Golf 7 R sports the company’s trademark wheels: Nardo 8.5 x 19s with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (235/35 ZR 19) tyres providing the road grip.

Most European motorists will encounter this Golf at a handicap: typically only getting to see it from behind. And even this perspective reveals this to be no off the peg variant: four tailpipes proclaim that MTM’s ideally matched exhaust system doesn’t just look good but also exudes the good taste cultivated among Golf fans. This sporty package is available for 54,875 euros - all in.

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2014 NOVITEC TORADO ADV.1 NL2 Lamborghini Aventador Limited

NOVITEC TORADO and ADV.1 Wheels – two respected companies in the automotive industry - forged a cooperation and present an innovative idea for the world’s most thrilling super sports car: the new NOVITEC TORADO + ADV.1 NL2 high-tech forged wheel for the Lamborghini Aventador is now available in a limited edition of just 25 consecutively numbered sets of wheels. The objective of this cooperation between the high-end German tuning and refinement specialist NOVITEC TORADO and American high-tech wheel manufacturer ADV.1, was to incorporate a truly aggressive wheel design logically to the design and functionality of the Italian sports car. Each wheel is designed to only fit at one corner of the vehicle.

As the first product of this cooperation the two partners now present the NL2 wheels for the Aventador. The wheels have an aggressive design modelled after a wind turbine that features five unusually shaped double spokes.

The NOVITEC TORADO + ADV.1 NL2 wheels are designed to only fit one corner of the vehicle and as a result, the wind turbine styling feature with five slanted and extravagantly shaped double spokes is refined technically and visually in every detail. Conventional wheels with a wind turbine design have one major drawback: for cost reasons, only one tool is produced, which means that only the spokes on one side of the vehicle spin in the correct direction. On the opposite side the spokes are slanted against the direction of travel and visually seem to “break up the appearance” of the car. This design also impairs brake cooling and venting on one side of the vehicle. The wind turbine effect of the NOVITEC TORADO + ADV.1 NL2 wheels as they are produced, provide an optimal supply of cooling air and maximum dissipation of heat to enhance the braking performance. This not only benefits the performance, but the appearance of any Aventador fitted with these wheels.

The extravagant, markedly aggressive, appearance of the extremely lightweight two-piece wheels will be sold in a staggered sizing combination of 9Jx20 at the front axle and 12.5Jx21 at the rear axle, further emphasizing the wedge shape of the mid-engine sports car. The perfect high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 front and 355/25 ZR 21 rear are supplied for these exclusive sets of wheels by Pirelli, which will be manufactured in a limited edition of just 25 consecutively numbered sets and can be complemented with a paint finish adapted to the customer’s personal preferences.

Innovative ideas are what made NOVITEC the world’s leading tuner for Italian sports cars and only the best suppliers are good enough for our exclusive cliental. For this reason, NOVITEC TORADO, the corporate division dealing in the refinement of current Lamborghini models, now cooperates with ADV.1. With its high-tech forged wheels, the US manufacturer has earned a top position among the manufacturers of exclusive alloy wheels around the globe.

The new NL2 forged wheels allow NOVITEC TORADO to further expand its extensive tuning program for the Lamborghini Aventador. A program that ranges from a carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement kit, various levels of engine tuning, high-performance exhaust systems with electronic sound management, precisely tuned coil-over suspension kits and exclusive cockpit refinements round out the performance and personalized upgrades.

To give the Lamborghini Aventador an even sportier appearance, the NOVITEC designers went into the wind tunnel to develop an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that is also available with a clear-coated carbon-fiber finish for its lightweight advantage and genuine racing appearance.

The front of the two-seater can be upgraded to an even more aggressive design with the two-piece NOVITEC TORADO front spoiler, the central front blade, newly designed air scoops and the redesigned trunk lid with integrated air ducts and new air vents. This creates optimal down force on the front axle and further improves handling stability at high speeds.

The NOVITEC TORADO side skirts, carbon-fiber mirror housings and redesigned side air scoops on the rear windows complete the aggressive side view of the vehicle with the new forged wheels.

The rear is shaped by the NOVITEC TORADO rear wing, which is available in two versions and increases down force on the rear axle. In addition, there is a special diffuser for the rear bumper, which can be expanded into a double diffuser with an extra component. NOVITEC TORADO fits the hood with larger air scoops and air vents, which are complemented by redesigned air vents in the rear components and consequently ensure a healthy temperature level in the engine bay.

Extensive calibration test drives on the racetrack and on public roads resulted in the development of the NOVITEC TORADO coil-over suspension components for the Aventador. The suspension components offer an adjustable ride height and adjustable damping to make the handling even more agile and direct.

It goes without saying that NOVITEC TORADO also offers various power output levels for the top-of-the-line Lamborghini model. Visually and acoustically the NOVITEC TORADO high-performance exhaust systems are a world apart. The exhausts have quasi three and a half tailpipes because the two center pipes are connected. They are available in stainless steel or the even lighter INCONEL material used in Formula 1 Racing. Customers can choose from versions with or without a controlled butterfly valve – optionally controlled at the push of a button from the cockpit. The program lineup also includes lighter and more efficient sports catalysts. In addition to optimizing power delivery, the NOVITEC TORADO high-performance exhaust systems also offer the option of saving up to 26 kilograms/57.3lbs in weight compared with the original equipment.

In the cockpit NOVITEC TORADO offers diversity with clear-coated carbon-fiber elements for the door trim and the dashboard. Interiors masterfully crafted from the finest leather and Alcantara can be ordered in any desired color.

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2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon - Design and Photos

2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon - Design and Photos - Ford, the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer, introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.

“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”

Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space.

When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV.

Have it your way

Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost® that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway. This powertrain makes Transit Connect Wagon the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles.

Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising.

Transit Connect Wagon is available in a wide variety of configurations and series levels, offering unexpected features in a high-value package with low operating costs.

This stylish, contemporary design is offered in two wheelbase lengths, a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating arrangements, and offers meaningful options like a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system.

Transit Connect Wagon’s global design includes premium cues throughout such as available full body-color exterior accents with jewel-like chrome trim and high-gloss interior trim pieces. A range of seating surfaces, from luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl, is available to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of potential customers.

Commercial-strength DNA in a family versatility vehicle

Transit Connect Wagon’s work-hard/play-hard nature is reflected in cargo-carrying capacity and room for up to seven comfortably seated passengers, wrapped in a high-strength body engineered to rigorous global commercial vehicle durability standards.

The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of reliability and durability established by the current Transit Connect compact van. Introduced in North America in 2009, Transit Connect has become the must-have vehicle for small business proprietors, thanks to its unmatched combination of payload and cargo capacities, adaptability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and overall ease of driving.

Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle – literally carving out a new category in the market – by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show.

Now selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year, Transit Connect has become a favorite of small businesses, corporate fleets, taxi operators and a few individualistic owners who find its combination of a car-like ride and the cargo capacity of a van just right for their personal use.

“The all-new Transit Connect Wagon will expand the personal-use audience for this versatile nameplate by offering up to seven-passenger capacity across three rows of seating in a fully trimmed interior,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of Global Engineering, Global Product Development. “It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans.”

All Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags.

Ford’s award-winning MyKey® programmable ignition key enables restricting maximum vehicle speed and audio system volume, bringing additional peace of mind to both parents and fleet administrators alike.

Transit Connect Wagon even offers a child observation mirror so parents can keep track of children safely belted in second- and third-row seats.

Infinite adaptability

Inside, the Transit Connect Wagon package is a rolling showcase for adaptability in hauling both people and cargo.

From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of people and cargo.

Also available is an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions and when parking Transit Connect Wagon on the street.

The versatile Transit Connect Wagon offers far better fuel efficiency than traditional minivans, compact-car-like maneuverability and handling, combined with unprecedented payload and cargo capabilities.

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2015 Kia Sedona - Driving Dynamics and Safety

2015 Kia Sedona - Driving Dynamics and Safety. Set against the backdrop of one of the world's premier urban playgrounds, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off the all-new 2015 Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle in New York City. As the final chapter in Kia's design-led transformation story - which began in 2009 and has seen a comprehensive makeover of Kia's entire model line under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer - the all-new Sedona's CUV-like styling and proportions offer all of the functional convenience of the segment while defying its design limitations. In addition to innovative European-inspired design, the 2015 Sedona also delivers the exceptional interior volume buyers expect in the segment with ample passenger and cargo room and a quiet and comfortable cabin. Following the philosophy that has guided Kia's recent succession of highly successful redesigns, the Sedona advances value to new levels of sophistication with a host of segment-leading new technology and upscale features, all of which will be offered in a new premium trim level - SXL - which will be available when U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the Sedona's launch date.

"Throughout the development process, our engineers in the U.S. and Korea focused on adding the element of desire to the all-new Sedona with improved driving dynamics and power and the incorporation of modern styling cues, premium materials and technology," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. "Combined with a host of active and passive safety features and technology, the completely redesigned Sedona retains the functionality the nameplate has always been known for, while rising to meet the diverse needs - and tastes - of today's consumers."

Modern, Confident Exterior

Transcending mundane functionality, the Sedona's wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like exterior appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that project confidence and strength. The Sedona's muscular face and clean, smooth look is highlighted by a fully integrated version of Kia's signature grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights. The wheelbase is 1.6-inches longer than its predecessor, and the side profile, with its reduced front and rear overhangs, combines with the deeply swept windshield and available 19-inch alloy wheels to create a distinctive look. Meanwhile, the rear design layout, with LED taillights, integrated bumper guard and standard roof spoiler, presents a broad, stable bearing.

Open, Relaxed, Configurable Interior

Despite its overall width and height remaining virtually unchanged, the all-new Sedona provides more front shoulder room, greater leg room in the front, second and third rows, as well as a slightly higher hip-point, improving outward visibility for the driver. The horizontal design cues across the instrument panel create a greater sense of width, and the generous use of soft-touch materials adds to the all-new Sedona's premium ambiance. The Sedona's proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations and a multitude of storage options. The front center console is unique to the segment and allows for generous and cleverly convenient storage space between the front seats. Second row Slide-n-Stow tracked seating slides and folds upright to allow for "on-the-go" cargo hauling while eliminating the hassle that comes with removing heavy and cumbersome middle seats. The all-new Sedona also offers the choice of second row "First Class" lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing legroom and provides retractable lower leg rests. And while some configurations feature segment-unique second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort, all 2015 Sedona models offer a third-row that provides the convenience of a split folding 60/40 in-floor retractable design.

The Sedona also is the only vehicle in the segment outfitted with standard YES Essentials™ fabric technology to provide anti-microbial protection from spills, anti-static protection from irritating electrical shocks as well as stain-repelling and stain-releasing fabric characteristics appreciated by anyone who leads an active lifestyle.

The Sedona's sophisticated interior design theme is brought to life with a modern color palette featuring solid or two-tone color options in beige, gray and burgundy for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The top-line SXL trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same Chromium-free leather found in the K900 luxury sedan.

Next-Generation UVO

Building on the next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system, the all-new Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes® or Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora®, iHeart Radio and Yelp®. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri "Eyes Free" and Local Search - powered by Google - for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Sedona the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.

Driving Dynamics and Safety

The 2015 Sedona is built on an all-new chassis with static torsional stiffness that is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor. The body is 76 percent Ultra High Strength Steel (press hardened) or High Strength Steel, which provides exceptional rigidity, durability and collision protection in a lightweight design. For enhanced roof strength, the Sedona has been engineered with reinforced pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength steel tubes that run inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of adhesives and large diameter welds also add to Sedona's overall structural integrity and strength. Together with Kia's patented technology, the 2015 Sedona is targeted to earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 5-Star overall vehicle safety rating.

The rigid and durable chassis provides a solid base for road-trip readiness. The 2015 Sedona utilizes Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD) to strike an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling. The platform also has revised rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with longer trailing arms and added rear strut reinforcement, all of which combine for improved dynamic ride characteristics. Additionally, the 2015 Sedona is expected to be among the quietest in the segment thanks to wheel-house padding, double seal sliding doors and an expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment, reducing noise and perceived harshness over rough pavement.

Under the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona. The 3.3-liter engine, which is also found in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium sedan, delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm.

A three-step Variable Induction System (VIS) improves engine "breathing," automatically adjusting the volume of the air pulled into the combustion chamber to create the optimal air-to-fuel mix under different engine load conditions. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) combined with a piston-cooling oil jet improves engine cooling efficiency, while engine components, including piston rings, piston skirts, valve tappets, timing chain guide and valve springs are all of a low-friction design.

Finally, the new 3.3-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission tuned for balanced control, power and efficiency.

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