All posts by IMichailidis

Uncategorized

The new Mini Roadster

True to the brand's principles, the Roadster retains the MINI design and go-kart handling, while the manual fabric roof it incorporates follows the tradition of British roadsters.
On hearing the name MINI ten years ago, two models came to mind. Either the archetype of Sir Alec Issigonis, or Frank Stephenson's retro revival (Mini Cooper New), which when presented the 2001 charmed the public with its retro design, the beautiful curves and go-kart handling.
Yes, in the coming years, the commercial success of the Mini Cooper was so great that it did not leave the people of Mini idle. So, quickly the range of bodies began to be enriched. First with the Convertible, then with the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe and now with the Roadster. It seems, finally, that tactic that wins, you don't change her...
The Roadster is Mini's sixth model and second (after the Cabrio) which features a fabric opening roof. In fact, this is manual, intentionally by the Mini people, so that the open-close is not complicated and at the same time refers to traditional British roadsters.
The process is relatively easy in theory, since to open the roof (which will be available exclusively in black) all you have to do is unlock by turning the relevant lever on the windshield frame and lower it, while to close it press a button in front of the roll bars. Subsequently, it unfolds assisted by gas springs/shock absorbers. Last move is to secure it again. In practice, however, the whole process is relatively difficult to do from the driver's or passenger's seat, so you may have to get out of the car (or find the right technique). And this is a disadvantage in a sudden downpour.
For this, the option of a semi-automatic roof is also available, which opens and closes approx 8 and 10 δλ. respectively, while the whole process can be done with the car moving up to 30 km / h.
Regarding the external dimensions, as is the Coupe, so the Roadster is based on the hatchback version and its length is longer by 35 mm. than the equivalent of the Mini Convertible. More detailed, the length is in 3.734 mm., the width at 1.683 mm. and the height at 1.390 mm., while the wheelbase is set at 2.467 mm.
Nevertheless, unlike the Convertible, the Roadster only has two seats, while the windshield also has a smaller inclination 13 degrees. The overall height is lower by 20 mm. (1.390 mm.), while in terms of spaces, the absence of rear seats, almost doubled the trunk capacity (240 λτ.) So, now two suitcases fit comfortably, even if the luggage compartment is not completely flat.

In fact, in relation to the Convertible, thanks to the lower center of gravity, in improved aerodynamics, in the minimal transfer of the weight to the front axle and in the best rigidity of the frame by 10%, the Mini Roadster has a little more pleasantness, go-kart driving. We had the opportunity to drive it in Lisbon, Portugal and were so pleased with the chassis, as well as from the margins of adhesion and the suspension, which seems to be a bit softer than the hatchback. The steering wheel as always is direct and rich in information, the rimmed wheels on the body give the feel of a kart and so on, combined with the familiar, excellent engine of 184 horsepower of the S version you prefer the provincial network to the National Road. Wherever there is the Mini Roadster is particularly stable, while even at high speeds, the fabric roof does not sound annoying. With the roof down, the air turbulence in the cabin is limited, however you need (as in most convertibles) a hat or cap for the head.
End, in terms of powertrains, these are the same as the Coupe. More specifically, At the base of the Roadster range is the Cooper version of the 122 horses (0-100 The day for the draw of the two lucky ones 9,2 δλ. and final 199 km / h). As known, above we meet their supercharged Cooper S 184 horses (0-100 The day for the draw of the two lucky ones 7 δλ. and final 227 km / h), while at the top is placed the John Cooper Works version of 211 horses. In everything,what about the diesel options, the present will be given by the 2-liter version of the Cooper SD 143 horses (6,5 δλ. – 237 km / h) . A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while the Mini Roadster is optional (except for JCW) also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Source : autotriti.gr
Uncategorized

The new Renault Alpine in Paris!

In Paris, Renault will present a concept version of the new Alpine, here the historical version A110.
To celebrate the 50 years since the presentation of the Renault Alpine A110, the French brand is preparing and will present us with a surprise at the Paris exhibition.
Of course the information is very limited, but the designer of the brand, Laurens van den Acker said in his statements to the British special press that "it would be remiss of us not to do something to celebrate the anniversary of the model".
At least in the first phase, it will be a concept model, but the rumors about Alpine's return to the market, they are crying. In fact, there are not a few who have serious visions if the relevant project comes to fruition, especially after the proud statements of the brand's marketing manager in Great Britain, Steve Norman, who mentioned that: “We have to ask ourselves if there is room in the market, to create a rival to Porsche"!

Source : autotriti.gr

Uncategorized

The new Land Rover Defender will be manufactured in India

Land Rover's Defender may be one of the most recognizable British products in the world, but the new generation can change… construction continent!
The impressive prototype presented at the Frankfurt show 2011 with the DC100 code it literally stole the show as the British brand doesn't do that very often. What is not certain though, is that no matter how much we were impressed by the DC100 or otherwise the model that will form the basis of development for the new Defender, it is not certain whether it will continue to be manufactured in the country that gave birth to it about half a century ago.
The news comes from Great Britain, and wants the new four-wheel drive model to be built in Pune, India, of course to reduce costs. There is the possibility, the final assembly of models to be imported into Europe to be done in Great Britain, but nothing is certain yet. End, the production version of the model, it will use a heavily modified version of the LR4 body (Discovery), and Range Rover Sport, while of course the appearance will be inspired by the DC100.
  
Source : autotriti.gr
Uncategorized

of the city: the electric vehicle that… folds

It's called Hiriko EV and it was presented in Brussels. It is a purely electric vehicle, but it has a peculiarity in its body, since this folds in the parking lot!
Surely the news of yet another electric vehicle no longer excites us, since they are increasing at a rapid rate. But when it comes to a build like the Hiriko EV things are somewhat different. Why; Simply because its designers have evolved it so that it "pulls itself together" when its driver wants to park it, as a result, it takes up significantly less space, from its already small size. In fact, its manufacturer states that when it is folded, the space it needs to park, are the 2/3 from its smart counterpart! Only two passengers have access to the vehicle through the single front-mounted door, while inside Hiriko there is not the classic steering wheel we know but a joystick.

Many details have not been announced, but however unreal it may seem, its production will begin within it 2013 in Spain, with 20 test copies have already been made. The initial construction cost of each is the 16.253 dollars, however, this is not an indicative purchase price of the production model.


Source : autotriti.gr

Uncategorized

WRC: Latvala leaves Monte behind

The year for Jari Matti Latvala did not start in the best possible way, since the Finn in his "first" as Ford's first driver left the race too early, failing to score points from the opening race of the event in Monte Carlo. You see, the Monte Carlo Rally organizing committee chose not to use superally in the race, with the result that anyone who gave up did not have the right to restart the race. Something to note that didn't happen at Rally Sweden.
Latvala was forced to quit after an exit, which came from his own driving error. Nevertheless, he is already turning his attention to the sequel, since there is no time to think about what happened a few days ago. "Obviously it wasn't the start I wanted for the new year. Fortunately, we have a series of tests in the next few days, the week before Rally Sweden. Before that I will stay at home and try to forget for a while the races and everything that happened in Monte. After that I will prepare and only think about Sweden. With the tests before the race I will get back the good feeling I have with the car and move forward. I will be better when I drive in snow and generally in conditions more familiar to me".
Alongside, on Latvala's side is also the head of Ford WRT, Malcolm Wilson, who is sure that the Finn will have no problem and will very quickly find his rhythm and with it his confidence. "If the institution was transferred to a fight with difficult, changing conditions such as Monte Carlo, then we would expect him to be more careful. Nevertheless, as long as the sequel is given in sweden it won't be a problem. I'm sure Jari Matti will be just as fast from the start of the race. also, before the race we also have the tests, and he will essentially cross the starting ramp with two full days of snow testing behind him. Regarding the exit to Monte, it wasn't that big of a disaster, while with the footage but also the information from the car, can see exactly what happened. It's always better when you can explain the reasons for the exit. Generally, I'm not worried about the sequel".
Source : 4troxoi.gr
Uncategorized

Design for Formula track unveiled 1 in Piraeus

Meeting of the mayor of Keratsini with the president of the PPA
The proposal of the municipality of Keratsini-Drapetsonas for the creation of a Formula racing track 1 in the former industrial area of ​​Lipasmati, was discussed at a meeting of the mayor of the city Louka Tzani, with the president and CEO of PPA SA, George Anomeritis.
The meeting took place at the town hall of Keratsini, where the construction plan of the track was presented in detail by the architect Thanasis Papatheodorou, which inspired the proposal, while p’ the agreement of the PPA was reaffirmed for her immediate promotion to the co-competent ministries, the FIA ​​and the co-owners of the former Fertilizers industrial area.
“An eventual construction of a Formula track 1 it does not only concern Drapetsona and Keratsini, it is a proposal that concerns the entire wider area of ​​Piraeus" said the mayor Loukas Tzanis, saying the plan is financially viable. He emphasized, that approx 250 acres will turn green, while they will open approx 3.500 jobs.
For his part, the president of PPA SA Giorgos Anomeritis stated, that the Formula design 1 is an excellent proposal that gives a completely different dimension to the regeneration case. He characterized the specific investment proposal as a challenge and suggested that a special purpose company be created immediately, to move the matter forward.
Source : newsbeast.gr
Uncategorized

New rich Inspire version for Mitsubishi Colt

A very interesting version called the Inspire has been added to the Colt range. The small Mitsubishi in this version with rich equipment and engine 1,3 liters – 95 horsepower can be obtained with 11.790 euro.

The range of available versions of Colt is further enriched. The little Mitsubishi can now be had in the rich engine Inspire version 1,3 liter 95 horsepower and at a very competitive price. Among the strong "points" of the version is the Automatic Stop system & Go (AS&G) of the engine for optimal fuel economy and reduced CO2 (119 g/km).

The 5-door Colt Inspire features, relative to the base version of Inform, additional rain-light and distance sensors, cruise control, foglights, chrome grille, aluminum rims 15 inches, dark rear windows, leather steering wheel with audio controls, factory CD radio with MP3 and AS technology&G.

End, note that the Colt Inspire is also available with an automatic transmission for the price of 12.690 euro.


Source : autotriti.gr