Divas Drive In Heels: The New BMW Hybrid Concept i8 Spyder
April 2nd, 2012 by ChristenIf strutting in your favorite pair of stiletto heels makes you feel like a runway model or even a super sexy spy, then BMW’s new hybrid concept will bring those feelings to life with the unveiling of the their new i8 Spyder (…just in time for the New York Auto Show!)
The i8 Spyder is based on the i8 concept car which debuted in 2011, ditching the top and the back two seats, and perhaps some of the more radical ideas from BMW’s first sporty hybrid concept. The i8 Spyder sports a 96 kW/131 hp on the front, coupled with a 164 kW/223 hp gasoline engine on the back, which accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The design of the car is still as otherworldly as the first two i8 concepts, with plenty of black and electric blue details, upward-swivelling doors and a semi-transparent “V” on the front end, which enables passers-by to take a look at the electric engine. If you’re looking to take a “real life peek” at the new i8 Spyder before anyone else, stay tuned to our Instagram (DivasandDorks) as we’ll be unveiling all the new releases this week – before the New York Auto Show opens to the general public.
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Divas Drive in Heels: (NAIAS) 2013 Lincoln MKZ Redefines The Luxury Sedan
January 14th, 2012 by ChristenOver the last several years, the Lincoln brand has been in search of its definitive style and voice in the auto industry. This year, Ford has unveiled the future look for its Lincoln brand, and the redefinition begins with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedan.
Fully equipped with pushbutton controls, large LCD screens, MyLincoln Touch system, in-car apps and my favorite feature – the amazing panoramic sunroof, this sedan is luxurious inside and out.
With warmer tones, sleek lines and a stylish chrome grill reminiscent of the illustrious Astin Martin design – the concept of the new Lincoln MKZ is nothing short of beauty paired with essence of what the ultimate luxury vehicle is supposed to be.
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- The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Concept Promo
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept rear
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept side
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept front
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept full side
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept panoramic sunroof
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept panoramic interior
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- Lincoln MKZ Concept REVEALED at NAIAS
Divas Drive In Heels: (2012 NAIAS) FORD Fuses Fashion, Technology AND The Power Of Choice
January 12th, 2012 by Christen
You’ve asked for it! A sleeker, sexier sedan to fit your stylish needs…and Ford listened! The all-new Ford Fusion was revealed earlier this week during the North American International Auto Show and its been receiving rave reviews! Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks. But here’s where the Fuse stands out – the new Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice.
The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph. Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.
Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively. Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.
The Fusion Merges Stylish Technology on four wheels…
The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:
- Lane Keeping System: No need to fear about “drifting” into the next lane over. With Fusion’s Lane Keeping System technology the system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings and even apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
- Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
- Active park assist: Using sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals. It does the parking for you!
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors keep an eye out for your blind spots for you. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large trucks or vans.
The Fusion stays in sync with the driver…
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC®communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system. Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button. Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Fusion will be produced and will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year.
