Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

Ferrari expands its list of after-sales services

Ferrari team presents the new LaFerrari Power warranty and maintenance service for owners of LaFerrari and LaFerrari Aperta.

The LaFerrari Power service is specially created for customers who want to maintain the excellent performance of Ferrari’s first-ever hybrid car, which is equipped with the F1-derived HY-KERS hybrid system.

LaFerrari Power is a two-year renewable program that can be activated at any official Ferrari dealer, regardless of the vehicle’s year of production.

Owners of LaFerrariand LaFerrari Aperta who take advantage of the LaFerrari Power service will benefit from the extension of the vehicle’s factory warranty, which includes, among other things, the HY-KERS system and high-voltage battery. This is the first time that Maranello offers this kind of extended warranty for one of its limited-series models, testifying to the quality and reliability of its cars.

LaFerrari Power also includes annual maintenance during which Maranello specialists will perform a wide range of inspections to ensure that the car is maintained to optimum levels.

SEE ALSO: Silverstone Auctions prepares the last sale for the year

The LaFerrari Power launch coincides with the tenth anniversary of the introduction of Genuine Maintenance, the premium scheduled maintenance program available on every new Ferrari in the range up until seven years after purchase. This new service confirms the Company’s commitment to providing maximum peace of mind and how it continues to set the standard throughout the industry for customer care.

September 29, 2021
SsangYong Motors opens Holt SsangYong in Derby

SsangYong Motors announces that the Holt SsangYong, based in Derby, joins the franchise opening this month. The SsangYong showroom is based on the main ring road at Alvaston provides customers with a modern SsangYong retail experience in a relaxing and comfortable environment and offers complimentary refreshments.

Holt SsangYong has over 30-years’ experience in the automotive industry and has represented various SUV and 4WD brands during this time, as well as specializing in performance and prestige vehicles.

Brian Holt, managing director and owner at Holt SsangYong, said; As experts in SUV and 4WD sales and support, we feel that there is a definite synergy between ourselves and SsangYong’s proposition. The Rexton, and the new Musso – which is now on sale – are well specified, quality value for money products, and we’re very much looking forward to the pure-EV e-Motion, coming later this year. In a nutshell, with our experience and SsangYong’s products, we are looking forward to welcoming customers to our showroom.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Acura NSX Type S manages to break a record! Details and VIDEO here!

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, commented, We’re delighted to welcome Holt SsangYong to the family and to extend our representation in the East Midlands. Brian and his team have a wealth of experience and an outstanding reputation which will ensure an excellent customer journey.

September 29, 2021
Hennessey presents a new upgrade pack for the third-generation of VelociRaptors

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the Texas car manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has revealed details of its VelociRaptor 600 package for the all-new, third-generation, Ford F-150 Raptor.

First, the pack adds the massive 33 percent increase in power, or a total of 150hp, which results in 4.2 seconds 0-60 mph time and a 12.9-second ¼ mile for the 600-hp off-roader. Hennessey enhanced the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine by adding an upgraded air induction system, high-capacity intercooler system with blow-off valve, and upgraded engine-management system. All work is covered by a comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty.

John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “The VelociRaptor has been a cornerstone of our products for years with our customers queuing up for the truck’s surprisingly nimble handling, great practicality… and of course, the horsepower! The popularity of this truck presented the opportunity to create a family of VelociRaptors including the SUV, 6×6, V8, and Bronco variants going to customers across the country and around the world.”

The anew, third-generation of F-150 Raptors is already a high-performance vehicle with five-link rear suspension, 24-inch coil springs, and sport-tuned shocks to ensure performance is maximized on- and off-road. The Hennessey modifications retain all the manufacturer driving modes to enable comfortable cruising or high-power performance at the flick of a switch – enhanced engine management software is even capable of maximizing off-the line performance by sending more of the VelociRaptor’s 622 lb-ft torque to the rear wheels.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Acura NSX Type S manages to break a record! Details and VIDEO here!

VelociRaptor owners may enhance their truck even further with a full range of optional upgrades including rugged VelociRaptor front and rear bumpers with integrated LED lights, 20-inch Hennessey wheels, up to 37-inch off-road tires, suspension leveling kit, plus Hennessey and VelociRaptor badging. Customers may also opt for massive six-piston Brembo front brakes to increase stopping power. With most owners opting for the performance upgrade plus the enhanced off-road package (bumpers, wheels, and off-road tires) the total price paid is typically in the region of $110,000 (which includes the stock Ford F-150 Raptor).

September 29, 2021
2022 Acura NSX Type S manages to break a record! Details and VIDEO here!

The new 2022 Acura NSX Type S proved itself worthy at the iconic Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach street circuit yesterday, establishing a new production car course lap record of 1:32:784, nearly three seconds quicker than the previous best. Pilot was Ricky Taylor, driver of the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 for Wayne Taylor Racing and two-time and defending IMSA prototype series champion. The historic run eclipsed the previous 2-mile course record of 1:35.663 set in 2019 by Sports Car Club of America Hall-of-Famer Peter Cunningham driving a production-spec 2019 NSX.

Long Beach is such a fun track, but definitely challenging with so little margin for error, said Ricky Taylor after the record setting run, Thankfully, the new Acura NSX Type S is not only crazy fast, it’s also remarkably easy to control at the limit. It’s a very special car and perfectly suited for a track like this.

2022 Acura NSX Type S

Delivering the ultimate driving experience, the new 2022 Acura NSX Type S raises the already impressive performance of Acura’s cutting-edge electrified supercar to new levels. The enhanced twin-turbocharged V6 shares its turbos with the NSX GT3 Evo race car and the total output from the NSX’s revolutionary three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit has been increased to 600-horsepower and 492 lb.-ft. of torque.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen ID.4 reaches its turnaround point after an epic tour

Instantly recognizable by its aggressive styling, NSX Type S is as purposeful as it is beautiful. A distinctive new front fascia with a wider air inlet increases engine cooling and an NSX GT3-inspired rear diffuser improves its aerodynamic performance. Every angle has been carefully crafted by designers and engineers working closely together to enhance the supercar’s performance as well as create a distinct and dramatic design.

In celebration of the final year of NSX production, just 350 limited edition Type S models will be built, with 300 units destined for U.S. customers.

https://youtu.be/5ptVq3pbxoE

September 28, 2021
Volkswagen ID.4 reaches its turnaround point after an epic tour

Long-distance driver Rainer Zietlow and photographer Derek Collins have reached an impressive milestone on their cross-country road trip in the Volkswagen ID.4 EV as the team finished at their turnaround point in Los Angeles, CA.

Two months ago, Zietlow and Collins took off from Herndon, VA with a mission to visit more than 600 Volkswagen Dealers in 48 states with Volkswagen’s first long-range EV for the U.S. market, the ID.4. When the duo reached the turnaround point in LA, they had driven 22,303 miles and visited 418 Volkswagen dealerships across 36 states. The pair also made time to stop by 6 Volkswagen Group of America offices to meet with employees and share stories of their adventure.

Throughout the journey, Zietlow and Collins have taken the ID.4 through the bustling streets of New York City, the Midwest, Oregon and many other U.S. terrains. The team has documented their stops, at peculiar destinations such as vintage diners with neon signs and larger-than-life statues.

Electrify America has been a massive support to the trip with 116 stops at Electrify America charging stations made by the time the turnaround point was reached. Electrify America has the nation’s largest open DC fast-charging network with more than 650 charging stations and more than 2,800 individual DC fast chargers. Electrify America expects to have more than 1,800 total charging stations with over 10,000 chargers in the United States and Canada by the end of 2025.

SEE ALSO: Citroen showcases two new trim levels for the SpaceTourer lineup

The journey continues along the southern half of the United States as Zietlow and Collins make their way back to the East Coast. They will continue to chronicle the event at vwid4-usatour.com, where visitors to the website can also monitor the location of the ID.4 in real-time.

September 28, 2021
Citroen showcases two new trim levels for the SpaceTourer lineup

Citroen has updated its new ë-SpaceTourer electric with new M and XL variants.

Furthermore, Flair’ and ‘Business Edition’ trim levels are now available with the larger body size. The XL versions measure 5,309mm in length for improved interior space and practicality. On the other hand, M variants measure 4,959mm in length. Both the M and XL versions benefit from the same wheelbase of 3,275mm, with the extra length translating into increased load space of 3,100-litres (loaded to the roof), compared with 2,550-litres in M versions.

Also, the Business Edition is capable of seating a total of 9 people, in three rows. The second and third rows feature a 1/3 – 2/3 split design and removable seating for added practicality. Perfect for family and commercial use, the second row comes with Isofix anchorage points as standard. In addition, ‘Business Edition’ models feature air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen and a driver attention alert system.

SEE ALSO: Toyota presents new Tundra TRD

Range-topping New Citroën ë-SpaceTourer Flair versions enjoys a large list of standard equipment goodies, including, 17-inch Curve alloy wheels, body-color exterior door handles with chrome detail and a panoramic glass roof.

Inside, Flair offers eight seats, upholstered in Claudia Mistral leather, with the driver and front passenger seats featuring heating and massage functions. Flair trim also features Citroën Connect Nav with real time traffic alerts, as well as Citroën Connect Box that alerts emergency services and recovery services in the event of an incident.

September 28, 2021
Toyota presents new Tundra TRD

Toyota unveiled its new race truck for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. This is the first time that Toyota will campaign the Tundra TRD Pro as a Daytona racecar.

Furthermore, Toyota continues to be the only OEM that campaign three different body designs across the NASCAR’s top three series. With the Toyota Camry TRD Next Gen Cup Series car that debuted in May, Toyota will campaign with two new bodies for the 2022 season. The Toyota Supra will continue to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has always been extremely important to Toyota not only in our history but our focus at our dealerships, said Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports for Toyota Motor North America. “The launch of the new Tundra is a really exciting time for our entire organization, so to be able to reflect that new styling in our NASCAR Tundra with the TRD Pro design is a reflection of the importance of the series to all of us and allows us to continue ensuring our on-track production resembles its production counterparts that can be found in our Toyota showrooms.

Toyota’s commitment to the Camping World Truck Series is approaching two decades. Since 2004, Toyota has claimed eight drivers and 11 manufacturer’s championships. Earlier this season at Daytona International Speedway, Ben Rhodes drove the Tundra to victory lane for the 200th time. Toyota is on pace this season to earn a 12th manufacturer’s championship on the strength of 12 victories to date. Six of the 10 drivers that qualified for this season’s Truck Series Playoffs compete full-time in Tundras.

SEE ALSO: SEAT Leon Estate receives recognition at Parkers New Car Awards 2021

All of us at Kyle Busch Motorsports are proud to have carried the Toyota Tundra badging since we started this race team, said Kyle Busch, team owner of Kyle Busch Motorsports. “Toyota and TRD are always working with us to ensure we’re as competitive as possible on the race track, but also ensuring that the body styling of our Tundras matches what fans can buy in their dealerships. The new Tundra is really aggressive looking, and it’s great to see that reflected in our NASCAR Tundras with the TRD Pro badging for the 2022 season.

September 28, 2021
SEAT Leon Estate receives a recognition at Parkers New Car Awards 2021

SEAT has added one more trophy to its vast collection by winning the “Best Medium Family Car” award with the Leon Estate at the Parkers New Car Awards 2021.

The vehicle has already What Car?’s ‘Family Car of the Year’ accolade as well as Caravan & Motorhome Club’s Tow Car of the Year, and because of its elegance and advanced technologies, now adds an additional prize to its collection.

In a world becoming increasingly overrun by SUVs, it’s easy to assume that they make the best family cars. That’s not always the case – and while excellent estate cars like the SEAT Leon remain on sale, the answer has to be ‘no’, commented Keith Adams, Editor at Parkers.

For one, although it’s sleek and good looking, the Leon Estate’s luggage area is enormous and usable, while there’s ample passenger space for five. Add in some excellent finance deals, high levels of standard kit and sporty handling, and you’re left with a winning formula.

SEAT Leon line-up offers consumers one of the broadest range of choices on the market, two bodystyles (hatch and estate), four engine variants (petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel), ranging from 110PS to 204PS, as well as six fully-loaded trims (SE, SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux) and an extensive range of ten colours means there’s a Leon for everyone, no matter their needs.

SEE ALSO: New Fiat 500 is named Best Small Electric Car by Parkers

The Leon Estate range starts from £22,050 for the SE 1.0 TSI Evo 110PS model, rising to £37,605 for the Xcellence Lux 1.4 e-HYBRID 204PS variant.

Richard Harrison, Managing Director of SEAT UK, said: The SEAT Leon Estate is the prime example of how an SUV is not necessarily the only option for families looking for a spacious interior,and storage capacity. Within a highly competitive market, it is fantastic to see the Leon Estate take the top spot, proving that there is no need to sacrifice the sporty and dynamic driving experience of the Leon for the practicalities of a family car.

September 27, 2021
Citroën AMI UK is already available for order ahead of the debut in Spring 2022

Citroen AMI UK reservation system opens today. Those interested in the platform are invited to join the queue to secure their AMI with appealing price packages.

Furthermore, all clients and customers are reminded that AMI will be adapted for each individual market and allow numerous customization options.

A true breakthrough from Citroën, AMI is a response to the challenges faced in today’s cities and urban environments. As a pure EV, AMI emits zero-emissions and has a 5.5kWh battery that recharges in just three hours. It covers a range of 46 miles and has a top speed of 28mph. AMI is a modern solution that delivers on Citroën’s promise to provide affordable and clean mobility solutions for all.

SEE ALSO: The Alvis Car Company team has completed the first post-war Continuation Series Graber Super Coupé

AMI’s zero-emission capabilities ensure it is exempt from Congestion and Ultra-low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges. With London’s ULEZ due to be extended in October 2021, and other cities looking to introduce similar measures, AMI is a ‘future-proof’ solution to mobility concerns in many UK cities.

September 27, 2021
New Fiat 500 is named Best Small Electric Car by Parkers

New Fiat 500 claims one more award to its collection – the Best Small Electric Car from Parkers.

The jury praised the new 500 for its neat turning capabilities, overall good looks, and affordability.

The New 500 is the first EV from Fiat and provides a range of best-in-class features such as Level 2 autonomous driving technologies, a variety of battery options – 24kWh or 42kWh – and a substantial driving range of up to 199 miles, the longest range of any electric city car on the market.

The vehicle also benefits from fast charging options and tons of customization, spread across three trim levels – Action, Icon and La Prima.

Keith Adams, editor, Parkers said: What makes a great city car? Pert looks, titchy overall dimensions, a tight turning circle, and zero emissions are good starters, and the new Fiat 500 Electric ticks all those boxes and more. The Parkers team has fallen for this car big time, and I can understand why, thanks to all of the above and an agreeable starting price. Top all that off with a model line-up that includes a cheap entry-level model with a smaller battery, as well as a long-range version that can turn its hand at motorway driving, and you have a great all-rounder that’s difficult not to fall for.

Greg Taylor, Fiat UK managing director, said: New Fiat 500 continues to make waves among industry experts, tallying its eighth award in asmany months. Boasting best-in-class features – such as Level 2 autonomous driving – an impressive driving range, as well as multiple trim levels, it is no surprise the New 500 continues to grab attention in the industry.

SEE ALSO: The Alvis Car Company team has completed the first post-war Continuation Series Graber Super Coupé

In 2021, the New 500 has already been named Best Electric Car (Marie Claire), City Car of the Year (Auto Express), Best Small Car and Car of the Year (Electrifying.com), as well as Convertible of the Year, Best Small Car for the City and Best Electric Small Car (What Car?). New 500 has also been recognized among fleet experts, picking up Best EV City Car by Fleet World.

September 27, 2021
The Alvis Car Company team has completed the first post-war Continuation Series Graber Super Coupé

The first post-war Continuation Series model, the 3.0-liter Graber Super Coupe from Alvis Car Company, has been finished. After a 24-month construction process, the project is finally finished. The brand-new Graber, exclusively designed for the Japanese auditory, represents a milestone for the company, which has already planned to ship at least five units to customers via Meiji Sangyo, Alvis’ Japanese distributor.

As it comes to the vehicle, Graber Super Coupe is one of only six models that Alvis offers. Each model is created with exclusive specs and features neat utilities as air conditioning.

Furthermore, all six have been developed from original drawings and come with an exclusive six-in-line 3-litre or 4.3-litre power units. Also, the vehicle draws on the new old stocks of chassis and engine blocks, carefully stored by Alvis since Coventry factory closed back I 1967.

Because of the addition of fuel injection, a higher compression ratio (9.5:1) and modern digital machining processes resulting in tighter tolerances, the engine produces 172bhp, up 42bhp from the 1960s’ version. Torque also rises to 209 ft / lbs @ 3750 rpm and it can achieve a 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds.

Seeing the Graber Super Coupé leave the works at Kenilworth for the first time was a huge moment for all of us at The Alvis Car Company, says managing director Alan Stote, so much hard work has gone into producing it by our staff over the past two years, that it’s almost sad to see it leave.

The all-aluminium bodywork looks stunning up close, the engine runs faultlessly and the handcrafted interior is both comfortable and stylish. As a complete package, this Graber serves as a reminder that our manufacturing processes, which haven’t changed at Alvis since the early 20th century, still produce a product of the highest quality. And unlike so many continuation cars, we have ensured this can be enjoyed on the road.

September 27, 2021
2022 Honda Civic Sedan is awarded with TOP SAFETY PLUS rating by the IIHS

New 2022 Honda Civic Sedan and Hatchback have earned IIHS’s highest award possible – the TOP SAFETY PLUS rating.

The new Civic, which has long set the standard for small-car safety performance, achieved the Institute’s highest possible ratings in all evaluated categories. This includes Civic’s standard front crash prevention system, which earned “SUPERIOR” ratings from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian avoidance tests.

Based on Honda’s long-standing “Safety for Everyone” concept, which focuses on advancing safety for everyone sharing the road, all Civic models are geared with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, with Pedestrian Detection, evaluated by the IIHS as a “front crash prevention” system; Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Honda Sensing is now standard or available on all new Honda models, found on nearly 5 million Honda vehicles on U.S. roads today.

To qualify for a 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn “GOOD” ratings in six crashworthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. TSP+ also requires “ADVANCED” or “SUPERIOR” ratings for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, as well as “ACCEPTABLE” or “GOOD” headlight ratings across all trim levels.

SEE ALSO: Motul Oil celebrates its 50th anniversary of 300V racing oil at the 2021 Acura Grand Prix

In addition to IIHS testing, every Honda model that has been fully evaluated in the NHTSA’s 2021 model year NCAP testing has received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score2. While not yet evaluated, it is anticipated that the 2022 Civic Sedan and Hatchback will earn this distinction.

September 24, 2021