Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Lexus and Miami Doplhins announce a strategic partnership

    2021 Miami Dolphins Lexus Announcement PhotoThe Miami Dolphins and Lexus announce a multi-year naming rights partnership that will connect the two brands at the forefront of luxury and entertainment. Via the relationship, Lexus team will be the Official Luxury Vehicle of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium and will elevate the in-game experience for the current and future Lexus customers in the newly named Lexus North Sideline Club.

    We are excited about our partnership with Lexus, a brand that has set the standard for luxury and first-class experiences throughout South Florida, said Jeremy Walls, senior vice president, chief revenue officer of Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Lexus is a legacy brand, and we look forward to engaging our shared fans and broadening our community impact in authentic and exciting ways.

    As the Official Luxury Vehicle of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, Lexus will have significant marketing and branding presence at all events and will entitle a custom content series. Also, fans of the brand will be able to experience the newly named Lexus North Sideline Club, especially designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group.

    A key factor in our decision-making process is to align our brand with partners that share our values of creating memorable experiences for the people we serve, said Sam Wintermyer, general manager, Lexus Southern Area. We are thrilled to partner with the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, a global entertainment destination with a strong commitment to the South Florida community.

    SEE ALSO: 2021 Beaulieu Supercar Weekend attracted numerous enthusiasts and exclusive vehicles

    Lexus will also play a key role in driving support for the Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC). The Miami Dolphins have pledged $75 million from the DCC to fund innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – the University of Miami Health System – the largest known philanthropic pledge in sports.

  • 2021 Beaulieu Supercar Weekend attracted numerous enthusiasts and exclusive vehicles

    2021 Beaulieu Supercar WeekendOver 15,000 visitors and more than 600 supercars contributed to making the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend one of the most dynamic and interesting events this year.

    All kinds of awesome vehicles took their places in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for the two-day show and with high-octane displays and impressive action and performances, the event offered something even for the most demanding visitors.

    Some of the must-see highlights included neat demonstration runs with advanced vehicles such as Lamborghini Aventador, Aston Martin DB11, Ferrari 488 GTB, McLaren MP4-12C, and Maserati MC Stradale, to the Dodge Viper, Ultima GTR, V-Storm WR3, Mercedes AMG GT R, and other.

    There were also sound demonstrations. From Ferraris, Lambos and Audis, through Dodges, Hondas, and to Cobras and others, the audience had the chance to enjoy a wide plethora of roars.

    Also, the event was a host of an exclusive exhibition of exclusive supercars from the past. Some of the most notable examples included a pre-war 4.5-litre Bentley, 1960s Iso Grifo, Ferrari 330 GTC, and Lamborghini Miura, a 1970s De Tomaso Pantera, 1980s BMW M1, and 1990s Jaguar XJ220, LaFerrari, Ford GT, and Aston Martin Zagato Shooting Brake.

    SEE ALSO: Automobili Pininfarina showcases new Battista hypercar at the Monterey Car Week festival

    There was also a place for the SUV  machines – Bentley Bentayga, Aston Martin DBX, Lamborghini Urus, Land Rover Defender, Cupra Formentor, Ariel Nomad, and more received applause and praise from enthusiasts.

  • Automobili Pininfarina showcases new Battista hyper car at the Monterey Car Week festival

    2021 Battista Hyper GTThe world’s first pure-electric hyper GT, the Automobili Pininfarina Battista, has made its debut in production form on the roads of California. As a part of a special programme of events during the Monterey Car Week, the Battista’s first road drive.

    The debut of the production-spec Battista will ensure that the US clients are among the first to experience the 1,900hp performance and to take a look at the beautiful Black Exposed Signature Carbon body design.

    The exclusive bodywork and precise drivetrain system are complemented by an exclusively tailored interior with Pilota seats and satin black leather, quilted Iconica Blu Alcantara, and Jewellery Pack finished in brushed aluminum anodized in black.

    The audience at the event will also see the US debut of the Battista Anniversario, a limited-run of merely five vehicles that represent the pinnacle of the brand in terms of design, aerodynamics, and performance.

    Both machines will also be on display at the Concours d’Elegance festival, as the pure-electric GT will be placed among other exclusive Battista machines from different periods of the brand’s 91-year history.

    SEE ALSO: BMW showcases new details for the upcoming iX3 lineup

    René Wollmann, Product Platform Director Sports Cars, Automobili Pininfarina, said: Every driver has an emotional bond with a car and the sound of Battista will nurture this connection, not by replicating a familiar car sound, but with one that radiates the beauty of Battista’s design both inside and out. This way, the Battista will not only impress with its aesthetic appeal and performance but also on a new emotional level enhanced through the sound. We look forward to the input we will receive from clients in the US as we fine-tune Battista’s sonic experience.

  • BMW showcases new details for the upcoming iX3 lineup

    2021 BMW iX3With a new and striking appearance, the new BMW iX3 showcases tons of new features, goodies, and drivetrain upgrades. In terms of visuals, the newcomer proudly reveals a larger front grille with a single-piece frame, which comes in Pearl-effect Chrome and with a blue accent.

    Furthermore, the headlight contours are now ten millimeters slimmer, which helps the BMW iX3 a sharper look and a distinctive silhouette. Also, the lower intake, which comes in ten-stage active air flap control, has been enlarged, as well as the L-shaped air curtains at the outer edges of the front end.

    The Air intakes in the front side panels also come with a new M-specific design, while the blue accent in the side skirts is now gone. The aggressive and massive rear apron neatly blends with the rear-end design and gives space for the new LED rear lights that are now marked out even more precisely by a black surrounding.

    SEE ALSO: Nissan reveals details for the upcoming 2022 Frontier lineup

    Also, customers will have the choice of four exterior metallic body paints, Carbon Black, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, and Sophisto Grey, and will benefit from High Gloss exterior trim, alongside 19” Black aerodynamic wheels, automatic tailgate, adaptive suspension, heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof completing the exterior look of the BMW iX3 M Sport.

     

  • Nissan reveals details for the upcoming 2022 Frontier lineup

    2022 Nissan FrontierThe latest 2022 Nissan Frontier will arrive at dealerships in September 2021. The vehicle will be offered in King Cab version with either a 4×2 or 4×4 system, and with a 6-foot bed. The Crew Cab version is also available with either 4×2 or 4×4, the same with the S and SV grades, along with the PRO-4X and PRO-X. Also, all Crew Cab models in the lineup feature a 5-foot bed except the SV LWB model, which comes with a bit longer bed, a 6-foot long one.

    The all-new 2022 Frontier builds on Nissan’s six-plus decades of mid-size truck leadership with a bold new exterior, adventure-oriented interior, and the latest driver assistance and connectivity technologies, said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales. It’s an authentic midsize truck with a range of body, drivetrain and equipment configurations carefully selected to fit customer needs.

    Also, there are three optional packages that are offered: Premium, available for SV and PRO models, Convenience, also available for the SV and PRO, and Technology, again for SV and PRO versions.

    SEE ALSO: Concours of Elegance announce strategic partnership with Gooding & Company

    As it seems, Nissan continues to impress both brand skeptics and enthusiasts and with each new announcement and debut showcases new technologies, approaches, and ways to deliver both comfort and safety for customers.

  • Concours of Elegance announce strategic partnership with Gooding & Company

    2021 Concours of EleganceThe Concours of Elegance has built its reputation as the event that gathers the world’s most refined and rarest vehicles. Now, in order to continue to impress the audiences, the team behind Concours of Elegance has settled a new partnership with the world’s leading automotive auction house, Gooding & Company.

    Gooding & Company returns to the eventfor the start of the new sponsorship in 2021, having hosted a record-breaking auction at the event last year. Back in 2020, the “Passion of a Lifetime” auction presented a selection of incredible automobiles from a private collection – the vehicles represented a dedication to bringing together the most coveted and valuable examples of European sportscars of the 20th century.

    David Gooding, President and Founder, Gooding & Company, said: We are elated to announce our new, multi-year sponsorship of the Concours of Elegance and broaden our reach as an international auction house. We are proud to partner with James Brooks-Ward and his team, and following last year’s highly successful inaugural auction at the Hampton Court Palace, we are confident in the long-term trajectory of this joint endeavor.

    The Concours of Elegance is focused on gathering collectible vehicles that are so rare that visitors won’t be able to see them anywhere else. In fact, some of the vehicles shown at the event have never been seen in the UK, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many visitors.

    SEE ALSO: mountune team reveals a new upgrade kit for Ford Focus ST

    James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: From our venue to our cars to our partners, we hand-pick each and every aspect of the Concours of Elegance. Gooding & Company shares the same dedication to the rarest cars in the world like us. David Gooding has been a great supporter and we’re delighted to align our two businesses even more closely, further building the stature of the Concours of Elegance among the world of elite global automotive events.

     

  • mountune team reveals a new upgrade kit for Ford Focus ST

    2021 mountune Ford Focus STThe owners of hot hatch vehicles can finally realize the full potential of their mk4 Ford Focus ST with the latest and advanced upgrade kit from mountune- the m365. The kit increases the performance and power,  as well as enhancing the handling capabilities and at the same time does not compromise the everyday usability of the vehicle.

    All the components within the pack have undergone a rigorous testing and development process and contribute to a higher-power output final result of 365hp and 560Nm of torque, which is a significant kick of 85hp and 140Nm over the standard numbers.

    This result was made possible thanks to the highly-acclaimed Bluetooth OBD dongle and the SMARTflash app that can run on any smart device. In terms of tech gadgets, the upgrade pack features a high-flow panel air filter, a 3-inch high-flow downpipe with sporty catalyst, and a new Sport GPF, which dramatically reduces exhaust gas back-pressure.

    SEE ALSO: Cadillac presents the high-performance CT Blackwing lineup. Check it out!

    We are delighted to launch our latest upgrade kit for the much-loved mk4 Focus ST. Ford has done a great job with the stock ST and what we have done with this m365 upgrade kit is to fully optimize the calibration with our newly engineered low-back pressure exhaust hardware – this means maximum performance is available throughout the rev-range and it’s now a seriously fast car, which is also great fun to drive, too. David Mountain, Managing Director, mountune.

     

     

  • Cadillac presents the high-performance CT Blackwing lineup. Check it out!

    2022 Cadillac CT5-V BlackwingCT4-Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are still the fastest Cadillac production models up to date and now receive an upgrade with new gadgets, performance rates and technological approaches.

    As it comes particularly to the CT5-V Blackwing, it is the most powerful Cadillac vehicle to that moment and has a top speed of 200mph, while its smaller sibling, the CT4-V is the most powerful vehicle in the subcompact division.

    Furthermore, the CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded and hand-assembled 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that generates a total of 668 horsepower (498 kW) and 659 lb-ft of torque (893 Nm), while the CT4-V Blackwing is driven by a Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo V-6, which is rated 472 hp (352 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm).

    The six-speed gearbox used in each vehicle is also special – it features unique gear-cut changes that enhance the quietness and durability, compared to other models. There’s also an optional 10-speed automatic that was also fine-tuned for performance driving.

    Also, the two models come with functional aerodynamics such as the available carbon-fiber aero package, advanced performance braking system, and upgraded Electronic Limited Slip Rear Differential, optimized for each driving mode and each Performance Traction Management setting. The engineers have also included a fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MR 4.0).

    SEE ALSO: 2022 Hyundai Tucson receives TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS by the IIHS

    When it comes to luxury and technology, the V-Series Blackwing models offer the following:

    • Three premium interior choices, with unique trim, appoints and technologies
    • An 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen1 is standard on CT4-V Blackwing and a 10-inch-diagonal color touchscreen1 is standard on CT5-V Blackwing
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
    • AKG premium audio system with 15 speakers integrated within CT4-V Blackwing and 16 speakers within CT5-V Blackwing
    • Available second-generation Performance Data Recorder
    • High-performance steering wheel with carbon fiber accents on CT4-V Blackwing
    • Surround Vision5 with recording and Head-Up Display5 on CT5-V Blackwing
    • Available carbon fiber-accented racing seats on CT5-V Blackwing

    2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

     

  • 2022 Hyundai Tucson receives TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS by the IIHS

    2021 Hyundai TucsonHyundai’s best-selling SUV, the 2022 Tucson, won the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Tucson was recognized for its overall excellent crashworthiness, LED headlights and standard SmartSense suite crash prevention features. 2022 Tucson joins the 2021 Palisade and NEXO, which also have earned TSPP. In fact, the Hyundai brand have managed to collect a total of 14 TSP and TSPP awards.

    Hyundai’s commitment to ‘safety first is our highest priority, said Brian Latouf, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America. We are extremely proud of the 2022 Tucson’s recent TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and continuing Hyundai’s industry leadership in IIHS awards. Our commitment to safety is paramount.

    In order to qualify for the recognition, a vehicle must earn at least earn good ratings in all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side roof strength, and head restraint tests. Also, vehicles must be available with a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations and good or acceptable headlights must be standard across all trim levels, regardless of trim level.

    The Tucson is available with two different front crash prevention systems, one standard and one optional, said Joe Young, public affairs, IIHS. Both systems earned superior ratings in the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

  • Lotus showcases new Emira at the Monterey Car Week

    2021 Lotus EvijaThe new Lotus Emira, the latest petrol-powered vehicle from the premium brand, makes its US debut at the Monterey Car Week. The flagship machine will also make a debut at the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway.

    Also, the audience at the show will see the Evija, the brand’s pure-electric hypercar that takes the central stage in California with an eye-catching new livery that resonates with the US motorsport fans. Indeed, the vehicle is covered with yellow and blue accents, all inspired by the Type 99T from 1987 – the vehicle in which F1 legend Ayrton Senna won that year’s Detroit Grand Prix.

    The 99T also featured advanced computer-controlled suspension, which allowed the vehicle to ride the bumpy and technically demanding street circuit. This particular vehicle and the win it achieved became legendary among F1 fans and showed that the Lotus team has this innovative and very effective approach towards technical matters.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz presents exclusive SL models at the Concours d’Elegance

    This is the second time the Evija has appeared at the Monterey Car Week. Just weeks after it was revealed in July 2019 in California, the vehicle is now ready for its display at the event, and then heads towards Japan, China and the Middle East.

  • Mercedes-Benz presents exclusive SL models at the Concours d’Elegance

    2021-Concours-d'Elegance-Mercedes-Benz-910This year’s annual Monterey Car Week at the Pebble Beach Golf Club will be a host of an exclusive lineup of Mercedes-Benz lineup. The main focus is on the SL models – examples of several generations will be presented, including 300 SL racing sports car from 1952 and the legendary 300 SL Roadster from 1957 to an SL 55 AMG of 2003.

    In fact, the entire SL lineup has a close connection with the USA. Back in 1953, Max Hoffman believed that a sports car from Mercedes would make a successful run on the American market. This idea resulted in two models – 190 SL (W 121) and the 300 SL (W 198). The idea worked out: more than 85% of the vehicles were exported to the USA.

    In the USA, people expect Mercedes-Benz, a company with a particularly good name in that country, to offer under all circumstances a sports car which alone can provide a basis for the existence of the dealer organization.

    Currently, at the 2021 event, Mercedes-Benz will present six vehicles from the SL heritage collection in connection with Concours d’Elegance. These vehicles are:

    • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194) #11: the racing prototype further developed for the 1953 season – a true one-off.
    • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198), 1957
    • Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “Pagoda” (W 113), 1969
    • Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R 107), 1982
    • Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R 129), special model for the USA, the “Silver Arrow Edition”, 2001
    • Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R 230), 2003

    Also, the Mercedes-Benz team will be presenting some more valuable classics from the brand’s heritage. Enthusiasts will have the chance to see:

    SEE ALSO: Volkswagen is about to debut the SUV coupe ID.5 GTX at the IAA

    • Mercedes-Benz S Tourer (W 06), 1927
    • Mercedes-Benz SS Armbruster Cabriolet (W 06), 1927
    • Mercedes-Benz 680 S Saoutchik Torpedo (W 06), 1928
    • Mercedes-Benz 680 S Gangloff Sport 4 (W 06), 1929
    • Mercedes-Benz S Barker Tourer (W 06), 1929
    • Mercedes-Benz SS Erdmann & Rossi Roadster (W 06), 1930
    • Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi” Roadster (W 06), 1930
    • Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SSK Roadster (W 06), 1931
    • Mercedes-Benz 500 K Special Roadster (W 29), 1936
    • Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster (W 29), 1937
    • Mercedes-Benz 540 K “Autobahnkurier” (W 29), 1938
    • Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé (W 188), 1952
    • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (W 198), 1954
    • Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” (W 198), 1955
    • Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pininfarina Coupé (W 113), 1964

  • Volkswagen is about to debut the SUV coupe ID.5 GTX at the IAA

    2021 Volkswagen ID.5 GTXVolkswagen presents the new ID.5 GTX – the vehicle is about to make its debut on the 7th of September at the IAA Munich Motor Show. This is the brand’s first SUV to be based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) and is expected to showcase some neat new technologies and features.

    Exterior design

    At the front, the vehicle showcases a new IQ.Light LED matrix lights design that generates an intelligently controlled beam and gives the vehicle this elegant look. Also, the flat sloping A pillars at the right and near the front give an elegant flow of the roofline and stretches over the body, and taper out in an integrated rear spoiler. At the rear, there are horizontal lines that accenturate the width of the vehicle and attract attention with the light strip. The design is completed with a set of LED rear lights with a 3D design.

    A new approach with a GTX badge

    GTX means enhanced athleticism and high performance. The vehicle will continue the tradition to bring electrified solutions to the GTI, GTD, and GTE models and proceed towards electrified transition.

    SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi improves its ranking in top 10 for Best Car Manufacturer in 2021 Driver Power

    As it seems VW aims to become the most popular brand in terms of sustainability and electrification. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric vehicles and to become a carbon-neutral brand by 2050.