Georgi Boychev – Page 129 – Automobiles Review

DeLorean: why is it so special?

John Zachary DeLorean: A Man Who Brought Change to the Auto Industry

You probably know what a DeLorean car is if you have seen Back to the Future. However, what you might not know is the story behind John DeLorean! Continue reading to learn about John Z. DeLorean’s life and how he moved up the corporate ladder!

DeLorean’s Beginnings

In January of 1925 in Detroit, Michigan a boy with the last name “DeLorean” was born. When DeLorean was young, he was mechanically talented and tinkered with just about anything. After secondary school he attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology and eventually earned a master’s in engineering from the Chrysler Institute.  After graduating, he worked at the Packard Research and Development group for a bit but later left for a job at General Motors.

Hard times for DeLorean

The early 1970s were tough times in Detroit and DeLorean in his autobiography, DeLorean, said that the ethical and business problems he had with General Motors had become so serious, that he wanted out. Truth be told, this let him turn into a well-paid independent consultant whereby he could obtain money build his own dream car.

In the mid-1970s DeLorean founded two companies: Composite Technology Corporation (CTC) and the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC).  He created CTC to research and create new, automotive construction material.  Many of those materials were DeLorean’s projects at GM and involved composite materials and construction techniques. Many of those CTC products found their way into DeLorean vehicles!

DeLorean Attempts to Get His Dream Car Out

To build his first dream vehicle, the DMC-12, DeLorean hired Giorgetto Giugiaro. For a location DeLorean settled on Northern Ireland, which gave him the best business deal. His factory’s opening was in 1981. As many automobile enthusiasts may know, the first 80 or so cars to roll off the assembly line were so terrible they were unfinished and then parked along the factory’s fence for weeks. DeLorean tghen set up rebuilding facilities on the East and West Coasts of the United States, just to fix completed cars before they could be brought to dealers!

Despite his setbacks, though, there were orders for hundreds and hundreds of DMC-12s. DeLorean tried to ramp production up to 14,700 a year to meet demand, however, financial problems came about. In 1982, the DeLorean Motor Company was put into receivership by the British government in because he was desperate, DeLorean pursued “questionable sources of funds” to keep his company afloat. DeLorean wound up in a serious DEA cocaine bust in October 1982 that became a news story. By 1984, he was found not guilty of every count against him, but his company had disintegrated by then.  DeLorean passed away in March of 2005 at eighty years old. This happened in Summit, New Jersey.

DeLorean’s Impact & His Impact on Today’s Vehicles

Today, the DeLorean Motorcar legend is still alive because of the DeLorean Motor Company in Texas.  They bought the DeLorean trademark and many of the original parts left behind when DeLorean’s company fell apart. Today, you can purchase 100% remanufactured DeLorean automobiles from the DeLorean Motor Company.

Thank you to the Service Manager at Hiley Volkswagen of Arlington, a full-service local VW car dealer in Arlington, TX, for chatting with us about John DeLorean and his contributions to the automotive industry!

December 6, 2016

Even the mightiest of cars should bear good tires. Here’s why!

Are Your Tires too Old to Be Driving on?

Of all your car’s parts, its tires have the greatest effect on the way it handles and brakes. Unfortunately, failures of older tires have resulted in fatalities. Thus, it’s important to keep an eye on your tires! The investigation into the accident’s cause that killed actor Paul Walker in 2013 revealed that the Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in had nine-year-old tires. The California Highway Patrol indicated that the tires’ age may have compromised how they handled.

For years, drivers have relied on the tread depth to judge the condition of a tire. But the rubber compounds in a tire wear out with time, regardless of the tread’s condition. An old tire can be a safety hazard. For some people, old tires will never be a problem. If you drive somewhere around 12,000-15,000 miles each year, a tire’s tread may wear out in three to four years, before the rubber compound does. But if you only drive around 6,000 miles a year, aging tires may be an issue.

Rubber bands may illustrate the point. Everyone knows that rubber bands age poorly and will develop cracks within a couple of years. That’s essentially what happens to a tire. Cracks in their rubber start to develop over time. They may appear on the surface and inside the tire, too. This cracking can eventually cause the tread’s steel belts to separate from the rest of the tire. Hard use can accelerate the process.

How to determine a tire’s age

Tires made after the year 2000 have a four-digit DOT code. The first two numbers represent the week of the year in which the tire was made. The second two represent the year of make. A tire with a DOT code of 1207 was made in 2007’s 12^th week. Check tires once in a while for any sign of aging, such as tread distortion, or small or large hairline cracks in the sidewall. According to the Service manager at Hiley Mazda of Hurst, a local full-service car dealer in Hurst, TX, vibrations may also be an indicator of aging problems.

How long a tire lasts for

If living in a warm climate, you may want to pay special attention to your tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that tires deteriorate quicker in warmer climates than cooler ones. Do you live near the coast? Keep that in mind when monitoring the condition of your tires. Are you using a spare tire? Well, avoid storing it in the trunk. It will get really hot in there.

However, the NHTSA doesn’t have any specific guidelines on tire aging and defers to the recommendations of tire manufacturers and car makers. Some carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Nissan tell people to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of their tread life. A few tire manufacturers, such as Continental and Michelin, say that a tire can last up to ten years when a driver has all the proper maintenance done as per their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

December 6, 2016

Is there anything else we can expect from the Durango lineup?

2016 Dodge Durango Concept Hemi Durango in The Works?

FCA went into SEMA show in Las Vegas this past year hoping to show off some of their new concepts, designs, and had hoped that something might stick. Well one concept truly did stick with the audience and the internet when it was shown off, and that was the bright blue Durango concept, which they called the “Durango Shaker”.

Shortly after the revealing it was reported by major news outlets that the extremely positive reaction to the Shaker concept had stirred the parent company of Dodge, FCA to put major consideration into the development of this concept Durango.

While most other automakers are looking to go away from power, and more towards efficiency, Dodge has remained set on providing car buyers the power they feel they crave. We have seen this with the Viper models, the SRT models, as well as the remake of the Charger & Challenger vehicles. Aggressive styling, and pure power.

There have been rumors stirring about for quite some time that they would introduce a SRT version of the Durango, mostly because of how underperforming the Durango had done in recent years, when compared to the king of SUVs their sibling under the FCA umbrella, Jeep. So why not add something unique to it, give it something that is hard to resist.

We took the time to look at the inventory of Dodge Durango from a local Oklahoma dealer, Ada Dodge. What we saw wasn’t a SUV that was lacking power or design, it just needed a step up from itself. Something that made the Durango name live on, and that will surely be the Shaker concept.

December 6, 2016

LARTE Design showcases its latest project! And it is sexy!

LARTE Design celebrates its second decade of delivering us some outstanding vehicles with a special 20^th Anniversary tuning kit with a real scoop. This is exclusive Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe package definitely impresses with style and presence. And provided that it bears the name of LARTE Design, things got really interesting. And stylish.

Definitely expressive, the GLE Coupe is honorable member of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It is both sporty, menacingly-looking and somehow describe this aggressive, yet beautiful nature of the brand. However, LARTE Design decided to push boundaries further. As one might just say that there are no additional features to be applied, LARTE Design stylists have already had plan. And as it seems, pretty successful one.

The LARTE Mercedes GLE kit features numerous carbon-fiber components that enhance stability, control and sporty nature, mesh wire and big air intakers, exclusive front bumper that further expresses the sporty and aggressive nature of the vehicle and a neat LARTE Design air splitter. Sweet. Furthermore, the team has geared the vehicle with restyled chrome-free carbon-fiber radiator grille that is separated by large vertical bars. In fact, these bars somehow remind us of real teeth. Let us not forget about the LARTE Design front wing pads and the big carbon-fiber shielded air intakers.

Definitely stylish, definitely appealing and definitely approved by us!

Source: LARTE Design

December 5, 2016

Presents revealed: Volkswagen showcases the 2017 Golf GTI

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Volkswagen decided to showcase the Christmas presents. Or, more precisely, the present: 2017 VW Golf can already be ordered. Not only that, but the brand also revealed full list of trim levels and optional features that can be selected with each single 2017 vehicle. So, let’s see what would please the Volkswagen fans and enthusiasts out there!

First of all, customers have tons of specifications to choose from. The entry level grants buyers with new Composition Color Infotainment system, redesigned full-LED taillights and overall revised interior styling. Also, there is one sweet addition for this year’s winter season: the Golf Alltrack machine that strikes with challenging expression and tons of drivetrain power output. Also, all 2017 Golf vehicles can be specified with these super-cool front-end with LED daytime running lights and modified back-end expression. Cool.

In terms of technologies and drivetrain system features, all 2017 Golf machines have undergone some comprehensive revision program and now they try to be the best in the class. They would try to achieve it with Traffic Jam Assist, Front Assist Emergency Braking, new Discover Pro Infotainment System, Active Info Display that is, in fact, used for the first time with Golf vehicle, and many more.

Also, Volkswagen plans to launch the Golf and Golf Variant with three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. All three have a lot to add to the already well-equipped base, including neat utility and comfort features, as well as some pretty cool stylish changes: Comfortline grants buyers with 16-inch Hita design alloys, while the Highline features full-LED headlights, automatic climate control and 17-inch Dijon-styled alloys.

On the other hand, the Golf Alltrack will come with driver profile selector, folding front passenger backrest, higher chassis ride height, special 17-inch wheels and more. The new Golf GTI, on the other hand, shows some muscular styling and neat distinctive additions: 17-inch Brooklyn alloys, Climatronic, full-LED headlights and more.

So, how do you like the Christmas present from Volkswagen? We do believe that this is a neat surprise and it will make many people smile. However, what do you think?

Source: Volkswagen

December 5, 2016

Gipsy King by Vilner: brand’s latest styling project is here!

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King Art Studio Vilner presents its latest creation: The Gipsy King. The super exclusive project that takes the S-Class even further in luxury and refinement. And it definitely catches the eye. Both with refinement and quality. So, let’s see what Vilner clients want to drive, shall we?

First of all, the fine gentleman and Vilner client has chosen a rather powerful base model: a 585hp S-Class with all that Mercedes-Benz has to offer as additional equipment. However, even this is not enough for him and there is just one thing to do: as Vilner engineers and designers for some help with tuning and improvements.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King

And as always, our friends and master of luxury has done what must be done: a masterpiece. There is fine black leather and Alcantara wrapping, white and contrasting stitching, Alcantara dominated central console are just some of the refinements in the cabin.

Further improvements include Alcantara and Nappa covers for the steering wheel, top and even the back of the rearview mirror. How cool is that? Other super-stylish improvements include black-covered metal buttons, black piano finish for the wooden components in the cabin. In fact, the idea of the customer was to create a small kingdom of black and leather. And as we see, the design team has done the job perfectly. As always.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King

In fact, pretty normal for Vilner, the drivetrain system remains untouched and with the same settings as it left the Mercedes-Benz building plant. The original vehicle is a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG that delivers a total of 585hp (436kW) and 900Nm of torque. This engine system is paired to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King

It sounds good, right? We also believe that this is one super cool project!

Source: Art Studio Vilner

December 1, 2016

Safety is the new sexy. At least, in Audi’s own eyes

Audi A3 Audi Q5 Good news for Audi lovers out there! The latest A5 and Q2 models have been awarded with top grades in the NCAP test! This confirms that both babes are not only super functional and sexy, but also can endure on any road challenge that threatens the safety of driver and passengers.

So, what impressed the judges? First of all, both vehicles offer superior adult and child safety all along with pedestrian protection features. The vehicles are geared with revised Emergency Braking system that was recently recognized as one of the best that Audi has ever made, Emergency Braking assist and Audi Pre Sense Suite. To be honest, these alone are enough to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, but Audi engineers did not stop here.

The Audi Pre Sense suite comes with system that scans the road for other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles, using a windshield-mounted camera. Also, in case the driving speed is high and there are some obstacles in front of the vehicle, the autonomous brake will try to reduce or even prevent the crash and bring anyone in the vehicle back home without a scratch. Cool, isn’t it? Also, the Audi A5 features wide range of assistance goodies that further enhance the pleasure and comfort of driving. Such are the Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist Monitors and more.

Long story short, the new A5 an Q2 machines are not only beautiful and powerful, but they are also super trustworthy. And it is worth checking them out!

Source: Audi

December 1, 2016

A Mercedes sedan touched by AMG: brutally powerful and sexy

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ And here it is: the latest AMG project is brought to life. Yes, we are talking about the fresh Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ and the E 63 S 4MATIC+ babes. Aren’t they sweet? Along with the super-mega-titanic power output and the exceptional Mercedes-Benz and AMG quality that we are all aware of, these two vehicles will try to be different in a particular way.

Of course, one of the many ways of maintaining interesting is refreshment of the exterior styling. Definitely appealing and sexy, these two bad boys feature sporty front face with distinctive A-pillar and for the first time AMG team gears a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle with a bonnet that is inset between the wings and bumper, just like a coupe model. Another way of expressing sexiness is by adding wide front apron, inspired by the design of a jet wing and a large front splitter.

The sides catch the eye with numerous elemets. However, one super distinctive is the arrow-shaped wing signet, covered in silver chrome. Also, the side sill panels make the vehicle look even lower than it actually is and contribute to the aggressive and sporty appearance. And all this is topped with exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with high-sheen finish. Sweet.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

And last, but not least, the rear showcases muscles and confidence, expressed by the defined spoiler lip in body color, rear apron with diffuser-look inser and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes. S 63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip on the rear apron.

The muscular rear end provides the finishing touch in conjunction with the clearly defined spoiler lip in the colour of the vehicle on the boot lid, the rear apron with diffuser-look insert, and the two bright chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements on the selectable sports exhaust system. The E 63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip in silver chrome on the rear apron.

And what about the interior styling?

As you might have expected, the cabin is super elegant, comfortably-looing and functional. Featuring exclusive AMG performance steering wheel and nappa leather, the interior definitely makes that critical difference, compared to other premium brands and models.

Driver and front passenger will be pleased to know that they will be sitting in sporty seats, while additional highlights include nappa leather, AMG crest, crytal grey seat piping, IWC-designed analogue clock and special seat belts also in crystal grey. Not bad. However, there are far more interesting features about these bad boys. Stick with us!

Drivetrain system

Long story short: 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, mated to a MCT 9-speed sports gearbox. But let’s see the long story, shall we? Along with the extremely high power output, measured at 612hp (450kW) and 850Nm of torque, the powertrain has some more neat tricks. For example, the cylinder deactivation system and two twin-scroll turbochargers, applied for the first time in Mercedes-AMG vehicle.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

The gearbox is also worth mentioning. This is a super-fast and exclusively fine-tuned system, especially developed for th E 63 4MATIC+ and the E 63 S 4MATIC+. It comes with special software that allows super short shift times and super fast multiple downshifts. Furthermore, it also comes with a wet start-off clutch that replaces the torque converter. In this way AMG engineers reduce the overall weigth of the vehicle and optimize the acceleration responsiveness. Cool.

Other notable drivetrain features include variabl all-wheel drive system, AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, fine-tuned suspension, four-link front axle design, independent wheel control, AMG-specific rear axle carrier and numerous more.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

And by far the most important information: the two vehicles will be officially on sale on 16 January 2017.

Source: AMG

November 30, 2016

McLaren takes it even further: the Track Pack promises world domination!

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack McLaren Automotive team announces tasty details for the new Track Pack upgrade that would be available for the already super-sexy and award-winning McLaren 570S. This upgrade package is created for owners who seek even more and expect not 100, but 110 per cent performance from the vehicle. Or, in other words, Track Pack offers performance features that will drastically boost the performance rates of the vehicle on the racetrack.

Inspired by McLaren’s racing history, the Track Pack includes tons of visually appealing and yet super functional goodies as weight reductions, aerodynamic improvements and downforce upgrades. But let’s start with the visuals, shall we?

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack

When applied, the upgrade pack brings 12mm higher rear wing that boosts even more the high cornering downforce, McLaren Special Operations roof finish in Dark Palladium and stealth-finished Sports exhaust.

And what about the performance goodies? Already super lightweight, the McLaren 570S with Track Pack benefits from even further 25kg weight reduction. This is possible thanks to the Alcantara replacement for the seats, dashboard and steering wheel, along with the numerous carbon-fiber components. These include even seats with circuit-proven lateral location. Cool, isn’t it? Other weight reductions include the super-cool badass stealth-finished alloys.

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack

Additional goodies include McLaren’s trustworthy Track Telemetry system that provides real-time information for the lap times, sector splits and comparison between drivers. It also makes comprehensive post-drive analysis and data-logging with graphical plots of vehicle speed and lap-time deltas. Sweet.

Source: McLaren

November 29, 2016

What would a love story between G-POWER and BMW bring us? Tons of power

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo G-POWER team has decided to tweak a rather sexy BMW vehicle and make it deliver a bit more horsepower. How much exactly? Extra 150hp. Or, in other words, the sweetheart now delivers a total of 600hp (441kW).

Also, there are some additional drivetrain tweaks and additions. For example, the team has geared the BMW M 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo with exclusive titanium exhaust system, new downpipes, rear ailwnxwe box and more.

In fact, one of the most notable features is the revised fuel, spark and boost mapping, all exclusive and fine-tuned just for this bad boy. What is also special about the tweaking process is that the engineering crew has used G-POWER Bi-Tronic 2 V3 electronic control unit remap that is calibrated to each individual vehicle engine system for optimal results. Cool.

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo

But let’s talk about the engine power itself. The super comprehensive engine modifications include aerodynamic-tweaked turbine wheels, flow-optimised CNC-machined turbines and compressor housings. This all results in efficient use of the generated 600 horsepower and the significantly increased 740Nm of torque that altogether aid the lucky BMW vehicle to reach 100 km/h (62mph) in mere 3.5 seconds and chase a top speed of 320km/h. Incredible, isn’t it?

However, for those of you (if there are any at all) who do not want to get the maximum of the setup, G-POWER team offers a kind of basic version that offers a total output of 520hp (382kW) and 700Nm of torque with a selection of Bi-Tronic 2 V1 ECU remap or the Bi-Tronic 5 V1 external power module.

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo

The middle choice offers 560 horsepower (411kW) and 720Nm via the same Bi-Tronik 2 V2 remap or the Bi-Tronic 5 V2 system that works with the additional exhaust downpipes, but this time without the catalytic convertors.

Additional goodies, available with all the power system choices include special chassis fine-tuning, special G-POWER GM4-RS coilover suspension, low unsprung weight and neat HURRICANE RR forged double forged design wheels. We do like it.

Source: G-POWER

November 28, 2016

Toyota and the TNGA architecture: it slowly becomes a trend. But a good one!

2017 Toyota C-HR Architecture in vehicles. Yes, this again. I know it has become something as a trend, but stick with me. Toyota is the next big player to incorporate signature body architecture in its vehicles and as it seems, the team tries to stand out from the crowd pretty hard. So, let’s check out what’s the idea of the masterminds behind Toyota.

2017 Toyota C-HR

Both latest generations of Prius and C-HR will be dealing with a thing called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and the idea is that these two vehicles open the gates to a world of Toyota vehicles based solely on this platform. The TNGA thing itself will try to redefine the approach towards vehicle manufacturing and driving utility.

Our thoughts about the latest Prius you can find on this link

The TNGA C-Platform thing that debuted with the latest Prius allows for tailor-made changes to be executed, along with optimized drivetrain system and more precisely super-optimized and fine-tuned suspension system. It also adapts the wheelbase to better handling and responsiveness. Sweet.

Out thoughts about the latest C-HR you can find on this link

Of course, the whole idea is to deliver new breed of models that are not only super-adaptive and featuring cutting-edge technologies, but also offer better handling response, consistency of response and delivering way more confidence for the driver. Furthermore, one of the main benefits of the TNGA C-platform is the lower center of gravity. This directly contributes to better handling, more stable turning and less body roll.

So, is it worth it?

2017 Toyota C-HR

TNGA platform is claimed to be 65 per cent more rigid than the previous C-segment platform. It provides solid base for developing and tuning the suspension system, all along with numerous engine components. Also, as it seems, the new C-HR and its owners feel happy and confident on the road. So, we do presume that this is a step in the right direction for Toyota. But let’s be clear about it: time will show whether this is a cheap trick or a revolutionary in the history of the brand.

Source: Toyota

November 28, 2016

VATH and Mercedes-AMG: a rather special combination!

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG VÄTH Automobiltechnik team are known for their incredible signature additions, applied to any lucky vehicle that happened to be in their garage. One such is a Mercedes-Benz model that recently has undergone comprehensive and rather eye-catching transformation and now showcases not only stylish exterior tweaks, but also notable and menacing engine roar.

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

More precisely, the vehicle is Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG. And the tuning team has geared it with heavily revised 6.0-liter bi-turbo engine that produces a total of 700hp (515kW) and 1000Nm of torque. But this is not all: VÄTH Automobilt mechanics have also included high flow air filter, water/heat exchanger. Sweet.

Furthermore, VÄTH Automobilt team has lowered the ABC sport chassis to a rather feasible point. In fact, they have managed to achieve just the perfect ballance between sportiness and driving comfort. Also, the valve control muffler exhaust system is significantly improved. And all this is topped with exclusive three-piece forged rims with black star with dimensions of 10,0×20 with tires in 265/30 ZR20 on the front and 12,0 x 20 with 305/25 ZR20 on the rear axle.

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

In fact, there is one particular thing we like about this vehicle. It still showcases its original Mercedes-Benz nature. You can still see the distinctive and brand-exclusive detailing, curves and lines all along with the well-known expression and stance. At the same time the exclusivity and sportiness are enhanced with style, quality and passion. We do like it!

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

Source: VÄTH Automobiltechnik

November 24, 2016

Author: Georgi Boychev

And what about the interior styling?

Drivetrain system

So, is it worth it?