Georgi Boychev – Page 136 – Automobiles Review

Meet Simbad the horse and LARTE Design’s latest masterpiece!

We have all seen it: the horseshoe logo. And we all know what it represent: style, quality and fine taste. And one more time, LARTE Design team strikes back! The latest creation is based on a Mercedes GLS vehicle and the usual question that people would ask, when seeing the vehicle is “How many horses are in there?” The answer: one. And its name is Simbad. You can even see it at gallery below. Yep, this is right: for this project LARTE Design team has focused entirely on styling and exterior detail tweaking.

The vehicle is geared with a special tuning kit that features new front and rear bumpers, numerous carbon-fiber components and of course, this impeccable Mercedes-Benz style. In fact, the most eye-catching component is the back: it looks incredibly massive, sporty and stylish and showcases new diffuser, four neat exhaust pipes and of course, some more carbon-fiber components.

But what about the front? It is also as stylish as the rear-end: there is a new bumper and special radiator grille with this well-known LARTE logo. Also, there are carbon-fiber air intakers and fenders.

Of course, we do like this one. It looks like LARTE Design team has gained some inspiration for interior and exterior styling projects. Hopefully, we will be seeing even more of brand’s masterfully-executed ideas and projects.

Source: LARTE Design

September 19, 2016

It is here! Beautiful, passionate and powerful, it bears the name Honda Civic!

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback
So, finally it is here: the new tenth generation Honda Civic. Beautiful and agile as always, the latest family member will also try to be an innovative one. How? By doing what automobile industry has been doing for decades: indeed, showing new model every single year and saying every single time that THIS IS the best model. However, there are some sweet changes and tweaks that deserve attention. Let’s check ’em out!

Exterior

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback

It is distinctive and beautiful. We have to admit that. The whole body is a bit wider and longer, compared to predecessor models, but also lower. It expresses sharp and aggressive face, along with neat lines and curves. The front end demonstrates beautifully-shaped headlights, two grille grids and overall sporty expression.

The sides continue this concept of sportiness and dynamics: they got these sweet curves at the front and rear side, but at the middle we see sharp lines and overall clean looks. Definitely a stylish decision. Also, the new style of the wheels contribute to that contemporary and badass styling. The rear resembles the front-end with the dual-grille design and the neat taillights shapes. In fact, this taillight design is far more interesting the front lamps. Connected to each other via the sporty wing, the lamps do contribute to the aggressive styling and also bring some functionality: we are pretty sure that there are some new illumination technologies and improvements incorporated.

Interior

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback

The interior shows simple, yet functional layout, additional technological features and of course, high-quality materials. In fact, Honda team also claims that this is by far the most spacious cabin on a Civic vehicle. And we tend to believe: after all driver and passengers will be dealing with a 30mm longer wheelbase, which directly results on the width of the coupe. Also, the shoulder room is increased with 10mm, while the rear seat shoulder room is longer with a total of 20mm. Also, there is a total of 95mm of legroom for the rear seat occupants and 45mm additional space for knee clearance. Sweet.

In terms of technologies, the cabin is geared with all these usual features as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, large infotainment displays, navigation and neat 180-watt 11-speaker audio system. Nice.

Drivetrain system and driver-assistive technologies

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback

The latest Civic model comes with VTEC Turbo gasoline power unit lineup and features tons of drivetrain system improvements.

In fact, the Civic hatch is the first model feature brand’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit and the 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbocharged engine. The first engine delivers some sweet output power, measured at 200Nm of torque between 1,700rpm and 4,500rpm and 129hp (95kW) at 5,500rpm.

The second engine, the 1.5-liter variant offers a total of 182hp (134kW) at 5.500rpm and 240Nm of torque between 1.900 and 5.000rpm. Torque for the CVT variant is increased to 220Nm.

And the assistive gadgets? Buyers and drivers will be dealing with Honda Sensing suite that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assistance, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.

Source: Honda

September 19, 2016

Going for a Cross Country Journey? Take a V90 With You!

Volvo Cars has finally revealed the long-anticipated V90 Cross Country, which will complete the whole 90 Series lineup. As you might know, the first Cross Country was revealed twenty years ago and since then it became a sort of a symbol for the whole brand. So, what has changed two decades later?

First of all, buyers will be granted with Volvo’s special Scalable Product Architecture, special drivetrain system that can endure the harsh Scandinavian conditions and the searing heat of Arizona and last, but not least, this impeccable Volvo Cars styling and quality that has brought the brand so many fans and enthusiasts.

2016 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Furthermore, the vehicle proudly demonstrates his neat exterior styling and character, while the interior will please driver and passengers with tons of high-quality features, including a new and sweet premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Of course, there will be many customizable features, along with many optional additions and tweaks. Generally, buyers can customize the driving and expression character of the vehicle in many ways: from polished and smooth to aggressive and agile. The choice is all yours!

2016 Volvo V90 Cross Country

Production is scheduled for this autumn at the Volvo Cars Torslanda Plant in Sweden. Definitely an all-time favorite brand, Volvo continues with the quest to deliver us ever-evolving automobile wonders.

Source: Volvo Cars

September 19, 2016

2017 Toyota GT86: facelift done right!

2017 Toyta GT86 Pro Facelift Usually people start to maintain the machine that has earned them awards and positive feedback. But not Toyota team, though. The GT86 vehicle has been a thing of beauty and a fine example of refined drivetrain system, but the engineering team decided to add some more value to it. And here we are facing the new 2017 GT86 and we are simply amazed by what we are seeing.

Not just the usual “facelift” thing

There are, in fact, numerous additions and tweaks that not only enhance the sexiness of the car, but also contribute to better performance rates. First of all, there is this new Track mode. What it does is to bring fully driver-controlled balance ration between stability and traction control capabilities. Also, it can be fully disengaged. Sweet!

Enhanced style and aerodynamics

We definitely like the neat tweaks here and there onto the exterior. But these are not just visual improvements. All of these new features contribute to better aerodynamics and agility capabilities. Fans will also be pleased to see new teeth along the bottom edge of the lower grille, redesigned nose section and deeper rear bumper design. Definitely beautiful and also functional: all of these tweaks help for smoother air flow.

Interior changes

2017 Toyta GT86 Pro Facelift

There is new three-spoke steering wheel with smaller diameter, new 4.2-inch TFT infotainment display, new tachometer and.. this is it.

Additional equipment

Depending on the trim levels, buyers will get many different features. Offered in GT86 and GT86 Pro versions, the vehicle comes with a 197hp 2.0-liter boxer power unit, mated to a six-speed manual or optional automatic gearbox.

GT86 shows sweet 10-spoke 17-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights and comes with cruise control, heated door mirrors, aluminum sporty pedals and high-performance brake discs.

On the other hand, GT86 Pro adds heated seats, leather Alcantara upholstery, leather driver’s armrest, rear spoiler finish in matt grey. Cool.

Source: Toyota

September 17, 2016

Exclusive handmade exhaust system for Mercedes-AMG C63? Why not!?

A rather sweet upgrade: there is an exclusive exhaust system from CL by Christian Lübke that not only fits the aggressive style of the Mercedes-AMG C63 vehicle, but also contributes to even higher levels of performance and agility. This is a special handcrafted system limited to only 100 units and each single one of these is a piece of art by itself.

As you might know, Christian Lübke is named “the engineer with passion” and has delivered numerous pieces of technology that can easily be classified as a piece of art. And just like his previous inventions, the latest exhaust system is no exception.

2016-Christian-Lubhe-Mercedes-AMG-C63-Back

But let’s put aesthetics aside for a second. In terms of performance, this one has a lot to demonstrate. It maximizes the overall big potential of the bi-turbo V8 AMG power unit and contributes to better calibration and lower backpressure of the CL 3.0-inch diameter pipe. Or, in other words, the new system enhances the capabilities of the vehicle in incredible way: there are a total of 620hp (462kW) that make it possible for the vehicle to go from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 4 seconds and chase a top speed of a bit more than 300km/h (166kW).

Further bonuses include electronically controlled sound flap that is directly connected to the AMG performance controller and a choice of three selectable driving modes: Normal, Sport and Sport+. What these are doing are to enable the driver to choose between restrained growl, deep burble at low crankshaft speeds and turn it to a race scream. Cool.

And last, but certainly not least, the special exhaust system is offered with a set of 20-inch Fa. Schmidt alloys that are also exclusive for this project. They feature fine balance between hi-tech spirit and luxurious styling. And are definitely worth the check. Trust me!

Source: Christian Lübke

September 17, 2016

Along with neat fresh models, Lexus team also reveals neat automobile seats. Check this concept out!

2016 Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept Lexus reveals details for a special kinetic seat that is about to be fully revealed. This is a sort of ultra-modern seat with numerous incredible features, cutting-edge ergonomic technologies and neat spider silk components.

Scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 29, this thing also incorporates fiber net construction that will try to change the conventional thinking in the field of car seat industry. Furthermore, the design will simulate some of the fundamental spinal movements of the human body and will not only contribute for more comfortable ride, but it will also stabilize passenger’s healthy seating position.

So, let’s take a closer look to the special seat’s components and construction

The idea behind Lexus’s new seat is to allow the seat itself to move in harmony and relation to the body and especially the weight and the external force. Also, the architecture will enhance the stabilization of the head movement and will keep it in its right position for easier driving and more comfort.

And what about the web-pattern net? This is a flexible material and flexible net that will fit the shape of the body and will disperse the load in such a way that occupant will feel relaxed and un-stressed even in super-long driving periods.

2016 Lexus Kinetic Seat Concept

On the other hand, the synthetic spider silk is created from environmentally-friendly synthetic materials. The main component is protein, gained by using microbial fermentation and then processed into new material that has some incredible shock absorption properties. Sweet.

Source: Lexus

September 16, 2016

speedART team showcases a neatly revised Porsche vehicle. Check it out!

2016 speedART Porsche SP18-R Our dear friends from speedART present a mighty and beautiful recreation of a Porsche Boxer 718. The heavily tweaked vehicle is named speedART SP18-R and has a lot to demonstrate. First of all, we are pleasantly surprised by the bodywork: we see neat and sporty speedART CS-rear spoiler, distinctive 21-inch SP9-SPORT wheels and overall super sporty, yet stylish appearance. What we like the most about the exterior styling is that the team has kept the signature and well-known Porsche looks present and has just enhanced the agile spirit of the well-known premium brand. Sweet.

The interior has also received attention. There are numerous carbon-fiber components, exclusive leather and Alcantara-covered details and additional customizable options.

In terms of drivetrain system, speedART team has also made some tweaks here and there. The SP18-R comes with the original Porsche Boxer 4-cylinder power unit, but for these of you who seek more, there is a special and exclusive 2.0-liter 345hp (257kW) and one more even more special 2.5-liter S-version with a total power output of 395 horsepower (294kW). Engineers have also included sporty suspension and additional engine tweaks that contribute to a massive and powerful sound. Cool.

2016 speedART Porsche SP18-R

We like this one. We definitely do. My personal favorite features are the black-dominated exterior and the overall stylish and expressive looks.

Good job, speedART team!

Source: speedART

September 16, 2016

GT-PHEV Concept: Mitsubishi’s challenge towards the future

2016 Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept Mitsubishi Motors Corporation reveals more details for the GT-PHEV Concept next-gen SUV that will be revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

What we know so-far is that the GT-PHEV will be some sort of super-high-end next-gen SUV machine that can tackle down any road and off-road challenge. Dressed up in MMC’s latest design ideals and geared with advanced drivetrain systems, the Concept will serve as brand’s turning point towards the future. So, let’s review the already known features!

Exterior styling

2016 Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept

The visual appearance of the vehicle can be described with only one word: massive. Definitely this thing looks huge and muscular and sort of makes you respect it. The front end shows powerful presence with MMC’s Dynamic Shield that is both clean and beautiful. The sides incorporate horizontal lines and light curves that expand the body further and enhance the feeling of massiveness. And the rear end? It finishes the idea of a blend of muscles and beauty. It looks big, aggressive, but at the same time stays clean neat. Long story short: we do like the looks of this vehicle.

Drivetrain system

2016 Mitsubishi GT-PHEV Concept

PHEV Concept incorporates the next-generation of super powerful and efficient batteries and engines and it is expected that the SUV will deliver some outstanding performance rates.

The aim of the engineering team is to deliver a combination of aggressive road behavior and smooth ride at the same time. Personally, I am not convinced that “road aggressiveness” and “smooth ride” can be blended in a single sentence, but it appears as Mitsubishi team thinks otherwise.

Furthermore, If team’s promises become a reality, this vehicle will be capable to cover about 1,200 kilometers with just a single charge of the battery unit. Hopefully, the triple-motor idea will be enough to handle the electric power demand.

In fact, we tend to like the idea for this one. Hopefully, the reality will resemble the words and promises of Mitsubishi team.

Source: Mitsubishi

September 15, 2016

New Mercedes-AMG roadsers are here! Check them out! It is worth it!

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadsters And there is one more Mercedes-AMG vehicle in the lines of the AMG GT lineup. Not that long after the unveiling of the AMG GT R, the premium automobile tuner presents two roadster variants of the two-seater. These are indeed AMG GT Roadster and AMG GT C Roadster. So, let’s see what the offerings are this time!

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadsters

These are by far the most powerful that AMG team has managed to create. They both comes with massive horsepower and torque output and offer exclusively fine-tuned drivetrain systmes. These fine-tunes are indeed done onto the active rear axle steering fine-tuning while a special AMG RIDE CONTROL sporty suspension contributes to the nature of a roadster vehicle.

Also notable are the exterior design changes: both vehicles come with massive and muscular proportions that include wide rear wings, wider wheels at the rear axle, and all this blended with Mercedes-Benz well-known styling and these sweet AMG additions.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadsters

These two roadster enrich the Mercedes-AMG GT family members to a total of five. Offering technical quality and genetics of both Mercedes-Benz and AMG, the new additions are definitely worth the mentioning.

Here are some more technical details:

	Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster	Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster
Engine	4.0-litre V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection	4.0-litre V-8 with twin turbochargers and direct injection
Displacement	3982 cc	3982 cc
Output	350 kW (476 hp) at 6000 rpm	410 kW (557 hp) at 5750-6750 rpm
Peak torque	630 Nm at 1700-5000 rpm	680 Nm at 1900-5750 rpm
Drive system	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed dual-clutch transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel consumption – combined	9,4 l/100 km	11,4 l/100 km
Combined CO2emissions	219 g/km	259 g/km
Efficiency class	G	G
Weight (DIN/EC)	1595 kg* / 1670 kg**	1660 kg* / 1735 kg**
Power-to-weight ratio	3.35 kg/hp	2.98 kg/hp
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4,0 s	3,7 s
Top speed	302 km/h	316 km/h
Rear-axle limited-slip differential	mechanical	electronically controlled
Suspension	AMG sport suspension	AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive adjustable damping
Wheels front / rear	9,0 J x 19 / 11 J x 19	9,0 J x 19 / 12,0 J x 20
Tyres front / rear	255/35 R 19 / 295/35 R 19	265/35 R19 / 305/30 R 20
Brake discs front/rear	360 mm/360 mm	390 mm/360 mm
Transmission modes	four: C, S, S+, I	five: C, S, S+, I, RACE

Source: AMG

September 15, 2016

Vauxhall Ampera-e: beautiful agile and efficient. We like it!

2016 Vauxhall Ampera-e Vauxhall announced more information about the unveiling of the Amera-e, the electric vehicle that will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

What brand team promises is that the purely-electric car can go up to 250 miles without recharging in perfect conditions. Or in other words, in pure realistic scenarios, drivers will be able to cover about 185 miles with a single charge. Not bad, right?

2016 Vauxhall Ampera-e

In fact, this 250 mileage coverage is made possible by a big 33kWh battery, cleverly integrated in the 4.17-meter long body. Also, there are many things that are already known. Amera-e produces a total of 204hp and 360Nm of torque. Already known is the electronically limited speed: 93mph (163km/h). It is not that much, but provided that it is achieved by an electric motor, it is a sort of an achievement.

What is special about this model is the ability for recharge, while being driven. This is achieved by taking back energy from the electric motor, when the driver engages the “Drive” mode. This effect is increased, when driver selects the “Low” mode that further increases the recuperation. And here’s the fun part: there is special “Regen on Demand” mode that delivers the ultimate level of recuperation via paddle at the back of the steering wheel. Sweet.

2016 Vauxhall Ampera-e

Vauxhall team promises numerous more pleasant surprises and additions, so we decide to do what is best for us: wait and believe that they won’t let us down.

Source: Vauxhall

September 15, 2016

PEUGEOT has prepared for the Dakar challenge: here’s the new sand warrior!

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 DKR Wehave expected this one: Team Peugeot Total and Red Bull have proudly revealed the fresh PEUGEOT 3008 DKR. Heir of one of the most successful machines from previous championships, this confident beast has a lot to demonstrate. So, let’s waste no more time and see what the key features are!

First of all, the new Dakar warrior is based on a new PEUGEOT SUV vehicle, yet to be revealed and at the same time stays true to some of brand’s successful concept ideas. Racers will still be dealing with a two-wheel drive system and many more familiar stuff, but they will also meet some sweet changes and additions.

Going directly to the drivetrain system, we first see a revised 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbodiesel power unit that is especially created to deliver greater torque levels at low revs. What might disappoint some of the fans and enthusiasts is that there is also a smaller restrictor in the engine that results on a loss of 20horse power (14kW). However, the engineering team decided to make this sacrifice in the name of more torque at low revs.

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 DKR

Further tweaks have been made onto the suspension system. Definitely a key component for success in the Dakar challenge, the vehicle now offers the aid of exclusive fine-tuned system, revised geometry and some damper improvement. Sweet.

And there is also one more important upgrade. The air conditioning. Maybe some of you think that this is a tool for the whining princess wanna-be girls, but you are wrong. When a crew spends up to 12 hours a day in a vehicle’s cabin in temperatures that easily excess 60 degrees, good air conditioning system is not a fad, but a must. And they got one. Exclusive, revised and improved. Cool.

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 DKR

Before the great Dakar challenge, Carloz Sainz himself will test the new PEUGEOT 3008 DKR against other competitors during Morocco’s Rally in October (3rd to 7th October).

We wish the very best of luck to PEUGEOT TEAM and we do hope that the team will have numerous occasions for celebrations!

Source: PEUGEOT

September 15, 2016

Meet the VelociRaptor: Hennessey’s vision over Ford SUVs

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford F-250 VelociRaptor So, what do we got here? One sweet and long Ford vehicle. But this is not just any sweet and long vehicle. This is the VelociRaptor SUV! This F-250 on steroids truck has a lot to demonstrate: first of all, it comes with style. We see a neat-looking Ford SUV with clean lines, minimal curves and sleek black glossy finish. What has been changed is that there is a special VelociRaptor pack geared that brings new rear bumper, LED light bar into the front bumper, Hennessey serial number dash plaque and Hennessey and VelociRaptor exterior badges.

And the interior?

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford F-250 VelociRaptor

Of course, Hennessey team has done some changes here and there. Now there are middle row captains chairs and folding 3rd row bench. In fact, there are a total of seven seats that can become 8. How? With a strange kind of magic. Don’t ask me. Okay, here’s how: there is this optional 60/40 folding central console thing that when folded frees up space for one more passenger. The rest of the interior is limited to just this boring Ford styling and tweaking.

Drivetrain systtem

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford F-250 VelociRaptor

It is powerful, indeed. After all, you do need certain amount of horsepower and torque to drive along with 7 other people, right? The base is taken from the F-250 model and comes with a 4×4 system and a total of 411hp (306kW) and 880 lb-ft of power output. Not bad, right? Also, there are two optional upgrades: a VeloCiraptor 600 Supercharged upgrade that brings a mighty 6.2-liter V8 unit and a VelociRaptor 650 Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Additional equipment

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford F-250 VelociRaptor

Optionally, the long SUV can be tweaked and fine-tuned in many ways. There is optional VelociRaptor wheel and tire upgrade, rear bumper upgrade, exclusive and still optional LED light bar, warn front winch and O–road suspension exclusive fine tuning. Sweet.

Good news is that this upgrade can be already ordered at any time. Bad news is that it takes about 6 months to be built.