Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

Bowler Motors team transforms a lucky Defender into a rally beast

Bowler Motors, the off-road performance specialist, has revealed a special version of the Land Rover Defender rally car which will compete in different championships in 2022.

The Bowler Defender Challenge is based on the Land Rover Defender 90 with a 300hp Ingenium 2.0-liter turborcharged petrol unit. The engineers have benefited from their long-term experience and improved the Defender in such a way that it now features a full roll cage, modified underbody, raised suspension, rally-spec 18-inch wheels, and column-mounted paddle shifters.

Furthermore, Bowler Motors engineers have provided a set of electronic components, from fire protection to electrical cut-offs, and from more lighting to revised control systems. All these are fully integrated into the existing electrical system and are incorporated within the drivetrain system and interior.

SEE ALSO: SsangYong publishes its first sketch of an upcoming SUV lineup

Additional changes include Competition race seats, Bowler-developed column-mounted paddle shifters, and more. Furthermore, the standard doors are trimmed to remove the sill covering section, which allows the fitment of full-length, side-to-side protection. Also, the modified front-end boosts the airflow to the cooling system and houses additional race-level lighting, while the new roof spoiler contributes to this neat expression and houses new rear lights.

July 28, 2021
SsangYong publishes its first sketch of an upcoming SUV lineup

SsangYong Motor Company reveals a new design of its next-gen SUV model. Under the name of X200, the new vehicle will vary the brand’s newly conceived design and tech approach, presenting the value and future plans of upcoming products.

The design philosophy is driven by the “Powered by Toughness” motto and emphasizes the importance of visuals in a vehicle. Also, alongside the themes of masculinity and modernity, the vehicle will also showcase an exclusive “Korea Can Do” badge and will be influenced by four formative principles: ‘Robust Architecture’, Unexpected Delight’, ‘Vibrant Contrast’, and ‘Communion with Nature.’

Through these ideas, not only will the brand strengthen its position as an authentic SUV brand that meets the needs of customers, but it will also use eco-friendly systems, thereby responding to the biggest trend in the automotive industry which is transforming the way we drive in the future.

After SsangYong released the outline design of the J100 in June this year, the reaction from audiences was extremely positive. Feedback on the J100 and derivative pick-up model on domestic and overseas automotive websites indicated considerable positive interests.

SEE ALSO: Bentley reveals the first in the world 22-inch carbon-fibre wheels for Bentayga

Of these four elements of sculptural identity, ‘Robust Architecture’ pursues the beauty of tough structural shape and detailed sculptural beauty. ‘Unexpected Delight’ appeals to differing lifestyles, offering amusement and excitement by embodying a design that values more than mere transportation. ‘Vibrant Contrast’ expresses the original characteristics of a tough SUV through the contrast between aesthetic elements of colour, texture and modelling, while ‘Communion with Nature’ is intended to harmonise with the natural world, echoing the sensibilities of our customers, says Lee Kang, head of the SsangYong Design Centre.

July 27, 2021
Vauxhall expands the Griffin upgrades to Corsa-e and Crossland lineups

Vauxhall expands the Griffin lineup and offers an extended list of standard specs and tons of personalization options for the Corsa-e and Crossland models.

The Griffin variants bring a number of cool technologies and safety features, including heated seats and heated steering wheel, as well as semi-autonomous safety features such as Automatic Emergency City Braking and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Vauxhall already offers Griffin versions of Corsa, Astra, and Grandland X.

Vauxhall Corsa-e Griffin

New Corsa-e Griffin models benefit from semi-autonomous safety features including Automatic Emergency City Braking and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Also included are Speed Sign Recognition and Forward Collision Alert, as well as Driver Drowsiness Detection.

Furthermore, new Corsa-e Griffin models come with a Multimedia Navi system which features a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation with European-wide coverage. Also standard is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone incorporation, alongside a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic lights, and windscreen wipers. Corsa-e Griffin models also feature 17-inch bi-color alloy wheels, a black roof, and A-pillars alongside dark tinted rear windows and LED front fog lights.

All Corsa-e models come with a 50kWh battery and 100kW (136PS) electric motor, capable of covering up to 209 miles from a single charge.

Vauxhall Crossland Griffin

Inside, New Crossland Griffin models benefit from Vauxhall’s 7-inch Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as heated front seats and a heated leather-covered steering wheel. Griffin variants also feature ambient interior lighting and come standard with automatic windscreen wipers and LED headlights, alongside lane departure warning and speed sign recognition technologies.

SEE ALSO: Bentley reveals the first in the world 22-inch carbon-fiber wheels for Bentayga

New Crossland Griffin models come standard with 17-inch black five twin-spoke alloy wheels, black painted door mirrors, a contrasting color roof as well as chrome effect upper window moldings.

New Crossland Griffin models are available with Vauxhall’s efficient 1.2-liter petrol and 1.5-liter diesel engines.

July 27, 2021
Bentley reveals the first in the world 22-inch carbon-fibre wheels for Bentayga

After decades of development, Bentley announces a new series of carbon-fiber wheels, exclusive for the Bentayga lineup. These are 22-inch carbon wheels, engineered by the brand’s top specialists and are one of the largest carbon-fiber wheels in production in the world.

What is also special about the wheels is that they are subjected to rigorous TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverei – Technical Inspection Association) standards, and are the first carbon-fiber wheels ever produced to pass all tests impeccably. The comprehensive evaluations include rigorous experiments, biaxial stress testing, and radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tire overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.

One of these tests, the most severe one, has shown how the carbon rims are super safe in addition to all other performance benefits.

In fact, the carbon fiber material not only provides some notable weight loss but also contributes to some additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. Along with this, the wheels allow for increased steering agility and improved braking response.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes reveals details for the new S-Class 580 L lineup

The new 22-inch carbon wheel set is the perfect complement to Bentley’s existing carbon fiber lineup, including the highly sought-after Styling Specification which adds a carbon front splitter, sill extensions, and rear diffuser to the Bentayga, and the option of high gloss carbon fiber veneer to the interior.

July 27, 2021
Mercedes reveals details for the new S-Class 580 L lineup
The new S 580 L plug-in hybrid is now on sale and can be specified with exclusive AMG components.

The latest S-Class comes with a 3.0-liter straight-six power unit and generates a total of 367hp, and can cover a distance of 63 miles with a single charge. Talking about charging, the vehicle is also geared with a 28.6kWh lithium-ion battery unit.

Also, the new S 580 comes with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen central display, a 12.3-inch digital driver display. And MBUX tablet – which can be used as a usual tablet outside the vehicle. Other standard features include:
- The ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant is more refined and recognizes instructions or requests from any seat in the car.
- The Driving Assistance Package is now standard equipment on all S-Class models and includes updates to various features.
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC – responds to stationary road users to prevent collisions up to 80 mph (previously 37 mph)
- Traffic Sign Assist – now warns of inadvertently running a stop sign or red light
- Active Lane Keeping Assist – uses active steering intervention (instead of braking intervention) and can indicate potential hazards via the ambient lighting.
- Active Evasive Steering Assist – responds to cyclists and ends of tailbacks in addition to pedestrians. The operating range on urban routes has been expanded to
- 67 mph (previously 44 mph)
The Mercedes-AMG S 580 Line Premium

The premium iteration of the new S-class includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, Burmester 3D Surround sound system with sound personalization, panoramic sliding sunroof, 12.3-inch 3D driver display, remote parking package including a 360-degree camera and active ambient lighting, electrically adjustable rear seats with memory package, luxury head restraints, and climatized rear outer seats.

Optional goodies include augmented reality head-up display, Digital Light with Ultra Range high beam, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, Energizing Comfort Package, Air Balance, heated center armrest (front only), and heated front and rear door armrests, plus heated steering wheel and windscreen, active multi-contour, climatized front seats and luxury head restraints.

SEE ALSO: AC Cars announces the first details for the upcoming and electrified AC Cobra Series 1

For even the more demanding customers, AMG has prepared even another exclusive and optional pack. It adds MBUX rear tablet with 7-inch touchscreen, electric sun blinds in rear doors and rear window, double sun visors with pivoting section, chauffeur package with a foldable, removable head restraint on the front passenger seat, front passenger seat adjustable from the rear, and electrically extendable footrest behind the front passenger seat.
July 27, 2021
AC Cars announces the first details for the upcoming and electrified AC Cobra Series 1
Being the first of a new generation of sports cars, the AC Cobra Series 1 undergoes final development work and is ready to showcase its electric drivetrain system. The Series 1 lineup remains faithful to the origins of the AC Cobra, but also incorporates modern technical approaches and features a fully electric engine. Furthermore, the vehicle adopts the classic expression of the Cobra heritage and will still incorporate numerous of the well-known and beloved vintage features.

Working closely with the Derby-based tech partner Falcon Electric, the Norfolk-based company ensures that the implementation of the EV within the new-gen Cobra is impeccable and ensures that the vehicle delivers just the exact performance rates that customers expect and even going beyond these expectations.

Alan Lubinsky, Chief Executive of AC Cars for more than two decades, said: I’m so proud of the team behind this project, and the hours that have been invested in making this car so special. This is British engineering and technology at its finest, upholding AC Car’s approach to producing only the finest hand-built sports cars.

With a 0-100km/h time of about 4 seconds, the Series 1 electric lineup ensures a punch similar to the early cars but with the near-instant torque, EVs are known for. Also, the 150 zero-emission mile coverage range with a single charge underlines that this is a Cobra of a completely different breed.

SEE ALSO: Brembo celebrates its 60th anniversary

At the moment, plans include only 58 units of the AC Cobra Series 1 to be made, celebrating the anniversary of the production of the first AC Cobra ever unveiled.
- The AC Cobra Series 1 electric specifications are:
- Acceleration 0-62 mph: approx. 4 seconds
- Torque: 500 Nm Peak/250 Nm Continuous
- Estimated Range: 150 miles
- Power: 230 kW
- Battery Capacity: 55 kWh
- Weight: approx. 1050 kg
July 26, 2021
Brembo celebrates its 60th anniversary

Brembo team celebrates its 60^th birthday at the 42^nd Annual Concours d’Elegance of America.

Established in 1961 as a small mechanical workshop by Emilio Bombassei and his brother-in-law Italo Breda, the small business expanded to what we know today as one of the most popular and influential automotive businesses. Today, Brembo is a leader in the design, development and production of braking systems and components for cars, motorbikes, industrial vehicles, and racing vehicles.

Although we celebrate the past at this week’s Concours, our focus is on the future with the world’s cars and trucks going electric. Brakes are playing an even more significant role in the future of electrification. In addition, we announced just this week the opening of Brembo Inspiration Lab in Silicon Valley to further strengthen our expertise in artificial intelligence, data science and software development.

At the show, Brembo displays an array of performance and braking components with carbon-ceramic brake discs and full aluminum calipers on the all-new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Also, there’s a full array of the brand’s aftermarket products like Brembo Xtra rotor can be viewed alongside a MotoGP Championship carbon rotor and caliper as well as a competition master cylinder.

SEE ALSO: Brooklands Museum hosts a special exhibition with McLaren Automotive

Highlighting the Brembo sponsored Super Car category are a Viper GTS-R, Ford GT, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 488 Pista, Ferrari F12, Mercedes AMG GT R, and a Porsche 992 Turbo S.

July 26, 2021
Brooklands Museum hosts a special exhibition with McLaren Automotive

Today, the Brooklands Museum opens the new “Driven by Design” exhibition that showcases and explores the world of the beautiful McLaren Automotive vehicles.

As a part of the brand’s long-standing commitment to encouraging people to delve into science, technology, engineering, and design, the McLaren team loans three exhibits including the McLaren Senna GTR prototype car, a McLaren Senna GTR concept car, and a full-scale LEGO model of a McLaren 720S.

Also, the exhibition celebrates the brand’s 10-anniversary. Some of the events include the presentation of some of the 2,500 who design, engineer, test, and build the supercars.

Furthermore, the event will draw parallels between those involved in the development of the McLaren Senna GTR and Brookland’s personalities from the time as an engineering hub for the automotive industry.

The Senna GTR itself is the ultimate track machine, freed from any motorsport or road regulations. The prototype and concept vehicles will be on display at the event. Back in 2018, the concept car was presented to the audience at the Geneva Show. The vehicle then managed to set higher standards for the automotive industry and was the winning car of different events and races.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen reveals new Atlas Concept vehicle

This is also the first exhibition focused on cars to open at Brooklands Museum in over a decade. Driven by Design explores McLaren Automotive’s design and development process – what it takes to design a supercar and the skills needed to achieve groundbreaking engineering.

July 26, 2021
Lexus announces strategic partnership with 100 Thieves

100 Thieves and Lexus have announced their official partnership, which makes the premium automobile manufacturer the first in the segment to partner with the 100 Thieves. Lexus team seeks to attract the next generation of buyers by connecting to 100 Thieves’ ever-growing audience of gamers.

As a sponsor, the 100 Thieves Content House becomes a Lexus Content House. This means that it will incorporate a full-build-out of Lexus Lounge inside one of the most successful content houses in the gaming industry. Both brands aim to successfully connect the premium lifestyle and gaming via engaging content developed by 100 Thieves’ own YouTube and Twitch powerhouses, Valkyrae and Fulie.

Lexus sees an authentic connection between vehicles, culture, and premium lifestyle. We are thrilled to have found a like-minded partner in 100 Thieves, said Vinay Shahani, vice president of marketing at Lexus, Through our collaboration, our goal will be to surprise and delight the 100 Thieves community with innovative content and elevated experiences developed uniquely for them.

We are so excited to partner with such a legendary and premium brand such as Lexus, said Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, founder and CEO of 100 Thieves, Both of our brands focus on quality and innovation within each of our industries. We’re so excited to show our fans our new set of wheels and all the amazing content to come out of the content house.

SEE ALSO: AC Cars announces the first details for the upcoming and electrified AC Cobra Series 1

July 26, 2021
Volkswagen reveals new Atlas Concept vehicle

Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the new 2021 Atlas Cross Sport GT Concept. The unique vehicle blends modern styling and an advanced engine system. Assembled in Chattanooga, the four-seater also demonstrates VW’s new Eisvogelblau exterior color.

Based on the 2021 Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line, the new GT Concept showcases neat 22-inch ABT Sport HR AEROWHEELS, wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport V105 UHP 285/35R22 tires, ST suspension XTA Plus 3 coilovers, TAROX eight-piston front brakes, and glossy black exterior trim.

Under the hood, there is a refined version of the EA888 2.0-TSI power unit found in the VW Golf R, but with an IS38 turbo as an additional front-mounted radiator from an Mk7 Golf R. This setup generates a total of 300hp and is distributed via a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and 4Motion AWD system.

The inside is characterized by the same Eisvogelblau, bespoke RECARO Sports seats, and custom VW Accessories floor mats.

SEE ALSO: The final 40 exclusive Bugatti Divos head to their new owners

Finishing off the interior design is a one-of-a-kind rear center console, which follows the design language of the front console. Inside the storage compartment is a Volkswagen Accessories convenience safe and additional USB charging ports.

July 23, 2021
The final 40 exclusive Bugatti Divos head to their new owners

The final Bugatti Divos is leaving the Atelier in Mosheim – the last 40 units with Blue and Dark Blue carbon vehicles mark the end of the brand’s milestone goals.

These 40 vehicles bring an end to the 3-year development and production plan that the Bugatti team executed perfectly. The idea was to present a lineup that is influenced by the vintage cars from the 1920s and 1930s but also benefitting from contemporary technologies and approaches.

In fact, Bugatti has a long history of coachbuilding. Even the founder, Ettore Bugatti wanted to create a refined and powerful drivetrain, but also pack it in an aesthetically appealing wrap. Then his son further refined this process and drew inspiration from the art forms that dominated the 1920s – art deco, expressionism, and Dadaism.

In more recent days, Bugatti takes this idea even further – the contemporary Bugatti machines feature a conceptual approach that can be seen in no other manufacturer. For example, the Divo lineup represents a milestone in Bugatti’s technical capabilities and features a striking design with an impeccable drivetrain system. The model is named after the French race car driver Albert Divo, who scored a series of race victories for Bugatti over a period of 20 years, including six Grand Prix races and two Targa Florino.

SEE ALSO: Ferrari SF90 Stradale sets car lap record at Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit

As for the 40 Divos, none of them is identical to the rest. Many of the buyers opted for one-off production with numerous personalized features, including paintwork, leather inserts, and stitching preferences.

July 23, 2021
Jeep celebrates its 80th birthday with a special edition of the Wrangler

2021 marks Jeep’s 80^th birthday and the renowned brand will celebrate with an exclusive Wrangler lineup with tons of neat features.

Jeep Wrangler MY21

The lineup comes with an agile 2.0-liter 272hp Euro 6D petrol unit and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This setup produces a total of 243g/km CO2 emissions and features tons of technologies that contribute to a smooth and rewarding driving experience, and, as expected, to enhanced performance rates and capabilities.

Speaking of features and technologies, the Wrangler MY21 comes with Selec-Speed control, an off-road cruise control, which allows the driver to maintain a steady speed when going through rocks and other types of low-speed maneuvers. Other goodies include a selectable tire fill alert, an exclusive Off-Road Plus driving mode, and more.

In terms of styling and utilities, the 80th-anniversary edition comes with Neutral Grey Metallic grille, headlight and fog lights, exclusive 18-inch two-tone alloys, full LED high-visibility headlights with auto high beam control, body-color hardtop, and, of course, 80^th Anniversary badges.

SEE ALSO: Subaru announces details for the new 2022 BRZ sportscar

The interior features black leather seats with tungsten stitching, and a leather-wrapped dashboard with contrast stitching and Berber floor mats. Also part of the standard equipment is the Uconnect 8.4 NAV system with a large 8.4-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a premium 9-speaker Alpine audio system with a powerful 552W subwoofer.

Safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, Keyless Enter ‘N Go, forward collision warning, advanced brake assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop.

July 23, 2021