Georgi Boychev – Page 142 – Automobiles Review

2017 Mazda6: passionate and functional. As any Mazda vehicle should be

Getting more and more refined, with even better features and additions, 2017 Mazda6 sedan and wagon models will be available for purchase this autumn.

Since its first public appearance, Mazda6 lineup has been recognized as one of the most flexible and agile vehicles in the whole segment. Of course, Mazda team has pushed the boundaries further and further with each new release, and the 2017 model is no exception: we will see a vehicle with advanced G-Vectoring Control, blended with the well-known SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS technologies that have made Mazda so popular and reliable.

2017 Mazda6

What we know so far is that 2017 Mazda will be geared with three SKYACTIV petrol units and two diesel engines: all mated to either manual or automatic gearbox. Of course, the engine system has undergone numerous improvements. For example, one of the units, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine, features three new technologies in order to reduce response time and engine noise. These are indeed High-Precision DE Boost Control and the Natural Sound Smoother. Cool, right? Oh, yeah. There is also a new exterior color trim: the Machine Grey.

2017 Mazda6

In terms of interior, designers have also made some changes here and there. Buyers will be granted with driver-oriented environment, new steering wheel design, refreshed Active Driving Display and one more 4,6-inch full-color TFT LCD infotainment display.

And last, but certainly not least, the safety suite. 2017 Mazda6 comes with i-ACTIVSENCE safety technologies with Traffic Sign Recognition, Advanced Smart City Brake Support system with forward-sensing camera and some more neat goodies.

2017 Mazda6

So far, so good. It looks as Mazda team does not give up its signature styling, quality and desire for perfection.

What do you think about the new Mazda6? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: Mazda

August 10, 2016

The more, the better: Ford Performance and the ever evolving F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor As you already know, Ford F-150 Raptor, believed to be the toughest, smartest and more reliable F-150 created ever, receives a set of FOX shocks: these are exclusively created by Ford and FOX teams to further enhance the flexibility and capability of the machine.

These are 3.0-inch FOX shocks add base valve piston with lower gas pressure, which results in more comfortable and smooth road ride. Also, the internal bypass in the front and rear shocks comes with nine zones that progressively manage the shock forces and further enhance the off-road stability and driver control. Also, the final zones act as hydraulic bump stops that send fluid through the top of the piston, while, at the same time, the shock is fully compressed. All this means that the Raptor is prevented from bottoming out. Sweet. This also means that the Raptor can maintain smooth and progressive ride control and leads to more confident driver behavior.

In terms of growth, the FOX shocks add a total of 0.5 inches more, compared to the original ones. This also adds some more volume for increased heat dissipation and fade resistance. According to Ford, this “more” means 40% more. Cool, right? Furthermore, the two additional inches of suspension travel contribute to Raptor’s a total of 13.9 inches of suspension travel distance. Or, in other words, this means about 15% more travel, compared to the original setup.

And if you are still interested in Raptor’s components functionality, here’s a sweet video for you. We believe you will like it!

https://youtu.be/GqvYcC6-568

Source: Ford Performance

August 10, 2016

Nissan Pathfinder is ready for 2017 model year. And so believes NHTSA

Fresh, confident and functional, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder managed to earn the highest rate of 5 starts overall vehicle safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. As you might remember, since 2011, requirements are higher and more stringent, but luckily for all Nissan lovers out there, Pathfinder managed to tackle down all the challenges.

The revised Pathfinder lineup is actually a key element to a whole Nissan program, named “The Year of the Truck”, including the Pathfinder, TITAN half-ton and the recently expanded TITAN XD lineup, all along with the Armada full-size SUV.

So, what is so special with the 2017 Pathfinder?

The revised sweetie offers advanced systems as the Forward Emergency Braking and Intelligent Cruise Control. Nissan team are kind enough to add Moving Object Detection, available with Around View Monitor. Optionally buyers can specify the Pathfinder with Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Additional features include a choice between 2WD and 4WD configuration, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front supplemental air bags, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain airbags for reducing injuries from side impacts and rollover, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), child safety rear door locks and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control system.

Source: Nissan

August 10, 2016

Chevy adds more spice: here are some more details for the 2017 Camaro machines! [w/video]

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2017 ZL1, the most powerful Camaro produced so far, along with the track-ready 1LE come to show some outstanding performance both on the road and on the track. So, it is expected that, when the vehicles go on sale later this year, they will deliver incredible features for relatively good price: about $69,135 USD for the convertibles. Of course, this price includes destination charge, but excludes taxes, titles and some more dealer fees. Also, there are additional upgrade packs for the Camaro V-6 LT coupe and the V-8 1SS coupe between $4,500 to $6,500 USD. These upgrade packs include some tweaked suspension system, electronic limited-slip differential and Magnetic Ride dampers. Sweet!

2017 Chevrolet Camaro models

And to shorten the long story, we present the official and systematic features and goodies that buyers will be granted with:

ZL1:

0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
Quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph
1.02 g max cornering
60-0 mph braking in 107 feet (32 meters)
220-pound (100 kg) weight reduction
650-horsepower (485 kW) via supercharged LT4 6.2L V8 engine

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

1LE:

0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds with Camaro LT 1LE
0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds with Camaro SS 1LE
0.97 g max cornering with Camaro LT 1LE
1.02 g max cornering with Camaro SS 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 112 feet (34 meters) with Camaro LT 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 107 feet (32 meters) with Camaro SS 1LE
230-pound (104 kg) weight reduction (SS 1LE to previous model)

Source: Chevrolet

August 9, 2016

3DDesign and Carbonfiber Dynamics teams took a closer look to a lucky M5 model. Check out the result!

2016 3DDesign BMW M5 Carbonfiber Dynamics, Europe’s largest distributor of exclusive carbon parts proudly shows its latest creation: the BMW F10 M5. What is so special about this sweetie is that it showcases the highest stage of evolution in the world of carbon-fiber technology. Sounds coo to me.

So, what do we got here? A pack with front lip, side sills, diffuser and spoiler all created exclusively by 3DDesign in Japan. As you know, 3DDesign is well known among BMW circles as one of the most capable and famous tuning brands. The designers put perfection and precision as their main goals and did not disappoint: especially in collaboration with Carbonfiber Dynamics.

2016 3DDesign BMW M5

Geared with 21-inch exclusive rims by Vossen and with a special and ugly Fire Orange finish, the M5 will not remain unseen on the streets. Also, it surprises with the incredibly powerful power unit: with some additional modifications, the driver will be dealing with a 830hp (610kW) and some fearsome road capabilities.

And the best part? Well, the whole upgrade pack is available not only with M5 lineup, but also with M4 and M6! How cool is that?

2016 3DDesign BMW M5

Honestly, we do like it. Not only for the enhanced power and drivetrain capabilities, but also because of the impeccable styling: we like the aggressive BMW lines and we do relish those lines blended with the ideas of some mastermind designers. So, what do you think? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: 3DDesign

August 9, 2016

Rock’n’Roll to the bone: witness the restoration of Elvis’ favourite BMW vehicle!

1955 Elvis' BMW 507 BMW Group Classic proudly presents the completely restored and refreshed roadster of the King of Rock’n’Roll, Elvis!

As any vehicle enthusiast would tell you, this is one of the most spectacular classic-car discoveries of recent years. The BMW 507, personally driven by Elvis Presley has somehow vanished for almost 50 years and until recently it was believed that it was lost forever. Luckily, the automobile was discovered and BMW Group Classic team decided to have a look here and there. And the result? Well, everyone can have a look at the unique car on 21 August this year at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. And trust us, there is much to be seen!

Turning a myth into reality

1955 Elvis' BMW 507

At the time of discovery, the 507 suffered from severe wounds. And although all original body parts and components were present and untouched, the roadster had lost its power unit and transmission system. Being far from elegant and shiny, the forgotten vehicle was first seen with rust-eaten floor assembly, worn and broken seats, some strange “replacement parts” of unknown origin and missing instrument panel. But the oldie-goldie was dealing with BMW engineers and they did not disappoint. The roadster was delivered back to Munich under the slogan of “Return to Sender”. Along with the BMW team, some more in-house experts and external specialists joined forces to carry out the long-forgotten mythical beauty of the BMW 507.

The history of Elvis and 507

Elvis Presley had mainly used the BMW 507 to drive between his home in Bad Nauheim and the US Army Base in Friedberg. Of course, there were numerous female fans that had the unique chance to take a ride with the King and as we would expect from a rock star, the paintjob was frequently daubed with messages of love. Cool.

In March 1960, Elvis ended his military service in Germany and as it seems, he must have had enough of driving open-top cars. He traded the red roadster with a Chrysler vehicle. The new owner sold the car for incredibly low price to a radio moderator named Tommy Charles. So, Mr. Charles changed the power unit with a Chevy one in order to participate in the local street races. The problem was that the new power unit was too big for vehicle’s capacities and Tommy was forced to remove or change some of the original components with modified ones. Eventually, he had had some wins and fails and in later years was forced to sell the roadster in 1963.

There were two more ownership changes and at the end the vehicle was owned by Jack Castor, a space engineer. What he did is to undergo a careful restoration and even contacted some other engineers and vehicle enthusiasts. And guess what? Things started to happen! Eventually BMW Group Classic contacted Castor and told him the link between the vehicle and Elvis. And some time later BMW team succeeded in persuading Jack Castor to sell the vehicle for more improvements and restoration.

1955 Elvis' BMW 507

And we already know the rest: in 2014 the BMW 507 was shipped to Germany along with numerous parts, collected by Castor, where it undergo some incredible restoration process. Of course, the engineering team managed to gear the 507 with original parts and they even kept large number of original components.

So, take a close look at the beauty and remember a single thing: this machine was restored in a way that would amaze even the King of Rock’n’Roll!

$1955 Elvis\\\' BMW 507$

Source: BMW

August 9, 2016

Arrinera Hussarya GT Prototype in Poland: what to mention? [w/video]

The well-known blue Arrinera Hussarya GT prototype, the very same Polish car that tackled down the hillclimb at the 201 6 Goodwood Festival of Speed, has visited Poland during a road tour that consists a trip in several Polish cities. As you might know, this is a GT4 racecar with turbular frame, carbon-fiber-dominated body, a mighty V8 power unit and sequential Hewland transmission.

While in beautiful Poland, the Hussarya GT visited the cobblestone-paved terraces that overlook the Odra river, Philharmonic in Szczecin that recieved the Mies van der Rohe prixe back in 2015 for most beautiful building in Europe, and last, but certainly not least, the vehicle was transported to a secret location deep in the Szczecin’s harbor and later to the recently rebuilt bank of the river that was especially reshaped for the Tall Ships Races.

And at last, in Warshaw, the Arrinera and the team remembered some incredible historical events that took place back in 1918 and back through WWII. The whole photoshoot ended as the vehicle was driven all around the square and around the National Opera House, known as one of the biggest in whole Europe.

Arrinera Hussarya GT prototype

And the most interesting part? The tests and experiments still continue, so it is expected that the team will be back with full force and much more to show! And here is a brief video of the vehicle rushing through Polish streets. Enoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKGXvKNFhIY

Source: Arrinera Racing

August 8, 2016

BRABUS and MINI: a rather pleasurable combination

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo BRABUS strikes back with two new sporty packs for the fortwo coupe and cabrio SMART models. Available for moderately low price, the BRABUS Sport Package grants customers with numerous customization features and some neat exclusive tweaks. So, without further due, let’s see what is going on here!

The packs are available with both manual and twinamic transmission on passion, prime and proxy trim levels. Sweet! And in order to bring some more sporty features, BRABUS team has done some neat body and chassis improvements to deliver us a lowering with 10 millimeters, compared to a standard fortwo, some sweet suspension updates that include BRABUS-tuned damping system and some weight reductions.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Also, the BRABUS Sport Package contributes to some neat looks with stragged fitment Monoblock IX wheels in matte grey paint, wrapped by Yokohama summer performance tires.\

Buyers will also be granted with sweet wheel center caps, matte grey rear diffuser and front spoiler and rear apron in body color scheme. Sweet.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Furthermore, in terms of interior, the BRABUS-influenced vehicles proudly show a 3-spoke multifunction sporty steering wheel and of course, tons of BRABUS logos all around the cabin. The interior is further refined with brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs.

Available for the 2017 smart fortwo coupes and cabrio models, the sales start this fall.

Source: BRABUS

August 8, 2016

Vitesse and Audessus offer some neat improvements for Rolls-Royce vehicles

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project One of the most popular premium design house, Bengala Automotive and the US-based Vitesse AuDessus have launched a special carbon-fiber program for contemporary Rolls-Royce vehicles. Sweet.

What is so special about this project is that there will be only few lucky units from the Phantom, Wraith, Dawn and Ghost lineups that will benefit from the lightweight body procedures. In fact, the vehicles will be geared with special carbon matrix, similar to the Forged Carbon Fiber, created by Lamborghini and Callaway. As you may know, this kind of fabric allows some neat aesthetics, combined with numerous aerodynamic and performance improvements. Cool, right?

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project

What will also be included is the forged carbon fiber wheels. They are lighter and denser than titanium and do come with vast advantage over their metal alloy brothers. These forged wheels are also quicker to manufacture and it is even possible to make a full and functional set in minutes!

Also, along with the forged carbon fiber components and the Viesse AuDessus’s commitment, every body panel will be offered with bare carbon replacements in the weave, tint and finish in harmony with each individual client’s preferences.

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project

Usually, the time needed is about 3-4 weeks and 4-6 weeks for the wheels, all depending on the personal specifications and requirements. So, if you are lucky enough to get your Rolls-Royce piped, please share a selfie with us!

Source: Vitesse/AuDessus

August 8, 2016

Lamborghini showcases a special model, created for a special event. Check it out!

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition Automobili Lamborgini reveals the Aventador Miura Homage, a special model that pays tribute to the Miura, the model that is forerunner of all the V12 Lambo vehicles for its 50th anniversary. Limited to only 50 vehicles, the lineup has a lot to demonstrate.

Created in Lamborghini’s Ad Personam studio, Aventado Miura Homage shows numerous features that were present on the original Miura model. For example, the exterior color that covers the lower body and sill in a contrasting tone. In fact, the original Miura was offered with many color schemes and trim levels. Of course, still available are the well-known Rosso Arancio Miura (solid color); Verde Scandal (solid); and Blu Tahiti (metallic).

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

The vehicle demonstrates neat 20/21-inch Dione rims with matt silver or gold, while the metallic Miura badge on the side and black Lamborghini logo, along with the limited edition plate shape the confident attitude of the Aventador Miura Homage.

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

And just like the exterior, the interior can be specified with two color schemes: Nero Ade or Terra Emilia leather with tone-on-tone stitching. There are numerous carbon fiber components, along with neat Miura 50th logo and of course, Lamborghini badgings.

In terms of performance, the V12 6.5-liter power unit is capable of producing a total of 700hp (447kW) of power and 690Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. Needless to say that Lamborghini vehicles offer great amount of power and neat performance rates, this sweetie is no exception: the 0-100km/h run finishes in mere 2.9 seconds and chases a top speed of 350km/h.

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

Aventador Miura Homage will be demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and of course, this vehicle will be the main one for Automobili lamborghini’s celebration of Miura’s 50th anniversary.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini

July 29, 2016

Friends of MX-5 race event is about to start. Here’s what you must know!

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

This year’s September will witness how five grassroots racers will line up on the grid at the well-known Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with full race-enhanced Mazda MX-5 Cup vehicles. The occasion? A special Global Mazda MX-5 Cup race. Cool.

As many of you know, this weekend witnessed an intense knock-out competition at the ParcMotor Circuit, Barcelona where 20 racers were reduced to ten and then further knocked out to just five. These drivers are indeed Moritz Kranz (Germany), Kamil Franczak (Poland), Erik Blixt (Sweden), Oliver Allwood (UK) and Gabriele Gardel (Switzerland).

Recruited from Europe via Mazda’s Friends of MX-5 engagement program and came together at weekend’s training camp to face-off through one hell of a knock-out race. Of course, there were numerous judges and professionals who voted for competitors and rated their race capabilities, reactions, driving dynamics and more. And as it appears, there were a total of five determined men who made it through the examinations.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

As you might know, launched in April this year, Friends of MX-5 program tries to engage MX-5 owners all around the globe and since the beginning of the project, there were thousands of Mazda fans and enthusiasts that have exchanged tons of experience and wonderful emotions.

Furthermore, competitors at the assessment weekend will have the chance to try out the fresh 2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Car: this is a heavily revised vehicle with more than 200 sporty components added in order not only to meet professionals’ requirements, but also to dominate the track entirely.

Some of the notable tweaks include adjustable Dynamic Coilover suspension, GEMS engine management, race-tuned factory Brembo brakes, FIA approved roll cage, BFGoodrich tires and more.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

All these five new Friends of MX-5 racers will line up in a packed field at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca against previous MX-5 Cup winners and all together will run for a chase of victory. Trying to break through to the front lines in a skill-demanding track, racers will surely make incredible event and we are most excited to know what would happen!

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Mazda

July 28, 2016

Ford Performance team showcases F-150 Raptor’s flexibility [w/video]

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Stories about our favorite F-150 Raptor continue! Today we continue with vehicle’s special systems that allow it to tackle down any challenge in any road condition and situation. F-150 Raptor features a total of five terrain modes to fit in every kind of demanding road (or off-road track). So, here’s what you can do with tweaking a bit the buttons in the cabin:

Normal mode

As name suggests, this one is the preferred one for everyday on-road duties and is ideal for a comfortable and convenient drive.

Sport mode

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor This one shows vehicle’s adrenaline-rush capabilities. You can select this mode for some enhanced on-road driving: what this mode does is to increase the throttle response and to provide some sporty-oriented steering feel. Of course, quicker speed shifting is also present with the Sport mode.

Weather mode

This one is divided in two sub-modes.

Snow/Wet
If there is some snowy or wet weather issue, this one will make the most out of the situation. Without compromising performance rates or convenience, this one can tackle down numerous snowy or wet tracks, thanks to the engaging of the 4 Auto system. Also, an additional special system makes all the needed calculations and engages just enough amount of throttle, wheel torque and power to deal with any road challenge.

Mud/Sand
In order to deal with muddy or sand-slippery roads, this setting will do the job. The electronic locking differential adopts to the loose and soft ground, while the AdvanceTrac setting aids Raptor to keep its foots on the ground. The mode automatically sets the steering to comfort in order to make it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles.

Baja

Baja is a special mode. It is especially created and exclusively fine-tuned to deliver some high-speed desert runs. Baja mode engages F-150’s 4 High setting and programs the AdvanceTrac to the least intrusive setting. At the same time the throttle map is set for more linear power and tweaks the engine response in a sort of hardcore off-road behavior. Gearbox delivers quick shifts and holds gears longer: this helps the vehicle to stay in its power band.

Rock Crawl

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Last, but not least, this one is especially created for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speed. When engaged, this mode sets vehicle’s settings to 4 Low and at the same time the electronic locking differential is engaged, while the AdvanceTrac is set to least intrucive mode for optimum rock-climbing capability. Also, the front camera allows driver to see what’s ahead of the truck and can be kept on at speeds up to 15mph.

Definitely a capable machine, Raptor continues Ford Performance’s tradition to deliver customers highest performance rates and adequate response to road’s demands.

https://youtu.be/EAsR42Oa84s

Source: Ford Performance

Video Source: Youtube

Channel Source: Ford Performance

July 28, 2016

Author: Georgi Boychev

So, what is so special with the 2017 Pathfinder?

Turning a myth into reality

The history of Elvis and 507

Normal mode

Sport mode

Weather mode

Baja

Rock Crawl