Georgi Boychev – Page 145 – Automobiles Review

Happy 50th anniversary to Honda Accord! Brand’s most successful model shares some stories with us

1976 Honda Accord Back in June 1976, America witnessed the unveiling of the first generation of Honda Accord, an agile and efficient three-door hatch that has started a sort of a cult. And 40 years and 9 generations later, the Accord lineup is still one of the most popular and beloved vehicles in America. Back in the day, Honda was known for manufacturing mainly motorcycles and sweet Civics, and when the first Accord vehicle was introduced, the automaker made its first big step towards the US automobile industry.

1976 Honda Accord

Accord was also the first Honda model to be manufactured in America. In fact, Honda is the first Japanese manufacturer to do so. Accord is also the first US-made vehicle from a Japanese automaker that was exported overseas with first shipment made back in 1987.

We all know what happened next: from its humble roots as a sweet hatchback with small wheelbase to today’s subcompact Honda Accord Hybrid: a legacy of leadership in the world of automobiles. In fact, Accord lineup is one of the few that can proudly show-off with the ongoing success of three consecutive years (2013-2015) as the best-selling vehicle in America. Cool.

1976 Honda Accord

A key element to the lineup and brand itself is the ability to adapt to the upcoming changes and needs of customers. Even the youngest of drivers have their requirements met. One of the most important features that has won the hearts of many is the advanced safety suite. Since the early days, Accord has delivered outstanding safety features and luckily, this trend seems to continue.

1976 Honda Accord

And one more curious thing. The name Accord comes from Honda’s desire to achieve harmonious tones between people and machines. So, does the name resemble brand’s achievements? What do you think?

Source: Honda

July 1, 2016

World’s most important vehicle goes on sale! Details here!

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000 CSX 2000, considered to be the most important contemporary American car goes on sale, offered by Carroll Hall Shelby Trust. As any vehicle enthusiast will tell you, this is the car that revolutionized the whole automobile world, and as any collector will tell you, this is one of the most desirable vehicle among all collectables. So, what’s so special about it?

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

CSX 2000 played not just one role in its early days. Of course, as a unique vehicle, it was not only tested on the track and in the laboratory, but it also was driven to numerous motor events, it was showcased in countless automobile events and after a neatly-created marketing strategy, Shelby team managed to convince audience that there were numerous CSX 2000 units, but in reality, there was only one: the 1962 Cobra that stunned the world with a top speed of 153mph (275km/h) and acceleration rate, measured at 4.2 seconds for a run from 0 to 100km/h.

Also, even after Cobra’s production has ended, the CSX 2000 was never hid from audience, nor did it change its ownership. Of course, the vehicle had a life of a rock star (well, almost like a real one): it was featured in numerous books and magazines, it was constantly driven in events and road tests and it was even used by employees at the Carroll Shelby School of High Performance Driving. And back in 2012, on its 50th anniversary, it took central stage at country’s most prominent automobile events: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion. And since then it has been on display at the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. It does resemble the lifestyle of a rocker, right?

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

Also, as part of the auction event, RM Sotheby’s Montery will also offer the 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra, the CSX 3178, on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. This is one more vehicle with a single ownership throughout its entire life and a special thing about it is the rare automatic gearbox system that was exclusively created for Carroll Shelby’s personal driving preferences. On display will also be a 1999 Shelby Series I Roadster, CSX 5064, finished in Centennial Silver with Candy Apple Blue stripes that has covered only 2,637 miles and Carroll Shelby’s personal 1986 Dodge Shelby GLHS Omni, GLHS 086 with mileage of 7,733 miles, both of which are offered from the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust.

1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

RM Sotheby’s annual Monterey auction, held during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, will return to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center between August 19-20.

So, that is what we know so far. Stick with us for further information!

Source: RM Sotheby’s

June 30, 2016

Mean, confident and flexible: 2016 Audi Q2 reveals brand’s badass side

2016 Audi Q2 Neat design meets advanced technology: new Audi Q2 will join the powerful Q range and will try to prove itself worthy. How? With a relatively low price tag and all that defines Audi as a manufacturer: superior quality, neat style, tons of technologies and some refreshments. And without further due, let’s see whether this sweetie will deserve its place among its brothers, or will it just stand there and be pretentious about it!

Exterior styling

2016 Audi Q2

This is a muscular-looking SUV with straight lines and sharp edges. The front shows a serious face and depicts the sense of massiveness thanks to the large grille, straight headlamp lines and overall wide shoulders. At the same time the eye-catching low roof contributes to the sporty nature of the vehicle and enhances this aggressive and badass appearance.

The sides show a pretty straightforward styling: the same straight and sharp lines are present, the large wheels enhance the aggressive styling and the small windows do resemble the mean spirit of the vehicle.

And the back? Well, we are a bit disappointed. It is not ugly, but does not depict the aggressive Audi character, as we have expected. Generic lines, shapeless backlights and empty space is what we encountered. Our souls were left empty as well . Sad, isn’t it?

Drivetrain: customization at its best

Q2 comes with a choice of two four-cylinder power units: a 1.6 TDI with 115hp power output and the Cylinder-on-Demand 1.4 TFSI with 150hp. There are two more engines, a three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI that will be available later this year.

Furthermore, buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or the special S Tronic Dual Clutch gearbox with seven speeds. There is also a semi-independent suspension, progressive steering as a standard and adaptive dampers. How cool is that?

Additional Equipment

2016 Audi Q2

Of course, buyers will be granted with Audi’s virtual cockpit and a sweet heads-up display, along with tons of driver assistance systems. There is Audi Pre-Sense System with Pedestrian Recognition as part of the standard equipment. Also present are the Stop&Go funciton, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane-Departure Warning System, Audi Side Assist and Lane-Keep Assist. Sweet.

Additional customization and features

2016 Audi Q2

Individual as the driver, Q2 can be tweaked in many ways: there are several equipment packages, numerous exterior colors to choose from, and of course – interior trims, seat upholstery variants and more. By more I mean optional LED lightning package and special 19-inch alloys that can replace the 16-inch standard wheels.

It looks like this time Audi team decided to rely on direct in-your-face styling and appearance, along with heavily customizable systems and additions. We think this strategy will gain some more popularity for the whole brand. But tell me, what do you think?

Source: Audi

June 30, 2016

2017 Panamera in details: distinctive as always, appealing as never before

2017 Porsche Panamera You might have understood how excited we are about the new Panamera. And how would we not be? We got a more Porsche-resembling vehicle that all of the previous Panamera models, a closer relation with the 911 lineup and tons of tweaks and changes.

All Porsche fans know that the engineering team systematically improves the Panamera concept: every new generation is somehow better, more advanced and more refined than its predecessors. And the 2017 model is no exception! We got a four-door sedan-like sports vehicle with distinctive styling, neat lines, heavily revised drivetrain system and of course, meticulous attention to details. So, let’s see what this bad boy has to offer!

Exterior styling: close to 911, far from mediocrity

2017 Porsche Panamera

We do see a famous body language: long and dynamic proportions, pronounced shoulders and lowered roof. Definitely a typical Panamera, but with some changes in order to meet the requirements of the new model year.

2017 model edition comes with slightly larger body and despite the slight height increase, the vehicle is lower and longer than its predecessor. Of course, this means two things: more interior space and more massive presence.

In fact, the six millimeters growth in width looks like several centimeters. This illusion is created by the A-shaped air intake, while the arrow-shaped hood moves this effect forward, whose lines now reach the bumper. Also, the hood bends to the left and right and blends elegantly into the strong flares of the front fenders: definitely a typical Porsche approach, but this time we got and some slight changes here and there.

Sides, just like the hood, roof and fenders is made entirely of aluminum and represents more sporty appearance than all of the Panamera predecessors. We give the credit to the roof line. And at the rear this very same line becomes a sort of vital for the Porsche design: it completely shapes the rear style.

Interior styling: futuristic and elegant

2017 Porsche Panamera

The cockpit proudly demonstrates a completely revised style. Many of the touch-sensitive areas are replaced with classic buttons, while the high-resolution displays do integrate perfectly into the interior. In fact, as you might know, the digitalization of Porsche interior started with the 918 Spyder and has undergone some serious changes with the Panamera lineup to deliver us the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. Driver sits in low seat position sports vehicle that provides not only high levels of comfort, but also makes it easier for driver and passengers to use all the digitalized systems and displays in a way they feel comfortable with.

The console between driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat is completely dominated by a large 12.3-inch touch screen that incorporates the functionality of the next-gen Porsche Communication Management system. Also integrated in the system are features like Apple CarPlay, new voice control function, navigation and more.

Definitely a notable feature, the Porsche Advanced Cockpit brings tons of new technological features, but at the same time remains true to the heritage of Porsche. For example, the analog tachometer with its central position is a tribute to all the vintage Porsche sports vehicles.

Drivetrain system: refined and powerful

Porsche vehicles have always impressed with precision, refinement and power. Needless to say, the 2017 Panamera is no exception. The whole lineup comes with improved power units that significantly reduce the fuel consumption and at the same time offer some more comfortable and smooth driving experience. Panamera 4S is equipped with a 440hp twin-turbo V6, while Panamera Turbo offers the aid of a twin-turbo V8 with a total power output of 550hp. Impressive.

2017 Porsche Panamera

Of course, the engine itself is not the only impressive in the whole drivetrain. The chassis has also received some attention and now comes with fine-tunes that make it more suitable for a sporty adventure. Also, the new electromechanical steering system can be optionally supplemented with adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology, Porsche Active Suspension Management, improved Dynamic Chassis Control Sport system and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus.

At the same time the incorporated 4D Chassis Control system analyzes and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time and optimizes the road performance in any given situation, whether we talk about some road challenges or weather moods.

Additional equipment

Of course, 2017 Panamera comes with tons of standard and optional assistance features. One of the latest additions is the Night Vision Assistant that uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and large animals and then displays some indications on the large screens. Also fresh is the Porsche InnoDrive, which enhances the functionality of the adaptive cruise control. What it does is to gain data from radar and video sensors and then process it via computer and finally show the driver the optimal acceleration and deceleration rates for maximum efficiency, safety and smoothness. And in doing so, the system can automatically take corners, inclines and speed limits into account.

2017 Porsche Panamera

Definitely getting better and better, more and more appealing, the Panamera lineup not only holds its high positions, but tries to expand its own boundaries: 2017 Porsche Panamera is definitely a wonderful vehicle with wonderful characteristics, and we are pretty sure that it will appeal to every Porsche fan and enthusiast. What do you think?

Source: Porsche

June 30, 2016

Lister Motor Company launches a limited and exclusive run of Jaguar vehicles

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss Lister Motor Company proudly announces the launch of limited run of only 10 special vehicles, Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss with handmade magnesium body and unique lightweight specifications. The idea is to resemble the type of engineering technology that was popular back in the 1950s.

Already sold, the special vehicles are part of the celebration event of Moss’s races for Brian Lister in the 1950s. Each one of the ten comes with original techniques from that era, blended with Lister Motor Company’s precise attention to detail.

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss

What is interesting about this lineup is the magnesium material: incredibly lightweight, but it is also incredibly difficult to source. And provided that it takes time to be bent under engineers’ will, skill and craftsmanship, it remains one of the most expensive and difficult to work with materials in the motorsport industry.

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss

As you might have expected, all of the Lister Jaguar Knobby Stirling Moss vehicles come with the same specifications that aided Moss in the battle for Silverstone back in 1958. Some of vehicle’s key features include special bodyshell, also created by lightweight magnesium with special aerodynamic low-drag Long Wing Design front wings, magnesium components for the power unit, Clutch and differential also created from magnesium, lightweight tubular steel chassis, classic and distinctive green and yellow exterior paintwork that completely resembles the 1950s one.

Furthermore, every single vehicle will be built at the very same factory as the original one in George Lister Engineering facility in Cambridge. Chassis and bodies will be shaped by using the same jig and formulas that were used for the original vehicle. Cool, right?

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss

Some personal specification options will also be included, like choosing fully type-approved road car or fully-race tunings. Buyers can also specify the interior having tons of choice for the combination of materials, colors and styles.

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss

Of course, each of the 10 owners will receive a handover from Sir Stirling Moss and a personal welcome letter from the legendary driver. Each vehicle costs one million. Deliveries will start in the autumn of 2017.

Source: Lister Motor Company

June 29, 2016

Hyundai – Team Wiggins partnership results with creating a limited run of Santa Fe vehicles

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Team Wiggins Limited Edition Hyundai Motor launches a limited run of Santa Fe models in order to celebrate the partnership with Sir Bradley’s Wigging’s cycling team! Named Santa Fe Team Wiggins Edition, the limited to 500 units edition will be available for purchase in July.

Hyundai Motor team promises sharp new design, improvement in terms of technology and tons of additional equipment. But we will see about that!

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Team Wiggins Limited Edition

Based on the Premium SE trim level, the Team Wiggins Edition will come with this new thing called Dynamic Bending Lights, a Panoramic Sunroof, Smart Electric Tailgate, Smart Parking Assist, Ventilated Front Seats and Smart High Beam, all part of the standard equipment. Sweet.

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Team Wiggins Limited Edition

In terms of appearance and style, Team Wiggins proudly shows exclusive badges, distinctive 19-inch aluminums in Dark Gunmetal coloring. Buyers can also choose from five different body color finishes that include the all-new White Crystal with pearl-effect, solid Creamy White, metallic Titanium Silver, metallic Ocean View and one more pearl-effected Phantom Black.

The power unit is Hyundai’s 200hp (149kW) 2.2-CRDi diesel that can be paired to either a manual or automatic gearbox. Interesting thing is that the price for a vehicle with manual gearbox is cheaper than the Premium SE model. This also means that a Team Wiggins Edition vehicle with automatic transmission system will be approximately the same price as a Premium SE automatic. How cool is that?

2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Team Wiggins Limited Edition

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Hyundai

June 29, 2016

Silverstone Auctions is looking for the owner of a restored 1958 Lotus Elise

1058 Lotus Elise Series I The first production Lotus Elite, first bought by jazz legend Chris Barber and later restored for Channle 4’s For the Love of Cars will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic Sale on 30th of July.

So, what does this sweetie feature except that it its among the first in the lineup? This 1958 Lotus Elise Series I, chassis 1009 was first displayed at the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show and some months later, in December the same year was purchased by Chris Barber.

But this is just the boring part of Elise’s history. Barber has participated in five race seasons in top race events both in UK and Europe and has also competed in three consecutive Tourist Trophy races in Goodwood respectively in 1961, 1962 and 1963. And let’s not forget that the first sporty Elise was raced on the Nurburgring for the British Empire Trophy. Back in these days the vehicle was also driven by sir John Whoitmore, who managed to brake the class lap record at Spa in the Grand Prix GT Support Race in 1962.

1958 Lotus Elise Series I

In more recent years the vehicle remained hidden for people’s eyes and eventually has undergone a well-done restoration by Ant Anstead’s team at Evanta Motors. On 30th of July there will be a special competing event at Silverstone and after that the vehicle will be offered to buyers with a starting price between $100,000 and $130,000 USD.

What will buyers be granted with?

We do see a 100 per cent classic vehicle: elegant lines, tight stance, expressive headlamps, distinctive rear styling, these well-known multi-spoke wheels and of course, a stupid grille smile. And let us not forget the vintage coloring and the sporty numbering on the front bonnet, doors and back.

Evanta Motors’ team, along with Lotus experts, geared Elise Series I with new refinished in UDT Green monocoque, FIA approved roll cage, created by Pete Folbigg from Fabricage, FIA homologated Tillett B6F Carbon-GRP racing seat, TRS belts and Moto-Lita steering wheel.

1958 Lotus Elise Series I

In terms of its drivetrain, the whole engine was revised by Coventry Climax specialist, Glyn Peacock who brought forged pistons and rods, steel crank and big valves. The original MGA gearbox was heavily revised by Mike Jennings who geared new layshaft, front and rear bearings, and a fine-tuned the clutch slave cylinder mounting. The suspension system has also received its attention and now comes with completely new parts from Mk14 Components and was also set up and fine-tuned by Elite specialists from Tolman Motorsport.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

June 29, 2016

Australian engineers pushed Toyota’s Land Cruiser to its limits. Check out what happened!

2016 Toyota LC70 Toyota’s engineers decided to put to the test the upcoming LandCruiser 70 series upgrade. The team decided to go for a rather long walk: more than 100,000 kilometers of driving in different harsh conditions around the country.

Furthermore, about 70 per cent of the tests and experiments were made in off-road conditions that included corrugated dirt roads and rugged cattle properties with severe washouts.

And the results? Well, they show that the vehicle will be even stronger with the adoption of a stiffer frame with thicker side rails. Engineers has also fine-tuned some of the safety features and therefore improved the stability and traction control for better off-road capabilities.

Also, all the 70 Series models, whether they are single or double cab-chassis, wagon or troop carrier, will be geared with these very same fine-tuned safety features, along with the hill-start assist control, trailer sway control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and cruise control. How cool is that?

2016 Toyota LC70

In case you missed, the range comes with a 4.5-liter V8 turbo-diesel power unit with common-rail direct injection and special intercooler that meets all Euro5 ecology requirements. Some sweet additions include piezo injectors and refined manual gearbox with revised gearing that delivers better fuel economy and lower noise.

Source: Toyota

June 28, 2016

Volvo Cars shows the dramatic epilogue of a well-said story. Check it out!

2017 Volvo V90 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sad, but true: Zlatan Ibrahimović says goodbye to the Swedish national football team in a special Volvo video.

As football fans would tell you, Ibrahimović represented Sweden for 15 years as a captain to the team and has done much about country’s sport achievements. Ibrahimović thanked his enormous fan base and said that he has played his last match in the yellow jersey. And of course, Volvo managed to capture the dramatic moment in a beautiful video.

2017 Volvo V90 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

In the film, Zlatan and his fellow family take an emotional road trip to the new Volvo V90 and remember football player’s most notable moments and achievements back to where it all began in the Malmö neighborhood in Rosengård.

As you might know, Zlatan’s journey in the world of football began back in late 1990s. Through his entire football career he played for clubs such as Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan. He has received the Swedish player of the year award, the Golden Ball, for the record 10 times, nine of which are consecutive between 2007 to 2015. Cool.

And following the earlier success of the first Volvo/Zlatan film, named Prologue, the academy-award winner and world-renowned composer, Hans Zimmer has created a new track for the second video, named Epilogue.

2017 Volvo V90 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Following the earlier success of the first Volvo/Zlatan film, entitled ‘Prologue’, world-renowned and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer has created a new work for this second film, entitled ‘Epilogue’, reflecting the end of one story and the start of another.

2017 Volvo V90 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic

httpv://youtu.be/5SRQUxdNppg

Source: Volvo

Video Source: Youtube

Channel Source: Volvo Cars

June 28, 2016

The smallest yacht in the world: Fiat’s collaboration with Riva led to a beautiful result. [w/video]

2016 Fiat 500 Riva Fiat 500 Riva, brand’s latest model, created in collaboration with Riva is already available for order! With tons of exclusivity and neat tweaks, the vehicle tries to blend the best of the 500 lineup, along with adding these premium wood components that Riva offers.

Exterior styling

We do see an already known silhouette: compact design, straight lines and overall tight stance. And all that covered with exclusive Sera Blue body color. Of course, the convertible top is also painted in blue, while the back panoramic roof adds additional points to the overall elegance features.

We do see exclusivity everywhere: the chrome-plated mirror caps, chrome-plated handles and bonnet and the double aquamarine line that runs along the belt line contribute to a distinctive and beautiful appearance. And all this is topped with neat 16-inch 20-spoke light alloys in special blue finish. Sweet.

But we should also mention the stupid-looking face: we do know that this front styling is a sort of iconic for the lineup and the brand, but let’s be honest: people do not like it. They have just got comfortable with the small eyes and the ridiculously not-attractive grille smile.

Design team’s trials to make the body look somehow more muscular and confident also cannot hide the ridiculous front fascia design. Something more: it makes it even worse. But hey, who cares? We got an Italian sweetheart, upgraded by a premium yacht brand. At least this sounds cool.

Interior styling

2016 Fiat 500 Riva

The cabin is indeed a distinctive one. We do have this usual Fiat feel of coziness, blended with functionality, but there is something else with this vehicle: the numerous wooden components. Adding more warmth and feel of luxury Riva components really makes difference. There are numerous detailing on the dashboard, we do see solid pieces of mahogany that cover the door sills and gear lever. Of course, Riva’s signature here and there only makes the interior look even more premium and exclusive.

In fact, we see a meticulous attention to every small detail that really makes difference: the stitching, dashboard styling, seats and every single small component that matters for the interior. Long story short, we do love the cabin and everything it offers.

Drivetrain system

Fiat 500 Riva comes with wide choice of engines and drivetrain components. The tried-and-tested favorite is definitely the 1.2-liter Fire with 69hp, available with neat ECO function. And even without the environmentally-free system, the powertrain comes with pretty good economy, blended with sweet power output: the CO2 emissions are only 99g/km, while the power output is measured at 105 horsepower: not bad for a two-cylinder sweetheart, right?

The second choice is a 1.3 Multijet 95hp diesel engine. This one is a sort of pride and joy for FCA motor engineering and there is a reason for this: its top speed is 180km/h and offers some sweet acceleration and all of that with wonderful fuel economy. Sweet.

Additional equipment

Fiat 500 Riva comes with tons of standard features. There are ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, Electronic Stability Control, Anti Slip Regulation Hill Holder, Hydraulic Brake Assistance and emergency brake.

Of course, driver and passengers will benefit from automatic air-conditioning, personalized TFT screen with exclusive logo and background, UconnectTM 7″ HD LIVE touch screen with tons of features. Buyers will also be pleased to know that in terms of audio, the Fiat 500 Riva is geared with Beats by Dr. Dre audio system. The BeatsAudioTM system offers a total of 440 watts of power and features a digital 8-channel amplifier. Sweet.

We do like the new Fiat vehicle. Except some minor turn-offs, of course. We are not going to forgive the stupid face, even if the rest of the vehicle was heavily influenced by a premium yacht manufacturer. So, tell me, what do you think about world’s smallest yacht?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxe42phiNhw

Source: Fiat

Video Source: Youtube

Channel Source: MOTOR1

June 28, 2016

Honda Accord: flexibility and dynamics for under $25,000

2017 Honda Accord Sedan 2017 Accord Sedan and Coupe hit showrooms and with the new Sport Special Edition we do have some intentions to check out whether this one is worth the $22,355 or not.

Coming in variety of trim levels, 2017 Accord Sedan and Coupe are geared with 4-cylinder V6 power unit, mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox: enough power and flexibility for the not-so-demanding users. Right? Also, the Accord Sport Special Edition will grant buyers with leather upholstery, red stitching, heated seats and of course, “Special Edition” badges.

In fact, the 2017 Accord lineup received tons of upgrades, compared with the predecessor model. There is fresh new styling, elegant lines and confident stance, upgraded chassis and of course, refined drivetrain system. There are expanded LED exterior lights and tons of interior additions: 7-inch Display Audio touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, heated rear seats and parking sensors. Optional feature remains the Honda Sensing suite, but all is not that bad even without it, right?

Definitely becoming more and more confident (for a reason!), Honda team has really done good job with the 2017 Accord lineup. And provided that the vehicles are geared with last-gen Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that has received the highest possible crash safety rates from NHTSA, we do consider this vehicle to be one of the best in the whole Honda lineup.

But tell me, what do you think?

Source: Honda

June 27, 2016

Mercedes-AMG strikes again: 2018 GT R revealed!

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R So, what do we have here? A premium automobile brand, a premium tuner brand and a street-legal masterpiece: definitely the new AMG GT R is one hell-of-a vehicle. Distinctive and beautiful, the car has a lot to show. And without any further stalling, let’s see what we are dealing with.

Exterior design

We all know that this is a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and we all know how stylish these cars are. Of course, this one is no exception: we have a low-slung front section, forward-inclined radiator grille that somehow makes a “shark-nose” expression. In fact, the front fascia proudly demonstrates a new jet-wing design that enhances the feeling of massiveness and width.

Spending countless hours in a wind tunnel, the new Mercedes-AMG comes with sleek and aerodynamic profile with elegant lines and overall aggressive appearance.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Furthermore, the front fenders not only contribute to the overall beautiful expression, but also reduce weight: made of light carbon-fiber, these bad boys add a total of 1.8 inches to the width. The side view also benefits from new AMG Performance forged wheels in matte black. Of course, we do see the brake calipers, painted in yellow. Apparently, the sporty spirit is present and within the side view. And provided that the vehicle comes with high-grade carbon roof, we tend to believe that this is by far the most sporty-oriented Mercedes-AMG machine created so far.

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

And last, but not least, the rear end also has some stuff to show: new aluminum side walls that widen the rear with a total of 2.2 inches, which also improves the airflow and leaves space for additional dissipation of the heat generated by the rear silencer. So, what we do have as a result: aerodynamic shape that increases the surface contact and an enhanced drivability blended with striking beautiful and sporty design. Cool, right?

Interior styling

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

The cabin is also heavily inspired by the world of motorsport. Buyers will be pleased to know that the car is geared with AMG Performance Seats with Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber components. Also, the wide-looking dashboard looks functional and somehow reminds of an aviation design theme. There are four central spotlight-style vents and concave-shaped door paneling with dynamic central console. Surely the AMG GT-R offers some neat sporty experience, thanks to the driver-focused cabin and all of these small sporty details that make a huge difference.

Drivetrain and performance

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R

Led by the idea of less is more, the AMG team managed to reduce the overall weight and therefore enhance the agility and versatility of the vehicle. Mercedes-AMG engineers used numerous aluminum alloy components for the body and chassis, some steel for the trunk and magnesium for the front deck.

The suspension system was also fine-tuned and systematically designed for racetrack use. Wishbones, steering kunckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle were created entirely of forged aluminum, while the high camber and the toe-in stability contributes in high cornering speeds and at the same time offers optimum feel for the road when driving with full force.

Also present is the high-performance composite brake system that ensures precise deceleration and high fade-resistance with internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch diameter brake discs.

And most importantly: what does the engine offer? Well, the GT R comes with a handcrafted AMG power unit with 4.0 liters of fuel capacity, offering the titanic 577hp (430kW) and peak torque of 516 lb-ft between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm.

The engine has undergone some special tweaks and fine-tunes and comes with modified compressor machining, smaller wastegate aneroid capsule and sharpened engine mapping. The V8 Biturbo engine also features twin-scroll turbochargers, mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks. This contributes to a compact engine design, better response and better CO2 emission rates.

This unit is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with modified hardware and software for longer ratio for the first gear and longer ratio for the final ones.

So, do you like it? We are more than excited about the new Mercedes-AMG creation. Write down what you think in the comment section!