Georgi Boychev – Page 146 – Automobiles Review

A GT-R sports car versus a GT-R drone: how and why!?

2016 Nissan GT-R Drone

Nissan showcases the GT-R Drone: the fastest accelerating First Person View racing drone in the world. Or, at least, it is expected to be.

This gadget was created to be able to keep up with the 2017 Nissan GT-R, while filming on the racetrack and features some of the latest and greatest technologies. It was custom designed by World Drone Prix Champions, Tornado XBlades Racing and uses special race configuration that lets it reach 100 km/h (62mph) in mere 1.3 seconds. Impressive, right?

2016 Nissan GT-R Drone

And in order to prove itself worthy, the agile drone was challenged on the Silverstone circuit. Both the GT-R Drone and GT-R sportscar showed their best and surely entertained the audience. And when you think about it, it’s not an everyday sight: there’s a 3.8-liter 24-valve V6 beast that is especially created to dominate the most challenging race tracks around the globe and then there is this sweet drone thing that tries to catch on.

SEE ALSO: Candy Skull Altima to enter the Continental Tire Series

What the audience witnessed was an epic race and a battle for speed, acceleration and agility. We let you see the event for yourself and see how it ended.

2016 Nissan GT-R Drone

And in case you are interested in Nissan brand and Goodwood festival, let us remind you that both machines will be on display at the festival this week. Enjoy!

2016 Nissan GT-R Drone

https://youtu.be/q50lgzDuNOA

Source: Nissan

June 24, 2016

Mondeo ST-Line: sporty, aggressive and confident. We like it.

2016 Ford Mondeo ST-Line Ford reveals the sporty Mondeo ST-Line at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed: the latest addition to the ST-Line shows neat styling and sporty spirit. Thanks to the aid of Ford Performance designers and engineers, we see a rather beautiful vehicle: all well-known Ford lines are present, along with some small tweaks and additions. And in terms of the drivetrains, fans will be pleased to know that the Mondeo ST-Line features some neat additions.

Joining the Fiesta ST-Line and Focus ST-Line, the Mondeo comes in five-door and estate body styles and will grant buyers with glossy exterior components, LED daytime running lights, rectangular fog lamps and distinctive 18- or 19-inch alloys in glossy black diffuser-style insert.

2016 Ford Mondeo ST-Line

We have to admit that the team did a great job with the exterior: what we see is a confidently standing vehicle with vast muscles and sporty appearance. Distinctive and straight lines get the tone for sporty experience, while the front face screams “look out, you are dealing with a badass!”. Or, in other words, we like the design.

In terms of power and performance, the setup tries to meet name’s requirements: the TDCi power unit has an output of 150hp (111kW) and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed PowerShift automatic that comes with paddle shifters. Sweet.

The drivetrain technology delivers smooth transition of torque between all of the four wheels and provides better grip and footing in slippery conditions. Also neat feature is the torque delivery between wheels and the speed of doing it: under 20 milliseconds.

2016 Ford Mondeo ST-Line

So far we do like the sporty Mondeo. But it also has to prove itself worthy through time. What do you think?

Source: Ford

June 24, 2016

R-Design Lineup: Volvo’s challenge towards German manufacturers

2016 Volvo V70 R-Design Volvo unveils the performance-oriented R-Design models, based on the new S90 and V90 estate. What impresses is the sporty restyled chassis and the overall dynamic character. Of course, we do see these well-known style tweaks that refine Volvo as a noticeable brand: clean lines, expressive look and confident stance.

Exterior design

Coming with some sharper changes, the R-Design lineup proudly shows spoiler-integrated fog lights, distinctive grille style, piano black trim and distinctive 5-spoke matt black diamond-cut wheels.

2016 Volvo V90 R-Design

Led by the slogan “less is more”, the premium Swedish manufacturer excluded every unneeded curve, line or detail and let the beauty of elegance talk for itself: the R-Design is definitely a beautiful combination of passion, precision and determination.

Generally we do see a well-done classic Volvo design with some tweaks here and there in order to enhance the feel of exclusivity and luxury.

Interior styling

Just as the exterior, the interior remains clean, cozy and functional. Black dominates the whole cabin, while the carbon-fiber components enhance the feel of luxury. The vehicles are geared with special sporty seats, large touch screen and multifunctional steering wheel.

2016 Volvo V90 R-Design

There is a wide range of styling cues to match the exterior elegance: special deco trim, pedals and mats, sporty contour seats, the high-level interior illumination package and the overall meticulous attention to small details.

2016 Volvo V70 R-Design

Volvo team has rarely let us down, as it comes to fine vehicles with high quality build. And the new R-Design wheel is no exception. In fact, we do believe that sometimes the Swedish metal is better than German techno.

What do you think?

Source: Volvo

June 23, 2016

Polestar Cyan Racing team showcases a neat exclusive upgrade to a special Volvo model

2016 Volvo S60 Polestar Art Car WTCC by Bernadotte & Kylberg Polestar Cyan Racing unveiled the sweet Volvo S60 Polestar Art Car WTCC by Bernadotte & Kylberg. Especially created to be the star at the Volvo stands at Goodwood festival, the vehicle will also take part in the FIA World Touring Car Championship “Art Car Contest”.

Completed by Polestar Cyan Racing driver Prince Carl Philip and his colleague Oscar Kylberg, the design impresses with two things: aggressive sporty stance and clean sharp lines. Of course, the exterior color scheme also catches the eye, but the overall enlarged body is somehow more noticeable.

2016 Volvo S60 Polestar Art Car WTCC by Bernadotte & Kylberg

Based on the V69 Polestar, the sporty sibling wears a light blue paint with darker blue graphics that are crossed by a yellow stripe. Representing sporty dynamics, the color scheme completely resembles the bodywork: big wheels, massive front and rear and lowered body.

Well, if we have to be honest, the design is not that dynamic and detailed. We miss some more lines and curves here and there, and we wish that the present ones were somehow more expressive. Yes, performance is far more important, but what we see here is a team that tried its best to show some styling precision. And they could have done it better.

2016 Volvo S60 Polestar Art Car WTCC by Bernadotte & Kylberg

The road version, the V60 Polestar that also features some neat design tweaks and titanic amount of power will also be showcased at Goodwood show. In fact, it will run up the hill twice a day with Polestar Cyan Racing driver behind the wheel.

Source: Polestar

June 23, 2016

Is there anything special about the new ALPINA models? You be the judge [w/video]

ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo ALPINA’s flagship model, the B7 Bi-Turbo will make its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. After some sweet feedback, designers feel confident enough to continue with the show-off. The B7 will be displayed alongside the B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible, also making its first official debut in UK. Both vehicles have a lot to show and both of them are worth reviewing. So, let’s start with the B7 Bi-Turbo.

ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo

The whole lineup is known for delivering some massive power and the B7 is no exception: this one offers the vast 608hp (453kW) and 800Nm of torque from a 4.4-liter V8 power unit. Of course, the design team refined and improved the air suspension, damping, steering, gearbox, and basically everything that needs an upgrade, received one. Long story short: this is one hell of a vehicle and will proudly stand among its brothers.

ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo

In terms of exterior styling, there is nothing groundbreaking: it has the same straight lines, aggressive stance and lovely proportions. Don’t get me wrong, the vehicle looks fantastic, but it seems the team focused its attention entirely towards the drivetrain and the performance. We got some improved stats from the wind tunnel tests, sweet ALPINA Blue illumination on the door sills, and the interior has become really comfortable with the ALPINA Blue mood lightning.

But all the improvements and additions do not change the fact that this one looks just as its predecessors. However, it does have a lovely ad. Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6K350r7ms&feature=youtu.be

New B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible

B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible

Goodwood will also witness the unveiling of the new B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible. With 410hp and 600Nm of torque, this one can almost fly through the streets and as it comes with impressive efficiency, we tend to like it. And the best part? You can run from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds with the roof down. Woohoo, reminds me of my teenage dreams.

Based on BMW’s 4-series, the B4 Bi-Turbo has been refined for the past two years and the result is really impressive: the engineering team managed to bring us tons of comfort, efficiency and exclusivity. Already available, the B4 Convertible has a starting price of $72,767 USD.

B4 Bi-Turbo Convertible

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is becoming more and more appealing, as we see numerous manufacturers showing their interest in the show, along with their latest technical achievements.

Stick with us for further information!

Source: ALPINA GB

June 23, 2016

Mercedes GLC Coupe: what’s new? Don’t worry, there’s nothing that impressive

GLC Coupe comes with revealed details and will try to add great value for its price. But will it succeed? Let’s find out!

This is the latest addition to the GLC lineup and for some reason it will try to be the best one. As the previous generation. And the previous one. And the previous one. And…you got the point. So, what are we dealing with?

The GLC 220 comes with 170 horsepower via a 2.1-liter diesel power unit, while the GLC 250 offers 204hp with 56.5 mpg and 131 g/km. This power is controlled via a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox as a standard. Of course, Mercedes team continues the tradition and will also offer a Sport and a AMG line. These bad boys show some more style and muscles: Garmin Map Pilot navigation system, Active Park Assist, Artico upholstery, keyless start, sporty suspension, electrically operated tail gate and neat 18-inch wheels.

Also, the sporty models can be further refined with optional AMG sport steering wheel with flat bottom, brushed steel sports pedals, Artico leather, AMG bodystyling and 19-inch alloys. Of course, you can’t just expect that this is all from Mercedes-AMG. There are additional Premium and Premium Plus upgrade packages that include ambient lightning, infotainment systems, all kinds of keyless entries, safety features as Blind Spot Assist and Lane Tracking assist and many more.

Long story short, you get three base models and about five or six upgrade packs with different kinds of gadgets and tweaks. At first we thought it is a stupid idea, but when you think of it, Mercedes-Benz has been doing this for decades now. Nothing really has changed. As the new model itself. Enjoy.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

June 22, 2016

2017 Acura MDX: a good vehicle for a good price

2017 Acura NSX 2017 Acura MDX, considered as one of the most successful three-row SUVs, goes on sale! So, what should you know about this one? Let’s check it out!

Acura tries to raise the standards with some exterior changes, larger wheels and expanded choice of standard and optional features. Talking about additions, the MDX will also offer the AcuraWatch site with advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Sweet!

Exterior styling

Coming with influences from the Acura Precision Concept, the 2017 MDX proudly shows similar Diamond Pentagon grille, somehow larger front face with wider fenders and redesigned Jewel Eye headlights. The rear looks detailed and expressive, but it is still not that beautiful or “premium”, or similar. Apparently, the style concept is based on “exclusive and athletic appearance”, but we still wonder where the exclusivity is?

Standard equipment

We should say that the 2017 MDX comes with tons of standard features. Of course, some of them are useless, but let us not be that grumpy, right? Buyers will be granted with Electric Parking Brake, Automatic Brake Hold, Auto High Beam headlights, SiriusXM Radio 2.0, four 2.5-amp USB charging ports and a capless fuel filter.

There is also an optional pack that brings LED foglights, Olive Ash Burl or Black Limba wood interior trim, heated steering wheel and Surround-View Camera with six selectable view angles. Also as optional features come the two second-row captain’s chairs and a central console with additional USB ports. An ultra-widescreen Rear Entertainment System is also available on models with the Advance ENT Package.

Safety features

You will deal with tons of safety features. At least their number is high. We are silently hope for their quality and functionality. There is the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation.

Drivetrain system and performance

2017 MDX has some sweet power output: 290 horsepower and 267lb-ft of torque via a 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC 24-valve V6 power unit does not sound bad, right? And along with the power, MDX offers some good efficiency and adopts the aid of an advanced Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system.

So, at the end we have a not-bad SUV with not bad specs. And with a starting price of $43,950 USD, the new MDX caught our eye!

So, what do you think? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: Honda

June 22, 2016

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe: fine style and unneeded changes

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Aston Martin announces a limited lineup of the Vanquish Zagato Coupe. As the name suggests, the premium automobile brand keeps in touch with its Italian design-house Zagato and together they bring something special. Or, at least, they try to make it special.

We know that Aston Martin delivers only high-end vehicles, but we also know that everything should have a limit: even the trial to make something look even better than it should be. But let’s check out the vehicle first, shall we?

Vanquish Zagato Concept was first revealed at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como, Italy back in May, 2016. And since this glorious moment, the customer interest has greatly risen up and Aston Martin team decided to deliver more of these. To be precise, there will be 99 Zagato Coupes built at the production facility in Gaydon, England.

As you might know, this is the fifth model to emerge from the collaboration: Aston Martin Zagato Coupe will join the 1960 DB GT Zagato Racing, 1886 V8 Vantage Zagato, 2002 DB7 Vantage Zagato and the 2011 V12 Vantage Zagato. Cool.

So, what does the Zagato Coupe offer?

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

Vanquish Zagato comes with Aston Martin’s powerful 6.0-liter V12 unit that has undergone some slight refinements and now offers a total of 600hp (447kW) or, in other words, this beauty accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in mere 3.5 seconds.

Also, in terms of drivetrain system, the special vehicle comes with exclusively fine-tuned suspension that delivers a sort of GT driving experience. Not bad. But the question remains: is this titanic power needed, as we are talking about a street-legal machine?!

Design

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

Let’s be honest here: the vehicle is beautiful. Overall. I don’t like the styling at the back, but generally the Vanquish Zagato gives off a sense of power, passion and precision.

Detail highlights include numerous carbon-fiber components, redesigned rear lights with the same bladed LED technology, used for the Vulcan. Furthermore, Zagato’s rear somehow resembles DB11’s, but is uglier. The whole rear design contributes to better aerodynamics, but I find it ugly. Also, the sporty-looking rear is completed with a retractable spoiler and a rear hatch for easy access to the luggage compartment. But it remains ugly.

Interior design

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

Vanquish Zagato welcomes all the drivers to a neatly created interior ambience. The well-known Aston Martin quality is present, along with some changes done by Zagato designers. The carbon-fiber elements are paired with sweet bronze details and along with the fine leather create a rather cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Of course, there is neat Zagato Z stitch pattern on the door section and on the seat that further enhances the feel of exclusivity.

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

So far, so good. Remaining true to its Aston Martin roots, the new Vanquish Zagato also benefits from the fine Italian style and brings high doses of pleasure and excitement. Definitely a worthy family member, the new Vanquish Zagato vehicle stands comfortably along the whole Aston Martin Zagato lineup.

Source: Aston Martin

June 22, 2016

Exclusive ride with the new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR on Nürburgring? Yes, please!

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR Jaguar launches the “Jaguar Co-Pilot Nordschleife” program in order to allow customers to try brand’s latest supercar on one of world’s most popular race circuits, indeed the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Jaguar’s most aggressive sports car, the F-TYPE SVR delivers 575hp (429kW) and 700Nm of torque via the titanic 5.0-liter V8 power unit and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph). Sporty enough, this is considered as brand’s most capable of tackling down the “Green Hell” challenge.

In fact, the customers who booked a ride with the car will be also the first to experience its power and driving character throughout the 20-kilometer long track.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR

Of course, before each passenger’s ride begins, all the Co-Pilots will be taught to use a HANS (Head and Neck Support System) in order to ensure maximum safety and maximum pleasure of driving. Also, fun thing is that there will be special cameras installed into the vehicle to catch lucky driver’s emotional experience throughout the course.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations team has also prepared this F-TYPE SVR with a special roll cage, Recaro Racing seats, race harness for occupant safety, and this distinctive Orange metallic paint.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR

Passenger laps are already available for booking for 16 consecutive weekends from now until end of October. Prices start from $330 USD per person for a 30-minute ride.

2017 Jaguar F-TYPE SVR

Source: Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations

June 21, 2016

2016 Elemental Rp1: development highlights

2016 Elemental Rp1 We have already told you much about Elemental’s Rp1. We have told you how it can generate 400kg of downforce at 150mph and how the design was confirmed by London Computing Solutions. But we have not told you everything.

The supercar has been going through numerous tests and experiments in MIRA wind tunnel and the final results are pretty good: the design team managed to improve body functionality and aerodynamic features by incorporating the latest Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques and make further achievements in the supercar segment technologies.

2016 Elemental Rp1

In fact, the Rp1 comes with one of the most advanced aerodynamic setups for a road-going track vehicle. The special driving position and the overall design and engineering solutions contribute to the overall great performance rates, such as the meticulously shaped exterior.

Some other improvements include advanced front diffuser that channels the air from the front of the vehicle behind the front wheels, special rear axles and a redesigned rear diffuser.

Furthermore, the CFD simulations allowed the technical partnership between Aerodynamics Consultants Apex Aero and Elemental achieve new heights. Engineering teams reshaped and optimized numerous details on the exterior and more precisely they greatly improved the results of the wind tunnel testing.

2016 Elemental Rp1

Also, as you may already know, Elemental has completed its first production-specification Rp1 unit at its factory in Hambledon, Hampshire with a promise to make a dramatic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between 23-26 June.

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Elemental

June 21, 2016

Vans VS SUVs: a battle for convenience and comfort. On which side are you?

2015 Toyota Sienna Becoming more and more popular, SUVs are known for their sporty elegance, cutting edge technologies and versatile spirit. On the other hand, the good ol’ minivans remain favorite for all these who seek vast amount of space in exchange for some needless features. So, who should go for a minivan and who should go for a SUV? Let’s check out!

Recently, we have witnessed the unveiling of some neat minivans, such as Toyota’s Sienna and Honda’s Odyssey, both of which show contemporary styling and neat technologies. But let’s be honest here: minivans are still used for delivering large groups of people or large amount of cargo in exchange for some performance rates. Yes, you can store your groceries, ski equipment, your boy’s classmates, several spare tires, the new 50-inch TV, more groceries and your German Shepherd and there will be still plenty of interior space for like three other people, but you will lack this neat power boost and flexibility that a contemporary SUV offers.

On the other hand, we do see some titanic increases in the SUV segment sales. And there is a good reason for that: a fine SUV brings incredible utility, flexibility and features, for a reasonable amount of money. Of course, we have seen a lot of issues over the past ten years: poor fuel efficiency, some models have poor ride comfort and many of them are really hard to park.

Knowing that choosing between a SUV and a minivan is a difficult decision for a lot of people, we decided to give our “two cents” about both segments and help them choose wisely. The difficulties come from the fact that both types of vehicles undergo daily changes and can often offer quite neat and more preferable additions that what they offered two years ago.

2015 Honda Pilot

Although cargo capacity is a sort of leading feature, in present days this belief is abandoned. Although there are some large SUV models and some exceptions that are especially created to offer superior amounts of interior space, a conventional sports utility vehicle cannot match a conventional minivan.

In terms of safety, the majority of minivans and SUVs are geared with feasible safety features as tons of airbags, antilock brake systems, passive and active safety features and more. Technology has done well in both segments, but we should mention that a SUV still has a bigger rollover chance than a minivan.

Convenience features

When it comes to driving with children, many experts say that the minivan is the right choice. Becoming a sort of a playhouse on wheels, the vehicle offers enough space for the small ones to play, eat, stand and sleep. Needless to say that this is especially convenient in long road driving sessions.

2015 Kia Sedona

Other good thing is that most recently the competition between brands and minivans heats up a bit, so if you are on the market for a new minivan, you will be pleased to know that there are countless choices and combinations that can fit your style pretty neatly.

But what about the SUVs? More compact and badass-looking, the utility vehicles also bring one more big advantage. Especially if you have to deal with teenagers, or you are in your twenties and searching for your first sporty machine – style. You know we are not talking just for the exterior look. Plenty of the contemporary SUVs have that incredible appearance and unmatched spirit that definitely enhances driver’s confidence.

Also, many SUV drivers say that they feel safer, thanks to vehicle’s higher ride height and the comfortable seating. However, feeling safe or not, parking remains a pain in the butt. Especially with a supersize SUV in weekdays.

Conclusion

So, what should you get? Well, if you are dealing with kids, plenty of grocery bags and two or three dogs, the van is definitely for you. Fitting the family the family needs and everything you need in a single vehicle, the van is also preferred by people who had enough of wild parties, road trips and “fun”.

2015 Ford Explorer Platinum

SUV is the right choice for people who travel through mud and snow, and for these who still desire a bit of sportiness. Or for people want to impress their friends and neighbors, but want to remain agile and versatile with a single vehicle.

Source: BGO Media Team

June 21, 2016

PEUGEOT 2008: what should we expect? Or, more correctly, what should we NOT expect

2016 PEUGEOT 2008 GT PEUGEOT 2008 Compact SUV hits showrooms next week! Audience will have the chance to see what is going on with PEUGEOT’s plans for the future and see brand’s latest offerings. We have already told you about the 3008 GT SUV – it is not bad, but still there are some tweaks to be done. So, what are we to expect from its smaller brother?

PEUGEOT 2008 has been updated and tweaked a bit. The exterior design is a familiar one: apparently the design team decided to keep to these well-known lines and expression. And yes, this means that the ugly headlamps and the stupid front grille smile are still present. Even the new Ultimate Red color finish cannot hide the annoyingly popular face expression.

2016 PEUGEOT 2008 GT

Coming in three trim levels, Access, Active and Allure, 2008 also keeps the same interior styling, or the so-called PEUGEOT i-Cockpit. To be honest, the interior does not look that bad: premium feel and exclusivity are not present, neither are some elegant and smooth lines, but it looks comfortable and functional. The compact steering wheel looks just fine and the 7-inch multifunctional touch screen should do the job.

What we also know so far is that 2008 will be offered with Grip Control function, standard feature for all trim levels, along with a set of special all-season tires. Cool! Buyers will also be granted with MirrorScreen, rear-view camera, Active City Brake system and Park Assist function.

2016 PEUGEOT 2008 GT

And the drivetrain? Well, as you may have already guessed: nothing special, but it still can deal with many road situations. Good thing is that the power unit is a Euro6 certified one and is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is a 1.2-liter PureTech unit with a total output of 130hp: if you are using the vehicle on daily basis and don’t expect sporty wonders, you should remain happy with it.

So, what do we have so far? Ugly headlamps: check. Stupid smile: check. Strange styling lines at the back: check. Cozy-looking interior: also check. Descent drivetrain unit: check. By far it looks like a regular PEUGEOT model, but who knows what the manufacturer hides under its sleeves? We will find out next week!

2016 PEUGEOT 2008 GT