Georgi Boychev – Page 147 – Automobiles Review

Corolla celebrates its 50th anniversary with a rather special race! How cool is that?

1970 Toyota Corolla at the Great Race Race events become more and more interesting. And here comes one more interesting event: the Great Race. This is a long-distance endurance competition for vintage vehicles. It will start in Northern California and end in Moline. And there is one more interesting thing: Toyota’s participation is part of the Corolla’s 50th anniversary celebration! Needless to say, the racing team will be using a Corolla model. A rather special one.

This iconic first-generation 1970 Corolla sedan will join more than 130 vintage cars in the battle of the classics. The driver is Jamie Bestwick, a 13-time X Games gold medal winner in BMX Vert and a SCORE Baja 1000 veteran. And in order to pay tribute to the 1970’s, the whole team will be geared with special uniforms, while the car itself will remain true to its original specifications: what we see here is a trial by Toyota to show some oldschool quality and durability.

1970 Toyota Corolla at the Great Race

The event itself, the Great Race, features classic vehicles dating back to 1916 and starts in San Rafael, California and is expected to end in Moline on Sunday, June 26. The racers will follow the historic Lincoln Highway through Nevada, Udah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa. And what about the winner? Well, the most “endurable” team will get a sweet trophy and a check for $50,000 USD.

Of course, each team will receive a set of course instructions that will lead them through key checkpoints. Also, racers will be joined by numerous guest navigators along the race, including the off-road racing champion BJ Baldwin, world-class snowboarders Amy Purdy, Elena Hight and Louie Vito, BMX rider Drew Bezanson, musician Mike Eldred, motorcross racer Andy Bell and many more. Sounds good, right?

So, let’s wish them luck, and sit back and watch the spectacle!

Source: Toyota

June 20, 2016

So, what’s so special about the camless engine systems? [w/video]

Koenigsegg Camless Engine We all know how it started: back in 19th century Nikolaus Otto patented a rather interesting system. It contained four key elements that eventually led to a global domination, as it comes to automobile industry. Indeed, suck, squeeze, bang and blow are the actions that help millions of people worldwide to move faster through land.

What is also special about this engine system is that the action of the intake valves which allow the system to breathe and the exhaust valves that let it expel gases were defined by shaft of eccentric lobes rotating exactly half the speed of power unit’s crankshaft.

Then modern systems hit the market and people’s minds. Electric vehicles and green energy are sort of the main topics in news, press releases and everyday small chats. And more people should be talking about this thing called a camless engine.

So, what is this modern technology?

Long story short, the camless technology offers more power and better fuel efficiency. Short story long, the “cams” still spin half as fast as the crank, but changes the relative opening and closing of the valves in relation to the crank position.

In most engine systems the camshaft’s rotating lobes push rockers that further open the valves and allow springs to shut them. But the main downside is that there are these stages in which the valves are partially opened or partially closed, which greatly reduces the efficiency and overall system productivity.

Koenigsegg Camless Engine

What the new system is doing is to allow more control over engine’s intake and exhaust valves, thanks to the recently developed electro-hydraulic-pneumatic actuators.

In theory, the camless engine can run on any combination of cylinders with the conventional or the more efficient Atkinson and Miller cycles. Also in theory, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder power unit with a total of 250 horsepower can deliver some 40-plus mpg on two cylinders. Sweet… but we would like to see that happening in the real world.

This engine technology has been created in conjunction with FreeValve AB, one of Koenigsegg’s sister brands and it offers reduced fuel consumption of up to 17 per cent. It is also far more compact. But it can’t be perfect, right?

There are definitely some downsides. For example, there is a draw from the engine to run the pneumatic and oil actuators. But these losses are not as nearly as bad as those stemming from the friction associated with driving cams, chains and spring-loaded valves. Last, let’s not forget that the noise “camless” engines produce, still does not pass the public requirements.

https://vimeo.com/145498720

Source: Koenigsegg

June 20, 2016

PEUGEOT 3008 GT: was this an actual required addition to the lineup?

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 PEUGEOT team unveils the most dynamic version of the recently showcased 3008 SUV: the GT. Looking tight and confident, the GT bad boy aims to deliver pleasure of driving, comfort and of course, some enhanced sporty spirit. An honestly, with the 2.0-liter BlueHD power unit and EAT6 transmission, there’s a chance for us to love this vehicle.

In terms of exterior appearance, this one shows some clean and modern lines, that further refine the characteristics of a SUV. The elegant profile incorporates some neat stainless steel components, while the proportions give it some lower and more dynamic expression. And all this is topped with exclusive 18-inch matt Haria alloys.

The rear also contributes to that muscular stance with the GT badging, double chrome exhaust pipes and the overall elegant and sporty stance.

Honestly, we do like the exterior styling of the 2008 GT. If it didn’t come with these sort of ugly front headlights and overall funny-looking face, but hey, who cares? It is a sporty version of a sport utility vehicle. Maybe that was PEUGEOT’s idea. A sporty, sporty car. Nice.

Interior styling

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 GT

Of course, the 3008 GT comes with the latest PEUGEOT i-Cockpit feature along with its elegant dashboard. There is a large 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 8.0-inch capacitive touch screen. Long story short, as any other contemporary vehicle, this one is also fraught with tons of technology gadgets. The question which one is useful and which one is not remains.

Apart from the gadgets, the cockpit offers fine Aikinite copper double-topstitching on the dashboard, door trims and central armrest. This mellow color scheme is continued on the virtual dials and can be seen everywhere in the cabin.

In terms of standard equipment, buyers will be granted with 3D satellite navigation with 3 year subscription to TomTom Live updates, Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Assistance system, Driver Attention Alert and PEUGEOT’s Smartbeam Assistance.

Performance and drivetrain system

2016 PEUGEOT 3008 GT

Offered with a highly-efficient 2.0-liter BlueHDi power unit, paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the SUV will try to deliver some smooth, yet agile driving experience, while the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Start and Stop function will not only guard and lead the driver, but will show how PEUGEOT team tries to please its customers.

So, how do you find the new PEUGEOT SUV? Write down in the comment section!

Source: PEUGEOT

June 17, 2016

Mopar and Ram showcase the mighty Mopar’16 Ram Rebel. Details here!

2016 Mopar'16 Ram Rebel Ram Truck and Mopar together announced the introduction of the Mopar’16 Ram Rebel, a limited-edition vehicle, created by using tons of exclusive parts and components. There will be 500 units that can be further tweaked by Mopar Custom Shop options.

This Mopar-Ram creation is, in fact, the first Mopar-tweaked vehicle in the truck segment. Of course, there are numerous more Mopar tweaked vehicles as Mopar ’10 Dodge Challenger, Mopar ’11 Charger, Mopar ’12 Chrysler 300, Mopar ’13 Dart, Mopar ’14 Challenger and Mopar ’15 Charger R/T and now the Mopar’16 Ram Rebel will proudly stand by them.

Based on the Ram 1500 4×4 Rebel Crew Cab, the limited vehicle comes with tons of aluminum components as a dual bezel sport performance hood, neat off-road wheels that not only contribute to the muscular stance, but also enhances the stability and off-road capabilities.

2016 Mopar'16 Ram Rebel

Also, part of the standard features are the skid plate for the power steering box and the black front bumper skid plate, 17-inch satin black wheels, serialized Mopar’16 glove box badge and a set of stainless-steel door sills.

In terms of performance, we did not expect anything different rather than muscles and power. The 5.7-liter HEMI power unit is mated to a eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox. There are also front suspension skid plates, black turbular side steps, spray-on bedliner and tri-fold tonneau cover.

2016 Mopar'16 Ram Rebel

Also, as with previous limited Mopar editions, the Ram Rebel comes with custom owner’s kit with Mopar’16 merchandise, a brochure and special metal birth certificate with all the truck’s specifications, date of manufacture and proprietary number.

Available later this summer, the Mopar’16 Ram Rebel will have a starting price of $52,460 USD.

$2016 Mopar\\\'16 Ram Rebel$

Source: Mopar

June 17, 2016

A rather special Porsche 911 model is heading to Goodwood festival

1990 Polestar Newcastle Porsche 911 As motorsport enthusiasts prepare for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, June 23-26, Singer Vehicle Design prepares to attend and showcase its latest client-owned restoration, thanks to a second year invitation from Lord March to take part in Goodwood’s Hillclimb event. Along with Michelin Supercar Padock and in tribute of the Iconic Power theme, the recently restored right-hand-drive Porsche will be driven by Chris Harris and will be on display both on and off the track at the festival.

This Newcastle car is indeed a 1991 Porsche 911 model that has been restored by Singer and is a good example of fine detailing and meticulous craftsmanship. With its sporty look and aggressive appearance, the rear-wheel machine also features fine leather-dominated interior and retained interior components further enriched with semi-suede materials. And in terms of coloring, the sweetie comes with Deep Royal Blue scheme for the seats and Singer Racing White for the body, along with ghosted light blue stripes and blue Porsche lettering.

Some other features include a massive 4.0-liter power unit, mated to a 6-speed gearbox, aided by Brembo ceramic brakes, coming with neat racing red calipers, center-fill fuel-fill, Nickel-plated carbon fiber bumpers, track-styled front seats and folding rear ones, ivory headliner, black leather dash and piano black seat backs. Sweet.

1990 Polestar Newcastle Porsche 911

Singer’s team will be on-hand at the Goodwood event and will showcase not only the 1990 Porsche 911, but also company’s latest achievements in the world of restoration and tuning.

So, this is what we know so far and in case there is some fresh information available, we will waste no time and will immediately tell you what is going on!

Stick with us!

Source: Singer Vehicle Design

June 17, 2016

Mazda reveals more about the 2016 MX-5 Icon lineup. Check it out!

Mazda MX-5 Icon Special Edition is about to make its global debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Based on the SE-L Nav powertrain system, the new model is expected to show some incredible rates with the fourth-gen SKYACTIV-G engine.

In terms of exterior features, we do know that the MX-5 Icon will be offered in Meteor Grey Mica or Crystal White Pearlescent paint, enriched standard equipment and slightly changed design, compared to older models.

Definitely the bold Soul Red Metallic wing mirrors, the rear spoiler and the side stripe decals caught our eye. The 16-inch Gunmetal wheels and the leather-dominated interior further contribute to the overall sweet appearance.

And as it comes to the Goodwood festival, this year’s event audience will witness live music area, previous MX-5 models, the new MX-5 RF plus the first appearance of the MX-5 Speedster and Spyder concept vehicles outside America.

In fact, the Mazda MX-5 RF can already be preordered ahead of its official debut next year. But remember that there are limited supplies at the moments, so if you are into preordering, you’d better do it as quickly as possible.

And one more thing: don’t forget to send us selfie with your new Mazda!

Source: Mazda

June 16, 2016

Nissan reveals details for the 370Z lineup. What should you know?

2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe Nissan announces details for the2017 370Z Coupe, 370Z NISMO and 370Z Roadster. Already on sale, ne latest members of the Nissan Z lineup have a lot to demonstrate. Good news is that prices remain the same as for the 2016 models, but the improvements are worth mentioning. So, let’s waste no more time and see what is going on here!

2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe

The most boring one. 370Z comes with neat performance features, but the same old expression. Offered in three trim levels, the vehicle comes with massive power output of 332hp via a 3.7-liter DOHC V6, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also a 7-speed automatic available as an optional feature. Oh yeah, it also includes paddle shifters. Not bad.

Prices for this one start from $29,990 USD.

2017 Nissan 370Z Coupe NISMO

2017 Nissan 370Z NISMO

Far more interesting than the base model, NISMO comes with slight exterior changes that include RAYS aluminum-alloy wheels, improved aerodynamics, 19-inch NISMO super-lightweight forged aluminum alloys and neat charcoal gray machine finish.

In terms of drivetrain system, the DOHC V6 power unit provides more than enough of horsepower, but also some additional improvements. For example, the 370Z NISMO benefits from better acceleration, compared t the 370Z Coupe and optimized ECM calibration. And again buyers can specify the machine with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

2017 Nissan 370Z NISMO

Other notable features include improved 4-wheel independent suspension, Nissan Sport Brakes and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential.

Prices start from $41,990 USD.

2017 Nissan 370Z Roadster

And the Roadster can be further specified with three trim levels: Touring Sport Roadster, Touring Roadster and Roadster.

The most notable feature is definitely the convertible top, providing sleek silhouette and a sense of freedom. But we are here for the performance rates, are we not?

The 332 horsepower output is generated by this very same 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, one more time available with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. What is different is the gearbox equipment. This model comes with the 7-speed automatic as standard, but can be optionally specified with the 6-speed manual.

Furthermore, buyers will be granted with Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, USB input and stylish 18-inch aluminum alloys, 7-inch touch screen display, Bose Audio System, leather interior and more.

Prices start from $41,820 USD.

Source: Nissan

June 16, 2016

2016 MINI Cooper Works Challenge: a menacing beast or a sweet wanna-be?

2016 MINI Cooper Works Challenge MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Challenge comes with tons of ambition to set new benchmark to the track-oriented segment. It also tries to be impeccable on the road without sacrificing comfort and smoothness of a traditional city car. So, let’s see what this sweetie has to offer.

The vehicle was created by small team at MINI Plant Oxford in UK in partnership with some race suppliers and engineers. Indeed they added the grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire set and fine-tuned the suspension and the slip differential. Also, there are additional personalization features like exterior color scheme combinations, MINI Accessories and more.