Georgi Boychev – Page 148 – Automobiles Review

SKODA Octavia meets 2017 model season with tons of improvements

2017 SKODA Octavia The 2017 range of SKODA Octavia becomes even more appealing, thanks to the numerous dynamics and efficiency improvements. One of the most notable changes is definitely the new high-tech, three-cylinder turbo petrol power unit and the adaptive DCC that is optional for units with 150 hp or more.

This unit replaces the 1.2-liter one and offers 115hp (85kW) and 200Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500rpm. In fact, this is the first three-cylinder unit to be installed in the Octavia that features sophisticated acoustics and excellent driving dynamics.

Combined with a 7-speed DSG, the new 1.0 TSI accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 9.9 seconds and has a top speed of 228km/h (126mph). The combination with a 6-speed manual reduces the sprint to 9.6 seconds.

2017 SKODA Octavia

Some achievements were also made on the fuel consumption efficiency that is measured at 62.8mpg with emitting 105g CO2/km with the automatic gearbox. There is also an optional aero pack with some more improvements on the fuel efficiency: it brings lowered sport chassis, active air flaps, a tailgate or roof spoiler and low rolling resistance tires. Sweet.

Additional goodies for the 2017 model season include Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control, Electronic Valve Controls, shock absorbers, fast control unit and selectable driving modes.

2017 SKODA Octavia

In terms of convenience and utility features, the 2017 Octavia comes with special infotainment system with Modular Infortainment Matrix, Wi-Fi hotspot, Amundsen Infotainment navigation system and some additional SKODA Media Command apps.

Source: SKODA

June 14, 2016

Sporty, distinctive and limited, the 2017 BRZ Series.Yellow is here!

2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow Subaru of America, Inc announced the 2017 BRZ Series.Yellow This special lineup, limited to 500 vehicles comes in distinctive exterior finish and is by far brand’s most exciting BRZ up to date.

This is a vehicle that is immediately recognizable by its yellow color, special black alloy wheels, black BRZ and SUBARU badging and black exterior mirrors. And based on the 2017 Limited model with Performance Pack, the Series.Yellow also delivers some enhanced and refined driving experience. Thanks to the upgraded Brembo four-piston calipers and rotors on the front and dual-piston calipers and rotors to the rear the vehicle offers noticeable boost in the stopping power, fade resistance and pedals feel. Furthermore, the SACHS Performance shock absorbers contribute to smoother handling and improved stability.

BRZ Series.Yellow is geared with a 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER power unit, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Some of the improvements for 2017 include friction reduction, new aluminum intake manifold and improved exhaust manifold. These improvements boost the overall engine output to 205hp (152kW) and 156 lb-ft of torque. The engineering team also managed to improve acceleration by lowering the final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1. Sweet.

Exterior changes

Some of the many visual improvements and changes include new front bumper cover, fresh headlights in the style of “kono-ji” with Daytime Running Lights while the turn signals and position lights have been integrated into the redesigned headlight for cleaner design and refined look.

Furthermore, all 2017 BRZ models receive a pedestal-style aluminum rear spoiler that matches the body color. This new design is not only beautiful and distinctive, but also contributes to vehicle’s downforce. Sweet.

Interior improvements

Standard for the lineup is the 4.2-inch LCD multifunction display, placed on the right of the tachometer. It displays all kinds of information about the vehicle, including lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temperature, battery voltage and more.

2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow

Series.Yellow vehicles are offered with black leather and Alcantara upholstery with contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, door and dash panels, steering wheel, knee pads and shifter boot. Of course, there are the yellow BRZ logo on the front seatback and on the carpet floor mats.

Also, some of the technology goodies include AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, Single-disc in-dash CD player with 8 speakers, Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Pandora and Aha, Subaru STARLINK apps as iHeart and Stitcher, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and more.

2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow is expected to hit the market in 2017.

Source: Subaru

June 14, 2016

Elemental has the ambition to deliver the best vehicle in the segment. But will it succeed?

2016 Elemental Rp1 Elemental completed the first production specification Rp1 lightweight sports vehicle at its production facility in Hambledon Hampshire.

This is a landmark for the British manufacturer who created the vehicle for over a four-year period with the intention of creating the most advanced vehicle in the segment.

Elemental has completed its first production specification Rp1 lightweight sports car at its new production facility in Hambledon Hampshire.

Key element to the Rp1’s construction is brand’s patented CarbonAI tub with a weight of just 65kg that incorporates feet-up driving position: just the same seating position as in the Formula 1 cars. It is made by using high-performance F-1 grade carbon fiber and exceeds FIA structural standards for strength and rigidity.

2016 Elemental Rp1

Also, because of the rear diffuser, the Rp1 can generate incredible downforce and therefore exceptional levels of grip. In words of engineers, the vehicle generates 400kg of downforce when driving with 150mph (270km/h). Impressive, right?

The suspension system also deserves some attention. It can be easily adjusted and optimized by the driver and there is even a switchable traction control as a standard feature. There are a total of five engine map settings that can meet all of driver’s requirements and can tackle down every track challenge.

But this is not all. The vehicle can be specified with a choice of two turbocharged Ecoboost power units, either a 180hp (134kW) 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit and a more powerful 320hp (238kW) 2.0-liter four-cylinder that contributes to a flying start: it lets the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in mere 3.2 seconds.

2016 Elemental Rp1

We will find out more about this vehicle at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, held between 23-26 June.

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Elemental

June 13, 2016

2016 Honda Civic Coupe takes home another award! Details here!

Sporty, beautiful and refined, the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe takes home one more prize. This time the vehicle proved itself in the field of safety features and earned the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), indeed the TOP SAFETY PICK+. To be precise, the Civic passed all the test modes, thanks to the Honda Sensing suite that helped the car to do good in the small and moderate overlap frontal collisions, side impact and roof crush protection examinations.

2016 Civic Coupe joins the 2016 Civic Sedan, 2016 Accord Sedan, 2016 Accord Coupe, 2016 CR-V and 2016 Pilot SUV in incorporating Honda Sensing technology and earning an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition.

As you know, the TOP SAFETY PICK+ is given to vehicles that have an available front crash prevention system and earn an ADVANCED or SUPERIOR rates from the Institute. In 12mph and 25mph tests, the Civic with Honda Sensing managed to avoid collisions and earned the SUPERIOR rates for the front crash protection. Sweet.

The vehicle itself comes with tons of advanced safety and driver-assistive features. These include: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation and more.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe also features a high-strength steel and advanced crash engineering technologies as the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. All 2016 Civic models also come with Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking System with Brake Assist, responsive suspension, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Expanded View Driver’s Mirror and more.

Source: Honda

June 13, 2016

Aston Martin meets summer with some fresh offerings. Check them out!

2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT Aston Martin will mark the start of this year’s summer with the announcement of a special lease rate for the Aston Martin DB9 GT. For an entire month customers and brand enthusiasts will have the chance to sit behind the wheel of the new 2016 DB9 GT for under $2,500 USD per month with a lease provided through Ally Financial.

The deal is indeed a great opportunity for Aston Martin fans to own the iconic vehicle. Created to deliver the best of the whole DB lineup, the sweetie offers highest quality systems and premium hand-built quality. In fact, as you might know, the lineup was launched back in 1950s and since then Aston Martin engineers have been reshaping and refining the vehicle.

2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT

And in more recent days the DB9 GT continues that tradition of luxury, refinement and style, blended with contemporary gadgets and cutting-edge technologies. And all this can be tested for like $2,500 USD a month. Sounds like a deal, right?

Also, let us remind you that Aston Martin and Ally Financial formed an alliance about a year ago and together offer a closed ended lease and retail finance program for US customers, across all of brand’s 36 dealerships in US.

2016 Aston Martin DB9 GT

Source: Aston Martin

June 13, 2016

Ford adds sweet boost to the 2017 Fusion lineup: EcoBoost and more muscles

2017 Ford Fusion Sport Ford gears EcoBoost enhancemet to the Fusion sedan in order to meet customers’ requirements for more agile vehicle. And by following the success of Explorer Sport, Ford team is ready for additional improvements and additions.

As you might know, since the latest generation of Fusion model has been launched in 2012, midsize buyers have been asking for more performance-oriented version. And now the EcoBoost delivers it: the peak torque of 380 lb-ft from a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged unit make the Fusion Sport a worthy competitor to many other known models in the segment.

In fact, there is a reason why Ford is so confident for the success of its latest offering. While Explorer sales rose with 34 per cent from 2013 to 2015, Explorer Sport jumped with the stunning 103 per cent. Edge sales were closely following, but Edge Sport again jumped to 62 per cent.

Also, along with the EcoBoost muscles, Ford will offer an optional braking and handling upgrade pack that will be available only in summer time.

At the moment, the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport comes with AWD system as a standard version and is offered for $33,475 USD.

So, what do you think about Ford’s intentions to the future? Write down in the comment section!

Source: Ford

June 10, 2016

Acura showcases two new NSX models: what should we know for brand’s future plans?

2017 Acura NSX Acura will showcase two NSX supercars at the special 100th Anniversary of the Broadmoor Piles Peak International Hill Climb on June 26. This will mark brand’s North American race debut with the all-new 2017 NSX machines.

Both vehicles will compete in the Time Attack 1 and 2 classes and will be piloted by brothers James and Nick Robinson, both from brand’s North American Engineering team. Also, Acura will showcase a special NSX-inspired prototype in the Electric Modified Class that will demonstrate brand’s future plans for all-electric, 4-motor Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system.

2017 Acura NSX

A dedicated team of North American R&D engineers have been working on both NSX vehicles that now feature the same three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive unit. What is special about this system is not just the long name, but also the featured V6 engine, paired to a 9-speed dual clutch gearbox and Rear Direct Drive Motor.

Also, the supercar-inspired 4-motor EV Concept will be personally driven by Tetsuya Yamato, who campaigned last year’s CR-Z electric prototype. The Electric Vehicle Concept combines an all-wheel-drive system, Electric SH-AWD powertrain with world’s first technology for four-wheel independent torque allocation. This whole system is a sort of revolutionized CR-Z prototype engine system that produces three times the total output of last year’s electric prototype. Sweet.

2017 Acura NSX

Also, as Official Pace Car sponsor, Acura will feature three pace vehicles: the NSX, the seven-passenger MDX performance-luxury SUV and the TLX sports sedan and the TLX sports sedan. President Polyphony Digital and Producer of the Gran Turismo series Kazunori Yamauchi and Pikes Peak legends Randy Schranz and Leonard Vahsholtz will lead the field of 100 entrants to the top of the 14,115-foot Colorado peak.

Source: Acura

June 10, 2016

Why Abarth is such a great brand and why the new 124 Spider Rally is such a great vehicle

2016 Abarth 124 Spyder Revealed for the first time last March at the Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth 124 Rally will be on display om the stage of the World Rally Championship at Italy’s Sardina Rally until June 12.

As we have told you, the new Abarth 124 Rally is a technological and engineering jem, and thanks to the massive experience of the Abarth Racing team, the vehicle has been throughout many glorious races and events.

In terms of drivetrain system, the vehicle comes with a powerful 1800 cm3 turbocharged direct injection dual overhead camshaft engine that, thanks to the different selectable mapping, can deliver a total of 300hp (223kW) at 6,500rpm. And along with the other key elements in the drivetrain system, the beast provides incredible acceleration and agility in any given road situation.

In order to improve the performance rates, Abarth Racing Team’s engineers worked on some key objectives: weight reduction, center of gravity and of course, safety.

Definitely a special vehicle. the Abarth 124 Rally is also a good example of how Italian manufacturers should proceed in creating the ultimate machine. And definitely the fine Italian style is incorporated in the interior with using Alcantara upholstery, easy to use cluster and overall comfortable cockpit, ensuring optimal setup for victories and achievements.

So, how do you find the new Abarth 124?

Source: Abarth

June 10, 2016

How strong is Chevy Silverado’s body structure. These experiments give a decent idea [w/video]

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Numerous laboratory tests and experiments show that Silverado’s roll-formed and high-strength steel bed outperforms all similar body structures in a segment. Or, at least, this is what Chevy team tries to convince us in.

According to Sandor Piszar, brand’s truck marketing director, the Silverado has these advantages over other competitors:

Chevrolet has conducted three comparisons to the stamped aluminum bed of 2016 Ford F-150. Also, some of the test included a wedge-shaped striker that examined body’s rigidity in the hard way. But the sample remained intact up to 90 joules of impact energy, while the bodies of competitors have crushed at just 30 joules.

Also, Mr. Piszar makes a statement that the Silverado remained undamaged by 55 landscaping block weighing with a total weight of 347 kilograms were dropped into the bed five feet above the bed floor. In all of the takes that were 12, the Silverado got only scratches and dents. The video also shows some more experiments with brute force, but we will remain silent, so you can watch with interest.

In fact, vehicle’s strength originates from a high-strength steel alloy connection that is so strong, it cannot be formed with traditional stamping. Instead, Chevy engineers use roll-forming process which enhances material strength by creating less material fatigue than stamping. Cool.

https://youtu.be/BTm2F4ysQrE

Source: Chevrolet

Video Source: Youtube

June 9, 2016

Honda reveals details about “the new NSX” [w/video]

Honda NSX Honda team talks about a holistic approach to the design, technology and manufacturing of the new NSX. The supercar will also feature a thing called “instant response”, which will challenge the conventional beliefs about supercars and will show the future of their development.

So, what should we expect?

The advanced design and incredible manufacturing, in Honda’s words. The new NSX is expected to respond ultra quick to all driver demands, whether they are accelerating, braking, turning, or similar. Of course, we will witness some sophisticated engineering solutions and new generation of engine, AWD system, bespoke nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and rigid chassis. Ultra rigid in Honda’s words.

Some of the innovations will include Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD power unit with zero-delay performance and Twin Motor Unit that provides independent drive force to each front wheel.

Also, the character of the NSX can be further changed, thanks to the Integrated Dynamics System and its four selectable modes: Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track.

Additional technical data

Honda engineers also delivered some multi-material body structure in order to provide class-leading structural rigidity and deliver some increased visibility, crash safety performance, durability and reliability.

This means that the vehicle incorporates aluminum frame nodes for shorter front and rear overhangs and reduced mass. Also, there will be a three-dimensional bent and quenched frame members that create thin and strong A-pillars.

These and many more additions will be present, many of which will also be announced soon. Meanwhile, tell me what do you think about Honda’s plans about the supercar segment?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNvoqFLDvZ4

Source: Honda

Video source: Youtube

June 9, 2016

2016 Ford KA+ is about to hit the city streets. Here’s all you need to know!

2016 Ford KA+ Ford revealed the new KA+ compact vehicle, which offers incredible interior space, excellent fuel efficiency rates and enhanced dynamics. With this release, Ford is aiming to provide buyers with an attractive vehicle with neat equipment and capabilities for a relatively small price. So, what does the sweetie offer?

Available from June this year, the Ford KA+ will come in a five-door hatchback with a plenty of space for five people with a length of little less than four meters. Slightly shorter than the Fiesta, Ka+ also provides 270 liter s of luggage space. And as we talk about space, we should mention that the cockpit is not only incredibly wide for the proportions of the vehicle, but also have some “secret” stowage places for bottles, umbrellas, bags and more.

Also, the interior features sweet grained finish on the instrument panel and hard-wearing trim materials in dark charcoal color scheme. There are numerous chrome accents, applied on the door release handles, central console, control knobs and air vents.

Drivetrain system

The KA+ will be available with an agile and responsive 1.2-liter Duratec petrol engine, available in two choices: either a 70hp (52kW) and 85hp (63kW). It will be combined to a five-speed gearbox and in Ford team’s words, this combination is enough to deliver smooth driving, blended with a spark of aggressiveness. But we will see about that.

2016 Ford KA+

Also, Ford claims that the fuel efficiency rates are achieved thanks to a comprehensive calibration, regenerative charging and using a low-friction oil.

Standard equipment

Buyers are granted with tons of stock goodies. All KA+ models are geared with power front windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity, remote central double locking with perimeter alarm, safety system with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist, Deflation Detection System, Speed Limiter and Ford Easy Fuel.

So, how do you find the new Ford sweetie? Write down in the comment section!

2016 Ford KA+

Source: Ford

June 9, 2016

Sporty, agile and sweet, the new Twingo GT hits the streets this winter!

2016 Renault Twingo GT The new Twingo GT, combining the agility of a rear-wheel drive city vehicle with Renault’s sporty expertise will be available with a neat and agile 898cc Energy TCe turbo power unit with a total output of 110hp (82kW) and 170Nm of torque. Sweet! Also, the revised intake system and the modified engine mapping will ensure smooth and pleasurable ride.

The vehicle takes advantage of the performance boost, but will also feature revised suspension, specific ESP calibration and variable-rate steering. Or, in other words, drivers will enjoy a sharp handling, smooth driving experience and precise cornering. By far all looks good. But what about looks themselves?

Exterior design

With its 17-inch wheels with distinctive appearance and lateral air intakers, and the twin exhaust tail pipe, the Twingo GT shows not only some sporty spirit, but overall passionate and beautiful looks. The distinctive Twingo III lines are also present, just like the specific NACA aircraft graphics.

2016 Renault Twingo GT

Also, the new Twingo GT comes in a choice of four exterior colors: the new orange, Lunar Grey, Diamond Black and Crystal White. Also, there is a special orange trim detailing in the cockpit, Renault Sport badges,aluminum pedals and alloy gear lever knob.

The Twingo GT will be available for order this winter.

2016 Renault Twingo GT