Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Mecum Auction Arrives in Chattanooga Oct. 15-16 for a special exhibition

    2021-Mecum-Auctions-910Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company, will hold an auction in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this Oct. 15-16 with an estimated 600 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to cross the auction block at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

    Among some of the neat vehicles that will be presented at the show are:

    1965 Lola T70 MkI Spyder (Lot F81) was formerly owned by both Carroll Shelby and Dan Gurney and was campaigned by Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers. Fashioning a two-tone blue exterior with black interior, the No. 8 Lola is powered by a 5.0L Chevrolet V-8 engine with a Hewland 4-speed manual transmission.

    1968 Shelby GT500KR Convertible (Lot S110), Shelby No. 03452, which has been thoroughly gone through and boasts a 428 CI engine and the convenience of an automatic transmission.
    2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot F99) with a Kenne Bell supercharger on a 5.4L/725 HP V-8 engine with just 6,900 miles

    1985 Dodge Shelby Charger (Lot F100) is one of 843 blue Shelby Chargers produced that model year and features a turbocharged 2.2L 4-cylinder engine.

    SEE ALSO: New Jeep Wrangler Willys can now be geared with Xtreme Recon Package

    1955 Ford Crown Victoria (Lot S89.1) is one of 1,999 produced in 1955 with a transparent glass top. Wearing two-tone black and white with a matching interior, the classic is powered by a 272 CI V-8 engine with a 3-speed manual transmission with an overdrive.

    1969 Pontiac GTO Judge (Lot S90.1) with a 400 CI Ram Air III engine and a 4-speed transmission.

  • Motul Oil celebrates its 50th anniversary of 300V racing oil at the 2021 Acura Grand Prix

    2021 Motul Acura NSXMotul, the French oil company, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its flagship, the 300V racing oil at the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, putting its new formula to the test on the track. Already available for customers in the US.

    300V is Motul’s most advanced racing oil,” said Motul USA Brand Manager Nolan Browning, We worked hard to make new 300V even better, using technical data from Motul sponsored racing teams to develop a product worthy of the historic 300V name. New 300V provides for quantifiable, dyno-proven power gains all while improving upon the reliability and protection that have made 300V famous. We couldn’t be more excited to return to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach as an Official Sponsor for the U.S. preview of new 300V on track.

    To go along with the U.S. preview of new 300V, Motul collaborated with Acura on a digital livery for the all-new NSX Type S. The Motul heritage inspired the neat red and white visuals and pulls inspiration from historic Motul race cars.

    The new oil marks 50 percent improvement in shear stability and ensures maximum oil coverage resistance and consistent oil viscinity, reducing wear to vital engine components like pistons, bearings and connecting rods during periods of extreme use.

    SEE ALSO: SAIC Design showcases the futuristic R RYZR concept

    New 300V comes in an expanded range of oil weights for increased compatibility. Motul designed the new low viscosity grade (0W-8 to 5W-30) 300V POWER series for maximum horsepower and torque, optimizing the formula for engines subject to low oil fuel dilution. The new mid viscosity grade (0W-40 to 15W-50) 300V COMPETITION series balances power and reliability and is formulated for engines subject to low oil fuel dilution. Optimized for extreme racing conditions, the new high viscosity grade (10W-60 to 20W-60) 300V LE MANS series, the only oil to bear the prestigious Le Mans name, offers maximum engine reliability with quantifiable performance benefits and is designed specifically for the intensity of endurance racing.

  • New Jeep Wrangler Willys can now be geared with Xtreme Recon Package

    2021 Jeep Wrangler WillysJeep Wrangler Wilys joins forces with Rubicon and Rubicon 392 and can now be geared with the Xtreme Rcon Package.s

    The upgrade pack adds tons of functionalities to the lineup and offers a large list of upgrades. Definitely, the most notable addition is the set of titanic 35-inch tires.

    • Additional goodies include:
    • LT315/70R17C (35-inch) BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires
    • 17-inch by 8-inch beadlock capable wheels
    • Swing gate reinforcement
    • 4.56:1 axle ratio
    • 1.5-inch factory suspension lift with uniquely tuned shocks
    • Anti-lock four-wheel-disc performance brakes

    Fitted with a standard black grille, matte black “Jeep” badge, black “Trail Rated” badge, “4-Wheel Drive” swing gate decal and “Willys” hood decal, the heritage-inspired Wrangler Willys brings a unique appearance to the Wrangler lineup, bolstered for 2022 with the available Xtreme Recon 35-inch tire package.

    SEE ALSO: SAIC Design showcases the futuristic R RYZR concept

    The new Jeep Wrangler Willys with Xtreme Recon Package gives our passionate customers another great option for straight-from-the-factory 35-inch tires, said Jim Morrison, Vice President, Jeep Brand North America, Named after the original Jeep utility vehicle, the Willys holds special meaning to the Jeep brand, and we’re excited to enhance the new Wrangler Willys with 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires.

    Equipped with the Xtreme Recon Package, the Wrangler Willys delivers best-in-class approach angle, departure angle, ground clearance and water fording capability:

    • Approach angle – 47.4 degrees
    • Breakover angle – 26.7 degrees
    • Departure angle – 40.4 degrees
    • Ground clearance – 12.9 inches
    • Water fording – 33.6 inches

  • SAIC Design showcases the futuristic R RYZR concept

    2021 SAIC RYZRSAIC DESIGN team showcases the future of mobility with the demonstration of the new R RYZR vehicle, developed for SAIC’s EV-only ‘R’ brand.

    Exclusively designed to recognize the shift away from crowded public transport and the need of some fun experiences, the vehicle offers an escape from the urban city by blending next-gen technologies and some neat augmented-reality features.

    R RYZR is an exciting and visceral vision of the future of urban travel,” said Carl Gotham. “by exploring the unconventional, it unlocks new modes of transports for the future, new experiences, and new emotions.

    The concept is designed to achieve the ultimate ease of use – motorcycle agility with car-like stability, while the RYZR clothing concept means no need for an app or a key – the vehicle simply recognizes the owner’s jacket instead.

    SEE ALSO: 2022 VW ID.4 earns a TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by the IIHS

    R RYZR is a useful, agile, practical, and exciting form of urban transport,” added Carl Gotham. “It combines the aesthetic of cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality with futurism. It’s an exploration of the unconventional modes of transports for the future – new architectures, new experiences, and new emotions.

    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept
    2022 SAIC R RYZR Concept

     

  • New MG MAZE Concept reveals the future of urban transportation

    2021 SAIC MG MAZE Concept - SideSAIC Design has unveiled its new MG concept vehicle in order to celebrate its third anniversary and demonstrate its vision for the future of urban mobility.

    The special vehicle is aimed at the next-gen of car users and explores the future of transportation. The goal is to demonstrate a vehicle that is both advanced and fun touse.

    Built around the tag line of ‘Get Out & Play’, the concept brings together mobility and gaming, driven by a consumer appetite for something fresh, bold, brave and exciting.

    With MAZE we wanted to consider what the future of a car community might look like, building from MG’s fan base and following. The move to digital is unstoppable, so we wanted to create a concept that connected this digital realm to the physical one that gives us the real joy in driving,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director.

    The concept is a reaction to our lives during recent months, where we have been met with restrictions and limitations on our ability to move around and interact. Exploring the idea of ‘mobile gaming’, we used MAZE as platform for people to get out and rediscover their environment in a new and relevant way, opening up new experiences with their city.

    The gaming aspect of the car reflects a desire to discover and reach new achievements, via a points-based reward system. Our car helps users to re-discover their city and their world by seeking exciting digital street art that is interacting with structures, buildings, and landmarks.

    SEE ALSO: An iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost recreates its triumphant London-Edinburgh run after 110 years

    The MG MAZE is a compact urban two-seater capable of the utmost agility and functionality in busy urban environments. It’s core focuses are high-technology and emotional design.

     

  • An iconinc Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost recreates its triumphant London-Edinburgh run after 110 years

    1911 Rolls-Royce Phantom

    The Silver Ghost is arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce model of all time. It was through its success in the early trials of speed, reliability and endurance that it earned Rolls-Royce its reputation as ‘the best car in the world’. Winning the 1911 London-Edinburgh Trial was a landmark moment for Silver Ghost 1701: that the same car, now a priceless collector’s item, can repeat the endeavour 110 years later is testament to its remarkable engineering, materials and build quality. Our sincere congratulations to our friends at the 20‑Ghost Club on this fantastic achievement.

    Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

    Recently, history repeated itself as the iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1701 re-enacted the astonishing run it completed back in 1911 with the London-Edinburgh Trial.

    The vehicle was designed with the idea to become an “Experimental Speed Car” and won the original event locked in top gear for the entire 799-mile trip. Now primitive, but back then quite astonishing, the speed of 19.59 miles per hour was considered as something close to the speed of light.

    To prove that the car had not been modified in any way, it achieved 78.2 mph on a half-mile speed test conducted immediately after the Trial; it also became the first Rolls-Royce to exceed 100 mph in a later test at the fabled Brooklands circuit in Surrey.

    The re-enactment was as faithful to the 1911 event as possible. The car, now a priceless collector’s item and wearing registration R-1075, departed from the Pall Mall headquarters of the Royal Automobile Club at 06.00 on Sunday 5 September 2021, then travelled to Edinburgh on a route that followed the old Great North Road as closely as practicable – locked in top gear just as it was 110 years before.

    To add to the spectacle and sense of occasion, 1701 was accompanied by a further nine Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghosts, all of a similar age and in equally perfect condition, from the 20-Ghost Club. And to complete the pageant, the cavalcade was escorted all the way to Edinburgh by a brand-new Ghost, handbuilt at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and finished in Tempest Grey.

    SEE ALSO: Bentley team celebrates its 70th anniversary of Design in Crewe

    Andrew Ball said, Silver Ghost 1701 has a unique and special place in the marque’s history and affections. It’s difficult to think of many machines that can still perform exactly as they did 110 years ago; this extraordinary car is a remarkable tribute to our predecessors who designed, engineered and built it. We’re proud to continue their work and uphold their values in today’s Rolls-Royce motor cars – which are still the best in the world.

  • Bentley team celebrates its 70th anniversary of Design in Crewe

    1951 Bentley Continental R-TypeBentley Motors celebrates the 70th anniversary of the foundation of its Design department at Crewe. The first Crewe-designed Bentley was the R-Type Continental, which was unveiled back in 1951.

    Andreas Mindt, Bentley’s Director of Design, comments:

    Leading the next evolution of Bentley’s design DNA is a true honour, especially after so many decades of exquisite design in our studio in Crewe. There are iconic Bentleys that were created here – beautiful cars that have stood the test of time, and which inspire our styling cues to this day.

    Our team of designers is now engaged with their next opportunity – creating Bentley’s first BEV, which must translate and reshape those classic forms and details to a truly future-facing design. Not only that, the car must be sustainable in more ways than just being electric – so we are exploring sustainable materials, recyclability and new ways of working to ensure the car has a low carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. Getting this design absolutely perfect will help guarantee the next chapter in this astonishing history of Bentley Design.

    The department’s key responsibilities were to communicate ideas and design proposals and share their vision with other areas of the business. This was achieved by collecting sketches and watercolor artworks, all done by hand.

    The watercolor renders were then reproduced in scale or full-size technical drawings depicting side, front, rear, plan elevations, and sectional views along the body to describe to the model makers the form of the new car.

    Today, designers follow a similar creation process as they did 70 years ago – in order to visualize the final result, model makers work with a metal framework is covered with a malleable material (historically wax, and more recently clay) then accurately shaped to describe the form of the new vehicle. Measurements could then be taken from the model and cross-referenced back to ensure the drawings were representative.

    However, contemporary technologies aim designers to quickly assemble all the 3D models, with an accuracy down to the 100th of a millimeter.

    Today’s virtual reality technologies and advanced computer systems allow sketch in a virtual world that can be experienced regardless of geographical location on screens or through headsets and augmented reality. Even with new tools and techniques, once the design has reached full maturity a full-size model will still be made, ensuring all of the fine details are perfect before release for production.

    SEE ALSO: 2022 VW ID.4 earns a TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by the IIHS

    Darren Day, Head of Interior Design – and the longest serving member of the Bentley design team, comments:

    Despite the global pandemic we have had to learn to adapt and use the tools around us to continue evolving how we design. I had at least two of my design colleagues working in different locations around the world due to the pandemic travel restrictions preventing their return to Crewe. Using virtual reality we could hold design reviews, assess details, alternate texture, choose colour, swap materials and yet still make progress and achieve our deadlines.

    Pyms Lane has remained the focal point for Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe since the factory was built in 1938.  This focus will only accelerate Bentley’s plans to develop further areas of the site to support Bentley’s journey towards electrification. After 70 years, the business will relocate to one of the most iconic buildings on the campus for the next era, with the build of a new Design Studio in the months to come.

  • 2022 VW ID.4 earns a TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by the IIHS

    2022 Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces that the 2021 ID.4 has won the 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    To qualify for a 2021 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in each of the Institute’s six crashworthiness evaluations. It must also have good or acceptable headlights and available front crash prevention that earns advanced or superior ratings in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

    The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 EV managed to earn an acceptable rating for the standard LED headlights, a good rating for the available premium LED projector headlights, and good ratings in the six crashworthiness evaluations. The Front Assist system—standard on all ID.4 models—receives a superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and an advanced rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention.

    The ID.4 features standard IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance with hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to help make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE can alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes team reveals new EQS lineup

    With its full equipment package, the ID.4 comes with a front radar, front camera, two rear radars and eight ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop & Go, Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System), and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). In addition to IQ.DRIVE, the ID.4 includes Dynamic Road Sign Display; Park Distance Control; and Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights).

    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4
    2021 Volkswagen ID.4

  • Infiniti presents a new generation of drivetrains in its new 2022 Q50 lineup

    2022 INFINITI Q502022 INFINITI Q50 sedan adds new features to the standard equipment, along with some neat styling and tons of personalization goodies.

    The new Q50 continues the successful formula by blending clean and athletic body with a functional and cozy interior. The 2022 Q50 is available in three well-equipped grades: LUXE, SENSORY, and RED SPORT 400. Each grade is available with INFINITI’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The Q50 SENSORY grade, which was new for 2021, offers sumptuous Saddle Brown leather-appointed seatsi as optional equipment for 2022.

    Every 2022 INFINITI Q50, including the LUXE grade, comes with standard leather-appointed seats, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power-folding outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down, a dual-occupant memory system for the driver’s seat that remembers steering wheel, seat, and outside mirror position, linked to individual Intelligent Keys, driver’s seat power lumbar adjustment; and Bose Performance Series audio.

    Drivetrain system

    The 2022 Q50 comes with a 3.0-liter VR-series twin-turbo V6 engine for motivation, offered in one of two configurations. In Q50 LUXE and Q50 SENSORY sedans, the V6 delivers 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft at 1,600-5,200 rpm.

    In Q50 RED SPORT 400 sedans, the V6 engine delivers on its namesake and produces 400 maximum horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 1,600-5,200 rpm.

    Exclusive to the RED SPORT 400’s engine, an extra water pump to aid in cooling and an optical turbine speed sensor is added, the latter of which allows for the twin-turbochargers to perform at up to 240,000 rpm — higher than ever before for a V6 engine.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes team reveals new EQS lineup

    The V6 is teamed with a 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching. Standard steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Q50 RED SPORT 400 offer more control for dynamic performance.

     

  • Mercedes team reveals new EQS lineup

    2021 Mercedes-Benz EQSMercedes-EQ redefines the electric vehicle segment with the introduction of the new EQS. The groundbreaking all-electric luxury sedan blends perfectly the industry-leading standards of Mercedes and the advanced next-gen technologies.

    Coming with a powerful engine system and highly intelligent and adaptive functions, the new EQS combines performance, luxury and sustainability in a single beautiful package.

    Also, in order to enhance the capabilities of the vehicle, Mercedes will offer the new EQS Sedan in three well-geared trim levels: Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle. Each of these features some neat technologies and luxurious features, along with tons of customization options.

    In terms of visuals, the new EQS reveals an innovative and complex exterior design based on a new vehicle architecture. The shape is definitely inspired by motorsport and features low stance, tight rear-end, and an overall cab-forward design: the overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded.

    Furthermore, the EQS lineup comes with a power tilt and sliding panoramic roof with two modules that form a large glass surface, resulting in a light and airy ambience in the interior. Additional interior elements including rapid-heating and ventilating front seats, leather seating surfaces, active multicontour front seats with enhanced massage and comfort headrests, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging in the front and the air balance cabin fragrance system with a new HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA Team announces the development plan for the new Fabia Rally vehicle

    With a range of up to 784 kilometers (WLTP) and an output of up to 516 hp, the highly advanced powertrain of the EQS exceeds every expectation of a progressive electric sedan in the flagship S-Class segment. To further enhance the S- Class segment experience for customers, Mercedes-Benz USA is offering EQS customers complimentary 30-minute DC Fast charging with the Electrify America Network for 24-months from account activation, and two years of free maintenance.

    The fully electric 2022 EQS Sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2021 and marks a new era for the brand as the first model of the new Mercedes-EQ rollout in North America.

     

  • SKODA Team announces the development plan for the new Fabia Rally vehicle

    2021-SKODA-FABIA-RALLY-910SKODA team announces the development of an all-new Fabia, with the first prototype featuring Rally2 specs.

    Following the launch and the success of the rally-ready Fabia, the engineering team is now ready to up their game with an even more advanced and refined version of the machine.

    “The all-new ŠKODA Fabia for the Rally2 category has entered the development and testing stage. Fortunately, our technicians can build on comprehensive know-how and expertise of the ongoing ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 evo project, which still is very successful worldwide,” comments Michal Hrabánek, Head of ŠKODA Motorsport.

    Since 2015, SKODA Fabia has won numerous rally trophies and is the leader in its class in terms of awards and achievements. Since the iteration of the new R5 version, the model has gone on to take nine titles in support categories to the FIA World Rally Championship, numerous regional and national championships, nearly 1,400 overall and class victories as well as close to 3,300 podium positions worldwide. ŠKODA Motorsport has already sold more than 400 units of the R5, Rally2, and Rally2 Evo variants.

    According to the Rally2 regulations of the FIA, the next generation Rally2 version of the ŠKODA Fabia is again powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine connected to a five-speed sequential gearbox and four-wheel drive with mechanical differentials.

  • Hyundai Santa Cruz is name Best Pickup Truck Award from Northwest Automotive Press Association

    2021-Hyundai-Santa-Cruz-910Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport-Adventure Vehicle is named the winner in the 2021 Best Pickup Truck category from the Northwest Automotive Press Association. The vehicle managed to impress the jury with its bold design, efficient powertrain, and flexible customization options. Of course, the numerous cutting-edge technologies contributed greatly for the recognition.

    We’re thrilled that our new Santa Cruz was recognized by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Its bold styling coupled with secure open-bed flexibility meets the changing everyday needs of adventure-oriented buyers, while powerful engines and superb maneuverability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments, said Ricky Lao, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America.

    The evaluations included parts that test, handling, braking, rear-view cameras, and more. The evaluations are made on a dedicated track, characterized by elevation changes, sharp corners, and sweeping curves.

    SEE ALSO:

    The vehicles were also evaluated on an off-road course that simulated rough roads that some drivers often encounter. Plenty of loose dirt, deep ruts, steep climbs, and dramatic descents formed the second day’s route, challenging each vehicle’s four- or all-wheel-drive systems. The venue allowed the vehicles to showcase state-of-the-art technologies, including 360-degree cameras, hill descent controls, and state-of-the-art traction management systems.