Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

MINI presents the variants of the new Convertible lineup

MINI continues to expand its range and announces a successor to the open-top four-seater.

As the electrified technologies advance, the latest edition of the MINI Convertible quickly became one of the most popular in the segment and impresses audiences with advanced technologies and smart utility solutions. MINI Convertible is available with three powerful and efficient engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The Cooper comes with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 136hp, the Cooper S 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with 178hp and the most powerful John Cooper Works with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, with an output of 170kW/231hp.

Bernd Körber, Head of the MINI brand said, The MINI Convertible has a large and particularly loyal fan base. This is also shown by the great demand for the latest, freshly updated model. We are therefore firmly convinced of the success of this vehicle concept for the future.

SEE ALSO: The Automobili Pininfarina Battista hyper GT takes home one more award

After the first version was shown at the British Motor Show in Birmingham in 1992, a convertible version was added to the classic Mini for the first time. Then, after the relaunch of the brand in 2001, fans received what they wanted and MINI Convertible was launched in 2004 and has been one of the best-selling four-seat convertibles in the world ever since.

Source: MINI

May 13, 2021
The first McLaren P1 ever produced will cross the block at Silverstone Auctions

McLaren P1 definitely was a game-changer. With its spectacular dynamics and adjustable front and rear wings, the vehicle features the massive 600kg of downforce at 160mph and is still one of the most agile vehicles ever produced.

A particular model in the lineup, the first one registered from the lineup of 375 units will be on display at a special exhibition at Silverstone Auctions. It will be accompanied by a historical letter from Frank Stephenson, the McLaren P1 designer, to this P1’s first owner and states that “It was with great pleasure that I was there with our team to witness you driving our very first baby out into the big wide world”.

This particular unit has had only two owners, who are from the same family and is finished in Volcano Yellow and features black leather upholstery. It has covered only 3,666 miles from new. The special car has been exclusively looked after McLaren’s main dealers, and the most recent service was carried out by McLaren Birmingham in 2020 for a battery replacement.

SEE ALSO: Zenvo reveals new TSR-S hypercar

Estimated at £885,000 – 985,000, it will be offered on Saturday 22nd May at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. This will be the first Silverstone Auctions sale where bidders can attend in person for over a year, alternatively, bidding will still be available online, by phone, or via commission too.

To view the car in person, contact Silverstone Auctions on 01926 691141 where you can make an appointment from 12th – 21st May at Stoneleigh Park.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

May 12, 2021
Zenvo reveals new TSR-S hyper car

Zenvo Automotive’s TSR-S has landed on UK tarmac ahead of the demanding events program that will allow customers across the country to experience the capabilities of the limited-edition hypercar. The anticipated event will be soon officially announced and will give onlookers the opportunity to witness the world’s fastest accelerating rear-wheel drive vehicles in action.

The TSR-S comes with an in-house developed 1,177bhp 5.8-liter twin-supercharged flat-plane V8 engine, paired to a motorsport-influenced gearbox and accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds. Furthermore, it can sprint from 0 to 200km/h in 6.8 seconds and chase a top speed of 325km/h.

What is particularly special, is that the vehicle comes with a full carbon body and showcases a patented active Centripetal wing, which can change the angle of attack on two different axes. It creates additional drag and acts as an air brake, while also distributes downforce to the inner side of the vehicle to minimize vehicle roll.

SEE ALSO: RML Group resents a new GT road car

The exclusive vehicle sits at the pinnacle of the hypercar segment and is built at Zenvo’s headquarters in Præstø, Denmark.

Source: Zenvo Automotive

May 12, 2021
RML Group resents a new GT road car
RML Group, the leading engineering company, reveals the new GT road car blending classic forms and contemporary functions. Inspired by one of the greatest race legends, the 1959 250 GT SWB, the vehicle has a lot to demonstrate. Let’s have a look.

The new model pays homage to the aggressive purity of the supercars of the past and at the same time offers the convenience of the modern age. With a front-mounted Ferrari V12 power unit and instantly recognizable lines, GT is definitely a worthy family member.

In terms of the drivetrain system, GT adopts a 5474cc V12 unit that produces a total of 485hp and 419lb-ft of torque. The output is delivered to the rear wheels via a Ferrari six-speed manual gearbox and is controlled by a manual gearbox. The setup allows the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, and chase a top speed of 185mph.

SEE ALSO: Range Rover Evoque P300 HST: elegant packaging and aggressive spirit

In terms of interior, GT comes with a large and comfortable cabin with classic styling, and yet tons of next-gen utility gadgets.

Specs:
- Power 478bhp (485PS)
- Torque 419lb-ft (568Nm)
- Gearbox 6-speed, manual
- Top speed 185mph+
- 0-60mph 4.1 seconds (est.)
- Length (with bumpers) 4264mm
- Width 1954mm
- Dry weight 1470kg
Source: RML
May 12, 2021
Range Rover Evoque P300 HST: elegant packaging and aggressive spirit

The Evoque line-up of Range Rover expands with the arrival of the new P300 HST lineup. The new model features enhanced technology with the latest Pivi infotainment system and an elegant new exterior design. Inspired by the large HST model lineup, the new P300 HST also incorporates an Ingenium petrol unit and numerous advanced technological features.

As it comes to engine characteristics, the Range Rover P300 HST’s Ingenium unit is a 2.0-liter petrol system and generates a total of 300hp and brings this neat sporty kick to the compact luxury SUV lineup. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and ensures smooth and progressive acceleration, thanks to the nine-speed automatic gearbox and Land Rover’s cutting-edge Terrain Response 2 system.

Exterior design

The new P300 HST comes with an elegant and sporty look with neat glossy black bonnet script, side vents, bonnet louvers, door mirror caps, and more exterior accents. Also, a standard glossy black is applied to the sliding panoramic roof and privacy glass, and the exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers.

Interior design

The links to the Sport HST continue to the inside, where the Evoque P300 HST proudly showcases Suedecloth’s steering wheel and Ebony Suedecloth. High-end details include grained leather seat trim, Range Rover treadplates, sliding panoramic roof and powered tailgate.

SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo reveals new Giulia: here are some details

Equipment goodies include Land Rover’s advanced intuitive Interactive Driver Display with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch display, 13-speaker 400W Meridian Audio System, and more.

New Range Rover Evoque P300 HST is already available for purchase.

Source: Range Rover

May 12, 2021
Alfa Romeo reveals new Giulia: here are some details

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA makes its dramatic debut at the former AUtodelta workshop at the Balocco Proving Ground, the site which saw the unveiling of the original Giulia Sprint GTA back in the 60’s.

The vehicle comes with instantly recognizable characteristics and design lines, altogether with ultralight materials and advanced engineer concepts. New Giulia GTA is geared with Alfa Romeo’s 2.9-liter V6 that generates 540hp and offers excellent weight-to-power ratio of 187hp per litre. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in mere 3.6 seconds.

Furthermore, the Alfa Romeo engineers have worked to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle and enhance the handling capabilities by incorporating numerous carbon-fibre components and composite materials.

Exterior design

One of the most notable features that make Giulia instantly recognizable is the incorporation of elegant lines and defines the beautiful forms of the vehicle.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen showcases the first image of the new Polo GTI. Check it out!

The bodywork features an expressive front-end with large intakers and many facrbon-fibre components. The active splitter has been redesigned and now is larger and can be adjusted lengthways by 40mm, in order to ensure the balance between the rear spoiler and the four-position adjustment of the central sections. On the sides, the carbon-fiber side skirts broaden the body of the Giulia and contribute to that menacing stance and sporty feel. The 20-inch wheels further enhance the sporty spirit of the vehicle and are specially designed to blend style and lightness.

Interior design

The dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and the central trim on the seats are all covered with Alcantara upholstery. Also, the matt carbon-fibre inserts offer a distinctive technical and aesthetic elegance, while the roll bar and the door pull loops match the color of the six-point SABELT seat belts.

Source: Alfa Romeo

May 12, 2021
Volkswagen showcases the first image of the new Polo GTI. Check it out!

Just in time for the traditional GTI weekend meet-up on Lake Wörthersee, VW reveals the first images of the new Polo GTI. The compact sports car is based on the last generation Polo and offers premium features and numerous customization options. Also, the vehicle showcases a dynamic and beautiful exterior design – a part of VW’s new concept approach towards the new generations of models.

The official premiere of the new Polo GTI will take place later in June 2021.

As fans will say, “Once a GTI, always a GTI”, and with a reason. The success of the GTI concept continues with VW’s latest models and now the engineering team not only focuses on retaining the strong excitement but also build on this foundation and add new tech concepts to the mix.

SEE ALSO: New Tesla Roadster Prototype will be on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

As it comes to the meet-up, this is the usual spot for GTI maniacs since 1982. Over the years, the event attracted both enthusiasts and specialists and has become a soft of a dedicated festival with the simple idea of admiring the GTI lineup.

Source: Volkswagen

May 11, 2021
New Tesla Roadster Prototype will be on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

The Peterson Automotive Museum, in collaboration with Tesla, is hosting a dedicated exhibition featuring the new Tesla Roadster prototype from May 19 through June 2, 2021. The vehicle will be displayed alongside the original 2006 Tesla Roadster prototype.

According to the Tesla team, the production vehicle offers record-setting performance rates. The engineering team claims that the new Roadster Prototype will be able to reach a top speed of 250mph and accelerate from 0 to 60mph in mere 1.9 seconds. Furthermore, it is expected that the vehicle can cover up to 620 miles on a full charge with its next-generation set of batteries.

As it seems, Tesla continues its goal towards presenting the most advanced and refined vehicles and technologies that will change the face of the automobile industry. After the success of numerous Tesla models, it seems like the team has decided to continue expanding the boundaries of technology and chase even better and more refined engineering solutions.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz expands the EQA lineup

Visitors who would like to have a look at the new Tesla Roadster Prototype should purchase tickets in advance of through the Peterson Automobile Museum website.

Source: Peterson Automobile Museum

May 11, 2021
Mercedes-Benz expands the EQA lineup

The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz EQA adds two more versions to the lineup – EQA 300 4MATIC and EQA 350 4MATIC and the exciting EQA 250.

The first vehicle in the lineup, the EQA 300 4MATIC comes with an all-wheel-drive and a dual-motor setup. It generates a total of 228hp and offers some sporty performance capabilities, blended with neat utility features.

The EQA 350 4MATIC also uses a dual electric motor setup with a total of 292hp and can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in mere 6 seconds. The dual-motor setup also includes a 4MATIC system and adds some more driving capabilities.

Both models come with a useable battery capacity of 66.5kWh and an all-electric range of 264 miles. Also, Mercedes Charge is a part of the standard equipment for all models and for three years with discounted IONITY rapid-charging service for one year.

SEE ALSO: Flying Spur’s interior excellence

In terms of styling, the lineup comes with 18-inch AMG 5-Spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG body styling with an exclusive front apron with an integrated air curtain, and AMG rear apron with diffuser optics. Also, there’s an exclusive black panel radiator grille with a twin-blade design in chrome and illuminated door sills with EQA lettering.

Some of the optional goodies include exclusive 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys, electrically-operated panoramic glass sunroof, Keyless-Go Comfort package, augmented reality navigation system, advanced sound system, and wireless charging capabilities.

Source: Bentley

May 11, 2021
Flying Spur’s interior excellence

One of the world’s finest four-door sedans has been made even better with contemporary technology and tons of customization options. Also, Bentley designers now offer a new exterior paint that would complement all the changes – Cambrian Grey.

Technology and craftsmanship

The latest Flying Spur model comes with a large number of technological benefits for the buyer. Only some of the new additions include traffic sign recognition, hands-free boot opening, extended safeguard features, top-view camera, interior lighting, and more.

In terms of interior, the vehicle offers high levels of comfort and refinement, advanced virtual technologies, and cutting-edge utility gadgets.

One of the challenges before designers and engineers was to remove the unwanted noise inside the cabin and they did so by incorporating the Virtual Prototyping concept. It allows the Flying Spur to use digital mock-ups that help to identify NVH before building a physical version of the vehicle, which allows for making tons of experiments that eventually lead to the best suitable solution.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen ID. lineup overview: what makes it special

Furthermore, by using virtual prototyping, the Bentley team was able to undertake the revision of 40 different components. By revising and changing them, the team managed to include the best suitable solution in the latest generation of the Flying Spur and grant buyers the best possible solution for each engineering challenge.

Source: Bentley

May 11, 2021
Volkswagen ID. lineup overview: what makes it special

The ID lineup is definitely worth checking out. Especially after receiving the “2021 World Car of the Year” award. All the vehicles in the series come with a set of cutting-edge technologies on board and adopt the latest engineering concepts in terms of drivetrain systems. These features contribute to excellent performance rates, long-range coverage, and excellent safety.

The battery technology in the ID. lineup

Batteries are definitely the central part of the drivetrain system of all ID. models. VW team has announced that it will increase the sales figures for electric vehicles by 2030 and therefore focus on developing even better battery systems.

The sizes in the lineup vary between 45kWh to 150kWh and depending on the model and other factors, an ID. model can cover up to 352km with a single charge. Furthermore, this output is enough to give a power output to the car and ensures between 150hp and 205hp.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-AMG Motorsport achieved its 500th overall win

Furthermore, the batteries can be charged to their maximum capacity in about 30 minutes – all models allow for AC and DC charging. When using a home charging station, the capacity is 11kW, depending on the battery size.

Safety features

Depending on the battery size, up to three controllers are located in the housing which monitors the module voltage and temperature levels. These units compensate for deviations in the capacity of the individual cells. The main control unit and the connection box are mounted at the rear of the battery body – in the event of a serious accident they can instantly de-energize the vehicle.

Production and quality assurance

The battery systems are produced at the VW Components plant in Braunschweig, where they are also developed. Other sites for production are Foshan and Anting, Chattanooga and Mlada Boleslav. In addition, preparations are underway for Volkswagen to start its own battery cell production in Salzgitter.

VW team guarantees 70 percent of each battery’s capacity for a period of 8 years or 160,000km. Also, the used-up batteries can be reused under second-life schemes.

Source: Volkswagen

May 11, 2021
Mercedes-AMG Motorsport achieved its 500th overall win

The Customer Racing Teams have produced another milestone in Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s history. Richard and Sam Neary from team ABBA Racing secured the 500^th overall win of the Customer Racing Program with their Mercedes-AMG GT3s in the British GT Cup Championship last weekend. Then, only a few hours later, Antonelli MotorSport added the 501^st race in the Italian GT Championship.

The story of success started back in 2010, when the former VLN series (now called Nürburgring Endurance Series), witnessed the maiden overall win by the BLACK FALCON with Thomas Jäger and Christopher Haase in what was only the second race of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. This is a vehicle that was fully developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG and laid the foundation of the Customer Racing Program.

Sometime later, the 100^th overall win was achieved in 2013 and plays a significant role. With first place in the 24-hour race at Spa, the HTP Motorsport team with drivers Maximilian Buhk, Maximilian Götz and Bernd Schneider completed the ‘Grand Slam’ of all the major GT3 endurance racing classics. Previously, Customer Racing Teams with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 had already been a winner in the Dubai 24-hour race, the Bathurst 12-hour race and the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, all that in a span of only one year.

Furthermore, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 scored a historic tripe victory in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in January 2020.

Then drivers scored another remarkable success in the 2021 motorsport season. The 1-2 for the Mercedes- AMG GT3s from WINWARD Racing and SunEnergy1 Racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona marked the first-ever GT3 victory for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport in this famous race.

SEE ALSO: Ford reveals first details for the new Mustang NASCAR machine

The most recent wins were achieved by Team ABBA Racing and Antonelli MotorSport last weekend. In the GT Cup Championship, Richard Neary and his son Sam Neary drove from second place on the grid to victory in the second of the two 50-minute sprint races at Brands Hatch on Saturday. With the fourth overall win in the sixth race of the season for the duo with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with starting number 88, the magical number of 500 overall race wins was reached. One day later, Antonelli MotorSport was first across the finish line in the Italian GT Championship. Bar Baruch (ISR) and Luca Segù (ITA) won the second race of the weekend at Monza with the #90 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Source: Mercedes-Benz AMG Motorsport

May 10, 2021