Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Genesis team announces further details for the new G80 lineup

    2021 Genesis G80Genesis Motor America announced further details for the 2022 Genesis G80 lineup including the new 3.5T AWD Sport trim levels. All models in the lineup come with comprehensive suite of benefits and all kind of financial offers.

    We are pleased to be enhancing our G80 lineup for 2022, said Tedros Mengiste, Executive Director of Sales Operations at Genesis Motor America. “As a new entrant in our lineup, G80 Sport provides a perfect balance of ‘Athletic Elegance’ combined with a more dynamic driving experience.

    New G80 is at the core of Genesis sedans and comes with a neat balance between comfort and performance. Based on the well-known G80 foundation, new G80 3.5T AWD Sport trims add some neat components to the mix: a new front fascia with a grille in dark glossy chrome, and a three-dimensional wing-shaped front bumper.

    The elegant profile also reveals dark glossy chrome elements, exclusive 19- and 20-inch Sport Alloy wheels and a new exclusive color: the ‘Cavendish Red’, with a name inspired by a Cliffside township on the Northeast of Price Edward Island in Canada, where the area’s famous for its red sand.

    SEE ALSO: Citroen reveals details for the new C5 X lineup

    Inside, G80 3.5T AWD Sport trims receives the Sport model-specific three-spoke steering wheel, while the dashboard garnish comes in two different designs – standard Sport Aluminum and optional real Carbon Fiber. Customers will also be able to choose new Sport-exclusive seat quilting designs based on their choice of a diamond or V pattern. G80 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige trims also include Rear-Wheel Steering, a first in the Genesis lineup, and a Sport Tuned Electronically Controlled Suspension.

  • Citroen reveals details for the new C5 X lineup

    2021-Citroen-C5-X-910New Citroën C5 X represents a new direction for the brand and has been specially created to meet the changing customer expectations. The new C5 X blends the modernity and appealing of an SUV, but also the elegance of a saloon and the practicality of a wagon. So, let’s see what exactly is going on here, shall we?

    Exterior design

    The new C5 X’s body style is definitely muscular and specially optimized to reduce fuel consumption and streamline a rather menacing profile. The elegance of the body is emphasized by the vehicle’s tight volume. The extended bonnet, as well as the high beltline and the rear flare, give this impression of distinction, dynamism, and sturdiness, all well-known among the Citroën large vehicles.

    Furthermore, the elongated coupe comes with a sloping roofline and floating aerodynamic spoiler that further enhances the dynamic stance of the new C5 X. All these goodies are topped off with neat LED V-shaped lights.

    Frédéric Angibaud, the designer of C5 X, said: “From an SUV, the C5 X has borrowed the “up on the road” look – that raised posture that provides a feeling of protection and sturdiness. The style of its sides and its curves exudes the kind of sturdiness that you find in an SUV”. The elongated design of the passenger compartment and the long spoilers located at the rear of the car, as well as everything that has been designed horizontally – such as the extended side windows – are all hallmarks of the saloon”.

    The vehicle definitely features some SUV cues, such as the raised posture, the 720-mm wheels, and the overall enlarged body with dimensions as follows: 4805mm long and 1865mm wide, while standing at 1485mm high with a 2785mm wheelbase. Drivers are provided with a generous boot volume of up to 545 liters.

    SEE ALSO: Petersen Automotive Museum exhibits the largest official gathering of vehicles from James Bond films

    Interior design

    Inside, the C5 X welcomes drivers and passengers to a lounge-like space with Advanced Comfort seats, an elegant finish, and tons of utility and infotainment gadgets.

    Drivetrain system

    The vehicle is available with a neat 225hp plug-in hybrid power unit that delivers zero emissions and can cover a range of up to 34 miles. The model also introduces the Advanced Comfort Active Suspension system.

     

  • Petersen Automotive Museum exhibits the largest official gathering of vehicles from James Bond films

    2015 Aston Martin DB10The Peterson Automotive Museum will present an exclusive exhibit, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the James Bond movie franchise with a diverse collection of iconic screen-used machines. Opening September 25, 2021, in the Mullin Grand Salon gallery, Bond in Motion will be the largest official Bond vehicle display to date in the U.S., and will feature more than 30 cars, motorcycles, boats, submarines, helicopters and even scale filming models of aircraft from an array of both classic and contemporary Bond films.

    Some of the show’s highlights will include Lotus Esprit S1 Submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), 1985 Aston Martin V8 from The Living Daylights (1987), 1999 BMW Z8 from The World Is Not Enough (1999), and the 2019 Aston Martin DB10 fromSpectre (2015).

    James Bond is an international pop culture icon and the vehicles he drives are an integral part of his character, said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges, The Petersen is excited to showcase so many of the series’ most well-known vehicles. We are sure that there will be something to satisfy every generation of Bond fan.

    Bond in Motion was created as a collab between EON Productions and The Ian Fleming Foundation, with some support from Goldwyn Mayer (MGM). The idea is to how the vehicles featured in the Bond movies contributed to each movie’s popularity and legacy.

    SEE ALSO: All-New 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gets the highest safety rating by IIHS

    Prior to the public opening, the Petersen will host an opening reception on the evening of September 23 with live entertainment, and gourmet appetizers and cocktails.

    The exhibit will replace the Hollywood Dream Machines exhibit in the Mullin Grand Salon gallery on the first floor of the museum and will run through October 30, 2022. It will also provide a space for screenings, panel discussions and lectures related to the Bond franchise.

  • All-New 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gets the highest safety rating by IIHS

    2022-Mitsubishi-Outlander-IIHSTSP-910Mitsubishi Motors North America announced that the all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has been awarded the highest possible safety rating, the TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS, by the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

    The award applies to all vehicles built after June 2021, after which the brand made some adjustments to the headlight aiming.

    The Institute for Highway Safety is an independent and non-profit organization that researches, performs, and accesses safety ratings and crash tests of production vehicles. As for the award itself, the TSP+ is given to the vehicles that meet all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraint tests.

    Furthermore, vehicles must be available with a front-crash prevention system and through it to receive a superior rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.

    The all-new 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is the most connected, best-equipped vehicle we have ever sold in the U.S., and today, IIHS confirms it is among the safest vehicles on the road, said MMNA Chief Operating Officer Mark Chaffin, With this designation, and the industry’s only standard third-row seating, Outlander is a great choice for modern families, and we can be really proud of that.

    The all-new Outlander offers a wide array of standard and available advanced driver assistance systems to increase driver convenience and safety. MI-PILOT Assist integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition to maintain appropriate speed and following distance and keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.

    SEE ALSO: New Subaru Outback receives the maximum of five-star overall rating by EuroNCAP

    Depending on trim level, Outlander also offers Forward Collision Mitigation, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic High Beam, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Stability Assist, and a Multiview Camera system.

     

  • New Subaru Outback receives the maximum of five-star overall rating by EuroNCAP

    2021-Subaru-Outback-910Subaru team announced that the new Outback has managed to achieve the maximum of five-star overall rating in the 2021 European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP). The model managed to register excellent scores in all the four assessment areas – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist.

    Furthermore, the Outback attained the highest score achieved by any Subaru vehicle in both the Safety Assist and the Vulnerable Road Users. The vehicle also managed to register the highest marks in the Child Occupant Protection test across its class of Large Family Car segment.

    All these achievements reflect Subaru’s reputation for building reliable and safe vehicles. The new Outback proves this by offering the latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, stereo camera prevention collision system, with an expanded, nearly doubled angle view range. Furthermore, the model adopts Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention, and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at intersections.

    Some of the vehicle’s equipment features and technologies include Reverse Automatic braking, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Rear Seat Reminder, and Multi-View Monitors: Front View / Rear View / Side View Monitors, for a safer drive that reduces vehicle blind spots.

    SEE ALSO: Lotus announces a new project with a supercar evolved in

    The new Outback is based on the new Subaru Global Platform and comes with a great amount of high-tensile steel components,  which allow for more rigidity and overall protection. The body also features a new structural frame and additional beams and subframes that further boost the safety of the vehicle.

  • Lotus announces a new project with a supercar evolved in

    2021 Lotus Emira GT4Lotus, the famous motorsport brand, has revealed an all-new competition-spec GT4 vehicle, based on the famous Emira sports car model.

    This new Lotus entry marks the culmination of the brand’s 70 years of experience and also the mark of an exciting new era for the world of performance vehicles.

    The vehicle is developed in collaboration with GML Group, and both teams are committed to writing a new and meaningful chapter in the legacy of the two brands.

    At the moment, the Hethel-based development team is focused on delivering advanced dynamics and high-speed stability. The idea is to modify the lightweight and advanced Toyota 3.5-liter V6 engine and optimize the GT4 handling and stability in such a way that the vehicle promises more than a successful competition.

    SEE ALSO: New Ducato becomes the first light commercial vehicle to have level 2 autonomous driving

    Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager, Lotus, commented: The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car. We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance.

     

    Simon Holloway, Commercial Director, RML Group, commented: We are delighted to be collaborating with Lotus on the all-new Emira GT4 Concept. Both companies have a long and successful motorsport pedigree, and to bring that together at such an exciting time for Lotus is a welcome validation of our vision and values.

  • New Ducato becomes the first light commercial vehicle to have level 2 autonomous driving

    2021 Fiat DucatoFiat Professional’s Ducato model is the first-ever commercial vehicle to benefit from the level 2 autonomous Advanced Driver Assistance System.

    The Ducato offers a range of technologies aimed at improving the driving experience and also making the Ducato safer for the environment.

    Some of the added technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop And Go function, as well as Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Jam Assist with independent assistance functions. Additional features include speed limitation, braking control for unexpected obstacles such as pedestrians and cyclists, road sign recognition, and driver attentiveness monitoring.

    Additional advanced connectivity features include the optional Full Digital Cockpit, combining a 7-inch digital TFT color touchscreen display and two side digital gauges for RPM and fuel level. Uconnect 10-inch radio navigation with touchscreen color display and updated wireless connectivity compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. In combination with the ADAS technology, the 7-inch central digital display provides clear driver assistance systems information and warning.

    SEE ALSO: 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A has been named “Best of Show” car at the 2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance

    The flagship model of the Fiat Professional range, launched in 1981, wears its 40-year history with pride, having already celebrated its status as the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe in 2020.

     

  • Ford develops law enforcement version of the Mustang Mach-E

    2021 Ford Mustang Mach-EThe new Ford Mach-E has enjoyed tons of attention ever since its initial release, and now a new client makes a step forward – the UK’s police force will use the vehicle in their law enforcement activities.

    There are already seven forces that have either tested the new vehicle or requested a full evaluation of a specifically-built concept vehicle. Indeed, this concept, in the full blue light liver is already on display at the Emergency Services Show.

    The vehicle was built following the numerous inquiries of the UK police forces that also include some greener solutions, along with the tons of modifications and changes. The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraise the standard Mustang E-Mach and has requested a full list of evaluations and tests.

    The initial concept vehicle is based on the Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD and a new RWD version is scheduled to be produced. All vehicles in the lineup will feature greater batteries and all kinds of policeman equipment.

    The Mach-E police concept vehicle is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and can reach a total of 111mph.

    SEE ALSO: Ford Mustang Mach-E breaks another Guinness Record. Details here!

    The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery, says Terry Adams, Blue Light Direct Sales Manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland.

     

  • 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A has been named “Best of Show” car at the 2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance

    1938 Mercedes-Benz 540-K Cabriolet1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A has been named the winner in the “Best of Show” category at the 2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva. This vehicle is a part of an exclusive Pre-War Tourer lineup and has a lot to demonstrate.

    The exclusive vehicle with chassis number 154076 features a unique specification that blends the features of a two-seater Cabriolet A coachwork with the long-wheelbase chassis, as well as engine and gearbox that are set back with a total of 20cm.

    Other notable winners at the show include a 1965 GT40 Mk1 with original engine, gearbox, running gear, and bodywork.

    Also, some of the Pre-War Sports vehicles have managed to attract tons of attention. Such include SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster, and a 4½ Litre Vanden Plas tourer owned new by company saviour Woolf Barnato.

    One of the most eye-catching entries at this year’s event was a part of the Fit for a King class. The winner was an elegant 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, one of only three vehicles to feature Sedanca de Ville coachwork by Arthur Mulliner with a Thrupp & Maberly sliding roof over the driver. In this class, a 1949 Bentley Mk VI Light Touring Saloon was also chosen to win the Marlborough Award by the event host.

    Furthermore, a 1955 Aston Martin DB2 has managed to take home two awards – the Preservation Award and People’s Choice.

    SEE ALSO: An unique Voisin C-27 Aérosport wins ‘Best in Show’ at Concours of Elegance 2021

    2021 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva Award Winners:

    • Best in Show – 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Singelfenden
    • Class A: Competition Motorcycles – 1951 Moto Guzzi 500cc Bicilindrica
    • Class B: Exceptional Motorcycles – 1975 MV Agusta 750 Sport
    • Class C: Early Pioneers – 1904 Cadillac 8¼hp Model B Rear-Entrance Tonneau
    • Class D: Pre-War Tourers – 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A Singelfenden
    • Class E: Pre-War Sports – 1938 SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster
    • Class F: Fit for a King – 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville by Arthur Mulliner
    • Class G: Racing Greats – 1965 Ford GT40 Mk1
    • Class H: Post-War Open – 1962 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé
    • Class I: Post-War Closed (European) – 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este Coupé by Touring
    • Class J: Post-War Closed (British) – 1954 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 Coupé by D’Ieteren Frères
    • Class K: Post-War Tourers – 1946 Tatra T87 Aerodynamic Saloon
    • Class L: Pininfarina Design – 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1600 Spider 101 Series
    • Class M: 60 Years of the Jaguar E-type – 1963 Jaguar Lightweight ‘The Lindner Low-Drag’
    • Class N: Low-Slung Sports – 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta by Ghia
    • Class O: Classics of the Future – 1993 Jaguar XJ220
    • Class P: Rolling Bones Hot Rods – 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe
    • Preservation Award – 1955 Aston Martin DB2 rally car
    • People’s Choice – 1955 Aston Martin DB2 Monte-Carlo Rally Car
    • Churchill Cup – 1972 De Tomaso Mangusta
    • Duke of Marlborough Award – 1949 Bentley Mk VI Light Touring Saloon by Hooper & Co
    • Duke of Marlborough Award (Motorcycles) – 1901 Triumph Minerva
    • Chairman’s Award – 1951 Jaguar XK 120 OTS
    • Spirit Award – 1903 Panhard et Levassor 80hp
    • Most Exceptional Coachwork – 1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer by Barker
    • Most Opulent – 1931 Bentley 8 Litre Park Ward Four-Door Sports Saloon
    • Coup de Coeur – 1937 Talbot-Lago T15 Cabriolet by Worblaufen
    • Best Interior – 1947 Bentley Mk VI Cabriolet by Franay
    • Most Elegant – 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
    • Most Iconic – 1966 Jaguar E-type 4.2 GT FHC

  • An unique Voisin C-27 Aérosport wins ‘Best in Show’ at Concours of Elegance 2021

    1934 Voisin C-27 AérosportThe Concours of Elegance celebrated one of its most memorable running – with record number of guests, the event welcomed about 1,000 vehicles in total, and the audience had the chance to cherish both outstanding vintage classics, as well as contemporary high-end machines.

    Although there were numerous vehicles with a high collector’s value, only one could have won the “Best in Show” award and this was indeed the 1934 Voisin C-27 Aérosport. Designed by the great Gabriel Voisin, the vehicle showcases numerous traits of Voisin’s aviation background. The bizarre automobile was exclusively created for the 1934 Paris Motor Show, but didn’t hit the marks in terms of sales. After the show, only two roadsters were built on the shortened Aerodyne chassis and were known as the C27.

    Also on display were some of the finest examples from the UK prestigious car clubs. A panel of juries has deemed the Fiat Dino Spider to be the best on display and will take its place among the main concours cars for the Concours of Elegance 2022, which is already scheduled for 2-4 September.

    Furthermore, the Jaguar Trophy was won by an exclusive E-Type machine with outside bonnet locks, believed to be the best of its kind in existence. The Bentley Trophy, on the other hand, was awarded to Bentley MkVI with a body from Freestone and Webb by a panel of Bentley experts led by Giles Crickmay of Frank Dale & Stepsons.

    SEE ALSO: Ford Mustang Mach-E breaks another Guinness Record. Details here!

    The full list of awards:

    1. Best in Show – 1934 Avions Voisin Type C-27 Aérosport
    2. Pre-1915s – 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP
    3. 1920s – 1921 Bamford & Martin Aston Martin A3
    4. 1930s – 1932 Alfa Tipo P3 Tipo B
    5. 1940s – 1948 Delahaye 135M Fixed Head Coupé by Chapron
    6. 1950s – 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Cabriolet Farina
    7. 1960s – 1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
    8. 1970s – 1970 Porsche 917K Rofgo
    9. Post-1980s – 1997 Ferrari F50 Berlinetta
    10. The Royal Automobile Club Trophy – Fiat Dino
    11. Jaguar Trophy – Jaguar E-type #850026
    12. Bentley Trophy – Bentley MkVI Coupe by Freestone and Webb
    13. The Junior Concours – Jaguar E-type
    14. The Bridge of Weir Design Award – Delahaye 135MS Speciale Faget-Varnet
    15. Future Classics – Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus 004S
    16. Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Saturday: Maserati 3500 GT
    17. Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Sunday: Mercedes 190SL

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E breaks another Guinness Record. Details here!

    2021 Ford Mustang Mach-EFord’s latest all-electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, has become a triple Guinness Record holder after adding two charging titles to the efficiency record that it already broke this summer.

    Guinness World Records confirmed 43 minutes and 13 seconds of charging, which appears to be the world’s fastest charging at the moment. Fast charging the rear-wheel drive extended range Mustang Mach-E, which set the record, at 150kW adds around 73 miles of driving range every 10 minutes on a charge.

    Also, Mach-E’s super efficiency managed to consume the least energy by an electric vehicle by traveling a total of 6.5 miles per kilowatt-hour, which is equal to 500 miles of range.

    SEE ALSO: Volkswagen, Argo AI and MOIA show first ID.BUZZ autonomous prototype

    Tim Nicklin, Ford’s electrification manager, said: As deliveries ramp up, customers can be assured of Mach-E’s viability for daily use – as evidenced by this triple record-breaking performance, even on the UK’s most extreme journey. Ford’s own Go Electric report on consumer perceptions reveals that the average range which the public thinks an electric car can travel is under 150 miles. If the Mach-E can achieve well over three times that distance in the hands of professionals, and under 45 minutes of top-up charging on route, it can easily accommodate customers’ everyday requirements.

  • Volkswagen, Argo AI and MOIA show first ID.BUZZ autonomous prototype

    Volkswagen ID. BUZZ ADIn black and white camouflage and with neat roof structures, the new self-driving Volkswagen machine goes fully electric. Indeed, the ID.BUZZ AD will be deployed in commercial mobility services like MOIA in 2025.

    Argo AI, the global autonomous driving technology company is developing the self-driving mechanism of the vehicle and also includes all kinds of hardware, software, and cloud-support infrastructure for the ID. BUZZ AD.

    Also, the Argo team is actively testing many urban areas and all the ID. BUZZ AD prototypes. The Argo self-driving system comes with sensors, software, and computer platforms that altogether ensure a 360-degree awareness of the vehicle’s movement, prediction of other drivers and moving objects, accelerating, braking, and more.

    Furthermore, Argo’s patented Geiger-mode technology is especially helpful when it comes to detecting even the smallest particles of light and therefore detects the black object even in the darkest of environment.

    SEE ALSO: SKODA proves that the brand’s EV range is as safe as its conventional models

    While VW and Argo are developing the autonomous vehicle and its system, MOIA becomes the third component for autonomous mobility service. In 2025 MOIA is expected to become Europe’s largest all-electric ride pooling service provider. In fact, MOIA will also be the first user of the new ID.BUZZ AD lineup.