Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Lotus reveals new Evora GT410 and upgrade packs for other models

    2020 Lotus Evora GT410Lotus has launched a revised version of the Evora – the GT410. It will be the second model in the lineup and will sell alongside its sibling, the GT410 Sport, which also benefits from some neat upgrades. So, let’s check out Lotus team’s latest improvements and changes!

    Evora GT410 is designed to be a sort of “everyday car”. Whatever that means, the vehicle is geared with neat Sparco sports seats and air-con in order to create a more pleasurable environment for occupants. There’s also a reversing camera that enhances safety during low-speed maneuvers. There’s also a premium infotainment system with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a DAB radio for the first time. Neat! Furthermore, GT410’s door trims now feature integrated armrests and storage bins for enhanced comfort and practicality.

    The vehicle comes with a revised damper rate, which still delivers outstanding performance, but it now creates a more compliant ride for improved real-world comfort and pleasure. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-weather tires further enhance the pleasure of driving.

    2020 Lotus Evora GT410

    In terms of exterior styling, new Evora comes with a body-colored roof, side sills, tailgate, front access panel and mirror backs, red AP racing brake calipers and silver or glossy black V-spoke cast alloy wheels, 19-inches at the front and 20- at the rear.

    On the other hand, Evora GT410 Sport remains the most driver-focused and lightweight model in the entire Evora range. However, its standard specs have been revised and upgraded: now there are Sparco sports seats, air-con, a premium infotainment system and Apple CarPlay smartphone incorporation.

    SEE ALSO: Jaguar Land Rover reveals new models at the Chicago Auto Show!

    Lotus team has also announced new ways for customers to enhance the specs of the Elise and Exige lineup models. Such upgrades include Touring and Sport upgrade packs. The first one, Touring, includes more conventional and comfortable features, while Sport is exclusively focused on improving the performance rates of the machine.

    2020 Lotus Evora GT410

    Neat!

    Source: Lotus 

  • Jaguar Land Rover reveals new models at the Chicago Auto Show!

    2021 Jaguar F-TYPE Jaguar Land Rover will showcase its expanded model lineup from both brands at the prestigious 2020 Chicago Auto Show, February 6-17, at McCormic Place. The event will feature the North American debut of the new 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE, the latest family member and the most advanced so far.

    Additionally, Jaguar team will display numerous more new vehicles, including the all-electric 2020 Jaguar I-PACE SUV, F-PACE performance SUV, E-PACE compact SUV, and Jaguar XE sports sedan. All of these come with tons of upgrades and improvements, compared to predecessor models. Also, the extreme performance XE SV Project 8 will be on display.

    On the other hand, Land Rover will showcase brand’s full model lineup of high-end SUVs, including the latest Defender lineup, which will go on sale in the spring. Alongside the new Defender, the team will proudly showcase new 2020 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque alongside the Discovery and Discovery Sport.

    2021 Jaguar F-TYPE

    The latest and heavily restyled F-TYPE comes with more appealing exterior design than ever. The two-seater offers a neat balance between performance and comfort.

    The proportions of the new F-TYPE are instantly recognizable, however the vehicle is even more aggressive and badass-looking. The exterior design features a new clamshell hood, front and rear bumpers, subtly enlarged grille, slim LED headlights and taillights that altogether deliver this outstanding visual impact.

    In terms of drivetrain system and performance, the 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE can be specified with 296hp four-, 380hp six- and 575hp eight-cylinder options, all mated to an eight-speed Quikshift gearbox with full manual control and an active exhaust system, which is switchable either as an option or as a standard feature.

    2020 Land Rover Defender

    2020 Land Rover Defender

    Completely revised for the 21st century, 2020 Land Rover Defender offers the most off-road experience a Land Rover vehicle is capable of.

    The vehicle comes with a new all-aluminum D7x platform that delivers that stiffest Land Rover body ever created with a torsional rigidity of 29Nm/Degree – making it three times more rigid than traditional body-on-frame designs. The new family member is also the first Land Rover to adopt the Configurable Terrain Response, allowing drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely.

    While still embracing its well-known and beloved silhouette, the Defender also showcases some neat and welcoming changes: the short rear overhang is made possible by mounting the spare wheel externally, rather placing it under the rear floor. The side-hinged rear door is further redesigned in order to accommodate any of the available wheel and tire combinations.

    SEE ALSO: 2020 VW Atlas is named Family Car of the Year. Details here!

    In order to complete the functional and durable interior with exposed structural elements, the iconic 4×4 debuts a new PIVI Pro5 infotainment system with intuitive interface, while the Software-Over-The-Air updates allow customers to access the latest software updates remotely. Furthermore, the vehicle comes with an intuitive 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

    Stick with us for further details!

    Source: Jaguar Land Rover 

  • 2020 VW Atlas is named Family Car of the Year. Details here!

    2020 Volkswagen AtlasVolkswagen of America, Inc. proudly announces that Cars.com has named the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Family Car of the Year. The Atlas has managed to beat out nominees as Ford Expedition and Hyundai Santa Fe – the jury has chosen Atlas for its spacious third row and vast cargo space, ample room for car seats, host of driver-assistance features, and Volkswagen’s fun-to-drive character.

    Any 2020 vehicle is eligible for the Cars.com Family Car of the Year Award, regardless of when it was introduced or updated. Award’s criteria include crash test results, safety features, and the accommodation of family members and their belongings whether that be cargo or car seats. The additional family-friendly features and the overall mechanical excellence of the machine also play a major role in the selection and jury’s final choice.

    2020 Volkswagen Atlas

    Some of the standout features include the suite of standard and available driver-assistance features, and the A-grades in Cars.com 2019 Car Seat Check Honor Roll. In fact, this is the third Atlas to be awarded by Cars.com.

    SEE ALSO: Kelley Blue Book awards new Sonata with 2020 Best Auto Tech Award

    With a starting price of $31,545USD, 2020 Atlas can be specified in seven trim levels – S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium. Furthermore, the vehicle is offered with a choice of two powertrains – a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder front-wheel drive, or the sportier 3.6-liter VR6 engine, which can be mated to a front-wheel drive or 4Motion AWD system. Also, for 2020 Atlas lineup comes with new-generation VW Car-Net services and Wi-Fi capability as a standard feature on every trim level.

    2020 Volkswagen Atlas

    Source: Volkswagen 

  • Kelley Blue Book awards new Sonata with 2020 Best Auto Tech Award

    2020 Hyundai Sonata The all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata has been awarded the 2020 Best Auto Tech Award by Kelley Blue Book. The award helps shoppers identify the models with the best use of in-car technology at a reasonable price. Best Auto Tech Award also honors the vehicle with the most infotainment, convenience and active safety features.

    New Hyundai Sonata offers tons of advanced technology and digital enhancements that altogether rival those on vehicles at double the price. This contemporary midsize sedan takes a different approach, compared to its predecessors and showcases Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design concept.

    Furthermore, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata uses the extensive application of next-gen technologies that boost the overall comfort, convenience, safety and the overall pleasure of driving. What is new about this model is the Digital Key Technology – it allows the vehicle to be unlocked, started and driven without the use of a physical key. The new Digital Key can be utilized by up to four authorized users – they can also store their individual settings in such a way that the vehicle can instantly recognize every single one by a single push of a button.

    SEE ALSO: Nissan unveils the toughest Navara so far – the OFF-ROADER AT32!

    Additionally, Sonata offers advanced comfort and convenience features as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch LCD monitor. The vehicle comes with brand’s SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems that include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Occupant Alert and Driver Attention Warning. Optionally, every model can be specified with Blind View Monitor, Highway Drive Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist – which in certain limited situations enables your Hyundai to park itself with a push of your Smart Key Button.

    2020 Hyundai Sonata has a starting price of $23,600 and is available at dealerships across the US.

    Source: Hyundai 

  • Nissan unveils the toughest Navara so far – the OFF-ROADER AT32!

    2020 Nissan Navara OFF ROADER AT32Nissan has unveiled an updated version of its most capable Navara yet – the OFF-ROADER AT32. Based on the previous limited editions, a new family member has been manufactured to be the more efficient and more agile machine in any off-road situation.

    Created through an ongoing partnership between Nissan and world-famous Icelandic off-road experts, Arctic Trucks, the updated Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 comes with a full underbody shield that has been upgraded to lightweight aluminum material. The improved shape ensures a more comprehensive production of underbody components.

    2020 Nissan Navara OFF ROADER AT32

    In addition, there are new 31.6-inch Nokian tires that improve fuel economy and emissions and enhance the on-road handling without compromising vehicle’s off-road capabilities. There’s also a special satin black alloy wheels with dual valves in order to allow the fast and accurate adjustment of tire pressure when moving between different terrains.

    SEE ALSO: Fiat announces details about upcoming Hybrid Launch Edition vehicles

    Other notable features include bespoke all-terrain wheel arch extensions and all-terrain optimized Blistein performance suspension, exclusive badging, arch extensions, side steps, wheel centers, tailgate and mug guards, continued from the last updates.

    Optional additions include an electronic lock for the front differential in order to boost traction in extreme conditions, an air intake snorkel, which increases Navara’s maximum wading depth and more.

    2020 Nissan Navara OFF ROADER AT32

    Source: Nissan 

  • Mercedes-Benz presents a new lineup of eVITO vans. Check ’em out!

    2020 Mercedes-Benz eVITOPricing and details for new Mercedes-Benz eVito have been already announced – the latest family member comes with 85hp and 300Nm of torque, a 92-mile average range and a six-hour charging time, based on three-phase charging.

    The front-wheel-drive eVito has been aligned with the current Vito range and offers standard specs that mimic the PURE model lineup, which includes: a height and rake adjustable steering wheel, Hill Start Assist, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, sliding door on both sides of the vehicle, wood flooring, and an adaptive brake light.

    Additionally, the vehicle offers some exclusive features – these are Mercedes PRO connect, heated driver’s seat, TEMPMATIC air conditioning, a four-meter charging cable and a CanTrack vehicle tracker, all standard. Neat!

    Available in two lengths, eVito can be specified as PURE L2 and PURE L3, as each trim level offers an extended list of standard technologies and utility features. L2 model offers 6.0 m3 cargo volume, 2,277kg kerb weight, 3,200kg GVW and payload of 923kg. On the other hand, L3 offers 6.6 m3 cargo volume, 2,302 kg kerb weight, 3,200 kg GVW, and a payload of 898 kg.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz eVITO

    Also, in addition to the PURE, eVITO PROGRESSIVE will be available with color-coded bumpers, full wheel covers, front fog lights, headlight assist, 75mph speed limiter, Audio 15, lumbar support electrically foldable mirrors, all of which are standard goodies.

    SEE ALSO: Fiat announces details about upcoming Hybrid Launch Edition vehicles

    For both specification levels, Mercedes PRO connect comes as standard and is free for the first time in many years. Its benefits include: Remote Access, Digital Driver’s Log, Drive Style monitoring, real-time variable servicing monitoring, parking time monitor and geo-fence options. In addition, the vehicles benefit from pre-conditioning the heaters and highlight the charging options nearby.

    2020 Mercedes-Benz eVITO

    New eVito machines are already available for order worldwide at Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealers.

  • Fiat announces details about upcoming Hybrid Launch Edition vehicles

    2020 Fiat 500 and Panda Hybrid Launch Editions Pricing and details for the new Fiat 500 Mild Hybrid and Panda Mild Hybrid have been announced. Coming to showrooms in February and March 2020, both vehicles have a lot to demonstrate. Let’s check ’em out!

    Fiat 500 and Panda are two iconic models that represent the urban mobility in Europe and are sold in large numbers every year – about 400,000 units each. Now, by introducing the mild-hybrid technology, 500 and Panda ensure that all benefits of efficient, compact, lightweight and accessible driving are all present in both machines.

    The mild-hybrid technology

    500 and Panda will be available with a new petrol mild hybrid engine that blends the latest 3-cylinder FireFly 1.0-liter power unit with a 12-volt Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BSG) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that delivers additional 70hp (51kW).

    Compared to the outgoing 1.2-liter 69hp petrol engine, the mild hybrid version ensures better fuel economy, reducing the CO2 emissions on the road by up to 30 percent without impeding performance. Furthermore, the 500 Mild Hybrid comes with emissions as low as 88g/km and the Panda as low as 89g/km. BGS system also ensures a very high standard of driving comfort due to the BSG system, allowing for a quiet and vibration-free restart of the internal combustion engine in Stop and Go mode.

    2020 Fiat 500 and Panda Hybrid Launch Editions

    Additionally, the new 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine has a peak output of 70hp at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 92Nm at 3,500rpm. What is special about this system is that the cylinder head has two valves per cylinder and a single camshaft with continuously variable timing. This structure includes a compact combustion chamber, high-tumble intake ducts, and external Exhaust Gas Recirculation, which altogether provide a high compression ratio of 12:1.

    The BSG system is mounted directly on the power unit and is operated by the by the belt that also drives the auxiliaries. This entire setup helps for recovering energy during braking and deceleration, storing it in the lithium-ion battery and using it for additional mileage coverage and power output.

    500 Mild Hybrid and Panda Mild Hybrid ‘Launch Edition’

    2020 Fiat 500 and Panda Hybrid Launch Editions

    The special series can be recognized by the “Hybrid” logo on the rear and exclusive “H” logo, formed by two dew drops, on the central panel. The new exclusive “Dew Green” exterior finish is also present with the new editions.

    SEE ALSO: Jeep reveals a revised edition of the Wrangler Rubicon Recon

    In fact, these Launch Edition models are the first in the automobile sector to be made of Seaqual Yarn, the weaving of which produces a special material, certified by Seaqual, derived from recycled plastic, 10 percent from the sea and 90 from the land. Also, Seaqual Yarn is produced by transforming the plastic collected from the sea into flakes of polyethylene terephthalate. These flakes are then used in the yarn from which the fabrics are made. In the weaving phase, marine polyester is mixed with other natural and recycled fibers. This process is completed by the application of dyes and finishes that minimize the use of water and energy.

    Source: Fiat

  • BMW receives a special award for the Inductive Charging Pilot Program. Details here!

    2020 BMW Charging Pilot StationBMW receives the Green Car Journa’s Green Car Technology of the Year award for brand’s advanced Inductive Charging Pilot Program. It allows participating BMW customers to test and provide feedback on using wireless inductive technology in order to charge their 530e plug-in hybrid sedan, instead of having to plug the vehicle in a wall-mounted charging box.

    The pilot program began in Germany in 2018 and gradually expands to the US. Available in the state of California for a small group of qualifying residential home customers, the program includes a 36-month lease of a specially equipped 530e sedan and home installation of the inductive charging equipment.

    BMW Wireless Charging consists of an Inductive Charging Station and a secondary vehicle component fixed to the underside of the vehicle. The contactless transfer of energy between the GroundPad and CarPad is completed over a distance of about three inches. The inductive charging components generate a magnetic field, which allows for the safe transfer of energy with an efficiency rate of around 85 percent.

    SEE ALSO: Fiat announces details about upcoming Hybrid Launch Edition vehicles

    The system has a charging power of 3.2kW, enabling the high-voltage batteries on board the BMW 530e to be fully charged in around three and a half hours.

    2020 BMW Charging Pilot Station

    Source: BMW 

  • Jeep reveals a revised edition of the Wrangler Rubicon Recon

    2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Jeep brand returns the Wrangler Rubicon Recon edition to the iconic lineup and gear it with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder power unit with eTorque mild hybrid technology. New Recon edition is based on the Wrangler Rubicon and features sexy exterior and neat interior features. Let’s check them out!

    2020 Jeep Wrangler’s exterior design features heavy-duty rock rails, body-color fenders, LED headlights and taillights, glossy black finish for the grille with body-color surrounds, Recon fender badge, matte black fender vent decal with the American flag, exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels with black finish, matte black hood stripe decal and Rubicon gray grille throats and headlamp inserts.

    All Wrangler Rubicon Recon models also come with next-generation Dana front and rear heavy-duty axles, specially enhanced for off-road adventures. Also, there’s Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. The new model lineup also includes electric front and rear locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar and 33-inch Falken Wildpeak Mud-Terrain tires, taking the Wrangler to the next level of capability and versatility.

    SEE ALSO: Karma Revero GT takes home an honorable award

    Wrangler Rubicon Recon edition will be offered in Black, Granite Crystal, String-Gray, Billet Silver, Ocean Blue, Sarge, Bikini, Firecracker Red, Punk’n, Hellayella and Bright White.

    2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon has a starting price of $43,380 for the two-door model and $46,880 for the four-door variant.

    2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon is already available for order.

    Source: Jeep 

  • Karma Revero GT takes home an honorable award

    2020-Karma-Revero-GT-9102020 Karma Revero GT was named Green Car Journal’s 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year for blending its environmental performance with high levels of luxury and exceptional driving experience.

    The prestigious award recognizes environmental achievements in the automotive industry and as it seems, Revero GT was graded above other finalists competing at the 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year event. Such rivals were BMW 745e, Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, Porsche Taycan, and Range Rover Evoque.

    Green Car Journal team describes 2020 Karma Revero GT as being unique among luxury models that manage to blend the best of luxurious features with a sporty character and environmentally-friendly drivetrain system.

    As you might know, for the past 15 years, Green Car Journal’s high-end Green Awards have recognized environmental accomplishment in the automotive industry. Automobiles awarded with this recognition blend laudable environmental performance with other characteristics that are also important to the industry and clients – styling, value, safety features, performance rates and overall pleasure of driving and using the automobile.

    SEE ALSO: Kia Telluride is the winner at the 2020 ALG Design Innovation event

    Karma’s 2020 Revero product line is offered in two trim levels – Revero GT, Karma’s definitive luxurious electric vehicle, and Revero GTS, a sportier version that comes to dealers in Q1 of 2020. With a starting price of $135,000, Revero GT is designed and engineered in Irvine, California. All vehicles in the lineup are created largely by hand using skilled craftsmen at Karma’s Innovation & Customization Center in Moreno Valley, California.

    Source: Karma 

  • Kia Telluride is the winner at the 2020 ALG Design Innovation event

    2020 Kia Telluride Kia Telluride has won the 2020 ALG Design Innovation Award for Overall Design and Execution. ALG judges have praised the vehicle for its outstanding design and refined drivetrain system. As you might know, ALG, subsidiary of TrueCar, is an industry leader in vehicle residual value projections and has been operating for over 55 years.

    Kia Motors America

    Headquartered I Irvine, California, Kia Motors America has been one of the highest-ranked mass-market brands for five consecutive years according to J.D. power, and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers full range of machines sold through a network of almost 800 dealers in the US, including vehicles and SUVs.

    SEE ALSO: Volvo XC40 gets prestigious award from Kelley Blue Book

    New Telluride, Sorento and Optima models are assembled oi the US – as it seems, the brand is determined to maintain its high positions as one of the most regarded and reliable mass-vehicle manufacturers. And it is of no surprise that Kia team has managed to receive such high recognition – for several years Kia is making anything within its power to prove itself worthy among the best automobile brands out there. As it seems, the entire team is tackling this daunting task with tons of finesse and confidence.

    Source: Kia 

  • Volvo XC40 gets prestigious award from Kelley Blue Book

    2019 Volvo XC402020 Volvo XC40 has managed to hold its vale better than most other vehicles in the segment, according to experts at Kelley Blue Book. As you might know, this is organization that makes comprehensive tests and evaluations and give a real advice to future buyers for certain vehicles and their real worth.

    The XC40 has won this year’s Kelley Blue Book Resale Value Award in the Luxury Subcompact SUV category. In fact, this is the second Volvo that takes an award this year from the third-party experts. Volvo V90 luxury wagon won an ALG Residual Value Award in November 2019.

    Also, Kelley Blue Book says that there are numerous new-car buyers who do not realize that depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle’s ownership.

    2019 Volvo XC40

    SEE ALSO: Maserati reveals “Edizione Ribelle” limited run of vehicles

    New Volvo XC40 has a starting price of $33,700USD and comes with numerous features as part of the standard equipment – there are numerous cutting-edge safety and utility functions, along with many driver-assisting technologies and gadgets. In fact, this is the first vehicle to be offered through Care by Volvo, brand’s program that gives customers the option to subscribe to their vehicles instead of a traditional purchase or lease. Care by Volvo subscribers can order their vehicle online.

    2019 Volvo XC40

    Source: Volvo