Automobiles Review

Author: Georgi Boychev

  • Citroen adds more value to the C3 SUV lineup!

    2019 Citroen C3Citroën’s C3 Aircross Compact SUV, brand’s second best-selling model in the UK, behind the C3 Supermini, will benefit from numerous of changes from October 2019. The engineering team has focused on adding more efficiency, enhanced comfort and wider range of customization features.

    As you might know, since its launch in 2017, Citroën’s C3 Aircross Compact SUV has received numerous recognitions and awards. This year alone the model was given Small SUV of the Year from Auto Express New Car Awards, Compact Crossover of the Year from Company Car Today and Best Small SUV by the Business Motoring Award 2019.

    And as it comes to the newest changes, Flair trim level will incorporate the “Urban Red” interior ambiance as standard. Also, there will be a new engine, Euro 6.3 compliant 1.2-liter PureTech 130 EAT6, which will help to enhance performance, while also confidently meets all new European Emission standards. Furthermore, the enhancements include a set of 17-inch 4Ever alloy wheels, Citroen Connect Box Emergency And Assistance System, Active Safety Brake, Reversing Camera, Keyless Entry and Start and Citroen Connect Nav with a three-year subscription to TomTom.

    2019 Citroen C3

    Also, the award-winning C3 Aircross Compact SUV will remain a standout crowd pleaser thanks to its sexy styling. The vehicle features bi-tone roof and highly customizable color packs. C3 Aircross Compact SUV features eight different body colors: Natural White (F), Breathing Blue (M), Platinum Grey (M), Spicy Orange (M), Soft Sand (M), and – new from October 2019 – Pepper Red (M), Cumulus Grey (M) and Perla Nera Black (M).

    SEE ALSO: Maserati showcases new Levante Trofeo and GTS at 2019 Salon Privé

    The entire C3 Aircross Compact SUV range will continue to offer a host of safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Recognition, all along with brand’s innovative Grip Control system with Hill Descent Assist, along with an options for enhanced comfort and traction when driving on any road surface.

    2019 Citroen C3

    Source: Citroen 

  • Maserati showcases new Levante Trofeo and GTS at 2019 Salon Privé

    2019-Maserati-Levante-GTS-and-Trofeo-910Maserati, the luxurious Italian automobile manufacturer joins the quintessentially British supercar garden party, Salon Privé 2019. Set against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, Maserati team will showcase its latest machines – Levante V8 Trofeo and GTS.

    Making just a few appearances in front of UK public, the new high-performance Levante Trofeo is set to amaze the audience with its impeccable balance, luxury features and refined drivetrain system. Levante Trofeo is also the fastest SUV to date – it is capable of surpassing 100km/h in 4.1 seconds. The vehicle also has a top speed of 186mph. Visitors to the Maserati stand will be able to explore the 580hp machine first-hand – all enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy vehicle’s neat exterior lines, next-gen technologies and the enhanced sporty spirit.

    SEE ALSO: McLaren Special Operations presents a restored F1 machine at Concours d’Elegance

    Alongside with the Trofeo there will be the Levante GTS, which also embodies the Italian manufacturer’s ideology in terms of expression and engineering. The vehicle features the same 3.8-liter V8 Twin Turbo petrol unit that also develops 530hp, but also comes with restyled exterior and additional interior gadgets.

    Salon Privé runs from Thursday 5 September to Sunday 8 September 2019 at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England.

    Source: Maserati 

  • McLaren Special Operations presents a restored F1 machine at Concours d’Elegance

    2019 McLaren F1 063McLaren Special Operations (MSO) will premiere its recently restored F1 #063 at the Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance outside London, England on September 6-8.

    After the announcement of the McLaren F1 Certification programme at last year’s event, MSO continues its confident presentation with this year’s latest project. As custodians of the F1 legacy, MSO continues to develop and manufacture parts to ensure every F1 remains authentic and an icon of the road.

    As it comes to the vehicle, Chassis 63 has undergone a comprehensive restoration over a period of 18-months. Initially the body and drivetrain were stripped from the vehicle. At the same time, the interior was then re-trimmed in the original Semi Aniline leather, which was an exclusive feature for this car. The body is finished in Woking Grey – a color reportedly inspired by the often slate-colored English sky.

    2019 McLaren F1 063

    Furthermore, Woking Grey Alcantara was used on the dashboard and the perforated passenger seats. The driver’s seat was re-trimmed in Woking Grey leather with a red perforated Alcantara central panel. There are also carpets with the same fabric and a steering wheel that features the original design.

    In terms of drivetrain system, vehicle’s 6.1-liter normally-aspirated engine was completely redesigned. Once finished, the unit was dyno tested in order to ensure that it generates these massive 618hp that are capable to power the McLaren F1 to 243mph. Sweet!

    SEE ALSO: Karma Automotive commemorates the final production of 2019 Revero lineup

    The restoration was completed in June with almost 3,000 hours of work, which include final road and track testing. Once the work on chassis 63 was completed, it was handed over to the owner at the McLaren Technology Centre.

    2019 McLaren F1 063

    Of course, the vehicle comes with its own unique Certificate of Authenticity – which McLaren Automotive is the only organization in the world able to issue. Neat!

    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063
    2019 McLaren F1 Chassis 063

    Source: McLaren 

  • Karma Automotive commemorates the final production of 2019 Revero lineup

    2020 Karma Automotive ReveroSouthern California-based automaker and high-tech incubator Karma Automotive has created four custom vehicles to commemorate final production of its 2019 Revero supercar. These four machines are the last 2019 Revero Karma produced before the beginning of production of the latest 2020 Revero GT.

    Each custom 2019 Revero is handcrafted at Karma’s Innovation and Customization Center and exemplifies the one-of-a-kind customization opportunities available to Karma customers. Each vehicle features a blend of custom body finish, calipers, wheels and interior special stitching and control panel jewels.

    2020 Karma Automotive Revero

    These four custom vehicles are celebration of the original Revero, Karma’s first model and launch pad of its enterprise. For Karma, these custom Reveros also expose brand’s high-tech luxury future – the one that will provide the ultimate in vehicle customization as the brand readies itself to expand its bespoke offering to the 2020 Revero GT and future models.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes reveals details for new 2020 CLA Coupe lineuep!

    The four custom 2019 Revero vehicles have all been presold are now bound for Karma team’s retail partners in Newport Beach, Calif., Albany, N.Y, and Naples, Fla. Customers can also look forward to the announcement of Karma’s customization program for the new 2020 Revero GT in fourth quarter of 2019.

    2020 Karma Automotive Revero

    Stick with us for further information!

    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept
    2020 Karma Automotive SC1 Vision Concept

    Source: Karma Automotive

     

  • Mercedes reveals details for new 2020 CLA Coupe lineuep!

    2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe New Mercedes-Benz CLA four-door coupe raises the bar with an updated sexy design, excellent performance rates and tons of new innovations and technologies. The new family member incorporates all the virtues of the new-gen compact-car family with the latest Mercedes-Benz design language and MBUX technology.

    New Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe is not only appealing with is design – it is also highly advanced technology-wise. The technological intelligence of the new CLA expands further with ingenious details when it comes to the understanding of natural voice commands, improved aerodynamics, new driver assistance systems and Augmented Reality for Navigation.

    New CLA is larger in size, compared to the predecessor and features new stretched form, while the interior offers wider space with a free-standing widescreen display and a touchscreen. The new MBUX interface incorporates a powerful computer, beautiful screens and graphics, customizable display, software that can learn and Voice Control with natural language understanding and full Heads-Up Display and Augmented Video for Navigation.

    SEE ALSO: PEUGEOT reveals details about upcoming 3008 SUV GT Hybrid

    In terms of drivetrain system, the latest generation CLA 250 and CLA 350 4MATIC are geared with a new powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, capable of producing 221hp and 258lb-ft of torque. Additionally, there are new LED headlamps and taillamps, a panorama roof, exclusive 18-inch wheels, smartphone integration and 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 7-inch Media Display with Touchscreen.

    The latest generation will go on sale by late 2019.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz 

  • PEUGEOT reveals details about upcoming 3008 SUV GT Hybrid

    PEUGEOT 3008 SUV GT HybridNew PEUGEOT 3008 SUV GT Hybrid blends four-wheel drive system and raw 300hp output with ultra-low emissions of mere 29g/km.

    This all-new plug-in hybrid is powered by a 200hp 1.6-liter PureTech petrol engine and two electric motors, creating a combined output of 300hp. This system allows the vehicle to speed from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds. Furthermore, the 13.2kWh battery provides up to 36 miles of electric and zero-emission range.

    In fact, 3008 GT Hybrid is the first 3008 SUV available with four-wheel drive and such low emissions. Something more, the vehicle classifies in the lowest Benefit-in-Kind rate for business and fleet users.

    After launch, the sexy machine will be joined by a 225hp front-wheel-drive model, whivh blends a 180hp petrol unit and a 110hp electric motor, placed on the front axle and mated to a EAT8 8-speed automatic gearbox.

    PEUGEOT 3008 SUV GT Hybrid

    In terms of interior, 3008 SUV GT Hybrid features Nappa Mistrall full grain leather trim and utilizes new safety features such as adaptive cruise control, Stop&Go function and Lane Positioning Assist.

    SEE ALSO: Mecum Auctions returns to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center!

    3008 SUV GT Hybrid will be joined by PHEV version of the 508 Fastback and the all-new 508 SW Estate, while 208 and 2008 SUV models will both offer fully electric variants – e-208 and e-2008.

    PEUGEOT 3008 SUV GT Hybrid

    Stick with us for further information!

    Source: PEUGEOT 

  • Mecum Auctions returns to Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center!

    1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX (Lot F140)Mecum Auctions, world’s largest collector-car auction brand, returns to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas this September 4-7 with an estimated 1,000 American muscle cars, classic vehicles, exotics, Hot Rods, Resto mods and many more.

    Cool main attractions include an assemblage of 10 rare and exclusive Mopar vehicles, a collection created around Swainson’s lifelong adoration for the cars that furnished the dealership his father got back in 1971 – the very same he would come to own and operate in later years. The collection includes one of 503 1969 Dodge Daytona and a 1971 Plymouth Hemi GTX with a matching-numbers 426 Hemi V8 engine, which is the only one produced with and automatic gearbox.

    1969 Dodge Daytona (Lot F136)

    Among the nearly 100 consignments comprising the 11 other collections are 20 machines from Tommy Cronk Collection of Odessa, Texas, which features one of 18 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock, Buick GS Quartet, seven restored Chevys from the Hugh Sieck Collection and a Henry Lewis Collection, offering 28 lots, of which 17 are unique Chevrolets. Additional collections include the most no-reserve Double Trouble Collection, consisted of 17 vehicles form the Red Dirt Collection and the Get Out And Ride Collection, present a wide array of vintage Honda motorcycles and a lone 1979 Yamaha YZ250.

    SEE ALSO: Four unique vintage Ferraris will be showcased at Salon Privé. Details here!

    In addition to the auction action and the display of consigned vehicles, a 1968 Ford Mustang hero car driven by Steve McQueen in “Bullitt” will be on display at the auction for fans to fawn over. The display follows the August announcement of the “Bullitt” Mustang’s impending sale at Mecum Kissimmee 2020, taking place Jan 2-12 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

    1968 Ford Mustang GT "Bullitt"

    1968 Dodge Hemi Dart LO23 Super Stock (Lot S113)

    Source: Mecum Auctions 

  • Mecum Auctions Event has generated approximately $40 million

    2019 Mecum AuctionsMecum’s recent collector car auction, held between August, 15-17 in Monterey, California, brought $32.2 million in overall sales by auction close and totals have since reached $38 million with the additional post-auction Bid Goes On events.

    The GTB/4 was far from the only Ferrari at the event – top sales were dominated by brand’s fines vehicles. While the vintage Ferraris came out on top, as expected, the second highest seller hailed a contemporary machine – a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, sold for $2,64 million. Other seven-figure sales have included a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder with low miles and an exclusive Weissach Package, all for $1,43 million. Other notable sales include a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS for $1.1 million and the last 289 Cobra for $1.05 million.

    2019 Mecum Auctions

    As it comes to vintage collectables, Monterey audience has witnessed six examples of deals that brought six-figures to the sellers. Two include coveted Crocker small-tanks topped all motorcycle sales an unrestored 1936 model, bought for $825,000 and a restored 1937 example for $715,000.

    SEE ALSO: Four unique vintage Ferraris will be showcased at Salon Privé. Details here!

    The complete top 10 collector-car sales at 2019 Mecum Monterey event include:

    • 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (Lot F119) at $2,750,000
    • 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari (Lot S102) at $2,640,000
    • 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder (Lot F91.1) at $1,430,000
    • 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS (Lot F122) at $1,100,000
    • 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra CSX2588 (Lot F139) at $1,045,000
    • 1936 Crocker Small Tank (Lot S103) at $825,000
    • 1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster (Lot S131) at $742,500
    • 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (Lot S113) at $715,000
    • 1937 Crocker Small Tank (Lot S142) at $715,000
    • 1933 Stutz DV-32 Dual Cowl Phaeton (Lot S126) at $495,000

    2019 Mecum Auctions

    Source: Mecum Auctions

     

  • Four unique vintage Ferraris will be showcased at Salon Privé. Details here!

    1967 Ferrari 365 California SpyderBack in the day, when Enzo Ferrari began producing sexy new vehicles, he immediately identified the US as a potential and profitable market. By starting production there, he managed to create some of the most amazing and expressive machines in the entire Ferrari lineup.

    Four of these exceptional and super-rare machines will grace the grounds of Blenheim Palace with a dedicated Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance by Chubb Insurance. The foursome is consistent of a pair of early 1950s 342 Americas, a mid-1960s Ferrari 500 Superfast and a 365 California Spider.

    At the time of production, the 342 America was brand’s flagship machine and a forerunner to the 375 America lineup – the super-ultra-mega luxurious and powerful GT models for Ferrari’s most prestigious and pretentious customers.

    1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast

    In fact, there are only six 342 Americas created and Salon Privé gathers two of these unique units together. One of these is the first only three cabrios made and the only one in Carrozzeria Vignale body concept. The second model, the 1953 Geneva Motor Show car features a high-performance engine, an extra-large fuel tank and a rally timer. Sweet!

    SEE ALSO: Beaulieu’s First Mercedes Event Exceeds Expectations!

    As it comes to the 1960s models, the first one, the 500 Superfast is the last of just 36 examples built and the one of two “Series 2” RHD cars created. Present at the event will be a 1967 365 California Spider, delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors in the USA. This machine is one of the most luxurious vehicles from the era and mere 14 examples have been produced between 1966 and 1967.

    1953 Ferrari 342 America

    1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet

    These four units will join other classic examples of Maranello’s finest models, along with 18 additional rare machines.

    2019 Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance by Chubb Insurance at Blenheim Palace on Thursday 5th September.

    Stick with us for further details!

    Source: Salon Privé

  • New Tech Aims To Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents On U.S. Roads

    2019-Drunk-Drivers-910During the course of 2018 more than 40,000 Americans lost their lives on the roads of the USA. Of those deaths, at least 10,000 were as a result of drunken driving. The skyrocketing number of accidents caused by drunk drivers have resulted in a host of new technologies being developed to try and minimize the number of lives lost on the roads on a daily basis. At present, officials in Maryland, USA are testing new technology that, when installed in a vehicle, will prevent it from moving if the driver has consumed too much alcohol.

    Maryland testing new life-saving tech

    The team at FVF Law in Austin, Texas asserts that drunk driving accidents are caused by nothing other than reckless behavior and are therefore completely avoidable.  Apart from saving lives, the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety will also reduce the number of injuries obtained in impaired vehicle crashes. The system will analyze a driver’s breath prior to the car turning on and, if the alcohol level is too high, prevent it from being driveable.  By allowing the car to at least turn on, the driver will be able to charge their phone to call for assistance as well as make use of the airconditioner if it is hot in the car. The detection device sports various settings to accommodate different groups of drivers.  The ‘zero tolerance’ setting is ideal for teenagers and new license holders whereas the legal limit setting can be used for all other drivers.

    Technologies have to be implemented in a timely manner

    Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will be installing the tech into 8 of its vehicles to test how well it performs over the course of a year. According to MVA representative Chrissy Nizer this pilot program with providing manufacturers with significant insight into how the integration of this and other preventative technologies can help reduce the prevalence of drunk driving. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and crash-avoidance tech also have to ability to significantly reduce the number of road accidents in the country.

    More vehicles to boast innovative technologies

    If these technologies were deployed immediately, as many as 9,900 lives could be saved in the U.S. every year according to a study conducted by a consulting group in Boston, MA. Facial monitoring- and movement detection systems can both be integrated into a vehicle alongside breathalyzer technology to reduce impaired driving even further. Motor manufacturers such as Nissan and Volvo have both made significant progress in integrated safety technologies to reduce drunk driving and more manufacturers are bound to follow suit.

    The death, injury, and damage caused by drunk driving are completely avoidable. Hopefully, the immense headway being made in terms of preventative technologies the number of people who lose their lives due to alcohol-impaired driving will decrease drastically in the very near future.

  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is the winner of SUV Challenge from Cars.com!

    2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimatehas been named the winner of the SUV Mid-Size Challenge by Cars.com. The event includes 6 of the most popular SUVs that are pitted against each other in series of expert testing in order to determine which model is the best in the segment. The all-new Santa Fe is the fourth generation vehicle and offers family-oriented interior, practical technologies and cutting-edge engineering solutions.

    There are numerous SUV models that were requested by Cars.com for the Mid-Size SUV Challenge. The selection criteria is based on 17 separate categories including ride quality, handling, front and back seat comfort and amenities as touchscreen, connectivity and multimedia.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai Sonata and Le Fil Rouge Concept receive recognition from IDEA

    Furthermore, new Santa Fe model has also received five additional awards, including the 2019 Kelley Blue Book Long-Term Ownership Value Award, 2019 Wards Best Interior, Most Dependable Midsize SUV by J.D. Power, Redesign of the Year by ALG® and a 2018 GOOD DESIGN® Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Additionally, new Santa Fe model has earned IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award and was recently recognized as a top 5-Star Safety Rating vehicle by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    Source: Hyundai

  • Beaulieu’s First Mercedes Event Exceeds Expectations!

    1966 Mercedes Benz 600 GrosserBeaulieu’s first Simply Mercedes exceeds all expectations with as many as 424 luxury vehicles making a magnificent lineup in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

    There were a total of 845 rally participants enjoying luxury saloons, limousines, glamorous sports cars and rugged utility vehicles from the stylish 1950s up to the latest and most advanced machines.

    Classic Mercedes enthusiasts were treated to the rare sight of a W136 saloon with its pre-war styling, along with the late 50s W121, early 60s W110 with its notable trail fins, the expressive 1960 190 SL Roadster and 1964 W113 Pagoda drop-top.

    Some of the 70s, 80s and 90s models were also represented – audience had the chance to witness the reveal of a 1973 W114 coupe, 190E executive saloon, all along with R107 and R129 roadsters and coupes. As it comes to the contemporary machines, the show included the appealing and sexy Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door super saloon, Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and CL500 Grand Tourer.

    SEE ALSO: Honda Baja Ridgeline finishes second in Vegas to Reno

    The audience also had the chance to vote for their favorite Mercedes machine at the show. The winner is the 1966 Mercedes 600 Grosser. As you might know, this is one of the most iconic vehicles of the 20th century. Sweet!

    Source: Beaulieu