Automobiles Review

Author: Lidia Todorova

  • 2016 Toyota Tacoma to get new LED Running Lights?

    The second teaser of 2016 Toyota Tacoma is here. We have seen already the back of the truck and now it is time to take a look at its front. The vehicle will be introduced officially at the North American International Auto Show on 12th of January. Probably this is when the full reveal will happen and we are not going to see anything else but teasers ahead of it. The new vehicle is expected to raise the bar again and take everything to a new level.

    Details released by Toyota are extremely scarce. And although it is a single image shared, it tells a lot. First, the grille – it is hexagonal and outlined in chrome. Next – the intake is positioned below the grille and visually connects the fog lights.

    We continue with the most exclusive element of the front design which is the lights. The truck received brand new headlights that obviously feature LED running lights.

    In terms of performance we expect that the Japanese company is to set a new benchmark for midsize pickups. There is no information on powertrain but rumors say that it is a brand new one, specifically developed for the Tacoma. What we are sure of is that the new pickup-truck will have a 4×4 driving configuration.

    We also assume that the new model will look like all the new midsize trucks, especially like the TRD Pro Series. Stay tuned, because Toyota has promised to release more information on the 2016 Tacoma very soon.

    Source: Toyota

  • Hennessey Introduces VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged

    Ford’s famous Raptor is appraised for its 411 horsepower (302 kW) and baja pre-runner capabilities. Not only is it one of the most popular truck models, but also the most capable 4×4’s ever built. Unfortunately, Ford has discontinued Raptor’s production, leaving a void in the market for 2015. The good news here is that the tuning company Hennessey Performance has created a special vehicle called the VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged.

    This is actually an upgrade for Ford’s new aluminum-bodied pick-ups. As we can see, there are some new design tweaks, but what we can’t grasp from the pictures is that the vehicle has lost almost 700 pounds. This simply signifies of even greater level of performance.

    Key to the 2015 VelociRaptor is its 600+ horsepower (441 kW). It was achieved via the Roots-type supercharger that packs 8 psi of boost. In addition, the 5.0L V8 breathes more deeply thanks to the high-flow air induction system and stainless-steel exhaust system.

    There are also upgrades for the fuel injectors that help feed the supercharged V8. VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged package will also feature 33 inch BFGoodrich tires coupled with 17 inch Hennessey wheels. Other improvements include custom off-road coilover suspension, upgraded front and rear bumpers, front winch, LED light bars and Brembo brakes.

    There will be only 500 units of the 2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged produced. The starting price is estimated at $73,500 USD.

    2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged F-150
    2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged F-150

    Source: Hennessey Performance

  • Range Rover Sport SVR Tested to the Limit [VIDEO]

    This year Range Rover Sport SVR has been crowned “The fastest Land Rover” ever produced, due to the blistering performance it shows. Land Rover has just released a film, which shows the adjustability, poise and body control of the model. The video can be viewed below. In it you will see how the Range Rover is put through its paces. The dramatic film shows how Mike Cross, the Chief Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, demonstrates the aforementioned qualities of the vehicle. Oh, and we forgot to say that this Land Rover is not only the fastest ever produced in company’s line-up, but also the most powerful one.

    In the footage below, you will also see how and hear Cross’ explanations of sophisticated drivetrain and advanced four-wheel drive chassis technology of the Sport SVR. They make it possible for the vehicle to deliver exceptional high speed handling characteristics. And all of this happens at the Rockingham circuit in the UK.

    The SVR has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team. It is driven by the V8 petrol engine that produces 550 horsepower (404 kW) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to these “horses”, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds.

    As this video shows how the Range Rover Sport SVR takes the level of performance in its stride. It displays great on-the-limit balance, even when its range of electronic traction and stability aids are turned off.

    2015 Range Rover SVR
    2015 Range Rover SVR
    2015 Range Rover SVR
    2015 Range Rover SVR

    Source: Land Rover 

  • Meet the 520 HP G-Power BMW M4!

    G-Power has released a tuning program for the sixth generation BMW M3 and M4 series. The car depicted on the images below is the M4 F82 and it is driven by the 3.0 litres six-cylinder engine, which includes a “default” Biturbo charge that has served as the perfect basis for an additional power increase. Due to an optimization of the motor electronics, engine’s output has now grown to 520 hp (382 kW) at 5,500–7,300 Rpm. This is an increase of 89 hp (65 kW) in comparison to the production 431 hp (317 kW).

    All of this was made possible due to the addition of the Bi-Tronik 5 V1 module to the original motor control unit. There is not only an increase of horses but also in Newton meters. They have grown from 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (517 lb-ft), thus giving the BMW noticeably powerful performance.

    Due to this power therapy, the M4 reaches the 100 km/h in mere 3.9 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h acceleration sprint is covered in 11.8 seconds. The maximum speed was also raised and it now exceeds 325 km/h.

    This added power needs more attention in terms of wheels. For this reason, the tuners at G-Power have decided to endow the vehicle with light-weight 20-inch Huricane RR forged wheel set made in-house. The wheels were then fitted with Michelin tyres in the size of 245/30ZR20 at the front and 285/25ZR20at the rear.

    What has been left unmentioned is the new GM4-RS-threaded undercarriage. It optimizes the driving behavior because it is height- and pressure-adjustable.

    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik
    G-Power BMW M3 F82 Bi-Tronik

    Source: G-Power

  • Acura Shares First Glimpses at 2016 NSX Production Model [VIDEO]

    As a huge fan of Honda the next news are extremely exciting for me! And it is not “a big deal” unless you have been waiting to see the production version of the highly anticipated 2016 Acura NSX supercar. Yes, that’s right! The successor of the legendary original NSX is scheduled to make its global debut on 12th of January at the next edition of the North American International Auto Show. The model will not only include the styling cues of its predecessor but also will be a real example of the production car, which his slated to launch in 2015.

    Acura has released four images giving not so vague idea of what we are to expect. In addition, there is also a new video called “My Way” which comes to promote the NSX. The 30-second teaser video shares an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. You can view the film below.

    In addition, the Japanese company is promising that the NSX is destined to deliver a ‘new sports experience’. The new model will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand.

    The NSX concept model was revealed for the first time at the same show in 2012. After three years of intensive development Acura is finally displaying the next-gen supercar. What we have also understood is that the team behind this project has developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the driver’s will and that builds upon the NSX heritage.

    2016 Acura NSX Teaser
    2016 Acura NSX Teaser
    2016 Acura NSX Teaser
    2016 Acura NSX Teaser

    Source: Honda 

  • RevoZport Releases Aero-Boost for CLA Shooting Brake

    Fantastic news from RevoZport! The tuning company is continuing its success on the Mercedes-Benz A- and CLA-Class with the introduction of new package specifically developed for the CLA Shooting Brake that has been released recently. The packages will be called RZA-290 and RZA-450 just like those for the A and CLA models. The only difference is in the size of the vehicles.

    First, the RZA-290 package was catered for the CLA 250 and CLA 200 models with AMG bodykit. There is an engine upgrade included, which improves the standard horsepower coming from the powerplant to 290 hp (213 kW).

    Next, the RZA-450 is based on the AMG CLA 45 and includes an engine upgrade to 450 hp (330 kW). This improvement in horsepower was achieved with the help of ECU remapping, the new intake system, down pipe and a full titanium exhaust system.

    There is also an aerokit that goes for the RZA-290. It comprises of the following: front splitter system and bumper canard, side skirt system and rear diffuser with ground effect system. The latter was designed to create higher downforce. Also something to note is that this new element of the package is made of carbon fiber composite.

    The aero package for the RZA-450 for AMG CLA 45 adds a lot of carbon fiber. The material has been used for the design of the front splitter, bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser. We also have to mention the stainless steel down pipe and the titanium exhaust system.

    RevoZport-Mercedes-Benz-CLA-Shooting-Brake-02

    Source: RevoZport

  • New Guinness World Record: Raminator is the Fastest Monster Truck [VIDEO]

    Ram Truck Brand is America’s fastest growing truck company which broke the speed record for monster trucks. This record was set at Circuit of the America’s in Austin, Texas. The vehicle involved is the Raminator. This is a monster truck that is sponsored by the Ram Truck brand and that has now received the accolade “Fastest Speed for a Monster Truck”.

    The vehicle has hit the record speed of 99.10 miles per hour. The person behind the wheel of this “monster” is Mark Hall and he has secured the Guinness World Records title by simply breaking the previous record of 96.8 mph.

    Raminator has also received several other accolades. It has been named “Truck of the Year” by Monster Truck Racing Association (MTRA) for the eight time in a row. What is more, the driver Mark Hall has been dubbed by the same organization “Driver of the Year”.

    This actually happens for ninth time since 1996. At last, the MTRA has named the Crew Chief Tim Hall “Mechanic of the Year” five times since 2006. Circuit of The Americas is where the record was achieved. It is a multi-purpose facility and 3.4 mile race track which is situated on 1000-acre site in southeast Austin.

    Ram-sponsored monster truck lineup features the 2014 Monster Truck Nationals Champion Raminator and Rammunition. This year Mopar also introduced Mopar Muscle vehicle. However, the line-up of monster trucks are owned and operated by the Hall Brothers Racing Team.

    Watch how the Raminator sets the new Guinness World Record for being the fastest monster truck in the video below.

    Source:  Ram Truck Brand

  • 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid is Here!

    2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid is the second generation of Porsche’s Le Mans prototype and more importantly – it is already here. By “here” I mean that it has just rolled-out at company’s test track in Weissach. The driver behind the wheel was Marc Lieb from Germany. With this introduction, the Porsche team could end the 2014 motorsport season with successful debut in the WEC as planned.

    The technical director of LMP1, Alexander Hitzinger, said that this roll-out of the race car is not only much anticipated but also a milestone achieved by the Stuttgart based company. The target of the specialists at the team developing the race car is to make the Porsche 919 Hybrid for the 2015 season right before Christmas. Mission achieved.

    In addition, he also confirmed that the car was almost optimized on every level and compared to its predecessor it has been significantly developed. The 2014 version of the vehicle features a drivetrain which consists of a single-turbo V4 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine working with a front axle-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

    The powerplant revs up to 9,000 rpm and sends the power to the rear wheels. At the same time the electric motor provides momentum for the front wheels. There are also a brake energy recovery and a thermal energy recovery system included in the exhaust. This means an 8 megajoule per lap energy recovery boost function.

    The first meaningful test with the new race car is scheduled to take place from January 18 to 22 in Abu Dhabi.

    Note: The photos included in the article depict the 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid. 

    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid
    Porsche 919 Hybrid

    Source: Porsche 

  • Overfinch Shows What Perfection Is [VIDEO]

    “Perfection” is word that signifies a state or quality of being flawless, or a person or thing considered to be ideal. The video below shows the concept that Overfinch company has for perfection. They display how their improved Range Rover Sport adds bespoke design, luxury and exclusivity to the performance SUV. The latest film showcases the 5.0 litre supercharged model driven in a stunning alpine setting.

    Overfinch Range Rover Sport sets a sporting focus over the standard SUV. It combines visual stance and exclusivity with exhilarating performance. Thanks to its assertive and muscular appearance as well as distinctive styling features, the car draws immediate attention.

    The imposing stance of the SUV is further accentuated via the subtly flared front air intakes and rear diffuser, which catch the light and visually widen the car.

    At the same time, when entered, the interior exudes exquisite detailing crafted by hand. For this Range Rover Sport, Overfinch has created Body Styling Package. The latter is executed in carbon fibre which adds more strength and lightness.

    The interior is wrapped in hand-crafted Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, the design of the seats is chosen by the customer as well as the stitch patterning and hide colours. All of this enables the lucky owner of the Overfinch Range Rover to create an ambience that is reflection of their style.

     


    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport
    Overfinch Range Rover Sport

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Overfinch

  • Lamborghini Confirms 2015 Blancpain Super Trofeo Calendar

    Lamborghini Squadra Corse has already confirmed the 2015 Blancpain Super Trofeo calendar. There will be six rounds once again for the European, Asian and North American series. The World Final is to happen in the United States in Sebring. Each of the series will “comprise” of two races over each weekend round. Very exciting fact is that the Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo is going to make a debut in all three series.

    The Huracán race cars will share the grid with the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo. The format of this year’s racing will be continued. How about the 2015 World Final? It location, for each of the series for both their sixth and final round of the season, will happen at Sebring in Florida, USA. It will be then immediately followed by the World Final on the 21st and 22nd of November.

    New is the addition of PRO class in the Asian and North American series. 

    The season will begin once again in Monza, Italy, on 11th and 12th of April. It will be then followed by Silverstone in Great Britain on 23rd and 24th of May. On 20th and 21st of June the racing will continue at the Le Castellet in France.

    The fourth round will be in the historic Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, and it will happen during the prestigious 24hrs weekend held on 25th and 26th of July. The next venue will be in Germany at the Nürburgring on 19th and 20th of September. The sixth round is the final for the season of racing and is scheduled in late November in the USA.

    This is the fourth season of the Asian series that will start in Japan with Fuji on 20th and 21st of June and in Motegi on 11th and 12th of July. The third meeting will be held in Malaysia (on 8th and 9th of August).

    The other two rounds will be held in Sentul, Indonesia on 5th and 6th of September, and in Shanghai, China on 17th and 18th of October. The sixth round will be the last and it is at the same location and time as those in Europe.

    North American series meet their third edition this year and will kick off in Laguna Seca, California on 2nd and 3rd of May). Then come the Watkins Glen, New York, on 27th and 28th of June, and Alton, Virginia on 22nd and 23rd of August.

    On the weekend of 18th and 19th of September the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America will race for the first time ever in Cota, Texas. The fifth round is scheduled in Georgia, precisely at Road Atlanta on 1st and 3rd of October. The series will end in Sebring.

    Source: Lamborghini 

  • Can Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet be More Exclusive? VILNER Answers with new Project!

    Porsche 911 is a synonym that stands for the ultimate sports car. The engineers of the brand from Stuttgart have polished this 911 diamond into even more glamorous and exclusive “creature”. However, the specialists at the Bulgarian studio Vilner, know that one can always do and expect more. And they have proven it once again with their latest project on 911 (997) Turbo Convertible, thus showing that there can be more exclusivity to a 911Turbo Cabrio.

    Despite the expectations of a total transformation, the car hasn’t received any exterior enhancements. And we think it does not need them, because the interior is so abundant and splendid.

    The red-black design theme of the original interior has also been preserved, but it now has received a brand new stance thanks to the combination of red nappa leather and black Alcantara used for the seats. Their headrests are embossed with Porsche’s emblem.

    Vilner managed to imbue some extra exclusivity with several attractive design solutions.

    First, the steering wheel received new ergonomic shape. Then it also got rich amount of handmade carbon fiber. The same material was used for a substitution of the plastic parts of the seat belts sockets. The gearshift lever also received a carbon therapy, just like the decorative elements around it and the door handles.

    Unexpected but very exciting is the fact that Vilner has improved the 6-cylinder turbo boxer engine. They did this with the help of the German specialists at RaceChip. The result is 17% more horsepower.  In numbers, this means 561 hp (413 kW) or in other words – additional 81 hp to the serial 480 hp (353 kW).

    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner
    Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet by Vilner

  • Skoda Teases Once Again 2015 Superb

    Are you interested into seeing more from the third generation Skoda Superb? Because we have three more photos showing more details of the car. After we reviewed the released spy shots, which preview an expressive design, now it is time to make some space for the official teasers and sketch. All in all, the pictures speak of an appearance which is influenced by the VisionC concept.

    They also display that the vehicle is in sedan form but featuring a coupe-like profile. At the front of the Superb we see the iconic for Skoda radiator grille and the unmistakable headlights. Probably they will be highlighted by LED daytime running lights.

    There is not much to say, because the information is scarce, but the third-gen model will be built on Volkswagen’s MQB technology. Furthermore, Skoda is also promising that the car will offer the best values in terms of comfort, infotainment and connectivity, safety, fuel-efficiency, consumption and performance.

    Rumors say that 2015 Superb will shed 75 kg off and it is likely to be powered by the with 1.4-liter petrol engine. The will produce around 125 horsepower (92 kW).

    We can say that Superb has been entirely redesigned. More importantly, it has recently completed the final test series in Southern Europe. The premiere of the new Superb will happen on 15th of February next year in Prague. The market launch in Europe is scheduled for the summer months, while the first deliveries – for the autumn.

    Source: Skoda