Author: Lidia Todorova

  • TopCar Releases Carbonized Porsche 991 Carrera 4S with Stinger Body Kit

    Porsche 991 Carrera 4S with Stinger Body Kit by TopCar Front ViewTopCar, a tuning company which specializes in Porsche modifications, has released one-off Porsche 991 Carrera 4S Stinger with strong carbonized visuals and character. The designers paid great attention of the 991 Carrera Stinger and made it unique, not only in terms of visual appearance but also in terms of aerodynamics and power. The result is this fantastically looking Porsche with carbon all over its body, enhancing its powerful temper as a sport coupe.

    First thing that we see is that the car is lower and wider, and this is due to the added aerodynamic body kit. It reshapes the front and rear of the Carrera Stinger thus giving it more aggressive and straightforward look. Precisely, the package comprises of brand new front and rear bumpers, as well as new carbon-fiber hood.

    SEE ALSO: TopCar Porsche 911 Turbo Stinger GTR

    The front bumper features airpaths, while at the rear we see extra spoiler and taps on the exhaust pipes as well as extenders of front and rear wings. The aero-kit is made from lightweight carbon fiber material with vacuum forming and is available for both the 911 Carrera and the Targa.

    Porsche 991 Carrera 4S with Stinger Body Kit by TopCar Rear View

    TopCar has also prepared ways of increasing the output of the engine, new setting of filters, manifolds and exhaust system. In other words, the naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six engine has been uprated to 500 horsepower (368 kW).

    At last, this Porsche 911 Carrera Stinger runs on ultra light forged wheels from ADV.1, which not only reduce weight but also improve the driving behavior of the car. There is also various interior design themes created for this particular model but they were said to be “chosen by the customer”, so we can’t tell you any other specifics. Enjoy the image gallery!

    Source: TopCar 

  • Say Last Goodbye to Scion Brand [w/video]

    Scion Transitions to ToyotaYes, it is over for Scion brand, since it is already official that it is going to transition to Toyota. Below you can hear the Jim Lentz, founding vice president of Scion and now CEO of Toyota Motor North America, who tells the details about it and how he feels as an establisher of the brand.

    Scion was founded in 2003 as a laboratory only, which aimed at exploring new products and processes in order to attract young customers. Sadly, after 13 years the brand is transitioning back to Toyota, and the reason for this is that Scion “has already achieved its goals” of developing unique products and bringing in youthful customers.

    SEE ALSO: Scion Unveiled the 2016 C-HR Concept Vehicle

    For this mount of time, the brand managed to sell more than a million cars, and an interesting fact is that 70 percent of them were purchased by customers new to Toyota and 50 percent of them were under 35 years old.

    Lentz also said that this decision was made in “response to customers’ needs”, since younger people look for a combination of fun-to-drive vehicle with good looks and more practicality. And since Toyota has evolved, it now offers cars with more dynamic styling and handling.

    Because of the transition of the brand, which will happen in August this year, all 2017 model year vehicles will be rebadged as Toyotas. This means that the FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will eventually become Toyotas. There will be a final release series edition of the tC sports coupe, which will end production in August as well. The C-HR Concept, which we have shown you in November and which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be a part of the Toyota line-up.

    If you own a Scion and worry about the service and repair process, you will be unaffected by this change as you will continue visiting Toyota dealerships’ service departments.

    Scion has had some amazing products that we will definitely going to miss. But we are looking forward to see all of the benefits that the brand has brought through the years in new Toyota models.

    httpv://youtu.be/FlUkGkz464Q

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Scion

  • Christopher Walken Shows What’s Inside His Closet in the new Kia Super Bowl Ad

    2016 Kia Optima:  Walken Closet “Big Game” Ad“Walken Closet” is the name of the newest “Big Game” ad by Kia and if you haven’t watch it already here’s your chance! The advertisement is creative and is one of the most versatile and untraditional sports we have ever seen. And by the way it gives you the chance of looking inside Christopher Walken’s closet.

    The Academy Award-winner makes the 60 seconds ad experience a true masterpiece. In it he uses a colorfully stylish sock, which he compares to the ordinary beige one. With this he demonstrates how the next gen 2016 Kia Optima stands out in a segment filled with entries that look and drive the same, namely the midsize sedan segment.

    SEE ALSO: Thoroughly Revised 2016 Kia Optima Debuts in Frankfurt 

    The “Walken Closet” is actually the centerpiece of company’s multiplatform campaign that will highlight the benefits of owning 2016 Optima. According to Kia (and Walken) these qualities are contrary to basic, boring and uninspired. Walken explains in the spot, “There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who are content to blend in … then there are those who expect more. They’re exciting.”

    2016 Kia Optima

    In other words, the new Optima will bring about more refinement and sophistication in comparison to any other midsize sedan. The car is passionately designed and crafted, features European styling inside and out, offers significant ride and handling improvements.

    It is Kia’s best-selling model and is currently offered with three engine choices, including the brand new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The car is roomier, more luxurious than ever and comes with abundant standard equipment.

    Source: Kia 

  • Is this the Future 2017 Ferrari FF Facelift?

    2017 Ferrari FF Facelift TeaserIt seems that this teaser image you see above is 2017 Ferrari FF Facelift. There are no official details announced yet, just an information and picture rolling in the web space. It also seems that this is the “new” (more likely renewed) supercar, which the company is going to debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this month. Again, nothing has been confirmed yet, but everything hints towards a new FF facelift.

    From the teaser we can tell that the mysterious car has headlights, which aren’t typical for any other model in the range of cars that Ferrari is producing. They are a little bit more squared than usual and look to be smaller.

    SEE ALSO: Ferrari California T to Get Handling Speciale (HS) Optional Pack 

    We are definitely going to see a substantially changed FF, which will features updates all over its exterior, more technologies inside and probably enhanced aerodynamic pack. The reason for the facelift is probably Ferrari’s whish to align the model with company’s current design philosophy. But what happens next is about to be revealed.

    Nothing has been disclosed in terms of technical changes. But we will be satisfied with the old good V12 under the hood, producing 660 horsepower. Rumors are saying that the 6.3 liter engine is going to be updated too, and will deliver up to 690-700 horsepower. How much more could one want!?

    This power will be driving all-four wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch transmission… or it is just our suggestion. There are less than two weeks till the premiering event to uncover the truth, so stay tuned!

    Source: Ferrari 

  • nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO is Low-Voltage and Production Ready. Debuts in Geneva

    nanoFlowcell QUANTiNO Side ViewDo you remember the nanoFlowcell company which emerged towards the end of 2013 and released the first two vehicles of the QUANT range? Now, the innovative research and development brand is set to continue its mission with the release of another car and the addition of a better variant of the QUANT F.

    The brand new EV is called QUANTiNO and it is too equipped with nanoFlowcell powertrain. The vehicle will be premiered in Geneva, and then it will take part in pre-production tests during the first half of 2016. There are no plans of large production run.

    SEE ALSO: nanoFLOWCELL Debuts Second Concept in Geneva 

    QUANTiNO

    Yes, we have seen the QUANTiNO in a concept variant, and it was too premiered at the Geneva Motor Show. However, the production version has been completely revised. As a low-voltage car, it has been actually rated at just 48 volts. In addition, it can produce up to 109 HP (80 kW) metric split between four electric motors. They drive all four wheels.

    QUANT FE

    nanoFlowcell QUANT FE

    Next, the QUANT FE is an evolution of the well known QUANT F model. However it is thoroughbred sports car with a coupe-like design, offering seats for four occupants (2+2) design. Just like the QUANT F, the FE is equipped with the same drivetrain producing the outrageous 1090 HP (801 kW). They help the electric street racer accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in mere 2.8 seconds.

    SEE ALSO: Tesla Beware! nanoFlowcell Quant F to produce 1090 HP and Effortlessly Cover 800 km?

    The energy needed for this is produced by the onboard power plant in a sustainable and toxicologically completely harmless process. If you have figured it already out, the E in the name QUANT FE stands for Evolution, showing the advancement in the development of the car. There has been a complete revision of the interior done too, but any other details are scarce.

    Stay tuned, more information coming prior Geneva Motor Show.

    Source: nanoFlowcell 

  • Renault Debuts KWID Racer and KWID Climber in New Delhi

    Renault KWID Climber Front ViewRenault KWID was introduced to the Indian market last autumn and since then it has made a great furor. Currently there is an automotive happening in the country called 2016 New Delhi Auto Show, where the company is debuting two show cars: the Renault KWID Climber and Renault KWID Racer. The Climber is perfect for outdoors and has the off-road attitude. On the contrary, the Race, as its name shows, is destined for the asphalt of race circuits.

    KWID Climber

    Starting with the Renault KWID Climber, we should say that this is the perfect vehicle for outdoors. It stands tall as an off-roader, features high ground clearance, wide track, short overhangs and the specially designed pattern of its tires.

    SEE ALSO: Renault Introduces 2016 Kwid 

    In addition, it includes equipment typical for an off-roader: compact footprint, high ground clearance, big bumpers, side protective moldings, and generous, diamond-effect wheels. The Flame Orange exterior paint finish further highlights the adventurous character of the car. To make a good contrast, the wheel arch extensions are highlighted in electric blue.

    KWID Racer

    Renault KWID Racer Front and Side View

    The Renault KWID Racer is a pure bred race-car, in contrast to the Climber. It runs on 18-inch alloys fitted with low-profile tires, but also includes honed aerodynamics, bucket seats and a roll cage. Sporty metallic blue finish emphasizes the racing character of the model. Other sporty features here are the wide air intakes, the updated spoilers and diffuser and C-shaped LED lighting signature.

    The interior of the car is imbued with high-quality materials like Alcantara, aluminium and carbon. In general the cabin is decided in Titane Black trim, which is highlighted by touches of anodized red. The totem console in the centre of the dashboard displays all of the important data. There are also four-point harness in the bucket seat, digital rev counter and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with an alloy frame.

    Both KWID Racer and KWID Climber are only show cars so far, but we are definitely looking forward to seeing them on the market… and not only on the Indian one.

    Source: Renault 

  • Exclusive VisionS Concept Shows Future Skoda SUV Portfolio

    Skoda VisionS Side ViewAnother premiere in Geneva, but this time by Skoda. The company is going to debut its brand new design study called VisionS Concept. Through it Skoda aims to preview the future modern design language in the SUV segment. The show car is said to look very closely to the production one, representing a perfect balance between aesthetics, power and function.

    Back in 2014, Skoda released the VisionC design study, and to continue this approach, now the brand is transferring this to the SUV segment. The name VisionS clearly shows that ‘S’ stands for SUV. Speaking of which, it will be larger than the Yeti model, and will have length of 4,700mm and width of 1,910mm. Adding a height of 1,680mm, is what contributes for show car’s perfect presence on the road.

    SEE ALSO: Skoda vRS AWD Drive Can Already Be Purchased!

    On the outside, Skoda VisionS features edgy and sharp lines, highlighted by crystalline design elements. This effect is even further strengthened via the strikingly chiselled surfaces. Furthermore, the front bonnet has contours flowing towards the brand logo. The wide grille and four tapered, high-set LED headlights characterize the face of the show car. There are also crystalline elements in the vertical struts in the grille and on the logo, which are tribute to the Czech art of crystal-glass design.

    Skoda VisionS Rear View

    At the sides, the future Skoda SUV continues the sharp design language, while the angular wheel arches highlight the off-road character of the vehicle. The upper-shoulder contour forms a deep groove over the sills. At the back, the VisionS has a strong diffuser insert, large exhaust pipes, shallow rear lights with dynamically cut crystalline housings and the characteristic C-arm, which begins at the rear lights, runs into the flat reflectors in the bumper.

    At last, there are some details revealed for the interior of the car, too. The cabin is large and features three rows of seats, thus offering enough space for six people. Stay tuned for more details coming prior Geneva Motor Show.

    Source: Skoda  

  • Redesigned Infiniti Q60 and QX30 to Make European Debut in Geneva

    Infiniti Q60 Side ViewInfiniti Q60 and QX30 are going to make European debut in less than e month at the Geneva Motor Show. Along with the duo, the company will present the further upgraded Q50. Common among all three is the iconic design language, innovative technologies and precise driving characteristics.

    We have seen “the birth” of the 2017 Infiniti Q60 sports coupe at the North American International Auto Show in the beginning of the year. And we were impressed. The car promises powerful drive from its highly-advanced new V6 twin-turbo engine, which by the way produces 405 PS (298 kW).

    SEE ALSO: Infiniti Reveals the Concept Based Q60 Sports Coupe

    As you can see, the Q60 has bold exterior, which reflects Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language. The car has distinctive proportions and muscular lines. The 405 PS are due to the innovative drivetrain technologies applied and the power channeled through the rear wheels. Precisely, the engine is the high performance 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo that comes from the exclusive ‘VR’ powertrain family.

    Infiniti QX30 Front View

    The next “star” in the show is the QX30 premium active crossover, which we have also seen. It is characterized by its highly-sculpted concept-like exterior, elevated stance and asymmetric cabin design. In other words, this car aims at the new generation buyers, who look for breaking the standards and thinking “outside the box”. In fact, the design of the car remains true to the ‘Powerful Elegance’ approach that guided the original QX30 concept.

    At last but not least, at the show there will be the updated variant of the Q50 sports saloon. Its secret is that it is driven by the same engine, found in the Q60 sports coupe, as well as that it will feature Direct Adaptive Steering and Dynamic Digital Suspension.

    More details to be disclosed near launch.

    Source: Infiniti 

  • Jeep Renegade Gets Night Eagle Limited Edition

    Jeep Renegade Night Eagle Front ViewJeep Renegade Night Eagle comes after the debut of the Limited Cherokee Night Eagle Edition that happened in November last year. The Renegade is again limited edition and it is going to be produced in 350 examples only and distributed exclusively throughout the United Kingdom. This variant is based on the Longitude mid-range level, but adds some exclusive features. Here are the details.

    Night Eagle Exterior

    On the outside the Jeep Renegade Night Eagle is equipped with some unique styling features, which we have seen already in the Cherokee version. In particular, the vehicle rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels, features one-off satin grey Jeep badges and unique Night Eagle badge, coloured roof bars and side mirrors, and satin grey grille rings on a black front grille. There are also rear parking sensors included.

    SEE ALSO: Jeep Announces Details for the Limited Cherokee Night Eagle Edition

    160 of the 350 examples of the model are going to be available in the unique Volcano Sand matt paint finish. There are two other colors in the range: the Carbon Black and the Alpine White, from which the customers can choose.

    Night Eagle Interior

    Jeep Renegade Night Eagle Side View

    On the inside, this Renegade features seats in bark brown fabric with electric lumbar support for the driver, leather wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, DAB UConnect radio with 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and satnav, and cruise control.

    There is also additional equipment offered that will further enhance the exclusivity of the Jeep. These include electric panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and regular size spare tyre.

    Engine Options

    Just like any other Renegade this one is offered with a choice of two MultiJet II diesel engines, both mated to asix-speed manual transmission. The first one is the 1.6-litre 120hp (88 kW) with two-wheel drive, and the other is the 2.0-litre 140hp (103 KW) unit, driving all four wheels. The top speed is 111 mph and 113 mph, respectively, while the 0-62 mph acceleration happens in 10.2 seconds and 9.5 seconds

    The new Jeep Renegade Night Eagle costs £21,595 OTR for the 1.6 MultiJet II 120hp 2WD, and £24,095 OTR for the 2.0 MultiJet II 140hp 4WD.

    Jeep Renegade Night Eagle is currently available to order and has a starting price of £21,595.

    Source: Jeep 

  • Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the Fifth Hybrid in Company’s Synergy Drive Range

    Toyota Corolla 1.8-litre Hybrid Front ViewToyota has released a Corolla Hybrid for its Australian customers, but we are sure that this will happen very soon for the rest of the world, too. So lets teak a sneak preview of the direction Toyota is undertaking. The Corolla Hybrid Hatch will be introduced as well-specified single grade, just like its siblings that have Hybrid Synergy Drive. It will be actually the fifth model following in the range, following the Prius, Prius c, Prius v and Camry.

    An abundance of features will be included in the car and examples do not end with the satellite navigation, Toyota Link connected mobility, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning or the bi-LED headlamps.

    SEE ALSO: Toyota Gives Out Stunning Prizes At This Year’s Toyota 86 Racing Event

    The details about the powertrain reveal that the Corolla Hybrid hatch will be fitted with a Euro 5 compliant 100 hp (73kW) 1.8-litre petrol engine linked with a 60kW electric motor. Driving the wheels will be the Multidrive S automatic transmission. By the way, the new hybrid car is expected to use around one-third less fuel and at the same time Prius-like fuel economy.

    Toyota Corolla 1.8-litre Hybrid Powertrain

    The low oxides of nitrogen and virtually zero particulate matter emissions contribute for the environmental benefits of the car. Precisely, the car will also feature a selectable electric-vehicle mode, which will enable the Corolla hybrid hatch to be driven for up to two kilometres at speeds of up to around 45km/h with zero tailpipe emissions.

    There is no surprise that Toyota is entering a Corolla Hybrid to the Australian market first, since the Corolla nameplate is the most successful in Toyota’s Australian range. It has more than 1.34 million sold to local customers! And here are the details:

    2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8-litre Hybrid

    POWERTRAIN
    • Type
    Four cylinders in line
    • Valve mechanism
    DOHC 16-valve with Dual VVT-i
    • Displacement (cc)
    1,798
    • Max power (kW @ rpm)
    73 @ 5,200
    • Max torque (Nm @ rpm)
    142 @ 4,000
    • Motor generator max. voltage (V)
    650
    • Motor generator max. power (kW)
    60
    • Battery type
    Nickel-metal hydride
    • Max system output (kW @ rpm)
    100
    SUSPENSION
    • Front
    MacPherson strut
    • Rear
    Double wishbone
    EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
    • Overall length (mm)
    4,330
    • Overall width (mm)
    1,760
    • Overall height (mm)
    1,475 (inc roof antenna)
    • Wheelbase
    2,600mm

    Source: Toyota

  • Polestar Introduces Performance Optimisation for Volvo’s Drive-E T6 Models

    Performance Optimisation for Volvo’s Drive-E T6 - First PicturePolestar has just introduced the new generation Performance Optimisation for Volvo’s Drive-E T6 models with four-wheel drive. So this is exclusive, since we received the news directly from Polestar minutes ago. Actually, this optimization has been already available for the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, but from today Polestar is offering it for the S60, V60 and XC60 T6 AWD models as well.

    As a result, the powerful and agile T6 AWD models become even more dynamic and responsive. The secret hides in the fact that the package is really balanced and is based on Polestar’s methods for boosting their race and performance cars. At the heart of the Polestar Optimisation is something very curious: it actually includes the entire powertrain in the optimization, instead of only the engine.

    SEE ALSO: Polestar “Carbonizes” Volvo V40 

    In addition, the optimization includes five substantial areas: increased mid-range engine performance, faster gearshifts, optimized throttle response, optimized gearshift timing and off-throttle functionality. As a result the driver gets faster and more exact responses from his/her Volvo and of course – more predictable behavior. Those five features are important for all forms of active driving, being on racing circuit or on “basic” roads.

    Throttle Response

    Performance Optimisation for Volvo’s Drive-E T6 - Second Picture

    After the improvement of this feature, the cars can now offer better feedback and response. For instance, this happens when overtaking or during active driving on a twisty road. The engine responds faster to the commands of the driver, and this is how it delivers enhanced precision in the driving experience.

    Gearshift Speed

    The increased gearshift speed results in faster acceleration and more direct commands of the driver. Imagine when shifting down fast ahead of an overtaking maneuver, this faster gearbox provides you with more direct control of your vehicle.

    Gearshift Precision and Gear Hold

    The calibration of the gearshifts results in more direct and precise driving experience and as mentioned – faster acceleration. The modified gearshift points use optimized mid-range performance of the unit, while the gear hold function holds the gear during cornering at high lateral g-forces.

    Off-Throttle Response

    Performance Optimisation for Volvo’s Drive-E T6 Third Picture

    Calibration has happened not only for the gearbox but for the engine, too. As a result, the driver gets faster response during a short period of braking ahead of a corner. All is about enhanced control after all.

    Engine Performance

    All Drive-E optimizations are about better performance especially when driving actively. All in all, this means that the improved mid-range performance combined with the changes for the gearbox and throttle response makes the car more dynamic and responsive to drive, thus enhancing the overall engaging driving experience.

    Source: Polestar 

  • 2017 Acura NSX Makes it Official in America with Hot Super Bowl Spot!

    2017 Acura NSX Super Bowl Spot First PictureAcura has finally released the NSX in America and has done this exclusively with a hot rocking Super Bowl spot! The soundtrack of an iconic Van Halen rock song infuses high-voltage energy into the NSX rollout. By the way, this is the first time the rock band is releasing “Runnin’ with the Devil” (the song you hear in the spot) for use in advertising. The spot debuted during the Super Bowl 50, and the moment we saw it, we loved it. It was then inevitable of not showing it to you!

    “Runnin’ with the Devil” by Van Halen is probably the best song choice for this ad. Its high-energy vocal effects provide the powerful beat for the Acura NSX and describe it character very well. In addition, via the advertisement, the company also showcases the Precision Crafted Performance direction, which is now that is core to Acura and is vividly imbued in the NSX supercar.

    SEE ALSO: Acura Precision Concept Shows New Human-Machine Interface Approach [VIDEO]

    The commercial is tagged with the words “What He Said,” and this is not devoid of sense, because “NSX is better described through raw emotion than words alone”. Besides the loud vocals, the spot evokes the emotions via its elegant design and powerful inner-workings. In the end, the NSX erupts in a powerful crescendo through rapid-fire vocals. You ca see how every hollers and screams respond to the camera movement across the details of the car.

    2017 Acura NSX Super Bowl Spot Second Picture

    2017 Acura NSX is one of the most exciting and exclusive cars in the world. It has been created to bring about unforgettable experience infused with emotion and exclusivity. Basically, the next-gen NSX Acura is challenging the conventional beliefs about supercars. The reason for this is the cutting-edge and world-first technologies it includes.

    The car is equipped with the unique Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive power unit, has a multi-material body structure, rides with advanced aerodynamics and features a cabin inspired by motorsport performance but that does not sacrifices comfort. Who wants more than this?!

    At last, we should mention that the Acura NSX online vehicle configurator is going to be launched on February 25 and it will enable potential customers to design and build their dream NSX. On the same date, those interested in purchasing the car can contact an authorized Acura retailer to place their order. The production of the 2017 Acura NSX is going to start this spring at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio.

    Videos Source: YouTube 
    News Source: Acura