Lidia Todorova – Page 44 – Automobiles Review

Hyundai Starts Selling 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Across the United States

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle is the next PHEV vehicle, which you can find in the dealerships. It has arrived this weekend in select showrooms across the United States, offering competitive price and exceptional 27-mile all-electric range.

The details and benefits of this car start with Sonata Plug-in Hybrid’s 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery system. It is around five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, thus helping in achieving 99 MPGe. What is more, the battery system can be charged via an external electric power source using either a Level-One 120V power outlet. And it all takes less than nine hours or a Level-Two 240V charging station in under three hours, to make a full charge.

Continuing to the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine, it is connected to a 50kW electric motor. This combination makes it possible for the PHEV to produce a total system output of 202 horsepower (149 kW) at 6,000 rpm.

Standard and Optional Features

Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Rear View and Charging

The standard equipment for 2016 includes various goodies like 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, hands-free Smart Trunk, Dimension premium audio system, 8-inch touchscreen navigation and Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

In addition, Hyundai engineers added a lot of safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam Assist and rear parking sensors. If these standard features are not enough then you can opt for the optional electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, driver memory seat, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control.

Owners can also charge car’s battery remotely via their smartphone have and schedule the specific charging time by setting a date and hour in order to take advantage of off-peak electric rates.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has a starting price of $34,600 USD.

2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid	MSRP	Net MSRP with Federal Tax Incentive*
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid	$34,600	$29,681
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited	$38,600	$33,681
Eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit based on class-leading 9.8 kWh battery capacity. Additional local incentives also may be available depending on the state of residency.*

Source: Hyundai

November 16, 2015

Kia Releases First Teaser Sketches of Niro Hybrid Crossover

Kia Niro Sktech Front View Kia Niro is a vehicle which is probably very familiar to you. We have seen it in 2013, because back then it made its public debut as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, Kia South Korea has released first couple of sketches to tease the future production variant of the Niro Hybrid Crossover. The company also announced that the vehicle will have its market launch during next year and more importantly, that it is going to be a global model.

SEE ALSO: Kia Niro Concept

It was also confirmed that the car will be driven by a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. Both will be mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The electric power will be secured by a 1.56 kWh battery. In this configuration, Niro Hybrid is going to produce 105 horsepower (77 kW) and 147 Nm (109 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Concept vs Production Niro

Kia Niro Sketch Rear View

We have featured the gallery of the concept below, so you can make a comparison between the sketches and the 2013 version. What we can clearly see is that the concept version has three doors with gullwing configuration. Fortunately, Kia has removed the outdated gullwings and added five doors instead. That’s not only more beautiful, but it is also more practical and perfect for a production variant of the car.

Just like the concept, the sketches reveal that the future Niro will have a low profile and sleek proportions, with sporty stance and athletic attitude. Kia also disclosed that the car will be made with aero body panels so that the car can make the most of its efficiency.

We are definitely looking forward to see and hear more about this hybrid concept, and we do expect to get more details very soon. Stay tuned.

Source: Kia

November 16, 2015

007 SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Made Official Debut in London

SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Front View SPECTRE is currently running in the theatres and if you haven’t watch it already, go and do it immediately. I promise you won’t be sorry. It is a tradition that in the Bond series we see some of Britain’s most attractive and fastest vehicles. This time the movie is seized by appearance of one tough Jaguar, called C-X75.

The supercar made its public debut in London at the 800th Lord Mayor‘s Show this weekend. This is an electric hybrid concept car, which was created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. During the event, it was driven by SPECTRE’s stunt driver Martin Ivanov (yes ladies, this handsome man on the pictures). He drove the car on 14th November as part of the annual two-mile parade.

SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Front View with Martin Ivanov

He actually said that he was really excited to sit again behind the steering wheel of the Jaguar C-X75. Ivanov also recalled that it was a memorable experience driving this car during filming in Rome. Although the supercar was driven by Ivanov, in the actual movie the personage, who uses it, is Hinx. The vehicle is featured in one of movie’s high speed car chase.

In addition, at the event the bespoke car was accompanied by the XE sports saloon, the F-TYPE and two bespoke Range Rovers. And as a matter of fact, this appearance marked the start of Jaguar Land Rover’s partnership with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s future aircraft carrier and flagship. The aircraft carriers will be the biggest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

Source: Jaguar

November 16, 2015

ABT Super-Q5 Faster than Audi SQ5 TDI plus? Yes, it is!

ABT Sportsline Audi SQ5 Side View ABT Sportsline has a big surprise for all keen on Audi tuning today. They have managed to make a car so powerful that it can kick the butt of the standard Audi SQ5. The gains in power are impressive and they measure more than 40 horsepower. The tuner made all this possible thanks to the ‘New Generation’ engine tuning program.

The result is pretty impressive and shows significant gains. Precisely, the standard for the 3.0 TDI 326 hp (240 kW) are now lifted to 365 hp (268 kW), while the torque has been raised from 650 lb-ft to 710 Nm.

This makes it possible for the naughty Audi to jump quickly from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Additionally, the experts decided to raise the top speed too, making it 260 km/h.

ABT Aero Kit for the SQ5

ABT Sportsline Audi SQ5 Rear View

Besides the changes in power, ABT wanted to make the car a little bit more likeable. Thus the Aero pack was born. To go into details, it includes front skirt and a brand new grill, door strip attachments and a rear wing. There is a wide variant of this pack that adds right fender extensions.

Next, wheel spacers of between 30 to 70mm per axle make for the right tread, while the ABT height adjustable suspension springs lower the car between 5 and 30mm on the front axle and of between 10 and 35 on the rear.

ABT Sportsline is also proficient in making cool wheels. For this project it is offering its CR, DR, ER-C and FR models, in sizes of 20 and 21-inches. They can be fitted with Continental or Pirelli sports tires in 255/45 R20, 255/40 R21, 255/35 R21 and 265/35 R22 dimensions. The interior received only minor details and these include the in-house made ABT floor and trunk mats.

Now, isn’t that the perfect vehicle for the weekend?

Source: ABT Sportsline

November 13, 2015

Jeep Wrangler Backcountry & Grand Cherokee SRT Night are Main Stars in L.A.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night Side View Jeep is ready for the Los Angeles Auto Show with not one but two unique vehicles. Luckily, they will be both distributed throughout the 2016 model year. Meet the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Night and the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry! The first one will be available in dealerships starting the first quarter of next year, while the second will appear in showrooms later this month. Let’s go to the details.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night

The special Night edition of the SRT Grand Cherokee has this one-off stealth-like stance. It is adorned by some special high-quality features including roof, rear spoiler, front grille bezels, B and C pillars and side window surrounds. And they are all painted in Gloss Black.

Satin Black is the color choice for the front appliqué, badging on the hood and rear liftgate, and the lightweight split five-spoke “5Ten” 20-inch wheels. Behind the latter there are standard Brembo brakes. But if you are looking for a different exterior color for this Jeep, then you can chose among these: Velvet Red, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night Interior

Inside, the black design theme is continued via the Black Laguna leather upholstery and the Silver accent stitching and Light Black Chrome bezels. Other featured for the special edition Grand Cherokee are optional and they come in exchange for extra money, namely the dual-pane sunroof, a 19-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, trailer tow package, three-season tires, a full-size spare tire and a dual-screen rear entertainment system.

Under the hood, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night is powered by the 6.4-liter V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology. The unit produces 475 horsepower (350 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb.-ft.) of torque. The performance is very tough, meaning that the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, from 0 to 100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 160 mph.

2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry

Jeep Wrangler Backcountry Side View

The Wrangler Backcountry is different kind of machine. With its winter design theme, it is ironically based on the Wrangler Sahara model. The special features here include Backcountry decal on the front fender and rear quarter panel, a unique off-road front and rear powder coated bumper, 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in Mid-gloss Black and a black fuel fill door.

Wrangler Rubicon rock rails are also standard, in contrast to the Sahara side steps, which are optional. The black hard top could be specified in an optional body color. In general, the Wrangler Backcountry is available in five colors: Hydro Blue, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Xtreme Purple.

The interior of the Sahara-based model is adorned by a dark theme. Precisely, there are Piano Black vent rings, door handles and grab handles, vinyl-wrapped console lid and door armrests with Diesel Gray accent stitching, black McKinley leather seat bolsters with black sport mesh inserts, a nine-speaker premium Alpine sound system and all-weather slush mats. Another cool standard feature in the Wrangler Backcountry is the Bluetooth hands-free Connectivity Group.

I’d like this one for a Christmas present. How about you?

Source: Jeep

November 13, 2015

Kahn Designs a Keswick Green Defender that is Ready for Action

Keswick Green is the new color of the famed Kahn Land Rover Defender Hard Top Chelsea Wide Track vehicle. We have seen it in ecstatic Silver color, but we also think that the more we see of it in various options, the more we like it. This is one of the simplest reasons why the Defender is featured in today’s news. And here are the details.

Exterior

As mentioned Keswick Green is the choice for the exterior color of the model. But its appearance is not attractive only because of that. Given that the Defender has an innate boxy styling; it was easier for the tuners to emphasize its muscular appearance with some simple but very effective changes.

They have added a new set of front and rear wide wing arches with exposed bolt apertures. In addition, the front fascia also received different bumper with integrated daytime running lights and shadow chrome headlights.

What is more, the X-Lander front grille was color matched to the lower bumper guard in order to reinforce the strong appearance of the Defender. Chelsea Truck Company delivered the wheel cover and optional side steps.

At last, 1948 Defend Retro wheels of the 16-inch size are the ‘shoes’ of this big vehicle. They are fitted with 235/70/16″ tyres at all four corners. By the way, the wheels are painted in Piano Black and come with Diamond Cut finish.

Interior

Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT by Kahn Interior

The first thing to spot inside is the Sports GTB seats wrapped in quilted and perforated leather. The instrument binnacle received full leather upholstery, while the door card set was completed with Alcantara trimming. Hard-wearing floor mats, Kahn’s billet steering wheel and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium as well as the Churchill time clock integrated into the dashboard round out the impressive styling of the luxurious cabin.

Which one do you like more, the Silver or the Keswick Green Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT?

Source: Kahn Design

November 13, 2015

Audi Announces Pricing of S8 Plus and RS 7 performance Models

2016 Audi S8 plus Front and Side View Audi has announced the pricing of the S8 plus and RS 7 performance models. Both will go on sale in December ant their price tags are very attractive. Common for the duo are the 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine, which produces 605 hp (444 kW), maximum 747 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, and the sportier interior and exterior design elements. Let’s see what so cool about these two.

S8 plus

2016 Audi S8 plus is the flagship sedan of the A8 lineup. Its powerful engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the aforementioned numbers it produces make an increase of 85 horsepower (63 kW) and 99 Nm (73 lb-ft) compared to the current S8.

This makes it possible for the S8 to accelerate even faster, thus taking the 0-60 mph acceleration sprint for only 3.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph. As an option Audi is offering a Dynamic package, which increases the Vmax to 190 mph.

As a standard customers will get rear sport differential improving the driving dynamics through active torque vectoring, adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering. As you can see all is focused on performance. Even the exterior which features standard rear lip spoiler in exterior body color, silver mirror housings and huge 21” five-spoke-double-arm S8 plus titanium wheels.

The Black optic exterior package is available and it features carbon fiber mirror housings, a black Singleframe grill and window surrounds, a carbon front blade and diffusor trim and darkened taillights. On the other hand, if future customers chose the Dynamic package, they will get high performance ceramic brakes and a carbon rear lip spoiler, custom sport exhaust system with throaty sound and increased top speed limiter (as mentioned). The price tag of the 2016 Audi S8 plus starts at $114,900 USD.

RS 7 performance

2016 Audi RS 7 performance Side View

2016 Audi RS 7 performance model generates the same horsepower and Newton meters as the S8, because it is driven by the same engine fitted with the same transmission. However, adding to this power is an overboost function, which increases the power. The RS 7 performance is almost as fast as the S8, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed is 190 mph.

You can differentiate the RS 7 performance from the standard RS 7 through the carbon ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the redesigned bumper with rear diffuser insert and sport exhaust black tailpipes, carbon mirror housings and the gloss black RS Singleframe grille. Massive 21-inch cast aluminum wheels come as a standard.

The cabin features RS sports seats as no cost option, while the black Valcona leather and Alcantara with blue contrast stitching and carbon twill blue inlays come with the car in addition of some extra money. The starting price of the newest Audi RS 7 performance begins at $129,000 USD.

Source: Audi

November 12, 2015

2016 Honda Civic Coupe and Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle to Debut in L.A.

Clarity Fuel Cell front view 2016 Honda Civic Coupe, or the tenth generation ecstatic Civic, and the Clarity Fuel Cell are going to make their North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto show next week. Both vehicles offer a new expression of valuable qualities such as ‘Clean, Safe and Fun’, and they are going to put a strong emphasis on them during the show.

10^th Gen Civic Coupe

The Coupe is built over the same sports platform of the Civic, and its appearance at the event reminds customers that it is currently going on sale (starting today). By the way, you can already find it in dealerships. 2016 Civic Coupe delivers a glimpse of the future design language of the brand with its athletic lines, high-tech interior, and powerful as well as engaging powertrains. There are two new engines, including the first-ever turbocharged for the U.S. Civic.

Sporty performance is inevitable and so is the refined ride. But do not worry about the fuel efficiency, because Honda promises that it will be even lower than expected.

The Civic Coupe is the second of the 10^th generation Civic models, including a sedan and Si models, a 5-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R. This fact makes the Civic lineup the most diverse and innovative one in model’s history.

Clarity Fuel Cell

Clarity Fuel Cell Interior

Following a world debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show in October, Clarity Fuel Cell is a five-passenger sedan with great performance, range and efficiency. In fact, it is ‘world’s first production fuel cell sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system in the front engine compartment’.

Why this vehicle is so important, especially in the U.S. The reason is that it houses original technologies, which lowers the carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere, since it hardly releases any. And how about the driving rage? It is more than enough, measuring 300 miles. Oh, have I told you that the refueling time is approximately three minutes?

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell will launch in the United States in 2016, but first it will be introduced in Japan in March. If you are interested in what you have read, then visit Honda’s booth, located in the West Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show starts November 18.

Source: Honda

November 12, 2015

Kia Cadenza Previewed with First Couple of Sketches

Kia Cadenza Front and Side View Kia Cadenza has just been teased with first couple of sketches showing its contemporary and athletic design. It is obvious that the car is expected to set new standards in terms of design, both exterior and interior. The fresh design of the Cadenza will be further reinforced with greater refinement and luxury. And let me tell you the best thing about this car: it will go on sale in overseas markets very soon – during 2016. Well, we first have to see its official debut, of course.

In addition, Kia said that the new Cadenza will focus on the quality of its cabin and the contemporary luxury needed for each and any modern vehicle. Compared to the current Cadenza generation, this one has a little bit more progressive exterior design, and the company also promises that it will offer higher levels of luxury.

What else do the sketches speak of? They show that the bonnet is pretty much elongated, while the stance of the car seems a little bit lower. Sharper styling lines speak of Kia’s new design language.

Although we can’t see inside, company representatives say that the new Cadenza features an entirely restyled interior with fresh and luxurious appearance and layout. It will offer its occupant enough space and comfortability. Higher-quality materials than ever before will be used for the interior. So, we a re pretty excited to see this car as soon as possible.

Maybe it will be the newest option for those seeking convenient pricing, excellent appearance and luxurious presence, who knows?

Kia Cadenza Side and rear View

Source: Kia

November 12, 2015

Winnebago is Ford Transit-Based Luxury Motorhome We Are All Dreaming Of

Ford Winnebago Fuse Side View Ford Winnebago Fuse is based on the Transit RV and it is definitely a vehicle we don’t usually wrote about. However, I am a huge daydreamer and probably my biggest dream is to travel around the world with a vehicle such as the Winnebago Fuse. Why? Because exactly this motorhome offers the convenience of the real home and features the mix of an ambient atmosphere with powerful on-road characteristics. And I hope you’ll like this Transit-based motorhome as much as I did.

The recreational vehicle is a Class C motorhome built on Ford Transit cutaway chassis, making it the latest in a the big number of Transit-based options for active individuals. But what does the Class C include? Namely, vehicle frame, suspension, powertrain and cab, and a living area, which is found behind the driver’s compartment.

If you are already interested, then you should also know that the Winnebago comes in a choice of two configurations. The first one features a rear bedroom slide-out featuring a queen-size bed, while the second one includes front slide-out, two twin beds and a rear bath. Regardless of the configuration, each is driven by Ford Power Stroke 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel engine.

Class B Motorhomes?

Ford Winnebago Fuse Interior

Transit is also popular among the Class B motorhomes, which are commonly called camper vans. They actually drive like vans and can be bought for between $60,000 and $130,000 USD.

And by the way, if you still want to go out camping but didn’t like the Winnebago, then you should have in mind that the Transit is offered in a choice of three roof heights, two wheelbases and three powertrains. This will give you the ability to customize your camper the way you wish and more importantly – cost-effectively. For instance, the high-roof Transit model removes the need to raise the roof or drop the floor of a traditional van.

Winnebago Fuse goes on sale in January. Who’s packing?

Source: Ford Motor Company

November 11, 2015

Mercedes Has Just Teased the Newest SL Debuting at L.A. Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz SL teaser Mercedes-Benz has just released the first teaser picture of their latest SL from the model year 2017. The result: the world went mad! Of course, this has happened on their social media pages, so the feedback was really good. The company released a dimmed photo of the front of the SL and a few words, saying that this is the new appearance of the automotive icon.

As we can see and as Mercedes-Benz said, the SL has a brand new front view (a highlighted variant of the image is featured below), including one of the most beautiful additions in company’s design philosophy, namely the diamond grille. The last official words were that the car would have its world premiere at the L.A. Autoshow.

But what we do we actually see except for the diamond grille? First, the redesigned hood, which features simpler lines and smoother forms. Next are the redesigned headlights, which look a little bit smaller. And have you spotted the front bumper? The difference from the ongoing SL is that this one actually includes four inlets.

There must be even more updates featured on the newest SL, but unfortunately there is no official information regarding this matter. However, we don’t have to worry about anything else, since the L.A. Auto Show will start in a week, on 17^th of November. So we just have to be patient to get the whole picture.

Mercedes-Benz SL teaser - highlighted

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

November 11, 2015

Mazda Releases Range Topping Sport Recaro Limited Edition

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition Front View Mazda has just released a range topping MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition. The model is based on the Sport Nav trim, equipped with the 2.0-litre 160PS engine. The Sport Recaro will be limited to just 600 cars, which will have the advantage of additional exclusivity and sporty styling enhancements.

Exterior

MX-5 Sport Recaro builds on the exceptional look of the model and adds Brilliant Black Sports Aero kit. This one comprises of components including rear spoiler, front, side and rear skirts. Other additional exterior features are the Piano Black door mirrors, the 17-inch Diamond Cut alloys and the MX-5 logo.

Interior

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition Interior

The cabin of this particular MX-5 model features Alcantara dashboard panel, alloy pedals and unique floor mats. Alcantara has been also used for the seat cushion and seat back, while red seat piping compliments the red stitching found on the dash, handbrake and gear lever. In addition, the heated Recaro seats were designed to deliver outstanding lumbar and lateral support. They complement the driver-focused cabin and communicative controls.

Other Really Cool Details about the MX-5 Sport Recaro

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition Rear View

As mentioned, this car is based on the 2.0-litre Sport Nav, meaning that it gets as a standard the LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Integrated Bluetooth and integrated navigation system.

But wait, there is more to that, namely the rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, a premium Bose sound system and cruise control, MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander. In terms of dynamics, the car gets Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar.

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition is the first special variant of the fourth-generation MX-5. To make this even more exclusive, Mazda added an individually numbered badge located on the centre storage box lid. The model is currently available to order.