Lidia Todorova – Page 84 – Automobiles Review

Is Honda HR-V Showing the best Fuel Efficiency in its Class?

Honda HR-V Side View November last year was the month when Honda HR-V was officially unveiled. To be honest, it surprised me very much, due to its innovative design and CR-V-inspired forms. Now, the Japanese company has announced that the model will be also one of the most efficient vehicles in its class and will offer dreamt-about characteristics.

The styling of the car is literally breath-taking. From the outside one can also judge that there is enough space inside. As a typical Honda the car features advanced infotainment and safety technologies.

But where does its perfect fuel efficiency range come from? The answer: two engines – the 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol, both coming directly from Honda’s advanced Earth Dreams Technology series.

Furthermore, the first one is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and this also helps the HR-V deliver 4.0 l/100km and 104 g/km of CO2. However, there is no compromise on performance, since the diesel unit produces 120 hp (88 kW). Not to mention that the HR-V is capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds.

Those who are keener on gasoline engines have the option of 1.5 litre i-VTEC, which achieves a fuel economy of 5.2 l/100km and CO2 emissions from 120 g/km. This is only in the case of CVT automatic transmission.

If the unit is coupled with a standard six-speed manual, the fuel efficiency is 5.6 l/100km and CO2 emissions are rated at 130 g/km. The great performance of the car is proved because it is capable of reaching the 100 km/h in just 10.3 seconds with the manual and 10.9 seconds when equipped with the optional CVT.

2016 Honda HR-V will be available in European showrooms this summer.

Source: Honda

April 22, 2015

Donkervoort Releases Nearly Full-Carbon D8 GTO Edition

You have probably never heard about the Dutch company Donkervoort. Well, you aren’t alone in this. The new automaker is obviously trying to take the position of Wiesmann, since the first car it has produced looks much like one of the liquidated company. Precisely, the model is called D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition and is the very first carbon infused model of Donkervoort.

The vehicle is entirely fitted with visible carbon fibre with a special technique that allows the material to be exposed to view. This not only highlights the extremely fast personality of the D8 GTO but also reveals some of its specific and charismatic features.

Furthermore, the lightweight carbon fibre components are combined with Audi’s 2.5L R5 TFSI engine, which produces nearly 395 horsepower (290 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 255 km/h.

To me, the most interesting thing about this car is that it has been covered with visible carbon from nose to diffuser, and is also featured throughout the interior. We can see it on elements such as the seats, door panels, window frame, dashboard and door sills.

Believe it or not, even the ignition cylinder housing, belt-and-roll bar trim and headlight housings are made of this material. Next, the painting process is also unique because it involves UV-coating directly applied every single carbon fibre component by hand.

To be more precise, almost 90% of the bodywork was made of carbon components. However, this does not satisfy the professionals of the Donkervoort, because the ultimate goal is to make a full-carbon D8 GTO. With the Bare Naked Carbon Edition this seems fairly possible.

Source: Donkervoort

April 21, 2015

Cadillac CT6 is Becoming PHEV

Cadillac CT6 will be offered in the form of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). This of course will be optional, with the greatest benefit that the PHEV system will improve fuel efficiency significantly. The electric energy that drives the car comes from an 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is mounted between the rear seat and the trunk. The battery can be charged via 120V or 240V charger. Nonetheless, its range wasn’t announced yet. This will happen closer to U.S. launch.

What is more, this Cadillac’s PHEV combines a rear wheel electric variable transmission (EVT) with two-motor EVT, which is then mated to a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine. The petrol unit features spark-ignited direct injection and variable valve technology.

As a result, we have a combined system output of 335 hp (250 kW) and torque of 432 lb-ft (586 Nm). Just like the expected range, the fuel efficiency will be announced closer to launch.

Regenerative braking is the next exclusive feature in the CT6 hybrid. It will use the help of the iBooster and Electronic Stability Program in order to deliver optimum energy recovery. The system also provides better brake pedal feel and improved stop-start operation.

CT6 PHEV will have three operating modes: Normal, Sport and Hold, and will also feature Regen on Demand. The latter will allow for temporarily regeneration of energy which will be transformed in electricity and then stored into the battery pack. In fact, Regen on Demand is for more spirited driving and is engaged via steering-wheel paddle shifters.

So far so good, but I’m wondering whether Cadillac will apply this PHEV tendency onto its other models.

Source: Cadillac

April 21, 2015

Buick Verano Finally Revealed in Shanghai

Buick Verano is an American car debuting in China. As strange as it sounds, the 2017 model year Verano has just been revealed during the Shanghai Auto Show, showing its sports sedan exterior that is said to be inspired by Riviera and Avenir concept cars. The model also delivers great fuel efficiency and sporting handling.

As you can see from the single image we received, the Verano has the typical for Buick waterfall grille. It is accompanied by Avenir’s wing-shaped HID xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. The same wing shape can be seen in the LED taillights, too.

The windshield gives the body of the car a longer look, because it is positioned between the fastback roof and streamlined C-pillar curves. The double-sweep is also there, being typical for all Buick sedans. The beautiful silhouette of the Verano is supported by 17-inch 10-spoke alloys mated to Continental MC5 225/45 R17 sports tires.

Under the hood of the Verano is the 1.5T SIDI turbocharged Ecotec engine, which is coupled with seven-speed DCG transmission with smooth gear shifting. The output of the unit is rated at 169 hp (124 kW) at 5,600 rpm, while the peak torque – at 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) at 1,700-4,400 rpm. Despite the impressive power, the car is still capable of returning 6.1L per 100 km combined fuel consumption.

This is the third Buick entry on the Chinese market that comes to satisfy customer’s demands. The first two were Excelle GT, launched earlier this year, and the family car Excelle. With this step, it is expected that Buick will strengthen its positions in China.

Source: Buick

April 21, 2015

Chevrolet Premieres FNR Autonomous Electric Concept in Shanghai

Chevrolet FNR Front and Side View Meet the Chevrolet-FNR. This is an autonomous electric concept currently on display at the Shanghai Auto Show. One rarely expects an EV that drives alone from a company such as Chevrolet, but times and trends are changing very fast and the automakers are transforming their future strategies respectively. The concept is an example for “mobility of the future” and was developed specifically for the event.

The aim of the team behind this project was to make one-off smart vehicle which will attract the future youngsters. This also means that the concept employs the newest networking technology.

But take a look at the design of this car. I haven’t seen anything more futuristic than this in a while. As the company said, this car has a capsule design and is equipped with crystal laser headlights and taillights. Do you notice the dragonfly dual swing doors? How cool is that?!

The vehicle also sports magnetic hubless wheel electric motors and a wireless auto-charge system. In fact, the FNR is loaded with variety of intelligent technologies such as sensors and roof-mounted radar that will allow driverless operation.

The other feature is Chevy’s Intelligent Assistant and iris recognition start. There is even a “personal assistant” which helps one to map out the perfect route to the final destination.

When this concept drives alone, the front seats can face the rear seats, thus creating more intimate atmosphere. The switch to manual mode happens with just a gesture. It seems like science-fiction movies like “Star Wars” aren’t that impossible.

Source: Chevrolet

April 21, 2015

Chevrolet Camaro Teasers

2016 Camaro Exhaust We are all waiting impatiently for the big reveal of the sixth generation Camaro on 16^th of May, but until then we can at least enjoy some teasers regarding its structure. The company has released two new images depicting the engine and the exhaust. You can view them below in the gallery (they are the last two photos). More importantly, the company released the news that the car will be equipped with new Drive Mode Selector, which will make most of its performance and will feature multiple drive settings.

Other new technologies will also give the chance to drivers to tailor the car to the particular moment they are driving it. This will allow a lot of flexibility and this was actually inspired by the current Camaro ZL1 that is perfect for any kind of driving.

Aaron Link, Camaro’s lead engineer, said that the new model will be “even more adaptable” and will have eight selectable modes. And here steps in the Drive Mode Selector. It will include Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track settings, depending on the model. Each mode will feature calibrations that will ensure that a specific throttle progression, steering and stability control is delivered.

Magnetic Ride Control will be also a first, but it will be available only in the SS. What is more, Tour, Sport and Track programs will be offered by the active damping system and they will change the ride and handling balance.

At last, Chevrolet said that the new Camaro will sport a dual-mode exhaust system that will have electronically controlled valves. It will not only deliver great performance but also superior sound levels. Oh, and let me tell you a secret. It will also have these cool personalization options that will allow the driver to switch between “stealth” and “track” mode.

Chevrolet is going to make an official premier of the Gen 6 Camaro on 16^th of May with a special public event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park.

Source: Chevrolet

April 21, 2015

VOW Concept Promises a World of Wonder and Excellence

Venucia VOW Concept Front View DFL-PV is short for Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company and it is a result of the combined forces of Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group. They have devoted their efforts to develop and distribute passenger vehicles. Well, Venucia is company’s name which is a result of this joint venture and which literally stands for the ancient Roman word for “Venus”.

At the front of any Venucia car we see the five stars that are a representation of company’s promises: respect customers, create value, do the best, achieve world-class quality and seek the dream. These values have been embodied in the VOW concept car that is currently on display in Shanghai.

The vehicle is a modern and sports-oriented crossover that just like the Lannia has been developed with the aim to attract young customers. In this case, the name VOW stands for the abbreviation of “Venucia Over Wonder” and it comes to signify that the car strives for excellence.

We see Nissan’s bold design here as well as a bright blue body color, which has been inspired by Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. If you are unfamiliar, this is a high plateau near the crest of the Andes Mountains that has these beautiful fresh and saltwater lakes and the world’s largest salt flat.

There aren’t many details released about the VOW concept, but we see that it mixes dynamism and elegance. At the front there are full LED headlights and huge grille and they both remind me of Infiniti’s SUVs. At the back, the taillights also include LEDs, while the most important feature of the sides are the huge alloys and the cameras in the place of rearview mirrors.

There are no words on a production version of the car, but it will be probably the best thing for the Venucia brand, since this is one of the best looking vehicles in the line-up.

Source: Nissan

April 20, 2015

Nissan Debuts Friend-Me based Lannia [VIDEO]

Nissan Lannia Front and Side View Auto Shanghai will be welcoming two new production Nissan models: the Lannia and Murano Hybrid. The visitors will also see the GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo. Lannia was teased several times already, but today is the day of the big reveal. With it the model is showcasing its fresh persona and youthful character. This car is actually Nissan’s first product that was specifically developed for the young Chinese customers.

If the exterior of the Lannia looks somewhat familiar to you, this is because it is actually an evolution of the Friend-ME concept which we have seen debuting in China last year. The design of the car was inspired by the smooth, but at the same time muscular movements of wild animals, which makes it have unique personality and dynamic characteristics.

As we can see, the new production car in Nissan’s line-up has retained its predecessor’s geometric lines and edgy surface. We also witness the V-motion grille, kick-up C-pillar, floating roof and boomerang-shaped LED lights.

Is there something different throughout the interior? Well, the cockpit still focuses on the driver and keeps the great comfort values. Of course connectivity was a key focus in the design, since the Lannia must attract people in their 20s and 30s. In other words, the car is equipped with infotainment technologies such as advanced audio system with smart-phone connectivity and a 7-inch multimedia display screen.

Other important features in the Lannia are regarding the safety. The car has been equipped with Nissan’s new Safety Shield technologies and in addition it was engineered to achieve competitive levels of fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the model will be distributed in China only.

httpv://youtu.be/fqonTTjEjnk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

April 20, 2015

How Bespoke is Infiniti Q70L? [VIDEO]

Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition Front and Rear View The next Japanese company with a big Shanghai reveal is Infiniti. It has premiered a bespoke edition of the Q70L luxury car. You may ask what is so special about this car. Well, the answer: its one-off interior that has been inspired by those of the Q80 Inspiration and Q60 Concept. The cabin is welcoming because it features warm atmosphere. To achieve this, the designers have done several things.

First, the bespoke version of the car features four individual seats upholstered in abundant white quilted leather. The redesigned rear actually frees around 150 mm for increased legroom. This also means entirely revamped seats and more spacious cabin. In addition, the four seats feature cushioned quilting, soft Ultrasuede and high-texture saddle leather.

Quilted leather has been also used for the door trim and ‘cut and sew’ headliner. Furthermore, hand-stitching has been the method preferred for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, glove compartment, door inserts and armrests.

Besides the interior, the Q70L Bespoke Edition has also some special exterior accents. The first one is the Arctic Aluminum paint scheme, which we have seen on the Q60 Concept. At the front Infiniti designers have added new LED headlights, double arch grille and front bumper with integrated fog lights.

At the back there are also integrated LEDs, new design for the trunk lid, slimmer rear bumper and a chrome rear finisher. And if you happen to be at Auto Shanghai, don’t miss the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration and e Q60 Concept, which are also on display.

httpv://youtu.be/RtdljfOHFeU

Source: Infiniti

April 20, 2015

Shanghai Meets Lexus ES and RX Models

Lexus ES Side View The next news regarding Auto Shanghai is about two Lexus’ models: the RX 200t and the ES luxury sedan. The first one was displayed in the turbo-engine form and precisely, it will be driven by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The unit includes VVT-iW intelligent/wide variable valve-timing, a low-inertia turbocharger and an air-to-liquid intercooler. This makes the RX capable of producing 225 hp (165 kW).

There is a second engine choice for the RX: the 3.5-litre V6 petrol one, which will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This unit will be responsible for the 300 hp output. At last, the range is rounded-out by the full hybrid version of the RX, which will utilize an Atkinson cycle 3.5 V6, together with an electric motor, delivering the same horsepower.

On the other hand, the updated ES model currently wows the public in Shanghai with its elegant and progressive styling package, luxury interior and innovative Safety System +.

To go into details, the refreshed ES features company’s unique spindle grille in satin chrome to LED headlights, L-shaped DRLs, fog lamps positioned at the outer lower corners, new taillight design with L-shaped theme and a chrome-tipped rectangular exhaust. In addition, the ES runs on 17-inch alloys that perfectly complement the new exterior color.

Inside the enhanced cabin one sees a brand new instrument panel, refreshed new steering wheel, 4.2-inch TFT display and versatile color combinations which deliver a sense of elegance. The colors for the seats for instance include Topaz Brown, Ivory, Moonstone and Black. In addition, there are three interior trims: Piano Black, Bamboo and Shimamoku.

Like the RX, the ES is powered by refined 3.5-litre V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains. Both models will also get updated handling and sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard.

Source: Lexus

April 20, 2015

Honda Concept D Previews Future Production Model. Take a Look!

Honda Concept D Side and Front View The automotive manufacturers are annually displaying vehicles at so many shows around the world. One of the fast developing markets is the Chinese and therefore it is no surprise that there is an exhibition where we can see some cars that could not be witness anywhere else. I am speaking about the Auto Shanghai and Honda’s one-off Concept D vehicle.

There isn’t a lot of information disclosed about this concept model, however the automaker reassured us that this is an example for a future SUV, which is currently under development. It will be a mass-production car that is going to be distributed only in China domestic as a top-of-the-range model.

The new SUV offers high-quality driving as well as luxurious and comfortable experience inside the spacious cabin. And with this ends all official information. We can tell more only by judging the pictures.

The newest safety technologies and advanced features have been added to the Concept D. The front appears massive with its enormous grille and huge bumper, but it is somehow harmonized thanks to the LED DRLs and thin headlights.

At the sides we see 21-inch wheels, hidden underneath edgy wheel arches. What also grabs the attention here are the massive side skirts and the added cameras in the place of mirrors. Going to the back of the car are the new LEDs, the muscular rear bumper and the big air vents.

Given that the production version of the Concept D will be distributed in China, it is possible to see it in the form of a hybrid. There is also a lot of news about the show today, so stay tuned.

Source: Honda

April 20, 2015

What is so Special About JE DESIGN’s Volkswagen Touareg?

JE Design VW Touareg Front View Today is the day of tunings, since this is the fifth. This time, my attention has been caught by JE DESIGN’s Volkswagen Touareg, which stands proud and beautiful. The flagship SUV now features more power, lowered stance and a new aero kit. To go into details, the latter comprises of brand new radiator grille, front spoiler, wheel arch flares. It adds also new roof spoiler and rear diffuser in order to make everything perfect.

In fact, the wider wheel arches are complemented by the new wheel spacers, an electronic lowering and new set of 22-inch wheels in matt black. These elements further emphasize the aggressive nature of the car.

But the designers did not modify only the exterior. The most impressive thing about this Touareg is the engine tuning. JE DESIGN has given the SUV additional control unit boost. The effect is that the V8 TDI has an increased output from 340 hp (250 kW) to 410 hp (301 kW). The torque has also grown significantly from 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) to 930 Nm (686 lb-ft).

Believe it or not, as a result this VW can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds! For an extra “power comfort” one can also add to this engine upgrade stainless steel twin tailpipes, which also serves as a visual complement. At last, the interior has minor upgrades like company’s logo on the door sill panels.

Source: JE DESIGN

April 17, 2015

Author: Lidia Todorova