Lidia Todorova – Page 90 – Automobiles Review

Toyota to Premiere Tacoma and RAV4 Hybrid in New York

2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Access Cab Front and Side View Toyota will be exhibiting its future at the New York Auto Show, where it will display a wide range of vehicles, some of which we have never seen before. The first announced was the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and it will be revealed on 2nd of April as the newest of the hybrids in Japanese company’s line-up. There are no additional words regarding this one, so we can’t tell you anything else.

The visitors will also have the chance to see the revolutionary Mirai hydrogen concept. It will be accompanied by a mock-up of a fueling station that will serve as an example of how one can refuel a hydrogen car in five minutes or even less.

The truck space has been reserved for another refreshed model in Toyota’s line-up. And this is the 2016 Tacoma. Here, we have more official data and we can proudly tell you that the vehicle will be powered by a brand new engine. Precisely, it is the 3.5 liter V6, but there is no information on the output. The restyled cab will be also fitted with a GoPro mount for the first time ever, so it can collect visual images of any adventure.

Those who will visit the event will also meet a wide variety of other rides like the FV-2 three-wheel concept, the i-ROAD car, the FT-1 concept, the special New York Yankees graphic-wrapped Prius, the 850 hp Sleeper Camry dragster and the latest special editions of 2016 Camry and Corolla.

In truck’s line-up they will also see the TRD-Pro series lineup, including the Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner, the Sienna:Remix and the special Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck, which went on a journey involving race over 1,200 miles at the 47th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 and finished first.

Source: Toyota

March 27, 2015

Dodge Equips Durango R/T with more Nappa

Dodge Durango R/T just looks great. The seven-seater can now show-off with many new equipment features and specifically with those one can find in the interior. Its imposing stance is additionally strengthened by the standard for the 2015 model year 20-inch alloys in high-gloss Granite Crystalfinish. On the road the car will produce no less than 360 horsepower (265 kW), coming from the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The torque is rated at 528 Nm (390 lb.-ft.), giving the opportunity of great tow rating measured at 7,400 pounds.

The new Durango R/T is also equipped with sport-tuned suspension and huge performance tires measuring 20-inch. The great exterior looks are due to the monochromatic appearance backed-up by the black headlamp bezels and LED daytime running lamps. In addition, the height of the car has been lowered by 20 mm.

However, the accent of this car is to be found inside. With the opening of the door we see abundance of Nappa Leather in Radar Red. Precisely, it is the seats that were wrapped in it. Of course, the red/black contrast stitching is a must. As a matter of fact, we have seen these seats in the Charger and Challenger, but it is very pleasant to the eyes when one can find them in other cars in Dodge’s range, too.

Other accents throughout the interior that should be mentioned are the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen and the new audio releasing its sound via the nine speakers and subwoofer. Form the outside, one can also like the power liftgate function and the HID low-beam headlamps.

Source: Dodge

March 27, 2015

Toyota Says Goodbye to Jeremy Showing his Best Bits [VIDEO]

Jeremy Clarkson and the un-killable Hilux Two days ago we witnessed BBC’s official confirmation that Jeremy Clarkson won’t continue his TV presence. The world since then changed. Literally. The next news was the announcement of James May on his personal Twitter that he too has quit Top Gear. May fans showed their support online, many colleagues have said that the show should continue with the same presenters, but it is more than obvious that this is the End of an era.

The reason for Clarkson’s release from Top Gear was the so called “fracas” with the producer Oisin Tymon, caused by a cold plate and ending with a punch in Tymon’s face. The result: the star has been suspended on 10th of March and the show was stopped in the middle of the season. Tony Hall, BBC’s general director, said in official statement that Clarkson has crossed many lines and that there should be consequences.

To show their support to the star, many top car manufacturers released posts on their official social media accounts. One of them is Toyota, which was praised by Jeremy during the years. This gave fans the suspicion that the automaker has actually paid him to do so.

There is a video (which you can watch below) that highlights some of Jeremy’s best moments involving various Toyota cars. This is company’s farewell and tribute to star’s great work expressed with the words: “Thanks for everything Jeremy. It has been smashing.”

And you should definitely check out the un-killable Hilux featured extensively in the video:

httpv://youtu.be/l1WMdI3E9jQ

Source: Toyota via YouTube

March 27, 2015

Kia Reveals First Image of 2016 Optima Prior New York Premiere

2016 Kia Optima SX Front View So, this is the first image of the future 2016 Kia Optima that was just revealed. And I am a little bit disappointed. The car in the photograph above has little to do with what we have seen from the beautiful design studies previewed by the brand a week ago. The sketches showed an elongated vehicle with flowing forms, and close-to-the-ground stance. The wheel arches were more pronounced and the sides were more sculpted.

Judging by the photo, the fourth generation Optima has retained its classical forms, but has added some accents like the more flashy tiger nose grille, the new gills on the front bumper and the chrome accents all over the face of the car. Double multispoke wheels are not what this car needs when it comes to surprising the public, although they fit perfectly its mediocre stance.

Kia also officially announced that the new Optima will be powered by many powerplan options. Given the fact, that it will be based on Hyundai‘s Sonata platform, I do expect to see in the engine range the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged units as well as the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated one. And this is where I pray that Kia will somehow surprise me.

The other data announced by the company includes confirmation on a more spacious interior, additional luxury features and never-seen-before technologies, at least on a Kia … Unfortunately I do not anticipate to see anything surprisingly more different than the previous generation Optima. Whether this proves right or not, we’ll see on 1^st of April, when the car debuts at the New York Auto Show.

Source: Kia

March 26, 2015

Bronze-Accented Buick Enclave Makes North American Debut

Buick has introduced a bronze accented Enclave crossover dubbed Tuscan Edition. It is different from its siblings due to the one-off bronze grille and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels that feature accents from the same material. The three-row luxury crossover is actually one of the most popular and looked for in its segment. With this market step, it is obvious that Buick is opting to gather the glances of even more people, who will eventually become buyers.

For those interested, Enclave Tuscan Edition will be offered in two trim variants: Leather (1SL) and Premium (1SN). In addition, the range of exterior color choices includes White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

The new trim levels will also add some more to the standard equipment of the “normal” Enclave. We are speaking here of the power-operated dual moonroof, the heated steering wheel, the eight-way power front driver and passenger seats, the heated front seats on Leather models and heated/cooled seats on Premium models.

Don’t fool yourself by thinking that the list stops here. The designers have added also ice-blue LED ambient lighting that shines over the instrument panel, power-tilting/telescoping steering column only available on Premium models, Buick IntelliLink, the famous OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, tri-zone automatic climate control, high-intensity discharge headlamps, power liftgate and rear park assist and rear-vision camera system with dynamic guidelines.

Under the hood of the car is the standard 3.6L V-6, which powers all four wheels or only the two up front, depending on customer’s wish. Its economy rating is estimated at 24 mpg on the highway.

Of course, 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition will be making a debut at the New York International Auto Show before going on sale this summer.

Source: Buick

March 26, 2015

Special Ram 1500 Edition Celebrates the Rangers [VIDEO]

Dodge is one of the most popular American brands that has produced the famous 707HP Hellcat. It is also the main manufacturer of all Ram vehicles. The range of the latter has been expanded by the addition of the Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept. The truck is a creative result of company’s collaboration with the law-enforcement agency and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. It aims to bring the iconic Rangers’ spirit onto the road.

The vehicle was introduced at the 2015 Dallas Auto Show, and this is where it wowed the public with its exterior and interior characteristics. The celebration of the Rangers can be seen via the emblematic silver Lone Star Ranger badge and it can be found both inside and out.

The exterior of this Texas Ranger concept has everything typical for the brand. However, there are some accents like the badging (different from the one mentioned above). It was designed to be an example of the Mexican five-peso coins from which Ranger badges are made.

The next big thing (literally) about this concept vehicle is its wheels. They come in the size of 20 inches and are made of polished-aluminum. Milled-aluminum Texas Ranger center cap is making a strong accent on them. At last, the truck comes in a two-tone exterior paint scheme: Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic.

Stepping inside, one sees the same Ranger design cues everywhere. First, there is this Canyon Brown and Tan leather. It is highlighted by tooled-metal details and one-off Texas Ranger edition accents. To name some, Mexican five-peso silver coins are inlaid within the door bolsters, while the steering wheel is accentuated by milled-aluminum, features distressed-finish Ram badge and tan accent “X” stitching.

Ram Texas Ranger edition will travel around Texas with the purpose to expand the awareness for the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum. This means that Dodge has no future plans of making this truck a production version. So sad, isn’t it?

httpv://youtu.be/CP20WRaL0es

Video Source: YouTube
Source: Ram Truck Brand

March 26, 2015

McLaren Teases First Sports Series Model [VIDEO]

McLaren 570S Coupe What’s going on in McLaren’s garage? Pretty much everything since the company has just released a teaser image of a brand new upcoming model. The car is the first one that is going to be introduced to the Sports Series family and will be crowned 570S Coupe. Other official details are very pleasant to hear, because the 570S will be obviously powered by a V8 unit. Given the fact that we know the name of the car, we know its output and it is 570PS (562 hp or 420 kW).

We do not expect anything less than carbon fibre structure from this two seater and the same counts for its aerodynamic characteristics. Where we’ll see the car? There is no other place like New York, so the debut is scheduled to happen there.

McLaren will also show at the event its three tier model strategy. As a matter of fact, every Sports Series model will be endowed with the DNA typical for the Super Series and Ultimate Series. They are positioned very high in McLaren’s range of vehicles.

Other details about the teased car reveal that it will offer one-off performance, well-treated handling with better characteristics and exceptional driving dynamics. It will be equipped with new race-derived technologies that will influence future sports cars in the segment.

Fortunately, McLaren 570S Coupe will be revealed prior its reveal on 1^st of April, so we don’t have to wait that much longer. Below you can see I vide wee found on YouTube, which shows some spy photos of the upcoming car. Enjoy!

httpv://youtu.be/16FeuyvyoZY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: McLaren

March 26, 2015

Top Gear Continues without Jeremy Clarkson, BBC Confirms [VIDEO]

Jeremy Clarkson officially dropped from Top Gear BBC has just confirmed that the contract of Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson won’t be renewed. The reason for this is a huge scandal that the star created, involving a physical altercation with the producer of the show. BBC‘s general director, Tony Hall, said that Clarkson has crossed many lines and that he should bear the consequences.

After the so called “fracas” with Oisin Tymon, Clarkson was suspended on 10^th of March. What has been announced as the reason for this quarrel was a cold plate of food served to the star. In addition, the show was stopped in the middle of the season and this caused an outrageous respond from Top Gear fans. There is even a petition going on around the internet that supports Clarkson’s reinstatement in the show.

Top Gear is the most watched TV program in the world and the main contributor for this is Jeremy Clarkson and his witty individuality. The official BBC statement unfortunately signifies that the show will continue without Clarkson presence.

It is also under question, whether James May and Richard Hammond, will be kept, since their contracts are also ending this year. What’s more, they seem unwilling to continue to do their job without their co-presenter.

This is sad news really, because it signifies an end of an era. Now, over the internet there is a burst of speculations, involving the question who exactly is going to join the show. Any suggestions?

Edit: Hear exclusively James May’s reaction to Jeremy Clarkson being sacked by BBC:

httpv://youtu.be/N6cfFnBNELs

Image Credit: Beretta/Sims/Rex Features

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BBC.com

March 25, 2015

Jaguar XF Revealed via Strenuous High-Wire Journey [VIDEOS]

2016 Jaguar XF has been officially unveiled via a dramatic three minute, 787ft ‘high wire’ journey. This has happened in London, and specifically at the famous Canary Wharf over the Royal Dock. The person behind the steering wheel was Jim Dowdell, who is a veteran stuntman famous for his Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones movies. There is a video below, where you will find out how this has been achieved and whether it was successful or not.

The new XF will also make a North American debut at the New York Auto Show. Basically, the car is an expression of refinement and luxury emphasized via its outstanding interior and athletic coupe-like design. In fact, the XF is based on Jaguar’s aluminum-intensive architecture, thus having exceptional proportions. The car is 7mm (0.3in) shorter and 3mm (0.1in) lower, while the wheelbase in 51mm (2in) longer.

Under the hood we have one of the two 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engines. The first one produces the combination 340 hp (250 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft), while the second one: 380 hp (280 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Both engines are coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

And regarding the excellent steering feel and response, Jaguar has ensured that there is a system that takes care for that. It is called Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. Other technology features that need to be mentioned are the Adaptive Dynamics, the Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) that delivers rear-drive handling and the All-Surface Progress Control system that helps in adverse conditions.

Speaking of luxury, the cabin is filled with the finest materials and the latest technology features like the new Jaguar InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system1 and a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. The company will also offer abundance of available features like the additional advanced driver assistance systems, featuring the full-LED headlights and Laser Heads-Up Display.

httpv://youtu.be/WfSxPkgWSIU

httpv://youtu.be/ttjkWzYAG1c

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Jaguar

March 25, 2015

LM2 Streamliner Supercar with Premiere in New York

LM2 Streamliner is the name of a very interesting project that the visitors of the New York Auto Show will be capable of seeing. It is a supercar project by an American company called Lyons Motor Car. We have to tell you immediately that this car will challenge our perception of horsepower because it can actually produce 1700 hp (1250 kW). These horses come from a DOHC V8 engine that has been 4 cam twin turbocharged and features twin intercoolers, and has been connected to AWD 7 speed sequential gearbox.

And if you wonder about the 0-60 mph acceleration time, it is as impressive as the output. The company guarantees 2.2 seconds coverage, or even better, and below 8 seconds quarter mile time.

For these numbers is also contributing the body of the Streamliner, since it is made of pure carbon fiber. The chassis is full length carbon and features billet stainless steel subframes. Even the Brembo brake rotors are made from the same lightweight material.

Other highlights that must be mentioned here are the Bosh ESP and ABS systems package, the titanium and billet aluminum suspension, the Sport Mode for lower ride height, and the stainless steel, inconel and titanium exhaust system. Full LEDs are also inevitable with their 1200 watt HID driving lamps.

Inside, one will find 16 inch touch screen control center computer that will offer access to the navigation and the premium infotainment system. There are no words on the pricing yet, but we expect that it will be revealed during the auto show.

The big question that is circulating in my mind is: Should Bugatti fear?

Source: Lyons Motor Car via Facebook

March 25, 2015

Redefined 2016 Infiniti QX50 with Premiere in New York

2015 Infinit QX50 Front and Side View Just like many other exclusive and luxury companies Infiniti will also have its stand at this year’s New York Auto Show. The big news regarding its participation in the event is that this is where the debut of the 2016 QX50 will happen. The vehicle is a very special one since it has played a significant role in company’s history being one of the first personal crossovers. Nowadays this segment is growing rapidly and every company is trying to release its own successful version.

There will be a wide range of updates in the new QX50. Starting with the wheelbase, it will feature a three inches increase that will eventually ensure the occupants have more rear legroom and interior space. In addition, Infiniti also told us that the crossover will sport new front and rear fascias and have a higher ride stance.

The wheels and side sills will be also new and actually we do expect to see a very big change in the car. Although these are the official details, we also want to see another unit underneath the hood of QX50. The current model is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that has the potency of generating 325 hp (239 kW) and 361 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. The 7-speed automatic is a standard, while the all-wheel drive system is left optional. Maybe we will see AWD as a standard in New York?

QX30 Concept is the other vehicle in Infiniti’s lineup which will make a North American. The car is a preview of a future compact crossover expected to be seen in dealerships in early 2016.

Note: The image above displays 2015 Infiniti QX50.

Source: Infiniti

March 25, 2015

Mercedes-AMG Collaborate with MV Agusta for the DTM Race Car

Mercedes-AMG und MV Agusta has cooperated for this year’s DTM season. The result is this special C63 Coupe race car with one-off MV Agusta livery. In addition, it was also announced that the person behind the steering wheel and taming the racetrack will be Maximilian Götz, who also makes his debut at the DTM.

As you can see the logo of the Italian motorcycle brand “sits” on the top of the hood and the roof of the Mercedes‑AMG DTM car. The vehicle itself has been covered with many and versatile stickers and was decided in white and matt grey exterior colors underneath.

Just like MV Augusta’s logo adorns the AMG C63 DTM car, Mercedes-AMG logo will be the main glance catcher on the livery of MV Agusta F3 and F4 RC machines. The last two will enter the World Superbike and World Supersport championships and will carry German’s brand signature for the first time.

What’s common between the two brands? Well, first thing we should mention is their passion to always deliver the best. And secondly, the North Italian manufacturer is the Mercedes-Benz of the motorcycle world. It has achieved great popularity due to the advanced technology it uses and the high performance of its machines. Therefore this is a logical step for both companies to continue writing a racing history together.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 25, 2015

Author: Lidia Todorova