Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Honda team advances towards a safer future with its new tehcnologies

    2019 Honda Insight Honda’s model year 2018-2019 features numerous contemporary gadgets and technologies, but the ones that stand out are the safety features. NHTSA and IIHS have tested every contemporary Honda vehicle and each single of these has earned NCAP rating of 5 stars, or with other words, the vehicles have received the highest possible ratings as it comes to utility technologies.

    Leader in this prestigious trend is all-new 2019 Honda Insight, becoming the only compact hybrid vehicle to earn a 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS for all trim levels and receiving overall excellent points in all crashworthiness tests. Also, 2019 Pilot has managed to score good results and was named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the institute. Such and award have received 2018 Honda Accord, CR-V, Odyssey and 2019 Ridgeline.

    SEE ALSO: 2019 Nissan Maxima: here’s what buyers will get for the buck

    A key to Honda’s well-built and safe vehicles is the Honda Sensing suite of advanced technologies that apparently do make a difference. In fact, since the introduction of the system back in 2015, Honda has sold nearly 1.6 million machines with Honda Sensing. This suite helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle and in some cases aid the driver in tricky road situations. Comprising the suite are Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System and Adaptive Cruise Control.

    2019 Honda Pilot

    Source: Honda 

  • 2019 Nissan Maxima: here’s what buyers will get for the buck.

    2019 Nissan MaximaNissan announces prices and details about new 2019 Maxima, the popular sedan that has pushed the boundaries of conventional automobile features and has demonstrated how Nissan team knows how to become a top manufacturer and remain one of the most popular and beloved brands out there.

    With aggressive expression and numerous changes including new LED headlights, new front fascia and grille, revised rear fascia with LED taillights and integrated quad-trip exhaust finishers, new Maxima was created by Nissan Design America in la Jolla, California. The voluminous grille and deeper V-motion flow do contribute to that contemporary expression, while the standard jewel-like LED headlights and Nissan Signature Daytime Running Lights add to Maxima’s luxury appearance.

    2019 Nissan Maxima

    In terms of interior, the cabin features a driver-oriented styling concept, comfortable seats, expressive color scheme and additional optional styling package. Buyers of ne 2019 Maxima will benefit from standard Rear Door Alert for all grade levels revised SiriusXM Radio with Advanced Auto Features, new Nissan Door to Door Navigation system and a suite of safety features. Such include Nissan Safety Shield 360, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai team is awarded with prestigious awards. Check them out!

    Also, there are two optional upgrade packs – the first one bears the name SR Premium and includes Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Around View Monitor and more, while the Platinum Reserve Pack features 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated rear seats and Rakuda Tan semi-aniline interior treatment.

    2019 Nissan Maxima

    Source: Nissan 

  • 2019 Range Rover SV Coupe is one of the sexiest machines out there! Officially!

    2019 Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe is the winner at this year’s Best of year Awards in the Automotive: Overall Design category. The machine was recognized for its exceptional design, which pays homage to the original two-door Range Rover that redefined luxury almost 50 years ago.

    Such an award has been given to brands that premiere bold design concepts and offer something new to the market – as it seems, this time Range Rover was the winner. Created by Land Rover Design and Special Vehicle Operations, the SV Coupe showcases team’s dedication towards perfection, refinement and beauty. What have caught the eye of the jury were the proportions and the overall muscular stance, signature floating roof, continuous waistline and tapering tail that are instantly recognizable.

    The sexy stance is complemented by the power-close doors with frameless glass, panoramic roof, straight lines, new exclusive body finish Contour Graphic and the neat 23-inch wheels. Sweet!

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai team is awarded with prestigious awards. Check them out!

    In terms of interior, SV Coupe offers semi-aniline leather front seats with graduated diamond quilt design, exclusive color schemes and premium components. In addition, there’s a choice between three elegant wood veneers. And as it seems, such combination of luxury and elegance has managed to make it to prestigious annual events. And something more – steal the show!

    Source: Land Rover 

  • Hyundai team is awarded with prestigious awards. Check them out!

    2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Hyundai earns two out of ten coveted spots in 2019 WardsAuto 10 Best Engine competition for the new 2019 NEXO FCEV and 2019 Kona Electric CUV. The recognition has highlighted vehicles’ powertrains, the sophisticated fuel-efficient system and of course, the performance rates.

    As you might well know, NEXO remains brand’s flagship model and the latest edition surely deserves some attention – with estimated driving range of 380 miles, the machine not only offers some incredible EPA-estimated emissions, but also showcases how the future of automobiles should look.

    What was also taken under consideration is NEXO’s refueling time, achieved in as little as five minutes, which allows customers to live a life as close as to a gasoline-powered SUV in terms of range and refueling speed. NEXO hydrogen storage uses three separate hydrogen tanks in the rear of the vehicle that allow some neat overall performance – 161hp and 291lb-ft of torque! On the other hand, Kona Electric was recognized for its efficient and agile 201hp and 291lb-ft engine that works in perfect harmony with the high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai reveals details about new Kona Electric

    And as it comes to the event itself, WardsAuto 10 Best Engines seeks and honors the most advanced and refined systems in the world – at this year’s event there were 34 entries that competed for recognition and awards. Since its beginning in 1995, the event has honored Hyundai team ten times: the Tau V-8 was in 2009 (4.6-liter), 2010 (4.6-liter) and 2011 (5.0-liter); the Gamma I-4 in 2012; the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2015; the Nu (2.0-liter plug-in Hybrid) in 2016; the four-cylinder Turbocharged DOHC (1.4-liter); and the (3.3-liter) in 2018.

    2019 Hyundai NEXO

    Source: Hyundai 

  • Let’s see what makes 2019 Ram 1500’s engine so good, shall we?

    2018 Pentastar EngineEditors at WardsAuto have named the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine one of the best 10 engines for 2019. With its innovative eTorque mild-hybrid system, this power unit not only improves CO2 rates without sacrificing performance rates, but also ensures smooth and pleasurable drive. Let’s check out more, shall we?

    Making its debut in the all-new 2019 RAM 1500, Pentastar engine comes with this eTorque system, which replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven motor generator. This generator works with a 48-volt battery pack and ensures improved fuel efficiency, drivability and overall better engine performance. With the engine running, eTorque’s motor generator feeds 48-volt current to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt graphite battery, which includes a 3-kilowatt DC-to-DC converter, which aids to maintain battery’s state of charge.

    Furthermore, this system delivers almost unnoticeable engine restarts by sending vast amounts of torque to the crankshaft during stop-start maneuvers. The torque output travels within 400ms, making it one of the fastest engines in the world at the moment. Also, in addition to the start-stop function, eTorque can recapture energy during deceleration and braking in order to charge the battery pack.

    This liquid-cooled eTorque motor generator is mounted on the front of the Pentastar engine and employs a pair of belt tensioners to keep the eight-rib drive belt tight when the unit is generating electricity or adding torque to the crankshaft. Sweet! Other technologies that Pentastart engine offers are the wide-range variable valve-timing and two-step variable-valve lift, which deliver optimal blend of power and fuel economy, based on driver’s demand. Also, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system enables improved fuel economy and emissions performance at high loads.

    SEE ALSO: MANHART team presents exclusive upgrade for BMW 8 Series!

    This compact engine is constructed of high strength die-cast T380 aluminum with cast iron bore liners. There are six main bolts that contribute to the rigid lower engine structure. The whole system allows a compression ratio of 11.3:1, which ensures optimal balance of power, fuel efficiency and refinement. And although it is a relatively high compression ratio, the Pentastar V6 machine runs on regular 87-octane fuel to reduce the cost of ownership. Neat!

    2018 Pentastar Engine

    Source: FCA US LLC

  • MANHART team presents exclusive upgrade for BMW 8 Series!

    2018 MANHART BMW 850iNew BMW 8 Series has been on the market for a few weeks, but it has already shocked the world with its premium design and advanced drivetrain system. And something more – tuners around the world have noticed the potential of this bad boy for even higher performance marks and drivetrain refinement. One such team is the Wuppertal based MANHART. With its extensive customizing program, the engineers at the studio present us their depiction of a sporty and fine-tuned M850i. Let’s check it out!

    The 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged N63 V8 gasoline engine was heavily revised and tweaked in order to excel performance – along with all mechanical changes, MANHART team has included MHTronic software optimization that enables the eight cylinders to generate the massive 621hp and 870Nm of torque! Additional changes and upgrades include rear axle muffler with four tailpipes and numerous carbon-fiber components.

    SEE ALSO: Kahn Design presents new Volcanic Rock Defender project!

    Also, MANHART has not only improved performance, but also has enhanced vehicle’s look by installing exclusive H&H springs that contribute to stability and also lower the overall height of the machine, sporty front and rear spoilers, made out of carbon fiber, and sexy 21-inch Concave One light-alloy wheels. And all this is topped off with sexy charcoal black body finish with golden yellow MANHART stripe. Sexy!

    2018 MANHART BMW 850i

    Source: MANHART 

  • Kahn Design presents new Volcanic Rock Defender project!

    2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Volcanic RockVolcanic Rock Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Station Wagon Chelsea Wide Track machine is here! Afzal Kahn and his fellow team of magicians reveal the exclusive vehicle and all it has to offer – with tons of functional goodies and sexy additions, new family member has a lot to demonstrate!

    In terms of exterior, new Land Rover Defender showcases new front and rear wide wings with integrated vents and bolt aperture, extended wheel arches and a new X-Lander front grille. Also, the design team has included an integrated lightning, fog lamps, tron ring lightning, LED Diamond bright headlights, bumper sump guard, front roof wing with LED lights and side vents in matte black that aid the cooling of the engine. All this is topped off with Satin Black 1983 RS Defend wheels in 18” with Cooper Discoverer tires. Neat!

    SEE ALSO: Automobili Pininfarina reveals the name of the first electric hypercar!

    And as it comes to the cabin and interior, buyers will benefit from dark-tinted privacy glass, central glove box, passenger dashboard, grab handles, door panel inserts, instrument binnacle, rear door panel, roof headlining and visors that were upholstered in order to match the overall color scheme. There are also exclusive three-spoke steering wheel in Satin Silver, Churchill time clock and speedo/rev counter facia, door entry sill plates and vented machined aluminum foot pedals. Of course, these neat discreet Kahn branding complete the design concept and add neat finish to the overall stylish and luxury ambience.

    2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Volcanic Rock

    2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Defender Volcanic Rock

    Enjoy!

    Source: Kahn Design 

  • Automobili Pininfarina reveals the name of the first electric hypercar!

    Automobili Pininfarina BattistaAutomobili Pininfarina announced details and most importantly, name of its first luxurious electric vehicle – Battista.

    Named after Battista “Pinin” Farina, the founder of Carrozzeria Pininfarina coachbuilding company, who founded the company back in 1930, the new hypercar is a hand-crafter and limited lineup of super-exclusive machines that are produced under the watchful eye of Paolo Pininfarina, Battista’s grandson and current Pininfarina SpA Chairman.

    Paolo Pininfarina, along with company’s CEO, Michael Perschke and Mahindra & Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra, have decided that the limited-edition hypercar would bear founder’s name and would be the current most advanced and prominent vehicle in the whole lineup in the company, and it will also be the most powerful automobile that was ever designed and produced in Italy. Neat!

    Automobili Pininfarina Battista

    In aiming to the goal to be the world’s first fully-electric luxury hypercar, engineers have thrown everything they have in the project – Battista will feature carbon fiber exterior, massive power output, measured at 1,900hp and 2,300Nm of torque, which aids to a fast 0-100km/h sprint. In fact, it will be faster than a F1 car and it is expected to break the 250mph barrier – all with zero emissions and a range of over 300 miles.

    Also, what we know so far, is that there will be no more than 150 Battistas available from late 2020 with a total price estimated between $2m and $2.5mUSD. At the moment, there are 50 machines allocated to the USA, 50 to the Middle East and Asia regions.

    Automobili Pininfarina Battista

    Stick with us for further information.

    Source: Automobili Pininfarina

  • Nissan and Italdesign teams announce new exclusive GT-R model [VIDEO]

    2019 Italdesign Nissan GT-R50Nissan team has confirmed the production of new GT-R50 by Italdesign – the most advanced and aggressive expression of the GT-R lineup. And now it is opened for official order!

    Vehicle’s exterior is not that different from the one shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. With starting price of 999,000 euros, the new guy has a lot to demonstrate! Let’s check out more!

    For this particular project, Nissan team has collaborated with Turin, the Italy-based Italdesign in order to create a model, based on the latest Nissan GT-R NISMO in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of GT-R 2019 and Italdesing in 2018. The prototype vehicle is already finished and it is covered in exclusive gray color with gold accents, but customers will be able to specify their machine with wide range of personalization features.

    2019 Italdesign Nissan GT-R50

    SEE ALSO: Nissan reveals details about new 2019 GT-R models

    Furthermore, GT-R50 has made an appearance at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion in the US and Nissan Crossing in Tokyo’s Ginza district. Also, for all of these customers who wish own a GT-R50, Nissan and Italdesign teams offers an exclusive programs that would reshape the vehicle in such a way that would completely fit the personality of the owner. Neat!

    2019 Italdesign Nissan GT-R50

    2019 Italdesign Nissan GT-R50

    https://youtu.be/xWzvC8efhZ8

    Source: Nissan

  • The All-New Vauxhall Astra

    2016-vauxhall-astra-sports-tourer-910The Vauxhall Astra has been the British car manufacturer’s much-loved family car since its launch in 1979. Today, the model continues to offer dependability, however the latest version delivers a masterclass in slick style. Be sure to book a test drive to see which trim level is for you. Dealers such as Peter Vardy can help you to make your selection.

    Achieving 2016 European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor show, this model’s innovative design and contemporary features impressed the judges and proved that this is a car that evolves over the years.

    While the car achieved high praise two years ago, the car has undergone even more changes for its 68-plate incarnation. This hatchback seamlessly blends sleek design and a high spec to create a car that presents drivers with the ultimate combination of practicality and refined, modern tech.

    A Range of Trims

    The all-new Astra has undergone a transformation, offering a fresh design that incorporates the signature Vauxhall wing LED lights and alloy wheels that balance the sleek and lean boy above.

    There are seven trim levels to choose from, allowing you to assess which spec suits your lifestyle. Start with the entry level Design, which offers an impressive kit including 16” alloys, cruise control and a 7” Intellilink infotainment system where drivers can control the DAB radio, Bluetooth and smartphone functionality.

    The Tech Line has a slightly more corporate feel and adds a Navi 900 Intellilink system with 8” screen and in-built sat nav. For a mid-level trim, Energy has an impressive offering. Ike the Tech Line, this builds on the Design’s spec with 17”, 10-spoke alloys and heated front seats and steering wheel.

    At the top of the range is the Elite. This spec is packed with kit, from 17” alloys and auto lights and wipers to a cool and comfortable leather seat trim with front sports seats. Climate control, heated seats and lumbar support all round off this indulgent spec that ensures the driver is comfortable through the drive.

    A Turbocharged Driving Experience

    Far from a typical family car, the 68-plate Astra has an impressive roster of turbocharged engines. Apart from the entry level 100hp 1.4-litre petrol engine, everything else has the powerful capabilities. Among the line-up, there’s the three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol and a choice of three versions of the 1.6-litre Whisper CDTi diesel.

    The Well-Equipped Family Car

    While the Astra may have built its reputation on being a reliable, go-to family model, this 68-plate is what we’ve come to know this model for and so much more. With contemporary connectivity, powerful engines that suit long distances as well as the school run, and a spacious interior across all seven specs, there’s more to this car than meets the eye.

  • Nissan reveals details about new 2019 GT-R models

    2019 Nissan GT-RNissan announces details about new 2019 GT-R, which is already on sale at Nissan dealers worldwide. With starting price of $99,990 for 2019 GT-R Pure model, this becomes the most affordable of all four machines in the lineup. So, let’s see what buyers will get for their money.

    First of all, the GT-R Premium features 11-speaker Bose audio system, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement systems and Titanium exhaust system.

    On the other hand, there’s the GT-R Track Edition, which is designed to deliver some more aggression on the road and the track by incorporating GT-R NISMO components and drivetrain systems.

    2019 Nissan GT-R

    And as we talk about NISMO, GT-R NISMO is the ultimate GT-R machine in the lineup – it offers a total of 600hp output and numerous NISMO drivetrain changes and additions. Also, this is the vehicle that comes in limited number in North America. It features motorsport-inspired technologies, optimized aerodynamics, suspension and drivetrain upgrades.

    Also, there are three interior packages – Amber Red, Kuro Night and Rakuda Tan. All are available with GT-R Premium and come along with three premium exterior color finishes. There’s also an All-Weather Package for Pure and Premium grades. Furthermore, all 2019 GT-R models come equipped with LED headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights.

    SEE ALSO: Honda team begins production of new 2019 Passport machines!

    In terms of drivetrain system, 2019 GT-R Pure, Premium and Track Edition grades come with 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that produces a total of 565hp 476lb-ft of torque. Such an output is distributed via 6-speed manual transmission to all wheels, by ATTESA E-TS AWD system. GT-R NISMO is rated 600hp and 481lb-ft of torque and also features personalization options and interior design tweaks.

    2019 Nissan GT-R

    2019 Nissan GT-R

    Source: Nissan 

  • Honda team begins production of new 2019 Passport machines!

    2019 Honda Passport New Honda Passport joins the award-winning SUV lineup and presents new features and improvements. There were more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC (HMA) that celebrated the start of mass production of the new 2019 Honda Passport SUV. Available for order early next year, Passport is produced exclusively at HMA and will play an important role in brand’s award-winning SUV lineup.

    As you might well know, Passport was revealed last month at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is scheduled to be that niche model between the compact CR-V and the three-row Pilot in Honda’s lineup. Passport is produced in Alabama along with other members of the lineup – Pilot, Odyssey minivan and the innovative Ridgeline pickup truck. And by doing so – extending the SUV lineup – Honda has been recognized as the “Best SUV Brand” by US News & World Report for four consecutive years. In fact, Ridgeline was selected as 2017 North American Truck of the Year. Neat!

    SEE ALSO: McLaren presents new 720 S Spider sports car! Check it out!

    What is cool about the latest addition in the Honda SUV lineup is that Passport is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck platform and shares much of its underlying structure with the three-row Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup, including the highly rigid unibody construction.

    Source: Honda