Auto News – Page 172 – Automobiles Review

A lucky BMW M2 vehicle receives neat upgrades! Details here!

2016 Dahler Design BMW M2 Dähler Design, along with Technik GmbH in Belp have created a sort of ultra-exclusive project. Both teams have worked for collaborative project and now we can finally see the result: a super sexy BMW M2 Convertible machine that showcases not only technological innovation, but also team’s dedication and passion for creating ever-evolving gadgets and technologies.

2016 Dahler Design BMW M2

So, let’s check out what this bad boy has to demonstrate to the world, shall we? First of all, the engineering team has pumped up the overall power output to a total of 425hp (317kW) and 465Nm of torque with neat overboost feature that, when engaged, generates additional 35Nm of torque. Sweet. Further improvements include fine-tuned coil-over suspension system, high-performance brake units, stainless steel exhaust systems and of course, neat styling tweaks.

However, there are some specific aspects that require further attention: the vehicle can be specified with two trim levels, each of which delivers some outstanding performance rates. Level 1, for example, come with six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo unit. Level 2 comes with the same engine system, but is way more powerful. Furthermore, both trim levels offer numerous goodies that would please any buyer: there are many stainless steel rear silencer, exhaust system and more.

2016 Dahler Design BMW M2

In terms of styling, the team has kept it simple and tight: the exterior resembles that pure BMW aggressive and yet beautiful styling, while the cabin is super sporty, driver-oriented and comfortable. Long story short, this vehicle has caught our eye. And there is a fine reason for it!

2016 Dahler Design BMW M2

Source: Dähler Design

December 14, 2016

Tesla Model X and a touch of Vilner magic. Pure eye candy

2016 Vilner Tesla Model X P90D Sadly, Art Studio Vilner showcases its last project for 2016. Although 2017 is about two weeks ahead, we have hoped for some more surprises. However, this one is quite interesting and it is worth reviewing. As all other Vilner products, in fact. So, let’s check out the birthday present by the magicians from Bulgaria, shall we?

Electricity is the code word

We all know that Tesla team is making some devastating damage to petrol and hybrid rivals. It is also a leader in electric vehicle segment and there is no doubt in the quality of the vehicles and systems that are branded with the Tesla logo. However, our friends from Vilner decided to take a closer look at a certain vehicle and tweak it a bit. And spice up the overall sexiness.

2016 Vilner Tesla Model X P90D

The design team has chosen the hot and fresh-new Model X P90D. Or more precisely, the owner of the vehicle is also an owner of two more Tesla vehicles. In other words, he knows how luxury and sexiness should look and feel like. Impressed and determined, the design team has done what should be done: a masterpiece.

Impressive even as a stock model, the Model X P90D has undergone some super slight, yet notable and elegant changes: Vilner has also remained the carbon package, but adds some spice with the front lip, mirrors and the rear spoiler that further enhance the overall aggressive expression with neat coloring finish. The brake calipers have also deserved some special attention and now shine through the massive 20-inch wheels in colors that fully resemble the interior ambience. The wheels themselves are re-finished in Dark Plutonium Silver.

2016 Vilner Tesla Model X P90D

All this premium and elegant symphony is finished in an already known manner: with the exclusive Vilner bag. Needless to say, it is unique and completely resembles not only the spirit of Tesla vehicles, but the passion of Art Studio Vilner magicians!

Source: Art Studio Vilner

December 13, 2016

WIMMER reveals its latest project: a rather special Porsche machine. Check it out!

2016 WIMMER Porsche 991 Turbo S Cabrio All Porsche fans and enthusiasts know the story: back in 1963 the iconic 911 was revealed to the public. And since this glorious moment the whole lineup become a sort of iconic for the brand. And by delivering us the Turbo and Turbo S models, Porsche has strengthened its lead positions for a quite long time. However, there are still people and brands that are still not entirely satisfied. One such team is WIMMER.

What the team did is to take one shiny and super sexy Porsche 911 that is now called 991 Turbo S Convertible and reshaped it in a way that would fit even the most demanding of buyers and fans. So, let’s see what the engineers have recently unveiled, shall we?

2016 WIMMER Porsche 991 Turbo S Cabrio

What is special about this tuning project is that WIMMER team hasn’t changed that much the appearance of the vehicle, but had rather tweaked the drivetrain system.

In fact, the whole engine electronics system was revised and had undergone some comprehensive upgrade program. The team has also geared two WIMMER turbo chargers and sporty camshafts, along with implemented intercooler. Further upgrades include fine tunes for the fuel pump, intake manifold and the throttle valve.

Sounds good, right? But this is not all! Additional improvements include placement of high-pressure pump, BMC high flow air filter and WIMMER-RS stainless steel exhaust.

2016 WIMMER Porsche 991 Turbo S Cabrio

About the final results and performance rates you are asking? Let’s be clear about it: this vehicle delivers some massive power output and offers outstanding road behavior. There are a total of 560hp (417kW) and 860Nm of torque, or in other words, this bad boy finishes the 0-100km/h sprint in mere 2,6 seconds, 0-200km/h in 8,4 and the 0-300km/h in 17,9 seconds. Incredible, isn’t it?

Oh, yeah. We also like the orange finish and the black body visuals. They do contribute to that sporty and super-aggressive appearance of the vehicle.

Source: WIMMER

December 13, 2016

Mazda and Toyota: what do these rivals have in common?

Toyota Supra vs Mazda RX-9

Here we have a long-awaited battle in the making. Both super cars from both Toyota & Mazda are expected to be made available for 2018 year, and we wanted to give readers the opportunity to understand how the two will match up initially.

Let us dive into the Toyota Supra. Toyota had announced that they plan to work side by side with BMW when designing and creating this super car, so that right there speaks volume in terms of their dedication to making this vehicle not just high performing but efficient.

On the other end the RX-9 is going to have a brand new rotary engine specifically designed for the vehicle, and the wait on that engines techs & specs is going to really dictate the volume of this comparison in the future.

The Supra has already made it clear that it will be equipped with a 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 that will push 400 horsepower. Meanwhile Mazda has done a remarkable job of keeping their power and performance under wraps. One would suggest either because they have yet to decide on the product, or they might be holding back on something special.

December 6, 2016

RAM Trucks help one more time a cause worth sponsoring!

2016 RAM Trucks #RAMGivesThanks Helps to Give Positive Light to Rural America

The Richards Group, an outstanding publicizing office has worked with Fiat Chrysler on their backup RAM Trucks to make another idyllic and important business spot.

FCA has made an extraordinary showing with regards to during the last 3-5 years to truly make some dynamic commercial spots that truly address most the American populace, which are especially “labor-intensive” specialists. In this promotion spot, they make an awesome showing with regards to of indicating out the regular working men and women in their work environment, that we truly underestimate, or simply don’t notice, for example, the janitor, the server and obviously, assembly line laborers.

Individuals that appear each and every day paying little heed to what must be done, on the grounds that they know it’s a vocation, and it is cash they have to make due in a testing world. It may appear to be miserable, however it is genuine, and that is the thing that RAM is needing to do, they need to indicate possibly truck purchasers that their image perceives their diligent work, and needs to tell them they don’t go unnoticed.

Much the same as the RAM Farmer publicizing spot had paid regard to the numerous men and ladies, and their families who work the homesteads to give us the yields important to keep up with a very demanding agricultural industry.

So how has this paid off for RAM to date? Well their truck deals are up by effectively 10% month to month, and they have seen RAM deals increment consistently since they have moved this course with their message to the customer. Yet, are these promoting endeavors truly what is making this expansion sought after for RAM? It is likely because RAM has rescued their name from the mid-2000s and have moved to one of the best performing trucks available in North America, simply ahead and test drive one at a nearby RAM merchant like Legacy RAM.

If anything, these promoting endeavors from RAM & FCA have quite recently supported their truck image, and helped them jump once again into the opposition among Ford and GM. It will great to see how Ford & GM respond, and how this message may shape up in the coming four years.

December 6, 2016

Lexus team gains more and more confidence. What more should we expect?

So, When Can We Expect the Hydrogen Lexus?

Now that right there is a question that many in the automotive industry and automotive journalism industry has been discussing and wondering for quite some time. When will we get to look at this groundbreaking technology that Lexus has been working on for some time? Will it be worth the wait? How will it be designed, and most of all how will the consumer base accept or decline it?

Let us answer a couple of these questions for you quickly. Let us start off with the Why? Why would they create this vehicle? Reason it simple, the whole automotive industry is making this shift towards fuel efficiency and corporate responsibility to combat climate change and carbon emissions.

Another reason for this choice to create a Hydrogen technology based vehicle, is simply to give them a one up on a very competitive segment, which is the luxury sedan models. BMW right now is the only other major automakers in the luxury segment that has made any progressive changes for environmentally friendly vehicle design. Even so they have just made new models, instead of trying to adapt one of their more popular models.

Next question; how will it work exactly? Well no one really knows the exact science of the vehicle yet, because that hasn’t been released for obvious reasons. All we do know is that the LS model will have some autonomous features, an electric powered motor driving the rear wheel and then sending that power equally to the front, to give the vehicle balance and stability in terms of distribution of power.

Much like the LF-FC concept they showed in Tokyo in 2015, there will be two modes likely; cruise mode for which it will allow the driver to recharge their battery as it continues to drive, then an acceleration mode that will use more power but provide greater acceleration and speed. A great sense of give and take with its technology that is quite revealing of the future of this industry.

Last question, when will it be available. Right now, all that is known, is that it will be showcased sometime in 2017, then likely be available sometime in 2019. They will likely provide a standard drive system with the same design changes they showoff in 2017 for which they will be selling in early 2018 at local Lexus dealers like Len Stoler, just won’t include the hydrogen power technology quite yet.

So, we must wait and see what happens in the coming year. But the exciting aspect of all this, is that we will start to see more technological breakthroughs in the automotive industry in 2017 and 2018. Specifically, the autonomous vehicles.

December 6, 2016

DeLorean: why is it so special?

John Zachary DeLorean: A Man Who Brought Change to the Auto Industry

You probably know what a DeLorean car is if you have seen Back to the Future. However, what you might not know is the story behind John DeLorean! Continue reading to learn about John Z. DeLorean’s life and how he moved up the corporate ladder!

DeLorean’s Beginnings

In January of 1925 in Detroit, Michigan a boy with the last name “DeLorean” was born. When DeLorean was young, he was mechanically talented and tinkered with just about anything. After secondary school he attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology and eventually earned a master’s in engineering from the Chrysler Institute.  After graduating, he worked at the Packard Research and Development group for a bit but later left for a job at General Motors.

Hard times for DeLorean

The early 1970s were tough times in Detroit and DeLorean in his autobiography, DeLorean, said that the ethical and business problems he had with General Motors had become so serious, that he wanted out. Truth be told, this let him turn into a well-paid independent consultant whereby he could obtain money build his own dream car.

In the mid-1970s DeLorean founded two companies: Composite Technology Corporation (CTC) and the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC).  He created CTC to research and create new, automotive construction material.  Many of those materials were DeLorean’s projects at GM and involved composite materials and construction techniques. Many of those CTC products found their way into DeLorean vehicles!

DeLorean Attempts to Get His Dream Car Out

To build his first dream vehicle, the DMC-12, DeLorean hired Giorgetto Giugiaro. For a location DeLorean settled on Northern Ireland, which gave him the best business deal. His factory’s opening was in 1981. As many automobile enthusiasts may know, the first 80 or so cars to roll off the assembly line were so terrible they were unfinished and then parked along the factory’s fence for weeks. DeLorean tghen set up rebuilding facilities on the East and West Coasts of the United States, just to fix completed cars before they could be brought to dealers!

Despite his setbacks, though, there were orders for hundreds and hundreds of DMC-12s. DeLorean tried to ramp production up to 14,700 a year to meet demand, however, financial problems came about. In 1982, the DeLorean Motor Company was put into receivership by the British government in because he was desperate, DeLorean pursued “questionable sources of funds” to keep his company afloat. DeLorean wound up in a serious DEA cocaine bust in October 1982 that became a news story. By 1984, he was found not guilty of every count against him, but his company had disintegrated by then.  DeLorean passed away in March of 2005 at eighty years old. This happened in Summit, New Jersey.

DeLorean’s Impact & His Impact on Today’s Vehicles

Today, the DeLorean Motorcar legend is still alive because of the DeLorean Motor Company in Texas.  They bought the DeLorean trademark and many of the original parts left behind when DeLorean’s company fell apart. Today, you can purchase 100% remanufactured DeLorean automobiles from the DeLorean Motor Company.

Thank you to the Service Manager at Hiley Volkswagen of Arlington, a full-service local VW car dealer in Arlington, TX, for chatting with us about John DeLorean and his contributions to the automotive industry!

December 6, 2016

Even the mightiest of cars should bear good tires. Here’s why!

Are Your Tires too Old to Be Driving on?

Of all your car’s parts, its tires have the greatest effect on the way it handles and brakes. Unfortunately, failures of older tires have resulted in fatalities. Thus, it’s important to keep an eye on your tires! The investigation into the accident’s cause that killed actor Paul Walker in 2013 revealed that the Porsche Carrera GT he was riding in had nine-year-old tires. The California Highway Patrol indicated that the tires’ age may have compromised how they handled.

For years, drivers have relied on the tread depth to judge the condition of a tire. But the rubber compounds in a tire wear out with time, regardless of the tread’s condition. An old tire can be a safety hazard. For some people, old tires will never be a problem. If you drive somewhere around 12,000-15,000 miles each year, a tire’s tread may wear out in three to four years, before the rubber compound does. But if you only drive around 6,000 miles a year, aging tires may be an issue.

Rubber bands may illustrate the point. Everyone knows that rubber bands age poorly and will develop cracks within a couple of years. That’s essentially what happens to a tire. Cracks in their rubber start to develop over time. They may appear on the surface and inside the tire, too. This cracking can eventually cause the tread’s steel belts to separate from the rest of the tire. Hard use can accelerate the process.

How to determine a tire’s age

Tires made after the year 2000 have a four-digit DOT code. The first two numbers represent the week of the year in which the tire was made. The second two represent the year of make. A tire with a DOT code of 1207 was made in 2007’s 12^th week. Check tires once in a while for any sign of aging, such as tread distortion, or small or large hairline cracks in the sidewall. According to the Service manager at Hiley Mazda of Hurst, a local full-service car dealer in Hurst, TX, vibrations may also be an indicator of aging problems.

How long a tire lasts for

If living in a warm climate, you may want to pay special attention to your tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that tires deteriorate quicker in warmer climates than cooler ones. Do you live near the coast? Keep that in mind when monitoring the condition of your tires. Are you using a spare tire? Well, avoid storing it in the trunk. It will get really hot in there.

However, the NHTSA doesn’t have any specific guidelines on tire aging and defers to the recommendations of tire manufacturers and car makers. Some carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Nissan tell people to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of their tread life. A few tire manufacturers, such as Continental and Michelin, say that a tire can last up to ten years when a driver has all the proper maintenance done as per their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

December 6, 2016

Is there anything else we can expect from the Durango lineup?

2016 Dodge Durango Concept Hemi Durango in The Works?

FCA went into SEMA show in Las Vegas this past year hoping to show off some of their new concepts, designs, and had hoped that something might stick. Well one concept truly did stick with the audience and the internet when it was shown off, and that was the bright blue Durango concept, which they called the “Durango Shaker”.

Shortly after the revealing it was reported by major news outlets that the extremely positive reaction to the Shaker concept had stirred the parent company of Dodge, FCA to put major consideration into the development of this concept Durango.

While most other automakers are looking to go away from power, and more towards efficiency, Dodge has remained set on providing car buyers the power they feel they crave. We have seen this with the Viper models, the SRT models, as well as the remake of the Charger & Challenger vehicles. Aggressive styling, and pure power.

There have been rumors stirring about for quite some time that they would introduce a SRT version of the Durango, mostly because of how underperforming the Durango had done in recent years, when compared to the king of SUVs their sibling under the FCA umbrella, Jeep. So why not add something unique to it, give it something that is hard to resist.

We took the time to look at the inventory of Dodge Durango from a local Oklahoma dealer, Ada Dodge. What we saw wasn’t a SUV that was lacking power or design, it just needed a step up from itself. Something that made the Durango name live on, and that will surely be the Shaker concept.

December 6, 2016

LARTE Design showcases its latest project! And it is sexy!

LARTE Design celebrates its second decade of delivering us some outstanding vehicles with a special 20^th Anniversary tuning kit with a real scoop. This is exclusive Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe package definitely impresses with style and presence. And provided that it bears the name of LARTE Design, things got really interesting. And stylish.

Definitely expressive, the GLE Coupe is honorable member of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It is both sporty, menacingly-looking and somehow describe this aggressive, yet beautiful nature of the brand. However, LARTE Design decided to push boundaries further. As one might just say that there are no additional features to be applied, LARTE Design stylists have already had plan. And as it seems, pretty successful one.

The LARTE Mercedes GLE kit features numerous carbon-fiber components that enhance stability, control and sporty nature, mesh wire and big air intakers, exclusive front bumper that further expresses the sporty and aggressive nature of the vehicle and a neat LARTE Design air splitter. Sweet. Furthermore, the team has geared the vehicle with restyled chrome-free carbon-fiber radiator grille that is separated by large vertical bars. In fact, these bars somehow remind us of real teeth. Let us not forget about the LARTE Design front wing pads and the big carbon-fiber shielded air intakers.

Definitely stylish, definitely appealing and definitely approved by us!

Source: LARTE Design

December 5, 2016

Presents revealed: Volkswagen showcases the 2017 Golf GTI

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Volkswagen decided to showcase the Christmas presents. Or, more precisely, the present: 2017 VW Golf can already be ordered. Not only that, but the brand also revealed full list of trim levels and optional features that can be selected with each single 2017 vehicle. So, let’s see what would please the Volkswagen fans and enthusiasts out there!

First of all, customers have tons of specifications to choose from. The entry level grants buyers with new Composition Color Infotainment system, redesigned full-LED taillights and overall revised interior styling. Also, there is one sweet addition for this year’s winter season: the Golf Alltrack machine that strikes with challenging expression and tons of drivetrain power output. Also, all 2017 Golf vehicles can be specified with these super-cool front-end with LED daytime running lights and modified back-end expression. Cool.

In terms of technologies and drivetrain system features, all 2017 Golf machines have undergone some comprehensive revision program and now they try to be the best in the class. They would try to achieve it with Traffic Jam Assist, Front Assist Emergency Braking, new Discover Pro Infotainment System, Active Info Display that is, in fact, used for the first time with Golf vehicle, and many more.

Also, Volkswagen plans to launch the Golf and Golf Variant with three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. All three have a lot to add to the already well-equipped base, including neat utility and comfort features, as well as some pretty cool stylish changes: Comfortline grants buyers with 16-inch Hita design alloys, while the Highline features full-LED headlights, automatic climate control and 17-inch Dijon-styled alloys.

On the other hand, the Golf Alltrack will come with driver profile selector, folding front passenger backrest, higher chassis ride height, special 17-inch wheels and more. The new Golf GTI, on the other hand, shows some muscular styling and neat distinctive additions: 17-inch Brooklyn alloys, Climatronic, full-LED headlights and more.

So, how do you like the Christmas present from Volkswagen? We do believe that this is a neat surprise and it will make many people smile. However, what do you think?

Source: Volkswagen

December 5, 2016

Gipsy King by Vilner: brand’s latest styling project is here!

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King Art Studio Vilner presents its latest creation: The Gipsy King. The super exclusive project that takes the S-Class even further in luxury and refinement. And it definitely catches the eye. Both with refinement and quality. So, let’s see what Vilner clients want to drive, shall we?

First of all, the fine gentleman and Vilner client has chosen a rather powerful base model: a 585hp S-Class with all that Mercedes-Benz has to offer as additional equipment. However, even this is not enough for him and there is just one thing to do: as Vilner engineers and designers for some help with tuning and improvements.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King

And as always, our friends and master of luxury has done what must be done: a masterpiece. There is fine black leather and Alcantara wrapping, white and contrasting stitching, Alcantara dominated central console are just some of the refinements in the cabin.

Further improvements include Alcantara and Nappa covers for the steering wheel, top and even the back of the rearview mirror. How cool is that? Other super-stylish improvements include black-covered metal buttons, black piano finish for the wooden components in the cabin. In fact, the idea of the customer was to create a small kingdom of black and leather. And as we see, the design team has done the job perfectly. As always.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King

In fact, pretty normal for Vilner, the drivetrain system remains untouched and with the same settings as it left the Mercedes-Benz building plant. The original vehicle is a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG that delivers a total of 585hp (436kW) and 900Nm of torque. This engine system is paired to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

2016 Vilner Mercedes-AMG S 63 Gipsy King