Auto News – Page 173 – Automobiles Review

Safety is the new sexy. At least, in Audi’s own eyes

Audi A3 Audi Q5 Good news for Audi lovers out there! The latest A5 and Q2 models have been awarded with top grades in the NCAP test! This confirms that both babes are not only super functional and sexy, but also can endure on any road challenge that threatens the safety of driver and passengers.

So, what impressed the judges? First of all, both vehicles offer superior adult and child safety all along with pedestrian protection features. The vehicles are geared with revised Emergency Braking system that was recently recognized as one of the best that Audi has ever made, Emergency Braking assist and Audi Pre Sense Suite. To be honest, these alone are enough to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, but Audi engineers did not stop here.

The Audi Pre Sense suite comes with system that scans the road for other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles, using a windshield-mounted camera. Also, in case the driving speed is high and there are some obstacles in front of the vehicle, the autonomous brake will try to reduce or even prevent the crash and bring anyone in the vehicle back home without a scratch. Cool, isn’t it? Also, the Audi A5 features wide range of assistance goodies that further enhance the pleasure and comfort of driving. Such are the Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist Monitors and more.

Long story short, the new A5 an Q2 machines are not only beautiful and powerful, but they are also super trustworthy. And it is worth checking them out!

Source: Audi

December 1, 2016

A Mercedes sedan touched by AMG: brutally powerful and sexy

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ And here it is: the latest AMG project is brought to life. Yes, we are talking about the fresh Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ and the E 63 S 4MATIC+ babes. Aren’t they sweet? Along with the super-mega-titanic power output and the exceptional Mercedes-Benz and AMG quality that we are all aware of, these two vehicles will try to be different in a particular way.

Of course, one of the many ways of maintaining interesting is refreshment of the exterior styling. Definitely appealing and sexy, these two bad boys feature sporty front face with distinctive A-pillar and for the first time AMG team gears a Mercedes-Benz saloon vehicle with a bonnet that is inset between the wings and bumper, just like a coupe model. Another way of expressing sexiness is by adding wide front apron, inspired by the design of a jet wing and a large front splitter.

The sides catch the eye with numerous elemets. However, one super distinctive is the arrow-shaped wing signet, covered in silver chrome. Also, the side sill panels make the vehicle look even lower than it actually is and contribute to the aggressive and sporty appearance. And all this is topped with exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey with high-sheen finish. Sweet.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

And last, but not least, the rear showcases muscles and confidence, expressed by the defined spoiler lip in body color, rear apron with diffuser-look inser and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes. S 63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip on the rear apron.

The muscular rear end provides the finishing touch in conjunction with the clearly defined spoiler lip in the colour of the vehicle on the boot lid, the rear apron with diffuser-look insert, and the two bright chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements on the selectable sports exhaust system. The E 63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip in silver chrome on the rear apron.

And what about the interior styling?

As you might have expected, the cabin is super elegant, comfortably-looing and functional. Featuring exclusive AMG performance steering wheel and nappa leather, the interior definitely makes that critical difference, compared to other premium brands and models.

Driver and front passenger will be pleased to know that they will be sitting in sporty seats, while additional highlights include nappa leather, AMG crest, crytal grey seat piping, IWC-designed analogue clock and special seat belts also in crystal grey. Not bad. However, there are far more interesting features about these bad boys. Stick with us!

Drivetrain system

Long story short: 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, mated to a MCT 9-speed sports gearbox. But let’s see the long story, shall we? Along with the extremely high power output, measured at 612hp (450kW) and 850Nm of torque, the powertrain has some more neat tricks. For example, the cylinder deactivation system and two twin-scroll turbochargers, applied for the first time in Mercedes-AMG vehicle.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

The gearbox is also worth mentioning. This is a super-fast and exclusively fine-tuned system, especially developed for th E 63 4MATIC+ and the E 63 S 4MATIC+. It comes with special software that allows super short shift times and super fast multiple downshifts. Furthermore, it also comes with a wet start-off clutch that replaces the torque converter. In this way AMG engineers reduce the overall weigth of the vehicle and optimize the acceleration responsiveness. Cool.

Other notable drivetrain features include variabl all-wheel drive system, AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, fine-tuned suspension, four-link front axle design, independent wheel control, AMG-specific rear axle carrier and numerous more.

2016 Mercede-AMG E 63 4MATIC+

And by far the most important information: the two vehicles will be officially on sale on 16 January 2017.

Source: AMG

November 30, 2016

McLaren takes it even further: the Track Pack promises world domination!

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack McLaren Automotive team announces tasty details for the new Track Pack upgrade that would be available for the already super-sexy and award-winning McLaren 570S. This upgrade package is created for owners who seek even more and expect not 100, but 110 per cent performance from the vehicle. Or, in other words, Track Pack offers performance features that will drastically boost the performance rates of the vehicle on the racetrack.

Inspired by McLaren’s racing history, the Track Pack includes tons of visually appealing and yet super functional goodies as weight reductions, aerodynamic improvements and downforce upgrades. But let’s start with the visuals, shall we?

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack

When applied, the upgrade pack brings 12mm higher rear wing that boosts even more the high cornering downforce, McLaren Special Operations roof finish in Dark Palladium and stealth-finished Sports exhaust.

And what about the performance goodies? Already super lightweight, the McLaren 570S with Track Pack benefits from even further 25kg weight reduction. This is possible thanks to the Alcantara replacement for the seats, dashboard and steering wheel, along with the numerous carbon-fiber components. These include even seats with circuit-proven lateral location. Cool, isn’t it? Other weight reductions include the super-cool badass stealth-finished alloys.

2016 McLaren 570S Track Pack

Additional goodies include McLaren’s trustworthy Track Telemetry system that provides real-time information for the lap times, sector splits and comparison between drivers. It also makes comprehensive post-drive analysis and data-logging with graphical plots of vehicle speed and lap-time deltas. Sweet.

Source: McLaren

November 29, 2016

What would a love story between G-POWER and BMW bring us? Tons of power

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo G-POWER team has decided to tweak a rather sexy BMW vehicle and make it deliver a bit more horsepower. How much exactly? Extra 150hp. Or, in other words, the sweetheart now delivers a total of 600hp (441kW).

Also, there are some additional drivetrain tweaks and additions. For example, the team has geared the BMW M 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo with exclusive titanium exhaust system, new downpipes, rear ailwnxwe box and more.

In fact, one of the most notable features is the revised fuel, spark and boost mapping, all exclusive and fine-tuned just for this bad boy. What is also special about the tweaking process is that the engineering crew has used G-POWER Bi-Tronic 2 V3 electronic control unit remap that is calibrated to each individual vehicle engine system for optimal results. Cool.

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo

But let’s talk about the engine power itself. The super comprehensive engine modifications include aerodynamic-tweaked turbine wheels, flow-optimised CNC-machined turbines and compressor housings. This all results in efficient use of the generated 600 horsepower and the significantly increased 740Nm of torque that altogether aid the lucky BMW vehicle to reach 100 km/h (62mph) in mere 3.5 seconds and chase a top speed of 320km/h. Incredible, isn’t it?

However, for those of you (if there are any at all) who do not want to get the maximum of the setup, G-POWER team offers a kind of basic version that offers a total output of 520hp (382kW) and 700Nm of torque with a selection of Bi-Tronic 2 V1 ECU remap or the Bi-Tronic 5 V1 external power module.

2016 G-POWER BMW M3 TwinPower Turbo

The middle choice offers 560 horsepower (411kW) and 720Nm via the same Bi-Tronik 2 V2 remap or the Bi-Tronic 5 V2 system that works with the additional exhaust downpipes, but this time without the catalytic convertors.

Additional goodies, available with all the power system choices include special chassis fine-tuning, special G-POWER GM4-RS coilover suspension, low unsprung weight and neat HURRICANE RR forged double forged design wheels. We do like it.

Source: G-POWER

November 28, 2016

Toyota and the TNGA architecture: it slowly becomes a trend. But a good one!

2017 Toyota C-HR Architecture in vehicles. Yes, this again. I know it has become something as a trend, but stick with me. Toyota is the next big player to incorporate signature body architecture in its vehicles and as it seems, the team tries to stand out from the crowd pretty hard. So, let’s check out what’s the idea of the masterminds behind Toyota.

2017 Toyota C-HR

Both latest generations of Prius and C-HR will be dealing with a thing called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and the idea is that these two vehicles open the gates to a world of Toyota vehicles based solely on this platform. The TNGA thing itself will try to redefine the approach towards vehicle manufacturing and driving utility.

Our thoughts about the latest Prius you can find on this link

The TNGA C-Platform thing that debuted with the latest Prius allows for tailor-made changes to be executed, along with optimized drivetrain system and more precisely super-optimized and fine-tuned suspension system. It also adapts the wheelbase to better handling and responsiveness. Sweet.

Out thoughts about the latest C-HR you can find on this link

Of course, the whole idea is to deliver new breed of models that are not only super-adaptive and featuring cutting-edge technologies, but also offer better handling response, consistency of response and delivering way more confidence for the driver. Furthermore, one of the main benefits of the TNGA C-platform is the lower center of gravity. This directly contributes to better handling, more stable turning and less body roll.

So, is it worth it?

2017 Toyota C-HR

TNGA platform is claimed to be 65 per cent more rigid than the previous C-segment platform. It provides solid base for developing and tuning the suspension system, all along with numerous engine components. Also, as it seems, the new C-HR and its owners feel happy and confident on the road. So, we do presume that this is a step in the right direction for Toyota. But let’s be clear about it: time will show whether this is a cheap trick or a revolutionary in the history of the brand.

Source: Toyota

November 28, 2016

VATH and Mercedes-AMG: a rather special combination!

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG VÄTH Automobiltechnik team are known for their incredible signature additions, applied to any lucky vehicle that happened to be in their garage. One such is a Mercedes-Benz model that recently has undergone comprehensive and rather eye-catching transformation and now showcases not only stylish exterior tweaks, but also notable and menacing engine roar.

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

More precisely, the vehicle is Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG. And the tuning team has geared it with heavily revised 6.0-liter bi-turbo engine that produces a total of 700hp (515kW) and 1000Nm of torque. But this is not all: VÄTH Automobilt mechanics have also included high flow air filter, water/heat exchanger. Sweet.

Furthermore, VÄTH Automobilt team has lowered the ABC sport chassis to a rather feasible point. In fact, they have managed to achieve just the perfect ballance between sportiness and driving comfort. Also, the valve control muffler exhaust system is significantly improved. And all this is topped with exclusive three-piece forged rims with black star with dimensions of 10,0×20 with tires in 265/30 ZR20 on the front and 12,0 x 20 with 305/25 ZR20 on the rear axle.

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

In fact, there is one particular thing we like about this vehicle. It still showcases its original Mercedes-Benz nature. You can still see the distinctive and brand-exclusive detailing, curves and lines all along with the well-known expression and stance. At the same time the exclusivity and sportiness are enhanced with style, quality and passion. We do like it!

2016 VÄTH Automobiltechnik Mercede-Benz SL 65 AMG

Source: VÄTH Automobiltechnik

November 24, 2016

Elise 380: Lotus’s most agile sports car has a lot to demonstrate. Check it out!

2016 Lotus Exige 380 High in power, menacing in style, the new Lotus Exige 380 is by far the most aggressive in the Exige lineup. Many people would say that this is the same drivetrain system in different package. Nope. This is not the case with the latest Lotus family member.

What is special about this one is that it relies more on drivetrain system improvements, rather than electronics and utility gadgets. This means that it delivers a total 352hp per tonne power-to-weight ratio and will try to be one of the best supercars in the field of agility and manoeuvre. It is also one of the lightest in the whole Lotus range with its mere 1,066kg. Sounds good, right?

But do you know what sounds better? The engine roar. This is a mighty 3.5-liter V6 power unit that generates a total of 375hp (270kW) and 410Nm of torque. Exclusively tested and refined, this unit promises some unforgettable journeys and numerous adrenaline rush situations. We are sure about this one.

2016 Lotus Exige 380

The V6 is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that is also exclusive for this particular model. It is especially designed to eliminate lateral movement and it is also super light, thanks to the aluminum components and parts. In fact, there is also an automatic six-speed transmission as an optional feature with aluminum paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Lotus has taken care even for the most devoted lovers of motorsport activities!

In terms of styling, the vehicle is not only beautiful and stylish. As any other Lotus vehicle, the Exige 380 features especially shaped body that deals impeccably with aerodynamic challenges. It has undergone special procedure and extensive CFD modelling work and allows far more efficient air flow that predecessor models. Also, the numerous carbon-fiber components further enhance the agility and dynamics of the vehicle.

2016 Lotus Exige 380

Further features include Michelin Piliot Cup 2 tires, placed on ultra-lightweight alloy wheels that can be specified in black or silver. There are also AP Racing forged four-piston brake calipers and special grooved performance two-piece brake discs.

Of course, as you might have expected from Lotus, this is not all. The design crew also includes optional Carbon Exterior Pack that contains a one-piece carbon roof panel and neat carbon louvered tailgate. Being heavier than the original roof panel with a total of 2kgs, the carbon louvered tailgate saves exactly two additional kilos of weight, so you should not worry about weight gains.

2016 Lotus Exige 380

And the styling and convenience goodies? Exige Sport 380 can be specified in one of ten individual colors that altogether with the carbon-fiber components enhance the sporty and menacing stance. Also, for all of you who are still not satisfied, there is optional accent finishes can be specified.

The interior is enhanced by neat detailings, carbon-fiber components, including sporty seats, Alcantara wrapping and numerous optional and customizable features. There is, for example, Interior Color Pack that brings contrasting surrounds, HVAC surround, carbon seat eyelets and electric window bezels. Cool.

Source: Lotus

November 23, 2016

Carbonfiber Dynamcis reveals its latest menacing project! And it is definitely incredible!

2016 CarbonFiber Dynamics BMW F82 M4 Carbonfiber Dynamics, a well-known tuner in Germany showcases its latest project: a super-cool and menacing BMW F82 M4 that was completely revised. Called M4R, the vehicle incorporates numerous carbon-fiber parts from different manufacturers and showcases some incpredible agility, thanks to the heavily upgraded drivetain system and the total of 700hp (522kW) output.

2016 CarbonFiber Dynamics BMW F82 M4

But let me tell you a bit more about the carbon kit. It is exclusive extract of many brands and technologies and not only contributes to car’s great agility, but also is a stylish one. The front bumper fits the whole design concept of the M4R, while the carbon bonnet of MTC Design somehow resembles the GTS styling and creates a nice transition. Also, the side skirts, made by Varis, further enhance the sporty and menacing stance. The 3Ddesign rear wing ensures the necessary downforce and the 56°NORD carbon roof box is, in fact, a special one. It has been tested at speeds of up to 300km/h. At the same time the whole optics are topped with a GT4-styled wrapping from Revowrap, which showcases the sporty spark in the project.

As we mention the sporty spark, we should say that this is not an ordinary BMW vehicle. It is especially fine-tuned to dominate the streets. With a total output of 700hp and 286Nm, this sweetheart will impress many racecar fans and even sceptics. Some of the drivetrain features include JB4 Tune from Burger Motorsport, BMS Au Chargepipes and Methanol Injection, revised TTE 6XX turbochargers and of course, Eventuri Carbon/Kevlar intakers. Sweet.

2016 CarbonFiber Dynamics BMW F82 M4

And how does it stop? Easily. With fresh new 14-disc clutch Dodson Motorsport brake system that replaces the original one. Also, the Mov’it brake ensures just fine deceleration and works in full harmony with the exclusive and fine-tuned Blistein B16 EDC suspension. And all this is finished with neat set of 19-inch 6sixty forged wheels and Proxes R888R Semislicks from Toyo Tires. Cool.

Source: Carbonfiber Dynamics

November 23, 2016

Lexus celebrates success with new models! Check these beauties out!

2016 Lexus IS 200t Turbo Special Edition Lexus celebrates its one millionth unit sale of the popular IS sports sedan vehicle and decides to launch a special celebration model that offers enhanced style, better safety features and tons of super-pleasurable infotainment features.

There are three new models that are available in a total of three different trim grades that provide everything that customers might want. Also, as it comes to personalization and optional features, the new models include eight exterior styling changes and a total of 15 interior changes. Cool, right? Also, there are numerous improvements onto the infotainment and utility systems.

2016 Lexus IS 200t Turbo Special Edition

In terms of drivetrain system, Lexus team has added two new power units. The one is IS 350 that is a 3.5-liter quad cam V6 and the other one is the 300h petrol-electric hybrid bad boy. Also, there is the god ol’ IS 200t. All these units can be specified regardless of the trim level.

In fact, the interior additions and changes are definitely worth mentioning. First of all, there is sweet new 10.3-inch display infotainment screen that replaces the previous seven-inch unit. There is also a new instrument gauge and new steering wheel buttons that heavily resemble the Lexus RC Line styling.

2016 Lexus IS 200t Turbo Special Edition

Also, driver and passengers should feel safe, thanks to the new Safety System+ pack that comes as part of the standard equipment. It includes revised and sophisticated Pre-Collision System, a pack of electronic control mechanisms and new Lane Departure Warning+.

Source: Lexus

November 22, 2016

Driver-focused and not that appealing: Toyota 86 GT hits the road!

2016 Toyota 86 GT Facelift Toyota team continues the sharpening of the popular 86 sports car and gears it with additional features that enhance the styling, performance, and overall quality.

This revised coupe comes with stiffer chassis, revised suspension system, improved aerodynamics and additional track mode that altogether will please brand’s enthusiasts and potential buyers. Also, there is a manual version of the vehicle that receives uplift in power output through new intake and exhaust system. Cool, right?

2016 Toyota 86 GT Facelift

In terms of interior changes and additions, there is new smaller steering wheel, performance data options for the color multi-information display, new power and torque curves, stopwatch and G-force monitor. In fact, the whole exterior styling is more direct and somehow more aggressive. Of course, we do like it. The more the aggressiveness, the more the fun!

The 2.0-liter aluminum horizontally opposed direct-injection power unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox and together they produce a total of 208hp (152kW) and 212Nm of torque. Impressive, isn’t it? Furthermore, the engine breaths more easily thanks to the improved intake and exhaust systems.

2016 Toyota 86 GT Facelift

Other details include stiffer body structure, revised coil springs and shock absorbers, fine-tuning of the electronic control systems. Also, all variants are fitted with hill-start assist control and tons of neat styling changes. These include new specific dynamic stance, neat lines and curves, larger grille and wide and low stance. Definitely menacing. There are also high-grade GTS that feature aluminum wing-type spoiler and exclusive 17-inch cast-alloy wheels. The GT variants come with 16-inch alloys.

Source: Toyota

November 21, 2016

Jaguar team proudly presents a recreated replica to a legendary 1950’s legend

2016 Jaguar XKSS Replica Back in the day Jaguar XKSS has kicked some serious butt. Definitely it was a piece of a beauty at the time it was unveiled sixty years ago, but we have to admit that this is still one incredibly elegant and appealing vehicle. But as it looks like, it is not enough for the whole Jaguar team: they have decided to revive the old classic and create nine exclusive automobiles that completely resemble the original eye candy.

In fact, as you might know, the original XKSS is named world’s first supercar and it proved it at the Le-Mans race events back in 1954-1956. A year later there were nine vehicles that were lost to a fire accident at the Jaguar’s Brown Lane factory, but the good news is that there are still 16 automobiles that resemble the good ol’ days in pretty stylish way.

2016 Jaguar XKSS Replica

And as we have told you, Jaguar has already announced that a special recreation project is being executed and there are nine “lost” XKSS machines that will soon hit the roads. The nine vehicles will be completely new and as close to the original as possible.

In terms of performance rates, the new XKSS features a 3.4-liter straight six-cylinder Jaguar D-type power unit that delivers a total of 262hp and features new cast iron block, new cast cylinder heads and three Weber DC03 carburetors.

2016 Jaguar XKSS Replica

The inside also completely resembles the original design. There are wooden components, leather coverages and brass knobs that not only reveal the styling of the 1950’s, but also showcase Jaguar’s perfection and incredible attention to even the smallest details.

2016 Jaguar XKSS Replica

Every single car is hand-built and it has taken about 10,000 hours to be completed. Incredible, isn’t it?

Source: Jaguar

November 18, 2016

2017 E-Golf: familiar in style, unknown in possibilities

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf It gets sort of a trend. And we tend to like this one. Volkswagen of America has just presented the last generation of e-Golf model. This new and shiny bad boy offers better electric engine, more power and enhanced agility.

For the upcoming season year Volkswagen decided to gear the vehicle with a new lithium-ion battery with increased capacity of a total of 35.8kWh. This would help the vehicle to achieve the impressive 124 miles with a single charge. Something else, the additional 7.2kW is standard feature for the SE and SEL Premium trim levels and enhances the battery charging time to less than six hours.

All these improvements and changes result on a total power output of 134hp and 214lb-ft. Or, in other words, the improvements mark a rise of the output with 19hp and 15 lb-ft of torque. Sweet.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

In terms of technologies and hi-tech features the vehicle includes hew Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with specific e-Golf instruments and gadgets. There are also special 12.3-inch color screen, different information profiles, navigation and infotainment systems.

In fact, the infotainment is something that deserves further recognition. It is a Discover Pro system that comes with a large 9.2-inch glass display. It is featured in a Golf vehicle for the first time and can recognize hand gestures, offers remote access via the Volkswagen Car-Net app and the Guide & Inform services.

Volkswagen also extends the driver assistance and utility systems for the e-Golf. Buyers will be granted with Forward Collision Waring with Autonomous Emergency Braking, optional Driver Assistance Package for the SEL Premium trim level and many more.

2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

In terms of styling, the new e-Golf has a lot to demonstrate. The vehicle showcases new bumpers, front fenders and LED headlights and taillights. The front face shows new daytime running lights, blue grille trim strip, while the rear shows restyled lights and fresh new bumper. Overall, it is a good-looking Golf vehicle, but with a sort of a trendy kick that would be convenient for the upcoming 2017 model year.

Source: Volkswagen

November 17, 2016

Category: Auto News

And what about the interior styling?

Drivetrain system

So, is it worth it?