Auto News – Page 176 – Automobiles Review

2017 Pacifica gets better and better. Here’s why!

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Already a leader in Canada’s minivan sales, Chrysler further expands the lineup of the Pacifica models. There are new LX and Touring trim levels that will join the already available Touring-L, Touring-L Plus and Limited. As you might know, the

Already Canada’s minivan sales leader, FCA Canada has expanded the lineup for its segment-leading 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. As you might know, one of the reasons for model’s success is that it is produced in Canada, in the award-winning Winsor Assembly Plant.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Some of the features include a 3.6-liter Pentastar VVT V6 engine that is paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. There are also active noise cancellation goodies, active grille sutters, capless fuel fill, deep-tint sunscreen glass, keyless entry, second- and third-row Stow’n Go fold-in-floor seating, air conditioning with tri-zone manual temperature control, cruise control system and Uconnect 5.0 multimedia centre with 5-inch touchscreen. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Furthermore, the 2017 Pacifica Touring LX trim level includes 17-inch alloys, dual power-sliding doors, automatic headlamps, Stow ‘n Place roof rack system, interior door handle LED lamps, 12-way adjustable driver’s seat, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and more.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica

Also, all new LX and Touring models can be optionally geared with exclusive 8-passenger seatings, ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera, KeySense programmable key fob, Blind Spot Monitoring and more.

Both new models are already available for order.

Source: Chrysler

October 24, 2016

BMW on steroids: Alpha-N Performance team can do it!

2016 Alpha-N Performance BMW M2 Coupe There is no surprise in the fact that the contemporary M3/M4 and M2 Coupe are the most popular and most desirable BMW units so far. The whole M lineup is somehow becoming mythical and there is a fine reason for that: these vehicles are just incredible. In any aspect they impress buyers and BMW enthusiasts and the best part is that the team not only keeps up the good work, but also finds new ways of improving these bad boys.

However, there are some who are still not satisfied by lineup’s incredible achievements. For example, the Alpha-N team decided to create something even more special: a vehicle that is both affordable and desirable. It combines the best from M2 Coupe models and GTS styling and spirit.

This new machine showcases powerful, yet stylish proportions and lines and at the same time impresses with new sporty components.

2016 Alpha-N Performance BMW M2 Coupe

The upgrades include new carbon-fiber detailings, M4 GTS bonnet, ultra-light Kevlar as optional goodie, sporty spoiler and GT4-styled brake ducts. Also optional are the distinctive boot-mounted GTS-styled rear wings and the carbon-fiber roof.

Also, to complete the distinctive BMW appearance, Alpha-N uses black kidney grilles and side skirts from the Performance program and fills the wheel arches with neat 20-inch BMW M Competition alloys. Cool.

Maybe the Alpha-N fans have noticed that we have still not mentioned the revised drivetrain system. We simply decided to keep the best stuff for the final. The machine is geared with a might 3.0-liter straight-six TwinPower Turbo unit that delivers a total of 450hp (355kW). Also, the engineering team includes a Öhlins Road & Track suspension system that was further fine-tuned.

2016 Alpha-N Performance BMW M2 Coupe

These Alpha-N GTS packs are already available for M2 Coupe and M3 and M4 Coupes. And if you are interested in seein one live, Caronfiber Dynamics are delighted to invite you to the Essen Motor Show, held between 26th of November to 4th of December 2016.

Source: Alpha-N Performance

October 24, 2016

Above and Beyond: Vilner’s unique 20th Anniversary project is finished. And it simply stunning.

2016 Vilner 20th Anniversary Land Rover Range Rover As we have told you, our friends from Vilner have prepared something special about brand’s 20^th anniversary. After they successfully hyped us with some teaser pictures, now they reveal us the final product: a fully revised and masterfully upgraded 2009 LR Range Rover Sport. As we have told you, this vehicle has a rather interesting story: It was originally given to the winner of “Britain’s Got Talent”, who a bit later sold the car to a new owner, who decided to tweak it a bit and gave it to the best out there: the tuners at Vilner.

The key word in this project is Alcantara. Being more precise, designers have used a special hand technique to achieve a certain feeling of comfort and luxury. Also, this is the first time that Vilner have used this kind of technique. It adds this sweet 3D presence, but at the same time does not insist on being too luxurious or being “too much”.

2016 Vilner 20th Anniversary Land Rover Range Rover

In fact, the team has managed to achieve the perfect balance: the team has applied the Alcantara on certain key places in the cabin: air vents, central console, doors, sun visiors and more. The rest of the interior detailing is covered in soft white and brown leather, stitched with the opposite color threads. Sweet.

Also, there are many authentic Vilner stamps that are present only on brand’s most exclusive and special projects. Along them there is also special black Alcantara that has been used on some of the plastic components. It is present on the central mirror housing, steering column and the dashboard sides.

2016 Vilner 20th Anniversary Land Rover Range Rover

In terms of exterior styling we should mention that Barugzai’s exclusive body kit has been kept intact. What Vilner team has changed, though, are the rims: the vehicle is now geared with 22-inch Gun Meal Grey Matte sweeties.

And last, but not least, Vilner has added and a special 20^th Anniversary present: a bag. Brown seat belt strap, carbon fiber buckle and thinned Alcantara. Along with special metal stamp that ensures the exclusivity and uniqueness of the project itself.

Stunning. Simply stunning.

Source: Vilner Bulgaria

October 20, 2016

Tight, confident and functional, 2017 Leon is heading our way!

2017 SEAT Leon Seat continues to impress media, critics and fans with its latest projects and most recently it caught our eye too. The reason behind this is the new SEAT Leon that will try to become not only the most important, but also the most appealing model that SEAT offers. So, let‘s waste no more time and see whether the new family member is worth the honorable place among older Leon models.

Exterior styling

2017 SEAT Leon

SEAT team continues to improve the visuals of its latest models and the new Leon is no exception. The vehicle looks beautiful, confident, mature and even bold.

The face and the rear showcase sharper and more focused lines that contribute to this tight and determined expression. Also, definitely noticeable are the front headlights with this super straight-line design.

The sides continue this idea of minimalism and elegance and are further expressed by the distinctive and exclusive wheels. The rear-end, as said showcases minimal amount of detailing, curves and lines. And honestly, I like it. There is something special in a style concept where artists remove the unnecessary.

Interior styling

2017 SEAT Leon

We should mention that this is maybe the quietest Leon cabin ever created. The inside also impresses with neat ambient lightning, 8-inch screen that tries to eliminate the need of buttons and other controls and overall cozy and comfortable atmosphere.

However, the interior does not look that super fascinating or futuristic. It is even… ordinary. And despite the trial of the touch screen technologies, there are numerous buttons, placed on not that beautiful control panel. But maybe the whole idea of the interior concept is to be functional, not that futuristic-looking. Who knows.

Drivetrain system

There are new engines for this latest model and in SEAT’s own words, these ones are sort of super deal. Here’s why. There are diesel, petrol and compressed natural gas systems. The diesel range is available with a 7-soeed DSG gearbox, while the more powerful petrol units come with TGI and CNG systems. All these bad boys can be specified with five- or six-speed DSG gearboxes and some advanced seven-speed automatic units. Sweet.

Additional equipment

2017 SEAT Leon

Seat team has also geared some neat advanced safety and connectivity features. For example, drivers will benefit from Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Protection System.

We tend to like this vehicle. But tell me, what do you think?

Source: SEAT

October 20, 2016

The Popemobile: what are the notable features?

2016 Popemobile The Jeep Brand Provides the Popemobile

The “Popemobile” is an informal term used to refer to the vehicle that the Pope is traveling in, as you may have guessed! And during Pope Francis’s visit to the U.S. in September 2015, he spent plenty of time being shuttled around in a custom Jeep Wrangler Popemobile fleet. The Pope also used similar Jeeps during his July 2015 trip to South America. Previously he has been transported in other car brands, such as Isuzu, Kia, Hyundai, and, less frequently, a Mercedes Benz. For his U.S. visit, however, he selected a Jeep Wrangler platform much to the delight of US Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealerships.

The Pope’s Choice of Vehicle, Projected Image & Safety

You may say using this vehicle, rather than the prestigious ones favored by his predecessors, is another example of the image Francis is attempting to project to the people. His United States trip consisted of visits to the cities Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia on the country’s east coast.

The Wrangler Popemobiles may not be luxurious vehicles but they are far from being ordinary Jeeps. This is the case according to the Sales manager at West Valley, a full-service Chrysler and Jeep car dealer in Canoga Park, CA. The Vatican and the Secret Service refuse to release any kind of technical information on present Popemobiles but the ones used by Francis’s predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, had interesting features. One may assume similar attributes would apply to the Wranglers. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Pope Benedict used when he visited the U.S. in 2008 was designed to drive up to 160 mph in the event of an emergency.

On another occasion, while traveling in Naples, the Pope traveled in a vehicle open enough on the sides to let a local pizza restaurant make a delivery to the Pope.

Pope Benedict’s Mercedes was in addition equipped for roadway sabotage, with special tires capable of rolling if deflated, at speeds up to 70 mph. The underside of this vehicle was braced with thick steel plating to protect the Pope in event of an explosion.

Did you notice that the Pope was meeting the people without glass shielding? The Popemobile was traditionally an open-topped automobile until the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981. After that, John Paul and his successor, Benedict, seldom made parade appearances when not surrounded by multiple sides of bulletproof glass. Pope Francis has steered away from that tradition however. According to a 2014 interview, the Pope didn’t want to feel as if he was confined to a “sardine can” during his travels.

Conclusions

Now that the Pope’s U.S. visit is over, the nation has time to reflect on what his message and general visit meant. What is fascinating about his visit is his choice of vehicles and how strongly he felt about the image they portrayed. His message of austerity is certainly a strong one and something that will resonate throughout his chapter in Papal history.

We hope that you have enjoyed this article on the Pope’s choice of automobile!

Source: West Valley, Canoga Park, CA

October 19, 2016

The new 2017 RAV4: what we know so far!

As it seems, Toyota team puts safety features first among all other, as it comes to new 2017 models. This is indeed the case with the latest RAV4 SUV: it will not only come with numerous utility and performance goodies, but it will feature comprehensive safety suite. Of course, we are talking about the Toyota Safety Sense thing that will be present on the new RAVs and also to all future SUV models that Toyota team reveals.

The Safety Sense thing means that the new RAV4 vehicle comes with a promise of reduced risk of collision and numerous warning signs. Just few of the additions include Pre-Collision System with autonomous braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam operation and Road Sign Assist.

Furthermore, the engineering team makes one more important improvement: The Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia system has undergone some comprehensive improvement and now offers detailed information about many American roads, more sophisticated functions and new generation of 3D maps. Sweet.

Also, there are new personalization options that were just announced: buyers can specify the vehicle with a Premium Pack that brings hands-free power tailgate, a kick sensor beneath the bumper, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Oh, yeah. And a sun roof.

Also, there are two additional exterior colors: Silver Blade and Phantom Blue. Also, exclusively for the Icon and Excel grades there is this thing “full body” finish. This includes body-colored bumpers, wheel arches and contrasting front and rear under-runs. Cool.

This is what we know so far. Stick with us for further information!

Source: Toyota

October 18, 2016

The new Nissan Rogue: what’s special about this one? [VIDEO]

2017 Nissan Rogue Nissan team has finally announced details for the latest 2017 Rogue crossover machine. And what we hear is quite satisfactory. The latest family member has undergone some comprehensive changes and features revised exterior and interior styling, additional safety features and revised drivetrain system. So, let’s check out what is going on here!

One of the most notable and important changes is the addition of electric hybrid drivetrain system. Available in two grade levels with either front-and all-wheel-drive function, the new Rogue is both efficient and agile. And just as previous editions, this one offers optional 3-row/7-passenger seating, larger cargo capacity and all this topped with EX Flex Seating System. Sweet.

2017 Nissan Rogue

In terms of exterior styling, the vehicle showcases new design and many sweet additions and changes. There is this neat Motion-Activated Liftgate, new Safety Shield Pack System and

Updated exterior features include a new, dynamic front end design with Nissan signature design cues, available Motion-Activated Liftgate, and new available Safety Shield technologies with Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking.

The interior also showcases numerous changes: for 2017 model year Nissan includes new D-shaped steering wheel, new door and instrument finishes, refreshed shift knob design, revised central console styling and new seats with new fabric. Some of the available technologies include NissanConnectSM with navigation, smartphone integration, 7-inch touch screen, Nissan Voice Recognition, SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusM Traffic.

And last, but certainly not least, the drivetrain system. All 2017 Rogue models (except the hybrid units) are geared with a trustworthy 2.5-liter 4-cylinder power unit that delivers 170hp (126kW) and 175lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a Xtronic gearbox with Sport and Eco driving modes.

2017 Nissan Rogue

Also, there is information about the fuel economy: in Nissan team’s own words, the new models deliver 26mph city, 33 mpg highway and 29 combined for the front-wheel drive models. AWD models are rated 25mph city, 32mpg highway and 27mpg combined. Not bad, right?

So far, so good. It looks as Nissan is still determined to keep its positions as one of the leading automobile manufacturers. What do you think?

https://youtu.be/NT9N7DT0MOA

Source: Nissan

October 17, 2016

Lexus presents two new models to the RX lineup: check ’em out!

2016 Lexus RX Sport Sedan Lexus team expands the RX midsize SUV lineup and presents some new family members: brand’s enthusiasts and buyers will be happy to know that there are F Sport and Sports Luxury variants already available for purchase!

These two additions are part of the Luxury trim level and bring numerous additions and improvements. Many of these are pure visual, while others heavily contribute to more comfort and convenience or better vehicle performance.

First of all, we should mention that new fresh Cobalt Blue exterior body finish that is exclusive for the two new vehicles. Further styling and utility refreshments include 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, heated front seats, large infotainment screen, Lexus Inform Connected mobility, premium 12-speaker audio system, keyless smart entry and igniting, wireless phone charged and more.

2016 Lexus RX Sport Sedan

In terms of safety features, both vehicles offer pre-collision safety system with Autonomous Emergency Braking, radar-sensing all-speed active cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic high beam. Not mentioning the 10 airbags, reverse camera and blind spot monitor.

And what about the drivetrain system? There are a total of three variants: the first one is Lexus RX 200t, which is powered by a two-liter turbocharged unit with 175kW (234hp) and 350Nm of torque as a total power output.

The second option is the RX 350, which offers 221kW (296kW) and 370Nm of torque that is delivered to all four wheels. This system also comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

2016 Lexus RX Sport Sedan

RX 450h hybrid is the last option and what it offers is a highly-efficient Atkinson Cycle version of the V6 unit, paired to an electric motor. Both deliver a total of 308hp (230kW) through a continuously variable automatic system.

2016 Lexus RX Sport Sedan

Source: Lexus

October 17, 2016

Remembering the good ol’ time? Why not living it again?

1964 Lamborghini 350 GT Lamborghini 350 GT, a legendary vehicle and a well-known classic to all automobile enthusiasts has undergone a special one-year full restoration done by Lamborghini PoloStorico and has even made its first track race in years!

This 350 GT chassis #0121 has been restored to its previous glory and now contains only original parts and authentic building schemes. It took about 1150 hours for recreating the body and about 780 hours to deal with the mechanical and electrical functions. Definitely an inspiring project, this one deserves more attention.

1964 Lamborghini 350 GT

The revised vehicle was delivered to the current owner, who wanted to test his old new machine on a special racetrack. And this is how the 350 GT drove its first 80 kilometers and scored not only perfect results, but also showcased impeccable overall performance. This test drive revealed vehicle’s balanced power distribution, smooth gear shifts, responsive braking and of course, neat handling.

1964 Lamborghini 350 GT

The restoration process includes original chassis and body panels that were returned to original geometry, revising the whole drivetrain system in order to ensure smooth and responsive ride. Further tweaks were made on the interior that is dominated by black leather and blends with many original components as accelerator, brake pedals, steering wood and more.

Furthermore, the body finish was changed with white paint, but the interesting thing is that the design team used special original nitroacrylic formula and techiques: there were applied a total of 22 layers with wet sanding by hand between each layer. This technique results on additional elegance and accents on vehicle’s lines and curves. Also, the original rims were restored and fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205/15 tires. Just as the original ones.

1964 Lamborghini 350 GT

And what about the drivetrain system? The 350 GT is geared with a 12-cylinder aluminum alloy power unit that produces a total of 270hp (201kW) and is paired to a five-speed ZF transmission system that delivers torque and horsepower to all the four wheels. Furthermore, the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the ride was achieved thanks to the special and fine-tuned suspension system and Girling brakes.

1964 Lamborghini 350 GT

And in case you have missed, this 350 GT model was first revealed at the 1964 Geneva Auto Show and showcased Lamborghini’s intentions towards future. We already know the rest of the story, right?

Source: Lamborghini

October 14, 2016

Hennessey Performance Strikes Again. This Time the Lucky Vehicle is Ford Mustang! [VIDEO]

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford Mustang GT350 Mustang has finally revealed some information about the performance rates of the 2016 Ford Mustang Shelb GT350 and GT350R. As you might know, both vehicles are limited to only 50 units and both of them showcase some incredible performance stats.

However, many people were still not satisfied about what is written on piece of paper and they did want real performance show. And they got one. A pretty tough one. And luckily, there is a sweet video that reveals more about vehicles’ nature and improvements. However, let’s check out why these two bad boys are so popular, shall we?

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford Mustang GT350

Honestly, there are not any significant exterior changes and tweaks that require special attention, nor there are any in the cabin, so we directly step into the most interesting part: the drivetrain system. Generally, there are a total 808hp (602kW) at 7,800rpm and 657lb-ft of torque at 4,600rpm of power output. Massive, isn’t it? I am pretty sure that you do want to know the final results of the tests. Here they are: the vehicles accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in mere 3.3 seconds and cover the distance of ¼ mile in mere 10.8 seconds.

But let’s talk more in details. Both vehicles share the same HPE800 Supercharged 5.2-liter V8 Voodoo engine system with numerous upgrades and changes. These include 2.9-liter supercharged system, 11.0:1 compression forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods and of course, numerous carbon fiber components.

2016 Hennessey Performance Ford Mustang GT350

I told you that there aren’t any notable visual additions. However, we should mention the Supercarged Exterior badging, Hennessey Exterior Badging, HPE800 Exterior badging, unique serial number dash and engine plaques and this well-known blue exterior finish.

I also mentioned a special video. Here it is. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/w1OiYIc3lPE

Source: Hennessey Performance

October 13, 2016

Monstrous: Dime Racing Reveals Limited Edition Mercedes-AMG Machine

2016 Dime Racing Mercede-AMG GT Dime Racing team is about to reveal one of its latest masterpieces: a limited edition street-legal DIME Racing GT automobile. This sweetie is based on the 2017 AMG GT machine and features Dime Racing exclusive suspension, aero pack, wheels and cooling system. All these goodies contribute to the overall control and direction of the 745 horses that are somehow stuffed under the hood. These additions, blended with the fine tunings and passion of the team definitely will bring not only incredible driving experience for the lucky ones, but also numerous prizes and awards. We bet that one.

Of course, as it comes to limited edition machine, this one will also be offered with Dime Racing Edition bumper-to-bumper warranty and unique personalized Växjö watch from the F1 driver Stefan Johansson. The units are only 100 and some of them are already sold and each one comes with unique Dime Racing VIN that ensures collectability and authenticity.

2016 Dime Racing Mercede-AMG GT

So, what do we have at the end? A Mercedes-AMG base with some additional fine magic by Dime Racing team. God, it actually sounds like a dream come true. Definitely one of the best manufacturers and tuners in the world, these three brands have done something magnificent that deserves more attention. But tell me, how do you like this machine? Write down in the comment section!

Source: Dime Racing

October 13, 2016

BMW M5 Becomes Even More Appealing. Credits Go To JMS Team!

2016 JMS Fahrzeugteile BMW M5 Series JMS Fahrzeugteile GmbH expands its special lineup with a aerodynamic pak for the latest BMW 5-series. This upgrade is available both for vehciles with M Sport Package and without it. The first pack, the one that includes M Sport Pack, comes with special JMS spoiler lip and rear underbody diffuser. This one is also available for the Touring models. Sweet.

Additional upgrades for M5 with M Sport pack include rear bootlid spoiler and Racelook side skirts. There are also exhaust cut outs that allow personalized adaptation to wider variety of exhaust systems, such as the Eisenmann syste that provides super aggressive looks ad of course, one hell of a soundtrack.

2016 JMS Fahrzeugteile BMW M5 Series

In terms of wheels, the pack offers neat COR.SPEED Arrows with glossy black polished Inox Lip in 8.5×20-inch and 10.0×20-inch sizes, wrapped within 245/35ZR20 and 275/30ZR20 tires. There are aslo some alternatives: COR.SPEED Deville design with 9.0×20-inch and 10.5×20-inch in silver brushed surface finish with 245/35ZR20 and 275/30ZR20 tires.

Furthermore, all vehicles with the upgrade will benefit from a ride height of 50/40mm, thanks to the fine-tuned coil-over suspension kit system.

2016 JMS Fahrzeugteile BMW M5 Series

These are definitely some sweet upgrades and fine-tunes that we do like. Hopefully, soon we are going to see one upgraded M5 in action. If you happen to see one by yourself, don’t waste any time and share with us the experience!

Source: JMS Fahrzeugteile

October 13, 2016

Category: Auto News

Exterior styling

Interior styling

Drivetrain system

Additional equipment