Auto News – Page 184 – Automobiles Review

Kia reveals Optima PHEV Hybrid: here’s why we liked this one

2016 Kia PHEV Hybrid Kia, just like numerous more brands has set a goal to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and deliver us more efficient vehicles. And here it is: the new PHEV hybrid with reasonable price and tons of sweet features. So, let’s see whether Kia managed to achieve its goal, or it is just showing off.

Let’s dive straight in numbers and statistics

The vehicle can reach a range of 33 miles in all-electric mode and has CO2 figure of just 37g/km, which further means that company car users pay under 7% benefit-in-taxation in 2016-2017. In terms of drivetrain system, the PHEV is geared with a 2.0-liter direct injection petrol power unit with a total output of 154hp (114kW) and additional 67hp (50kW) via the electric motor. And when working together, both systems generate 375Nm of torque. Powerful, right?

And what about standard equipment and specifications?

Optima PHEV is a sort of stand-alone model in the whole Optima range. And as any other Optima vehicle and as any other independent hi-tech machine, this one has a lot to show to its customers. In fact, they will deal with big 8.0-inch touch screen navigation, geared with tons of maps, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, Kia Connected Services via TomTom, wireless mobile phone charger and neat 10-speaker premium audio system with Clari-Fi technology.

In terms of safety features, the sweetie comes with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-Start Assist Control.

Exterior styling and appearance

2016 Kia PHEV Hybrid

PHEV proudly shows 17-inch alloys with wrapped around 215/55 R17 tires, LED daytime lights, special “follow-me-home-lightning” and one hell of expressive look. We do see a confident vehicle with muscular and sporty stance. The face expression is bold and it strikes with badass eyes and sporty and simple grille design. The sides show simple, yet effective curves, while the back disappoints. Yep, you read that correctly. It differs from the front and the sides with too much simplicity and not that great design tweaks. However, it still expresses power and confidence, but it is a sort of too simple. However, it does the job neatly, which is also important.

The intelligent systems

Optima PHEV offers tons of impressive-wanna-be technologies. These include Regenerative Braking, Driving Style guide, ECO-DAS (ECOnomy Driver Assistance System) with Coasting Guide Control, Drive Mode Select button and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Select switch. In other words, you will be safe, no matter what the circumstances are and you will drive a super efficient vehicle with a sort of its own willpower. Cool.

So, what else should we say? We do like this one and we think Kia team gets more and more serious and more and more devoted into the idea of delivering us some high-quality products. Enjoy!

Source: Kia

August 25, 2016

Terrific Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 brought to perfection thanks to SCHMIDT Revolution

Tuner implements simple measures to make the CLA more beautiful

I love the CLA. Probably if you are a Mercedes fan you are on the same opinion, too. Well, it is probably the best looking model in the lineup and it captivates with its posture and appearance. It is also kind of strange to work on a tuning project involving this model due to its perfection, but specialists like SCHMIDT Revolution have the courage to do this. And more importantly, to do this with simple measures.

First the experts had to lower the vehicle, so their idea could manifest. For this purpose the Speed-Box/Raceland was in charge to bring the beautiful CLA 45 AMG 25 mm closer to the ground with the help of H&R springs.

In terms of the wheels added, they had to be flushed exactly with the bodywork… but not to touch it. How this was made possible? Thanks to a specific scan of the wheel housings, the adjustment of the Gambit-rims happened with the help of CAD technology.

SCHMIDT Revolution Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 rear view

There was a little requirement, too: the dimension of the rubbers, namely 235/35R19, was mandatory in order to match the front axle load capacity of 1.140 kg. The result: the fantastic wheel-tire-combination is stunning! It allows almost unobstructed view of the red-painted brake calipers.

At last, but not least, SCHMIDT Revolution also implemented a performance increase, bringing the CLA to the potent 400 HP with chiptuning. For added appearance there are extra performance-side stripes with Speed-Box-logo and OEM-rear wing. Nice, isn’t it?

Source: SCHMIDT Revolution

August 24, 2016

Cor.Speed announcing exciting Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet project

Piecha Design takes part in the tuning as well

Cor.Speed is responsible for the overall tuning here, but it actually involves many other good customization specialists. The car under attention is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W207 Cabriolet, which with it its innate stunning appearance has been further refined. So, basically, the Mercedes on display carries new ARROWS wheels, coilovers and is also fitted with Piecha Design’s aero styling.

It has been said that Cor.Speed Performance Wheels have always been special. They are distinguished by their unique designs characteristics, mostly because they are far-far away from the “run-of-the-mill” aftermarket alloys.

So basically, this Mercedes is the finest example of how these more-than-hot wheels transform the looks of a regular car (not that the W207 is such). To go into the details, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet shown here is fitted with the distinctive 20-inch, 10-spoke Cor.Speed ARROWS design in Higloss Black Polished Finish with Inox Lips.

Cor.Speed Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet rear and side view

The offset is attractive and adds to the perception of depth, making the car look wider and more purposeful. This new stance is further bolstered by 10 mm spacers at the rear. The alloys are fitted with low profiles measuring 245/30R20 and 275/25R20.

Cor.Speed also installed an H&R coilover suspension system that is fully adjustable for ride height as well as damper bounce and rebound values. The suspension kit can lower the car up to 45 mm at the front and 40 mm at the rear.

This appearance package is rounded out by discreet Piecha Design front spoiler lip. It has been developed with the aim to fit directly and effortlessly to the front valence of the factory AMG body styling kit.

Well, everything has ended up as a nice ride, hasn’t it?

Source: JMS

August 24, 2016

Kia Rio in sketches: bold, muscular and confident. Hopefully, as the real one.

2016 Kia Rio Long story short, the fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its world debut on 29 September in Paris, at the 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile.

Short story long, Kia reveals tasty details for the upcoming SUV and by all it looks as engineer and design teams have decided to make their very best on this project. And by judging by the official sketches, we tend to believe that this Kia vehicle will be a killer one.

Rio’s dynamic new exterior and interior design has undergone numerous changes and improvements that bear the touch of the specialist design centres in Germany, California and Korea. We see neat straight lines, smooth surfacing and longer front overhang and bonnet, longer wheelbase and upright C-pillar that altogether contribute to that manly and muscular body with action-ready stance.

2016 Kia Rio

Of course, Kia team also promises class-leading practicality and safety technology, new-gen connectivity features and overall more pleasurable and rewarding ride.

In fact, Kia’s Rio is one of brand’s best-selling models with the titanic 473,000 units sold in 2015. Hopefully, this won’t stop Kia team to evolve and bring us even better and better vehicles and products.

2016 Kia Rio

Official details will be gained on September, 29 in 14:45 CET, when Kia’s official press conference takes place at the Mondial de l’Automobile event.

Stick with us for further details!

Source: Kia

August 24, 2016

Did we just find the best Citroen car out there?!

We have told you about many classy and super-classy Citroen vehicles. Remember the new Citroen Megane Sport III? And the Tour Hyphen Concept? And what about all these Cactus Special Editions? We bet you remember. In fact, recently Citroen team has brought us many cool vehicles that deserved our attention. And then, most suddenly there is this 1973 Citroen DS Super 5, considered to be the finest Citroen DS vehicle in the world.

Tight, badass looking and futuristic (in terms of 1970s) this little guy still has that solid presence and catches the eye with neat shapes and expressions. Starting with this super aggressive face at the front, going through the clean and simple sides and finishing with scalloped back with dramatic design solution, we tend to believe that this one is actually a pretty convincing choice for the best DS vehicle out there.

1973 Citroen DS Super 5

This particular Super 5 unit is finished in Blanc Meije (period white) and comes with its original Red Targa upholstery. Meticulously restored to exceptional high levels and as close to the original condition as possible, the owner decides to auction this one with the aid of Silverstone Auction’s Salon Privé Sale event, on Saturday, 3rd September at the Blenheim Palace.

A 1973 Citroen DS Super 5, believed to be the finest Citroen DS in the world, is set to be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions’ Salon Privé Sale on Saturday 3rd September at Blenheim Palace.

But let’s get back on vehicle’s fame. This model is so good that it has took home more than 200 awards overall. Definitely an unrivalled European show car winner, this vehicle has dominated at many concourses and event: these include National Champion at Welsh Benson & Hedges Concours and Hedges Concours, NEC show winner and it was also a national Meguiars Concours display car. Oh, yeah. It was also featured at the Paris Concours and Citroen World Championship.

1973 Citroen DS Super 5

And last, but not least, this award-winning 1973 Citroen DS Super 5 will be offered for sale with all of its storage boxes, full photographic restoration folders and about 150 magazine features. The price? between $88,000-$120,000 USD.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

August 24, 2016

Renault Megane Sport III rolls out the production plant! Here’s what we know so far!

The latest Renault Mégane Sport has just rolled out off the production plant in Paencia, Spain and it is already available for purchase!

The final version of the Sport lineup proudly shows an already famous Liquid Yellow metallic finish, large 19-inch Speedline alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 wrapped tires and exclusive :Öhlins Road&Track adjustable dampers.

The inside welcomes the brave-hearted to a Alcantara-dominated cabin with sporty steering wheel, Recaro seats, Handsfree keycard, Renault Sport Monitor V2 on-board performance tracking and R-Link Multimedia system with satellite navigation. Sweet.

But let’s get back to the interesting part. The Cup-S specification. This is a higher trim level that adds numerous drivetrain features and improves others. For example, the vehicle with this set up benefits from PerfoHub double-axis front suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, red Brembo four-pot brake calipers, stiffer anti-roll bar.

In terms of engine power, the 275 Cup-S offers (what a surprise!) 275hp (205kW) of power output via a revised 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol power unit. In fact, this is an improved version of the engine that aided the Renault team to brake the lap record at Nürburgring track back in 2014. This means that you will deal with a bad boy!

In fact, we are impressed with Renault’s ambition to deliver us better and better sport vehicles. And as it looks, this one would not disappoint. Or would it?

Source: Renault Sport

August 23, 2016

Nissan and five other brands gather to aid the ad campaign for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

Lucasfilm has just announced that it teams up with five big and famous brands, in order to launch some big promotional campaign in support of the latest Star Wars movie: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. The brands are Duracell, General Mills, Gillette, Nissan and Verizon. Cool.

All of these brands will launch specific and custom-designed campaigns and promotions in their own and unique style: this time the latest Star Wars movie will get not only wide fan support, but also massive aid by world’s biggest names in business.

More about the movie

Taking place back in the time of the first Death Star, the Rogue One plot will tell us about some brave men /and aliens/ and their mission to steal some precious Imperial documents. Sounds good? What we know so far is that director Gareth Edwards will try to represent a new look to some of the most notable Star Wars sights, characters and events. Hopefully, we will see some badass acting, tons of action, comprehensive storyline and cool vehicle designs.

https://youtu.be/frdj1zb9sMY

And since Nissan team supports the advertisement campaign, I do wonder whether we would see some flying Nissan machines out there. Just imagine how hilarious it would be to see some badass flying thing out there with Nissan logo at the front.

However, what are your expectations about the movie? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: Nissan

August 23, 2016

DMC Porsche 991 GT3 RS: genuine project made with passion [w/video]

The beautiful 991 GT3 RS gets a worthy pack

I love exclusive projects, especially involving passionate designers with taste for simplicity and class. An example is the DMC luxury studio, which is mostly famous for its tuned Lamborghinis and exhilarating Ferraris. Their latest work of art however, has been based on brand rather unexpected: Porsche.

The 991 presented here wears the custom pack proudly, because it immediately stands out. What does it comprise of? First to mention is the rear wing, which wears the DMC lions. By the way, there is an interesting story about these symbols: they originate from family’s city of birth, Duesseldorf and represent the father and son, who founded DMC.

Furthermore, the kit also sports new spoiler, which is fully adjustable and comes with three modes: City, Cruise or Insane. Carbon fiber DMC deck lid and front and rear bumpers from the new material as well as front lip and side skirts, further highlight the fantastic appearance of the Porsche. In addition, the rear diffuser improves the road handling. There is a sad fact though: it is available only for the non-GT3 Porsches.

DMC Porsche 991 GT3 RS front view

A stunning package, isn’t it? Created with personal touch and attention to the detail, this project just needs to be spoken about. At last, there is a video which shows the tuned Porsche in real-life environment, so you can see how it perfectly fits the streets.

httpv://youtu.be/3VJaImfBmHk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: DMC

August 23, 2016

Stunning Phantom Drophead Coupe is Beverly Hills-inspired masterpiece

Rolls-Royce has shown it at PebbleBeach

Did you remember the one-colored Dawn by Rolls-Royce, which was revealed last week? If yes, then you are probably a fan of the luxury brand, and you’ll be keen on another interesting project. This one-off Bespoke Phantom Drophead Coupé Beverly Hills Edition (kind of long name, I know) has been previewed this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

As you can see it features as vivid as the sun color paint scheme inside and out. The unique shade is called Orange Metallic and is integrated in the iconic for Rolls-Royce bi-tone design philosophy. The color is also featured on the wheel-centers, providing even a catching appearance.

This romantic open-top motoring is continued on the inside, where only the finest of the natural materials have been used. Precisely, the hand-stitched Mandarin leather contrasts perfectly the polished Piano Black veneers, creating a rather bold display of Rolls-Royce luxury. The same theme is featured for the floor mats, too.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beverly Hills Edition interior

This is a nice way for Rolls-Royce to say farewell to the entire Phantom range, because it will be discontinued in its current form by the end of this year. But don’t worry because the next-generation is scheduled for appearance in 2018.

Phantom Drophead Coupe Beverly Hills Edition has been commissioned for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Beverly Hills. And it is an utmost representation of the iconic Southern Californian lifestyle.

Source: Rolls-Royce

August 23, 2016

Toyota shows revisited Corolla range and 86 sports car for the first time

Toyota 86 MY2017

So these are the restyled 2017 Corolla iM hatch and 86 sports car. Toyota also made revisions on the Corolla lineup, but there are no pictures to show. Anyway, you can see the similarity between the Scion FR-S and the 86 and this is because the recently “closed” Scion brand, has entirely transitioned to the Toyota. If this is nothing new to you, then you’ll see that the cars are identical. Well, almost.

2017 Toyota 86

There are some additions to the 2017 model year car, like the more aggressive styling, wider stance and the new LEDs and DRLs at the front. The turn signals, fog lamp bezel and bumpers as well as LED tail lights have been also revised. New alloys are always mandatory for facelifts: here we see wheels with new twisted spoke design and 86 logos.

The big change throughout the interior is the new “Granlux” material used on the instrument panel surround and door trims. New materials wrap the seats and steering wheel, which is contrasted silver stitching.

The updated engine gets coupled with a six-speed manual, thus delivering 211 Nm (156 lb.-ft.) of torque and 205 hp (151 kW). Toyota 86 also promises to deliver outstanding fuel economy: EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway with the six-speed manual, and 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Toyota Corolla

Did you know that the Corolla is actually 50 years old? To celebrate this, Toyota has released the SE 50th Anniversary Special Edition model next to the entirely refreshed new range. With sportier looks, new front grille and LED headlamps, the L, LE and LE Eco grades gain Bi-LED headlamps, while complex-LED headlamps come standard on SE, XSE and XLE grades. A back-up camera is now standard across the Corolla line, as are the new alloys.

On the inside there are various color schemes (Almond, Ash/Dark Gray or Black/Brown, Vivid Blue, Orange Zest, and Black premium) depending on the trim level, as well a redesigned climate control panel and circular air vents.

New audio system and advanced Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) technology is also standard on all Corollas.

The Corolla 50th Anniversary Special Edition is more than exclusive! It sports one-off exterior shade called Black Cherry Pearl but it is also available in Classic Silver and Blizzard Pearl. The cabin is adorned by black mixed media seats with Black Cherry piping and contrast stitching, which also goes for the steering wheel and gear-shift lever. The car will be offered in a limited run of just 8,000 vehicles.

2017 Corolla iM Hatchback

Toyota Corolla iM Hatch

Corolla iM hatch is a sweet surprise: it is fun-to-drive, has the looks and is stuffed with high-content and high-MPG features. It is built over a chassis with sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension and runs on 17-inch alloys. In combination with the potent 137 hp 1.8 liter engine and the six-speed manual, it is responsive in any situation.

2017 Toyota 86 and Corolla iM will be available in dealerships this month, while the 2017 Corolla lineup will reach the dealers in September. Here is the pricing list if you feel interested:

2017 Toyota Prices:

MODEL#	GRADE	MSRP 16MY	MSRP 17 MY	MSRP CHANGE ($)	MSRP CHANGE (%)
6253	86 4-cyl. 6MT	$25,305	$26,255	$950	3.8%
6252	86 4-cyl. 6AT	$26,405	$26,975	$570	2.2%
1832	Corolla L 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$17,900	$18,500	$600	3.4%
1852	Corolla LE 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$18,735	$18,935	$200	1.1%
1856	Corolla XLE 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$22,195	$21,825	($370)	-1.7%
1863	Corolla SE 4-cyl. 6MT	$21,665	$21,665	$0	0.0%
1864	Corolla SE 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$20,065	$20,445	$380	1.9%
1866	Corolla XSE 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$23,125	$22,680	($445)	-1.9%
1872	Corolla LE Eco 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$19,135	$19,335	$200	1.0%
6273	Corolla iM 4-cyl. 6MT	$18,460	$18,750	$290	1.6%
6272	Corolla iM 4-cyl. CVTi-S	$19,200	$19,490	$290	1.5%

Source: Toyota

August 23, 2016

Bugatti exhibition at the Peterson: fine vehicles and fine memories. Enjoy!

2016 Art of Bugatti A year after the grand re-opening, the Peterson does what would please all fans of retro automobiles: it unveils the most comprehensive retrospective of the Bugatti lineup in history, showing brand’s vehicles in a different way: as a piece of art, as fine sculptures, furniture and of course, as vehicles that forever changed the appearance of the automobile world.

The aim of Art of Bugatti project is to give an inside look at the history of the brand, history of different vehicles and whole lineups and of course, show the remarkable life path of Carlo Bugatti and his heritage to us all.

2016 Art of Bugatti

Some of the vehicles that would be on display are the Type 31 Royale, Type 57 Atalante, Type 35 and Type 46. Also, there are going to be some modern-day vehicles as the EB110 and the recently debuted Chriron. The whole exhibition shows the evolution of both Bugatti’s style, change of thinking of both Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean and last, but not least, the evolution of automobile engineering and technology.

The Art of Bugatti exhibition opens on October 23, 2016 in Mullin Grand Salon on the first floor of the Petersen Museum. This collection will show you more about Bugatti family and their notable achievements in the world of cars. Also, visitors would be happy to know that this is the first ever exhibition of this kind, so they should feel glad for making themselves visit it.

2016 Art of Bugatti

Source: The Peterson Automotive Museum

August 23, 2016

Startling Mercedes-AMG GT R rivals Porsche 911 with its 655HP

Alpha-N Performance delivers comprehensive tuning for the sports-car

It is always great to see when a tuning specialist brings out the true potential of a machine so powerful like the Mercedes-AMG GT R. And did you know that with the production of this car, the super-luxury car automaker has aimed at models like the Porsche 911? Well, Mercedes did not keep this in secret, instead released great variants of the GT one-after another.

The Mercedes-AMG GT was launched in early 2015, when it showed-off with its twin-turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 unit capable of 462 hp. The GT S that was released simultaneously was given a little but greater force: 510 hp. But at the top of the range stands the radical GT R, which debuted this June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ready or not, it will bring you the experience of 585 hp or exactly 75 more horses than the ultimate rival: the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

I have just felt how envious Porsche fans became and unfortunately (for them) I have the information that the tuning specialist at Alpha-N Performance managed to extract from the bi-turbo V8 unit even more force.

Alpha-N Performance Mercedes-AMG GT R engine

To achieve this, they have developed a two-stage power increase program, which featured the Alpha-N EVOX Tuning kit. Lo and behold, the Mercedes-AMG GT R delivers with ease the 655 hp and 790 Nm. To round out everything nicely, the tuning experts added a set of distinctive OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT alloys, sized at 20-inches, and perfectly complementing the matt white foil wrap.

How cool is that?

Source: Alpha-N Performance GmbH

August 22, 2016

Category: Auto News

Let’s dive straight in numbers and statistics

And what about standard equipment and specifications?

Exterior styling and appearance

The intelligent systems

Tuner implements simple measures to make the CLA more beautiful

Piecha Design takes part in the tuning as well

More about the movie

The beautiful 991 GT3 RS gets a worthy pack

Rolls-Royce has shown it at PebbleBeach

2017 Toyota 86

2017 Toyota Corolla

2017 Corolla iM Hatchback

2017 Toyota Prices:

Alpha-N Performance delivers comprehensive tuning for the sports-car