Auto News – Page 186 – Automobiles Review

Better performance and styling offered by 2017 Charger Daytona and Challenger T/A

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona and Dodge Challenger T/A to spice up this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise

Dodge has just revealed the 2017 Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona muscle cars, and we are excited! Why? Because they offer more performance from their naturally aspirated HEMI V-8 engines, new exhaust, chassis and braking upgrades as well as performance styling improvements.

The new special editions are available with either a 6.4-liter “392” HEMI V-8 naturally aspirated 485-horsepower engine, or the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with up to 375 horsepower. What’s even better is that the production of both will begin this autumn and they will be available to order from September.

2017 Dodge Challenger T/A Models

2017 Dodge Challenger T/A models lineup consists of three variants: Challenger T/A, Challenger T/A Plus and the Challenger T/A 392.

The first one is for those of you keen on classics, because it builds on the standard content of the 375-horsepower Challenger R/T model. Well, it adds a bit of functional performance hardware, like the new “Air Catcher” headlamps with LED-illuminated T/A logos, and the fantastic new 2.75-inch performance exhaust. The alloys come from Mopar, finished in Hyper Black II and sized at 20-inches.

If one wants more, then he or she can add the Super Track Pack for more goodies. Everything is kept very classic, from the Satin Black painted hood and Satin Black front fascia, roof and deck-lid graphic to the T/A bodyside stripes. Premium Black performance seats with signature Houndstooth cloth adorn the interior.

The Challenger T/A Plus adds over the standard equipment of the previous model goodies such as the heated and ventilated Nappa leather performance seats in Black with Tungsten accent stitching and embroidered “T/A” logo; the Uconnect 8.4 system; the Dodge Performance leather-wrapped steering wheel and the six premium speakers and 276-watt digital amplifier.

Challenger T/A 392 comes next and it delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque, making a mid 4-second 0-60 mph times and low 12-second quarter mile times. Being based on the previous model it adds equipment like the signature “T/A Air Catcher” headlamps; Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes with vented rotors; 20-inch alloys in Low Gloss Black fitted with P275/40ZR20 Pirellis.

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona Models

2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 front view

This range comprises only of two cars: the Charger Daytona and the Charger Daytona 392.

Charger Daytona is powered by the 5.7-liter engine. It is based on the Charger R/T model, but features improved engine intake and exhaust with a Mopar cold-air induction system with conical air filter. The exhaust is the same as Challenger’s: 2.75-inch active performance exhaust system with 4-inch round tips. Here Dodge has also provided the Super Track Pack.

There are a lot of details in the new model year cars, but impressive are the 20-inch Mopar Hyper Black II alloys fitted to P245/45ZR20 Goodyear all-season performance tires. The signature “Daytona” badging is almost everywhere. The interior has those unique Black heated and ventilated Nappa leather performance seats with horizontal Alcantara suede plowthroughs with Brazen Gold accent stitching. Additional premium content includes driver’s seat memory and steering column with memory.

The Charger Daytona 392 on the other hand is driven by its 6.4-liter HEMI powertrain, producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. Building on previous model’s standard content, this one adds ultra-high performance Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes with vented rotors, Mopar conical cold-air intake filter, 20-inch Low Gloss Black alloys fitted with P275/40ZR20 all-season Pirellis, and more.

If you want to celebrate classic muscle cars and also see the model lineups, then you are more than welcome to visit the Woodward Dream Cruise this week. More than 1.5 million enthusiasts are expected to be there.

2017 Dodge Challenger T/A models pricing:

2017 Dodge Challenger T/A $37,390 USD
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A $40,140 USD
2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 $43,995 USD

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona models pricing:

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona $39,890 USD
2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 $44,995 USD

Source: Dodge

August 18, 2016

Passion unleashed: McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept is here to dominate our hearts!

2016 McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept McLaren Automotive revealed details for the new McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept. The announcement, as you might already know, has been made a bit ahead of the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach golf course at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

What this sweetheart accentuates on is the aural experience both for the driver and onlookers, thanks to the new MSO Exhaust system. Created from titanium and lighter stainless steel, the MSO Exhaust delivers richer and more defined tone, along with some neat visuals as golden titanium nitride tint that changes color to blue/purple as the whole system heats up. Cool.

And as we talk about colors and visuals, the McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept comes in neat Elite ‘Pearl White’, combined with MSO Piano Black pack that brings deep glossy finish to the wheels, side skirts, front and rear door inserts and other details.

Also exclusive for this particular vehicle is the Electro-Chromic Roof. What it does is to take the standard-fit glass roof with UV-protective interlayer and adds electro-chromic interlayer (you don’t say!). And by using touch-sensitive headlining, the Electro-Chromic Roof can be tweaked in five ways, depending on the desire of driver and passengers.

Interior styling

2016 McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept

The cabin features a thing called ‘By McLaren’ luxury components in Saddle Tan with integrated 12-speaker Bowser and Wilkins Hi-Fi system. There are numerous carbon-fiber components, as well tons of rich gloss finishes onto numerous details. Sweet.

The heart of the beast

Of course, looks and comfort are nothing without a comprehensive drivetrain system, when it comes to sports car, right? And with no exception, this sweetie is doing just fine, as it comes to power and performance.

The 570GT is geared with McLaren-developed 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 M838TE engine, producing a total of 570hp (425kW) and 600Nm of torque. This massive power is controlled by a seven-speed seamless-shift gearbox that further offers a choice of three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track, also known as Fast, Super Fast, Super-Mega Fast.

And by Fast we mean really fast: this sweetie finishes the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in mere 3.4 seconds, the 0-200km/h (124mph) in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 328km/h (204mph).

Final words

2016 McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept

Neat design, powerful drivetrain system and tons of luxurious components: a McLaren well-built. Good job!

Source: McLaren Automotive

August 18, 2016

Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss shall present its beauty at this year’s Concours d’Elegance!

2017 Lister Knobby Jaguar Stirling Moss Lister Motor Company proudly announces that the Knobbly Stirling Moss edition will be showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 20th August.

This is a limited run of vehicles with only 10 units in the whole lineup. Each single one comes with magnesium body and special lightweight specifications that all resemble the original vehicles of the 1950s. The production started back in 2014 at the George Lister Engineering and what is special about these 10 beauties is that they are all built using the same techniques as the original 1950s Knobby, following the acquisition of Lister Motor Company by Andrew and Lawrence Whittaker in 2013.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS MACHINE? CLICK HERE!

In fact, we have told you about these fine cars. All of the 10 beauties feature the same specifications as the “works” car that won the Silverstone race back in 1958. And let us remind you just some of the unique features: all of the ten cars come with lightweight magnesium body with aerodynamic low-drag Long Wing Design, magnesium manufactured engine, clutch and differential casings are also made of magnesium, solid sterling number plaque from 1 to 10 with Sir Stirling Moss’ signature engraved.

Interesting thing is that all of the 10 vehicles are already sold to new owners and all of the 10 owners will receive a handover from Sir Stirling Moss and a special welcome letter from the legendary driver. Incredible!

Source: Lister Motor Company Limited

August 18, 2016

A 1973 Jaguar F-Type vehicle with exciting story is offered on sale at the Silverstone Auctions!

1973 Jaguar F-Type Series III Roadster A special Jaguar E-Type that starred in BBC’s Only Fools and Horses, will be offered for sale at Silverstone Auction’s Salon Privé Sale on 3rd of September at the Blenheim Palace.

This unique 1973 Series III Roadster was delivered untouched to Henlys of London back on 11th October 1973 and was quickly purchased by its first and only owner, a successful Swansea businessman, who has relished a fine drive along the Welsh Riviera with top down for the past 40 years. Apparently, this gentleman knows how to relax.

Some years later, in 1981 the vehicle was starring in the second ever episode of Only Fools and Horses, titled Go West Young Man. We’d rather not reveal the plot, but know that you will miss a whole lotta laugh if you decide not to watch.

1973 Jaguar F-Type Series III Roadster

Instantly recognizable with its Old English White finish and blue leather interior, the vehicle spent most of its golden years in storage in a heated garage, but these times are over! With some light tweaks that include new shock absorbers and battery, the road-ready sweetheart is here to rock the country! With just 79,000 miles covered, two sets of original keys, tool roll, jack and current MoT until May 2017, this vehicle is offered for a price between $87,200 – $98,800USD.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

August 18, 2016

EXCLUSIVE: Lamborghini to debut unique Centenario Roadster at The Quail tomorrow

Supercar company celebrates the Miura 50th Anniversary

It could be disputable, but probably the invention of the “Modern Supercar” is an acquisition of Lamborghini. It happened 50 years ago with the introduction of the legendary Miura at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, which is acclaimed to be one of the most beautiful car ever created. Despite you agree on this fact or not, the brand is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the model and it makes that with a very special premiere tomorrow.

The Italian supercar automaker will make a world premiere of the Centenario Roadster at The Quail tomorrow. Then, it will show the car at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 21^st. Lamborghini is keeping the details scarce and didn’t wish to provide any image (even a teaser) to spice up the public.

However, the official data disclosed says that company’s newest super sports car will produce 770 horsepower, which is not a surprise, because it is nothing different from the Coupe variant. Just like the latter, the body and structure of the Roadster variant will be made entirely from carbon fiber. There is another similarity and it is the top speed, which is 350 km/h (217 mph). Since the Centenario Coupe is covering the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, we expect the Roadster to be a little bit slower.

There are exactly 40 Centenarios produced: 20 Coupes and 20 Roadsters, but unfortunately, they have been already sold out. Each has a price tag around $2 million dollars.Although we didn’t receive any image of the car, we found a great rendering made by the talented X-Tomi Design. Check out his page for more inspiring designs.

Source: Lamborghini

August 18, 2016

2017 Range Rover Sport comes with a promise for flexibility and quality

Enhanced drivetrain system with neat design tweaks

Land Rover reveals its most efficient Range Rover Sport vehicle, produced so far. 2017 Range Rover comes with revised Ingenium engine, tweaked infotainment system and new semi-autonomous driving technologies. Sweet. But let’s see more in details, shall we?

For 2017 Model Year, Range Rover Sport will show-off with new 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ingenium diesel power unit, created at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Wolverhampton. Also available for Discovery Sport and Evoque models, this new piece of technology will try to beat its predecessors with improved efficiency, quality and of course, improved acceleration rates.

Buyers will also be pleased to know that Land Rover also offers and a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 supercharged petrol unit with some more sporty characteristics: some of the most important are 340hp (253kW) and 450Nm of torque. Cool.

Good thing to hear is that Land Rover also introduces new system, along with the engines. After all, why do we need a single power unit, when it is not combined with adequate safety and control functions?

Engineering team proudly introduces Advanced Tow Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Intelligent Speed Limiter systems that work in ideal harmony with rest of the drivetrain components for enhanced levels of comfort and safety. Honestly, we are not sure about how much these additions were needed, but they are already present, so it is a good idea to check them out.

The semi-autonomous additions in details

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Spoert

The first one, the Advanced Tow Assist technology is the first-in-class system that utilizes an already existing cameras and central touchscreen multimedia that together allow the driver to indicate the planned direction and then let the vehicle autonomously steer and drive accordingly. Cool.

The second addition, the Low Traction Launch, aids the driver in any kind of tricky road situations as driving in mud, wet roads or even ice. Once it is engaged, the Low Traction Launch controls the amount of torque the driver applies, when pressing the accelerator. Land Rover team claims that this is the way to add just enough power and flexibility to exit every tricky situation with optimal confidence and fuel efficiency. The question remains: was this technology really a must, or did engineers have way too much free time?

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Spoert

Also new for the upcoming 2017 Model Year is the All-Terrain Information Centre, accessible via the main touch screen. Its main purpose is to show some vital information about road conditions, vehicle health and drivetrain function analysis. Along with it the engineering team adds comprehensive safety suite: there are Front & Rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control, Speed Limiter and Lane Departure Warning. Sweet. Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. Exclusively for 2017 model there is also Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Exterior tweaks

Of course, there are some changes here and there to mark the general changes in the drivetrain and safety systems. A new Bright Pack is optionally available and adds vivid finish, Atlas Silver front grille mesh and Atlas Silver bonnet mesh. Also, there are a total of 19 new premium colors and different sets of wheels and additions.

Source: Land Rover

August 17, 2016

SsangYong reveals more details for the 2017 Korando Crossover

2017 SsangYong Korando Crossover The new 2.2-liter Korando crossover will proudly show some value raise with new features as fresh 18-inch diamond cut alloys, sat nav & sidesteps. There are also some new exterior colors: White, Metallic Black and Galaxy Green.

Enthusiasts know that this one is geared with diesel Euro6-compliant power unit and offers two-wheel drive with either a six-speed manual or Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox. Sweet. Furthermore, there is a newly-developed e-XDi220 diesel engine that meets the requirements of many SsangYong fans out there and offers 178hp (132kW) and 400Nm of torque. And provided that it offers some reduced CO2 emissions, compared to older models, we tend to believe that enthusiasts will be satisfied. Or maybe no?

2017 SsangYong Korando Crossover

And now the special part. The exterior is reshaped by the Italian styling house Giugiaro and features clear lines, glass direction indicators, piano black grille and noticeable 18-inch diamond cut alloys. In terms of interior, there is a 7-inch high-resolution touch screen with audio streaming and link to the rear camera. Also present is a TomTom navigation system, USB memory slot, Aux port and HDMI port.

Frankly, I do not like the ambience in the cabin. It might be comfortable and functional, but I can’t accept it: maybe because of the big wooden thing before the front passenger seat, or because SsangYong tried to imitate the clean and beautiful design of super-premium vehicles. However, I’d like to know your opinion, written in the comment section below.

2017 SsangYong Korando Crossover

Source: SsangYong

August 17, 2016

This Mercedes-AMG A45 makes it to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds! We thank POSAIDON for that

POSAIDON A45 RS485+ is a true 315 km/h sportscar hunter!

As Mercedes-Benz A-Class driver, I’m always hyped when a tuner goes for this model. This time the heroes in my eyes are the experts at POSAIDON, which has given their best to modify the hottest among hatchbacks – the Mercedes-AMG A45 is the hottest of the hot hatchbacks.

Besides the beautiful looks, the car is the most powerful among its range: its original output is measured at 360 hp (235 kW) that were increased to 381 hp (280 kW) via last year’s facelift. What’s making the driving experience even more exciting is the relatively modest weight of the A45, the intelligent all-wheel system and the exhilarating 7-speed DCT. Potent, right?

Well, on this fantastic basis are working the tuning specialists at POSAIDON, who have improved the sleeping potential of this hatch. Lo and behold, the A45 RS485+ was born! And by the way, this is the most potent interpretation of AMG A45 so far!

The goal was to produce nothing less than 500 hp. So, to achieve this, the first thing POSAIDON did was substitute the standard turbocharger with a racing one. The latter features bespoke larger turbine. Added to the impeller wheels and gas-flowed scroll housing, this is allowing the unit to process the required amount of air and to use a higher boost pressure.

The next step was to scrutinize the air intake system to ensure that the big turbo gets as much air as it needs. Then low restriction air filter and high efficiency intercooler were too mounted.

POSAIDON Mercedes-AMG A45 RS485 rear view

Step three was to improve the other side of the engine, namely – the exhaust. This happened with the means of optimized, larger diameter, stainless steel downpipe with the option of a free-flow, 200-cell catalytic converter. Everything else in the exhaust stays unchanged. The result is reduced exhaust gas temperatures and thermal stress on the engine and cooling system. At last, POSAIDON remapped the engine and transmission software, in order to make full advantage of the hardware upgrades.

What happened at the dyno tests? Besides the aimed 500 hp, the car showed capability of 555 Nm (404 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed is electronically limited to 315 km/h, meaning it can go far beyond this. The stopwatch? Well, it recorder something remarkable: 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.5 seconds!

To tame this extra power, POSAIDON also tuned the uprated front brake kit with the addition of 365×34 mm vented steel discs, clamped by six-pot callipers. Steel brake hoses contribute for a firmer and better pedal feel.

I would love driving this beautiful piece of art. How about you?

Source: POSAIDON

August 17, 2016

Chevy Rescue Squads are heading our way! Show them your problem and they will show you the solution!

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad Chevrolet Certified Service Rescue Squad joins thousands of classic car enthusiasts and fans on the Woodward Avenue on Saturday, August 20, in order to offer some assistance to classic cruisers that need reparation: whether they bring stall, overheat or just run out of gas.

Experienced ASE technicians, provided by Buff Whelan, Gordon, Les Stanford, Marty Feldman, John Bowman and Suburban Chevrolet will be grouped along with six 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad Pickup trucks: cool idea for a cool cause, right?

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad

In case you have missed, since the launch of the project in the Woodward Dream Cruise program five years ago, there have been serviced almost 200 vehicles of any brand and model. All the volunteer technicians give adequate peace of advice to any who desires to ask.

And here’s a bit more about the event itself. There are more than 40,000 vehicles that undergo checks and repairs and this year’s party is expected to be no different! So, if you have a certain issue or you just want to ask, waste no more time and ask the experts!

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rescue Squad

And don’t forget to share a selfie with us! Or, more importantly, the advice that the specialized team gave you: it would most certainly help other people too!

Source: Chevrolet

August 17, 2016

The second generation Kia Cadenza offers more engaging driving experience and enhanced styling

Makes market debut today

The second generation Cadenza has been just revealed. The 2017 model year car makes a market debut today showing some new styling features, a lot of technology, even higher levels of luxury as well as improved powertrain. With its stronger body structure and new transmission, the car promises to bring about more engaging driving experience.

Exterior

Kia has kept the beautiful emblematic exterior, but adds some new details like the Z-shaped lighting signatures in the headlights as well as the “piano key” LED tail lights. The front fascia continues to express the cult “tiger nose” grille, which however has evolved into a new hexagonal shape adding visual width of the model. The concave grille curves in toward the engine bay, giving more unique presence of the new Cadenza.

By the way, the model is available with two different grilles: if one chooses lower trim levels, he or she will get the “Diamond Butterfly” front grille that is typical for Kia cars; while the higher trims come with the “Intaglio” grille, featuring vertically oriented, faceted blades. Other cool details include the chrome-plated trunklid, side mirrors, and rear quarter windows.

Interior

2017 Kia Cadenza SXL Interior

The cabin of 2017 Cadenza has been too modified: it has been imbued with luxurious materials throughout. More importantly, the designers have visually widened car’s interior space with a wraparound dashboard. It flows into the door panels and features real stitching. For those wishing for more luxury, then they can opt for Nappa leather with diamond-shaped stitching. Interesting enough, some of the improvements have been made with the help of the 3D printer.

Engine & Performance

2017 Kia Cadenza SXL Engine

2017 Kia Cadenza is powered by the 3.3-liter V6 unit, which comes for the new model year with improved fuel economy. The engine produces 290 horsepower (213 kW) and 343 Nm (253 lb.-ft.) of torque. The biggest innovation added here is Kia’s first FWD-based eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends the power to the front wheels. So, the first customers would probably go for more engaged driving with quick and crisp shifts.

There are a lot of details, but those giving pleasure to the eyes and enhancing the driving experience include the standard 18-alloys wrapped in P245/45R18 tires, or the optional 19-inch alloy wheels with aggressive Michelins, sized P245/40R19. Behind the wheels, there are larger brake rotors that improve overall braking performance.

So, who of you is about to go for the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

Source: Kia

August 17, 2016

Ford to become a leader in Autonomous technology by 2021?

Ford autonomous vehicles target Ride Sharing in 2021

With the burst of the autonomous technology, brand are in some sort of unannounced battling, constantly improving it and trying to bring the first innovations in the field. The latest news about the fully autonomous technology comes from Ford. It has just announced the intent of creating high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle, that will be absolutely ready for commercial use in 2021 (in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service).

To achieve the set goal, Ford is investing in or collaborating with four startups. This will enhance the autonomous vehicle development, and in addition will double company’s Silicon Valley team.

In fact, the autonomous vehicles are part of Ford Smart Mobility, which aims to bring this kind of driving in 2021 for commercial use. This will make Ford among the winners in the field of autonomous vehicles, connectivity and mobility.

Ford Fusion Autonomous car front view pic two

Another interesting fact is that the company will triple its autonomous vehicle test fleet, and this will make for the largest test fleet of any automaker. Precisely, there will be about 30 self-driving Fusion Hybrid sedans on the roads in California, Arizona and Michigan. There are plans to triple the number again next year.

And how about company’s plans? The self-driving vehicle will be a Society of Automotive Engineers-rated level 4-capable car, which won’t have a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. In addition, the vehicle has been specifically designed for commercial mobility services. This means ride sharing and ride hailing.

Ford has also announced the four key investments and collaborations it is targeting, including 3D mapping, LiDAR, and radar and camera sensors. The first investment is in Velodyne, a Silicon Valley-based leader in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors. The second one is in SAIPS: Israel-based computer vision and machine learning company. It will work for expanding the expertise in artificial intelligence and enhance computer vision. The third investment is in Nirenberg Neuroscience LLC, a machine vision company focused on developing a powerful machine vision platform for performing navigation, object recognition, facial recognition and other functions. At last, Civil Maps investment is not the least of importance. This is California-based Company, which will further develop high-resolution 3D mapping capabilities.

There is no doubt that the next decade will be dominated by automation of the automobile!

Source: Ford Motor Company

August 17, 2016

Bentley has plans for dominating Pebble Beach. Here’s what to expect!

2016 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase One of the most luxurious Bentley models, if not the most luxurious, the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is to make is to make its US debut at the Monterey Auto Week.

This luxurious limousine is exclusively created for people who do not satisfy themselves with nothing, but the best out there. This first-class air-travel experience beauty will be first unveiled at the Quail: A Motorsports Gathering event on Friday, 19 August and then it will make appearance at the Lodge on Sunday, 21 August.

2016 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase

Also aiming to global show-off is the recently-launched Flying Spur V8 S. Filling the gap between the Flying Spur V8 and the flagship model W12, V8 S is designed to add some more power, but this time with tweaked and redesigned suspension system in order to fit perfectly between V8 and W12.

Also, the most powerful Bentley, created so far, the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, will also be present at the events. As we have told you, this mighty car pushes the boundaries of conventional thinking and delivers some incredible speed, power and acceleration rates.

2016 Bentley GT Black Edition

One more celebrity that will be at sight is the Bentayga. This sweetheart will draw a BowLus Road Chief to Turn 10 at the Laguna Seca circuit. Bentayga will also be partnered with Bowlus Road Chief – Limited Edition Lithium+ trailer at the Quail and the Pebble Beach Signature Party on Saturday night. Cool.