Auto News – Page 189 – Automobiles Review

Suzuki to debut the latest Ignis and SX4 S-Cross in Paris

Facelift variants of the due to challenge design perceptions

2016 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile or Paris Motor Show will be happening next month. Since automakers’ ad campaigns are just starting, we have only scarce information about the vehicles debuting there. Among the first to tease premieres in Paris is Suzuki. Well, it is rather a facelift variant of a good old fellow than a debut, but still some might mind it exciting.

Suzuki is about to preview the new version of the Ignis. This is the compact crossover, which during the years has offered stylish appearance and perfect utility. Besides the disputable new appearance of the model, Suzuki actually said that it is bringing some attributes back to life with this facelift.

What the company is naming “minimal exterior design” might not appeal to everyone (me including), but it surely gives a fresh take on the iconic design. Other details released so far say that the new Ignis will sport the latest environmental technology from Suzuki. The latter will feature a rigid and lightweight platform, and the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) allowing extra assistance through the electric motor and providing efficient battery recharge. The goal is obvious: to reach great fuel efficiency without sacrificing exceptional performance.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross front view

The visitors of the Paris Motor Show will also see the SX4 S-Cross facelift, which will appear with a revamped front exterior design and further refined interior. New here are the 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engines, which that replace the existing 1.6 petrol unit. The 1.6 DDiS will be still available.

The new Suzuki Ignis is destined to cross the European roads and it will be available on the market, starting January 2017. The auto event in Paris begins on 29th September.

Source: Suzuki

August 10, 2016

The most powerful Range Rover is here. Meet the 550HP potent SVAutobiography Dynamic [w/video]

Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic is the latest addition to the 2017 Model Year lineup

This is the most powerful Range Rover up to date, which has just joined the 2017 lineup. For those impatient and interested to see and drive the model, the sales will start during the last quarter of this year. But before you head for the stores, there are some important details that will fire-up your excitement even more.

The first thing we have to mention is the additional engine, which the model gets. Besides the standard 550HP V8 supercharged unit, the SVAutobiography Dynamic is now optional with Jaguar Land Rover’s 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol engine.

If you go for the first one, then your SVAutobiography Dynamic will be the most powerful Range Rover on the road. The V8 not only produces 550HP, but is also capable of 680 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission, thus ensuring it is possible for the SUV to make it from 0 to 60mph in just 5.1 seconds. The top speed is 140mph. The additional engine, the V6, pumps out 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, helping the vehicle produce a 0-60 time of 7.1s.

Many new technologies aid the performance of this Range Rover, too. To name a few, some of the standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include the Rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic side view

A cool option however, is the ‘Drive Pack’. Besides the existing features like the Blind Spot Monitor, it also adds technology such as the Intelligent Speed Limiter. The latter utilizes Traffic Sign Recognition hardware, which automatically adjusts the vehicle speed. Another option is the ‘Drive Pro Pack’, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Advanced Tow Assist and Low Traction Launch are also new features which will take any anxiety out of the difficult task when towing a trailer. More importantly, Jaguar Land Rover is now introducing for its 2017 lineup the ‘InControl Touch Pro’ infotainment system with improved satellite navigation and larger 10-inch dual-view touchscreen display.

New exterior colors will freshen up the 2017 Model Year Range Rover. With the help of Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division, the most popular SUV is now getting an addition of 19 new metallic and pearlescent shades, which are also available in gloss or satin matte finishes.

Well, besides what’s new the SVAutobiography Dynamic, will make you stand out on the road. It shows-off with these unique exterior features: side vents, bonnet finisher, grille, front bumper accents, ‘Range Rover’ script and tailgate finisher. Not forgetting to mention that the SUV is running on a 21 or 22-inch alloys, which can be chosen in one of three finishes. Behind them sit the eye-catching red brake calipers and Brembo brakes.

2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic interior

The luxurious interior, which the future owner will enjoy, includes diamond quilted leather seats with contrast stitching, offset by Grand Black veneer front fascia and door casings, rotary shift controller, start stop button and pedals with knurled finish.

So, to sum up, 2017 Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic has received a range of advanced semi-autonomous driving technologies, luxurious materials inside and out, and being powered by a potent V8 engine makes it the most powerful and dynamic production Range Rover to date. At last, by the end of this year, those of you living in the UK will have the opportunity of buying the SUV with prices starting from £76,350 for the TDV6 Vogue, while the SVAutobiography Dynamic will be priced at £132,800.

httpv://youtu.be/tVF9OsVaCjo

Source: Land Rover

August 10, 2016

The more, the better: Ford Performance and the ever evolving F-150 Raptor

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor As you already know, Ford F-150 Raptor, believed to be the toughest, smartest and more reliable F-150 created ever, receives a set of FOX shocks: these are exclusively created by Ford and FOX teams to further enhance the flexibility and capability of the machine.

These are 3.0-inch FOX shocks add base valve piston with lower gas pressure, which results in more comfortable and smooth road ride. Also, the internal bypass in the front and rear shocks comes with nine zones that progressively manage the shock forces and further enhance the off-road stability and driver control. Also, the final zones act as hydraulic bump stops that send fluid through the top of the piston, while, at the same time, the shock is fully compressed. All this means that the Raptor is prevented from bottoming out. Sweet. This also means that the Raptor can maintain smooth and progressive ride control and leads to more confident driver behavior.

In terms of growth, the FOX shocks add a total of 0.5 inches more, compared to the original ones. This also adds some more volume for increased heat dissipation and fade resistance. According to Ford, this “more” means 40% more. Cool, right? Furthermore, the two additional inches of suspension travel contribute to Raptor’s a total of 13.9 inches of suspension travel distance. Or, in other words, this means about 15% more travel, compared to the original setup.

And if you are still interested in Raptor’s components functionality, here’s a sweet video for you. We believe you will like it!

https://youtu.be/GqvYcC6-568

Source: Ford Performance

August 10, 2016

Nissan Pathfinder is ready for 2017 model year. And so believes NHTSA

Fresh, confident and functional, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder managed to earn the highest rate of 5 starts overall vehicle safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. As you might remember, since 2011, requirements are higher and more stringent, but luckily for all Nissan lovers out there, Pathfinder managed to tackle down all the challenges.

The revised Pathfinder lineup is actually a key element to a whole Nissan program, named “The Year of the Truck”, including the Pathfinder, TITAN half-ton and the recently expanded TITAN XD lineup, all along with the Armada full-size SUV.

So, what is so special with the 2017 Pathfinder?

The revised sweetie offers advanced systems as the Forward Emergency Braking and Intelligent Cruise Control. Nissan team are kind enough to add Moving Object Detection, available with Around View Monitor. Optionally buyers can specify the Pathfinder with Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Additional features include a choice between 2WD and 4WD configuration, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front supplemental air bags, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain airbags for reducing injuries from side impacts and rollover, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), child safety rear door locks and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control system.

Source: Nissan

August 10, 2016

Chevy adds more spice: here are some more details for the 2017 Camaro machines! [w/video]

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2017 ZL1, the most powerful Camaro produced so far, along with the track-ready 1LE come to show some outstanding performance both on the road and on the track. So, it is expected that, when the vehicles go on sale later this year, they will deliver incredible features for relatively good price: about $69,135 USD for the convertibles. Of course, this price includes destination charge, but excludes taxes, titles and some more dealer fees. Also, there are additional upgrade packs for the Camaro V-6 LT coupe and the V-8 1SS coupe between $4,500 to $6,500 USD. These upgrade packs include some tweaked suspension system, electronic limited-slip differential and Magnetic Ride dampers. Sweet!

2017 Chevrolet Camaro models

And to shorten the long story, we present the official and systematic features and goodies that buyers will be granted with:

ZL1:

0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
Quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph
1.02 g max cornering
60-0 mph braking in 107 feet (32 meters)
220-pound (100 kg) weight reduction
650-horsepower (485 kW) via supercharged LT4 6.2L V8 engine

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

1LE:

0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds with Camaro LT 1LE
0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds with Camaro SS 1LE
0.97 g max cornering with Camaro LT 1LE
1.02 g max cornering with Camaro SS 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 112 feet (34 meters) with Camaro LT 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 107 feet (32 meters) with Camaro SS 1LE
230-pound (104 kg) weight reduction (SS 1LE to previous model)

Source: Chevrolet

August 9, 2016

3DDesign and Carbonfiber Dynamics teams took a closer look to a lucky M5 model. Check out the result!

2016 3DDesign BMW M5 Carbonfiber Dynamics, Europe’s largest distributor of exclusive carbon parts proudly shows its latest creation: the BMW F10 M5. What is so special about this sweetie is that it showcases the highest stage of evolution in the world of carbon-fiber technology. Sounds coo to me.

So, what do we got here? A pack with front lip, side sills, diffuser and spoiler all created exclusively by 3DDesign in Japan. As you know, 3DDesign is well known among BMW circles as one of the most capable and famous tuning brands. The designers put perfection and precision as their main goals and did not disappoint: especially in collaboration with Carbonfiber Dynamics.

2016 3DDesign BMW M5

Geared with 21-inch exclusive rims by Vossen and with a special and ugly Fire Orange finish, the M5 will not remain unseen on the streets. Also, it surprises with the incredibly powerful power unit: with some additional modifications, the driver will be dealing with a 830hp (610kW) and some fearsome road capabilities.

And the best part? Well, the whole upgrade pack is available not only with M5 lineup, but also with M4 and M6! How cool is that?

2016 3DDesign BMW M5

Honestly, we do like it. Not only for the enhanced power and drivetrain capabilities, but also because of the impeccable styling: we like the aggressive BMW lines and we do relish those lines blended with the ideas of some mastermind designers. So, what do you think? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: 3DDesign

August 9, 2016

Rock’n’Roll to the bone: witness the restoration of Elvis’ favourite BMW vehicle!

1955 Elvis' BMW 507 BMW Group Classic proudly presents the completely restored and refreshed roadster of the King of Rock’n’Roll, Elvis!

As any vehicle enthusiast would tell you, this is one of the most spectacular classic-car discoveries of recent years. The BMW 507, personally driven by Elvis Presley has somehow vanished for almost 50 years and until recently it was believed that it was lost forever. Luckily, the automobile was discovered and BMW Group Classic team decided to have a look here and there. And the result? Well, everyone can have a look at the unique car on 21 August this year at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. And trust us, there is much to be seen!

Turning a myth into reality

1955 Elvis' BMW 507

At the time of discovery, the 507 suffered from severe wounds. And although all original body parts and components were present and untouched, the roadster had lost its power unit and transmission system. Being far from elegant and shiny, the forgotten vehicle was first seen with rust-eaten floor assembly, worn and broken seats, some strange “replacement parts” of unknown origin and missing instrument panel. But the oldie-goldie was dealing with BMW engineers and they did not disappoint. The roadster was delivered back to Munich under the slogan of “Return to Sender”. Along with the BMW team, some more in-house experts and external specialists joined forces to carry out the long-forgotten mythical beauty of the BMW 507.

The history of Elvis and 507

Elvis Presley had mainly used the BMW 507 to drive between his home in Bad Nauheim and the US Army Base in Friedberg. Of course, there were numerous female fans that had the unique chance to take a ride with the King and as we would expect from a rock star, the paintjob was frequently daubed with messages of love. Cool.

In March 1960, Elvis ended his military service in Germany and as it seems, he must have had enough of driving open-top cars. He traded the red roadster with a Chrysler vehicle. The new owner sold the car for incredibly low price to a radio moderator named Tommy Charles. So, Mr. Charles changed the power unit with a Chevy one in order to participate in the local street races. The problem was that the new power unit was too big for vehicle’s capacities and Tommy was forced to remove or change some of the original components with modified ones. Eventually, he had had some wins and fails and in later years was forced to sell the roadster in 1963.

There were two more ownership changes and at the end the vehicle was owned by Jack Castor, a space engineer. What he did is to undergo a careful restoration and even contacted some other engineers and vehicle enthusiasts. And guess what? Things started to happen! Eventually BMW Group Classic contacted Castor and told him the link between the vehicle and Elvis. And some time later BMW team succeeded in persuading Jack Castor to sell the vehicle for more improvements and restoration.

1955 Elvis' BMW 507

And we already know the rest: in 2014 the BMW 507 was shipped to Germany along with numerous parts, collected by Castor, where it undergo some incredible restoration process. Of course, the engineering team managed to gear the 507 with original parts and they even kept large number of original components.

So, take a close look at the beauty and remember a single thing: this machine was restored in a way that would amaze even the King of Rock’n’Roll!

$1955 Elvis\\\' BMW 507$

Source: BMW

August 9, 2016

This Huracan Final Edition sets new standards among bespoke rivals

VOS Performance offers high-end tuning for the iconic Lamborghini Huracan

In 2015 we witnessed the birth of VOS Performance’s bespoke conversion for the Lamborghini Huracán, which captured our hearts entirely. What made this tuning so special is that the creators have based their ideas on the motto “Think outside the box”. As a result, the experts at VOS considered a rather “holistic approach” to the customization, thus offering for the Huracán an extravagant individuality combined with exclusive craftsmanship.

Now, the creative minds at VOS Performance have put out a brand new version of the standard Lamborghini Huracán called “Final Edition”. Here, the approach they took in the transformation is to blend aesthetics and engineering.

At the front, the new carbon-fiber spoiler lip has been subtly changed but still it is a totally functional component that blends in with the lines of the car. In contrast, the large carbon-fiber rear lower diffuser and the two different designs for the carbon-fiber rear wing offer a sporty and aggressive take on the standard back end.

VOS Performance Lamborghini Huracan Final Edition rear view

By the way, the factory rear spoiler has been locked down, thus superseding its function providing positive downforce required for unerring high-speed stability in a straight line and in fast sweepers. Next to the aerodynamic optimization VOS Performance has prepared for the Lambo a high-performance sports spring set, which lowers its ride height by 35mm.

Leaving the exterior aside, Huracan’s interior is stylishly adorned with carbon fiber elements on the door panels, centre console, air vents and paddle shifters. In other words, VOS Performance Lamborghini Huracán Final Edition is a project finished in its totality. Tuners did not make any sacrifices on the interior, and this is why we dig this project very much.

Source: VOS Performance

August 9, 2016

LARTE Design reveals more details about the new mystical Black Crystal project

LARTE Design Mercedes-Benz GLS Black Crystal rear view second teaser

This image shows the blackout variant of what we have previewed as the latest Black Crystal in LARTE Design’s family. Although we have been left with the impression that the new vehicle will be white, it seems that there is a variant in the opposite color. Whether LARTE will keep both color versions stay unclear.

What we know so far is that the project, which will be exhibited at the MIAS event in Moscow, is based on the new Mercedes GLS. The Russian studio says that its new project is a marvelous new tuning car, which features a brand new tuning kit.

Precisely, the latter comprises of a front and rear bumpers with carbon fibre inserts. Since we have only received the image of the rear, what we can spot is that it looks very massive, sporty and aggressive due to the addition of the huge air diffuser, four extraordinary exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber elements.

Keeping it a secret, the front is said to have a brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill sporting the LARTE horseshow logo. At the sides, there will be new side pads which are reminiscent of tuner’s variant of the amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal. Carbon shielded air intakes will adorn the fenders.

Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta. There are rumors that the V-Class will appear with a brand-new front and rear bumpers made of composite materials and decorated with carbon fiber elements, so we are excited to see the change, too.

Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) opens gates on 24th of August and closes on 4th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: LARTE Design

August 9, 2016

dÄHLer is taking the BMW X4 M40i to unknown levels of performance and aerodynamics

dÄHLer BMW X4 M40i equipped with tuner’s “competition line” offers unmatched horsepower

The tuning company dÄHLer strikes again with an exclusive project, which this time is based on the X4 M40i powered by the N55-engine. The significant customization pushes further the innate capabilities of the SUV. Equipped with what the tuner is calling “dÄHLer competition line”, this X4 M40i is more powerful and dynamic as it has ever been.

In short, the modifications included here feature performance increase to 424 HP, new coil-over suspension system and performance braking unit, stainless steel exhaust system as well as new wheels and tires combination. The experts also worked on optimizing the aerodynamics and the appearance of the X4.

Starting with the main feature here, the performance step-up, it is available in three different levels. The first one fires up the in-line six-cylinder M TwinPowerTurbo with 2.979 cubic capacity to 395 HP (294 kW) and 772 Nm (570 ft-lb) of torque. The next level brings everything to 414 HP (309 kW) and 786 Nm (580 ft-lb) of maximum torque. At its best, the optimization (Level 3) brings the horses up to 424 HP (316 kW) and the impressive 800 Nm (590 ft-lb).

To be even more specific, the last numbers are more than enough to push the BMW X4 M40i from 0 to 100 in only 4.5 seconds. The top speed has been set to 270 km/h. The best part: the emissions remain unchanged from the original series.

dÄHLer BMW X4 M40i rear view

The added performance means that there is a great need for better handling. So, the tuner added new coil-over suspension system, which increases the agility of the X4. In addition, the sporty-tight suspension system lowers the X4 enough to make it look more aggressive. dÄHLer has also given this BMW 8-piston high performance braking system with brake discs sized 400 millimeter.

In terms of visuals, the appearance of the X4 M40i is updated with better aerodynamics due to the addition of new and more efficient front spoiler lip. The rear is enhanced with a new rear wing (optional) as well as stainless steel exhaust system.

At last but not least of importance is tuner’s variant of wheel and tire combination. In other words this BMW X4 M40i runs on 20- or 21-inch (depending on the choice of the customer) dÄHLer CDC1 wheels fitted with respectfully big tires.

Diligence and expertise is all you need to make your car truly stand out.

Source: Dähler via Miranda Media

August 9, 2016

Arrinera Hussarya GT Prototype in Poland: what to mention? [w/video]

The well-known blue Arrinera Hussarya GT prototype, the very same Polish car that tackled down the hillclimb at the 201 6 Goodwood Festival of Speed, has visited Poland during a road tour that consists a trip in several Polish cities. As you might know, this is a GT4 racecar with turbular frame, carbon-fiber-dominated body, a mighty V8 power unit and sequential Hewland transmission.

While in beautiful Poland, the Hussarya GT visited the cobblestone-paved terraces that overlook the Odra river, Philharmonic in Szczecin that recieved the Mies van der Rohe prixe back in 2015 for most beautiful building in Europe, and last, but certainly not least, the vehicle was transported to a secret location deep in the Szczecin’s harbor and later to the recently rebuilt bank of the river that was especially reshaped for the Tall Ships Races.

And at last, in Warshaw, the Arrinera and the team remembered some incredible historical events that took place back in 1918 and back through WWII. The whole photoshoot ended as the vehicle was driven all around the square and around the National Opera House, known as one of the biggest in whole Europe.

Arrinera Hussarya GT prototype

And the most interesting part? The tests and experiments still continue, so it is expected that the team will be back with full force and much more to show! And here is a brief video of the vehicle rushing through Polish streets. Enoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKGXvKNFhIY

Source: Arrinera Racing

August 8, 2016

BRABUS and MINI: a rather pleasurable combination

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo BRABUS strikes back with two new sporty packs for the fortwo coupe and cabrio SMART models. Available for moderately low price, the BRABUS Sport Package grants customers with numerous customization features and some neat exclusive tweaks. So, without further due, let’s see what is going on here!

The packs are available with both manual and twinamic transmission on passion, prime and proxy trim levels. Sweet! And in order to bring some more sporty features, BRABUS team has done some neat body and chassis improvements to deliver us a lowering with 10 millimeters, compared to a standard fortwo, some sweet suspension updates that include BRABUS-tuned damping system and some weight reductions.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Also, the BRABUS Sport Package contributes to some neat looks with stragged fitment Monoblock IX wheels in matte grey paint, wrapped by Yokohama summer performance tires.\

Buyers will also be granted with sweet wheel center caps, matte grey rear diffuser and front spoiler and rear apron in body color scheme. Sweet.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Furthermore, in terms of interior, the BRABUS-influenced vehicles proudly show a 3-spoke multifunction sporty steering wheel and of course, tons of BRABUS logos all around the cabin. The interior is further refined with brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs.

Available for the 2017 smart fortwo coupes and cabrio models, the sales start this fall.