Auto News – Page 192 – Automobiles Review

One-off Jeep Wrangler Sahara in Black Clearcoat is Kahn’s next masterpiece

Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company unveil limited edition Jeep Wrangler Sahara that is available to buy

Did we miss something last Friday? Yes. If you follow us regularly, then you know that on this day of the week we are posting our dose of Kahn Design’s tunings. What we have for you today is a project based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR. Chelsea Truck Company has also participated, thus making this limited edition truly limited.

Exterior

On the outside, the Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE immediately catches the eye with its effervescent Black Clearcoat paint scheme. After the initial amazement, one begins to notice that there is more that has been done on this vehicle. For instance, at the front the two new shadow chrome headlights find their selves on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial mesh.

The rear is governed by the Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, while the sides are dominated by the door handles, mirrors and the fuel filler cap. The dramatic appearance is rounded out by the set of 17-inch Jeep 1941 DC wheels in Satin Black fitted with beefy 245/75/17″ tyres. Not forgetting to mention that behind the wheels there are new brake calipers finished in Liquid Red, while the mud flaps entirely complete the stunning exterior.

Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE interior

Behind the privacy tinted glass one finds wondrous interior. The upholstery is made of quilted and perforated Black Leather and features Silver Contrasting stitching. Even the centre glove box, arm rests and roof lining were made in the same design style. Below the waistline there are vented foot pedals in machined aluminium, door entry sill plates in stainless steel and mud flaps.

By the way, unlike many other Kahn projects, this particular Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR CTC CJ300 LE edition can be ordered. In case you are interested, the price is £31,975.

Source: Kahn Design

July 15, 2016

Another Crystal added to the range of LARTE Design’s exclusive Mercedes-Benz projects

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

LARTE Design is going to reveal a brand new Crystal model at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) in August. If we have to compare the GLS with a “standard” Mercedes car, then it most certainly will be the S-Class. Both are inarguably very impressive.

However, the aforementioned duo is still “mass-production” and offers no or little individuality. LARTE Design has answered the prayers of the uniqueness-seekers with the release of a brand new tuning kit for the GLS. Exactly this package will be premiered at the event, and we can’t wait to see more real life pictures of it, because it promises to be really cool.

So basically, the set consists of a new front and rear bumpers, which feature the bonus of carbon fibre inserts. As you can see on the images, the rear of the car has been designed to look very massive, but at the same time sporty and aggressive. It also sports new air diffuser, four unusual exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber in the form of various parts.

The front, of which we don’t have any pictures, includes brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill with big LARTE horseshow logo. By the way, the new side pads are evocative of LARTE Design’s amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal, and this is why it is the successor of the Crystal family. What is more, the tuner is saying that there will be carbon shielded air intakes at the fenders.

This is the preliminary information we have about this new tuning, but we hope to receive some more details at a later time. 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.

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

Source: Larte Design

July 14, 2016

Audi R8 Spyder V10 is one step closer to your garage

Audi is taking first pre-orders for the R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10 made its debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show in March. Now it is time for the first wanna-be owners to make probably the most important step in their lives and purchase the model. The car is exceptional.

It is driven by the 5.2 FSI engine, which produces 540 hp (397 kW) and delivers 540 Newton meters (398.3 lb-ft) of torque, thus accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.6 seconds. The top speed is of 318 km/h (197.6 mph). And the benefit of the open-top experience the car offers is that the driver can enjoy the sound of the engine, when driving with the soft top folded back.

Another advantage of the R8 V10 Spyder is that it is based on the new Audi Space Frame in combination with the aluminum components and structurally-integrated carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. This is important because it accounts for better performance and improved torsional rigidity by 50 percent. In addition, the new lightweight construction results in a curb weight of the supercar of just 1,720 kilograms (3,792.0 lb), whilst its dry weight comes in mere 1,612 kilograms (3,553.9 lb). Thanks to this, the car actually uses ten percent less fuel!

Audi R8 Spyder V10 side view

Speaking of the engine, we forgot to mention that it is connected to the seven-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers power to the newly developed quattro drive system. Depending on the driving situation, the entire power can be directed to either the front or rear wheels.

Of course, all functions are driver-oriented, allowing the driver to keep their hands firmly on the steering wheel and eyes focused on the road. If one asks about the important information, it is displayed on a 12.3-inch fully digital Audi virtual screen, showing everything in cool 3D graphics. In fact, the R8 Spyder is also smart-phone connected, being the first model to feature the Audi smartphone interface.

LEDs with newly developed laser technology are lightning up the way, especially for those who really want to get their booties inside the R8 V10 Spyder. The pre-sales of the hand-built (almost) Audi R8 Spyder V10 begin today in Europe with a starting price of €179,000.

Source: Audi

July 14, 2016

2017 Elantra brings some sporty dynamics! Check it out!

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Hyundai unveiled the 2017 Elantra Sport! At the meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria the audience witnessed the first public appearance of Hyundai’s most powerful Elantra model so far. So, what’s so special about this one?

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

Powered by a 1.6-liter Turbo GDI four-cylinder power unit, the vehicle also features either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT system with paddle shifters. What we also know so far is that the suspension is exclusively fine-tuned to elevate the on-road dynamics and comfort. Sweet.

The vehicle somehow reminds of Ford Focus

In terms of exterior, the Elantra Sport looks just fine. Just fine. There is nothing interesting with that one, if we have to be honest. There are only two distinctive elements: the massive and badass-looking grille and the standard wheel design. And it is indeed the grille that reminds me of a Ford vehicle. The rest is just a straightforward design without any interesting curves and lines. I don’t say it is an ugly vehicle, not at all. We just expected something more. Or, maybe, it was our expectations that let us down.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

However, this is all we know so far. Further details will be released closer to on-sale date later in 2016.

Stick with us!

Source: Hyundai

July 13, 2016

2016 Renault Grand Coupe: was it that necessary?

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe After the unveiling of the new Megane in 2015 and the Megane Sport Tourer in March this year, Renault team decides to launch a neat Grand Coupe model. This is a four-door saloon with sweet styling and well-balanced proportions. And just like its brothers, this one wants to be authentic, functional and useful. But did it succeed?

The Megane Grand Coupe comes with the cost-cutting CMF C/D architecture. This means that the engineering team has done its best to deliver a vehicle with enhanced driving comfort, neat dynamics and overall great pleasure of driving.

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

Additional features include a 7-inch TFT display, 8.7-inch multimedia tabled, R Link 2, Multi-Sense, Easy Park Assist and some driver-assistant systems as Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning.

In terms of powertrain system, there are some different variants, depending on the country: there is the SCe 115 with a 5-speed manual gearbox, a TCe unit, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic. These are the petrol machines. Diesel systems include dCI 90 with a 6-speed manual and a dCi 130 also with 6-speed manual.

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

So, what can we say at the end? We got a sweet looking Renault machine with numerous features and systems. Just like the rest of the lineup. We doubt that this was a necessary model to be released, but hey, who cares? We have a sweet vehicle over here!

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

Source: Renault

July 13, 2016

Honda introduces Civic RS Turbo Modulo variant, but there’s one unfortunate fact for all fans

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo side view

We have some sad news for all Honda Civic fans living in Europe and the United States. There is a brand new RS Turbo version currently going on sale in the Philippines. It is called Modulo and it not only looks great but we are sure that it feels fantastic driving it, too! The pack enhances the strength that the Civic has and further highlights its aggressive and sporty appearance.

To make you even more envious, the car will come with two engine variants. The first one, the optional, and it is the naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre unit, which is producing some whooping 141 HP (104 kW) and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque. The standard one is more powerful in terms of horses and torque, namely – the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with 173 horsepower (127 kW) and 216 Nm (159 lb-ft) of torque. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is sending the power to the front wheels in both cases.

The Modulo body kit emphasizes the innate beauty of the new generation Civic. What we have here are new front splitters, bigger side skirts and wider rear valance. New top-ends for the exhaust’s twin tailpipes are also at hand. The car runs on 17-inch wheels in either matt black or polished silver. Everything is rounded out by the Modulo badge at the front as well as the new tread plates.

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo costs approximately $30,000 USD. And if you wonder why it is so costly, there’s this little fact that’s called “taxes”, which seem to be extremely high in the Philippines.

Source: Honda

July 13, 2016

JMS offers distinctive ways for BMW M1 improvement

JMS BMW M1 run on brand new alloys and features upgraded suspension

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is not the typical Bavarian model that the fans would rather go for. In fact, exactly this variant, which was introduced back in 2011, is one of the least seen on the streets. Not only because of the fact that it is 1 Series M, but also because is it the coupe variant. It seems that we are also most likely used to associate the 1 Series with the hatchback variant.

But all of the aforementioned reasons aren’t good enough to say that the life of the little brother of the M3 is meaningless. Instead, many tuning companies are undertaking the task of making the M1 even better and more capable, thus highlighting its core strength. Such example is the tuning company JMS, which did some chassis upgrades for the E82.

They haven’t worked alone, but with the help of experts like KW Automotive. The cooperation of both resulted in better suspension, due to the addition of KW Variant 3 ‘Inox-line’ adjustable coilovers. This “little” extra actually gives great results. Precisely – it lowers the ride height by 30 mm at the front, and 20 mm at the rear.

The lowered ride height requires almost always new alloys. Not because it is a necessity, but just because it highlights the applied change. So, JMS added Barracuda Shoxx alloys in Matte Bronze finish and in 20-inch size. The wheels were complemented by 245/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 rubbers. In addition, a set of 15 mm spacers bring these wheels right to the edge of the big wheel arches, and combined with the new front spoiler lip, the whole picture is more purposeful look and improved stability.

Sometimes small changes account for better taste, don’t they?

Source: JMS

July 13, 2016

Limited, distinctive and exclusive: Lotus Evora Blue and Orange is here!

2016 Lotus Evora Blue and Orange Limited Edition Lotus fans have helped the brand to develop new and exclusive color scheme that will soon be released in limited run with an Evora model.

Challenging enthusiasts had show their preference from selected and carefully curated designs that were also available to browse from on brand’s official social media channels.

Car fans across the world have helped the Lotus Exclusive service by choosing one of the most famous racing colour schemes for a run of extremely limited Evora 400 Exclusive editions. The winning scheme, light blue with orange stripe, has made it through the list and left behind some notable Lotus colorings that include established liveries and classic ones.

The Blue & Orange edition recalls the famous racing color combination that was first seen back in the 1960s in combination of neat interior styling: black leather upholstery, contrast stitching and tons of standard features.

2016 Lotus Evora Blue and Orange Limited Edition

Developed by a team at Hethel, Lotus Exclusive program inspires customers and brand enthusiasts to personalize and give distinctive character to their vehicle. Furthermore, the super limited edition demonstrates the appeal of Lotus Exclusive: customers have the chance to get both British craftsmanship quality and neat design features.

So, tell me, how would you personalize your Lotus? Write down in the comment section!

Source: Lotus

July 12, 2016

Jaguar Land Rover showcases a rather special system. Check it out!

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System Jaguar Land Rover shows a range of some badass technologies that will aid future self-driven vehicles through any surface and terrain. It is a multi-million dollar research project that aims to make the autonomous driving as flexible and as confident as possible.

And in order to enable this next-gen of technology, Jaguar Land Rover team has developed some sweet technologies: there are some sensors, surface identification tweak and a 3D path sensing. All of them incorporate the use of a camera, radar and sensors to deliver detailed 360 degree view of the world around the vehicle. Of course, buyers will have the chance to get their path planned, and see some potential dangers and road situations. Sweet.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

One more key element is the ability for vehicles to “talk” to each other: the machines can communicate with by sending data and prepare for any off-road obstacles and road challenges.

In fact, Jaguar and Land Rover have already made an off-road demonstration with two Range Rover Sports that use the DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) technology in order to create an Off-Road Connected Convoy. The wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication system shares data for vehicle’s location, wheel-slip, suspension activity, wheel articulation and All-Terrain Progress Control information.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

As it seems, autonomous and self-driven vehicles and technologies gain more and more popularity and different brands show us some different and interesting solutions to the modern day challenges. How do you find the new systems? Drive in the comment section below.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

July 12, 2016

2017 Ford F-150 gets 10-speed automatic for better torque results

Ford adds second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic to the options list

2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. The leader in the truck segment will amaze its new customers with the various innovations and exceptional torque delivery. By the way, the newest variant of the F-150 is going to offer segment-leading torque, thanks to the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine under its hood. The other substantial reason for the enhanced torque rating is the addition of the 10-speed automatic transmission.

In its second generation, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost unit generates an extra of almost 70 Newton meters or 50 lb.-ft. of peak torque, if compared with the first-generation engine. The result is a total of 637 Nm (470 lb-ft). This number is of significance, because it beats all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including some of the V8 engines on the market. What is more, the horses have been also improved and now they are 375 hp, which is an addition of 10 hp.

To make the engine more capable of its new torque, Ford engineers have developed an exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, which debuts on the 2017 F-150. Unfortunately, it comes at an extra cost, because Ford didn’t seem to wish to make it standard.

However, in this combination, the powertrain delivers better acceleration and performance, better low-end and peak engine performance, as well as more capability when it comes to hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Obviously, Ford has taken advantage of the strong sides of 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and has developed something exceptional. We do wait impatiently for the first customer’s reviews though.

2017 Ford F-150 new engine and traansmission

Source: Ford

July 12, 2016

Sky blue carbon fiber Mercedes-Benz G500 is one of the best vehicles you’ll see this summer

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

We absolutely love MANSORY and it is needless to say we do love the G-Class, too. But what happens when a tuning company like this puts all of its efforts on a G500? Miracles maybe? To answer the question we are going to talk about the latest MANSORY project, which involves the aforementioned Mercedes model.

Being one of the most noticeable vehicles on the road, the Mercedes G500 4×4 has been made even more dramatic in its appearance. The tuning experts took as a starting point the wide, flared wheel arches and additional height of the off-roader, and built their ideas on top of these innate qualities of the G-Class.

Carbon fibre has been used as far as the eye can see. Literally. Just take a look at the new front spoiler with LED headlights and the new hood made from visible carbon fibre. In addition, the flanks of the off-roader are beautified with air intakes on the front wheel arches, mirror housings, handles and trim. They are also made of the lightweight material as are the roof and roof spoiler, the rear apron and panels.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 stairway to heaven

One of the very cool enhancements that the designers have added here is a step, which automatically extends to help the person entering the vehicle climb into its cockpit, so that he or she could see the unmatched interior treatment.

Basically, the cabin features everything that one needs to feel their selves in a luxurious and at the same time sports environment. Precisely, the sports steering wheel, which features a carbon inlay, was designed specifically for the 4×4. Below the waistline, there have been added aluminium pedals, evoking that feeling of driving a sports-car.

The luxury part is played by the entirely renewed interior. Almost everything was reupholstered and masterfully created by hand from leather and cutting edge carbon fabric. The changes are topped off by logos, decorative stitching and beading. Of course – in the color of the vehicle.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 interior

But it was not just the bodywork. MANSORY has installed its Powerbox and additionally supported it with a sport exhaust system. The extra power given to the G500 is 47 kW (63 PS) as well as 100 Newton meters of torque.

The abundant carbon fiber treatment inside and out, as well as the performance changes, make the G500 one of our favorite projects this summer.

Source: MANSORY

July 12, 2016

G-Power shows how to make the fastest coupe even faster

BMW M4 Coupe gets a comprehensive power upgrade

Did you know that the BMW M4 GTS is almost twice the price of a normal M4 Coupe? It is priced approximately at 142,600 euros ($161,200 USD), but this does not seem to bother enthusiasts. Another interesting fact about the limited edition M4 GTS is that it will be produced in 700 copies, which is one of the reasons for being so expensive. But even this exclusivity could be made better, right? Here step in G-POWER: BMW M-Series tuning specialists, who have more than 35 years of experience in the modification of the Bavarian models.

They have actually recognized that the new M4 GTS is the perfect machine to make full use of their Bi-Tronik 2 V3 ECU upgrade. So they did change not one, but actually four of these significant models.

The goal of G-POWER tuning experts was to achieve more than 615 hp. So what they did is to undertake significant internal modifications to the turbine wheel and housing, add new stainless steel downpipes without catalysts for reduced backpressure, and boost the curves of the Bi-Tronik 2 V3 via custom mapping.

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 front view

As a result, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six engine, has an enhance power output from 500 hp (368 kW) to a whopping 615 hp (452 kW), with peak torque jumping from 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 760 Nm (561 lb-ft). With the help of the Launch Control, the G-POWER-modified M4 GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds on its way to the 320 km/h top speed.

By the way, there is an option which does not include the aforementioned mechanical modifications. This means that there is a basic conversion that uses the G-POWER Bi-Tronik 2 V2 with mapping optimization and boosts the output to 575 hp (423 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft).

If you ask about chassis modifications, here’s only one and it is the new wheels. The reason for this is the ultra exclusive fully adjustable coilover suspension that comes as standard with the M4 GTS. Precisely, G-POWER added in-house made lightweight HURRICANE RR sized 21-inches and fitted with low-profile performance tyres. Enjoy!

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 interior

Source: G-POWER

July 11, 2016

Category: Auto News

Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company unveil limited edition Jeep Wrangler Sahara that is available to buy

Exterior

Interior

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

Audi is taking first pre-orders for the R8 Spyder V10

The vehicle somehow reminds of Ford Focus

JMS BMW M1 run on brand new alloys and features upgraded suspension

Ford adds second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic to the options list

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

BMW M4 Coupe gets a comprehensive power upgrade