Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Renault makes significant changes to the Captur range

    Renault Captur Iconic Nav front viewRenault Introduces Captur Iconic Nav and adds more goodies to other trim lines

    Renault’s probably best product so far, the Captur, is getting some additional goodies and upgrades from today on. The potential customers of the best looking model in the brand’s range, will have the option of buying a brand new special edition, as well as go for more exterior and interior styling options for the other trims.

    The name of the new special edition of the Captur is Iconic Nav. If you wonder why we are featuring the gallery of the Wave Limited Edition, it is because Renault have sent us the same images, and basically we are speaking about the same car. However, the special edition won’t have a limited run in contrast to the… limited edition. So, here are the details.

    SEE ALSO: Renault says that the limited edition Captur Wave is stand-out sophistication, but is it so? 

    The Iconic Nav has exclusive Arctic White pearlescent paint scheme contrasted by the Diamond Black color. The two-tone body color is further accentuated with blue roof and door mirror decals. Painted lower front and rear bumpers and 17-inch ‘Explore’ alloys with black inserts and blue Renault diamond centre cap, round out the exterior changes. By the way, the new wheels are complemented by the Mud and Snow tyres.

    Renault Captur Iconic Nav interior

    On the inside, the crossover is adorned by leather upholstery for the seats (at the front they are heated), which is contrasted by light blue stitching. The same detailing can be seen on the leather steering wheel. A new light blue tinted chrome interior touch pack comes in perfect harmony with the exterior theme, while the aluminium pedals and the matt black detailing give the sense of a sports-vehicle.

    The special edition also gets brand’s Grip Xtend advanced traction control system, R-Link Evolution touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation. The “electrochrome” rear view mirror is the last detail of the equipment.

    Besides the changes in the range, Renault is making some modifications to the other trim levels. Precisely, there is an all-new powertrain offered from the Dynamique Nav level and above. Namely, the 1.2-litre TCe 120 unit with a six-speed manual. Speaking of this trim, the Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav versions are getting new exterior color option: Flame Red metallic paint body colour with a Diamond Black roof. On the inside, this exterior theme is complemented by a red interior touch pack.

    By the way, Captur is not a vehicle you should underestimate. Despite it’s unpopularity in the United States, the model was the best-selling compact crossover in Europe in 2015. Since its global launch in 2013, Renault has sold over 596,268 Capturs.

    Source: Renault

  • Dodge sold out all of the Viper Final Editions. In a matter of minutes

    2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR

    Dodge Viper goes fast. We all know that. But what did we not know is how fast it goes. You may wonder what I mean? Well, after first going on sale on Friday, June 24, the 206 special edition 2017 Dodge 25th Anniversary is sold out. Totally.

    The leader of the selling spree was the 1:28 Edition ACR. There were a total of 28 units that were sold in about 40 minutes. Vooodoo II Edition ACRs were sold in 2 hours. All 31 vehicles. Snakeskin Edition GTC and the GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR with 25 and 100 units respectively found their owners in two days. And the 22 Dodge Dealer Edition ACRs? There were 5 days needed for this one.

    At the same time, the new ACR version of the Snakeskin Edition will include a total of 31 vehicles that are exclusively created to continue the celebration of the 25th anniversary celebrations. Orders will be available in mid-July.

    So, let’s take a look to the vehicles one more time.

    2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR

    2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR

    This one features (you don’t say!) the new Snakeskin Green exterior color scheme and a custom snakeskin-pattern SRT stripe. Also part of the standard equipment is the ACR Package, the Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes, ACR interior with serialized instrument panel and exclusive Snakeskin badging and custom car cover with matching exterior paint and custom name on driver’s door.

    Viper 1:28 Edition ACR

    This vehicle pays tribute to the current production car that brоke the current lap time record with a time of 1:28.65. This was achieved with Randy Pobst behind the wheel in a 2016 Dodge Viper ACR at the historic Laguna Seca Raceway in Moterey, California, back in October, 2015.

    The vehicle itself comes with black exterior and red rear wing with ACR stripes. It is geared with Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, special 1:28 sill decal, ACR interior with red stitching, serialized instrument panel and exclusive badges.

    Viper VoooDoo II Edition ACR

    Viper VoooDoo II Edition ACR

    VoooDoo II edition ACR offers black exterior color scheme with graphite metallic ACR driver’s stripe with red tracer outline, Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, VoooDoo II exterior sill decals, ACR interior with silver accents, serialized instrument panel, custom badges and this very same car cover with matching color. Cool.

    Viper Snakeskin Edition GTC

    With exterior color scheme inspired by the original 2010 Snakeskin ACR, this vehicle also shows snakeskin SRT stripe, Advanced Aerodynamics Package, GT black interior, serialized instrument panel, Snakeskin badges and a custom car cover.

    Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR

    Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR

    Paying tribute to the iconic 1998 Viper GTS-R GT2 Championship Edition vehicle, the GTS-R comes with Pearl White exterior coloring, Blue Pearl GTS stripes, Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, Exterior Carbon Package, distinctive red Stryker badge decal, GTS-R exterior sill decals, USA flag B-Pillar Decals, ACR interior with red components, Header Red seat belts, seriliazed instrument panel, badges and car cover.

    SEE ALSO: The Viper is DEAD. Dodge says last goodbye with five limited edition models

    And last, but not least, the Dealer Edition features Viper White exterior painting, Competition Blue center stripe, Adrenaline Red driver stripe, Carbon Ceramic brakes, Extreme Aero Pack, ACR Interior with red accents, custom car cover and exclusive badges.

    Source: Dodge

  • Chevy team reveals the 2017 NASCAR XINFINITY race car. Check it out!

    2017 Chevrolet NASCAR XINFINITY Series Camaro SSAs the Camaro marks its 50th anniversary, Chevy team announced the sixth-generation of Camaro SS that will serve as the main vehicle in NASCAR XFINITY Series in the upcoming season.

    The heavily revised race vehicle was first shown at Daytona International Speedway ahead of Subway Firecracker 250 event, presented by Coca-Cola. The official race debut is scheduled for February at the 2017 season’s NASCAR XFINITY Series kickoff race at Daytona.

    2017 Chevrolet NASCAR XINFINITY Series Camaro SS

    2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series Camaro SS has undergone some comprehensive experiments and tests, both in laboratory and on the racetrack which results on refined shapes, fine lines and overall sleek design. We see a clean body with detailing reduced to the minimum: there are straightforward lines, some curves and of course, we see the confident and race-ready stance.

    SEE ALSO: Win two Corvettes and $50,000 for taxes in the 2016 Corvette Dream Giveaway [w/video]

    And what about the NASCAR XFINITY Series? This event showcases some of world’s most gifted drivers and is a place that captures their glorious moments and ignites legacies. Chevy drivers, for example, have captured five NASCAR XFINITY Series and since the brand started participating in the race in 1982, teams have won a total of 408 victories : this is the brand with most titles won in the NASCAR history so far.

    2017 Chevrolet NASCAR XINFINITY Series Camaro SS

    2017 Chevrolet NASCAR XINFINITY Series Camaro SS

    So, how do you like the vehicle?

    Source: Chevrolet 

     

  • Happy 50th anniversary to Honda Accord! Brand’s most successful model shares some stories with us

    1976 Honda Accord Back in June 1976, America witnessed the unveiling of the first generation of Honda Accord, an agile and efficient three-door hatch that has started a sort of a cult. And 40 years and 9 generations later, the Accord lineup is still one of the most popular and beloved vehicles in America. Back in the day, Honda was known for manufacturing mainly motorcycles and sweet Civics, and when the first Accord vehicle was introduced, the automaker made its first big step towards the US automobile industry.

    1976 Honda Accord

    Accord was also the first Honda model to be manufactured in America. In fact, Honda is the first Japanese manufacturer to do so. Accord is also the first US-made vehicle from a Japanese automaker that was exported overseas with first shipment made back in 1987.

    SEE ALSO: Honda Accord: flexibility and dynamics for under $25,000

    We all know what happened next: from its humble roots as a sweet hatchback with small wheelbase to today’s subcompact Honda Accord Hybrid: a legacy of leadership in the world of automobiles. In fact, Accord lineup is one of the few that can proudly show-off with the ongoing success of three consecutive years (2013-2015) as the best-selling vehicle in America. Cool.

    1976 Honda Accord

    A key element to the lineup and brand itself is the ability to adapt to the upcoming changes and needs of customers. Even the youngest of drivers have their requirements met. One of the most important features that has won the hearts of many is the advanced safety suite. Since the early days, Accord has delivered outstanding safety features and luckily, this trend seems to continue.

    1976 Honda Accord

    And one more curious thing. The name Accord comes from Honda’s desire to achieve harmonious tones between people and machines. So, does the name resemble brand’s achievements? What do you think?

    Source: Honda 

     

  • Kahn transforms Range Rover Evoque to unparalleled levels

    Kahn Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Luxury Edition front view

    Project Kahn Evoque mixes dynamism and luxury

    We have not one, but two important news to announce about our favorite British tuner Kahn Group. Almost every Friday the designers release a brand new project, and today is no exception. We have received the first pictures of the breath-taking Project Kahn Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Luxury Edition, which has been styled in the ways and manners of Afzal Kahn. In other words, it looks amazing and those who will be sitting inside will enjoy wide range of luxury.

    Dressed in Santorini Black Metallic livery and fitted with various add-ons, the vehicles looks dramatic and powerful on the road. But besides the exterior paint scheme, there are other reasons for that. Take for instance the stunning front bumper with integrated vents or the LED daytime running lights and 3D mesh inserts that adorn the front.

    SEE ALSO: Afzal Kahn does his magic on a Wrangler Sahara to create something spectacular 

    As for the rear part of the Evoque, there is a rear bumper replacement as well as rear diffuser, lower boot lid spoiler and a sump guard in matt black. Not forgetting the central twin cross-hair exhaust system and the 25mm sports lowered suspension, which give the vehicle a more menacing and tough stance. We can not skip the set of 22-inch RS wheels, nor the colored brake callipers.

    Kahn Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Luxury Edition interior

    On the inside, the new upholstery is Black Herringbone leather but there are details in Alcantara. The dark theme is contrasted by stitching and additional offset is made by the Piano Black gear selector surround, aluminium vented foot pedals and stainless steel door entry sill plates.

    Going to the next news, we have received the information that Kahn Group is starting partnership with Millennium Automotive Group. The latter is appointed as the sole Kahn distributor for Sri Lanka, so have that in mind if you are somewhere in the vicinity and are kind of impatient of buying Kahn vehicle.

    Dubbed as Kahn Design Sri Lanka, this appointment will actually feature the entire range of products offered by the tuning masters at Kahn Group, including our favorite Chelsea Truck Company, Kahn Design and Project Kahn.

    As for the Range Rover Evoque that we have just covered, if you find it interesting enough it could be yours for as low as £56,999.

    Source: Kahn Design

  • Blackout is the newest trend for BMW X3

    BMW X3 Blackout Edition front view200 examples to be produced only

    BMW is celebrating this year its centenary and for this reason we are witnessing the birth of models, which are limited in production, and special in appearance and specifications. The Bavarian company has just announced the next model in the list of Celebration Editions. It is based on the X3 and it is all-black. As it might sound (and look) very cool, there is a very sad fact. Unfortunately, the SUV will only be seen on the streets of Japan.

    What’s so special about this BMW X3 Blackout Edition then? As the name suggests (surprisingly) it is all-black, and this effect has been achieved with the Sapphire Black paint scheme. Even the kidney grille and the 18-inch alloys are black. The crossover is based on the xDrive20d but has been fitted with an M Sport package adding all of its benefits.

    SEE ALSO: Is there anything special about the new ALPINA models? You be the judge [w/video] 

    As you might expect, the interior is all-black too. Stating the fact that it is a special edition, it has been wrapped in black Nevada leather. Very cool treats are also the Ansorajitto headliner, the updated audio system (that comes along with nine speakers) as well as the special badging all over.

    BMW X3 Blackout Edition rear view

    Last but not least, the Blackout X3 is driven by the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It generates 184 horsepower (135 kW) and 379 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, thus making the X3 capable of sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.1 seconds. The top speed limiter wasn’t removed, so you might not expect to go beyond the 210 km/h (130 mph).

    For all of you living in Japan, you can buy the BMW X3 Blackout Edition for ¥6,980,000, which is around $67,850USD. The model will have a limited run of 200 units.

    Source: BMW Japan

  • Renault’s first one-tone pick-up is here: Meet the ALASKAN

    Renault ALASKAN front viewRenault ALASKAN is based on the Concept vehicle revealed last year

    Remember the ALASKAN Concept, which Renault revealed back in September 2015? It previewed the future production version of the first one-tone pick-up of the French brand. Well, the vehicle has been finally revealed and it looks pretty much the same as the concept.

    As the wraps are taken off Alaskan, we see that Renault has actually kept its promise to create a one-tonne pick-up with a completely fresh approach. The proof for this is most probably the front end, which includes a stunning look and imposing stance. The rugged appearance is due to the broad grille with horizontal laths, while the skid plate speak of off-road capabilities.

    SEE ALSO: Renault Alaskan Concept Previews Future Production One-Tonne Pick-up [VIDEO] 

    The powerful and ingenious engine, that offers fantastic fuel economy, is the 2.3-litre dCi unit. It is available with either 160 or 190 horsepower. The other two choices are the 160-hp 2.5-liter gasoline-fueled four-cylinder and the 2.5-liter diesel. Transmission wise, each of the powerplants can be linked to a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. Additional traction is ensured by the rear differential, while the cutting edge five-link rear suspension delivers more precise handling.

    Renault ALASKAN interior

    But the ALASKAN is not only about off-road driving and loading capabilities. It also offers enjoyable riding to its future occupants via the heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, as well as the seven-inch navigation system. One of the coolest driving aids is the 360-degree camera, which would help those who feel insecure in maneuvering.

    Renault will offer the one-tone pick-up as a single- and a double cab configuration, as well as with a short- and long-bed. Alaskan will first go on sale in South America. Other markets are to be confirmed soon.

    Source: Renault 

  • World’s most important vehicle goes on sale! Details here!

    1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000CSX 2000, considered to be the most important contemporary American car goes on sale, offered by Carroll Hall Shelby Trust. As any vehicle enthusiast will tell you, this is the car that revolutionized the whole automobile world, and as any collector will tell you, this is one of the most desirable vehicle among all collectables. So, what’s so special about it?

    1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

    CSX 2000 played not just one role in its early days. Of course, as a unique vehicle, it was not only tested on the track and in the laboratory, but it also was driven to numerous motor events, it was showcased in countless automobile events and after a neatly-created marketing strategy, Shelby team managed to convince audience that there were numerous  CSX 2000 units, but in reality, there was only one: the 1962 Cobra that stunned the world with a top speed of 153mph (275km/h) and acceleration rate, measured at 4.2 seconds for a run from 0 to 100km/h.

    SEE ALSO: First ever Shelby GT-H prototype 50th anniversary edition goes to Barrett-Jackson

    Also, even after Cobra’s production has ended, the CSX 2000 was never hid from audience, nor did it change its ownership. Of course, the vehicle had a life of a rock star (well, almost like a real one): it was featured in numerous books and magazines, it was constantly driven in events and road tests and it was even used by employees at the Carroll Shelby School of High Performance Driving. And back in 2012, on its 50th anniversary, it took central stage at country’s most prominent automobile events: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion. And since then it has been on display at the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. It does resemble the lifestyle of a rocker, right?

    1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

    Also, as part of the auction event, RM Sotheby’s Montery will also offer the 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra, the CSX 3178, on behalf of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. This is one more vehicle with a single ownership throughout its entire life and a special thing about it is the rare automatic gearbox system that was exclusively created for Carroll Shelby’s personal driving preferences. On display will also be a 1999 Shelby Series I Roadster, CSX 5064, finished in Centennial Silver with Candy Apple Blue stripes that has covered only 2,637 miles and Carroll Shelby’s personal 1986 Dodge Shelby GLHS Omni, GLHS 086 with mileage of 7,733 miles, both of which are offered from the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust.

    1962 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000

    RM Sotheby’s annual Monterey auction, held during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, will return to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center between August 19-20.

    So, that is what we know so far. Stick with us for further information!

    Source: RM Sotheby’s  

  • Mean, confident and flexible: 2016 Audi Q2 reveals brand’s badass side

    2016 Audi Q2Neat design meets advanced technology: new Audi Q2 will join the powerful Q range and will try to prove itself worthy. How? With a relatively low price tag and all that defines Audi as a manufacturer: superior quality, neat style, tons of technologies and some refreshments. And without further due, let’s see whether this sweetie will deserve its place among its brothers, or will it just stand there and be pretentious about it!

    Exterior styling

    2016 Audi Q2

    This is a muscular-looking SUV with straight lines and sharp edges. The front shows a serious face and depicts the sense of massiveness thanks to the large grille, straight headlamp lines and overall wide shoulders. At the same time the eye-catching low roof contributes to the sporty nature of the vehicle and enhances this aggressive and badass appearance.

    The sides show a pretty straightforward styling: the same straight and sharp lines are present, the large wheels enhance the aggressive styling and the small windows do resemble the mean spirit of the vehicle.

    SEE ALSO: You need only five steps to boost your Audi S1 to 380HP and 540Nm!

    And the back? Well, we are a bit disappointed. It is not ugly, but does not depict the aggressive Audi character, as we have expected. Generic lines, shapeless backlights and empty space is what we encountered. Our souls were left empty as well . Sad, isn’t it?

    Drivetrain: customization at its best

    Q2 comes with a choice of two four-cylinder power units: a 1.6 TDI with 115hp power output and the Cylinder-on-Demand 1.4 TFSI with 150hp. There are two more engines, a three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI that will be available later this year.

    Furthermore, buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or the special S Tronic Dual Clutch gearbox with seven speeds. There is also a semi-independent suspension, progressive steering as a standard and adaptive dampers. How cool is that?

    Additional Equipment

    2016 Audi Q2

    Of course, buyers will be granted with Audi’s virtual cockpit and a sweet heads-up display, along with tons of driver assistance systems. There is Audi Pre-Sense System with Pedestrian Recognition as part of the standard equipment. Also present are the Stop&Go funciton, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane-Departure Warning System, Audi Side Assist and Lane-Keep Assist. Sweet.

    Additional customization and features

    2016 Audi Q2

    Individual as the driver, Q2 can be tweaked in many ways: there are several equipment packages, numerous exterior colors to choose from, and of course – interior trims, seat upholstery variants and more. By more I mean optional LED lightning package and special 19-inch alloys that can replace the 16-inch standard wheels.

    It looks like this time Audi team decided to rely on direct in-your-face styling and appearance, along with heavily customizable systems and additions. We think this strategy will gain some more popularity for the whole brand. But tell me, what do you think?

    Source: Audi 

  • 2017 Panamera in details: distinctive as always, appealing as never before

    2017 Porsche Panamera You might have understood how excited we are about the new Panamera. And how would we not be? We got a more Porsche-resembling vehicle that all of the previous Panamera models, a closer relation with the 911 lineup and tons of tweaks and changes.

    All Porsche fans know that the engineering team systematically improves the Panamera concept: every new generation is somehow better, more advanced and more refined than its predecessors. And the 2017 model is no exception! We got a four-door sedan-like sports vehicle with distinctive styling, neat lines, heavily revised drivetrain system and of course, meticulous attention to details. So, let’s see what this bad boy has to offer!

    Exterior styling: close to 911, far from mediocrity

    2017 Porsche Panamera

    We do see a famous body language: long and dynamic proportions, pronounced shoulders and lowered roof. Definitely a typical Panamera, but with some changes in order to meet the requirements of the new model year.

    2017 model edition comes with slightly larger body and despite the slight height increase, the vehicle is lower and longer than its predecessor. Of course, this means two things: more interior space and more massive presence.

    In fact, the six millimeters growth in width looks like several centimeters. This illusion is created by the A-shaped air intake, while the arrow-shaped hood moves this effect forward, whose lines now reach the bumper. Also, the hood bends to the left and right and blends elegantly into the strong flares of the front fenders: definitely a typical Porsche approach, but this time we got and some slight changes here and there.

    Sides, just like the hood, roof and fenders is made entirely of aluminum and represents more sporty appearance than all of the Panamera predecessors. We give the credit to the roof line. And at the rear this very same line becomes a sort of vital for the Porsche design: it completely shapes the rear style.

    Interior styling: futuristic and elegant

    2017 Porsche Panamera

    The cockpit proudly demonstrates a completely revised style. Many of the touch-sensitive areas are replaced with classic buttons, while the high-resolution displays do integrate perfectly into the interior. In fact, as you might know, the digitalization of Porsche interior started with the 918 Spyder and has undergone some serious changes with the Panamera lineup to deliver us the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. Driver sits in low seat position sports vehicle that provides not only high levels of comfort, but also makes it easier for driver and passengers to use all the digitalized systems and displays in a way they feel comfortable with.

    The console between driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat is completely dominated by a large 12.3-inch touch screen that incorporates the functionality of the next-gen Porsche Communication Management system. Also integrated in the system are features like Apple CarPlay, new voice control function, navigation and more.

    SEE ALSO: A rather special Porsche 911 model is heading to Goodwood festival

    Definitely a notable feature, the Porsche Advanced Cockpit brings tons of new technological features, but at the same time remains true to the heritage of Porsche. For example, the analog tachometer with its central position is a tribute to all the vintage Porsche sports vehicles.

    Drivetrain system: refined and powerful

    Porsche vehicles have always impressed with precision, refinement and power. Needless to say, the 2017 Panamera is no exception. The whole lineup comes with improved power units that significantly reduce the fuel consumption and at the same time offer some more comfortable and smooth driving experience. Panamera 4S is equipped with a 440hp twin-turbo V6, while Panamera Turbo offers the aid of a twin-turbo V8 with a total power output of 550hp. Impressive.

    2017 Porsche Panamera

    Of course, the engine itself is not the only impressive in the whole drivetrain. The chassis has also received some attention and now comes with fine-tunes that make it more suitable for a sporty adventure. Also, the new electromechanical steering system can be optionally supplemented with adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology, Porsche Active Suspension Management, improved Dynamic Chassis Control Sport system and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus.

    At the same time the incorporated 4D Chassis Control system analyzes and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time and optimizes the road performance in any given situation, whether we talk about some road challenges or weather moods.

    Additional equipment

    Of course, 2017 Panamera comes with tons of standard and optional assistance features. One of the latest additions is the Night Vision Assistant that uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and large animals and then displays some indications on the large screens. Also fresh is the Porsche InnoDrive, which enhances the functionality of the adaptive cruise control. What it does is to gain data from radar and video sensors and then process it via computer and finally show the driver the optimal acceleration and deceleration rates for maximum efficiency, safety and smoothness. And in doing so, the system can automatically take corners, inclines and speed limits into account.

    2017 Porsche Panamera

    Definitely getting better and better, more and more appealing, the Panamera lineup not only holds its high positions, but tries to expand its own boundaries: 2017 Porsche Panamera is definitely a wonderful vehicle with wonderful characteristics, and we are pretty sure that it will appeal to every Porsche fan and enthusiast. What do you think?

    Source: Porsche 

  • Manga-inspired Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept pays tribute to the mid-80s AE86 Corolla

    Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept front and side view

    Car from Initial D manga comics is the inspiration for the GT86 concept

    If you are into manga, then you have probably heard of the Initial D: cult Japanese comics, where the young hero, Takumi Fujiwara, drove a modified AE86. He honed his driving skills on mountain roads as delivery driver for his father’s tofu shop. As you can expect, the car immediately became a star, influencing the emerging drifting scene and inspiring a live action movie and various arcade games.

    What’s even more exciting is that Toyota’s new GT86 project is inspired and based on the world-famous mid-80s AE86 Corolla featured in the series. Well, here’s a hint, since the GT86 was introduced in 2012, it was instantly recognized as the successor to the rear-wheel drive Corolla GT Coupe.

    SEE ALSO: Australian engineers pushed Toyota’s Land Cruiser to its limits. Check out what happened! 

    Now, Toyota is re-emphasizing this link with one-off project called GT86 Initial D concept. Besides the spirit, the car also mimics the livery of the Corolla featured in the comic book. Highlighting the pop-culture roots, the brand has made the fantastic decision to commission manga artist Sonia Leong to design a series of panoramic backdrops that put the real GT86 into comic strip action scenes.

    Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept interior

    The GT86 Initial D concept’s livery copies manga car’s panda-style monochrome outfit. In addition, it utilizes new versions of the same Japanese market components that were once on the successful original. Precisely, here are featured custom-made RS Watanabe alloy wheels, TRD suspension, a Fujitsubo exhaust system, Cusco strut brace, and a carbon fibre bonnet.

    The yellow-tinted fog lights that were a trend back in the 80s haven’t been forgotten. They hint at the Cibié spotlights and the silver-painted engine cover. The latter features underneath high-revving 20-valve ‘Silver Top’ 4A-GE unit.

    Modernized a little bit, the car sports carbon fibre door handle protectors and mirror covers. They give a similar effect to the black plastic material used on the AE86. Just like the Initial D car, this one features mud flaps and tinted rear lenses and no boot lid spoiler. Check out the details below for further inspiration.

    All in all, this Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept acknowledges how important the AE86 was. Unfortunately, it won’t reach production, but still it will be attending motoring events around Britain throughout the summer. So, if you are lucky (and have the passport) you might end up having a glimpse on it.

    Toyota GT86 Initial D Concept Technical Specifications:

    • Wheels
    8 x 17″ (ET40) RS Watanabe F8 alloys with optional black finish
    • Suspension
    TRD Sportivo suspension system
    • Exhaust
    Fujitsubo Authorize S system
    • Bracing
    Cusco Type OS front strut brace
    • Bonnet
    Seibon OEM-style carbon fibre
    • Body graphics
    Panda-style metallic black vinyl graphics
    • Detailing
    Cusco carbon fibre door handle protectors, OEM carbon fibre mirror covers, OEM mud flaps, tinted rear lenses, tinted front fog lights, TRD oil filler cap, TRD high-pressure radiator cap, TRD push start button

    Source: Toyota

  • Cadillac makes important changes to the 2017 CTS & ATS lineups

    Cadillac CTS facelift MY2017Cadillac releases CTS and ATS facelifts

    Cadillac ATS and CTS are currently in production for the new 2017 model year, offering some key refinements that need to be addressed. The new trim levels highlight models’ class-leading muscular stance and driving dynamics more than ever before.

    By the way, Cadillac CTS Sedan is in its third generation already and has received some important accolades. It has been named by Car and Driver “10 Best” for three years in a row now, while Motor Trend said that in 2014 it is the “Car of the Year” giving it the respectful award. As for the ATS product line, we should say that it is brand’s most compact and sporty entry! It won both the Esquire Car of the Year and the North American Car of the Year award back in 2013.

    SEE ALSO: You Can Now Order 2017 Cadillac XT5 Luxury Crossover 

    Customers would first have to make the choice between coupe variant and a sedan one. Then he or she would have to decide, which trim level they would enjoy the most: for the Cadillac ATS sedans and coupes the options are ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance; while the Cadillac CTS sedans come with CTS, Luxury and Premium Luxury as well as V-Sport and V-Sport Premium.

    2017 Cadillac CTS facelift rear view

    What’s new for the CTS? It now features new grille design and brand new rear fascia with vertical exhaust orientation and valence panel changes. For those who want more safety and convenience, Cadillac is offering Rear Camera Mirror as an option.

    The Carbon Black sport package is for those always looking to get more from life. It adds two new exterior colors and wheels. Updates have been made to the CUE infotainment system, which now features many goodies as a standard, for instance: myCadillac Mobile App, Teen Driver and Cadillac Collection. On the side of standard features is the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

    To sum up, the refinements that Cadillac makes for 2017 model year are not big, but they are most certainly satisfying, bringing more convenience and style to the future owners.

    Source: Cadillac