Auto News – Page 220 – Automobiles Review

McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car Revealed. Official Guard at the British GT Championship

McLaren is the official Safety Car partner of the SRO-run British GT Championship this season. After the opening round this weekend at the famous Brands Hatch circuit, the car was revealed in all of its opulence and powerful characteristics. McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car has taken the lead role in safety and management of the field of GT cars. Some of the latter include other McLaren models like the 650S GT3 and the 570S GT4.The vehicle will be on the track in all nine rounds over seven race weekends. It will take care for the optimum safety of the participants at all times.

In fact, safety is a feature substantial for the 570S Coupe, because of its lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis! If you remember well, the model was the firs one introduced as a McLaren Sports Series. This means that it features motorsport-derived technologies and excellent performance.

For example, its power is transferred onto the rear wheels from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine. It produces 570PS (562bhp) and 600Nm (443lb ft) of torque. In addition, due to the lightweight chassis, it is capable of power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne.

McLaren 570S Coupe Safety Car on the track

In terms of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph), the McLaren 570S Coupe is capable of covering it in just 3.2 seconds, while the 200km/h (124mph) is achieved in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is of 328 km/h (204mph).

With this partnership between McLaren and the British GT Championship, the brand highlights the common links between its road-going and track-dedicated models. And by the way, there is the news that McLaren is going to develop its all-new 570S GT4 car exclusively in British GT this season!

Source: McLaren

April 18, 2016

Kahn Says Farewell with The End Edition of Land Rover Defender

Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 90 The End Edition Front View Land Rover Defender has been on the market for a total of 68 years before it rolled-off the factory line in January this year. There are a lot of people disappointed and dissatisfied from this fact, but creatives always search new ways for making the world a better and more beautiful place: in other words – continuing to keep a good memory of the iconic Defender.

As we know, Kahn Design is one of the best tuning brands over there, which are the most skillful when it comes to customizing a Land Rover vehicle. To say last goodbye and pay homage to the icon, they have released a second variant of The End Edition of the Defender. And it definitely looks captivating.

The Exterior Styling

On the outside, the masterful model has been adorned with custom front and rear wide wings, which feature integrated vents and exposed bolt apertures. There is also a new front bumper that incorporates integrated lighting and a sump guard. An X-Lander front grille and mesh hood vents round out the facelift.

The tuning continues with a set of 9.0 x 20 Mondial wheels in Volcanic Black that were fitted with 275/55/20 tires. Behind the wheels we see painted brake calipers, which are supported by suspension lift, twin cross-hair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps in delivering better off-road performance.

At the back, the changes include only Chelsea Truck Company’s spare wheel cover.

Kahn Power Upgrade

Like the first End Edition, this one is fitted with Kahn’s Power Upgrade. It plugs directly into the engine’s connection points, thus boosting the output, power delivery and fuel economy. The hardware works perfectly with the original equipment connection points, which enables easy fitting in minutes. So far, we haven’t received any detailed information about the benefits it gives to the Defender.

Luxurious Interior

Kahn Land Rover Defender XS 90 The End Edition Interior

The cabin of the car features “wealth of custom tailored opulence”. Here have been included new front and rear GTB seats in quilted and perforated leather with Harris Tweed inserts. The same design approach have been used for the centre glove box, passenger dashboard, handles, door panels, instrument binnacle, sun visors and the headliner. At last, the Churchill time clock, Kahn billet and leather steering wheel and vented machined aluminium foot pedals round out the tuning pack.

Kahn’s Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 90 The End Edition is currently being produced. It will have a starting price of £49,999 and the team at Chelsea Truck Company will create a total of 25 units.

Source: Kahn Design

April 15, 2016

Larte Design Finally Reveals the Secret Tuning Project Based on Lexus LX 570

Larte Design Lexus LX 570 Do you remember when we spoke about a secret project by Larte Design based on the luxurious Lexus LX 570? The news about it was spread almost a month ago, where the tuning company sent us the first couple of teaser images. It seems that design studio is ready to reveal more about it: we have plenty of photos, which you can see in our gallery below as well as detailed information about the customization options available for the SUV. And by the way, the kit is already on sale, so you can contact the brand if you have the interest.

Larte Design specialists say that this project is actually a designers’ dream that has made it into reality. The set will comprise of many overlays for the exterior of the SUV. We haven’t got any information, whether the interior of the vehicle was changed or not.

Starting with the front, there are new overlays for the original front bumpers and front skirt. The latter is available in two sizes: big and small one. The bigger one features little spoilers and air vents, framing the standard boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Furthermore, the mesh is divided by horizontal protrusions, which are continuation of the bars of the main radiator grille. In other words (and as you can see from the images), the kit is underlining the width of the car, making it appear more masculine and powerful. For the front, there is also a very sporty three-part splitter, which can be ordered in contrasting or the same color of the car.

Larte Design Lexus LX 570 Rear View

Continuing with the back, the new rear looks elegant, because it has received an overlay for the rear bumper. In addition, there are three types of pads available, which can be also painted in different colors as well as additional overlays for the sides of the car at the rear. We can not skip the big central brake light.

In other words, with this project every driver is invited to choose their personal style. After all, Larte Design is offering so many options.

Source: Larte Design

April 15, 2016

Racing is in Aston Martin’s blood. The Proof: the Newest Vantage GT8! [w/video]

Aston Martin Vantage GT8 front view Aston Martin Vantage GT8 is hell of a car! With racing heritage behind its back, the GT8 possess sporting DNA but it is dedicated to the road. With the focus put on the weight savings and aerodynamics, the V8 Vantage has been taken to entirely different level of agility and sports attitude.

The road-racer has been inspired by the MY2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE race car. This is the reason why, the Vantage GT8’s dramatically sculpted carbon fibre bodywork has race-bred aerodynamic shape and functions with this in “mind”. In addition, its chassis is super-sharp and is tuned as a racing car.

Furthermore, Aston Martin Racing’s WEC contender has served as an inspiration for the wide-bodied aerodynamics. As mentioned the body kit includes wide amount of carbon fiber. Namely it has been utilized for the front splitter, front and rear bumpers, fenders, side sills and rear diffuser. A particular highlight is the cutaway front wheelarch, which mimics that of the GTE racer.

Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Rear View

But there is more to that. Those who want to have the most extreme aero configuration can specify the optional Aero Pack, which includes large rear wing and additional corner elements to the front splitter.

Under the hood, there is the revised 4.7-litre V8 mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed SportshiftTM II paddle-shift transmissions, and rated at 446PS.

Other goodies beneficial for the Vantage GT8 are the 5-spoke alloy wheel, or the optional lightweight seven-spoke centre-lock magnesium rims. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres come as a standard. In terms of exterior, there are three optional ‘Halo’ paint schemes; striking combinations of China Grey and Blue, Stratus White and Green or Stirling Green and Lime that perfectly express the dynamic character and performance of the Vantage GT8.

Aston Martin Vantage GT8 Interior

In the beginning we have mentioned that the improved performance is due to significant amount of weight saving. They were achieved not only through the aero pack, but also with the help of a standard-fit lithium ion battery, the carbon fibre roof, polycarbonate rear screen and rear side windows, the titanium centre mounted exhaust, the lightweight carbon fibre sports seats and carbon fibre door panels. These measures save more than 100kg, making the Vantage GT8 the lightest Vantage ever.

At last, the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 will be very appealing to collectors when it comes out on the market. It will be produced in only 150 examples, each having a starting price of at least £165,000.

httpv://youtu.be/wQ-zWD7hJDY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Aston Martin

April 15, 2016

Jeep Celebrates its 75th Anniversary With Limited Edition Lineup. Check it Out!

2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Models Jeep launches a special and limited edition range lineup in order to celebrate brand’s 75th Anniversary. These special vehicles feature exclusive branding, extended list of standard features, exclusive styling and unique paint finishes.

There will be just 8,000 of these units and they all are especially created for the entire EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region.

2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Models

The Renegade 75th Anniversary includes unique Jungle Green livery and a 1.4-liter turbo MultiAir II 170hp (125kW), mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the 2.0-liter MultiJet II 140hp (102kW) power unit that can be further paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission system. The vehicle also incorporates the aid of Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems, along with distinctive 18-inch wheels, MySky sunroof with removable panels, bronze-colored fog lamp bezels, roof rails and stylish fabric seats in Black or Black and Sandstorm cloth color.

2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Models

Jeep Cherokee’s 75th Anniversary proudly demonstrates a Recon Green exterior color and is powered by the new MultiJet II 2.2-liter 200hp (147kW) turbo diesel unit with either Jeep Active 4×4 system or the Active Drive II with two-speed power transmission units and low mode. Part of the standard equipment includes Nappa leather with dual tone Tangerine and Pearl stitching, 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen radio, bi-xenon headlapms, heated steering wheel and dual pane panoramic sunroof.

2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Models

The well-known Jeep Wrangler also received tons of goodies for its 75th Anniversary edition. Boasting a Sarge Green body color, this sweetie is equipped with either a 2.8-liter 200hp (147kW) turbo diesel or a 3.6-liter 286hp (210kW) petrol engine. Only part of the included standard features are body-colored grille, low gloss bronze headlamps, power dome hood, navigation system, premium audio system and more.

2016 Jeep 75th Anniversary Models

The Anniversary lineup is completed with Jeep Grand Cherooke. The vehicle also comes in Recon Green paint finish and offers the aid of a 3.0-liter V6 MultiJet 250hp (183kW), paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes 20-inch light alloys, navigation system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, Quadra-Lift air suspension, Nappa leather interior and more.

So, which one do you prefer?

Source: Jeep

April 15, 2016

Bentley Team and Sir Peter Blake Raise Money For Charity With Colors and Love

2016 Sir Peter Blake Pop Art Bentley Bentley Motors has teamed up with the godfather of British pop art, Sir Peter Blake, in order to create unique Bentley Continental GT V8 S Convertible. The sweetie will be auctioned for charity by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 24th of June.

Bentley team commissioned Sir Blake to deliver world’s first pop art Bentley by drawing on inspiration from the acclaimed artist’s career at the forefront of the famous British pop art movement. Furthermore, Bentley donated the vehicle to the Care2Safe Charitable Trust that provides palliative and hospice care around the world.

2016 Sir Peter Blake Pop Art Bentley

The vehicle itself has a lot to demonstrate: throughout the whole exterior, the design team used collage in order to deliver us the bright and distinctive coloring. A St. Luke’s Blue, the bespoke color introduced by Sir Peter dominates the rear of the vehicle, doors and boot lid, while the British Racing Green and Fushsia pink colors further enhance the unique visual expression of the premium car.

The interior is also expressive and individual: with each seat trimmed in a different hide color, driver and passengers are surely going to have some fun time inside. Dominated by Cumbrian Green, Imperial Blue, Newmarket Tan and Hotspur also echo through the steering wheel, leather gear lever, dashboard and interior door panels.

2016 Sir Peter Blake Pop Art Bentley

Sir Peter’s signature is incorporated onto the fascia panel and embroidered on all four seat headrests. And in order to finish the distinctive interior atmosphere, the Piano Black veneer outer with Continental Yellow and St. James Red reflect the bonnet color scheme, while the distinctive treadplate that signifies the whole Sir Peter Blake design.

As you might know, Bentley By Me campaign was launched early this year and allows people to donate money for charity. And by using these funds, the Care2Save organization will work with other companies and people for reaching even greater charity goals.

2016 Sir Peter Blake Pop Art Bentley

Source: Bentley

April 15, 2016

2017 Subaru Forester Becomes More and More Appealing. Here is Why

2017 Subaru Forester Subaru of America, Inc announced a complete upgrade for the 2017 Forester that includes styling, new driver assist technologies, more comfortable interior, refined driving experience and even better fuel economy. Sounds like a description of a new and better model, right? Let’s see what is going on here.

For the upcoming 2017 season year, Forester will be challenging other brands and models with the included highly-rated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which incorporates better cameras for wider and longer field of vision. Also, buyers will benefit from Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist systems.

Design

The exterior styling receives numerous updates: the headlights are now sleeker and incorporate Subaru’s signature C-shaped motif, while the rear lights also benefit from brand’s distinctive styling and also include LED illumination. The front bumper and hexagon grille have also undergone some changes in order to meet the visual challenges of 2017. The exterior is further enhanced with the introduction of new 17-inch alloys and new exclusive color: Sepia Bronze Metallic.

The cabin has also received some comprehensive attention: the revised Forester proudly welcomes everyone in interior, dominated by leather-trimmed upholstery, exclusive choice of leather colors and improved heated steering wheel design with intuitive audio, Bluetooth and Cruise Control switches.

Drivetrain system and performance

2017 Subaru Forester builds on the reputation for high-quality engineering and impeccable performance rates. Some of the revisions done on the whole system include improved fuel economy and improved performance.

Also, the Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI is standard feature for the new Forester. This system helps reduce understeer and keeps the car on the driver’s intended cornering path. Also, the quick gear ratio contributes for better handling, response and overall agility.

The lineup also benefits from two versions of the Symmetrical AWD systems, each of which powers all the wheels and transfers more torque to the wheels with best grip in every given moment. Both versions incorporate Dynamics Control for further enhancement of the driving dynamics and stability.

Equipment and trim levels

2017 Subaru Forester is available with base, Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels. The first three levels come with a 170hp (102kW) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER power unit, mated to a 6-speed manual, while Premium and Touring trim levels incorporate the power of a 250hp (183kW) 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine.

Furthermore, all 2017 Forester models come with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a part of the standard equipment.

Source: Subaru

April 15, 2016

Gemballa Breaks the Long Term Sleep with Uprated McLaren 650S GT

Gemballa GT McLaren 650S Front View Gemballa is a tuning company we haven’t heard of lately. However, it is time to spread its name once again because it has published a brand new project based on the McLaren 650S. The supersports car has been slightly modified and features minimal changes, but still it is one to dream of.

Starting-off with the carbon fiber body package, it comprises of subtle additions. Such are the new side skirts, which make the vehicle appear much lower and sleeker. For the badass look takes also care the new rear bumper, which is fitted with an integrated diffuser. The latter serves in terms of reducing the lift. Although these changes might seem not enough, the experts at the tuning company say that they help the McLaren 650S get additional downforce at cornering speeds.

Next, we continue with the wheels which are of two dimensions: 20- and 21-inches and are of the GForged-one type. The new alloys are relatively big and this means that they need new wheel arches where they can fit harmoniously. So the next logical step for Gemballa was to mount new carbon-fiber inner wheel arches, which deliver more space for the bigger wheels.

Gemballa GT McLaren 650S Rear View

Unfortunately, there are no details disclosed regarding the interior of this project, but we are sure that the tuning specialist can offer a lot options for a bespoke cabin.

At last, but not least, there is also an uprating done here which boosts the output with 20 horsepower and 49 Nm of torque. The optimization happened with the help of an ECU, which improved the biturbo 3.8-liter V8 engine and it now generates 670 horsepower (493 kW) and 726 Nm (536 lb-ft), instead of the standard 650 hp and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft). There are no details how the acceleration time was changed or whether the top speed was freed from the electronic limiter.

The pack for the McLaren 650S by Gemballa is priced at $38,286 USD.

Source: McLaren

April 14, 2016

Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith is the Best Luxurious Car You’ll See Today

Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith Side view Rolls-Royce had just revealed on its official Facebook page and interesting project inspired by the deep blue ocean… or at least by yachts. Work of the Bespoke division of the brand, this car is beautiful expression of the unlimited possibilities and the craftsmanship of the luxurious brand.

Exterior

Called, Nautical Wraith for a reason, the car is dressed in bi-color paint scheme in beautiful Arabian Blue (almost skyish) and English White. All of this is linked by a pinstriped coachline, which imbibes the streamlined power of a graceful sea vessel. There are a lot of nautical details inside and outside the car. For instance the exterior paintwork demonstrates the detailed touches of Rolls-Royce Bespoke with the special anchor detailing. The luxurious Wraith runs on exclusive five-spoke alloy wheels accentuated with blue color around the hubcaps.

Interior

Rolls-Royce Nautical Wraith Interior

Stepping inside, one feels the immediate effect of a Rolls-Royce. The seats are wrapped in Forest Fall leather seating finished with Navy Blue piping. Again the tribute to yachts is expressed with the unique wood trim all over the dashboard. In addition, the anchor motif, intricately inlayed into the dashboard veneer, is a beautiful reminder of the Nautical Wraith’s maritime inspiration. By the way, this anchor motif on the dash was created with different wood trim pieces. Other highlights here include the starlight headliner and the white contrast stitching.

There are no changes regarding the output of this particular Wraith. This means that it is driven by the biturbo 6.6-liter V12 engine. It generates 624 horsepower (459 kW) and 799 Nm (590 lb-ft) of optimum torque. The unit is coupled with an eight-speed transmission, which helps the car accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The top speed is of 155 mph.

Source: Rolls-Royce via Facebook

April 14, 2016

Toyota Gazoo Racing Passionately Prepares for Some Silverstone Action!

2016 Toyota Gazoo TS505 HYBRID Toyota Gazoo Racing heads towards Great Britain for the long-awaited opening round of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, the 6-hour of Silverstone on Sunday, 17th of April.

In its fifth season in the WEC, Toyota team will compete with the recently refined TS050 HYBRID car for the first time and will take on the LMP1-HYBRID rivals Porsche and Audi as the nine-round battle begins.

The TS050 HYBRID is geared with a refined 2.40liter direct-injection V6 turbo power unit, pated to a 8MJ hybrid system and offers efficient fuel consumption and enhanced power capabilities. The team will also fine-tune some of the features of the model in order to meet the requirements and special road conditions of Silverstone’s high-speed and sweeping corners.

As you might know, with mix of deceptive corners, Silverstone is one of a kind challenge for both drivers and engineers, while the notorious British weather makes the task even harder: do you remember the 2014 heavy downpour forced the early end of the whole event.

2016 Toyota Gazoo TS505 HYBRID

Also, let us remind you that last year’s championship witnessed the TS040 HYBRID tackle down 1186 kilometers at average speed of 197km/h and now we all expect that the new model will score even better results. But only time can tell, right?

Source: Toyota

April 14, 2016

Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Teased Ahead of Official Debut

Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Teaser Image Infiniti has just debuted the first teaser image of the brand new QX Sport Inspiration. The first glimpse of the new SUV concept vehicle happens ahead its official premiere at this year’s Beijing Auto Show. As the company calls it “daring”, the QX Sport Inspiration is actually an exploration of Infiniti’s vision for what the next-generation mid-size SUV would look like. Another preliminary requirement is the vehicle to be as luxurious as possible.

The details are scarce as is the image given by the brand – it doesn’t show much. The SUV concept is inspired by Infiniti’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design philosophy. Hence, the QX Sport Inspiration includes brand’s design highlights and characteristic cues and this is how it literally stands out among many other concepts or even models coming from Infiniti’s range.

As we can see the model has striking design details and is definitely made with sophistication and craftsmanship. The concept teaser image illustrates SUV-like proportions, which are further highlighted with wide muscular lines. It seems like in this case Infiniti’s designers have taken inspiration from the Q60 Concept, because of its floating A-pillars and extra-wide wheel arches.

The conclusion we can make is that the QX Sport Inspiration have expressive, powerful and purposeful image, which is truly and uniquely Infiniti. The SUV has flowing and natural aesthetics, and demonstrates how the brand is ready to step in the new and unexplored area of future design possibilities.

So, we can’t wait seeing the full image of the car, when it debuts at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show on 25^th of April. Stay tuned!

Source: Infiniti

April 14, 2016

Lexus RC F GT Concept Will Be Proudly Demonstrated at Long Beach For a Rather Special Event

2016 Lexus RC F GT Concept Lexus will include a special RC F vehicle of some on-track action between races at the 42nd Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this weekend. This RC F GT Concept is a vehicle, especially created to get the best of the street-legal RC F production vehicle and the full-bore RC F GT3 racecar.

Lexus will have a special RC F racecar on-track between races at the 42nd Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (CA) this weekend. This GT Concept was created by the Lexus Development Center in Japan with the kind support from the Lexus International Motorsport Group.

Extensive use of the right materials and components manage to reduce the mass by the titanic 800lbs, while the engine and gearbox have undergone some comprehensive modifications, along with the cooling system and exhaust system in order to deliver the driver this impeccable an unique driving experience.

This special RC F GT Concept will be driven at Long Beach by Lexus professional racers Scott Pruett and Roger Yasukawa.

2016 Lexus RC F GT Concept

As you might know, Scott Pruett is a North America sportscar racing legend. He is a four-time winner of the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and also he has won championships in Trans Am, IMSA and the Rolex Grand AM, along with many more events.

Roger Yasukawa, on the other hand, has grown up with racing karts and formula cars in Japan, England and America. Since he turned to 21, he had succeeded in numerous Toyota-powered Formula Atlantics, IndyCars and IMSA GT cars.

2016 Lexus RC F GT Concept

Source: Lexus

April 14, 2016

Category: Auto News

The Exterior Styling

Kahn Power Upgrade

Luxurious Interior

Design

Drivetrain system and performance

Equipment and trim levels

Exterior

Interior