Auto News – Page 221 – Automobiles Review

2016 Nissan Micra Cup Event: What to Expect?

2016 Nissan Micra Cup 30 days ahead of its second season start, Canada’s most affordable racing series, Nissan Micra Cup will start with a race in Ontario at Calabogie Motorsports Park. Behind the wheel of the agile and capable Micra models will be 30 drivers who will compete in a total of 16 races through eight weekends.

As you might remember, last year, the Nissan International GT Academy program left its mark in Canada as the two GT Academy drivers competed in the Micra Cup with one or both achieving podium finishes in almost every single race.

Also, after the success of the first season, most of the drivers that took place will be back on the grid. One of the returning racers is Olivier Bédard, a young driver and 2015 Nissan Micra Champion, who will try to defend his title one more year with the Albi Nissan Team. Stefan Rzadzinski from Alberta is also back on the track, along with female drivers Valerie Limoges, Valerie Chiasson and Ashley Sahakian.

2016 Nissan Micra Cup

As you know, Nissan Micra cup offers affordable cars and action-packed events that attract large number of participants, as well as audience. And this year’s event will include five races in Quebec and three in Ontario.

So, long story short, we expect that the races will again be passionate, full of power and adrenaline and will not only show the best out of drivers, but also will be fun to watch by the audience.

Source: Nissan

April 14, 2016

America’s Toughest Truck Takes Home More Prestigious Awards

2016 Ford F-150, America’s toughest, smartest and most capable heavy-duty pickup appears to be the only large vehicle to earn Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick prize for the SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations.

The class-leading crash test performance is enabled by incorporating high-strength steel in the frame, high-strength aluminum alloy for the body and smart engineering that saved up to 700 pounds of weight were key refinements for the winning the prestigious award.

Undoubtedly, the veteran team of Ford engineers worked thousands of hours to deliver enhanced durability, capability and safety. Also, the team included 31 safety-related innovations that include new structures for managing crash forces, joining methods and overall advanced improvements that include patented extruded aluminum roof crossember and additional frame crosssember to help improve crash resistance.

Also, to manage crash forces in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ford team created special system of innovations that work together to protect driver and passengers. There is even nylon hinge pillar reinforcements that reduce weight and control crash forces.

2016 Ford F-150

F-150, the only full-size truck to earn such high ratings also includes options for personalization: the vehicle can be ordered with SuperCrew, SuperCab and ReguarCab configurations.

So, which one do you prefer?

Source: Ford

April 13, 2016

Toyta and CU-ICAR Students Unveil a Rather Special Vehicle

2016 Toyta-CU-ICAR uBox As you might know, most of Toyota’s North American vehicles are engineered in Southeast Michigan. But the latest concept to wear brand’s well-known badge has its roots in the red clay of South Carolina.

Designed and polished by graduate students at Clemson University’s International Center of Automobile Research, the car is the result of over a two-year collaboration with Toyota Motor North America designers and engineers. It bears the name uBox proudly demonstrates innovative approach and tons of eye-catching features.

Only some of the features of the special uBox are bold, youthful and fresh exterior design that would try to align and fit the needs of the young generation requirements. The muscular stance and overall agile looks also contribute to vehicle’s unique appeal.

2016 Toyta-CU-ICAR uBox

In terms of interior, the car offers wide space for cargo, driver-oriented cluster and overall cozy and comfortable ambience. Sweet. The vents, dashboard and other components can be further personalized with 3-D printing technology, while the online community for owners ensures unlimited support assistance.

In terms of performance, the sweetie is geared with all-electric drivetrain that provides fun driving experience and enough energy for long trips. The emission-free unit includes 110-volt sockets, placed throughout the interior and exterior.

There is also one particular feature that caught the attention of Toyota Executive Program Manager, Craig Payne that is indeed the one of a kind pultrusion technique developed by the students, which allows composite carbon fiber rails bonded with aluminum to support the curved glass top.

2016 Toyta-CU-ICAR uBox

Stick with us for further infrormation!

Source: Toyota

April 13, 2016

The One And Only McLaren 675LT Spider: Why Do We All Love It

2015 McLaren 675LT Spider McLAREN 657LT Spider was unveiled at the end of 2015 and marked the next chapter in the history of the iconic “Longtail” name. As you might know, the lineup is limited to only 500 units worldwide that were sold out in just two weeks. The latest model is complete respond to all the customer demands: the 675LT Coupe features light weight, improved aerodynamics, enhanced agility and of course, some exclusive additions that further boost the feel of uniqueness and luxury.

The focus for the 675LT is clear: the vehicle is especially created to deliver optimal performance rates, excitement and pleasure of driving. And in order to achieve it, the engineering team managed to reduce the weight with 100kg by the extended use of carbon fiber components. Also, under the bonnet there sits the heavily revised 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 675hp (496kW) and 700Nm of torque available between 5,000 and 6,500rpm. The revised engine system also includes optimized turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads, new camshafts and more.

2015 McLaren 675LT Spider

All this, in terms of performance, means that the beauty accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in just 2.9 seconds, while the 0-200km/h (124mph) sprint is completed in mere 8.9 seconds. The top speed is 326km/h (203mph) and despite the high performance rates, the 675LT remains relatively efficient: it returns 24.2 mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions remain at 275g/km. Not that bad, right?

The dramatic styling and confident stance of 675LT is retained with the Spider variant by proudly demonstrating extended front splitter, flanked by front wing end plates, each working the airflow harder and increasing downforce. The carbon fiber door sills run along the lower edge of the bodywork and flow into a smaller air intake ahead the rear wheels.

Also, the retractable hard top strows below a color-coded tonneau cover and the power unit remains visible through a lightweight vended polycarbonate engine cover. The rear also benefits from lightweight titanium crossover twin exhaust exit, placed below the active Longtail Airbrake. And despite the large size of the flowing rear wings, the carbon fiver construction ensures weight reduction and stability.

2015 McLaren 675LT Spider

In terms of additional equipment, 675LT Spider comes with 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloys, 19-inch for the front and 20-inch at the rear, along with Alcantara and bare carbon fiver components that dominate the interior. Additional features include driver-oriented cluster and four-speaked Meridian audio system.

Source: McLAREN

April 13, 2016

Tesla Model S Significantly Updated! Comes Out with New Face

Tesla Model S Front View The new face of the electric Tesla Model S has been finally revealed and it looks better than ever. Still, the car is instantly recognizable as a Tesla. It seems however, that the new design follows the approach of the Model 3 and the Model X, thus adopting new front fascia with slightly slender grille flanked by redesigned full LED adaptive headlights. Besides styling, they also boost safety: 14 three-position LED dynamic turning lights improve visibility at night, especially on winding roads.

But not only was the exterior of the EV improved, so is everything else. For instance performance and safety have been also refined. Offering unparalleled performance for an electric vehicle, Model S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds! In addition, the car also comes with the recently introduced Autopilot capabilities designed to make the highway driving experience better.

Tesla Model S Autopilot

Speaking of the Autopilot, it allows Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and manages speed by using traffic-aware cruise control. It also manages the digital control of motors, brakes, and steering, thus avoiding collisions from the front and sides.

Another benefit of this feature is that it allows the car to scan for a parking space and parallel park on command. There is also a new Summon feature, which lets the driver “call” their car from the phone so it can literally come and greet them at the front door in the morning.

Tesla Model S Interior

Furthermore, the luxurious interior of the EV, is still built around the driver. There are several new options including heated and ventilated front seats and a medical-grade HEPA air filter. There are two brand new wood trim options for the cabin, including the Dark Ash and Figured Ash.

The “gem” of the interior is the new 17 inch touchscreen. It is angled toward the driver for enhanced convenience and features day and night modes for better visibility. The touchscreen actually controls most of the car’s functions. For instance the driver can open the all glass panoramic roof, manage the climate control, changing the radio within a swipe or a touch. Another intricate detail is that the Model S periodically receives over the air software updates and this is how it adds new features and refreshes the touchscreen look and feel.

A lot of attention has been paid to the safety of this car. Much of it is owed to the unique electric drivetrain, positioned beneath car’s aluminum occupant cell in its own subframe. This lowers the car’s center of gravity, and in turn enhances the handling and minimizes rollover risk. In case of side impacts, they are met by aluminum pillars reinforced with steel rails. There are also eight airbags, which protect front and rear occupants, while the high voltage power source is being automatically disconnected.

Tesla Model S Facelift will soon go into production and will have a starting price of $71,500 USD.

Here are the details about the performance of the car:

Model Variant:	P90D Performance AWD	90DAWD	70DAWD
Acceleration	2.8 seconds 0-60 mph (Ludicrous); 3.1 seconds 0-60 mph	4.2 seconds 0-60 mph	5.2 seconds 0.60 mph
Torque	713 lb-ft	485 lb-ft	387 lb-ft
Top Speed	155 mph	155 mph	140 mph
Motor Power	503 hp rear;259 hp front; 532 hp (Ludicrous)	259 hp front and rear	259 hp front and rear
Range	270 miles (EPA)	294 miles (EPA)	240 miles (EPA)

Source: Tesla

April 13, 2016

The Ultimate Truck that Mixes Two Identities: Meet the 2016 Ram 3500 Limited

2016 Ram 3500 Limited front and side view Dodge Ram has just released unique details and images for the MY2016 Ram 3500 Limited. The huge and masterful truck seems to mixes two worlds: the one of the towing machines where nothing is impossible and the other of luxury expression and comfortable treatment of the occupants.

The Towing Identity

To say it as simple as possible, the unique Ram 3500 Limited has under its skin is utilitarian truck that wants to be put to work. And this is not only because of its size, but also because of its enormous amounts of torque, 900 lb-ft. They come from the 6.7-liter inline-six Cummins turbodiesel, which by the way produces 350, 370, or 385 horsepower, depending on which transmission you choose.

In addition, for its workaholic character speak also the solid axels, the huge four wheels with unique design and the bed at the back that can be filled with various types of materials.

The Luxurious Interior

2016 Ram 3500 Limited Interior

The Ram 3500 Luxury can be equipped with as few or as many modern luxuries as one can afford. Unlike the standard variant, which features the stripped-down Tradesman interior, the Limited Edition features the Longhorn Limited scheme.

The cabin is so cozy, that once you enter it you will immediately fall in love. The soft black leather wraps the seats and the steering wheel, and is adorned by stitching. All four seats are heated.

Depending on the optional features 2016 Ram 3500 can be ordered for as low as $33,480 USD.

Source: Dodge Ram via WCF

April 13, 2016

2017 Acura ILX Goes on Sale Today Priced at $27,990 USD

2017 Acura ILX Front View 2017 Acura ILX goes on sale today with a seductive starting price. It keeps the popular enhancements from the last model year and adds significant updates for the MY2016 in terms of power, exterior and interior styling, technology, luxury treatment and safety features. Not to mention the three new exterior color paint schemes. Priced as low as $27,990 USD, this is the most affordable sport sedan in Japanese company’s range.

For the new model year, the ILX carries over the updates made to the exterior styling. This includes Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights and the signature technologies like the optional AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

In terms of power, the car is driven by the 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine rated at 201 horsepower. The unit is connected to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission featuring paddle-controlled Sequential Sport Shift.

2017 Acura ILX Interior

As mentioned, there are three new exterior paint schemes, namely: Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and San Marino Red. The customers can also choose the already familiar Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Catalina Blue Pearl.

2017 Acura ILX is available in three grades: ILX, ILX with Premium Package, and the top of the range ILX Tech Plus Package. There is also an A-SPEC Package with Premium and Tech Plus grades, which further highlights the ILX’s premium and performance character of the car. It adds sporty side sill garnishes, trunk spoiler, front fog lights, 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloys, and stylish interior enhancements.

Here are the detailed price list and economy ratings for each grade:

2017 ILX Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings:
Model	MSRP	EPA MPG Ratings (city/highway/combined)
ILX	$27,990	25/35/29
ILX with AcuraWatch™ Plus Package	$29,290	25/35/29
ILX with Premium Package	$29,990	25/35/29
ILX with Premium & A-SPEC Package	$31,980	25/35/29
ILX with Tech Plus Package	$32,990	25/35/29
ILX with Tech Plus & A-SPEC Package	$34,980	25/35/29

Source: Acura

April 13, 2016

Millions Have Bought Lexus Hybrid Car. Or At Least One Million

2015 Lexus NX 300h Lexus marked the sale of its one millionth hybrid vehicle. This happens just 11 years since the first introduction of brand’s environmentally friendly cars.

The landmark model, the NX 300h was handed over to Aldo Pirranello in Milan, Italy, personally by Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe.

As you might know, Lexus has introduced the first hybrid vehicle back in 2005 and a year later the GS 450h arrived, followed by LS 600h, world’s most powerful hybrid saloon for 2007. Then, the HS250h was introduced in 2009 and two years later the CT 200h made its debut as world’s first full hybrid premium compact model. Then the IS 300h and GS 300h hit the market in 2013 and in 2014 the NX 300h took the hybrid technology to the mid-sized luxurious crossover market for the first time. And for 2015 the 300h broke more new grounds for Lexus as the first premium hybrid sports coupe. Cool.

Also, in January this year Lexus premiered its latest hybrid vehicle, the LC 500h coupe. Featuring next-gen technology and refined performance, the vehicle once more catches the eye with quality and performance capabilities.

And now we impatiently await for the revealing of 2017 hybrid model.

2015 Lexus NX 300h

What do you expect of it? Write down in the comment section.

Source: Lexus

April 12, 2016

BBM Motorsport Releases Video of 815 HP Volkswagen Golf Gen One During Dyno Testing

BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf 1 Dyno Testing BBM Motorsport is lately gathering strength and releasing in a row so nice projects that we just can’t keep our hands off the keyboard and not writing a word about them. Just like the last project, the heavily uprated Chevy Corvette C7 Z06, the tuners optimized a Volkswagen Golf (note!) from the first generation to the unimaginable 815 horsepower. But this is not all! They have captured a dyno session with it on a video, which you are lucky to watch below.

As we all know (being fans of the tuning world), the after market proof of power before and after modification is a vital part of the development and testing process. In this particular case it is carried out on BBM’s chassis dynamometer, which is capable of measuring outputs of up to 2,000 hp and top speed of up to 320 km/h.

BBM Motorsport Volkswagen Golf 1 Engine

Extremely unusual about this project is that BBM typically converts exotic or classic cars. The case with this Volkswagen however, is that it is what they call a “genuine sleeper”, because it eventually demonstrates its unexpected power potential.

The DMK Motoring VW Golf 1 is driven by the 2.0-liter 16V engine, which the BBM dynamometer has credited with 815 hp! Everything was captured on film, with the incredible demonstration by the BBM Motorsport video crew, who has the task to document the daily work of BBM Motorsport and their visits to events and track days in moving pictures.

And here it is:

httpv://youtu.be/h8NIw0NL5bo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BBM Motorsport

April 12, 2016

You Think Dodge Had Enough With Dart Lineup? Think Again!

2016 Dodge Dart Dodge simplifies the 2016 Dart lineup with three additional models and tons of new features. The Dart SXT Sport, Dart Turbo an Dart GT Sport are now official members of the well-known lineup. Available in Chrome, Rallye and Blacktop packages, these sweeties have a lot to offer. Let’s check out what is going on here!

The simplified Dart lineup still delivers small car pricing with mid-size vehicle comfort and the three additional vehicles will proudly and confidently keep the high positions of the whole Dart lineup.

2016 Dodge Dart SXT Sport

The SXT Sport has a starting price of $17,995 USD. and offers a 2.0-liter Tigershark Multiair power unit, producing a total of 160hp (117kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The standard equipment includes 10 air bags, air conditioning, active grille shutters, Uconnect Bluetooth hands-free calling, SiriusXM satellite radio with one-year free subscription, electric power steering, electronic brake assist, electronic stability control, Hill-Start Assist, All-speed Traction Control, Four-Wheel anti-lock power disc brakes, 16-inch aluminum brakes and many more.

2016 Dodge Dart Turbo

2016 Dodge Dart

With starting price of $19,495 USD, the new Dodge Dart Turbo vehicle comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged power unit, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and delivering 160hp (117kW) and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The standard equipment includes sporty hood, integrated dual exhaust and Rallye Appearance, which includes black accents, black headlamp bezels, black grille surrounds and 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels.

2016 Dodge Dart GT Sport

2016 Dodge Dart

The Dart GT Sport is geared with a 2.4-liter 184hp (135kW) power unit, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The standard list of goodies includes sporty appearance hood, performance gear ratios, special engine calibration, Keyless Enter and Go function with push-button start, 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels, integrated dual exhaust with bright tips, black fascia with Hyper Black grille, dark-tinted automatic headlamps, 10-way power driver seat and more.

Additional equipment

Drivers who are still unsatisfied with the standard packages, can purchase one of the three available upgrade packs: Chrome, Rallye and Blacktop.

The first one is available on the SXT Sport and grants buyers with bright grille, bright automatic headlamps, bright door handles, fog lamps, 17-inch polished Silver aluminum wheels.

The second one, the Rallye is available on the Dart SXT Sport and offers crosshair grille, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, touring suspension, rear stabilizer bar, LED racetrack lamps and 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels.

And the third one, the Blacktop, also available on the Dart SXT Sport, brings black crosshair grille with black surrounds, fog lamps with black fog lamp spear and bezel, glossy black exterior mirrors, special frequency-sensing sport suspension, rear stabilizer bar, LED Racetrack tail lamps and 18-inch Gloss Black 10-spoke aluminums.

So, which one do you prefer?

Source: Dodge

April 12, 2016

Which is World’s Fastest Convertible? [w/video]

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder Front View If you follow us on Facebook, then you should know the answer to this question. There we have published a video with the correct answer. But to stop teasing you, I’ll immediately reveal it: it is Hennessey Performance’s Venom GT Spyder and it has been officially certified by Racelogic, the renowned independent speed testing company. In addition, Hennessey celebrates 25^th anniversary this year, and the record is a great way to celebrate it.

Precisely, Hennessey Venom GT Spyder has set the new world record for open-top sports cars at Naval Air Station Lemoore where Racelogic officially confirmed that the car achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph (427.4 km/h). Behind the wheel of the Venom GT roadster was Brian Smith, who is director of the Ford Performance Racing School.

With this achievement, Hennessey has added another milestone to its list of successful achievements. Back in 2014, the company has made a spectacular record-breaking speed of the hardtop Hennessey Venom GT, during which it reached a top speed of 270.4 mph (435.3 km/h). These numbers make it the fastest convertible sports car in the world, beating the previous record holder Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Vitesse.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder Side view plus certification

Hennessey Venom GT is not a regular vehicle. It is powered by a twin-turbo 7.0L V8 engine, tuned to generate 1,451 bhp at 7,200 rpm and 1,287 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox by Ricardo puts the entire power down to the rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Venom GT is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 mph in less than 13 seconds.

But there is more to that: Hennessey will produce a limited run of 3 “World Record Edition” Venom GT Spyder’s to commemorate the record run and at the same time pay tribute to the company’s 25thAnniversary. Each will cost $1.3 million USD.

And here’s the video, where you can see how the record was achieved:

httpv://youtu.be/ZWy6GiWJxHs

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey Performance

April 12, 2016

DMC Finds Simplicity with the new Lamborghini Huracan [w/video]

DMC Lamborghini Huracan Simplicity front view The newest project of the tuning experts at DMC is called Simplicity. And this of course is for a reason. Based on the Lamborghini Huracan LP610, this supercar instead of being equipped with a full aerodynamic custom made kit, features only two parts of the package. But just like the vehicles that wear the complete DMC kit, especially the Limited Editions, this “partially” tuned Lambo looks just as great.

The model depicted on the photos, which you can see in or gallery below, wears only DMC’s rear wing and base spoiler. The success of the tuning is that the styling of the Huracan has been kept and stays in harmony with the factory design. So to say, the beauty of this project comes with the innocence of this creation.

DMC Lamborghini Huracan Simplicity Rear View

In fact, the wing hardly seems to be made by an aftermarket company, because it looks so integrated, that one could say that it looks like coming straight from the factory. This means that DMC are able to come up with a timeless design, which merges with the car seamlessly.

If you ask about the wing, well, we must highlight that it is German TUV certified and can be adjusted in three different aerodynamic angles: GT-, Cruise- and Fun-Mode. Now you get the idea behind the name “Simplicity”, don’t you?

At last, we want to show you a short video of DMC’s booth at the Geneva Car Show. It contains close up scenes of client’s inspecting the company’s LP610 Huracan Wing Spoiler Jeddah Edition, and it is worth the watch!

httpv://youtu.be/9wLfMS4Xpos