Category: Auto News

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

  • Ford Offers Stealthier Appearance for the Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles

    2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle front viewFord is offering updates to its Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle, thus making it harder for the lawbreakers to recognizing the profile of the car in their rearview mirrors. The means by which this is done is the (already factory-installed) front interior visor light bar. This actually provides a stealth appearance for police patrol vehicles.

    There is another benefit of the interior visor light and it is the dark shade band at the top of the windshield, which has been replaced by clear glass when the light is ordered. As a result, this delivers better color visibility and brightness.

    SEE ALSO: Good News for Mustang Lovers Out There: 2017 Shelby GT350 Receives Additional Refinement 

    The new light comes with a limited warranty. In addition, when activated, it flashes bright – alternating red and blue bars through the top of the windshield. One can also program it to flash in red/red or blue/blue combinations.

    2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle interior visor light

    What is more, the new visor light includes bright-white “take down” and “scene” capabilities for better visibility. It can be also set to meet California Title 13 regulations, or it can be even programmed from full intensity down to 20 percent, thus delivering auto-dimming capability, too.

    At last, Stephen Tyler, who is the Ford police marketing manager for North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations, expressed an opinion about the innovation: “Today, agencies typically use aftermarket interior visor light bars that are somewhat bulky and can obstruct the field of vision – especially for taller officers. This extremely low-profile unit is fully integrated where the headliner and top of the windshield meet, for tremendously improved driver visibility versus aftermarket alternatives.”

    At the current moment, the interior visor light is now available to order as an option on the 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility. We are sure that it is a huge step forward in the development of utility vehicles that serve against crime.

    Source: Ford 

  • Land Rover Classic Revives 1948 Veterans

    1948 Land Rover Classic Series ILand Rover Classic once again shows its commitment to providing fine vehicles, comprehensive  services and of course, one of a kind customer service by launching the “Reborn” initiative for the well-known Series I at Techno-Classica in Essen, Germany.

    The initiative offers 25 prospective customers one of a kind chance to get an original and highly collective Land Rover Series I directly from Land Rover Classic. Sweet, right?

    1948 Land Rover Classic Series I

    As you might know, Land Rover Classic’s team of professional has devoted decades of hard work in order to deliver us the 25 Series I units. Each one will further undergo complete and comprehensive restoration process, according to brand’s original 1948 factory specifications and by using Land Rover Classic Parts the team will preserve and regain units’ authenticity. This includes the choice of five period finishes: Light Green, Bronze Green, RAF Blue, Dove Grey and Poppy Red. How cool is that?

    SEE ALSO: Dynamic Colors of Kahn Edition Range Rover Sport is the Best SUV You’ll See Today

    Also, customers will have the chance to select their preferred base vehicle with the aid and guidance of dedicated Land Rover Classic’s experts team. In fact, the lucky customers will be able to follow the complete restoration of their beloved Series I vehicle from the beginning to the end at Land Rover’s new Classic workshop, located within the original Defender production center at Solihull.

    1948 Land Rover Classic Series I

    Source: Land Rover Classic

  • VW Introduces The Special Golf 40th Anniversary

    2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40Golf GTI, Volkswagen’s iconic and popular “hot hatch” confidently and proudly steps into its 40th anniversary and in order to celebrate the wonderful event, VW reveals a special 40th anniversary edition. Already available for order, the Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40 is here to show why this particular lineup has been kicking some serious ass for almost half a decade.

    Exterior styling

    For this special model, designers created a completely new front bumper, new side sills, rear diffuser and also a fresh multi-part roof spoiler. This sporty and aggressive appearance is finished with stylish 18-inch exclusive alloys. Sweet.

    The front is not only beautiful, but also contributes to better air supply for the engine, aerodynamics and downforce, while the catches the eye with larger and multi-part roof edge spoiler and glossy black flaps on the tailgate.

    Interior style

    The special edition includes new details, along with many well-known features. Passengers will be delighted to see the ergonomic sporty seats and the tailor-made look with Alcantara, black cloth upholstery, red topstitching, gear knob in golf ball design and black headliner.

    SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Showcases the Fresh and Muscular Tiguan!

    Drivetrain system

    Geared with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection power unit that delivers a total of 265hp (194kW), this would be by far the fastest Golf GTI produced so far. But this is not all. The engine itself is based on the 1,984 TSI unit that appears in the well-known and award-winning Golf R. It is a third generation EA 888 unit, offering some exclusive refinement and capabilities in order to ensure flexible and confident performance in any given road situation.

    Top speed is limited to 279km/h (155mph) and the whole system contributes to 0-100km/h (62mph) run of just 6.3 seconds. Impressive, right?

    Also, the special Golf is geared with sporty chassis with 15mmlower ride height, while the MacPherson suspension ensures precise and smooth tracking. The Anniversary model is available with DCC dynamic chassis control as an optional feature that adapts the high power potential.

    2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40

    The special trim strips include Honeycomb 40 design with exclusive looks and premium feel. There are decorative features as the Alcantara trim on the gear lever, Alcantara-clad sport steering wheel and customized floor mats with red edging.

    The special edition is already available for order, but if you are interested in getting one, keep in mind that the production is time limited and there will be no more than 1000 units available for buyers and enthusiasts.

    Source: Volkswagen 

  • BBM Motorsport Tunes Chevy Corvette C7 to 700HP and 1233 Nm [w/videos]

    BBM Motorsport Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 Front ViewBBM Motorsport has been working lately on the special Chevy Corvette C7 Z06. The result is impressive, starting with the new looks of the car and ending with the uprated engine output. In other words, they have managed to make an outstanding vehicle even more exceptional.

    The current project is based on the fourth generation Z06 and to start with the appearance, what we see is a beautifully done vinyl wrapping done with the help of the car-wrapping specialist SL Premium. The bi-color theme is looking fantastic, isn’t it?

    SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Collector’s Edition VIN #001 to be Auctioned for Noble Cause 

    Then this stunning sports car received brand new front spoiler, which by the way can be ordered in either in carbon flash metallic finish or in visible carbon fiber. At the back we can spot the Capristo exhaust system made by BBM Motorsport which features CES-control system. Here an H-pipe replaces the main catalytic, and therefore the result is more aggressive sound.

    BBM Motorsport Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 Rear View

    Rounding out the exterior design modifications are the fancy Ultraleggera rims in 19- and 20-inches. They were wrapped with the appropriate low-profiles.

    At last but not least is the addition of the air intake system as well as the software optimization. Combined, these two means result in an extra 40 HP and 30 lb-ft. The result is spectacular: Corvettes’ Z06 rear axle would now handle the impressive 700 HP (515 kW) and 1233 Nm (910 lb-ft) of torque.

    Don’t miss these exclusive BBM Motorsport videos showing more about the exclusive Corvette C7 project.

    httpv://youtu.be/KgHUFt9hH9E

    httpv://youtu.be/1Ss40Wc3pec

    Videos Source: YouTube
    Source: BBM Motorsport 

  • Guinness Says Nissan GT-R NISMO is the Fastest Drift Car

     Nissan GT-R NISMO Side ViewTwo days ago Nissan announced that the GT-R NISMO is about to make a brand new world record. Now, the Japanese company is absolutely ready to release the full details about the achievement. It has been officially revealed that the GT-R NISMO will be registered in the Guinness Book of Records with its fastest ever recorded drif! What’s only unfortunate is that we don’t have a video to show how the record was achieved.

    The first thing we have to say about it is that the drift wasn’t done with a regular GT-R NISMO but with a specially-tuned GT-R from the 2016 model year, which was developed with the support and coordination of NISMO specialists. The company said that the car used for the stunt was uprated to 1,380 horsepower (1,105 kW). In addition, its entire power was adapted so it goes to the rear wheels. Before the special record event, the car was tested at Japan’s Fuji Speedway facility.  Helping Nissan and NISMO was GReddy Trust.

    SEE ALSO: New World Record for the Nissan GT-R NISMO? [w/video] 

     Nissan GT-R NISMO front View

    The second important detail here is that the car was driven by Masato Kawabata, who is the Japanese drift champion and title holder for the Japanese drifting series. Kawabata managed to drift at a speed of 189.49 miles per hour or 304.96 kilometers per hour and 30 degrees angle. Everything was performed during a special event at Fujairah International Airport, UAE.

    There were also comments from the managing director of Nissan Middle East, Samir Cherfan, who said that thanks to this Guinness World Records title Nissan made international history for the fifth time in the Middle East. He then added that the “Nissan GT-R is one of the world’s most iconic supercars, proving time and again the incredible breadth of its capabilities, and has clearly demonstrated its performance leadership by beating the best drift cars out there”.

    We only hope to get our hands on the footage soon. Stay tuned!

    Source: Nissan

  • Nissan Skyline Announced “Most Iconic Japanese Car Ever”

    Nissan Skyline Front ViewNissan Skyline is undoubtedly one of the most praised cars ever created. And it has been about time to be announced as the most iconic Japanese model. This happens ahead of Europe’s biggest Japanese car celebration, Japfest, which will take place on April 24 at Silverstone.

    How the unique car got its title? The organizers of the show carried out a survey among its social media followers. The aim of course was to see which performance car would be identified as the most iconic model in Japanese car culture. The result was undisputable: Nissan Skyline. If you wonder which the runner-up in the survey is, it was the Toyota Supra, while the Subaru Impreza WRX was in third position.

    SEE ALSO: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 900HP vs. Bugatti Veyron 1001HP

    The Skyline was developed through many generations, each one better and faster than the previous. Since then, the name of the model quickly became synonymous with Japanese performance tuning. And if you are somewhere near Silverstone, you can go visit the Japfest – the real celebration of the Japanese performance car culture. At the event you will see more than 3,500 cars on display or on the circuit. This year, there will be more track time for the vehicles as well as more features than ever before.

    Nissan Skyline Front View

    But how did the Skyline became so popular? The first model was manufactured in 1957 as a luxury 4-door saloon or five door station wagon. It had nothing to do with the Skyline’s image from the 90’s. Then the first skyline to receive the GT-R badge came off the production line in February 1969, powered by its 2.0L inline 6 engine. The unit produced 160HP and would rev to more than 7000RPM. Note that this was an exceptional performance for the late 60’s.

    Then the GT-R evolved till 1981 in terms of power and design… but not significantly. The C210 produced between 1977 and 1981 had even diesel version – 2,8 L inline NA diesel. Until then, the Skyline has not been positioned as a purely sports car… But this was about to change with the R30(1983-1985) and the R31(1985-1989), which were the first skylines to create the sporty image of the vehicle. They were also the first ones to have more than 200HP output. In their racing variants they did have more than 400HP to show-off with. And this is how it made history.

    If you want to witness the Japfest, you can do that from April 24 at Silverstone.

    Nissan Skyline Rear View - Lettering

    Source: Nissan 

  • Good News For Mustang Lovers Out There: 2017 Shelby GT350 Receives Additional Refinement

    2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350Ford Performance offers some additional goodies for the new Shelby GT350 Mustang. Available for order in June this year, the vehicle would offer extended list of standard features, as well as tons of optional techs. So, let’s see what the additions are.

    The special Track Package becomes a standard feature and Shelby GT350 won’t bother themselves by choosing the pack over the standard equipment or the standard features over the Track Pack. Sweet. Also, the Track Package will offer more features and components in order to meet the requirements of the new season year.

    Furthermore, the 2017 Shelby GT350 can be specified with three new colors and a choice of the optional Electronics Package or the Convenience Package. So, what else does the vehicle offer?

    SEE ALSO: What Happens When Ford Shelby Mustang GT Becomes a “Rent-A-Car”? The Result: Magnificent!

    The Standard Track Package grants buyers with aluminum tower-to-tower brace, high-downforce decklid spoiler, engine oil, gearbox and differential coolers and MagneRide damping system. The three additional colors are indeed Ruby Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Grabber Blue. Sadly, there are two that are already unavailable: the Deep Impact Blue and Competition Orange.

    The two new packs, the Electronics and Convenience also bring something fresh on the table. Electronics Package will grant owners with SYNC 3 voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system, while the Convenience Package offers the same options, but replaces the manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sporty seats.

     2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

    Two new available packages – Electronics Package includes SYNC® 3, voice-activated navigation and nine-speaker audio system; Convenience Package includes the same options, and replaces manual Recaro seats with leather-trimmed power sporty seats. Sweet.

    Source: Ford

  • Ford Team Will Try To Make You More Relaxed in Traffic Congestion. Here is How

    2017 Ford FusionDefinitely there is still no automobile brand that can prevent traffic congestion, but luckily there is one that would make the traffic experience far less stressful. Yes, we are talking about Ford and its fresh new technology that would answer the needs of thousands of angry drivers.

    The brand proudly demonstrates a new stop-and-go technology that would be available for the 2017 Fusion model which piggubacks on the already available Adaptive Cruise Control and helps drivers experience less stressful situations on the road. What it does in reality is to automatically accelerate and stop, while keeping safe distance between the front and back car.

    SEE ALSO: Meet Ford Mustang Geiger GT 820 with Almost Doubled Horsepower

    Furthermore, by using special steering wheel buttons, the Adaptive Cruise Control will allow drivers to set cruise control speed and follow a specific distance from the vehicle ahead. The semi-autonomous system can even automatically adjust the set speed and maintain comfortable ride: what Ford engineers tried to do is to mimic the human driver behavior.

    2017 Fusion is, in fact, the first Ford model to offer the Adaptive Cruise Control with this sweet new stop and go function. Of course, this new stop-and-go goodie will be geared in three Ford models so far and it is expected that this list extends with time.

    2017 Ford Fusion arrives at Ford dealers later this Spring.

    Source: Ford

  • Volkswagen Showcases the Fresh and Muscular Tiguan!

    vThe first version of the fresh Tiguan SUV is already available for order at Volkswagen retailers worldwide. Especially created to set new benchmark in the compact SUV segment, this beauty also introduces some cutting edge technologies, class-leading levels of interior comfort and trustworthy safety features. So, let’s check it out!

    Exterior design

    With neat proportions and expressive character, the vehicle balances between clean lines and muscular appearance. This particular model is with 33mm lower and with 30mm  wider than the original Tiguan. Also, it includes significantly extended  wheelbase of 2,681mm, which marks a gain of 77mm. At the sides the character lines and the eye-catching wheel arches contribute to the overall muscular stance, while the curves at the rear define an elegant and clean surface.

    Interior styling

    2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

    Of course, the SUV design language is taken inside the vehicle, too. The cockpit is aligned towards the driver and offers even more comfortable and more intuitive experience, while the wider central console is paired to the new 4MOTION Active Control system to create that one of a kind premium feel. And as we talk about interior ambience, we should mention and the ambient lightning and the panoramic roof that altogether offer incredibly sophisticated and cozy atmosphere.

    Drivetrain system

    Volkswagen engineers offer wide range of choice for power and comfort, when it comes to drivetrain system elements. In fact, there is a completely new lineup for customer base: there are three petrol units from power output from 125hp (91kW) to 180hp (132kW). All of them are Euro 6-compliant and offer smoother and more efficient ride.

    SEE ALSO: A-Team’s Bus Lives Again Thanks to RFK Tuning

    The power units can be further paired to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission. In addition, there is also a 4MOTION DSG configuration for the most powerful engine in the lineup: the 2.0 TSI with 180hp of power output.

    These configuration allow a 0-100km/h (62mph) run between 7.7 and 9.3 seconds, while the top speed varies between 223km/h (124mph) and 232km/h (129mph).

    Also, in terms of efficiency, the CO2 emissions are calculated at between 125g/km and 170 g/km with the 7-speed DSG.

    2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

    So, how do you find the new Tiguan? Write down in the comment section!

    Source: Volkswagen 

  • Aston Martin Gears V12 Vantage S With Manual Gearbox And Tons of Goodies!

    2016 Aston Martin Vantage S In order to pursue its greatest ambitions, Aston Martin engineering team proudly demonstrates the newV12 Vantage S with manual gearbox.

    Beautiful and powerful, the iconic vehicle will now benefit from the Sportshift III system for enhanced and more flexible performance. This seven-speed transmission features a classic dog-leg first gear position, along with the special ARMSHIFT technology.

    2016 Aston Martin Vantage S

    What this ARMSHIFT thing is doing is to mimic the technique of heel-and-toe downshifts in order to ensure smooth and fast shifts. Also, the ARMSHIFT technology can be used in all driving modes, but it is especially created for the Sport one, which adds sharper and more aggressive response and better acceleration.

    SEE ALSO: Kahn’s Vengeance Launched in Geneva! Mixes Classic Design with Modern Engineering

    Aston Martin team also offers a new Sport-Plus Pack that includes some wonderful exterior and interior goodies. Some of the most notable are the choice of five colors that can be combined with no-cost optional accent colors for the grille, side sills, mirror caps and rear diffuser blades. The pack also includes ten-spoke graphite finish lightweight alloys and in order to finish the overall sporty appearance, the package also grants buyers with black or grey upholstery with stripes and stitching in wide range of colors. Sweet.

    2016 Aston Martin Vantage S

    The first deliveries of the new V12 Vantage S will begin during the third quarter of 2016.

    Source: Aston Martin 

  • Kia cee’d TCR Racer: First Official Images Revealed

    Kia cee’d TCR first Render Kia Cee’d TCR Racer has just been revealed with couple of images. The South-Korean manufacturer has unveiled the images at its official social media accounts celebrating the first looks at the new TCR car. It has also announced that the new variant of cee’d will be built with the TCR specification, adding another model to the TCR lineup of cars.

    The production ready Kia cee’d TCR will compete in the TCR International Series, and its rivals will be cars of the brands like the Volkswagen, Seat, Alfa Romeo and Honda. For Kia the entrance will be made during the second season of the TCR International Series. The first race was conducted already at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, in support of the F1’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

    SEE ALSO: Kia Announces the new Soul Urban. Here is What You Need to Know

    What can we see from the two images that Kia released? First and foremost, the car is based on the latest variant of the Kia cee’d hatchback that has five doors. Although there are no details regarding the technical specifications of the cee’d TCR race car, we can see some substantial changes from the production variant.

    Kia cee’d TCR Second Render

    For instance, there is a widebody kit, which makes the car look lower and wider, and we bet that the kit also has aerodynamic qualities and probably is made of carbon fiber. Precisely, the package comprises of a redesigned front bumper which includes big air intakes, the wheel arches have been widened, while the side skirts feature new design. At the rear there is also huge wing that will keep the balance. Kia specialists have also added carbon fiber front splitter and multi-spoke racing wheels shod with Michelins. Inside, there is probably a roll-cage and exclusive racing seats.

    Kia cee’d TCR will be officially unveiled very soon with the start of the TCR International Series in Estoril, Portugal. This will happen on 24th of April. Stay tuned!

    Source: Kia

  • Audi Reveals Refreshed Styling for the A3 and S3 Lineup

    2016 Audi S3 Facelift Front ViewAudi has just unveiled the facelift variants of the A3 and S3 models. The cars feature a lot of new styling enhancements including new front fascia with a revised grille. The later is flanked by restyled Xenon plus headlights. At the rear we see brand new diffuser and refreshed design for the taillights. Audi is making everything more colorful by adding more shades to the palette. In addition, the new A3 and S3 can now be equipped with the optional matrix LED headlights.

    On the inside, the updated interior includes new three-spoke steering wheel and an upgraded MMI system infotainment system with simplified menus and enhanced voice controls. As an option, Audi is offering its customers the new Audi virtual cockpit system with 12.3-inch TFT display positioned in the instrument cluster.

    SEE ALSO: MR Racing Proudly Present the Almighty Audi RS3 

    Another option for the A3 is the traffic jam assist system. It helps the person behind the wheel by automatically driving the car at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Customers can also order the updated variant of the Active Lane Assist System.

    2016 Audi A3 Facelift Front View

    In terms of engines, there are a lot of variants to choose from. These include: the 1.0-liter TFSI three-cylinder with 115 horsepower (85 kW) and 200 Nm (147 pound-feet) of torque; the 1.4-liter TFSI with 150 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque; the 2.0-liter TFSI with 190 hp (140 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque; the 1.6-liter TDI with 110 hp (81 kW); and the 2.0-liter TDI with outputs of 150 hp (110 kW) and 339 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque as well as 184 hp (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque.

    Those who are always looking to save the nature can opt for the A3 Sportback e-tron which is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It comprises of a 1.4-liter TFSI engine, an electric motor, and an 8.8 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. Its total output is of 204 hp (150 kW). There is even an option on natural gas: the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron powerd by a 1.4-liter TFSI bi-fuel engine which produces 110 hp (81 kW). At last, the facelifted S3 has an upgraded 2.0-liter TFSI engine which generates up to 310 hp (228 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft of torque).

    Audi A3 and S3 Facelift will go on sale next month with a starting price at €23,300. First deliveries are expected this summer.

    Source: Audi