Auto News – Page 228 – Automobiles Review

Manhart Racing Changes the Emblematic MINI John Cooper Works into Something Extraordinary!

Manhart MINI F300 front view Do you know that this year Manhart Racing is celebrating its 30^th anniversary? This only means that we are going to see even more exclusive project from the tuner that we are used to. The current one is based on the latest MINI John Cooper Works F56, which is fitted with MINI F300 personalization package.

Power Upgrade

The best thing about the F300 upgrade is that it concerns every part of the MINI, including its engine and performance. The tuners began with the remapping of the four-cylinder turbocharged motor. They actually changed the fuel, ignition, boosted the software and replaced the standard intercooler with one coming from Wagner.

Remus stainless steel sports exhaust was then added, and it includes larger downpipe and valve control, thus minimizing the backpressure and delivering throaty sound. After these modifications, the MINI F56 proudly ‘says’ that it can produce 300 hp (221 kW) and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque.

Manhart MINI F300 Engine

Exterior

After the more important modifications were done (after all this is a sports variant of the MINI), some other custom elements waited to be added. For instance such are the KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension kit, which has this cool ride height adjustment feature and an adjustable bounce and rebound control. The in-house made carbon-fibre front suspension tower strut brace stiffens up the front-end to reduce torque steer.

Everything mentioned by far is backed up by the gold-painted MANHART 19-inch multispoke alloys fitted with 235/35ZR19 tyres. At last, but not least, the entire exterior was re-painted with British Racing Green and then embellished with a specially designed gold decal set.

Interior

Manhart MINI F300 Interior

Moving forward to the interior, the theme in the cabin counts on the luxury rather rather than on motorsport. See the seats as they are covered in the finest anthracite leather and Alcantara and contrasted with gold outline stitching. Their Alcantara inserts feature gold cross-stitching for a harmonious effect. The same approach has been used for the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, while the velour floor mats have been embroidered with Manhart logos.

Wonder what the next 30^th anniversary project by Manhart would be? Which car would you like to see tuned?

Source: Manhart Performance

March 22, 2016

GMC Announces Details About the Terrain Night Edition Model

2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition Ahead of its global debut at the New York International Auto Show, GMC showcased the 2017 Terrain Nightfall Edition: this is a special model that blends blackened exterior components and next-generation of hi-tech gadgets and safety features.

The vehicle will join the Canyon Nightfall edition and the fresh-out-of-the-fabric Terrain X in the campaign of demonstrating how cool and stylish the black color is. Cool, right?

As we see, the Terrain Nightfall proudly shows distinctive 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels and glossy black spokes, charcoal grille with gloss black surrounds, gloss black front and rear fascia and license plate surround trim, surprisingly in black finish. Also, the special edition will offer numerous personalization options and tweakable featues.

Additional equipment

After scoring record sales for 2015, the revised 2016 Terrain model offers enough room for five passengers, premium components and technologies, along with efficient and yet powerful drivetrain system: the 2.4-liter engine is both agile and economical with EPA-estimated 32mpg highway rates.

Some of the safety features include six airbags and rear-view camera, along with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Waning and Rear Park Assist.

Additional details will be revealed with vehicle’s showcase at the New York Show.

The vehicle will be available for order later this Fall.

Source: GMC

March 21, 2016

Subaru Family Will Be Granted With Additional Standard Features

2016 Subaru Family Subaru announced that the Automatic Emergency Braking system will become a standard feature for all of brand’s lineup in the US by 2022. Cool, right?

As you might know, Subaru is one of the 20 automobile manufacturers that received excellent scores by the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Automatic Emergency Braking System (AEB) contributes to preventing crashes and reduces their severity by engaging the brake system instead of the driver. What the AEB does is to use on-vehicle sensors such as radar and cameras to detect imminent crash, warn the driver and apply the emergency braking, when needed.

Based on tons of evidence that the AEB system actually works effectively, NHTSA and IIHS have created numerous challenges for Subaru and its renowned system, which were no match for all the engineering masterminds of the brand.

Furthermore, IIHS researches has found that the AEB system reduces the rear-end crashes by the incredible 40 per cent. Also, the earliest NHTSA tests show that the use of AEB has prevented a total of 28,000 crashes and 12,000 serious injuries. Sound good, right?

By far the Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been installed on the 2016 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, WRX and Crosstrec vehicles. Also, they are geared with the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. All of these models earhed the 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

By all it looks like Subaru makes a great leap forward in delivering safe and utilized vehicles. So, what do you think?

Source: Subaru

March 21, 2016

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores Surprisingly Low CO2 Output

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Front View Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been behaving very well lately, since it has scored an improvement of around one third of its CO2 output. The benefits for the environment are due to the numerous technical innovations, which literally make the newest E-Class the most intelligent executive saloon. The tests have been conducted by professionals from the South German Technical Inspection Authority, who have confirmed the exemplary LCA, and have given the E-Class an Environmental Certificate.

The analysis was conducted throughout their entire life cycle of the car, starting from production, through their long years of service, to the very end of their lives. The facts are the following: the E 220 d is achieving 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres fuel consumption and 102 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Mercedes is explaining the phenomenon with the so called “intelligent package of measures”, including newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine, energy management, nine-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC transmission and great aerodynamics as well as reduced weight.

The emitted CO2 is measured not only during the driving process, but also during the manufacturing and recovery phase, making a life cycle comprise of material manufacturing, production, driving 250,000 kilometres and recycling. As a total, the experts calculated that for a single vehicle there are 36 tonnes of CO2 emissions produced. However, this is significantly less, when compared with 51 tonnes produced by its predecessor. In other words, these improvements are by 29 percent, while the energy savings are of up to 27 percent. This in turn corresponds to the energy content of around 6000 litres of diesel fuel.

Furthermore, the new E-Class has achieved recycling rate of 95 percent by weight. All in all, 72 components with a combined proportionate weight of 54.4 kilograms are made from high-quality recycled plastics, meaning that the mass of components made from secondary raw materials has been increased by 30 percent. In addition, 90 of the components with a combined weight of 33.1 kilograms are produced using natural materials.

It seems that Mercedes is making a huge leap forward to a sustainable green future. Let’s applaud!

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 21, 2016

2017 Honda NSX Production Start Scheduled for April

2017 Acura NSX The production start of the Honda NSX from the MY2017 is commenced in April this year, announced Honda. The series production of the super car will begin in the world-class facility in Ohaio, which combines innovative technologies with craftsmanship. The company also announced that the deliveries for European customers are due to start in this fall.

The NSX super car will be is constructed entirely in-house, and its body will be made of the unique multi-material body and aluminium-intensive space-frame. For instance there will be a lot of new technologies used there and one of them is the precision robotic weld technology. In it, the aluminium-intensive spaceframe is created with 100 percent robotic MIG welding. Eight weld robots apply 860 MIG welds to the space-frame, thus making possible a highly accurate body assembly process.

Another interesting innovation is the zirconium pre-treatment, where the space-frame undergoes an etching process prior to application of corrosion-resistant primer. This procedure utilizes zirconium-based material, and this process also lessens the environmental waste during painting.

2017 Honda NSX

There is a lot to be told about the 2017 NSX but specifying it to the most interesting features, an example is the 11 coats of primer and paint applied as a paint finish, thus resulting in a high-quality surface. Furthermore, the twin-turbocharged V6 engine with dry sump lubrication is hand assembled by a small group of specialists.

The process for one engine takes over six hours, where every component is literally assembled by hand. An instance is that each of the 547 bolts is manually tightened to precise torque tolerances. Once assembled, the engine is then machine balanced, bench tested and run-in to the equivalent of 150 miles of service. This means that every NSX will be track-ready upon delivery to the owner.

Source: Honda

March 21, 2016

Vorsteiner Releases GT4-V Aero Kit for Porsche Cayman & Boxster

2016 Vorsteiner Porsche GT4 front view Meet Vorsteiner’s Porsche GT4! We have featured abundant gallery below, which shows exclusive photos of the project and plenty of images. The tuned vehicle below is actually the newest 981 Porsche Cayman GT4, which has been fitted with the GT4-V carbon fiber program that was specifically created for it… Well, and for the Boxster, after Porsche announced and released the changes regarding those models.

Speaking of the update, the current tuning program does not concern the engine or its output in some way. It is only cosmetic, which aids the aerodynamics. Back in March last year we understood that the (current for now) Boxster and Cayman GTS range will be powered by a 3.4 liter flat-six engine. The unit produces 330hp (243 kW) for the Boxster and 340 (250 kW) for the Cayman. The torque is 370Nm (273 lb-ft) and 380Nm (280 lb-ft), respectively. In addition, both cars got the Chrono package as a standard.

Vorsteiner Porsche GT4 Rear View

With these outputs the cars are capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds for the Boxster, and 4.6 seconds for the Cayman, while their top speeds are of 281 km/h (175 mph) and 285 km/h (177 mph), respectively. After the aero program we do expect the acceleration times to be even faster, although we didn’t receive any confirmation for that from Vorsteiner.

Speaking of the aero program, called GT4-V, it comprises from a front spoiler, side blades and rear diffuser. Pushing the boundaries of art and technology, Vorsteiner continues to impress with exclusive projects like this. By the way, the material the tuner uses in its creations is in-house made and it is autoclaved pre-impregnated carbon fiber. Vorsteiner promises that this lightweight material actually delivers superior stiffness, aerospace strength and durability compared to traditional hand laid carbon fiber composites.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 21, 2016

2017 Chevrolet Sonic : Refinement and Flexibility in a Single Vehicle

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Chevy unveiled the 2017 Sonic: a more expressive, agile and fun-to-drive vehicle that offers tons of additions and utilities as the new MyLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, refreshed interior styling and distinctive LED signature lightning.

The refreshed vehicle also offers features as heated steering wheel, standard 7-inch touch screen, Rear Park Assist and tons of optional additions. So, let’s see what else does this sweetie offer.

Exterior styling

2017 Sonic’s agile exterior adopts the same approach as with the Cruze, Blot EV and 2017 Trax. With richer and more detailed elements, the vehicle proudly demonstrates new hood, redesigned front fascia and fresh lightning elements. The projector-beam headlamps are part of the standard features, along with the LED daytime running lights.

And in order to enhance the overall exterior visuals, Chevy team offers distinctive 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheels and four additional colors: Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintocat and Arctic Blue Metallic.

Interior styling and utility features

Sonic’s cabin is especially designed to deliver comfort, convenience and ease of using the latest technological gadgets. There is new gauge cluster that incorporates analog speedometer and extended list of standard features as the Keyless Open and Start function, heated cloth seats with heated steering wheel and exclusive offerings for each individual trim level.

Drivetrain system

2017 Chevrolet Sonic

In terms of performance, Sonic comes with 1.8-liter power unit with refined fuel economy and enhanced performance features. This agile engine delivers a total of 138hp (102kW) and is paired to a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox.

Safety features

2017 Sonic also offers tons of safety features as the Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, 10 airbags, Stabilitrac electronic stability system, rearview camera and more.

So, what do you think about the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic? Write down in the comment section.

Source: Chevrolet

March 21, 2016

Mazda Announces Details for the 2016 CX-9 Model

Mazda North American Operation has announced further details for the all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. Designed to offer premium driving experience and highest amount of comfort, this agile, yet smooth-driving vehicle is impatient to show its full potential.

In its Sport trim, the CX-9 benefits from LED headlights and taillights, along with special seating surfaces, electronic package brakes, 18-inch wheels, rear backup camera, trailer stability assist, MAZDA CONNECTTM infotainment system and large color display.

On the other hand, CX-9 offers auto-dimming rearview mirror, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, HomeLink, black or sand-colored leather seating surfaces, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, power liftgate, power front seats and eight-inch MAZDA touch screen display. Also, customers can optionally equip the Touring Premium Package that adds automatic on/off headlights, LED fog lights, navigation, premium 12-speaker BOSE audio system, rain-sensing wipers, rear backup sensors and more.

Grand Touring model’s highlights include Adaptive Front-lightning system, 20-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim, Mazda’s first Active Driving Display, high-beam control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and more.

And finally, the CX-9 SIgnature offers the aid of i-ACTIV AWD system with a total of 27 sensors and tons of drivetrain refinements.

All models from the lineup will be geared with Mazda’s new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T power unit that offers a total of 310lb-ft of torque and 250hp (183kW). This engine also offers the class-leading EPA-estimated rates of 25mpg on the combined cycle.

Prices for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 lineup start from $31,520 USD.

Source: Mazda

March 18, 2016

2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition Will Make Its Global Debut at New York Show

2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition Buick announced the 2017 Enclave Sport Touring Edition. This is by far the latest addition to brand’s design-focused Sport Touring Edition lineup. Highlighted in Satin Black ice-tonned grille and distinctive 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with Satin Black Ice accents, this sweetie has a lot to demontrate.

The Sport Touring Edition brings brand’s latest design concepts to life and tons of goodies as the signature QuietTuning, first-class seating and refined drivetrain system. This vehicle will be on display at the 2016 New York International Auto Show and is expected to go on sale this summer with two trim levels and three exterior colors: White Frost Tricoat, Crimson Red Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition

Other features include heated steering wheel, ice-blue LED ambient lightning, eight-way power front driver and passenger seat with power recline, power tilting, Buick IntelliLink, 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Tri-zone automatic climate control, power lifegate, rear park assist and rear-vision camera system.

Furthermore, the new Enclave Sport Touring Edition will join the 2016 LaCrosse, Regal and Verano Sport Touring Edition luxury sedan models and will show to the world what is it like to be one of the most beautiful models in the whole brand lineup.

2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition

So, what do you think about the new addition?

Source: Buick

March 18, 2016

Safety First for 2016 Toyota Verso

2016 Toyota Verso Toyota Verso MPV, brand’s flexible family vehicle, has been given a comprehensive safety upgrade with Toyota’s Safety Sense package and additional driver-oriented utility goodies that altogether ensure comfortable and pleasurable drive.

Toyota Safety Sense

The vehicle will benefit from brand’s safety suite that includes Pre-Collision System, which recognizes the imminent impact with the vehicle ahead, Autonomous Emergency Brake, which engages when the driver fails to react quickly enough. Also, the Verso will be geared with Automatic High Beam that maintains wonderful forward visibility when driving at night. Something more, this system also detects headlights of the oncoming vehicles and the taillights of the vehicles in front and automatically switches to high and low beams. Sweet.

And the third key feature to the suite is the Lane Departure Alert. This one monitors the lane markings on the road and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions, caused by vehicle driving outside the line.

Additional equipment

2016 Toyota Verso

Verso is also available with the new Design trim level that can be incorporated in Active, Icon and Excel trim levels.

Available with the 1.8-liter Valvematic petrol power unit with automatic gearbox and with the 1.6-liter D-4D diesel, the Design trim level brings Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia system, reverse camera, rear privacy glass and fixed panoramic roof.

Also, for the top of the range, Excel models also receive rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, high-intensity discharge headlights and combination of leather and cloth upholstery. Sweet.

Furthermore, Icon, Design and Excel version can be specified with the optional high-value family pack with two rear setback screens with integrated DVD players and leather seat upholstery.

At the top of the range, Excel models gain the panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, high-intensity discharge headlights and combination leather and cloth upholstery.

Source: Toyota

March 18, 2016

Larte Design Reveals its Top Secret Project: Lexus LX 570

Larte Design Lexus LX Sketch one Larte Design is a tuning company based in Russia that has a lot of secrets. Here’s the latest one, which we somehow managed to get to: it is going to modify the newest Lexus 570, and in fact, it has sent us two exclusive sketch images, showing what the vehicle would eventually look like. Well, obviously it’s not a “top secret” anymore, and we’ll talk about this project further.

The sketches of the Lexus LX 570 body kit shows how the reworked Japanese luxury car can get even more fascinating. Larte Design actually said in official statement that the set for the new model will comprise of several pivotal points, and here they are…

First, there will be overlays for the original front and rear bumpers of the Lexus, thus making it more individually standing on the road. Then, the tuners will make the SUV more impressive by adding extra little spoilers and air vents. They both will frame the standard boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Larte Design Lexus LX Sketch Rear View

Furthermore, the mesh is separated by horizontal protrusions, continuing the bars of the main radiator grille. This styling treatment has its reasonable explanation and it is to underline the width of the car, making it look more dominant and masculine. At last, the rear of the LX 570 looks more elegant thanks to the overlay added onto the rear bumper, while the dark and contrasting diffuser is making the crossover sportier and way more aggressive.

We are definitely looking forward to this project with excitement and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for more exclusive Larte Design news!

Source: Larte Design

March 18, 2016

JMS Releases Styling Package for Ford Focus ST

JMS Ford Focus ST3 Front and Side View JMS is a tuning company which offers wide variety of modification options for almost any model. However, under the attention of the specialists fell the 2016 Ford Focus ST, with its classy styling, small proportions and sports performance character. So if you are looking to boost the qualities (external and in terms of power) of your Focus, maybe JMS is a good option. Let’s see at first what they have done with the Focus ST depicted in the gallery below.

We should also mention that the brand new JMS body kit for the Ford Focus ST3 was developed in cooperation with Stoffler. There are a lot of elements in the new styling kit, but the most important are these: the new front spoiler and the side skirts for the original ST sills that give the Focus more aggressive appearance; then come the rear apron for Turnier & Hatchback versions, with central exhaust outlets as well as the discreet roof spoiler. The latter also serves in terms of reducing the lift.

JMS Ford Focus ST3 Rear View

Next, the added Stoffler exhaust system, which features 120 x 80 mm central tailpipes, serves in terms of power enhancement as well as to produce a throaty soundtrack. In order to fill out the wheelarches, JMS has added Barracuda Shoxx Racing alloys, measuring 19-inch and coupled with 235/35R19 tyres.

At last, to strengthen the aggressive on road and sporty character of the car, the tuners added KW coil-over suspension, which lowers its ride height by 50 mm at the front and 40 mm at the rear. Other cools stuff that were featured in this project, but sadly weren’t detailed are the engine upgrades, high performance exhaust systems, sport suspension, suspension strut braces, wheel spacers, velour floor mats, wind blockers, stainless steel bumper protection bars, and the alarm system.