Auto News – Page 233 – Automobiles Review

BMW Showcases the Unique VISION NEXT 100 Vehicle

2016 BMW VISION NEXT 100 2016 season year meets BMW Group as the team celebrates its centenary under the motto THE NEXT 100 YEARS. Throughout brand’s history, BMW has shown the world incredible technologies, striking innovations and passionate team that committed itself for bringing refined vehicles and outstanding design.

Three are the qualities of BMW Group employees that drove the brand to such heights: the capability of learning and adapting, responsibility and of course, the undying desire for further innovations.

In fact, part of the celebration was the unveiling of the BMW VISION NEXT 100. This vehicle combines coupe-style sportiness and the elegance of a sedan. Some of the most notable features include Alive Geometry, Boost and Ease modes for driver-controlled or vehicle-controlled operations and of course, that unmistakable BMW feel and appearance.

2016 BMW VISION NEXT 100

Furthermore, there will be a special BMW Festival, held in 9-11 September 2016 that will not only demonstrate iconic BMW models, but will also be the stage of completely new and futuristic vehicles that will show brand’s ideas for the future.

And to round off the centenary year, there will be a special publication in 13 volumes. The idea is to outline the history of the brand and make a discussion about key models, ideas and turns of events. The books will contain a well blended mix of essays, reports, studies and expert reviews and interviews.

And last, but not least, BMW Group will increase its foundations to a total of €100 million and will start projects for additional sums to be collected with the idea of charity and social commitment.

2016 BMW VISION NEXT 100

Source: BMW

March 7, 2016

Polestar Offers Exclusive Performance Pack for Volvo Automobiles

2016 Polestar Performance Parts Polestar showcases a whole new lineup of high-performance products that offer even more capabilities and more enhanced features for Volvo owners. Named Polestar Performance Parts, the pack offers wide range of exclusively made components that can be fitted in the Volvo S60, V40, V60 and XC60 models. The components include chassis parts, wheels, exhaust, interior and exterior details and more.

All Polestar Performance Parts are especially created under the philosophy “Made to Perform” and embrace the 20-year motorsport experience of engineers and race drivers from Polestar and their motorsport partner Cyan Racing.

Polestar Performance parts can be purchased as a complete set with chassis parts, wheels and tires, intakers and exhaust as well as individual components. In fact, all of these components can be further combined with the Polestar Performance Optimization for even more refined driving experience.

2016 Polestar Performance Parts

All these components are developed and tested altogether with Volvo Cars and of course, offer the same high quality and standards.

Polestar Performance Parts pack will be available for purchase in all Volvo dealers in April. Further details will soon be announced.

2016 Polestar Performance Parts

And here is a sweet video for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umEsvsfJ7Lo&feature=youtu.be

Source: Volvo

March 7, 2016

2016 DS 3 Performance Presents Itself in a Special TV Spot [w/video]

2016 DS 3 Performance In order to celebrate the launch of the new DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio, DS Automobiles will be taking over Central Atrium at Westfield London between 4 and 6 March with the new DS 3 Performance making its UK debut. Also, as part of the whole event, DS will be offering a chance for all participants to win a VIP Shopping Experience with a special Westfield Gift Card to spend with a personal fashion stylist and also the chance to drive the new DS 3 for a week. Sweet.

Furthermore, the avant-garde Parisian brand will create and installation at Westfield London and run a competition with the new DS 3 and the TV commercial, featuring the 94-year old fashion designer and DS brand ambassador, Iris Apfel.

2016 DS 3 Performance

Apparently, the centerpiece will be the colorful installation of the iconic moment from the TV advert with the new DS 3 and Iris Apfel, who is renowned for her oversized glasses and one-of-a-kind jewellery. Another feature is the DS photo wall, on which visitors can demonstrate that they are “Driven by Style”. They can pose in a striking Apfel-influenced pose in front of DS photo wall. Also, buyers have the chance to win countless prizes, including grand prize of VIP shopping experience.

And of course, the new DS 3 will be on display in the Atrium at Westfield London with eight models, including the DS 3 Performance, now available in hatchback and Cabrio variatns. As you know, The DS 3 Performance blends power, refinement, intense driving experience and striking new visions.

2016 DS 3 Performance

And here is the video itself. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NjlVaNphlk

Source: DS Automobiles

March 7, 2016

You Have to See the KTM X-Bow GT Black Edition Before You Watch the New Batman Movie!

Wimmer RS KTM X-Bow GT Black Edition seems like it has just made a great photo-session in Batman’s lair. Take a look in the gallery below and you’ll get my idea, but… it will be the ultimate batmobile, if Batman wasn’t a protagonist but a real-life superhero. The car is setting absolutely new standards when it comes to defining “fully carbon fiber vehicle” and the reason for this is that its whole body is made of the lightweight material. Literally.

So basically, it sits on a unique monocoque (well-known from the other X-Bow models) and in addition the car is fitted with components in high-tech carbon fiber like the complete underfloor, the bonnet, and the front and rear body parts as well as the wheel arches and engine covers. By the way, the use of aerodynamically optimized parts has helped in achieving the down-force of a Formula racing car.

The Design

And how about the design of this unique Black Edition of the KTM X-Bow GT? First, stepping on the basis of the X-BOW GT, the car features additional details that make it really individual. Precisely, it is equipped with the Sticker Kit, which is located on the side of the monocoque and has one-off color. There is a choice of 18- and 19-inch BBS rims, which are also part of the standard equipment.

The Interior

On the inside, the design continues to impress with its detailing and substantial use of carbon fiber. The seats for example are hand-stitched and also include a stamp “BLACK EDITION” on their headrest. Furthermore, the cabin can be proud of suede leather steering wheel with color-coordinated 12-hour markings and matching stitching, right up to the all-aluminum machined gear and hand brake levers as well as the multi-media interface with rear-view camera. The aluminum badge on the center console indicates the production number of this limited special edition car as well as the signature of the employee responsible for the hand-construction of the model.

Power & Performance

Wimmer RS KTM X-Bow GT Black Edition Rear View

At last, the driver of the KTM X-BOW “Black Edition” will also enjoy the black anodized sport exhaust, a quick shifter for quicker gear-changing and a factory engine tuning up to 320 hp (235 kW).

KTM X-Bow GT Black Edition will be produced in only five units. They are currently available at a starting price of €99,000.

Source: WIMMER RS via Miranda Media

March 7, 2016

Toyota Setsuna Concept: A Boat-Like Car that Deserves Your Attention

Toyota Setsuna Concept Car front View Toyota Setsuna Concept is a car that we won’t see every day. And although it is unusual topic for our online magazine, the effort that Toyota is making with it should be appreciated. As you can see on the picture, this vehicle is rather an object of art, then a regular car. And that’s was the purpose of the concept – to impress visitors at the Milan Design Week next month.

To go directly into details the car is really made primarily out of wood. This material was chosen for the project because it was one of the few which can capture the developing relationship between people and their cars and more specifically – the way objects that people use and how their appearance changes over the years. This means that Setsuna’s surfaces will gradually transform with the years it stays usable and drivable.

Standing for “moment” in Japanese, the name Setsuna was chosen to reflect how people can experience special and memorable experiences with their cars. In this lies the belief of Toyota that over time such collective moments can give cars a significant place in their owners’ lives.

More specifically, the designers at the brand picked different and distinctive types of wood for different parts of the car, including the exterior panels, frame, floor and seats. Exactly this gives Setsuna appealing characteristics not found in “normal” cars. For instance, it can last for many generations and its colour and texture will change in response to its environment.

Another interesting fact is that during the process of the building, Toyota used the traditional Japanese joinery technique called okuriari, which doesn’t use any nails or screws. As a result, the completed body line expresses a beautiful curve reminiscent of a boat.

It will be rather strange if we told you that the Setsuna is powered by a petrol or diesel engine. The concept car is driven by electric motor, but we didn’t receive any other specifics regarding its output. At last, to get the whole picture about this ship-like vehicle, it measures 3,030mm in length and 1,480mm in width, it is a two-seater and stands 970mm tall and has a 970mm wheelbase.

Toyota Setsuna Concept Car will be exhibited in public at 31 Via Tortona in Milan from 12 to 17 April.

Source: Toyota

March 7, 2016

Volkswagen Offers Exclusive Golf SportWagen Limited Edition

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is going to arrive in North American dealerships later this month. The model is positioned between the S and SE grades and includes wide variety of features that every Golf Wagon admirer will enjoy immensely. What is more, at no cost buyers can now get a panoramic sunroof and 17-inch alloys.

Speaking of the standard features, the Golf SportWagen Limited Edition has also an envious list of assistance features like the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor, and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist). Over the S trim, the Limited Edition other enhancements like the chrome window trim and a “Limited” badge on the front fenders.

The interior has been too updated with standard with leatherette seating surfaces and KESSY keyless access with push-button start. Even more, the front seats are heatable and there are also standard window washer nozzles. The occupants will stay amused by the MIB II infotainment system, which provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity features too. And don’t worry that your device won’t be supported: it Volkswagen offers all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

At last, but not least, the VW Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine that develops 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The economy rating of the model is also a thing to keep in mind: estimated EPA on the highway is of 35 mpg.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is scheduled to go on sale in dealerships later this month. It will be offered on a starting price of $24,995 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

March 7, 2016

Maser GranCabrio Sport is a Maserati-Based Masterpiece by Vilner

Maser GranCabrio Sport Exterior Maser GranCabrio Sport is the name that Vilner gave the MY2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport after the thorough and substantial tuning of its cabin. And interesting fact is that the car was sent by England with the single purpose to get its interior beautified in the Bulgarian-based Art Tuning Studio.

In terms of the exterior the Maserati hasn’t been changed. This means that it has kept the original Rosso Trionfale exterior color as well as the beautiful black Astro 20-inch wheels. No changes have been given to the engine too, since the owner was pretty satisfied with its performance values. 2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport is powered by a 4.7 liters V8 engine with 4691cc displacement, 450 hp (330 kW) and 510 Nm (378 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic and drives the rear wheels.

The Work on Maser’s Cockpit

Maser GranCabrio Sport Interior Picture One: Before and After

In contrast to the exterior, the stock Bianco Pregiato cockpit is now history. The custom Vilner interior is entirely different in terms of design philosophy and craftsmanship in comparison to the production one. The soft brown leather used for the entire wrapping of the cabin features wine red accents and white stitching. Everything has been dressed in Alcantara and high-quality leather: from the sun visors to the door panels. Speaking of the latter, their design includes a white stitching which beautifully frames the plane of the surface.

Discrete details can be seen on the front belt-leaders, their locking mechanisms and the inner door handles. Precisely, these elements have been made of two different layers of skin with a round perforation on the outside. All of the hard surfaces (like the base of the seats) of this Maserati have been wrapped in fine Alcantara. The front frame of the mirror have been wrapped in brown skin, while all of the original plastic decorations on the dashboard and doors have been lacquered in black.

Maser GranCabrio Sport Interior Picture Two: Before and After

An intriguing contrast is making the cover of the gearshift lever with its black base, as is the red-wine color used for the revised steering wheel. Other changes include the following: the bars of the Bose speakers are now brown, the shutters of the anti-rollbars at the back are now red, the Alcantara wrapping for the ceiling, the floor mats in red leather trim, and the floor of the trunk with “Trident of Neptune” embroidery. We can’t skip the special bag, which is always included in Vilner’s tunings and that complements the design of the interior.

After the tuning was eventually finished, the owner was so stunned by the work of Vilner’s experts that e praised their work with the following words:

“I love this car, from the moment I took it. It has techniques that carry Ferrari genes, but the vinyl interior was quite numb and was easily damaged. The new one, executed by Vilner, is just wonderful! If only Maserati could do the cockpit in this quality and half as impressive! Finally, the interior meets the exterior.”

Source: Vilner

March 3, 2016

Sweet and Handsome, FIAT 500S Received Tons of Attention at the Geneva Show

2016 FIAT 500S Beautiful and agile, FIAT 500S make its global debut at 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the FIAT 500, this bad boy offers some sporty features, along with notable improvements.

Compared to the predecessor model, 500S comes with sporty bumpers, special side skirts and rear spoiler, while the door handles, tailgate and the distinctive 15-inch alloys speak of passion and dynamics. There are also special 16-inch diamond black wheels as an optional feature. Also, the rear privacy glass and the chrome-finish exhaust tailpipe, along with bold rear grille are only some of the new features of the 500S.

2016 FIAT 500S

The inside of the vehicle is enhanced by black seats and black roof lining that contrasts with the door panels and seat edges. the Satin Graphite details are visible on the dashboard fascia and the sports wheel. In fact, the interior can also be trimmed in the optional Frau leather with white or light blue details for additional exclusivity boost.

The dashboard incorporates FIAT’s fresh Uconnect 7-inch HD LIVE touch screen with tablet-like controls. This goodie offers wide range of functions as Uconnect LIVE, Bluetooth hands-free system, voice recognition, Bluetooth streaming, USB connectivity and more. Of course, drivers will be delighted to find out that the vehicle benefits from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2016 FIAT 500S

Source: FIAT

March 3, 2016

Luxurious and Agile: BMW M770Li xDrive at the Geneva Show. What Does it Offer?

2016 BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence With the introduction of the new BMW M760Li xDrive, the BMW 7 series regains its good positions in the luxury segment. With exceptional power and refined driving capabilities, the new sweetie has a lot to offer. So, let’s check it out!

In terms of performance the new xDrive vehicle offers the titanic power of a M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder petrol unit. this 6.6-liter V12 monster develops a total of 610hp (448kW) and has a peak torque of 800Nm. This all means that the vehicle goes from 0 to 100km/h in mere 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). And if the customer decides to install the optional M Driver’s Package, the top speed goes above 300km/h (189mph).

Also, in terms of drivetrain system, the Executive Drive Pro suspension system contributes to additional smoothness and ride comfort. And the Active roll stabilization minimises body movements, while the rear-biased BMW xDrive intelligent AWD system distributes just the right amount of power individually to each of four wheels.

2016 BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence

And the incredible steering dynamics are achieved via the Integral Active Steering system that also offers more direct steering ratio at the front axle by adjusting the steering angle of the rear wheels, according to the situation at hand.

Additional equipment goodies include Driving Assistant Plus system, Steering and lane control assist, Lane keeping assistant, rear collision preventation and crossing traffic warning functions. Also, there is a Traffic jam assistant that involves semi-automated driving.

Exterior styling

2016 BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence

In terms of appearance, BMW M760Li xDrive proudly demonstrates large air intakers, exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design with matt Cerium Grey finish. Also, the exclusive grey finish is applied to the kidney grille frame, along with the front apron strip, door handles, and more.

Other distinctive exterior components are the special mirror caps, V12 badges on the C-pillars, M logos on the sides and the xDrive lettering. Also, the new M sport exhaust system with flap control generates emotional and dramatic sound.

Interior styling

2016 BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence

There are some familiar components as exclusive M leather steering wheel, Pearl Gloss Chrome multifunctional buttons, shift paddles, door sill plates with illuminated V12 logo and overall sporty ambience.

But the sporty spirit doesn’t mean uncomfortable ride. Just the opposite. The electrically adjustable front comfort seats with memory function and the Fineline black fine wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal blends with the high-quality deep-pile floor mats in the rear to create exclusive premium ambience.

Source: BMW

March 3, 2016

Chelsea Truck Company Debuts the Jeep Wrangler Black Hawk Edition in Geneva

Kahn Jeep Wrangler CTC Black Hawk Edition Front View Chelsea Truck Company Jeep Wrangler Black Hawk Edition debuts at Kahn’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show alongside the Vengeance. The special edition Jeep was teased with a sketch drawing recently, but it didn’t show the vast beauty that the vehicle has been actually endowed with. As a matter of fact, the styling pack mimics Chelsea Truck Company’s Land Rover Defender Wide Track pack and has many similarities in the design. And here are the details.

The Exterior

Starting off with the exterior color, the Wrangler has been painted in Volcanic Rock. It perfectly complements the aggressive wide wheel arches (that are entirely redesigned), the new grille and bumper assembly. At the front of the vehicle we see the four-slot grille with industrial mesh that is emblematic for the Chelsea Truck Company (CTC). It is flanked by two smoked headlights.

Furthermore, the front is also adorned by vented Iron Man bonnet, Piano Black door handles a fuel filler cap and mirrors, Tron Ring lights and horizontal LED DRLs, while the rear CTC’s iconic spare wheel cover.

A new set of Kahn wheels are always preliminary for tuner’s modifications and they are complemented by painted brake callipers and a quad- cross-hair exhaust system.

The Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler CTC Black Hawk Edition Interior

The cabin of this Jeep Wrangler looks even better! The front and rear seats have been wrapped in brick-red quilted and perforated honeycomb leather that is contrasted with gold top stitching. The same material is used for the centre glove box and arm rests, while the absolutely new in-house made steering wheel will offer the driver greater grip and more comfort.

Kahn Jeep Wrangler CTC Black Hawk Edition will be available in petrol and diesel variant, in both right hand and left hand drive. The exterior styling package will be available to purchase soon.

Source: Kahn Design

March 3, 2016

Maserati at Geneva Show: What Did the Team Offer to the Audience?

2017 Maserati Levante Maserati chose the Geneva Show scene to unveil its first ever SUV to the world: the Levante. With a name, inspired by the wind, the fresh vehicle joins the club of luxury SUVs along with Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

So, what makes this vehicle special? We should mention design characteristics, exclusivity and definitely the refined performance. Also, the team has paid special attention to the interior, that has been crafted with finest materials: the cabin is spacious and offers cozy and pleasurable ride with the panoramic electric sunroof, along with coupe-sleek external lines.

Levante SUV shares the same architecture as Quattroporte and Ghibli, but also offers some new features as fine-tuned suspension, capable of going on- and off-road and electronically controlled damping with four corner air-springs that provide five dynamic ride levels.

2017 Maserati Levante

In terms of performance, the SUV is geared with a 3.0-liter V6 Twin-Turbo petrol unit, capable of producing 350hp or 450hp (depending on the model) and a 275hp 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel engine. All of the power units are paired to a Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system.

All this means that Levante S (430hp) finishes the 0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264km/h (194mph). This model provides combined NEDC-cycle consumption of 10.9l/100km. On the other hand, the 350hp version needs 6 seconds to complete the 0-100km/h sprint and offers a top speed of 251km/hwith combined cycle consumption of 10.7l/km. The diesel unit covers 0-100 in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h with consumption, measured at 7.2l/100km.

In terms of additional technical equipment, the vehicle offers Maserati Touch Control system with a 8.4-inch high-resolution screen, wide range of advanced drive-assistance systems that include adaptive cruise control, automatic Start&Stop function, forward collision warning, automatic brake assist and lane departure warning.

Also, there are two optional upgrade packs: Luxury-Package and Sprot-Pack. Both offer additional visual and technical goodies and additional personalization options.

2017 Maserati Levante

Along with Vevante SUV, Maserati will be displaying Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, along with GranTurismo coupe.

In fact, there are two Ghibli models: the AWD SQ4 with 410hp via 3.0-liter V6 Twin-Turbo power unit and the diesel-version with 275hp 3.0-liter V6 Turbo unit that also features Zegna Edition interior.

The Quattroporte on display is indeed the GTS version with 530hp 3.8-liter Ferrari-produced V8 Twin-Turbo unit with peak torque of 710Nm that allows the vehicle to go from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, also offered with Zegna Edition interior.

And the flagship mode, the GranTurismo MC Starale is also on display. Geared with naturally-aspired 4.7-liter 460hp V8 unit, this sweetie goes from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5seconds and has a top speed of 303km/h.

Source: Maserati

March 3, 2016

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

Kahn Vengeance Exterior Kahn Vengeance is one of the custom built cars that Kahn Design is debuting this year at the Geneva Motor Show. In fact, the Vengeance has been officially launched there, since we have seen slices of it through the previous months. The coach built two-door coupe, which is based on the Aston Martin DB9 chassis, is a synthesis of modern engineering and classic design.

As a matter of fact, design this car was Afzal Kahn’s lifelong pursuit and inspiration. The Vengeance is actually the car he has always wanted to drive.

Built entirely by hand, the car has unique design inside and out. The front has been entirely remodeled and features new front bumper and wide spaced grille with aggressive appearance. Both elements are framed by widened front wings which merge into the doors.

Kahn Vengeance Interior

The central bulge of the bonnet continues to the roof, which flow outwards to the widened C-pillars and rear wings. The chrome roof halo curves around the large rear window and goes to the redesigned rear. The latter includes new bumper that houses in-house made crosshair exhaust system and rear lighting.

The wheels that Vengeance runs on are lightweight and have one-off retro styling with multi-spoke design and two tome retro finish. The number of spokes increases from sixteen at the front to eighteen at the rear, lending extra visual weight to the rear wings. These unique wheels were fitted with 225-wide tires at the front, and 335-wide ones at the rear.

Kahn Vengeance can be seen at the Geneva Motor Show at company’s stand Nr. 6338.