Auto News – Page 253 – Automobiles Review

Kia Releases One-Off Sportage Inspired By X-Men’s Mystique [VIDEO]

Kia Sportage X-Men Apocalypse Front and Side View We all know the link between Kia and X-Men. Since both brands have worked together for several projects already it is therefore logical to expect that the automobiles manufacturer will release an “X-Men: Apocalypse” themed car. It was of course designed as an advertisement of the movie which we will see in theaters next year in May. And here it is, shown in its full glory ahead of its Australian Open debut.

The unique vehicle is based on the Sportage model and it uses the character Mystique as an inspiration. You can now grasp why it features this exocentric blue “snake-like” exterior. Other cool styling elements include the emblem “X” on the redesigned front grille as well as on the tailgate, two-tones for the roof and a lot of black accents here and there (take a look on the wheel arches). Contrasting yellow body accents and a set of sporty wheels round out the exterior design scheme.

Kia Sportage X-Men Apocalypse Rear View

Although we are not familiar what powers this particular Kia Sportage, we know that when it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year it was available with two engines. I bet that the character of Mystique will chose the stronger one wouldn’t she?

The first variant is driven by a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This unit produces 181 hp (134 kW) and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque. At the top of the range we have the Sportage SX Turbo, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with four-cylinders. This one is stronger and boasts 241 hp (179 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. The transmission options are six-speed manual or an automatic.

If you haven’t watched the trailer of the X-Men: Apocalypse, you can do this by viewing the video below.

httpv://youtu.be/COvnHv42T-A

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

December 23, 2015

Ford Confirms the Launch of Falcon XR6 and XR8 Sprint Models

Ford Falcon XR Sprint Teaser Ford Falcon XR Sprint is making a big noise on the web right now and the reason for this is the first released teaser image by Ford Australia. Although it shows only the “Sprint” badge of the famous car, it also confirms the forth-coming release of the limited edition vehicle. Precisely, the car will be launched next year in a special edition variant, which of course will have a limited run. So this is big, isn’t it?

What we know is that the car will be introduced as an XR6 model variant and it will be powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol unit. The engine will be linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. But this isn’t all. The better part of the news here is that along with the XR6 model, there will be an introduction of a XR8 version.

The XR8 will be more powerful, because it will be driven by the supercharged V8 engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission as a standard or an available automatic one. It was also confirmed that both Falcons will feature power increase that will be accompanied by stronger brakes.

Moreover, Ford Australia also plans to give the Falcon XR Sprint new styling equipment by adding exclusive wheels and exterior stripes, bespoke interior and “Sprint” badging almost everywhere, including on the seats and a special “Sprint” plaque for the engine.

Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman said that the Falcon XR Sprint is made for the fans, and precisely that the “limited-edition series … will be highly regarded by Falcon fans”. He expects that these performance Fords will be highly collectible.

Stay tuned because more details about the Falcons are coming very soon. The Sprint badge pays tribute to the Falcon heritage and the original model, sold throughout North America in the sixties. The same badge was utilized for the famous Australian Falcon from the 1993, the ED XR8, which had optimized V8 engine, extreme suspension and was produced in a limited run of 300 units.

Source: Ford

December 23, 2015

Posaidon Ensures that There is an excess of 700 HP for the Mercedes-AMG C63 Station Wagon

Posaidon Mercedes-AMG C63 Station Wagon Front View Posaidon is a young tuning company which is fond of optimizing Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This time the attention of the specialists got the Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S in their station wagon versions. Note that in the gallery below is depicted only the C63 variant. They have chosen these two, because of the potent twin-charged 4.0 liter V8 engine, which in the C63 produces 476 hp (350 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.

The more powerful C63 S is capable of 510 hp (375 kW) and 700 Nm (517 lb-ft). Both cars have a factory limited top speed of 250 km/h, which can be raised to 290 km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package.

M177DE40AL

With performance tuning running in their blood, the experts at Posaidon decided to make something more impressive for the massive V8. This is why they have applied the M177DE40AL aggregate, which helps the C63 and C63 S achieve 700 hp (515 kW) and 890 Nm (657 lb-ft) of torque. The result is better acceleration time, which now jumps to 3.4 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint. The top speed is taken even further – to 343 km/h.

Posaidon Mercedes-AMG C63 Station Wagon Engine

This “performance explosion” is assisted also by the in-house made turbochargers and the upgrade for the charge air cooling. What is more, the tuning company applied an exhaust system, which connects directly to the turbochargers and features motorsport catalysts.

The engine map was optimized and now includes an optional deactivation of the start-stop mode, done by remapping the original engine control unit of the M177 engine. In addition, Posaidon optimized also the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed-sports-transmission or if the customer wishes there can be installed an upgrade rear differential for the non S models. The latter delivers better traction of the driven rear wheels through its increased barrier effect.

At last we should mention that the tuning studio offers the available speed-trap update. It integrates comfortably into the COMAND Online navigational system and makes everything a little bit easier.

Source: Posaidon

December 23, 2015

Breaking the Ice? How About Driving On It? [VIDEO]

2016 Lexus NX Still true to its ideology of “creating amazing” and still influenced by delivering the most advanced and versatile vehicles and technologies, Lexus will one more time break the ice. More correctly, it will ride the ice. What do I mean? Let me explain.

After months of research, experiments and tests the design team managed to find out how ice could be used in place of the usual tires. Now, the team proudly presents its special ice design tires that accompany the Lexus NX vehicle for a rather freezing ride around the London streets.

The project was undertaken by Hamilton Ice Sculptors, the London-based professionals with more than 35 years of experience in producing innovative and large-scale ice figures. And for Lexus team the handy Ice Sculptors used laser-scanned tires and computer-calculated technologies to deliver the ultimate ice tires.

And along with the computer-based technologies and precise calculations, project like this requires and a skilled human hand and eye for the total success of the project. There were four highly-skilled sculptors that worked for 36 hours to create each of the four wheels. The precision can be seen in each millimeter of the ice sculpture and the fine details surely are not only functional, but are also a special kind of piece of art.

So, how does this thing behave on the road? Check out for yourself!

httpv://youtu.be/u9CGTCD35Kg

Source: Nissan

December 22, 2015

Toyota Develops the Next Generation of Navigation Systems

Toyota Next-Gen Maps Toyota is working on a new-gen system for creating high-quality and high-accuracy maps to help drivers find the optimal and safest roads to their destination. The technology will use data from on-board cameras and GPS gadgets and will be showcased at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas 6-9 January.

The advanced system will use special production vehicle equipment to proceed data and information about the road conditions and will further choose the right track in every situation. Furthermore, this system will work with advanced software, due to the importance of accurate understanding of road layouts and traffic restrictions.

Toyota Next-Gen Maps

One of the major downsides of the new approach for software mapping is that it can easily make mistakes: the more the systems rely on cameras and GPS the bigger the chance of misleading information. However, the engineering team have a plan how to limit the mistakes to the minimum: their idea is to obtain the same information from numerous devices and make some relatively precise calculations and reduce the different content to zero.

Further plans include incorporating this system to core models and massive production vehicles by 2020. And even further in the future plans include expanding the functionality and efficiency of such systems.

httpv://youtu.be/56RNDP3hD-8

Toyota Next-Gen Maps

Source: Toyota

December 22, 2015

Ford Unveils Special Editions for The Upcoming 2016 Season

Ford’s well-known small car range will enter the 2016 season with numerous additions: gadgets, colors and tweaks. For example, Ford Fiesta and B-MAX will join Ka with Black, White and other options via the Color Edition lineup that will further boost the personalization options. So, let’s check out what is going on here.

Fiesta Zetec Black and Fiesta White Editions

2016 Ford Fiesta Zetec Black Edition

The latest Fiesta editions come with Frozen White and Panther Black exterior finish with contrasting roofs and wing mirrors. In fact, these are limited edition vehicles and also offer 15-inch black painted alloys with black inserts, accompanied by rear privacy glass and power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights.

In terms of performance, the limited editions will impress even the most skeptical minds: the vehicles will be geared with either the 1.0-liter EcoBoost unit with 100hp (73kW) or the 1.25-liter Duratec with 82hp (60kW) of total output for both three- and five-door variants.

The cabin has also undergone some minor changes and improvements. It comes with special black-colored gear knob with contrasting white stitching, leather-covered steering wheel also with white stitching and white inserts.

B-MAX Zetec Color Edition

2016 Ford B-MAX Zetec Color Edition

From next year the B-MAX lineup will include fresh members with the introduction of the Zetec-based Color Editions that feature black painted contrast roof and door mirrors, sporty styling details and of course, the exclusive and special 1.0-liter EcoBoost power unit that provides a total of 140hp (102kW). In fact, this unit is for the first time available beyond Fiesta Zetec S model.

As we talk about engines, we should also mention that there is a choice of three powertrains for this model lineup: the 1.0-liter Ecoboost with 140hp (102kW), the 1.4-liter 90hp (66kW) and the special 1.6-liter 105hp (77kW) PowerShift unit.

Additional goodies include black-painted front grille and body color rear spoiler, exclusive 16-inch black alloys, rear privacy glass and black aerofoil and rear diffuser.

Focus Zetec S Red and Black Editions

2016 Ford Focus Zetec S Black Edition

The latest Focus Zetec S Red Edition comes with Race Red exterior and special contrasting Panther Black roof, black mirror caps and black grille surround. On the other hand, the S Black Edition comes with just the opposite combination of color scheme with Panther Black exterior, Race Red roof, red mirror caps and red grille surround. Sweet, right?

This color scheme is carried throughout the interior: it offers black painted centre console, black leather sports steering wheel and gear lever gaiter with red stitching, black leather handbrake lever and gaiter with red stitching.

2016 Ford Focus Zetec S Black Edition

Both sweeties proudly demonstrate exclusive Panther Black 18-inch alloy wheels, black grille and Race Red diffuser components. But as we all know, the sporty spirit is not only held within the looks and style of the models. The beauties also offer impressive drivetrain system.

Both models include special sporty suspension with fine-tuned front and rear springs, tuned shock absorbers and front anti-roll bar for front-end grip and turn-in flexibility.

These are five-door only models that benefit from either the 1.5-liter EcoBoost 182hp (133kW) petrol unit or a 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi 150hp (110kW) diesel unit. Both drivetrain units come with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Ford

December 22, 2015

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Beautified by SR Auto Group

SR Auto Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Side View The New Prince is the nick name of this Mercedes-Benz AMG GT tuned by the specialists at the Canadian studio SR Auto Group. The car looks amazing even without modifications, but in sake of individuality this car has received some minor updates. And we do not want to see more, since this AMG GT has it all.

Considered the “angrier and younger brother” of the Mercedes-Benz SLS, the AMG GT was one of the most awaited and definitely satisfying introductions this year. The car features many benefits, but it is the most impressive in its performance figures and engine capabilities.

Speaking of which, the production variant of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT comes equipped with the newly-developed AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine connected to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. In this configuration, the car is capable of producing 462 hp (340 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. The production AMG GT also reaches a top speed of 304 kmph and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. When going 0-200 kmph the car needs 11.5 seconds.

SR Auto Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Rear View

The main focus of the tuning team therefore was on suspension and wheels, since they decided that the Mercedes got everything that it needs in terms of power and felt the body itself was styled perfectly from the factory.

The first thing was to add new suspension parameters. This has happened with the help of directly from H&R, which made sure that the Mercedes receive a new set of lowering springs. From there on, the specialists fitted the car with a set of double staggered two piece PUR 4OUR.M2 alloys.

They come in a special finish called Matte Anthracite but also have a gloss black inner barrel and monaco gold hardware. If you wonder about their size, well it is 9×20-inch at the front and 12×21-inch at the rear. Simple things make everything more stylish and beautiful, don’t they?

Source: SR Auto Group

December 22, 2015

Volkswagen Allstar Special Editions Celebrate 2016 UEFA

Volkswagen Allstar Special Editions - The "Soccer" Team Volkswagen has just released a very cool new range of special editions called Allstar. It is inspired by football and comes to celebrate the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Unfortunately, the cars were introduced to Germany only, despite that the beautiful images show a photo-session in Paris. And there are still no details, whether these cars will be offered in other European countries. Nevertheless, I’m sure that soccer fans will enjoy the efforts of Volkswagen. Here are the details.

Just like a real football team, there are exactly eleven model variants included in the Allstar editions lineup. These include the following (in alphabetical order): Beetle, Beetle Cabriolet, Golf, Golf Sportsvan, Golf Variant, Golf Cabriolet, Jetta, Polo, Scirocco and Sharan. All of them will carry a special “Allstar” badge on their B-pillars, which will signify that they differentiate from the others.

Volkswagen Allstar Golf

The additional details on these special editions include several styling changes as well as some aided interior comfortability. On the outside the cars received fog lights and “Linas”-style alloy wheels. We have already mentioned the Allstar badging on the B-pillars…

The interior has been made a little bit better thanks to the “Allstar” door sill plates and a Climatronic climate control system. Due to the added winter package, the cars also get heated front seats and windshield as well as headlight cleaning system. On the optional side, there is the Allstar Plus package that will further spoil the senses of the driver and the occupants.

Which is your Allstar player?

Source: Volkswagen via Facebook

December 22, 2015

Alpha-N Performance Releases EVOX Upgrade for BMW 4-Series

Alpha-N Performance BMW 4-Series Front and Side View Alpha-N Performance has prepared an interesting Christmas present for those of you who have BMW 4-Series. It is called EVOX power upgrade and is suitable for the 435d and 435i models. And by the way, with the replacement that BMW made, I mean – substituting the 3-Series Coupe and Cabriolet with the 4-Series, the company further differentiated these sportier variants from the four and five-door models. They look fantastic and the driving experience they offer is one-off.

The engine upgrade pack offered by Alpha-N Performance is now ready to infuse the BMW 4 Series models with more performance. Under the hood of the BMW 435i we have the TwinPower Turbo straight-six, which has a stock 306 hp (225 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Basically, the Alpha-N EVOX PowerPlus ECU tuning box takes this to 367 hp (270 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft).

Alpha-N Performance BMW 4-Series Rear View

Powering the 435d is the six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine. It has a stock power output of 313 hp (230 kW) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. With the EVOX box in place, these numbers jump at 374 hp (275 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. With the improvement of power we also expect to see better acceleration times. However, Alpha-N Performance did not say any details regarding these matters.

A larger intercooler was also installed to balance the enhanced performance. The chassis Öhlins Road&Track coilover suspension, which is entirely adjustable and allows lowering of up to 25 mm. At last, Alpha-N also added a set 19-inch OZ Racing Superturismo alloy wheels, which were shod with 235/35R19 and 255/30R19 tires.

So, if you are still wandering about a Christmas present, this performance pack seems absolutely appropriate.

Source: Alpha-N Performance

December 22, 2015

Vilner Creates the Most Eccentric MINI One Cabrio in the Universe

Vilner MINI One Cabrio Side View This is one of the craziest, most adorable and coolest interiors I have ever seen! And I have seen many. Under the exquisite work done here stands the name of Vilner, which has recently opened a studio in China. By the way, this is the first official project of the Beijing Studio they have decided to show to the general public.

As Vilner says, this is literally “the most eccentric MINI One Cabrio in the Universe”. The project was commissioned by the young actress Tyan Lynn, who wanted to express her sensuality and her motto in life: “Success can be limitless, just like the Universe”. As a result the interior is so colorful, that it barely needs any description… Nevertheless we should tell you the details, because this car is so inspiring that the word should be definitely spread.

As a matter of fact, the interior also received elements of pure gold, like the hand crafted icons on the buttons under the speedometer, some of the controls and the console in front of the gearshift lever. The latter has also received gold plating just like the roll-bars behind the heads of the rear occupants.

Basically the actress wanted the interior of her R57 in the colors of the Universe. This is a very tough task that shouldn’t be underestimated. That’s why Vilnerapplied 25 layers of paint and varnish that cover all plastic parts on the dashboard and steering wheel, including the bezels of the vents.

Vilner MINI One Cabrio Interior

For the upholstery the tuning studio has utilized pure leather and Alcantara in eccentric color which emphasizes the Universe. The purple is a representation of the “sweetness of life”, while blue stands for the vastness of the human soul. White has been used for the stitching and the seat belts.

On the outside the car has received minor changes: white alloys and asymmetrical coloring for the new wheel arches. The front ones come in blue paint, while those at the rear are in white. This is probably the most extrovert MINI ever made, isn’t it?

And don’t miss our Top 5 Star Wars Themed Cars!

Vilner MINI One Cabrio From Above

Source: Vilner

December 21, 2015

Acura Announces Details for 2016 Precision Concept

2016 Acura Precision Concept Acura is ready to unveil the Acura Precision Concept at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12. Crafted by the Acura Design Studio in California, Acura Precision Concept has the ambition to reshape the future of the whole Acura design ideas.

Furthermore, the brand team also announced details for the next-ten NSX supercar that is scheduled to come to market next spring. In fact, these announcements not only strengthen brand’s positions on the market, but also mark the intention for further achievements. As you might know, Acura marks positive growth in market positions in 2015, which is brand’s best since the peak back in 2007. Only through November, the brand managed to mark a growth with 6.9 per cent.

Further information will be available soon, as the Acura team prepares for the challenges of 2016. And as we think about it, we are brave enough to believe that designers and engineers will do their best in bringing us only the best in terms of vehicle superiority and performance. After all, when we think about the successful RLX flagship sedan, TLX performance-oriented luxury sedan, ILX model, RDX luxury sedan and the all-time best-selling Acura MDX, we do keep our expectations on a high level.

Source: Acura

December 21, 2015

The Stronger the Better: Meet VAETH Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

VAETH Mrcedes-Benz C63 AMG This is VAETH Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It has more power, better performance, enhanced looks. In other words it is absolutely adorable. With a stock horses up to 511 hp (376 kW), this car was lucky enough to get blessed by the V63S tuning kit that has it all. By all I mean the engine electronics, top speed unlocking and VAETH oil cooling installation.

After the V63S the four liters capacity of the powerful engine can boast up to 609 hp (448 kW) and 810 Nm (598 lb-ft) of torque. The Vmax has been too raised: from 300 to 320 kmph (from 186 to 199 mph). If this isn’t enough, VAETH can optimize your turbochargers and down pipe, releasing from 660 to 680 horsepower.

VAETH Mrcedes-Benz C63 AMG Rear View

That amount of additional power requires brake optimization via steel flex tubes, vehicle type approval and Castrol SRF racing brake fluid. There is a lowering performed with the help of lowering springs and coilovers that bring the car 15…40 mm closer to the ground.

To look even tougher onto the ground, the car has been equipped with 20-inch wheels in silver or black, which has been fitted with tires sized 255/30ZR20 at the front and 275/30ZR20 at the rear. Besides speedometer extension to 360 kmph, the car is also fitted with aluminum pedal set and black velour foot mats with silver VAETH logo.

Source: Miranda Media

December 21, 2015

Category: Auto News

M177DE40AL

Fiesta Zetec Black and Fiesta White Editions

B-MAX Zetec Color Edition

Focus Zetec S Red and Black Editions