Category: Auto News

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

Jay Leno is on the Dark Side Riding Darth Vader’s Car [VIDEO]

If you are a Star Wars fan, you’d be probably extremely impatient for the premiere of the new series “The Force Awakens”, which will happen in a couple of days. So, obviously the world is going crazy about this and we have seen lately some amazing cars (I’m speaking about Dodge’s ad campaign). Now, even Jay Leno has joined the clamor by driving the one-off Hot Wheels Darth Vader Car. And the best thing about it is that his experience has been recorded as a Jay Leno’s Garage episode. You can watch it below of course.

In this truly unique experience Leno is joined by the designer Bryan Benedict and builder Billy Hammon. I’m not going to tell you what’s in the episode and will leave you with the pleasure of watching it.

SEE ALSO: Darth Vader’s Viper ACR and Stormtrooper’s Challenger and Charger Take Over L.A. [VIDEO]

What I‘ll do is to tell you some unbiased facts about this car. First, it is a result of the collaboration between Hot Wheels and Star Wars franchises, thus as a result the ultimate ride for the dark side has been born. In the beginning it was released as miniature, in a 1:64 toy variant, but in the end it became a life-size car.

Powered by an LS3 V8 engine, which generates 526 horsepower (387 kW), this vehicle rides on custom red line tires. The powerful engine drives the rear wheels and also has a backlit, side-exit exhaust system. It also produces the heavy breathing sounds famous for Darth Vader. Back in the summer of 2014, the visitors of Comic-Con even got the chance of seeing the car.

What is more, the “nose” of this unique car is made of carbon fiber resembling Sith Lord’s mask. Furthermore, the automobile runs on MHT set of wheels that were specifically made for it. There are also other design elements that make it look really good and alike to Darth Vader. Just take a look at the triple headlights and the split windshield.

Now dive into Jay Leno’s experience:

httpv://youtu.be/nMoGFbhLgJw

Video and News Source: YouTube

December 15, 2015
One-Off McLaren MP4-12C High Sport Expected to be Auctioned for More than $1.5 Million at Mecum

The depicted and very rare McLaren MP4-12C High Sport in silver/black/red exterior color is going to be auctioned at the Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee event next year. The one-off sports car is of course a deed of McLaren Special Operations (MSO), which has an intriguing history making it more and more expensive as the days pass by.

What’s the deal here. Originally this High Sport variant of the MP4-12C had to be produced in a limited run of only five examples. However, there was a big interest among customers so basically MSO made it in ten units. This is actually chassis number 9, but it is one-of-a-kind because it is the single of those ten which has a Formula 1 Vodafone Racing Team colors.

SEE ALSO: Meet the Last McLaren P1™ with Production Number 375

This unit is also responsible for delivering exceptional performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity, making it go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds and reach a top speed well north of 200 mph.

McLaren Special Operations’ spirit is also imbued in this 12C GT3 racer. There are a lot of reasons for this, but mainly because of the redesigned front and rear bumpers with side air extractors and louvers on top of the front fenders. These measures increase down force, reduce drag and improve brake cooling.

Also very cool about this project is that it is only on 208 miles. Its uniqueness is further strengthened via the signatures under hood from the winning McLaren team drivers and crew to celebrate victory at Nuremberg, Germany. Speaking about features here, we must also mention the Stealth Package, sport exhaust, carbon ceramic brakes and carbon fiber engine package.

The ninth McLaren MP4-12C High Sport is driven by a mid-mounted 3.8L twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, which is coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. It has three driving modes: Normal, Sport or Track. It also includes specially designed travel cases and rides on special bi-color 20-inch lightweight Diamond cut racing wheels.

The interior features a Meridian sound system with navigation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, carbon fiber, Alcantara and leather in F1 team colors.

It is expected that the price of the car at the Mecum Auctions reaches $1,300,000 – $1,600,000. The event will happen at Kissimmee, January 15-24.

December 15, 2015

This is Why the New smart fortwo cabrio is so Adorable!

smart fortwo cabrio Side View Meet the new smart fortwo cabrio. It is as sweet as the previous generation, however it has an advantage: an electrically-operated fabric roof. This roof can be lowered or raised in just 12 seconds at any speed of the mini vehicle. But this is not all. This car also offers low running costs, stylish exterior and interior design and dynamic handling.

As a cabriolet, this car features triple-layered soft top. The glass rear screen fully opens so that the roof side bars can be removed and fit easily into the cabrio’s folding tailgate. There are two variants for the color of the soft top: the first one is black and the second is red.

In addition, there is a choice of two engines – 71 hp or 90 hp turbo, which can be connected to a twinamic five-speed manual gearbox or a twinamic six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Let’s talk about efficiency. The 71 hp engine returns up to 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting just 99 g/km of CO₂. And it can also achieve a top speed of up to 94 mph. Speaking of the turbo variant, it returns 67.3 mpg and emits 99 g/km. Its top speed is 96 mph.

Model Lines Which Have Names

smart fortwo cabrio Front View

The next good news is that three model lines are available and they have these names: passion, prime and proxy. Firstly, passion rides on 15” eight-spoke alloys and features automatic climate control, smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity as well as a choice of either an orange/black or a grey/black interior.

Secondly, prime has 15” five-twin-spoke black alloy wheels with high sheen finish as well as black leather upholstery with grey topstitching and heated seats. Additional dashboard instrument pods with a cockpit clock and rev counter are also the advantages of this line.

At last, the proxy model shows-off with the largest wheels, measuring 16-inches and being eight-Y-spoke in black. This variant also features a blue and white interior with Artico and cloth upholstery and a Sports Package. The latter includes sports perforated leather multifunction steering wheel, sports suspension lowered by 10 mm, rubber-studded brushed steel sports pedals and a chrome exhaust finisher.

Optional Equipment

smart fortwo cabrio Interior

There are two premium packages to add: Premium and Premium Plus. The first one is available on passion, prime and proxy model lines and comprises of rear parking assistance a.k.a. acoustic parking sensors, smart media system with navigation, and the Comfort package, including height adjustable steering wheel and heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors.

The Premium Plus Package adds the aforementioned features of the Premium pack, but also includes ambient lighting, welcome home function, LED headlamps with enhanced LED DRLs, ; cube-like LED tail lights, rain and light sensors and a rear-view camera. It however can be purchased only on the prime and proxy model lines.

2016 smart fortwo cabrio has a starting price of £13,265 (UK) and 15,655 euro (Europe) and will be available in dealerships in the beginning of next year.

Fast Facts:

smart fortwo cabrio	52 kW	66 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement	3/in-line	3/in-line
Displacement (cc)	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)	52/71	66/90
at rpm	6000	6200
Rated torque (Nm)	91	135
at rpm	2850	2500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.3	4.2
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	99	97
Efficiency class	B	B
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.5	11.7
Top speed (km/h)	151	155
Prices starting at (euros)	15,655	16,550

Source: smart

December 15, 2015

Ginetta is Ready To Showcase the G57 Sports Car

The all-new Ginetta G57 will make its public debut at Europe’s premier pre-season motorsport show, indeed the 2016 Autosport International Show. The prototype race vehicle will be exposed at Ginetta’s stand between 14-17 January. Furthermore, there will be full and comprehensive press conference on Thursday, 14 January at 10:30am on Ginetta’s stand. There will be photo opportunities and special presentation made personally by Ginetta Chairman, Lawrence Tomlinson.

The G57 will come on a monocoque chassis with carbon crash box and FIA-approved steel rollcage for enhanced driver and passenger safety. The sweetie will be geared with a Chevrolet LS3 6.3-liter V8 unit and will produce the incredible 580 hp (426 kW). It will be paired to a six-speed sequential transaxle transmission from Xtrac: the global leader that will also has exhibition at the 2016 Autosport International event.

SEE ALSO: This Rolls-Royce Phantom is Inspired by Sunrise

Also, the sporty Ginetta prototype will offer a wide range of contemporary technical units to guide the driver. In fact, the G57 has already been accepted as one of the vehicles for competition in the VdeV series in France and in numerous more open sportscar championships and events.

Also, on the four-day event audience will have the chance to have a ride with one of the special G40 Club Cars: Ginetta’s own racing drivers will take control over the vehicle around a special indoor track and will deliver unforgettable experience for every vehicle lover out there. How cool is that?

Source: Ginetta

December 14, 2015
AMG Strikes Again: Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet is Here!

Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet comes with style, passion an aggression. The sexy cabrio offers stunning amount of power and enhanced performance capabilities, along with beautiful exterior design with elegant, yet aggressive lines. The massive and powerful stance is further boosted, thanks to the unique blend of Mercedes-Benz and AMG union. So, let’s see what this beauty has to offer.

Design

The visually stunning vehicle fascinates with numerous known and numerous unknown to this moment features. As the high-sheen chrome at the front, sides an rear, large central Mercedes star, the “twin blade” radiator grille and numerous more.

At the sides the vehicle catches the eye with the V12 BITURBO lettering on the wings, while the ceramic high-sheen multi-spoke forged wheels contribute to that sporty, yet beautiful affair. At the same time the 8.5 J x 20 with size 255/40 ZR 20 tires at the front, and 9.5 J x 20 with tire size 285/35 ZR 20 at the rear wheels emphasize the athletic and ready-for-high-doses-of-adrenaline appearance.

The rear also has a lot to demonstrate. The AMG sport exhaust system and its two chromed twin pipes in V12 style are chrome-plated and perfectly integrate with vehicle’s appearance, while the distinctive diffuser inserts and other glossy elements make somehow a distinctive visual contrast: they enhance the A-wings design and contributes to the sporty affair.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Family Gets a S 400 4MATIC Model

And the most interesting part, the foldable top also has a lot to demonstrate. First of all, in closed position the multi-layered soft top has that sweet design and perfectly matches the silhouette of the vehicle. Available in black, dark blue, beige and dark red, it can be electro-hydraulically opened and closed while on the more up to 50 km/h. It folds and unfolds for the good 17 seconds and is especially designed to save luggage space.

Drivetrain system

The beauty is geared with special power unit that produces a total of 630 hp (463 kW) and maximum torque of 1000 (one thousand!) Nm. via its 12 cylinders and electronically fine-tuned engine. It is paired to a special AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission that distributes power to the rear axle. It is a special 7-speed automatic engineering wonder that offers a choice of three individual modes: Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Manual. This combination allows the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds and with this impressive start it can chase the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (138mph).

Furthermore, the special AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine offers biturbocharging, aluminum crankcase, forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel, multi-spark ignition with 12 twin-spark ignition units, air-to-water intercooler with low temperature circuit and alternator management.

Powerful, stylish and capable of conquering every heart. This is what I call a good Mercedes-AMG vehicle.

Source: AMG

December 14, 2015
Renault Clio RS Trophy is the New Hatch Champion at Nurburgring

Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy proved itself to be the fastest B-segment car with a new record at the well-known Nurburgring.

The previous champion was Honda Civic Type R with its FWD, but the Clio RS made the point that it is not only sexy-looking, but also has some incredible performance capabilities. The driving team tried and achieved its best with a time, 36 seconds faster than the standard Clio RD 200 EDC. The time was exactly 8:32 minutes and it was enough to mark the new champion.

SEE ALSO: Renault Demonstrates the Special and Exclusive “Iconic” Lineup

The honorable run was especially performed by Sport Auto’s editor Christian Gebhardt who has tried out numerous different B-segment hatches on the track. Some of the honorable opponents are MINI JCW with time of 8:35 minutes, while the latest Opel Corsa OPC marked 8:42 and the Audi S1 managed to make it last with a slightly slower time of 8:41 minutes. Yes, the whole team surely had some fun out there.

So, what makes the Clio RS 220 Trophy so interesting? Unveiled in March this year at the Geneva Motor Show, this beauty comes with 1.6-liter turbo petrol power unit that delivers a total of 220 hp (162kW) and 192 lb-ft of power output. And what is interesting is that this sweetie offers a special torque boost which ensures a temporary boost for a total of 207 lb-ft (280Nm). This engine is mated to a EDC automatic transmission and when the Race mode is engaged the shift changes are with 40% faster.

Source: Renault

December 14, 2015
Who Said TOM’s Racing Toyota Prius Isn’t Good Enough?

TOM’s Racing latest addition in the range of modified vehicles has been rolling around the internet for some time with statements of unnecessary tuning and whatsoever. However, it seems that you guys love this tuning and we were obliged to give our thoughts on it. So let’s see is this aero kit bad or good for the Prius.

At first it seems absolutely strange to enhance a car like Prius with aero components, being a not very powerful hybrid car. However, we shouldn’t step over those of you who are a little bit more eco minded and still speed-inspired. So this aero program is perfect for you.

SEE ALSO: Small in Size, Big in Capabilities: 2016 Toyota Prius is Here!

What does TOM’s Racing body kit feature? The answer hides in the extensive updates found all over the body of the car. At the front for instance we see a brand new bumper that features black elements surrounding the new DLRs and making the front fascia a little bit more aggressive.

The front is also characterized by custom front lip spoiler, while the sides – by extended skirts that pass by large multispoke alloy wheels, measuring at least 19-inches. The suspension is also new and it brings the car a little bit lower to the ground.

The aero changes at the rear are also to be mentioned. They comprise of a new bumper, competitive diffuser and four tailpipes that give an impression of a really powerful engine under the hood of the Prius. Unfortunately, this isn’t true because the experts at TOM’s Racing didn’t speak of any applied changes to the hybrid powertrain. So we have to deal with the standard 121 hp (89 kW). We are definitely looking forward to reading your opinion in the comment section below.

Source: TOM’s Racing via Facebook

December 14, 2015
This Rolls-Royce Phantom is Inspired by Sunrise

Rolls-Royce has published at their official Facebook page unique Phantom, which has a paint finish inspired by sunrise. As a matter of fact, if you haven’t witnessed a sunrise recently, you might think that this is another Barbie car. However, it just happened that I have experienced one of the most inspiring pink-imbued sunrises ever.

Basically you have to imagine how versatile the sun could make the sky and then you will get the idea behind this unique paint finish. By the way, the car is based on an extended wheelbase version of the Phantom and features some pain-striking design elements that we also have to look at.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn Strives For Perfection. And it Reaches it.

First, the exterior finish of this Phantom has been taken to a new level. The paintwork has been designed to pick up the sun’s rays throughout the day, producing a subtle yet striking sparkle. This means that the golden and pink tones in the paint shimmer in different hues depending on the position of the sun throughout the day or the artificial light source. One experiences various colors throughout the day, tracking the course and intensity of the sun. How cool is that?

How about the interior? Well, it is as exclusive as the exterior and features nothing less than exceptional craftsmanship. First, the glowing interior includes Sunrise leather upholstery accentuated by Dark Spice accents. The occupants immediately sink into luxurious leather seating, as they watch the last rays of sunlight. In addition, the wood interior also adds a golden inlaid Spirit of Ecstasy.

In terms of power nothing has been changed. Just like the other Phantoms this one is driven by the V12 engine which produces 453 horsepower (338 kW) and 719 Nm (531 lb-ft) of maximum torque. This makes it enough for the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

Source: Rolls-Royce via Facebook

December 14, 2015
Henrik Fisker Shows Sketch of Next American Super Car “The Force 1”

Inspired by Star Wars or not, Henrik Fisker just teased a future project called “The Force 1”. We haven’t received any computerized image with it, but a hand sketch of the machine depicted from above. And the good news is that we don’t have to wait very long for the Force 1 to debut, because it will do that at the North American International Auto Show in January.

This high-performance vehicle is an American take on a super sports car that will be driven by a powerful powertrain and will feature “dramatic sculptural exterior styling”. Other details revealed here include Ultra Thin Ventilated (UTV) laser blade tail lamps and a luxurious contemporary interior… for two.

SEE ALSO: Henrik Fisker Shows-Off with Vanquish Based Thunderbolt Concept

Fisker also said that car’s body will be made from carbon and will sit over huge 21-inch wheels. Even the tires have been announced and they are Pirelli P Zero. What is more, they will be controlled by a one-off new active suspension.

By the way, the car will be driven by a front/mid engine and the secret here is that it will feature one of world’s highest outputs in a road car. The six-speed manual transmission or optional paddle shift auto box will drive the rear wheels.

This American car has been in development for the latter part of 2015. In the process take part a lot of important people, including an acclaimed American race car driver and his team. Force 1 will be manufactured in Michigan/USA and sadly its production will be limited up to 50 units. The production start is expected to begin in April next year.

The Force 1 will be priced at $300,000 USD.

Source: Fisker

December 14, 2015
Golf GTI Cabriolet and the Fairytale of a Completely Unnecessary Facelift

VW comes with exclusive version for its hot cabrio model. Along with the minor exterior changes, there are also some sweet additions made in the cabin. First of all, the vehicle demonstrates red brake calipers, restyled bumpers and slightly modified side extensions. Definitely not some dramatic changes which makes us question whether this “facelift” was indeed necessary.

Other exterior changes include the new 17-inch Brooklyn alloy wheels or the optional 18-inch Austin alloys. Also optional is the rear spoiler and Garnet Red top that would replace the Deep Blue one. And yes, these are indeed the exclusive “changes” for the vehicle when it comes to the exterior design.

As with the exterior, the interior doesn’t make that big difference, compared to the old model. However, we must mention the optional leather wrapping with red stitching and components, the fresh multi-functional leather steering wheel and the restyled lever for the hand brake. Yep, technically just some more red. This is all.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Teases a Mysterious Electric Vehicle Ahead of CES Debut

In terms of performance, the Golf GTI Cabriolet remains the same: its 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit offers a total output of 217 hp (159kW) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds. This unit is paired to a 6-speed DSG transmission.

Frankly, we are disappointed. This sweetie should have received some comprehensive changes not only in terms of style and looks, but also in terms of performance and capabilities. So, how do you find the “facelifted” Golf GTI Cabriolet?

Source: Volkswagen

December 12, 2015
Nissan LEAF Celebrates its Fifth Birthday With Exclusive Spotify Playlist

Nissan launches special Spotify playlist exclusive for all LEAF fans out there in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the world’s first all-electric Nissan LEAF. All Spotify users now can search for the “100% Nissan LEAF 5th Birthday” playlist and enjoy the special 10 fan-suggested songs that can be streamed on all Nissan vehicles.

As you remember, the first all-electric Nissan LEAF vehicle was unveiled back in December 11, 2010 at the San Francisco Motor Show and since this glorious moment, Nissan has kept its positions as a world leader in electric vehicles with its almost 200,000 all-electric LEAF units sold worldwide.

And with the recently introduced 2016 LEAF, Nissan aims for even higher aims: the vehicle offers best-in-class range of 192 km (107 miles), ensured by the 30kWh battery. In fact, the LEAF S models will still be geared with the 24kWh batteries that provide about 151 kilometers (84 miles) of driving range.

SEE ALSO: Here Are Nissan’s Plans for More Ecological Future [VIDEO]

All LEAF models are geared with a 80kW AC synchronous unit that generates 107 hp (82kW) and 187 lb-ft of torque. The vehicles provide high response, fun-to-drive experience and of course, there are no emissions of CO2.

It is good to hear that leading automobile brands are trying their best in order to deliver contemporary, technologically fascinating and ecologically clean vehicles. Hopefully this tendency will not only remain, but it will hit new heights.

So, how do you find the playlist?

Source: Nissan

December 12, 2015
Darth Vader’s Viper ACR and Stormtrooper’s Challenger and Charger Take Over L.A. [VIDEO]

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the movie we have all been waiting for a very long time! The future blockbuster is premiering on December 18th and everybody is going crazy about that. Including Dodge. Since it has released the promo video called “the Force Gathers”, it was about time for some additional news for those cool vehicles featured in the advertisement.

It is definitely the best time (the weekend before “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens in theaters worldwide) for Dodge to take to the streets of greater Los Angeles the team of the Star Wars themed Dodge vehicles. Fans will have the opportunity to take photos and videos with them, so make sure that you won’t miss them and we will be also happy to receive your pictures at our social media accounts.

SEE ALSO: The Force Awakens: Dodge Joins the Dark Side [VIDEO]

In details, a pair of First Order Stormtrooper-themed white 707-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will travel around the greater L.A. area this weekend. Of course, they will be accompanied by the intimidating Kylo Ren-inspired wrapped black Dodge Viper ACR.

In addition, the company is also offering fans the chance to locate the vehicles via real time on Twitter. The only thing you must do is use the hashtags #Dodge and #TheForceAwakens, and see the brand’s daily fan favorites on the Dodge Facebook and Instagram pages.

As a fast reminder, the beautiful black Dodge Viper ACR is powered by 8.4-liter V10 engine, which produces 645 horsepower (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It transmits all this power onto the road via the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

The car also shows-off with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, 19-inch alloys and exclusive Kumho Ecsta V720 high-performance tires. If Darth Vader drives this car, we don’t doubt that he will chose to add the Extreme Aero package, making sure that he will have the highest aerodynamic downforce of any production car! And just in case you ask about it, well the Extreme Aero package can offer up to three times the downforce of the Viper TA or Time Attack 2.0 package.

httpv://youtu.be/7ESP8bPldl0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Dodge

December 12, 2015

Category: Auto News

Model Lines Which Have Names

Optional Equipment

Fast Facts:

Design

Drivetrain system