Auto News – Page 258 – Automobiles Review

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

Mercedes-Benz S 400 4MATIC Coupe Front View Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe family has grown with the addition of an S 400 4MATCI Coupe making them a total of six cars in the model range, namely the S 500 and S 500 4MATIC plus the Mercedes-AMG models S 63, S 63 4MATIC and S 65. The S400 4MATIC has the spectacular looks and performance as its siblings in the line with a power output rating of 367 horsepower (270 kW).

The S-Class coupe was launched already a year ago, and due to its characteristics it has won numerous awards. It won prizes for it its unique design, including the “iF product design award 2015” and the “Internet Auto Award 2014”. It also achieved best-in-class accolades for an exclusive two-door car in the “autonis” readers’ poll of the “auto, motor und sport” magazine and the “All-wheel-drive car of the year 2015” poll conducted by “Auto Bild Allrad”.

S 400 4MATIC Coupé is Sixth in the Range

As mentioned the S 400 4MATIC Coupé is the sixth model in the line-up. But this doesn’t mean that it isn’t as powerful as its siblings. In fact, its V6 engine has been rated at 367 hp (270 kW) and 500 Nm (370 lb-ft) of peak torque. The two-door road master transfers all of the horsepower onto the road with its four wheels thanks to the standard-fit 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

The luxury car can also show-off, with wide range of standard equipment. I’m not going to tell you all, but only to mention some of the highlights included such as the THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with two climate zones, LED Intelligent Light System with variable light distribution for country roads and motorways, active light function, cornering light function, better fog light function and Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, the COMAND Online multimedia system, AIRMATIC, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS and PRE-SAFE, etc.

To sum up, the S-Class family currently comprises of six body variants: the Mercedes-Benz Saloons offered in two wheelbase versions, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman and the Coupé and Cabriolet models. Mercedes-Benz S 400 4MATIC has a starting price of 99,960 euros (around $109946 USD).

Mercedes-Benz S 400 4MATIC Coupé Fast Facts:

Number of cylinders/arrangement	6/V
Displacement (cc)	2996
Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)	270 (367) at 5500-6000
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	500 at 1800-4500
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	8.3
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)	193
Efficiency class	C
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	4.6
Top speed (km/h)	250
Prices starting at (euros)	99,960

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 10, 2015

Hyundai Motorsport Reveals i20 Challenger WRC Rally Car

Hyundai i20 Challenger Front View 2016 Hyundai i20 Challenger will be competing at the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The new rally car was unveiled at the team’s factory in Alzenau, Germany. The presentation took place in the heart of what will be Hyundai Motorsport’s customer racing headquarters. And by the way, Hyundai Motorsport also revealed that the company’s upcoming R5 rally car will be also based on the New Generation i20.

The five-door i20 WRC was developed from scratch. The motorsport team says that the car is both quick and reliable, because it has already accumulated 8,000km of testing prior launch. The result is that it proved that it is quicker than its predecessor, while its drivers said that it also features improved drivability. But the competitive debut of the new car is scheduled for the Rallye Monte-Carlo 2016.

Hyundai i20 Challenger Rear and Side View

As Hyundai Motorsport’s representatives state, this new car is an evolution of the car in 2013. Even more, although the team is still young, it is far more established in the WRC community, thus showing bolder ambitions for the 2016 season. And what they could be, else then to fight at the front in every stage and to mount a heightened Championship assault.

Three cars will compete in every round of the 2016 Championship. Their drivers will be Dani Sordo, Hayden Paddon and Thierry Neuville. The trio of drivers will share the #3, #4 and #20 cars during the 2016 motorsport season. And here’s the deal: the precise car-driver composition will differ from event to event, offering the team full flexibility in its Championship strategy.

Hyundai Motorsport is currently focusing on the opening rally in Monte-Carlo in January. We will then (hopefully) witness the start of the fierce competition for 2016. Stay tuned.

Source: Hyundai

December 10, 2015

Porsche Announces New Names for its Mid-Engine Sports Cars

Porsche 718 Cayman Teaser Yes, that’s right. Everybody’s favorite Cayman and Boxster has new names. The two cars will be introduced in 2016 as Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman. If you wonder what the 718 designation stands for, well it is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car of this type of the year 1957. Back in the days this car enjoyed much success in renowned car races.

There have been released two sketch teasers of the models, to announce the name change. What we see and what Porsche confirms is that the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will share more similarities than ever: both visual and technical. The luxury company says that in the future they both will be equally powerful and will have flat four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engines with turbocharging. And, unfortunately for some, the roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupé, which will mimic the case for the 911 models.

In details, the 718 model series is a continuation of the proven four-cylinder concept. The latest example is the technological front-runner for production cars, the 919 Hybrid LMP1 race car, The highly-efficient, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with just 2 litres of displacement, finished first and second in the 24 hours of Le Mans. It also won the manufacturer’s and driver’s championship titles in the WEC World Endurance Championship. This has opened new horizons for the future sports car engines from Porsche.

The History Behind 718

Porsche 718 Boxster Teaser

The four-cylinder flat engine has many car racing victories and a very long tradition at Porsche. In the late 1950s, the 718 was introduced as a successor of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyderc. It was one of the best competitors at races such as 12-hour race in Sebring in 1960 and 1958 – 1961 European Hill Climb Championship. And in fact, the 718 took first place between 1959 and 1960 at the legendary Italian Targa Florio race in Sicily, and a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1958.

And all of these facts make us really excited and anticipating.

Source: Porsche

December 10, 2015

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

2016 Nissan LEAF FUEL STATION OF THE FUTURE The leader in electric vehicle manufacturies, Nissan showed the first glimpse of its ideas for the Fuel Station of the Future concept in partnership with the innovative architects Foster + Partners. In an exclusive 20-second video they demonstrate their final idea about the future. Details for this project will be available in March, next year.

As you might remember, last month Nissan demonstrated the 7kW wireless charging device that can easily recharge overnight the large battery packs. In fact, the 500 km, 60kW pack is already in development in brand’s Research and Development headquarters in Atsugi, Japan.

All these announcements were followed by the 21st UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris next week. This was the place where Nissan introduced its project for innovative Vehicle to Grid system and the advanced second-life vehicle battery that allows drivers to navigate the individual energy hubs with ability to store or return electricity to the grid.

2016 Nissan LEAF FUEL STATION OF THE FUTURE

Provided that the topic about climate change is one of the most important nowardays, and electric motor-powered vehicles are getting more and more popular, it was about time that automobile corporations provided their visions about the cleaner and more green-ish future. We all hope that Nissan is not the only brand that will introduce its ideas about clean energy and we all do hope that we will see a clear and clean future in front of us.

httpv://youtu.be/L27CYA2Tvl8

Source: Nissan

December 9, 2015

Winter is Coming and According to Vauxhall, There Will Be Light

2016 Vauxhall Astra Adaptive LED Matrixh Lights Winter is coming and brings tons of responsibilities for drivers and vehicle owners. And at this time of the year Vauxhall decided to add some more flavor to its all-new Astra with the IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. As the dark times of the year approach, these adaptive, glare-free, permanent high-beam lamps will illuminate your road in a significant way and will also reduce the risk of accidents. Or at least say so Vauxhall’s engineering team.

According to the Department for Transport statistics, there are over 900 accidents in darkness hours that involve carriage way hazard. And almost the half of them involve animals and other objects. And in such dark times Vauxhall comes with solution and offers salvation and devotion to the light side. So, let’s check out how bright is the light side of driving.

The Adaptive LED Matrix Lights

The lights consist a total of 16 LED segments, eight on each side of the vehicle and a special matrix system that switches the high beam on right after the car exits the urban area and then again automatically and constantly adapts both the length and shape of the light cone in every traffic situation.

And using the input from the front camera that detects the light source from an approaching vehicle, the IntelliLux again automatically deactivates the individual LEDs in the relevant zone that can blind other drivers. Frankly, this seems a really useful idea.

The researches made in the Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany and the European LightSightSafety initiative do demonstrate some interesting conclusions. At speeds of about 90km/h (50mph) drivers with full LED matrix systems locate objects at the side of the road approximately 30-40m earlier than drivers in vehicles with conventional halogen or xenon lights. In other words, the driver who uses LED matrix system has additional 1.5 seconds for reaction in road situations.

And one more thing. When the camera detects light sources from oncoming vehicles, the individual LEDs in the relevant zone deactivate themselves and cut out the area around the cars. But at the same time the rest of the road is highly illuminated.

So, should we trust Vauxhall’s path of illumination or should we stick to the old, but still proved itself path of not-that-dark-darkness?

Source: Vauxhall

December 9, 2015

2016 SsangYong Rexton And Its Brand-New Engine

2016 SsangYong Rexton SsangYong Rexton is brand’s flagship sport utility vehicle and for 2016 this sweetie comes with significant upgrades, refreshments and a brand-new Euro 6 compliant power unit. Definitely the biggest and most important change, this engine got our attention, so we are eager to check it out.

This is a newly developed e-XDi220 2.2-liter diesel unit that meets the requirements for more power and lower CO2 emissions. It offers a total of 178hp (130kW) and 400Nm of torque. This means that the total increase of power is up to 15% when it comes to horsepower output and 11% as we talk about the torque output. In fact, the maximum torque is delivered from low 1,400rpm and maintains high through a wide range of up to 2,800rpm. This provides smooth, but still powerful driving capabilities.

2016 SsangYong Rexton

Built on a steel chassis with 3 tons of towing capacity, the 2016 SsangYong Rexton is a tough and aggressive off-road SUV that comes with incredible equipment and enhanced comfort and safety features. The vehicle includes double wishbone and coil spring suspension to the front and a five link rigid axle with coil springs at the rear. Furthermore, the EX automatic and ELX models also offer multi-link rear suspension for even smoother ride.

This special drivetrain is mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission and also comes with the special system that ensures manually selectable torque distribution, round traction and also ensures optimal levels of grip across the most challenging terrain.

2016 SsangYong Rexton

2016 SsangYong Rexton is available with five or seven seats and with numerous comprehensive equipment components. The top of the range ELX features luxurious beige/grey leather interior, multi-functional steering wheel, stylish 18-inch Diamond cut alloys, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dipping rear view mirror, heated rear seats and many more.

Prices for the 2016 SsangYong Rexton start from $36,686 USD

Source: SsangYong

December 9, 2015

Gloss Davinci Red Redefines Simplicity for this Ferrari 458 Italia

SR Auto Ferrari 458 Italia Front View It seems that Gloss Davinci Red is the favorite color of the Canadian tuners at SR Auto Group. Or at least their last two projects show this tendency. This time they have released a special edition of a Ferrari 458 Italia, which has been fitted with exclusive PUR 8IGHT wheels.

And did you know that the goal of the PUR 8IGHT when it was released years ago was to bulk up and shed away the unnecessary weight and to be as efficient as possible? Well, the goal was achieved and it was possible to translate it to the performance super cars like this Ferrari Italia.

As we can see from the released images, the car is dressed in black exterior paint finish and features these amazingly shiny red wheels with simple five-spoke design. Their color is called Gloss Davinci Red. The alloys are sized 21×9 at the front and 22×12 at the rear. We also see that they are coupled with low profile rubbers.

SR Auto Ferrari 458 Italia Rear View

Furthermore, the vibrant ‘pop of color’ adds a level of contrast to the simplistic design, but also makes more space for the brakes by emphasizing their size and complementing their color. In other words, these wheels seem as the perfect addition to the non-intrusive design of the 458 Italia.

And speaking of which, Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by the naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 engine, which produces 578 horsepower (425 kW) at 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198 mph).

The acceleration time which this Ferrari has for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is under 3.4 seconds. The power of the 458 Spider is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff. It is definitely a car to ride. Enjoy the pics!

Source: SR Auto Group

December 9, 2015

BAC Mono is a Hidden Rising Star… to Watch For

BAC Mono Side View BAC Mono isn’t a car that we talk about every day. But when we do, it is to mark an achievement of this unique British luxury sports car. The reason for this article here is that the vehicle has been announced as a rising star in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, and precisely has been picked as “One to Watch”.

By the way, the company sold 21 Mono supercars around the world in 2015. And it has attracted investment from international backers to help push this further in the next 12 months. This has helped BAC to open several new showrooms around the word and it is predicted that the sales in 2016 are going to be doubled.

One of the biggest achievements of the company was at the opening of one of the latest in Hong Kong’s Kowloon Bay last month. The new dealership sold eight of its annual allocation of twelve cars on the launch night alone. Furthermore, BAC was clever enough to strengthen its position in Hong Kong with a track day for VIPs and potential customers over the last weekend.

BAC Mono Fornt View

Far East seems to like very much the BAC Mono, since successful introduction of the car to Japan earlier this year. The Japanese dealership has sold five Monos since it opened in July. In addition, the customers in Far East Asia value the car’s bespoke driver fitment program, which offers a custom-made seat and steering wheel as well as its limitless options for personalization.

The 2016 Model Year Mono comes equipped with the 2.5-litre Mountune four-cylinder engine. It is capable of producing 305 hp (224 kW) and a sprint from 0 to 60mph in just 2.8sec. The Mono weighs just 580kg, which means it boasts a staggering power-to-weight ratio of 526 hp per tonne.

Now you know why this award isn’t a coincidence at all. Maybe it will be a big year for BAC.

Source: Briggs Automotive Company (BAC)

December 9, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Reveals Inspired-by-the-Future Interior of the E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior First Image This is the interior of Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It seems that it has stepped into the future with its new design and numerous features and innovations included. Some of the cool equipment features are the 12.3 inch high-resolution next-generation dual display that appears to hover in space, the touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel, the intelligent graphic design with high-resolution visualizations and animations. Furthermore, the cabin is spacious enough and is wrapped in high-quality materials. But let’s check out the details.

The Wide Dual Display

The wide dual display is definitely an eye-catcher. It is 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) big and has a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. It allows the driver to choose between three different styles to select their preferred screen design: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.

In addition, the E-Class combines two tube-type round dials and a 17.8 cm color display cluster with 1000 x 600-pixel resolution, with a central display with a 21.3 cm screen diagonal with 960 x 540-pixel resolution. The round dials, instrument cluster and central display are installed in a single frame with a high-gloss piano-lacquer look.

The Touch Control

Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior Second Image

Another innovation is the touch control buttons on the steering wheel. They respond precisely to horizontal and vertical finger swipes. This enables the driver to control every function of the infotainment system. Additional four buttons in each switch panel are there with their familiar functions, such as for volume control and telephone control.

Next, the touchpad on the centre console allows all functions to be controlled by single or multi-finger gestures. Three touch-sensitive buttons are arranged behind the touchpad and can be utilized to operate key functions quickly and directly.

The Emotional Cabin

The new E-Class combines luxurious elegance and sportiness. The cabin is characterized by the interplay of strong solid bodies with sculptural surfaces and an avant-garde clarity and extensiveness of control and display zones. This makes the interior extremely emotional and reflects Mercedes-Benz design language called “Sensual Purity”.

Depending on the transmission, there are two differently designed centre consoles. The automatic transmission models have a straight-through centre console, with high connection to the cockpit by a control panel in a “Black Panel” glass look. Other controls, such as in the doors, also feature the “Black Panel” look. The manual transmission models are given a centre console in the form of two separate trim parts.

High-grade materials define the interior, including open-pore woods, wood in a yachting look with flowing lines, modern inlaid wood and a novel metal fabric. The doors are leather-covered as is the beltline for selected lines.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior Third Image

Furthermore, the interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. With 64 colors, it offers a host of possibilities for personalization and adds touches of light.

In addition, we have to say that the design of the seat is another benefit here. They create an ergonomic, sculptural impression with their torso form. They are differently designed depending on the line.

There are a lot of other cool features of the interior of the newest E-Class. This list includes 3D sound with concert hall experience, new optional LED High Performance headlamps that give the saloon a majestically focused look while featuring an unmistakable design, the high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED technology and the stardust effect created at the rear by the tail lamp in torch design.

We hope you enjoy the pictures of the interior below.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 9, 2015

Mazda MX-5 With One More Prestigious Award

2016 Mazda MX-5 Mazda Motor Corporation’s latest Mazda Roadster, better known as MX-5 outside Japan has been rated the 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan. Also one of our favorite vehicles, the all-new Roadster is the 6th model in Mazda’s latest generation of sporty cars that incorporate the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO – Soul of Motion design. As you might know, SKYACTIV is the next-gen technology and includes gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis components. All of them are developed under Mazda’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision. Apparently, this lightweight and flexible two-seater offers front engine rear-wheel drive bad boy is especially created to deliver tons of adrenaline and positive emotions.

With the latest model, Mazda aimed for even more refined and more pleasurable drive and in its ever-burning ambition to deliver better and better vehicles managed to lower the overall weight with 100 kilograms, made it with a bit wider interior, and easy to open and close and also expanded the luggage space a bit. And all this with the exceptional Mazda quality.

In terms of participating in the Car of the Year Japan event, only passenger vehicles with expected annual sales of over 500 units are eligible for this year’s edition.

We have told you a lot about the latest Roadster made by Mazda. What do you think about this beauty?

Source: Mazda

December 8, 2015

Citroën Unveils the Dynamic and Flexible 2016 E-MEHARI Vehicle

2016 Citroën E-MEHARI E-MEHARI is special vehicle and it is closely connected to the history of Citroën. And with the introduction back in 1968, this sweetie has gone through a long road. The latest model is neatly-beautiful, all-electric 4-seat cabriolet and Citroën team is ambitious enough to bring to the market cheesy-looking and flexible sweetie.

This is a charming and vibrant vehicle that expresses this unmistakable Citroën spirit and passion. Something more: the E-MEHARI is especially designed for customers who seek this positive outlook in life, modern trends and interesting contemporary engineering solutions. So, let’s check this sweetie out.

Design

The exterior of E-MEHARI is surely 100% Citroën-ish and offers some interesting and comprehensive details. First of all, the sweetie proudly demonstrates expressive face with the dual headlights and the signature Citroën lines, along with unique warm contours, smooth lines and sweetly-looking front end. These lines and details are further enhanced by the exterior coloring that now comes with a choice of four schemes: blue, orange, yellow and beige and roof coloring available with black and orange-red.

2016 Citroën E-MEHARI

And as we speak about colors, let’s also mention that the interior is available with two colors: natural-looking beige and that high-tech orange-red with central pattern, influenced by water sports. They are made of plastic-covered waterproof material which contributes to this shiny and colorful mindset of all the E-MEHARI customers.

Additional features

The idea of the latest E-MEHARI is to reflect the iconic 1968 model and in order to pay homage, the “new guy” offers convertible with removable top closed at the side by a foldaway system with big windows, four rear seats, including the folding rear bench, raised chassis for all-terrain driving and its bodywork is made of thermoformed plastic. This means that it is corrosion-free and with maintenance-free paintwork and elasticity to reduce the minor impact damage.

Also, the sweetie comes with ribbed door pattern, the same as the original Mehari, along with the similar exterior colors and contours.

Drivetrain system

Along with vehicle’s simple, yet sweet design there are numerous advanced technological features. This is a fully-electric car and it is powered with special battery technology, based on the experience of France’s Bolloré Group. With its Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) batteries this sweetie can tackle down long distances with ease and at the same time offers reliability and flexibility. These functional batteries can be fully recharged in 8 to 13 hours on and offer a top speed of 11km/h (61mph) and a driving range of 200km in city.

2016 Citroën E-MEHARI

The E-MEHARI will be launched in Spring, 2016, but before that the sweetie will be showcased in Paris with its world premiere on December, 9th-11th at the PSA Peugeot Citroën’s headquarter.

Source: Citroën

December 8, 2015

Opel Updates The Infotainment System for the ADAM Model

2015 Opel ADAM infotainment system Opel ADAM is unique vehicle. And not because it offers some superior performance capabilities, or incredible technical equipment, but because its endless possibilities for personalization. First of all, it is now offered with two additional colors, indeed Orange Alert and Brownian Rhapsody and secondly, ADAM introduces the award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system.

But don’t worry. All the additional features come with incredible affordable price something more. Some of the additions come without additional charge. For example, the hardware for personal connectivity and service assistant OpelOnStar is free with ADAM SLAM and ADAM GLAM, while the use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot remains free for the first 12 months after the registration. How cool is that?

IntelliLink R4.0: Flexibility and Personalization features at their best

2015 Opel ADAM infotainment system

Beloved for its high-quality 7-inch color touch screen, connectivity options and capabilities via USB and Bluetooth, this sweetie can audio stream, view photographs, videos, movies, telephone calls and numerous more. The comprehensive, yet user-friendly IntelliLink R4.0 integrates even better Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the ADAM model and makes the most of the contemporary way of incorporating smart phones in modern vehicles.

Opel OnStar on board: The mobile Wi-Fi hotspot

Opel OnStar ensures stable internet connectivity on all connected devices. Something more: the special connectivity capabilities and the special incorporated antenna turn ADAM in a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. The system can ensure internet connectivity to up to seven devices at the same time and also benefits from no additional roaming charges.

2015 Opel ADAM infotainment system

Furthermore, Opel OnStar offers all-round carefree pack that includes Automatic Crash Response, 24hrs Roadside and Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostics. Also, myOpel smart phone application allow the OnStar users to request help when they are away from the vehicle or to open and close the car remotely or to access important car information.