Automobiles Review

Category: Auto News

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

  • SKODA Octavia celebrates its 25th anniversary

    2021 SKODA OctaviaSKODA AUTO team has embarked on a quite special journey back in 1996. Back then, the Mladá Boleslav, one of the most advanced car plants in Europe went into operation and began producing the brand’s most important model – Octavia. Since then, about 7 million vehicles have been delivered to their new owners.

    The model has played a major role in the brand’s successful development over the following years. Octavia has won not one or two awards since then and throughout the decades has proven itself as a worthy SKODA representative for a total of 7 generations.

    As it comes to the model lineup itself, the history of the Octavia began in 1992, a year after SKODA AUTO had joined the VW group when the compact class was gradually developed and has established itself in the world of the automobile industry.

    One of the most notable features of the model was the high level of active and passive safety, including the front and side airbags.

    Some years later, in 1996, customers had already the chance to choose an Octavia with either one of the two four-cylinder petrol engines and a turbo-diesel unit, the neat 1.9 TDI. Then the Octavia Estate made its debut in 1998, and an even more refined version was added in 1999.

    SEE ALSO: Hispano Suiza Carmen hypercar makes its debut at the Salón Privé show

    These glorious days were followed by more successful models, and recently the lineup has been geared with a DSG dual-clutch gearbox and tons of futuristic gadgets.

    The current lineup includes a saloon and estate body version with a front-wheel drive or an AWD system. Also, efficient petrol and diesel engines are now joined hybrid and hybrid options for even more flexibility and personalization.

    The ŠKODA Octavia continues to enjoy global demand as an established name in its segment. This is also confirmed by numerous awards from renowned trade magazines.

  • Hispano Suiza Carmen hypercar makes its debut at the Salón Privé show

    2021-Hispanol-Suiza-Carmen-910The Hispano Suiza Carmen is not only a powerful EV supercar that delivers a whopping 1,019hp. The vehicle also represents technological excellence, as well as luxurious sophistication. Because of its numerous notable features, the Suiza Carmen will be part of the prestigious Salón Privé event.

    During the 5-day show, the luxurious machine will be on display in the beautiful gardens of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Britain´s greatest Palace.

    Designed and assembled in Barcelona, the Carmen showcases elegant design and strong appearance, thanks to its exclusive legacy and the tons of next-gen technologies it incorporates.

    In addition to getting the chance to have a look at the new Hispano Suiza Carmen first-hand, attendees of the Salón Privé will have the opportunity to discover the latest news from various international manufacturers and enjoy the more than 100 vehicles on display, including cars and motorcycles, at the exclusive Concours d’Elegance. This year, rally legend Richard Burns will be honored with a collection of his racing cars on the 20th anniversary of his historic WRC victory.

    SEE ALSO: Land Rover reveals a new and exclusive edition in honor of the 25th James Bond movie

    All the information related to Salón Privé, as well as tickets, can be consulted through its official website, www.salonpriveconcours.com.

    Official Salón Privé Programme 2021:

    • 1 September – Salón Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
    • 2 September – Salón Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
    • 3 September – Salón Privé Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles
    • 4 September – Salón Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton
    • 5 September – Salón Privé Classic & Supercar

  • 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe receives TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by the IIHS

    2021-Hyundai-Santa-Fe-910Hyundai’s 2022 Santa Fe model has been awarded a TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The model has been recognized for passing all six IIHS crashworthiness exams with excellent grades and this achievement makes Santa Fe the 15th Hyundai machine to earn the prestigious award.

    Safety is paramount at Hyundai, as evidenced by every vehicle in our SUV lineup earning an IIHS Top Safety or Top Safety Pick+ designation, said Brian Latouf, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America, Through R&D and HMMA collaborative hard work we were able to improve the Santa Fe’s LED-headlamp performance to meet the stringent testing demands by IIHS. We are extremely proud of the 2022 Santa Fe’s recent TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and continuing Hyundai’s industry leadership in IIHS awards.

    To qualify for IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in all six IIHS crash-worthiness evaluations, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side roof strength, and head restraint tests. Also, vehicles must be available with a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations and good or acceptable headlights must be standard across all trim levels.

    SEE ALSO: Cupra unveils the new UrbanRebel Concept. Here are some details

    The 2022 Santa Fe models built after July 2021 come exclusively with good or acceptable headlights, said Joe Young, public affairs, IIHS, The Santa Fe also comes with a standard front crash prevention system that earns superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

  • Land Rover reveals a new and exclusive edition in honor of the 25th James Bond movie

    2021-Land-Rover-Defender-No-Time-To-Die-910Land Rover SV Bespoke has created a new Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition to celebrate the 25th James Bond movie, No Time to Die.

    Available to order as a Defender 90 or 110, and inspired by the Dedenders that appear in No Time to Die, the new and  stealthy version comes with an Extended Black Pack with 22-inch Gloss Black alloys, signature Xenon Blue front brake calipers and a Defender 007 rear badge.

    Some of the exclusive features include illuminated ‘Defender 007’ treadplates and a specially developed start-up animation for the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system touchscreen that honours Land Rover’s long partnership with the James Bond franchise. At night, customers will also spot unique ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.

    The lineup is limited to merely 300 units and comes with laser etching detailing that says this is one of the exclusive 300 units.

    Finbar McFall, Land Rover Brand Director, said: The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die. It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.

    SEE ALSO: Cupra unveils the new UrbanRebel Concept. Here are some details

    Based on the recently launched Defender V8, the Bond Edition is powered by a 5.0-liter 525hp supercharged petrol unit, which also generates 625Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

    No Time To Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fifth and final film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. The film will be released in cinemas from 30 September 2021.

     

  • Cupra unveils the new UrbanRebel Concept. Here are some details

    2021 Cupra UrbanRebelCUPRA team pushes the limits with its new and bold urban vehicle, the UrbanRebel Concept, scheduled to be launched in 2025.

    This is also the brand’s first all-electric urban vehicle. Here’s what Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA says about the newcomer:

    The CUPRA UrbanRebel Concept is a radical interpretation of the company’s urban electric car, due to be launched in 2025. This racing concept gives an idea of the design language of the future street-car and will inspire its creation. The urban electric car is a key strategic project not only for our company, but also for the Volkswagen Group, as our aim is to produce more than 500,000 urban electric cars per year in Martorell for different Group brands. The urban electric car will democratise and make accessible electromobility to the masses.

    The Cupra UrbanRebel Concept will evolve in a road version that will mix some neat design approaches and advanced technologies, thanks to the VW’s MEB short platform, which will be indeed the base for the new EV. The vehicle will also represent a change in the brand’s approach towards a more progressive design concept but will maintain all the values that have made CUPRA a renowned brand.

    Cupra UrbanReben Concept comes with a neat exterior design

    At the front, a shark nose now defines the face and the new triangular signature in the lamps contributes to this sophisticated and yet aggressive expression. Furthermore, a wrap-around window graphic creates the impression of a helmet and gives continuity between the windows around the vehicle to create the illusion of a floating roof.

    At the sides, the vehicle reveals neat and pronounced proportions, thanks to the wedge line – from the C-pillar to the front door with diagonal sculptural surfaces which create a neat contrast.

    SEE ALSO: Zenvo Automotive’s partner MOHR GROUP showcases TSR-S at upcoming IAA Mobility show

    At the rear, the vehicle shows a bold approach and a new iteration of the design seen in the CUPRA Formentor. The rear-end features a neat design with horizontal lines and pronounced proportions. There’s also a new large spoiler, which contributes to this sporty look and also enhances the overall performance rates.

    Drivetrain system

    The CUPRA UrbanRebel Concept generates 250kW of continuous power and up to 320kW at its peak. It can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.2 seconds.

  • Zenvo Automotive’s partner MOHR GROUP showcases TSR-S at upcoming IAA Mobility show

    2021 Zenvo TSR-SZenvo Automotive has confirmed its recent partnership with MOHR GROUP, the German dealer that will result in showcasing the Ishvid Perlemor TSR-S on the MOHR GROUP’s stand at the upcoming IAA Mobility even in Munich from 6-12 September.

    MOHR GROUP will showcase the TSR-S in the pearlescent IShvid Perlemor hue at the IAA Mobility show on its display. The Munich team will be there through the entire event and Hannah Burgess, Zenvo’s Senior Commercial Development Director and Pushkar Godambe, Zenvo’s Sales Director will be in attendance on the stand on 6 and 7 September.

    Angela Hartman, CEO of Zenvo Automotive said: We are excited to showcase our TSR-S model at the IAA Mobility conference this year in Munich with our German dealer. After a successful summer events tour in the UK, we hope to carry on that momentum to the rest of the European events and bolster our relationship with the MOHR GROUP sales team. We’re looking forward to speaking to media and customers in Munich and revealing news about dealer-focused events at MOHR GROUP’s Motorworld München showroom, too.

    Lorenz Mohr, the Managing Partner of MOHR GROUP, said:We very much look forward to attending the IAA Mobility conference in our home city of Munich. It will be our first event with the team at Zenvo Automotive and we are eager to invite customers to our dealer stand, where we will have the stunning white TSR-S on display. It is the first of many events where we will be attending alongside Zenvo and are excited to announce future events at our Motorworld München showroom in the coming months.

    SEE ALSO: Nissan Maxima receives a top award by J.D. Power 2021 Initial Quality Study

    Zenvo has also recently announced that it will have both the TSR-S and TS1 GT in the UK, at the prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance at the event’s hypercar lawn from 1-6 September.

     

     

  • Nissan Maxima receives a top award by J.D. Power 2021 Initial Quality Study

    2021-Nissan-Maxima-910Nissan Maxima is the best-performing vehicle in the industry and has managed to earn a Gold Plant Quality Award from the 2021 Initial Quality Study awards.

    The brand ranked fourth among other mass market brands, which makes a total of 12 points ahead of the average in the industry. Nissan has also ranked 4th in the corporate ranking.

    As it comes to the brand’s models, Altima, Maxima and Murano, all of the three have managed to score wins in their respective categories, while TITAN, Sentra and Versa also ranked among the top three in their segment. Also, Maxima recorded the lowest overall problem level in the study.

    Delivering top quality for our customers has been a key element in the total brand transformation we call Nissan NEXT, said Mike Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. Marketing and Sales, This performance is possible by a united design, engineering and manufacturing team focused on making the best vehicles for our customers.

    As it comes to the host, J.D. Power IQS is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality. The process includes measuring a given number of problems experienced in 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership – the lower the score, the higher the quality is.

    SEE ALSO: Genesis reveals first details for the new GV60 EV

     The Smyrna team is incredibly focused on building exceptional vehicles that are driven on roads across the country — and all over the world, said Jeff Younginer, vice president, Manufacturing, Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, This recognition is a testament to their ‘one team’ spirit and pride in delivering products with great quality and reliability.

  • Genesis reveals first details for the new GV60 EV

    2021-Genesis-GV60-910Genesis is about to introduce the new GV60 lineup and with it new achievements in terms of technology and luxury. The vehicle blends clean aesthetic lines and next-gen sustainable technology, so it is definitely worth checking out.

    The new Quad Lamps

    One of the most notable new features of the GV60 is the addition of the so-called Quad Lamps, which enhance the overall sporty and dynamic shape of the vehicle, and also contribute to more rewarding, confident, and safe traveling.

    The exterior look

    New GV60 proudly demonstrates a new body language with minimalism in mind. However, the massive proportions are well pronounced, as well as the elegant lines and curves. The profile of the GV60 ends with a notable rear spoiler, while the long spoiler wheelbase with short overhangs completes the massive and muscular silhouette.

    The Crystal Sphere

    This is one of the highlights of the new GV60. It is a safety feature, which indicates whether the car is bypassed or not. This is important for an electric vehicle because the only indication of driving state is shown on a small on-screen icon. Also, when charging, the Crystal Sphere doesn’t rotate.

    SEE ALSO: Mecum Auctions will launch three special events during October 2021

    All these bold characteristics are blended with attention to sustainability, so the new GV60 also comes with a promise of clean energy and care for the future.

    Stick with us for further details.

  • Hyundai shares sales report for September

    2022-Hyiundai-Santa-Cruz-910Hyundai Motor America shares a 2 percent decrease compared to last year’s results. Hyundai’s monthly sales markings were significantly better than industry predictions that predicted a 25% decline in September. Hyundai also set new September total sales records for Palisade, Ioniq HEV, Kona EV and Nexo.

    Hyundai dealerships continue to do an outstanding job of working with customers during this challenging inventory environment, resulting in market share gains for the brand, said Randy Parker, senior vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America, On the year, we’ve gained the second most market share in the industry and we expect that trend to continue for September and Q3.

    September Retail Highlights
    Hyundai sold 49,439 retail units in September, a decline of 5 percent. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle retail sales continued to grow substantially, increasing 348 percent on the month. New retail September sales records were established for Palisade, Ioniq PHEV, Kona EV, and Nexo.

    SEEA ALSO: A lucky Aston Martin DB5 undergoes a comprehensive restoration process

    Q3 Highlights
    In the third quarter, Hyundai sold 178,500 total (+4%) and 162,616 retail (+1%) units. Total sales gains were achieved across the lineup during the quarter, including Accent (+18%), Elantra (+20%), Ioniq (+17%), Nexo (+139%), Sonata (+15%) and Venue (+52%).

  • Kia mark its best-ever third quarter sales performance in company history

    2021-Kia-Telluride-910Kia announced its September sales of 52,906 units, led by Forte and Telluride models. These two accelerated Kia to its best-ever third-quarter sales in company history for a total of 177,014 units sold.

    This result makes Kia’s highest ever sales performance for the first nine months of the year – a total of 555,525 units – a nine-percent increase over the previous first three-quarter sales record of 491,764 units.

    In September, Kia sold 77-percent of available inventory and saw a marked increase in sales of its hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, with year-over-year sales up more than 81-percent. Telluride realized record September sales with 9,278 units and throughout the month anticipation for the all-new EV6 – Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle – continued to grow with the model expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2022.

    Kia sales continued to break records and build upon the momentum seen since the start of the year, despite the ongoing supply chain issues facing the industry, said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America, Our record setting performance in Q3 has reinforced confidence that our positive sales trajectory will continue well into 2022.

    In addition to sales, last month saw a number of significant announcements coming from the brand, including:

    The third class of Great Unknowns Scholarship recipients was announced, bringing the total number of students receiving the $5,000 yearly scholarship to 45 since the scholarship was established in 2019.

    A new 60-second spot highlighting Kia’s electrified future and new brand identity made its debut during the 73RD EMMY® AWARDS on September 19th

    The all-new, all-electric EV6 was driven by NBC’s America’s Got Talent Judge Simon Cowell and was featured as part of in-show integrations and season-winner and runner-up prize packages

  • A lucky Aston Martin DB5 undergoes a comprehensive restoration process

    2021-Aston-Martin-DB5-910Aston Martin specialists, McGurk Performance Cars, has undertaken a full, bare-metal restoration of a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 during the lockdown. The tuning studio’s owner, John McGurk bought the car in March 2020 with the intention of a light restoration on it, but with lockdown meaning nobody could travel to look at it, the project escalated into a full bare metal restoration.

    Delivered in 1964 to Aston Martin concessionaire J S Inskip, 64th Street, New York, USA, it left the UK painted in light metallic green with a white gold interior, white wall tyres, a heated screen, Motorola radio, powered aerial and air conditioning.

    It lived in the USA until it made its way back to Europe back in the 1980s when it was purchased at auction by Jean-Marie Cousty, a member of the French Aston Martin Owners Club, who enjoyed it for two decades in and around Paris before he sold it in 2000. It left France, going to Holland before later being bought by the Kuwait Royal Family.

    McGurk discovered the car in 2020 and brought it back to McGurk Performance Cars’ Warwickshire HQ and say:We could tell it was a very sound and solid car, and we thought it would be a great base for a light restoration. I advertised it for sale as it was and was inundated with people interested in it, but nobody could come and see it because they couldn’t travel during lockdown. By the time it got to June (2020) we decided to strip the car ourselves, get the engine running properly and things escalated from there,” says McGurk.

    We’re better known for our sales and servicing of more modern Aston Martins, but with assistance from a few specialists, we’ve completely restored this beautiful, rare, left-hand drive DB5,” says McGurk. While doing so McGurk’s found all the body panels numbered with the 334 chassis number, underlining its originality, while the fitting of a sunroof in 1978 is again obvious thanks to the fitter dating the sheet metal panel. It wears Vantage badging, too, with it having previously been converted to Vantage specification, it having the correct Weber carburettors and revised camshafts to increase the 4.0-litre straight-six engine’s output from 282bhp to 325bhp.

    Finding the original parts has been a mission worthy of the DB5’s most famous driver, with things like the original glass headlight covers being particularly tricky to source, McGurk admitting some things caused headaches, but, usefully, the car was virtually complete when it was purchased, maintaining its originality.

    SEE ALSO: Ferrari expands its list of after-sales services

    Having finished the restoration McGurk’s will showcase it over the next few months and use it as intended, it likely to visit to its one-time Paris home and be enjoyed as it should be on a classic European tour.

    You could say we’ve used lockdown productively, says McGurk, who having personally managed the restoration is somewhat reluctant to put it up for sale. “I’m hugely proud of what my team here have achieved with this beautiful DB5, any restoration is a challenge, but to return a car to such immaculate condition while the rest of the world stopped turning is testament to the dedication and passion of all of those involved. I’m looking forward to showing it at various events here at McGurks and beyond, as well as driving it, too, admits McGurk.

    Based just a short drive from Junction 12 off the M40 in Kineton, Warwickshire, McGurk Performance Cars is local to Birmingham, and easily reached from London and all over the UK.

     

  • Mecum Auctions will launch three special events during October, 2021

    2021 Mecum AuctionsMecum Auctions, the large collector and auction company, will host a set of three collector car auctions in October on back-to-back weekends in three cities.

    The events come on the heels of some neat accomplishments for the renowned house, during a period of great shows and ample generation of funds.

    As a  leader in the field of auctioning, the Mecum team will launch a big campaign that will include three standalone auction events held over three consecutive weekends – The first will be held in Las Vegas Oct. 7-9, followed by an auction in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Oct. 15-16 and then one in the Chicago region Oct. 21-23. Each event is expected to see between 600 and 1,000 classic and collector cars for sale.

    2021 Mecum Auctions

    SEE ALSO: PEUGEOT opens orders for the advanced e-Partner lineup

    Whether it’s our TV programming, customer service, online bidding platform, or any number of industry-leading achievements, we at Mecum Auctions have always challenged ourselves to take it to the next level,” Mecum’s Chief Operating Officer Sam Murtaugh said. “We produced auctions last November back-to-back in Las Vegas and Kansas City in the midst of the pandemic, and now our consignment, operations, marketing and most of all, customer experience departments will take on a three-peat this October, and we’re all looking forward to it.

    2021 Mecum Auctions