Auto News – Page 267 – Automobiles Review

Bentley Bentayga First Edition Comes in only 608 Units

Bentley Motors demonstrates the Bentayga First Edition to a limited number of VIP customers this evening at the well-known Sunset Marquis Hotel, Los Angeles. This incredible limited edition is by far the most powerful SUV in production and it is restricted to only 608 cars globally.

What catches the eye with this beauty is definitely the attention to the detail and the unique intricate components. For example, the First Edition demonstrates Union Jack badging and special illuminated treadplates and 220-inch black painted and polished wheel. And the exclusive affair is further continued with the choice of ten unique exterior colors.

The inside of the sweetie welcomes you to a well-known, but still different interior. It is modern, luxurious and bespoke. Driver and passengers will enjoy a ride within “Diamond within Diamond” quilting, contrast stitching and embroidered seats hat enrich the whole look of the cabin, as well enhance the premium feel. There are also metal, wooden and leather components. And depending on the trim level, every one of this elements dominates over the other two.

And what about the drivetrain system? Bentayga First Edition vehicles produce a total of 608hp (447kW) and 900Nm of torque. Created in Crewe, the completely redesigned 6.0-liter W12 engines offer incredible power and stunning flexibility. The powerful 12-cylinder units also is capable of efficiently combine fuel economy with high levels of smoothness and low levels of responsiveness. This all means that the luxurious vehicle can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4,0 seconds and chases the top speed of 301km/h (187mph). These stats demonstrate that this is maybe the fastest SUV in the world right now.

Bentayga Edition Breitling Watches

And along with the luxury vehicle, buyers will also receive a special Breitling watch to compliment their new and shiny SUV.

In order to capture the spirit of the vehicle Breitling created three high-performance special chronographs: Emergency with dual frequency personal locator beacon, Cockpit B50 that offers electronic multifunction calbire and the automatic Chronomat 38, especially created for the ladies out there.

Bentayga Edition Breitling Watches

These exclusive models do share some features: official chronometer-certified Breitling movement, original and compelling design with all-black case, black mother-of-pearl dial, bronzetoned hands that match the livery of the first Bentayga that was presented to the public. And a special rubber strap that match certain interior elements.

Source: Bentley

November 17, 2015

2017 Acura NSX Supercar Will Be Mass Produced!

2017 Acura NSX The stunning and ground-breaking next-gen Acura NSX supercar will have a production version! It will make its debut in Southern California this Wednesday, November 18 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Coming with aerodynamically-innovative and futuristic exterior, completed at the Torrance-based Acura Design Studio, the 2017 NSX will deliver cutting-edge technologies, advanced engineering wonders, comprehensive systems and tons of adrenaline. Now Acura team makes final preparations and is ready to start the production next spring.

When it hits the market, the ultimate NSX will definitely bring driving experience like no other. The supercar segment, achieved through futuristic cutting-edge Acura technologies and systems. It is obvious that the design team has passion for delivering only the most luxurious and incredible vehicles.

As you may know, the NSX takes the central stage in America’s largest supercar market and will be offered with never-before-displayed color. And also, it will be surrounded by a cast of highly capable stable professionals on the floor. Furthermore, starring at the show will also be the Acura TLX Sedan and the road fury TLX GT, plus the ILX sport sedan, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid. And of course, Acura will also present the lass-leading RDX and MDX luxury SUV vehicles in order to complete the family circle at the show.

Source: Acura

November 16, 2015

Ford Seats Are One of the Most Comfortable. And Here is Why

2016 Ford Explorer Platinum As we know, there are countless differences when comparing Ford Focus and F-150 pickup. But what about the similarities? Now we will tell for one that is both obvious and pleasurable. The front seats. Yes, you got that correct. The seats.

Thanks to the innovative design, these Ford seats are multi-adjustable, come with numerous features and help reducing the muscle tension, while improve the blood flow on longer journeys and even provide a subtle massage for thighs and lower back. Surely I would want to have one of these at home.

Back in 2013, with the debut of Escape and Fusion models, Ford started promoting new kind of architecture of interior with numerous additions and reshapes. And this was the year that the well-known brand geared its models with these most-pleasing seats. So, what is the science behind such a pleasure?

While in engineering phase, the seats are being geared with special H-points and shapes with special hip-to-heel dimensions. All this means the seats deliver improved cradle and prevent sliding while driving. The side bolsters and the seat cushions further enhance the “seat freedom”, so driver and passengers feel less confined.

Furthermore, Ford seat team refer to the surface of the seats as “top hats”. These are leather or cloth seat covers atop from padding and beneath them there is a seat skeleton that serves as a basis for Ford’s incredible levels of comfort.

And what about the Plug-and-play design sets? The heart of the structure is an innovative two-piece design which consist cushion and black frame modules. These exclusive Ford parts are further joined with four purchased fasteners at the back-to-cushion interfaces. The structure is mounted via special rails of varying height and a variety of floor-mounting pieces that offer under-seat storage. Cool, right?

In fact, since the debut of the special seats, the structure is used on almost 90 per cent of the brand’s cars in North America. The most recent proud “owner” is the 2016 Ford Explorer. Along its superior versatility, it also offers 10-way seat adjustability, massage and heating. Sweet.

Source: Ford

November 16, 2015

Kia Promises to Lauch Partially-Autonomous Vehicles By 2020

2015 Kia Soul EV Kia plans to introduce a full range of partially-autonomous driving vehicles and technologies by 2020 and by 2030 they have planned to reveal their first fully-autonomous car to the mass market. At the momentary stage Kia develops the first of its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and numerous further-enhanced engines.

Kia Advanced Driver Assistance System

The system will basically enable all the vehicles in which it is installed to operate autonomously. How? By incorporating different technologies, some of which are:

“Recognition” – this term explains the new sensors that will detect other vehicles and hazards, along with the ability to read the road signs. And of course, this all means that the vehicle will be capable to identify poor road conditions. How cool is that?

“Judgment” – There will be also advanced computing systems that will allow making of decisions about the information gathered via ADAS sensors.

“Control”- Active electronics and mechanical systems will allow the vehicle to make numerous decisions in every given situations. Even though it still sounds too futuristic and brave, we tend to believe that Kia team will make its best to make these system adequate caretakers.

The partially-autonomous Kia vehicles

As said above, Kia plans to demonstrate the first almost-autonomous ADAS geared vehicles by 2020. But what about the details?

Along with the innovative ADAS technology, the independent cars will be geared with Highway Driving Assist, Lane Guidance System and Advanced Smart Cruise Control. HDA is made to maintain a safe distance from other cars, while it will keep the car in its lane. The system will also assist in cases of danger with the activation of numerous safety features.

Traffic Jam Assist, on the other hand, will help to make light work of heavy congestion by gathering information during highly congested traffic situations. The system will also employ wide range of sensors and will keep maintaining that safe distance from other vehicles within its line.

And in order to make the parking as easy as possible, Kia will also develop special technologies to enhance the low-speed maneuvers. This will be possible with the latest Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) that can enable the vehicle to park itself in parallel or perpendicular spaces with minimal driver intervention. The brand will also offer the Remote Advanced Parking Assist System (RAPAS). It will allow Kia vehicles to park themselves when the driver presses the smart key button while within a certain range of the car. Sweet, right?

2015 Kia Soul EV

In fact, all these technologies will also be offered on latest production models, including Sorento and the soon-to-be-launched Optima and Sportage. The advanced systems are also created with enhanced safety and comfort in mind, in order to enable appropriate reaction in cases of road accidents.

By 2030 Kia promises to bring us a fully independent lineup of cars.

The fully-autonomous Kia vehicles will come with special R&D resources on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. And by enabling vehicles to effectively “communicate” with their surroundings, Kia automobiles will be able to make the ADAS technology even more effective and more efficient.

Source: Kia

November 16, 2015

Hyundai Starts Selling 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Across the United States

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle is the next PHEV vehicle, which you can find in the dealerships. It has arrived this weekend in select showrooms across the United States, offering competitive price and exceptional 27-mile all-electric range.

The details and benefits of this car start with Sonata Plug-in Hybrid’s 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery system. It is around five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery, thus helping in achieving 99 MPGe. What is more, the battery system can be charged via an external electric power source using either a Level-One 120V power outlet. And it all takes less than nine hours or a Level-Two 240V charging station in under three hours, to make a full charge.

Continuing to the 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine, it is connected to a 50kW electric motor. This combination makes it possible for the PHEV to produce a total system output of 202 horsepower (149 kW) at 6,000 rpm.

Standard and Optional Features

Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Rear View and Charging

The standard equipment for 2016 includes various goodies like 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, hands-free Smart Trunk, Dimension premium audio system, 8-inch touchscreen navigation and Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

In addition, Hyundai engineers added a lot of safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam Assist and rear parking sensors. If these standard features are not enough then you can opt for the optional electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, driver memory seat, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, power front seats with 4-way adjustable driver lumbar and Smart Cruise Control.

Owners can also charge car’s battery remotely via their smartphone have and schedule the specific charging time by setting a date and hour in order to take advantage of off-peak electric rates.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has a starting price of $34,600 USD.

2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid	MSRP	Net MSRP with Federal Tax Incentive*
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid	$34,600	$29,681
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Limited	$38,600	$33,681
Eligible for a $4,919 federal tax credit based on class-leading 9.8 kWh battery capacity. Additional local incentives also may be available depending on the state of residency.*

Source: Hyundai

November 16, 2015

Kia Releases First Teaser Sketches of Niro Hybrid Crossover

Kia Niro Sktech Front View Kia Niro is a vehicle which is probably very familiar to you. We have seen it in 2013, because back then it made its public debut as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, Kia South Korea has released first couple of sketches to tease the future production variant of the Niro Hybrid Crossover. The company also announced that the vehicle will have its market launch during next year and more importantly, that it is going to be a global model.

SEE ALSO: Kia Niro Concept

It was also confirmed that the car will be driven by a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor. Both will be mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The electric power will be secured by a 1.56 kWh battery. In this configuration, Niro Hybrid is going to produce 105 horsepower (77 kW) and 147 Nm (109 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Concept vs Production Niro

Kia Niro Sketch Rear View

We have featured the gallery of the concept below, so you can make a comparison between the sketches and the 2013 version. What we can clearly see is that the concept version has three doors with gullwing configuration. Fortunately, Kia has removed the outdated gullwings and added five doors instead. That’s not only more beautiful, but it is also more practical and perfect for a production variant of the car.

Just like the concept, the sketches reveal that the future Niro will have a low profile and sleek proportions, with sporty stance and athletic attitude. Kia also disclosed that the car will be made with aero body panels so that the car can make the most of its efficiency.

We are definitely looking forward to see and hear more about this hybrid concept, and we do expect to get more details very soon. Stay tuned.

Source: Kia

November 16, 2015

007 SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Made Official Debut in London

SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Front View SPECTRE is currently running in the theatres and if you haven’t watch it already, go and do it immediately. I promise you won’t be sorry. It is a tradition that in the Bond series we see some of Britain’s most attractive and fastest vehicles. This time the movie is seized by appearance of one tough Jaguar, called C-X75.

The supercar made its public debut in London at the 800th Lord Mayor‘s Show this weekend. This is an electric hybrid concept car, which was created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. During the event, it was driven by SPECTRE’s stunt driver Martin Ivanov (yes ladies, this handsome man on the pictures). He drove the car on 14th November as part of the annual two-mile parade.

SPECTRE’s Jaguar C-X75 Front View with Martin Ivanov

He actually said that he was really excited to sit again behind the steering wheel of the Jaguar C-X75. Ivanov also recalled that it was a memorable experience driving this car during filming in Rome. Although the supercar was driven by Ivanov, in the actual movie the personage, who uses it, is Hinx. The vehicle is featured in one of movie’s high speed car chase.

In addition, at the event the bespoke car was accompanied by the XE sports saloon, the F-TYPE and two bespoke Range Rovers. And as a matter of fact, this appearance marked the start of Jaguar Land Rover’s partnership with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s future aircraft carrier and flagship. The aircraft carriers will be the biggest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

Source: Jaguar

November 16, 2015

Lexus RX Model Will Benefit From Enhanced Suspension

2016 Lexus RX 450h Lexus has geared the latest RX model with special high-end suspension for even smoother and more rewarding driving experience. The system is especially designed and fine-tuned in order to deliver sportier, yet pleasurable ride: engineers have improved handling and the rigidity of the body via special system and technologies, so now the RX vehicle is capable of providing a really smooth drive on any road.

Lexus RX is now geared with MacPherson struts at the front and rear trailing arm, along with double wishbone setup, all this combined with fine-tuned mechanics for additional stability and enhanced handling in corners. There is also an anti-roll bar that contributes to faster response and improved stability.

2016 Lexus RX 450h

The sporty spirit is further enhanced by Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension, which is a standard feature on the F Sport and Premier trim levels. The system automatically switches the damping force of the shock absorbers at each wheel individually and makes it depending on the quality of the road surface. Here is an example: on rough roads the AVS switches to more complaint setting and improves the smoothness of the overall driving experience. And when you suddenly appear on a bend, the damping force gets firmer and reduces body roll and gives that sporty spirit a chance to prove itself.

But this is not the only chance. Nissan team also included some upgrades and onto the body: it is now more rigid, which means that the whole drivetrain system is more capable of handling, providing comfort and providing crash protection.

2016 Lexus RX 450h

The model also benefits from ring-frame construction method which creates stronger sections around the front and rear doors. There are panel joints that have been upgraded in terms of strength and there is also a high-strength steel, applied on strategic points in the drivetrain system.

Source: Nissan

November 13, 2015

ABT Super-Q5 Faster than Audi SQ5 TDI plus? Yes, it is!

ABT Sportsline Audi SQ5 Side View ABT Sportsline has a big surprise for all keen on Audi tuning today. They have managed to make a car so powerful that it can kick the butt of the standard Audi SQ5. The gains in power are impressive and they measure more than 40 horsepower. The tuner made all this possible thanks to the ‘New Generation’ engine tuning program.

The result is pretty impressive and shows significant gains. Precisely, the standard for the 3.0 TDI 326 hp (240 kW) are now lifted to 365 hp (268 kW), while the torque has been raised from 650 lb-ft to 710 Nm.

This makes it possible for the naughty Audi to jump quickly from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Additionally, the experts decided to raise the top speed too, making it 260 km/h.

ABT Aero Kit for the SQ5

ABT Sportsline Audi SQ5 Rear View

Besides the changes in power, ABT wanted to make the car a little bit more likeable. Thus the Aero pack was born. To go into details, it includes front skirt and a brand new grill, door strip attachments and a rear wing. There is a wide variant of this pack that adds right fender extensions.

Next, wheel spacers of between 30 to 70mm per axle make for the right tread, while the ABT height adjustable suspension springs lower the car between 5 and 30mm on the front axle and of between 10 and 35 on the rear.

ABT Sportsline is also proficient in making cool wheels. For this project it is offering its CR, DR, ER-C and FR models, in sizes of 20 and 21-inches. They can be fitted with Continental or Pirelli sports tires in 255/45 R20, 255/40 R21, 255/35 R21 and 265/35 R22 dimensions. The interior received only minor details and these include the in-house made ABT floor and trunk mats.

Now, isn’t that the perfect vehicle for the weekend?

Source: ABT Sportsline

November 13, 2015

Jeep Wrangler Backcountry & Grand Cherokee SRT Night are Main Stars in L.A.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night Side View Jeep is ready for the Los Angeles Auto Show with not one but two unique vehicles. Luckily, they will be both distributed throughout the 2016 model year. Meet the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Night and the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry! The first one will be available in dealerships starting the first quarter of next year, while the second will appear in showrooms later this month. Let’s go to the details.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night

The special Night edition of the SRT Grand Cherokee has this one-off stealth-like stance. It is adorned by some special high-quality features including roof, rear spoiler, front grille bezels, B and C pillars and side window surrounds. And they are all painted in Gloss Black.

Satin Black is the color choice for the front appliqué, badging on the hood and rear liftgate, and the lightweight split five-spoke “5Ten” 20-inch wheels. Behind the latter there are standard Brembo brakes. But if you are looking for a different exterior color for this Jeep, then you can chose among these: Velvet Red, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night Interior

Inside, the black design theme is continued via the Black Laguna leather upholstery and the Silver accent stitching and Light Black Chrome bezels. Other featured for the special edition Grand Cherokee are optional and they come in exchange for extra money, namely the dual-pane sunroof, a 19-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, trailer tow package, three-season tires, a full-size spare tire and a dual-screen rear entertainment system.

Under the hood, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night is powered by the 6.4-liter V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology. The unit produces 475 horsepower (350 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb.-ft.) of torque. The performance is very tough, meaning that the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, from 0 to 100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 160 mph.

2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry

Jeep Wrangler Backcountry Side View

The Wrangler Backcountry is different kind of machine. With its winter design theme, it is ironically based on the Wrangler Sahara model. The special features here include Backcountry decal on the front fender and rear quarter panel, a unique off-road front and rear powder coated bumper, 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in Mid-gloss Black and a black fuel fill door.

Wrangler Rubicon rock rails are also standard, in contrast to the Sahara side steps, which are optional. The black hard top could be specified in an optional body color. In general, the Wrangler Backcountry is available in five colors: Hydro Blue, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Xtreme Purple.

The interior of the Sahara-based model is adorned by a dark theme. Precisely, there are Piano Black vent rings, door handles and grab handles, vinyl-wrapped console lid and door armrests with Diesel Gray accent stitching, black McKinley leather seat bolsters with black sport mesh inserts, a nine-speaker premium Alpine sound system and all-weather slush mats. Another cool standard feature in the Wrangler Backcountry is the Bluetooth hands-free Connectivity Group.

I’d like this one for a Christmas present. How about you?

Source: Jeep

November 13, 2015

Kahn Designs a Keswick Green Defender that is Ready for Action

Keswick Green is the new color of the famed Kahn Land Rover Defender Hard Top Chelsea Wide Track vehicle. We have seen it in ecstatic Silver color, but we also think that the more we see of it in various options, the more we like it. This is one of the simplest reasons why the Defender is featured in today’s news. And here are the details.

Exterior

As mentioned Keswick Green is the choice for the exterior color of the model. But its appearance is not attractive only because of that. Given that the Defender has an innate boxy styling; it was easier for the tuners to emphasize its muscular appearance with some simple but very effective changes.

They have added a new set of front and rear wide wing arches with exposed bolt apertures. In addition, the front fascia also received different bumper with integrated daytime running lights and shadow chrome headlights.

What is more, the X-Lander front grille was color matched to the lower bumper guard in order to reinforce the strong appearance of the Defender. Chelsea Truck Company delivered the wheel cover and optional side steps.

At last, 1948 Defend Retro wheels of the 16-inch size are the ‘shoes’ of this big vehicle. They are fitted with 235/70/16″ tyres at all four corners. By the way, the wheels are painted in Piano Black and come with Diamond Cut finish.

Interior

Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT by Kahn Interior

The first thing to spot inside is the Sports GTB seats wrapped in quilted and perforated leather. The instrument binnacle received full leather upholstery, while the door card set was completed with Alcantara trimming. Hard-wearing floor mats, Kahn’s billet steering wheel and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium as well as the Churchill time clock integrated into the dashboard round out the impressive styling of the luxurious cabin.

Which one do you like more, the Silver or the Keswick Green Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT?

Source: Kahn Design

November 13, 2015

2017 Jaguar F-PACE: It Gets Better and Better!

2017 Jaguar F-PACE Jaguar North America announced more details for the special F-TYPE lineup in the US. All the 2017 models will include entry-level coupe and convertible modes with lower starting prices and some additional options.

The lineup will continue to develop and improve the F-Type, F-TYPE S and the flagship model F-TYPE R. As you might know, F-TYPE builds upon the price realignments that were announced as part of the Next Generation of Jaguar for 2016 model year. In fact, this is the year that the lineup marked its competitive value position and brought to market numerous new entry priced models and improved the standard equipment and lowered MSRPs of the luxury market.

The F-TYPE lineup itself features a special supercharged 340hp (250kW) V6 unit, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There are also entry models that feature rear-wheel drive and Quckshift automatic transmission. The derivatives will be offered with fixed metal roof in coupe versions and a 6-way adjustable electric seat and a ton of additional standard goodies as a valet mode and solar attentuating windshield glass. Cool.

Furthermore, the F-TYPE will be offered with 770W surround audio system, navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, leather covered sports seats and Jaguar InControl Apps. And yes, these are all part of the standard equipment. And of course, every customer can further equip the luxurious vehicle with the individual additions or with the Premium trim.

Also, building on the expanded product lineup, 2017 F-TYPE lineup, along with every 2017 Jaguar model will be geared with Jaguar EliteCare coverage for additional peace of mid. EliteCare is considered as best-in-class ownership pack ad offers limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance that covers five years or 60,000 miles – whicever comes first.

The F-PACE information gets sweeter and sweeter. This will definitely a vehicle that would deserve a ton of attention. So, what do you think about it?