Auto News – Page 268 – Automobiles Review

2016 Kia Optima Is Recognized As Best Buy Of The Year

2016 Kia Optima Kia Motors America’s well-designed and passionately developed 2016 Optima received just what it deserves. Indeed, the Best Buy of the Year Prize. According to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, this is the best vehicle along all the midsize cars that deserves the special award. With extensive and comprehensive tests, the vehicle proved itself as a standout among all other 49 Best Buy Award finalists down to 12 winners.

Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards further provide significant maintenance and service to all customers by recognizing the 2016 best car. In fact, there are more than 300 modern vehicles that were tested to prove themselves worthy for the prestigious award.

2016 Kia Optima

So, what makes this vehicle so special? First of all, the vehicle catches the eye with its incredible and instantly recognizable design. Its athletic, yet stylish visuals and wider and stiffer proportions really make that difference on the road. Secondly, in terms of drivetrain system this sweetie has a lot to offer. With its redesigned 1,6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit, mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, the Optima is more confident and more versatile than ever. And at the end, Kia team offers incredible flexibility with the choice of a total five trim levels: LX, LX 1,6T, EX, SX and SXL.

Source: Kia Motors America

November 13, 2015

Mitsubishi Announced Auction for a Legendary Model

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer FInal Edition Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., title sponsor of the 29th annual MS Dinner Auction, has just announced a national auction of the first Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition, one of just 1,600 produced. The idea behind the event is to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. And in order to make the vehicle available to collectors all around the country, the auction went live 10 days in advance on eBay. Bidding will conclude November 11 at the MS Dinner Auction at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California.

The pinnacle of Mitsubishi’s state-of-the-art technology and engineering, the well-known Lancer Evolution, is in its first 10th and sadly final year and there are mere 1,600 Final Edition models that will be produced for the US. Bidding will be for the US0001 vehicle and it is already open on eBay and will conclude at the MS Dinner November 21.

As you might know, the Lancer Evolution is known as gear heads all around the world and it is believet that it is the originator of the four-door sports car. The Final Edition model comes with a 5-speed transmission that works in perfect harmony with the turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0-liter unit. This combination makes the vehicle one of the most powerful mass-production Evolution with its 303hp (222kW).

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer FInal Edition

As you also might know, the vehicle is based off the current GSR model and offers lightweight two-piece Brembo brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. at all four corners. And let’s not forget the innovative Super All-Wheel Control System.

Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America

November 12, 2015

Nissan’s Color Studio Program Will Offer Even More for the Versa Note Model

2016 Nissan Versa Note Color Studio As you might remember, last year at Los Angeles, Nissan launched its special and exclusive factory-personalization program “Color Studio” on the well-known Nissan Juke sports crossover. And now, at the end of 2015, Nissan Color Studio will return to Los Angeles Auto Show with the 2016 Versa Note.

As with the JUKE Color Studio, Versa Note Color Studio will grant owners the opportunity to “make it yours” via la carte selection of 13 exterior and interior accents and accessories, every single one available in six colors. Let me give you an example. The Super Black Versa Note exterior can be covered with orange-accented 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and orange front lip finisher, mirror caps, door handles, rear hatch accent and rear roof spoiler. The interior can be geared with orange kick plates, speaker rings and vent rings. How cool is that?

There are also exclusive Color Studio accessories that can be offered for all 2016 Versa Note grade levels, including the Versa Note SR, along with retrofitting on 2014 and 2015 Versa Note models. As with the JUKE Color Studio, the cost of additional components and accessories can be added to the Versa Note purchase or lease costs into payment of the car.

2016 Nissan Versa Note Color Studio

There is also one more feature of the Color Studio program available for Versa Note and JUKE. The official Nissan website offers a full 360-degree view of the vehicles with all available colors and combinations. Furthermore, the site is also available for viewing on smartphones and sharing on social media.

2016 Nissan Versa Note Color Studio

Source: Nissan

November 12, 2015

Audi Announces Pricing of S8 Plus and RS 7 performance Models

2016 Audi S8 plus Front and Side View Audi has announced the pricing of the S8 plus and RS 7 performance models. Both will go on sale in December ant their price tags are very attractive. Common for the duo are the 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI engine, which produces 605 hp (444 kW), maximum 747 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque, and the sportier interior and exterior design elements. Let’s see what so cool about these two.

S8 plus

2016 Audi S8 plus is the flagship sedan of the A8 lineup. Its powerful engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and the aforementioned numbers it produces make an increase of 85 horsepower (63 kW) and 99 Nm (73 lb-ft) compared to the current S8.

This makes it possible for the S8 to accelerate even faster, thus taking the 0-60 mph acceleration sprint for only 3.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph. As an option Audi is offering a Dynamic package, which increases the Vmax to 190 mph.

As a standard customers will get rear sport differential improving the driving dynamics through active torque vectoring, adaptive sport air suspension and dynamic steering. As you can see all is focused on performance. Even the exterior which features standard rear lip spoiler in exterior body color, silver mirror housings and huge 21” five-spoke-double-arm S8 plus titanium wheels.

The Black optic exterior package is available and it features carbon fiber mirror housings, a black Singleframe grill and window surrounds, a carbon front blade and diffusor trim and darkened taillights. On the other hand, if future customers chose the Dynamic package, they will get high performance ceramic brakes and a carbon rear lip spoiler, custom sport exhaust system with throaty sound and increased top speed limiter (as mentioned). The price tag of the 2016 Audi S8 plus starts at $114,900 USD.

RS 7 performance

2016 Audi RS 7 performance Side View

2016 Audi RS 7 performance model generates the same horsepower and Newton meters as the S8, because it is driven by the same engine fitted with the same transmission. However, adding to this power is an overboost function, which increases the power. The RS 7 performance is almost as fast as the S8, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed is 190 mph.

You can differentiate the RS 7 performance from the standard RS 7 through the carbon ceramic brakes and RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the redesigned bumper with rear diffuser insert and sport exhaust black tailpipes, carbon mirror housings and the gloss black RS Singleframe grille. Massive 21-inch cast aluminum wheels come as a standard.

The cabin features RS sports seats as no cost option, while the black Valcona leather and Alcantara with blue contrast stitching and carbon twill blue inlays come with the car in addition of some extra money. The starting price of the newest Audi RS 7 performance begins at $129,000 USD.

Source: Audi

November 12, 2015

2016 Honda Civic Coupe and Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle to Debut in L.A.

Clarity Fuel Cell front view 2016 Honda Civic Coupe, or the tenth generation ecstatic Civic, and the Clarity Fuel Cell are going to make their North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto show next week. Both vehicles offer a new expression of valuable qualities such as ‘Clean, Safe and Fun’, and they are going to put a strong emphasis on them during the show.

10^th Gen Civic Coupe

The Coupe is built over the same sports platform of the Civic, and its appearance at the event reminds customers that it is currently going on sale (starting today). By the way, you can already find it in dealerships. 2016 Civic Coupe delivers a glimpse of the future design language of the brand with its athletic lines, high-tech interior, and powerful as well as engaging powertrains. There are two new engines, including the first-ever turbocharged for the U.S. Civic.

Sporty performance is inevitable and so is the refined ride. But do not worry about the fuel efficiency, because Honda promises that it will be even lower than expected.

The Civic Coupe is the second of the 10^th generation Civic models, including a sedan and Si models, a 5-door hatchback and the first-ever Civic Type-R. This fact makes the Civic lineup the most diverse and innovative one in model’s history.

Clarity Fuel Cell

Clarity Fuel Cell Interior

Following a world debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show in October, Clarity Fuel Cell is a five-passenger sedan with great performance, range and efficiency. In fact, it is ‘world’s first production fuel cell sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system in the front engine compartment’.

Why this vehicle is so important, especially in the U.S. The reason is that it houses original technologies, which lowers the carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere, since it hardly releases any. And how about the driving rage? It is more than enough, measuring 300 miles. Oh, have I told you that the refueling time is approximately three minutes?

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell will launch in the United States in 2016, but first it will be introduced in Japan in March. If you are interested in what you have read, then visit Honda’s booth, located in the West Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show starts November 18.

Source: Honda

November 12, 2015

Kia Cadenza Previewed with First Couple of Sketches

Kia Cadenza Front and Side View Kia Cadenza has just been teased with first couple of sketches showing its contemporary and athletic design. It is obvious that the car is expected to set new standards in terms of design, both exterior and interior. The fresh design of the Cadenza will be further reinforced with greater refinement and luxury. And let me tell you the best thing about this car: it will go on sale in overseas markets very soon – during 2016. Well, we first have to see its official debut, of course.

In addition, Kia said that the new Cadenza will focus on the quality of its cabin and the contemporary luxury needed for each and any modern vehicle. Compared to the current Cadenza generation, this one has a little bit more progressive exterior design, and the company also promises that it will offer higher levels of luxury.

What else do the sketches speak of? They show that the bonnet is pretty much elongated, while the stance of the car seems a little bit lower. Sharper styling lines speak of Kia’s new design language.

Although we can’t see inside, company representatives say that the new Cadenza features an entirely restyled interior with fresh and luxurious appearance and layout. It will offer its occupant enough space and comfortability. Higher-quality materials than ever before will be used for the interior. So, we a re pretty excited to see this car as soon as possible.

Maybe it will be the newest option for those seeking convenient pricing, excellent appearance and luxurious presence, who knows?

Kia Cadenza Side and rear View

Source: Kia

November 12, 2015

Honda Won the 2016 Best SUV Brand Award

2016 Honda Pilot Honda is now officially named “2016 Best SUV Brand” by US News & World Report, due to the excellent achievements and stats made by Honda HR-V crossover, CR-V and Pilot SUV vehicles. The prize was given after Honda confidently strengthened and expanded its truck lineup that started with the restyled 2015 CR-V back in 2014. As you remember, this was shortly followed by the arrival of the latest HR-V crossover and the third-gen Pilot. All these additions and improvements increased the total gain of the brand with 13% for a year. Furthermore, the CR-V on track wins America’s best-selling SUV for 4th consecutive year.

2015 Honda HR-V

The awards are given to these brands and vehicles that perform excellently on an overall basis within four categories: Cars; SUVs; Trucks and Luxury. Furthermore, the methodology uses combined overall scores across all models in each of the award classes. And the final score is based on a special analysis of published and credible reviews for a given model from the automotive press, along with safety and reliability data.

And now let’s preview the models one more time. The 2015 Honda CR-V comes with special direct-injected engine, restyled interior and Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies. In fact, this vehicle was also named 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year. On the other hand, Honda HR-V brought completely new and growing segment and that’s why it quickly became one of the best and hottest subcompact SUV models. And last, but not least, the 2016 Pilot, Honda’s flagship SUV, comes with more top-in-class-efficiency and safety rates and offers superior performance and comfortable ride.

2015 Honda CR-V

CR-V, HR-V and Pilot are produced in North America, at Honda’s plants in Lincoln, Alabama, East Liberty, Ohio and Celaya, Mexico.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

November 12, 2015

Garage Italia Customs Unveils a Unique Alfa Romeo Vehicle

2015 Garage Italia Customs Alfa Romeo 4C Aggressive, elegant, beautiful and powerful. These are the words that best describe the latest masterpiece by Lapo Elkann’s Garage Italia Customs. The engineering team unveiled the La Furiosa at Dubai Motor Show and has already received incredible positive feedback.

The sweetie is apparently based on the Alfa Romeo 4C and proudly demonstrates stunning exterior. There are carbon fiber elements, like the roof, special Accursio red finish and all this dominated by neatly done gradient approach. And the gold trimmed Alfa Romeo wheels further contribute to the one-of-a-kind exterior looks. And what is also incredibly sweet is the fact that there are special colored brake calipers with white Alfa Romeo lettering. Attention to detail has always been a sign of comprehensive and passionate work by all the engineering team.

On the other hand, the interior is completely dominated by red Alcantara upholstery. The red magic covers the central console, door panels and numerous more smaller details. What is also interesting about the cabin are the black Alcantara seat inserts and the exclusive two-tone steering wheel. And let’s not forget the one-of-a-kind floor mats.

2015 Garage Italia Customs Alfa Romeo 4C

And what about the drivetrain system? Maybe this is the only part of the whole machine that remains untouched by the masterful engineers. However, the vehicle is geared with a 1.7-liter, four-cylinder unit that produces a total of 240hp (176kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 258 km/h (160mph).

2015 Garage Italia Customs Alfa Romeo 4C

Source: Garage Italia Customs

November 11, 2015

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax The Most Efficient Pickup?

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax Chevrolet confirmed that the 2016 Colorado two-wheel drive model with the Duramax turbo-diesel will be the most efficient pickup to rule over American streets. And with its Environmental Protection Avgency-estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy. So, should we believe what Chevy team says?

The EPA has issued a Certificate of Confortmity for Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel. The agency has not expressed any kind of issues and concerns. All this was a result of comprehensive tests and elavulation of the emission control system of the Colorado diesel vehicle. In fact, with Colorado’s 21-gallon fuel tank, the 2WD sweetie can go to up to 651 miles (1,171 kilometers) per tank.

Furthermore, 2016 Colorado diesel 2WD offers and EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined. The 4WD version offers 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined.

Colorado’s diesel fuel economy is enhanced by the segment-leading capability, including the maximum trailering ratings of up to 7,700 pounds (3,492kg) on 2WD models and up to 7,600 pounds (3,447kg) for all the 4WD models with the additional trailering package.

And what about the drivetrain system? Colorado comes with all-new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel unit that provides a total of 181hp (135kW) and 500Nm of torque. This sweetie works in perfect harmony with the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic gearbox which, in fact, uses a special Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber that reduces engine’s noise and vibration. Sweet, right?

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax

There are also two additions that enhance the control and the overall performance of the Colorado diesel unit: a special diesel exhaust braking and integrated trailer brake controller are now a standard feature. The Exhaust braking improves the overall control and reduces brake wear. The trailer brake controller works with antilock brake system and provides immediate and measured brake force and eliminates the need for additional aftermarket trailer brake controller.

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax

The Colorado diesel will go on sale this fall and will be offered with LT and Z71 Crew Cab models and with the choice between 2WD and 4WD system.

Source: Chevrolet

November 11, 2015

Elfyn Evans Showcases his Special 2016 Ford Fiesta WRC Vehicle

2016 Ford Elfyn Evans M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC The M-Sport World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC of Elfyn Evans will be demonstrated with unique livery at this week’s Wales Rally GB. And with the support of Evan’s stunning vehicle, Autosport International will be carrying show’s unmistakable logo.

The special collaboration between M-Sport and Autosport International demonstrates that the team will be presenting their latest products and expertise at the show, which takes place between January 14-17, 2016.

2016 Ford Elfyn Evans M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC

Widely recognized as a traditional and trustworthy start to the motorsport season, Autosport International attracts racers, team and audience, while M-Sport will again have that unmistakable strong presence. There will be a large number of M-Sport products to be displayed at the show, along with engineers and sales representatives on-hand to provide the ultimate advice and guidance for the upcoming season.

As you might remember, last year’s event witnessed the team showcase the 100th Ford Fiesta R5 in stunning gold and black livery. This year the crew also has some surprises both for fans and professionals. But they will be reviewed as the unique event makes some progress.

2016 Ford Elfyn Evans M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC

So, what are your expectations for the upcoming year’s event? We definitely expect even higher levels of emotions and adrenaline, along with some neat surprises when it comes to technology features and driving skills.

Source: Autosport International

November 11, 2015

Winnebago is Ford Transit-Based Luxury Motorhome We Are All Dreaming Of

Ford Winnebago Fuse Side View Ford Winnebago Fuse is based on the Transit RV and it is definitely a vehicle we don’t usually wrote about. However, I am a huge daydreamer and probably my biggest dream is to travel around the world with a vehicle such as the Winnebago Fuse. Why? Because exactly this motorhome offers the convenience of the real home and features the mix of an ambient atmosphere with powerful on-road characteristics. And I hope you’ll like this Transit-based motorhome as much as I did.

The recreational vehicle is a Class C motorhome built on Ford Transit cutaway chassis, making it the latest in a the big number of Transit-based options for active individuals. But what does the Class C include? Namely, vehicle frame, suspension, powertrain and cab, and a living area, which is found behind the driver’s compartment.

If you are already interested, then you should also know that the Winnebago comes in a choice of two configurations. The first one features a rear bedroom slide-out featuring a queen-size bed, while the second one includes front slide-out, two twin beds and a rear bath. Regardless of the configuration, each is driven by Ford Power Stroke 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel engine.

Class B Motorhomes?

Ford Winnebago Fuse Interior

Transit is also popular among the Class B motorhomes, which are commonly called camper vans. They actually drive like vans and can be bought for between $60,000 and $130,000 USD.

And by the way, if you still want to go out camping but didn’t like the Winnebago, then you should have in mind that the Transit is offered in a choice of three roof heights, two wheelbases and three powertrains. This will give you the ability to customize your camper the way you wish and more importantly – cost-effectively. For instance, the high-roof Transit model removes the need to raise the roof or drop the floor of a traditional van.

Winnebago Fuse goes on sale in January. Who’s packing?

Source: Ford Motor Company

November 11, 2015

Mercedes Has Just Teased the Newest SL Debuting at L.A. Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz SL teaser Mercedes-Benz has just released the first teaser picture of their latest SL from the model year 2017. The result: the world went mad! Of course, this has happened on their social media pages, so the feedback was really good. The company released a dimmed photo of the front of the SL and a few words, saying that this is the new appearance of the automotive icon.

As we can see and as Mercedes-Benz said, the SL has a brand new front view (a highlighted variant of the image is featured below), including one of the most beautiful additions in company’s design philosophy, namely the diamond grille. The last official words were that the car would have its world premiere at the L.A. Autoshow.

But what we do we actually see except for the diamond grille? First, the redesigned hood, which features simpler lines and smoother forms. Next are the redesigned headlights, which look a little bit smaller. And have you spotted the front bumper? The difference from the ongoing SL is that this one actually includes four inlets.

There must be even more updates featured on the newest SL, but unfortunately there is no official information regarding this matter. However, we don’t have to worry about anything else, since the L.A. Auto Show will start in a week, on 17^th of November. So we just have to be patient to get the whole picture.

Mercedes-Benz SL teaser - highlighted

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

November 11, 2015

Category: Auto News

2016 Kia Optima

S8 plus

RS 7 performance

10th Gen Civic Coupe

Clarity Fuel Cell

Class B Motorhomes?

10^th Gen Civic Coupe