Auto News – Page 277 – Automobiles Review

Holden Upgrades the Beloved Colorado Model With Limited Trim!

2016 Holden Colorado LS-X Limited Edition Holden has announced the latest Limited Edition upgrade to the Colorado LS 4×4 Crew Cab pickup, which will arrive in dealerships in October. Geared with various features, the Colorad LS-X addition will bring style and some sweet technical additions.

2016 Holden Colorado LS-X Limited Edition

The special pack will add neat 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and alloy sports bar. And in addition, it will reshape the style of the vehicle with smoked bonnet protector and one-of-a-kind LS-X badging. In fact, Holden’s Executive Director, Peter Keley said that Colorado LS-X will add a special selection of popular styling additions that will ensure optimal value to money ratio.

Colorado LS-X 4×4 will be available in mid-October and providing that there will be only 750 units, it is a good idea to book your now. LS-X will be built on the base of LS 4×4 Crew Cab and offers 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, alloy sports bar, special LS-X badge and neat carpet flooring.

2016 Holden Colorado LS-X Limited Edition

Source: Holden

October 19, 2015

Cadillac Introduces Crystal White Frost Edition for its V-Series

2016-CTS-V Super-Sedan Front View Cadillac’s Crystal White Frost Edition is company’s way to celebrate the launch of the first ever ATS-V model and the third generation CTS-V super sedan. The special trim level will be offered on three high-performance V-Series models: ATS-V Coupe and ATS-V Sedan, and the CTS-V Sedan. In total, there will be 99 Crystal White Frost Editions produced: 29 will be CTS-V sedans, 39 ATS-V coupes and 31 ATS-V sedans.

They share in common the low-gloss Crystal White Frost exterior paint. It was first presented at the world premiere of the new V-Series models, where it has received positive consumer reaction. The cars also include V-Series wheels and Carbon Fiber and Luxury packages.

Precisely, the Carbon Fiber Package adds a lot of goodies made from the lightweight material, including a front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser, composite black rocker extensions and composite body-color extra-aero rear spoiler.

On the other hand the Luxury Package adds access to Apple CarPlay and Navigation, sporty alloy pedals, Universal Home Remote, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting and LED vertical light signatures, split-folding rear seats and 110-volt power receptacle.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition

2016-CTS-V Super-Sedan Grille

Offered in a sedan and coupe variant, this model includes over the ATS-V standard features the following: the special white paint, 18-inch V-Series wheels, Carbon Fiber and Luxury Package. Optional for this model are the paddle-shift 8-speed automatic transmission, RECARO performance seats, Performance Data and Video Recorder, the sunroof, the Dark Gold or Red Brembo brake calipers, sueded microfiber steering wheel and shifter and Safety/Security Package with Head-Up Display.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Crystal White Frost Edition sedans have a starting price of $71,460 USD, while the coupes – $73,660USD.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V crystal White Frost Edition

These sedans feature the following equipment over the CTS-V standard one: the unique white paint, 19-inch V-Series forged alloys in After Midnight finish, Carbon Fiber and Luxury Package. Optional here are again the RECARO performance seats, Performance Data and Video Recorder, the Ultra-view sunroof, Dark Gold or Red Brembo brake calipers, sueded microfiber steering wheel and shifter and the Advanced Security Package.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Crystal White Frost Edition Sedans has a starting price of $94,990 USD.

Source: Cadillac

October 19, 2015

Abarth Celebrates FIM MotoGP Championship with 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition has been released to celebrate Abarth’s position as an Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship. The hatches will be produced in only 595 examples and they are actually a result of the partnership with Yamaha, the champion riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

The cars will be offered in seven different exterior colors and will feature a lot of charming equipment for the exterior and interior, that will enhance its sporty nature.

Exterior

Except for the seven exterior paint schemes, the car also features as an option a matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers. Regardless of the choice of external appearance, every Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition will ride on 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, behind which will sit painted in red brake callipers.

Xenon headlamps are another special benefit of this exclusive model. All rear windows have been darkened windows, for sportier and more menacing appearance.

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition Rear View

Interior

Inside, the Yamaha Factory Racing Edition benefits from leather upholstery for the interior, flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and special ‘Yamaha Factory Racing’ badge. The occupants will also enjoy dual zone air conditioning.

Engine

The tiny dimensions of the Abarth have nothing to do with its engine’s powerful capabilities. In contrast, the unit is so potent, that it produces more than 160 hp (118 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. The powerplant is the updated 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, which shows better results due to the addition of Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs.

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition has a starting price of £17,420.

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition Technical Specifications:

Engine:	Suspension:	Performance:
Engine: T-JET, 1368cc, straight-4, 4 valves per cylinder Peak power: 160 HP (132 kW) @ 5500 rpm Peak torque: 230 Nm @ 3000 rpm (Sport mode) Turbo: IHI RHF3-P Air cleaner: BMC high-performance filter Exhaust pipe: Record Monza 4 outlet valve Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, manual	Front and rear: Abarth Koni with FSD valves Ride: Lowered racing Shock absorbers: Eibach front and rear lowered springs Rims: Alloy 17-inch Formula – Matt black finish alloy wheels	Top speed: 130 mph Acceleration (0-62 mph): 7.4 sec Fuel consumption (mpg) and emissions (g/km): Urban consumption: 35.8 Extra-urban consumption: 57.7 Combined consumption: 47.1 CO2 emissions: 139 Emissions standard: Euro 6

Source: Abarth

October 19, 2015

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

2016 Toyota Prius is one of the smallest hybrid vehicle in Toyota’s whole lineup, but it definitely has a lot to demonstrate. For example, the latest 2016 Toyota Safety Sense-C system which gives incredible advantage over other models in the segment. The compact sweetie also offers incredibly clean ride, making it a friend to the environment.

Toyota paid even more attention to the latest Prius model, as it released the Persona Series Special Edition. This lineup is limited to 1,500 units, which are painted in back and a contrast color by choice: Electric Lime or the Cherry Pearl. Further exclusive features for the limited series is the appearance of the 15-inch black alloy wheels and the custom “Persona Series” badge. So far, so good with the limited edition. Now let’s see what does the standard 2016 Prius model have to offer.

The Hybrid technology and what it has to offer

By adopting the environmentally-friendly Hybrid technology, Prius’ main drivetrain components benefit from better engineering solutions, reduced weight and of course, better fuel efficiency. Toyota’s hybrid technology integrates a gasoline unit, an electric motor and numerous more drivetrain components.

The 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit is also further tweaked to deliver better fuel efficiency. It generates a total of 73 hp (53 kW) and 82 lb.-ft. of torque. And when combined with the hybrid unit, the overall power is estimated at 99 hp (72 kW). 2016 Prius also offers and three drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV Mode.

Safety Features

2016 Toyota Prius

Along with the TSS-C, 2016 Prius offers the Star Safety suite that includes Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and more. Furthermore, the vehicle is geared with a total of 9 airbags, placed in strategic places in the cabin.

Additional technology features

A vehicle like this offers and extended list of hi-tech gadgets. For example, the Entune Multimedia Bundle. There also a 6.1-inch touch screen display, AM/FM CD player, USB ports, iPod connectivity, music streaming and more. Further additions are the Push Button Start, Touch Traces Display and Endune Premium Audio.

2016 Toyota Prius

Source: Toyota

October 19, 2015

Volkswagen Details 2016 Passat Pricing, Starting At $22,440 USD

2016 Volkswagen Passats Front and Rear View 2016 Volkswagen Passat has been revealed last month and showed new exterior and interior styling, various connectivity and driver assistance features. Almost one month after the premiere, Volkswagen is ready to announce the highly anticipated pricing of the latest Passat. The good news is it is the same as the outgoing base model, precisely – $22,440 USD.

Hey Passat, What’s New?

In the beginning the lineup will feature only two engine options: the 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged direct-injection four cylinder engine and the 3.6-liter VR6. The first one produces up to 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. Although Volkswagen did not say anything about the CO2 emissions, they stated that the estimated highway fuel economy is lower with 2 mpg and it is 38 mpg. The 3.6-liter VR6 unit produces 280 horsepower (206 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Absolutely new for 2016 Passat is VW’s “modular infotainment platform” (MIB II), which features a lot of goodies like the touchscreens that is standard on all models. Some of the models have a display, which uses capacitive touch sensor, enabling gesture controls, proximity sensor, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

In terms of safety features there are also some new additions like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, while the advanced driver assistance systems include (depending on the trim level) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Active Blind Spot Monitor with corrective steering; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). The rearview camera is standard equipment.

Trim Levels & Pricing:

2016 Volkswagen Passat Front View

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T S

2016 Volkswagen Passat S model comes equipped with the 1.8T engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It is the one you can acquire at a starting price of $22,440. It features a lot of goodies as a standard including 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Climatronic dual-zone climate control; MIB II Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with 5-inch color display, CD player, aux-in, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity; a rearview camera; and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. A Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights. The front foglights are optional and come at a price of $1,245.

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T R-Line

R-Line version of the Passat is offered for the first time in the U.S. Being sportier, the car boasts one-off rocker panels, stylish front bumper with contrasting black accents, a modified rear diffuser, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 235/40 all-season tires. Its pricing begins at $23,975.

In addition, Volkswagen is also introducing an R-Line Comfort Package, which adds V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, power driver seat, heatable front seats with seat-back map pockets, heatable exterior mirrors, and heated washer nozzles. It is available at $775. On the other hand, the R-Line Lighting Package is priced $1,095 and includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED taillights.

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SE

The SE trim level has a price tag of $26,280. It features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; tilt-and-slide power sunroof; SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial period; second USB port in the rear of the center console; MIB II Composition Media with 6.3-inch color display, voice control, and VW Car-Net App-Connect and Security & Service features; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; power driver seat; and heatable front seats. Here, the Lighting Package comes a littlee bit more costly than the previous, although it includes the same goodies, and it is $1,245.

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SE w/Technology

2016 Volkswagen Passat Interior

Next is the SE w/Technology, starting at $28,410. It is steps over the SE, but adds: Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert with braking; KESSY keyless entry with push-button start; Easy Open hands-free trunk; MIB II Discover Media navigation system; frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror; rain-sensing wipers; stainless steel door sills; and heatable rear seats. Here the Lighting Package is available for $1,095.

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL

The 1.8T SEL adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Fender Premium Audio system, stainless steel pedal caps, Vienna leather seating surfaces, rear-seat pass-through, and power front seats with power lumbar and memory settings for driver’s side. This trimline is priced at $30,495, while the Lighting Package costs the same as the previous.

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium

At the top of the 1.8T range, sits the SEL Premium and it can be bought for $34,270. It can show-off with standard LED headlights with LED DRLs and LED taillights, remote start, and even more driver assistance features like the Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) with active steering; Active Blind Spot Monitor; front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot); and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).

2016 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium

At the top of the range of Passat’s lineup is the V6 SEL Premium, which is the only one powered by the 3.6-liter VR6 engine with six-speed DSG automatic transmission and paddle shifters. This particular model has a starting price of $36,835 and adds dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips, and Hill Hold Control to the 1.8T SEL Premium’s long list of features.

Source: Volkswagen

October 19, 2015

Alfa Romeo Improves MiTo and Giulietta Models

Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta ranges have received some upgrades and additional features. The new Collezione upgrade is available for both models, while the Sprint Speciale is available exclusively for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range.

Collezione versions are the luxury flagships of the whole range and offer even more enhanced features, along with some drivetrain tweaks. For example, MiTo Collezione will include 17-inch alloy wheels an satin-effect headlight and tail light surrounds. There will also be a special NAV infotainment system and DAB radio.

These goodies can be further paired either with the 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo 105-hp (77 kW) or 1.4-Liter Turbo Petrol unit that produces a total of 140 hp (102 kW). Both engine systems will be maeto do Alfa Romeo’s six-speed ALFA TCT twin-clutch transmission and improved Brembo brakes. How cool is that?

Furthermore, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione stands out from the crowd thanks to the glossy black painted roof and unique rear parking sensors. The inside of the vehicle is trimmed with special Collezione leather with heated front seats.

But along all these luxurious models, Alfa Romeo team also proudly presents the Giulietta Sprint Speciale. This special model is based on the Sprint model and is generally high-performance focused. It is geared with sporty suspension, 17-inch sports alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, aluminum pedal and special Quadrifoglio-styled seats. And of course, the vehicle offers dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensor and special silver dashboard trim.

The Sprint Speciale includes a 1.4-TB MultiAir 150hp (110 kW) or 2.0 JTDM-2 250 hp units, six speed ALFA TCT gearbox with paddle shifters.

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 19, 2015

The Well-Known 1976 Jaguar XJ12-C Was Sold To its New Owner!

1976 Jaguar XJ12-C The original Jaguar XJ12-C Broadspeed which was the star in cult 70’s TV seriest, the New Avengers was sold at auction today. This iconic machine that was driven by secret agent John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) began its life as a pre-production prototype vehicle. Later bought by a private collector at the H&H Classics’ auction at the Imprerial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridge, the XJ12-C completed its job before being sent to Broadspeed Engineering LTD to be geared with some upgrades as wider bumpers and wheelarches, along with bigger wheels and tires.

This iconic machine comes with a 5.3-liter V12 engine that powered the beauty throughout all the 26 episode of the series. In fact, after the series finale back in 1977, the vehicle was sold and passed through numerous keepers, but eventually was put up for an auction at the NEC Classic Car show in the early 1990’s. And this was the time when the iconic Jaguar disappeared from public eye and remained hidden for the next two decades.

1976 Jaguar XJ12-C

And good news is that Jaguar Heritage boasts an extended catalogue of over 30,000 original spare parts that could be used by models that are already 10 years out of production. Another good news is that the Heritage workshop at Browns Lane, Coventry, carries out warrantied service and restorations to the classic models.

1976 Jaguar XJ12-C

Source: Jaguar

October 16, 2015

Volvo Cars Makes Further Steps in Developing Efficient Electric Engines

Volvo Cars, the versatile car maker announced that one of the most important aspects for all the company, indeed the comprehensive electrification strategies will be further enhanced and upgraded. The plan is to create fully electric and safe vehicles by 2019. And as a part from this strategy, the Swedish manufacturer now expects that the tendency for customers to buy electric vehicles will rise up to 10%.

As you know, the first element of the electrification strategy requires the introduction of plug-in hybrid models of the 90 and 60 series. This process has already begun with the launch of the T8 Twin Engine All-Wheel Drive plug-in system of the latest XC90 SUV and will continue with the new S90 premium sedan and some more forthcoming models.

The Swedish car maker will further enhance its products and offerings by a special range of smaller 40 series, based on the recently developed Compact Modular Architecture system. This would make Volvo Car Group one of the few automobile manufacturers that would offers new architectures designed to support both plug-in and pure electric drivetrain configuration.

Volvo Cars

Source: Volvo Cars

October 16, 2015

2016 Qoros 5 SUV, Was Dramatically Unveiled at the Milan Expo

2016 Qoros 5 SUV Surprisingly, today the Qoros 5 SUV was unveiled in Milan, the European fashion capital. The vehicle is nicknamed “village SUV” by Qoros fans and today the only new model of Chinese Automobile Brand Promotion finally met the world.

Style

Qoros 5 comes with clean lines, and expressive looks. And something more: this vehicle combines the three essential rules of design: symmetry, proportion and simplicity. And it really looks like designers managed to achieve a perfect blend between European simplicity and Eastern spirit. And with its own perception for the world, the Qoros 5 SUV really has that underlined block-like shaping and dynamic contour. The addition of 19-inch wheels and shark grill-shaped headlights and crown jewels just contribute to this special and appealing design.

2016 Qoros 5 SUV

Fashion

There are three major trends that include the concepts for sharp wide-size headlights; strong front wheels and a dynamic hatchback tailgate. And you guessed it, Qoros 5 SUV incorporates all of them. And what the audience saw at the Milan Expo is a machine that demonstrates new ways of expressing itself, but at the same time remains obedient to the never-dying laws of aesthetics.

You might well know that before this model, Qoros has produced three internationally acclaimed models and has won multiple global awards. And now, with the demonstration of the latest SUV at the Milan Expo, Qoros and other Chinese automobile brands will enable the world to witness the rapid growth of Chinese automobile industry.

2016 Qoros 5 SUV

Source: Qoros

October 16, 2015

Ford Ranger Returns to ARENACROSS Tour

Ford Ranger at ARENACROSS Ford Ranger was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Now it is time for it to make debut in the UK with its return at the sports and entertainment event ARENACROSS. If you aren’t familiar with the ‘happening’, it is an adrenaline-fuelled Motocross display, which will start this weekend outside Wembley Stadium with an ‘Action Tour’.

In addition, Ford Ranger will be also touring the country alongside ARENACROSS event. The next stops will be at George Square in Glasgow on 24th October, Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester on 25th October and Centenary Square in Birmingham on 31st October.

Ford will supply ARENACROSS with three Rangers. They will transport the equipment used to stage each event when it commences next year. Officially, 2016 ARENACROSS tour starts on 2nd January at the Manchester Arena and then proceeds to Belfast, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Sheffield. The end show will be at the Wembley Arena in London on 27th February.

Eco Ranger Lowers CO2 by 17 Percent

Ford Ranger Side View

2016 Ford Ranger has very important benefits. Maybe the most important one is that it is the most fuel-efficient Ranger ever produced, because the reductions in fuel consumption are of up to 17 percent. In addition, there are a standard EPAS and available Auto-Start-Stop technology across the range on all manual transmission vehicles.

In terms of engines, the 3.2-litre TDCi 200PS six-speed auto powertrain will be offered for the first time on the Limited series. A lot of technology features will be also of great help to the future drivers. These include voice-activated SYNC 2 connectivity system with an eight-inch touchscreen, Lane Keeping Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Rear View Camera and Electronic Stability Control system with rollover mitigation and trailer sway control.

2016 Ford Ranger will be priced in the UK as follows: the starting price is £18,571 for the XL Super Cab, the series progresses with XLT that will be sold at a pricing of £21,171, while the Limited costs £23,271. At the top of the range sits the Wildtrak trim, priced at £26,171.

Source: Ford

October 16, 2015

Tesla Version 7.0: Next Step for Brand’s Autopilot

Tesla Version 7.0 Software Tesla has been equipping its Model S with hardware to allow introduction of self-driving technology and this has been happening from October last year. This important step in the development of the brand expresses its commitment to refining that enable self-driving capability.

Precisely, the self-driving technology comprises of forward radar, a forward-looking camera, high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system and 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors. The sensors are mounted in such way that they can sense 16 feet around the car in every direction and at all speeds.

Tesla Version 7.0 software has been just released, allowing the aforementioned tools to deliver a range of active safety and convenience features. In addition, they all work in conjunction with the automated driving capabilities, which are known to Model S drivers.

More About the new Autopilot System

Tesla’s autopilot involving four different feedback modules: camera, radar, ultrasonics, and GPS. They mutually reinforce each other and at the same time offer realtime data feedback from the Tesla fleet. Why is this necessary? Simply because it ensures that the system is continually learning and improving upon itself.

The autopilot allows Model S these several action: to steer within a lane, to change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and to manage speed by using active and traffic-aware cruise control. The motors, brakes, and steering are digitally controlled, thus helping the car avoid collisions from the front and sides, and wandering off the road.

In addition, all features in Version 7.0 allow scanning for parking spaces and alerting in case there is available one. Parallel parking happens on command.

Furthermore, Tesla says that the autopilot functions like the systems that airplane pilots use when conditions are clear. The driver is still responsible for the car and has control over it, but is assisted by the autopilot in any case scenario. In other words, Tesla Version 7.0 software is the next step for Tesla Autopilot.

Source: Tesla

October 16, 2015

Range Rover Sport 400 LE Luxury Edition by Kahn Design

Range Rover Sport 400 LE Luxury Edition by Kahn Design is a truly unique vehicle for two major reasons. The first one is that its exterior has nothing to do with how the stock one look and the second is that the interior has been entirely reupholstered. Although there aren’t any changes in the engine output, we find this car really captivating and wanted to share it with you!

Let’s see what the tuning experts at Kahn have one here:

Exterior

Regarding the exterior color, the first thing we see is the vibrant exterior color, called Volcanic Grey Satin. The next thing to spot is the contrasting Piano Black floating roof. In perfect harmony with the latter is the Black Label front grille with a 3-D floating mesh insert and the cool side vents on the new bumper.

KAHN’s badging also comes in black and it is positioned over the fenders and tailgate with black strip. In addition, 400-LE’s front bumper also inludes LED daytime running lights and unique centre piece.

What has happened at the rear? There is a twin single exit Crosshair exhaust system in polished aluminium, which protrudes from 400-LE bumper and carbon composite diffuser.

When it comes to wheels and tires, the production ones were substituted with in-house RS600 alloys of the size 9.5 x 22-inches and coupled with 285/35/22 tires. Behind the new wheels sit gold-painted brake callipers and this bi-color design approach has been applied inside.

Interior

Range Rover Sport 400 LE Luxury Edition by Kahn Design Interior

The cabin of this Range Rover is adorned with front and rear Herringbone Leather seats with gold stitching. The armrests also received Herringbone Leather and contrasting stitching. What is more, the driver will sit behind re-upholstered steering wheel hub, and will push machined aluminium foot pedals. Aluminium has been also used for the door entry sill plates.