Auto News – Page 284 – Automobiles Review

HPerformance and HPA Motorsports Create One-Off Volkswagen Golf R32

HPerformance Volkswagen Golf R32 looks amazing on pictures, doesn’t it! But let me tell you a secret: it behaves even better on the road! You might ask why and let me tell you that the reason for this lies not in the additional CO2 (sorry VW), but in the precise and crafty work of the customization specialists at HPerformance and HPA Motorsports.

It seems that the Golf has it all: looks that correspond to its sporty nature, enhanced power output and torque, new rims and rubbers to run on, and throaty exhaust system. This is in summary. But let’s review everything in details. I promise it is worth it.

Updates for the Engine

HPerformance Volkswagen Golf R32 Rear View

HPerformance used own software to optimize the engine. However, to make the end result even better, it had to work in combination with the HPA EFR550 turbo kit. Reinforced piston and conrod and reduced compression also come into play. In addition, water chilled intake manifold was also installed. The air charge compression is variable by means of an electronically adjustable boost controller, thanks to which the new power range might be even surpassed. And it is 550 hp (404 kW) and 730 Nm (539 lb-ft) of torque.

Other Changes for this VW Golf

HPerformance Volkswagen Golf R32 Front and Side View

The new exhaust system has 90 mm end pipes and valve command. It was also made in-house, and its purpose is to deliver throaty sound. HRE FF01 rims in 8.5 x 19 inches at all four corners fitted with corresponding tiring are connecting the car and the road. KW variant 2 coilovers and H&R stabilizers on front and rear axle take care for the better suspension characteristics of the Golf. And have I mentioned that the front wings have been enlarged?

If you like the work of HPerformance, then you should also know that they do not work for free. For instance, the total price for this kind of modification will cost you around 35,000 Euro.

Source: HPerformance via Miranda Media

September 30, 2015

Mazda Sports Car Concept Teased Ahead of Tokyo Premiere

Mazda Sports Car Concept Teaser Mazda Sports Car Concept will have a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show happening in the end of October. It will be accompanied by cars like the recently revealed Mazda KOERU and Cosmo Sport 110. With this concept vehicle the company is stressing on the driving joy that its cars deliver, and this is additionally emphasized through the slogan “Accelerate toward our dreams”.

Mazda Sports Car Concept

Although, Mazda released only a teaser image, which is darkened and does not show much, it is visible that the concept car features modern look that has kept carmaker’s lineage. As a matter of fact, the designers strove to condense the company’s sports car history to as great extent as possible into this vehicle.

Visit Mazda’s Stand

In addition, at Mazda’s stand the visitors will also see a special motor-sport exhibition that will feature two racing Mazda MX-5s. What is more, company’s first rotary powered mass-production model, 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S, will also be on display, just like the Frankfurt-premiered Mazda KOERU. The newest SUV will have its Japanese premiere at the show.

Another regular feature of the Motor Show in Tokyo is the SMART MOBILITY CITY. It will present safety technologies such as its innovative human machine interface, omnidirectional sensing concept, and systems developed according to the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy.

Tokyo Motor Show starts on 28^th of October. We do expect the newest Mazda concept to be revealed days before that. Stay tuned.

Source: Mazda

September 30, 2015

Driving a Giant Oscar Mayer Weiner

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Side View The choice of the style of car or truck you drive is usually quite personal. Some people prefer sporty cars, some need to haul families, some need trucks, and others opt for giant hot dogs. This article concerns the last group.

Every year between several thousand college graduates apply for positions piloting one of Oscar Mayer’s six Wienermobiles around the country. It’s a really big deal, candidates confess, and not everyone is accepted. The company looks for enthusiastic young college grads who will spend a year on the road as official brand advocates for the Oscar Mayer. It’s the perfect job many insist.

The Wienermobile was born in 1936, when Carl Mayer approached his uncle Oscar with the idea of constructing a hot dog-like vehicle and driving it around Chicago. Oscar decided this odd idea had merit and decided to try it out. It was a huge hit. Over the years, the Wienermobile has developed from a smallish 13-foot affair (premiercapecod says that Carl Mayer drove the original around with his head poking through a hole in the roof) into an instantly-recognizable, cultural icon.

Oscar Mayer Original Weinermobile

The Wienermobiles were parked during the fuel woes of the ’70s. A corporate decision was made to stop the promotional technique and concentrate on more traditional media – like TV and radio. This became the heyday of the jingle-laden commercials featuring Oscar Mayer wieners.

Then a funny thing happened in the late 80s when the Wienermobiles hit the road again. They had transcended commercial status and had become bonafide cultural icons. Now an entire generation had been raised on Oscar Mayer products and everyone wanted to hear the jingles again and see genuine Weinermobiles. Today, the Weinermobile is probably the most well known vehicle in automotive history.

So what’s it like to drive a Weinermobile? “Doggers”, as Oscar Mayer executives call them, say that driving a Weinermobile instantly propels them from ordinary person into celebrity. When traveling across the nation, other vehicles beep, honk and wave. When stopped, well, it rapidly becomes a major event. Doggers confess that in order to do the job, one has to really enjoy the extreme attention that occurs. It can be overbearing at times, some drivers admit, but the experience of a lifetime.

Are you interested in seeing a Weinermobile for yourself, visit the Oscar Mayer website for a schedule of appearances.

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Side Picture

Article Source: Premier Cape Cod

September 30, 2015

The Evolution of Automobile Paint

Just as the automobile has evolved during its 100 plus year lifetime so have the coatings that protect and beautify them. Not only have the paints evolved from natural products to fullysynthetic ones, the method of applying them has changed from laborious hand brushing to fully automated methods. Thanks to information we gleaned from the www.browningdodge.com website, we can honestly say that the history of automotive coatings is really just as interesting as any other automotive technology. Here’s the quick history for you.

In the first part of the 20th century, automobiles were painted the same way the horse-drawn carriages were – completely by hand. The paints were natural-based (frequently linseed oil and natural pigments) and the painting process was a lengthy affair. Back then, painting a car required several coats of paint and several days of drying time! Needless to say, this part of the production process was a serious bottleneck in the automotive manufacturing process.

DuPont developed a greatly improved paint system in the early 1920s with its lacquer paints. These paints were based on nitrocellulose and were applied via spray guns. This speeded up vehicle assembly time a great deal. They weren’t perfect paints, though, multiple coats were still needed and drying had to occur in between coats. Lacquers also have poor resistance to certain petroleum-based solvents. Repeated exposures to gasoline spills, for example, could damage lacquer finishes. This was an obvious problem for vehicles that could get splashed with gasoline when getting filled.

In the 1930s, another major development in paint technology came with enamel paints. Enamels were sprayed on vehicles and then were baked in ovens. This speeded up the manufacturing process a lot and produced a rock hard finish which was resistant to solvents (such as gasoline). However, enamel paints had a down side. They oxidized in direct sunlight which caused the colors to begin to show fading and/or dulling quickly, sometimes in just a few months. The durability of enamel finishes was improved considerably with the introduction of “acrylic enamels” in the early 60’s. Acrylic enamels offered much improved durability and a wider range of bright, pleasing colors – especially metallics.

In the late 1970s, a new type of finish, called “basecoat/clearcoat,” was developed. Basically this type of paint consisted of a pigmented enamel basecoat followed by an ultra-hard clear enamel top. It allowed a great deal more flexibility in the composition of the base coat (more colors and metallic) because the top clear coat functioned as a protectant by incorporating UV absorbers. And they were beautiful to look at. Initially, the cost of the basecoat/clearcoat paint system was expensive but refinements in the paint technology helped to reduce costs. By the late 80’s this paint system had become widespread. In fact, only a small percentage of cars manufactured today do not use basecoat/clearcoat paint systems.

While the basecoat/clearcoat paint system is far superior to conventional one-coat enamel paints in many respects, it has a few disadvantages. The clearcoat has a greater tendency to show marring when rubbed by foreign materials. Finally, excessive polishing a car with clearcoat on it can remove a good part of the finish along with its built-in UV protectants.

September 30, 2015

Why Is My Car Battery Always Dying?

It can be one of the most annoying things to deal with; a car battery that seems to randomly die. The problem with troubleshooting this sort of thing is that sometimes the problem is the battery, sometimes it’s the alternator, and sometimes the car’s wiring. Even seasoned mechanics can be confused when troubleshooting a randomly dying battery. That being said, if you have a battery that goes kaput on you occasionally, he’s a few things to know.

First, let’s look at what we are dealing with – It’s just a big battery. It has a positive terminal, a negative terminal and electrons flow through wires from one terminal to the other. Car batteries only have 12 volts so they can’t shock you.

The primary function of a car battery is to start the engine by powering the starter motor and provide electric power to run the engine. In addition to its primary function, it also provides electric power to the lights, horn, heater, and all the other electronic gadgets in the car.

The average battery life is in the 3-4 year range and it should start your car consistently. If it doesn’t do that, consider the following:

A Faulty Charging System: It’s the responsibility of the alternator in your car to keep the battery charged. If it provides a charge that’s too high or too low, then you can have a problem. Technically a fully charged battery produces some 12.6VDC voltage. The service manager at springfieldchryslerdodgejeepram told us that to charge a battery properly, an alternator must pump out 13.4V-14.7VDC. If the alternator isn’t working (i.e. isn’t putting out 13.4V-14.7VDC) then it may be failing to charge the battery properly. This can occur due to a loose connection, a bad circuit, or just a faulty alternator. A qualified automotive mechanic can easily check this for you.

Short-Term Driving: Driving your car often on short trips can contribute to a battery failing to keep a charge. This is because the most taxing use of the battery in your vehicle is the initial engine starting phase (10-20 seconds) and you never give it enough time to get fully charged. When in doubt, drive around for 10 mins or so just to keep a decent charge.

Extreme Temperatures: Extreme cold and/or heat can stress the internal chemistry and structure of a car battery and induce premature failure and random dying. In most cases, there isn’t much you can do about temperature extremes but it’s a factor that you should know about. Chemically what goes on is called “sulfation”. It’s a build-up of lead sulfate crystals which can shorten the life of the battery and lengthen the amount of time needed to charge it. If your battery is heavily sulfated and you don’t drive your car a lot, the battery may never get fully charged.

Excessive Current Draw: There are devices in your car that will draw a small amount of current to stay on, things like your clock circuit and other items. Normally this sort of thing won’t kill your battery however, if you have an excessive current draw due to a short circuit or fault of some sort, then your battery may die before you get a chance to drive your car again. Of course, leaving a light in your car on will do the same thing (as we all know).

Constantly replacing batteries in your car or having a battery that is randomly dying means something is wrong. When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic to find out what the problem is.

Article Source: Springfield Chrysler Dodge

September 30, 2015

Art Studio Vilner Officially Opens Doors in Beijing

Art Studio Vilner - Beijing: Ribbon Cutting We have exciting and extremely exclusive news for everyone who is keen on masterful customization. Vilner is expanding its presence around the world with the opening of the first official representative studio in Beijing, China! The tuner just sent us the information and images of the opening ceremony and we couldn’t wait but share it with you!

Vilner is a Bulgarian based luxury tuning company, and this is its first studio outside of the country. Just like in Europe, Art Studio Vilner – Beijing is absolutely ready to leave a lasting impression in the customization ‘know-how’ of the automobile and motorcycle world.

The Area of the Art Studio

Art Studio Vilner Opening

The Art Studio is positioned over an area of 1.4 acres. It includes a special art section and showroom for four cars. If you ever have the chance of visiting it, you will dive in an atmosphere filled with beautiful details and where nothing is accidental: take for instance the notorious table in the office that is made of organically linked wood and glass or the cubic shop-windows where Vilner’s accessories find their display, or the hand-painted motorcycle helmets which are worthy to be on display in an art gallery. In this cozy atmosphere will be working exactly 23 people.

It isn’t a coincidence the location of the Art Studio, too. It finds itself next to a huge car-complex with showrooms of international brands like Brabus and Mansory. At the same time, the building is positioned slightly aside, because of the inspiring atmosphere of the nearby forest.

First Projects Already Completed

Art Studio Vilner - Beijing Harley Davidson is first completed project

One of the first projects, which the subsidiary has already completed, is this Harley-Davidson. The machine is hand-painted in Chinese style, and the work on it took the master hundreds of man-hours. But it was worth it, because the details are stunning: take a look at the tank, which has received a hat with gold plating, while the heads of the bolts have been covered with muffs of precious metal.

Another three projects were completed when the studio officially opened. These include a Mercedes-Benz SL, MINI Cooper Cabrio and Jaguar XJ. By the way, the production value of the tuning of the British limousine is 200,000 yuan, which is over 28,000 Euro! Now, the proud owner can show-off with bold interior combination of milky blue and brown.

Grand Opening

Art Studio Vilner Balkan Festival

At the grand opening of Art Studio Vilner – Beijing were present more than 100 representatives of the local media. There were also people from the automotive branch and art circles, who witnessed some sort of Balkan Festival. Why a Balkan Festival? Because there were a lot of traditional folk dances and a lot of typically Bulgarian gifts like the vials with rose water.

Art Studio Vilner – Beijing is currently officially functioning. Vilner promises that this is only the beginning of the expansion of the brand. With this step, the double “V” just starts circulating around the global market. For next year there are plans for ‘ribbon cutting’ in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Obviously, Vilner is ready to conquer the world! And I’m sure these guys one day will do it! At last, but not least, you can also take a look at the entirely renewed web-page of the brand: vilner.eu.

Source: Vilner

September 29, 2015

GMC And Android Auto Are Further Enhancing Their Bond

There is a special software upgrade for the Android Auto system for the 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon. The add-on will include a special eight-inch IntelliLink system and it is expected to be available for US customers in March 2016.

As you might know, the system builds off select features smart phone customers use the most. Android Auto is created to offer services of Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google. This means that the WhatsApp, Google Play Music, Spotify and other applications will also be available via the GMC dealers.

Recently, connectivity has become a central component of GMC’s interior technology tweaks. As you might remember, last year there were numerous GMC vehicles that were upgraded with OnStar 4G LTE technology and with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. And now this affair is continued. The new compatibility comes with even better rates for strong signal and more features.

Further improvements are made and onto the software that is now even more friendly. Everything will happen much faster and with lesser energy. All customers must do is to download the special application on their phone and then they do connect to the system via USB. Easy as that.

We all love the idea of how technology improves our lives. And now it becomes even better and better as it gets more popular and with the world of automobiles!

Source: GMC

September 29, 2015

2016 Fiat 500 Raises Money For Charity!

2016 Fiat 500 Cabrio The latest 500 model was the star of a special charity event, especially organized by the amfAR in Milan. And why charity, you ask? Because all of the proceeds will be donated to AIDS research. The special Fiat vehicle will be auctioned off and personalized by Lappo Elkann’s Garage Italia Customs.

The amfAR event will was staged on September 26 in the Teatro della Permanente in via Turati 34. In fact, supporting such studies in the field of HIV and AIDS, ‘amfAR’ is one of the key sponsor to such events. Furthermore, FCA has always been devoted to sponsoring scientific projects and will definitely support the foundation of the latest 500 model. This iconic vehicle is selling out in more than 100 countries and there is a reason for that. The sweetie comes with convertible top, white body and a special Frau leather interior.

Furthermore, the vehicle offers a special TwinAir 0.9 cm3 85 hp (62 kW), paired to a Dualogic transmission. The fuel consumption is measured at 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers and the emissions are lower than 90g/km. This remarkable results demonstrate what the contemporary technologies can do in order to ensure sweet-looking and smooth-driving experience.

It is good that people organize such events. And it is even better that there are famous brands that take place at events like this one.

Source: Fiat

September 29, 2015

BMW Releases a Special Limited-Run Tourer Model For Italy and Japan

BMW 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition There is a special limited BMW vehicle, heading for Italy and Japan. It would be a celebration for the 40 years of the model’s launch back in 1975. Back in these years the 3-series was offered as a compact two-door sedan, with rear-wheel-drive and was powered by a petrol engine. But nowardays, the 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition comes with 4×4 system and a diesel powereplant. And I forgot to mention that there will be only 100 created. So, if you do like this ride, better hurry up with the purchase.

Bold and aggressive, the vehicle really looks like it learnt a lot for 40 years. The elegant, yet striking lines fit perfectly the badass-looking front, while the special wheels further enhance the powerful appearance of the special edition.

But this is not all. For its 40th anniversary the car will be geared with a special M Sport package that includes 19-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced brakes, Tanzanite blue metallic body paint. On the other hand, the interior offers hi-tech gadgets, sporty steering wheel and piano black details on the front console.

BMW 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition

And when we talk about a BMW vehicle, we must say something about the drivetrain system. All the 100 units are geared with a special 2.0-liter diesel unit that delivers a total of 190 hp (140 kW) that works in perfect harmony with the exclusive 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.

So, we can presume that Italian and Japanese people are the luckiest as it comes to BMW vehicles. Still, we wonder why a well-known and loved German brand didn’t release such a vehicle in its own country.

BMW 320d xDrive Touring 40 Years Edition

Source: BMW

September 29, 2015

Holden Cruze Makes Debut as Victorian Police Vehicle

Holden Cruze Victorian Police Vehicle Front and Side View Holden Cruze is the newest police vehicle of the Victorian Police in Australia. The model is currently used for the same purposes in Mexico, Russia and Malaysia. The sedan with the specification SRi is going to join the Commodore with the aim to help the police officers make the roads safer, starting from October.

Why this particular model will be at so good assistance? First, because of its engine. It is powerful, but at the same time efficient. Cruze SRi is driven by the 1.6 litre turbocharged unit connected to a six-speed Active Select transmission. The engine produces 180HP (132kW) of power and generates 230Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque.

The second reason can be summed up in the following: this vehicle is definitely spacious, convenient and well-equipped!

Generous Equipment is Always of Help

Holden Cruze Victorian Police Vehicle Side

Cruze Sri’s interior features seven-inch colour touch screen, which has it all: Holden’s MyLink infotainment system and Bluetooth voice control. Not to mention the five star ANCAP safety rating! In addition, the car company also stated that the police vehicle will be specifically tuned for guarding purposes. Nonetheless, it didn’t reveal any details about the additional tweaks.

To sum up, Holden Cruze SRi is the perfect patrol car, since it has all the necessary attributes. It will definitely contribute for the undisputable fact that the Australian roads are always in good hands.

Source: Holden

September 29, 2015

Dongfeng and Renault to Produce Fluence Z.E. Inspired Models for China

Renault Fluence Z.E. Front and Side View Dongfeng and Renault are planning the production of the first electric vehicle in China. This big news was announced on the occasion of the visit of ZHU Yanfeng, Chairman of Dongfeng Group, at the Renault R&D center. Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC) proudly announced that as a result of the joint venture between the two companies, DRAC will produce an electric vehicle that is based on the Fluence Z.E.

What is more, the electric vehicle (EV) will be entirely produced in China, at the Wuhan plant. The start of the production is planned for 2017. The name of the new EV will be commercialized under a local Dongfeng brand and will be distributed in the Chinese market only.

Renault Fluence Z.E. Charging Station

It is obvious that Renault is taking a step further in the development of global strategy for minimizing the CO2. Whether this EV will be successful in the Chinese market, it is only a matter of economics and individual eco-mindfulness.

However, this is a strong statement, considering that China is one of the courtiers that currently produce the most CO2. In other words, this agreement is “part of the will of both the Renault Group and the Dongfeng Group to propose mobility solutions for sustainable development”.

Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept Side View

If the future Chinese EV is entirely based on the Fluence Z.E. (Zero Emission), then we can expect to see a stylish five-seater, four-door sedan, which has 95HP (70 kW) and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. Hopefully the range will be extended, since it is now 185 km (115 miles).

Well done, Renault, well done! We keep our fingers crossed for more eco-positive news like that.

Source: Renault

September 29, 2015

Scion and 686 Collaborate for Snowboard Inspired xB Parklan Edition

Scion xB 686 Parklan Edition Front and Side View Scion xB 686 Parklan Edition is a blend of fashion and functional characteristics. The car is inspired by snowboarding, and if you are familiar with the 686 brand, then we have good news for you: Scion actually partnered with the snowboard technical apparel company to create the xB 686 Parklan Edition.

Exterior

The first thing about this car, which immediately grabs the attention, is the exterior color. The vehicle is painted in Cocoa Bean Metallic, but if you look closely there are accents in red on the front, rear and on the side rearview mirrors.

This stylish car also runs on 16-inch alloys that display that they are special because they feature 686 stamped logo. By the way, exactly this logo is in perfect harmony with the black-out badges, side mirrors, rear license plate garnish and door handles.

Interior

Scion xB 686 Parklan Edition Interior

The cabin is as fashionable as the exterior. For instance, the seats come with the quilted patterning and modern cubist camo style, which reflect 686’s design influence. What is more, for added functionality on the slopes, there is an incognito driver’s side zippered storage pocket and zippered seat back pockets. All-weather floor and cargo mats and a custom INNO Cargo Box and Roof Rack system are also featured in the equipment.

In other words 2015 Scion xB 686 Parklan Edition is perfect for those seeking winter adventures. If they did like the car, they can order it now on the special price starting at $19,685 USD.