Auto News – Page 300 – Automobiles Review

Lamborghini Debuts Aventador SuperVeloce Roadster and Announces Pricing

2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster was announced in the beginning of July. Back then, the first images were revealed showing how cool this non-conventional cabrio looks like. In addition to this, Lamborghini also opened the orders for the car. Now, the supercar has been officially unveiled and showed to the public at the famous event ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’.

Staggering Performance

At the event, the representatives of the brand announced that the special car will be available in a limited run of 500 units worldwide. Being the first open-top Lamborghini to bear the name SuperVeloce, this car has some unique characteristics. Follow me as I tell you more about it.

We all know that the SuperVeloce family offers greater performance. This specific example here delivers even better power output with an increase of 50 hp resulting in a total of 750 hp (552 kW) at 8,400 rpm. The optimum torque has been estimated at 690 Nm (509 lb-ft).

If you wonder about the acceleration time, there are no surprises but the familiar 2.9 seconds for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint. The top speed is estimated to be more than 350 km/h (217 mph).

Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce Roadster can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and can produce up to 750HP!

Responsible for this staggering performance is the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine. It is connected to the innovative 7-speed ISR transmission, which transfers the power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system. Just like its coupe sibling, this open-top SV Lamborghini also benefits from the adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS), thus ensuring there are better driving dynamics.

Given that the SuperVeloce Roadster has a dry weight of 1,575 kg (3,472 lb), being 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, this means that this unique vehicle has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 2,1 kg/hp (4,6 lb/hp).

Better than the SV Coupe?

2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster Interior

SuperVeloce Roadster includes a power rear window, which is absent in the coupe variant. This allows the engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics. In similarity to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Rodster has also received the two-piece hardtop made from carbon fiber and technologies like the RTM and Forged Composite.

There are exactly two roof parts, each of which weighs a little less than six kilograms (13.2 lb) and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They are in perfect harmony with the monocoque, which is also made from carbon fiber.

Pricing and Deliveries

2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster Rear View

In case all this data has convinced you of buying the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Rodster, than you should also know that you have to prepare no less than 357,000 Euros or $530,075 USD. If you be among the first 500 to order it, then you should expect your delivery no sooner than early 2016.

For this amount of money you’ll definitely get the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini in its Roadster version.

Source: Lamborghini

August 17, 2015

Toyota Announces Substantial Changes for 2016 Land Cruiser Facelift [VIDEO]

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Facelift is now here offering substantial updates. It gains more in terms of interior and exterior styling, updates regarding the engines and performance as well as safety improvements. For example, the appearance of the popular vehicle is now more modern and athletic, while the interior benefits from soft-touch surfaces, revised instrument cluster and controls. But let’s see exactly what has happened to this icon.

Exterior

Beginning with the exterior, the designers have obviously kept the emblematic visual appearance. Some of the substantial changes include the grille, headlamps, bumper, fenders and bonnet. Precisely, the grille now features hexagonal frame and triple horizontal bars, resulting in more aggressive stance.

This is further emphasized by the subtle scooping in the centre of the bonnet and the convex shapes that extend to the front. Headlamps and front corners set back from the grille, round out the front end design.

At the sides we see protection moldings and door handles with slightly different appearance. At the rear the revisions include new bumper, upper tailgate panel as well as combination lamps, reflectors and mudguards.

Moreover, adding to the palette of exterior colors are two new shades: Copper Brown and Onyx Blue. They will be offered as an option on all grades except GX.

Interior

The cabin of the Land Cruiser adopts soft padding for areas that directly contact occupants’ limbs and support their bodies. There are also changes to the switches and displays for the audio, air-conditioning and driver-related functions, which aim to achieve more convenient utilization.

For example, the centre cluster has received a storage area and a 12V outlet. Only the Sahara trim gets a wireless charger. Another change is found in both VX and Sahara grades, which adopt Optitron instrument cluster with 4.2-inch thin-film transistor colour Multi Information Display. These trim levels also gain Electro Multi Vision and Navigation unit with nine-inch display screen.

The interior colors are different for each grade. The GX is trimmed with grey fabric, while the GXL gets grey or beige fabric. The customers, who will choose the VX and Sahara trims, will have the option of selecting black or beige for their leather-accented interiors. And note that the GX is a 5-seater, while the diesel VX and Sahara are 7-seaters. All other grades have 8 seats.

Drivetrains

Two powerful V8 engines define the range of available drivetrains of the Land Cruiser. They are now better due to a substantial revision, resulting in more power and optimized efficiency. Both the twin-turbo diesel and its petrol alternative show better fuel consumption and tighter Euro 5 emissions.

To go into details, the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel unit benefits from new injectors, revised mapping and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The latter has been fitted with a guard to protect it over rough roads.

In addition, the changes to this drivetrain include also increased power output up to 272 hp (200 kW) and the same torque of 650 Nm (480 lb-ft). Improvement of 8 percent is seen in the fuel economy and emissions, showing 9.5 litres per 100km.

The 4.6-litre petrol V8 engine gets updates to its air-injection system in order to achieve reduced emissions. The variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust ports helps this engine maintain 309 hp (227 kW) and 439 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. Fuel economy and emissions have been also improved but Toyota didn’t release any specific numbers.

Safety Features

Regarding the safety, the top of the LandCruiser 200 range, the Sahara trim, receives a package of advanced features. An instance is the ability to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. Called Pre-Collision Safety, this system warns the driver of a possible collision and automatically applies the brakes.

On the other hand, Lane Departure Alert helps in avoiding collisions by warning the driver in case the vehicle is about to move unintentionally across lanes without using the turn signals.

Sahara also gets radar, sensors and front camera which are utilized to detect other road users and lane markings. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam are the other two features new to the Land Cruiser 200 range.

LandCruiser Line-up

Featured in Land Cruiser’s line-up there are a total of four grades. GX remains the diesel-only model, while the GXL, VX and Sahara can be specified with petrol or diesel engines. Both units are fitted with six-speed automatic transmission.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Facelift can be currently ordered in Japan. It is scheduled to go on sale in Australia in the second half of October. Other markets will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

httpv://youtu.be/C7h4-SJNSVE

Video Source: Toyota Japan via YouTube

Source: Toyota

August 17, 2015

The Future Face of Kia Represented by 2016 Sportage

2016 Kia Sportage Teaser Side View 2016 Kia Sportage has been officially revealed with first three teaser pictures, showing both the exterior and interior. The world debut of the forth-generation Sportage SUV is scheduled for September 15 at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. In other words, we will have to wait one more month to see whether these images adequately correspond to the actual car.

Exterior

Take a look at the external appearance of the SUV. What do you think? Well, Kia has obviously tried to make things a little bit more dynamic. The design is bolder and applies to the modern requirements, thus exuding power and agility.

We are definitely happy to see this, but as it usually happens, sketches are much farther from what’s unveiled in the end. This is why we’d better wait for the global reveal before making any assumptions.

Nonetheless, it seems that the new dynamic and compact SUV styling strives for creating visual harmony. And it does that by combining the bold and precise lines and dramatically-sculptured bodywork.

Interior

The cabin looks very simple but at the same time contemporary. Kia representatives said that the interior will be filled with high-end materials and this will contribute for brand’s most refined and highest-quality cabin up to date.

Kia also confirmed that the design of the car has been entirely created by brand’s design centre in Frankfurt and that it will represent the future face of Kia. This keeps us excited for the official reveal. How about you?

You can view and download the images from our gallery below and of course don’t forget to tell us what you think about 2016 Kia Sportage.

Source: Kia

August 17, 2015

Does Vehicle’s Color Has Something to Do with Driver’s Character?

Even if you consider yourself as a careful driver, there are some myths and beliefs, that can tell something different about you. There are people, who believe, that there is sort of connection between vehicle color and the amount of scratches. It sounds funny and superstitious, but let’s see what do say these, who believe in such things about vehicle’s color and the accidents. According to a research, the green color has the most damages, while other colors tend to reduce them. But let’s have a look on some statistics.

Red

The color wasn’t that popular in 80’s and 90’s, but now it makes something as a comeback. What researchers say about this color is that you make only 9% on repairs in one year time. Good choice, keep up with the safe red finish.

Grey

Not so interesting, the grey color appears to be with more “dangerous”, than the red, because of its 14% filling on one year’s service work. Grey maybe matches the sensible drivers the best. Who knows.

Blue

In fact, the blue color is now with decreased popularity with its 13% of new car registrations in 2014. But the vehicles still go through some bumbs and fill a total of 18% of total repairs. Interesting.

Black

The always modern black color is in second position with its 21% of total repairs. Some researches show that in recent years black vehicles are mostly reported to be involved in road accidents. Interesting or just coincidence?

Silver

This looks like the most unfortunate color. Vehicles with this color go for the most repairs throughout one year with their 24%.

Interesting things are the colors. In fact, it is considered, that white cars are sort of “safest”, when it comes to researches like this.

So, what do you think about it? Coincidence and superstition or the vehicle’s color has something to do with driver’s character?

August 14, 2015

How To Pack Your Luggage: Some Safety Tips

So, we all know what we have to do before we go out for our vacation: put on our seatbelts, ensure safety for the children and numerous more. But many of us fail to observe some important, yet underestimated safety rules. Especially when it comes to luggage.

When you use vehicles with big baggage volume, it is tempting to stow away pieces of cargo randomly. What we fail to understand is that there are some nice safety tips, that can even save a life, when it comes to placing luggage in vehicle. Remember: heavy items should go to the bottom of the trunk and should be pushed tight against the back seat. Why? Because, for example a full case of water weights 17 liters. In crash these 17 liters will turn into a half a ton of weight, banging into the back seat. In order to prevent some unpleasant games with physics, place the heaviest stuff in the bottom. And this is not all: they must be kept from sliding backward by means of other pieces of baggage or tie-downs. If not, everything could come crashing forward during the in the event of a sudden braking maneuver or an accident.

The lighter items as sports bags, beach mats and rubber boats must be stowed in a way, that fills up the empty space around the heaviest items. And you should avoid packing above the line of the back seats. This is because when you suddenly stop, or in accident these items can fly ahead and injure passengers. It is also advisable to use the baggage with cargo straps. And if there are no passengers on the back, the rear seatbelts should be closed crosswise in order to give the back seat additional stability.

Do not forget: the warning triangle, warning vest and the first-aid-kit must be stowed in a place, where they can be easily reached at any time!

Two more tips for safe vacation driving: Because of the heavier load, tire pressure has to be adjusted. Also, the weight in the rear of the car lifts the front. In order to avoid the headlights from thus blind oncoming traffic at night, the beam has to be adjusted accordingly. Only in the entry-level Captiva, however: All other Captiva models feature an automatic leveling system on the rear axle.

August 12, 2015

How to Buy Your Dream Porsche? [VIDEO]

Porsche 911s Front and Rear View

Porsche is not only a word that exemplifies the dream-car of almost everyone, it is also a religion! Figuratively speaking of course! And I don’t think there is anyone in the world who didn’t dreamt of at least driving one… But what is a prerequisite when you finally got the change of buying your dream car, especially a classic one, being it a Porsche or any other model? The answer is simple: expert knowledge.

In the video below, Harry Metcalfe will tell you more on how to buy a classic Porsche and for what else you should be looking for.
In the video you will also see a pair of incredible 911s, the one is 1972 2.4 S and the other – 1991 964 RS N/GT. In fact, these two have already been sold during the auctions at the Silverstone Classic between 25th and 26th of July.

First Metcalfe talks about the 1972 Porsche 911 2.4 S. He walks viewers around the car, telling about the signs of originality and even how to age the car by its oil filler cover. He also points out why the original paint is so important and where to spot ‘hidden’ repairs.

The 1991 Porsche 964 RS N/GT on the other hand, was originally one of the first cars off the production line as the first-ever N/GT (Clubsport). It is so exclusive, that it definitely makes in collector’s dream.

964 RS N/GT features roll cage, racing bucket seats and air-conditioning as well as carpets. In addition, the car has had a very interesting history, but you will find out more about it when you watch the video below, where Metcalfe tells the story of this very special car while also looking at ways to check its originality.

httpv://youtu.be/qHuawyvxLbI

Source: Silverstone Auctions via YouTube

August 11, 2015

Which are the Sweet Spots and Pain Points of the Car Buying Journey?

Beneits and Advantages of Car Buying Experience

A comprehensive research project led by Auto Trader has given some insights of the pros and cons of the car buying journey. More than 1,000 car buyers took part in this study over the last two years. The conclusion made from the gathered data is very interesting and it will help you if you are soon to buy a car.

Pain Points

Two are the principal pain points for those who buy from a dealer. Precisely, these are the deal negotiations and salesperson pressure. Nonetheless, the study also found out that the consumers’ perceptions of the industry are often worse than reality. In fact, the data shows that 43% feared salesperson pressure and 33% worried about negotiation on areas like pricing, finance and part-exchange in advance of their visit.

Only 21% confirmed the bad experience with salesperson pressure, while 17% did not enjoy negotiating with showroom staff.

The other main concern is finding the right dealer. The research showed that 23% of respondents found this hard, in comparison to the 22% who worried about this in advance.

How to Improve the Car Buying Experience?

Beneits and Advantages of Car Buying Experience Second Image

The survey also revealed buyers opinion on how the car buying experience could be improved. 32% of the respondents wanted the freedom to browse (with no pressure from the salesperson), other 32% needed better information about the real cost of the car, while 31% showed the importance of ‘one stop shop’ to find everything online. 29% of those featured in the study needed clearer information about the pricing of the vehicles, while 28% wanted better information on the best car deals and finance.

Conclusion

As a result, this study found out that buyer’s satisfaction is most clearly shaped by the offline experience. But this is only at those retailers, which tend to do a great job. Three quarters of buyers were satisfied with the whole buying process and had positive face-to-face interactions. However, there are 57% who need more persuasion when it comes to buying from the same dealer. They said they would be more inclined to go back to the same shop if the process had been better.

Source: Auto Trader

August 7, 2015

LIGHTWEIGHT BMW X4 is Dressed to Impress

2015 LIGHTWEIGHT BMW X4

LIGHTWEIGHT tuner has set its eyes on BMW X4. Thanks to the professional team, the crossover-SUV is “dressed to impress”. The car has gained optimized and more exciting look and can now demonstrate stronger driving dynamics.

The performance improvements are done with the help of an extra control unit that guarantees 365 HP (268 kW) with a peak torque of 690 Nm. Another way is through field boost which delivers even more horses, precisely 375 HP (276 kW). Torque rates are increased to 700 Nm. Finally there is a Vmax-increase up to 280 km/h.

When we observe the tweaked BMW X4 from the outside, it looks more powerful than ever. The dark frozen gray finish makes the car look sleek, stylish and ready to rock n’ roll. In order to ensure optimal protection of this Bavarian beast, the tuning company has wrapped the car in ceramic two-component solid filling. It is applied on the discs too. The exterior is complimented by LIGHTWEIGHT-carbon fiber mirror covers, spoiler and rear apron insert. Black gloss or carbon fiber front spoiler is also part of the highlights on the outside. There is a Hartge-Classic 2-wheelset in 9.5×21. It comes with Michelin PilotSuperSport in 245/35-21 at the FA and in 10.5×21 with 265/30-21 at the RA. The wheelset is protected with four component permanent sealing. 30 mm lowering is available too thanks to the in-house suspension with Bilstein-parts.

2015 LIGHTWEIGHT BMW X4 Interior

Interiorly, LIGHTWEIGHT BMW X4 consists of black alcantara. A LIGHTWEIGHT-logo adorn the velour floor mats while the center console stands out with double contrast stitching. There are aluminum pedals and LIGHTWEIGHT-auxiliary display contributing to the good-looking interior of the vehicle.

The car is priced at 88 000 Euro.

Source: miranda-media.de

August 6, 2015

Surprisingly Similar: What Happens When We Compare 2016 Miata to a 2015 Boxster?

2016 Mazda Miata vs 2015 Porsche Boxster 2016 Mazda Miata and 2015 Porsche Boxster are two vehicles, which are famous for its origin, heredity, immense performance capability and compact dimension. But what happens when we compare both and how different is the Miata from the Boxster? Mazda has just released an Infographic displaying a parallel between the cars and you can view it below. It gives a good comprehension of how the one is different from the other.

Of course, even without the image, the first thing that pops-up in mind is the pricing. There is huge price difference between those two. The Miata is actually more than 50% of the cost of the Porsche. However, the Mazda is also as capable as the Boxster and it covers more than 90% of its performance.

In addition, both cars have a very similar 0 to 60 time, quarter mile times and braking distances. But while the new Miata has a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine than the Boxster’s 2.7L flat six, it only trails the Boxster by 0.3 seconds in a race from 0-60. Even more, Miata beats the Boxster in terms of fuel economy.

Another advantage of the Mazda is the power to weight ratio. It is almost unbelievable that it is considerably higher than the Boxster (14.9:1 vs 10.9:1). Thanks to it, the Miata runs the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds, which is only 0.6 seconds slower than the Boxster.

Surely, Porsche’s braking performance is superior. Boxster’s braking distance is evaluated from 70 to 0 (158 feet vs 145 feet). However, Miata’s curb weight is nearly 500lbs lower. This keeps the brake distance within 10% of the Porsche’s performance.

Well, Porsche is always a Porsche and when we buy one, we are always counting on the prestigious name and all that comes along with it. But we have to admit that Mazda has done something amazing with the 2016 Miata. In other words, the specialists have created a car that is very similar and even comparable to a much more expensive car like the Boxster. How cool is that?

Don’t forget to take a detailed look at the Infographic below. It gives a lot of insights for the similarities between both two models.

2016 Mazda Miata vs 2015 Porsche Boxster Infographic

Source: Mazda

August 6, 2015

Meet the new Chevy Colorado’s Midnight and Trail Boss editions

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Midnight and Z71 Trail Boss

Chevrolet is introducing its dazzling 2016 Chevrolet Colorado’s Midnight Edition and Z71 Trail Boss. Both of the vehicles make a visual statement to remember and stand out with their bold appearances. The designs are a combination between bespoke cues and the well-known Colorado’s DNA. Colorado Midnight edition and the Z71 Trail Boss also arrive with leading efficiency rates and capabilities.

Firstly, let’s look more closely at the 2016 Colorado Midnight Edition. It is powered by 2.5L and 3.6L engines. However, it is stated to be available with a brand-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine as well which leaves customers with even more choices. This model inherits some characteristics from its predecessor, 2015 Chevy Silverado Midnight Edition – precisely the feel of saturated blackness. The Colorado underlines its aggressive look thanks to the blacked-out design theme which incorporates black grille, black bowtie emblem and black 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Secondly, 2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss arrives with aggressively looking tires and off-road-inspired improvements on the outside. Similarly to the 2016 Midnight Edition, this one will get its power from 2.5L and 3.6L engines, plus the 2.8L Duramax diesel. Exteriorly, the off-road truck impresses with all-new sport bar with LED trail lighting, bowtie grille emblem in black and 17-inch aluminum wheels with black finish. They are complimented by Goodyear Wrangler DuraTec^® 265/65R17 all-terrain tires. On the inside drivers can enjoy a set of all-weather floor mats for more practicality.

2016 Colorado Z71 Trail Boss

Prices are yet to be announced.

Source: Chevrolet

August 5, 2015

SUV Vehicles Continue to Be the Focus for Audi

Audi proudly posted an 8.3-percent sales increase in the US for June, which marks brand’s 54th consecutive monthly sales records. And there is even one more remarkable fact: Audi SUV sales rose with 24.1 per cent over a year ago. This tendency reflects Audi’s popularity and now the brand is ready to offer some even better technologies and vehicles.

Furthermore, each SUV in US lineup saw gains in June and during the first half of the year. Throughout June, sales of the Audi Q7 rose with one percent, compared to a year earlier. All this with with 14.1% month-on-month surge in June. In fact, the latest Q7 vehicle is set to go on sale early in 2016 and is expected to be even more popular that its predecessors. Other models also have increased their sales. For example Q5 went with 8.6 higher, while Q3 has already sold more than 6,200 units in the US market.

Furthermore, Audi plans to create a Q1 subcompact crossover vehicle, starting next year, but for now it is not expected to be offered in US. There will be also an electric-powered sporty SUV, expected for 2018 and a special Q8 SUV in 2019. Definitely Audi team is working hard to satisfy its customers.

Audi’s plans for increased numbers of SUVs continues to hit right in the target of rising demand for the vehicle type and especially among the premium customers.

At the end, we can say, that this is what you get, when you work with passion and desire. Definitely Audi vehicles are one of the best in the respective classes. But this doesn’t stop the brand’s team to continue to improve the vehicles, create new, incorporate ideas and make people satisfied with their choice of vehicle. And while we wait for the 2018 and 2019 offerings, we will continue to enjoy some sweet already in market Audi cars.

Source: Audi

August 5, 2015

The Truth About Trucks And The Truth About Ford F-150

2015 Ford F-150, as we told you numerous times, is America’s toughest, smartest and safest Ford F-150 ever created. And now the latest family member earned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for its SuperCrew models. Furthermore, the vehicle is the only one full-size, light-duty truck to earn government’s highest 5-star rating for the driver and passenger for crash tests and cab configurations. Here we talk about Super Crew, SuperCab and Regular Cab.

The high stats of the latest F-150 are possible, because of the 700-pound weight losses and the high-strength steel in the frame, military-grade aluminum alloy in the body and of course, the work of the experienced engineers and craftsmen.

In fact, there is a team of veterans and experienced researchers, who worked to optimize the vehicle weight, but also to maintain that high level of durability, capability and flexibility. This team managed to create 31 safety-related innovations, which, some of them are restyled structures, revised material connections and numerous supercomputer simulation tests. Furthermore, the team also crafted the vehicle in such a way, that it offers and simplified, but yet efficient repairs. That’s how you build a super-versatile truck.

In fact, Ford brand made its all tests and researches in real-world accidents and not in some sort of stunts and imaginary action-movie situations. That’s also one of the ideas, that the crew had in order to create a really safe truck.

2015-ford-f-150-truth2

Source: Ford

August 4, 2015

Category: Auto News

Staggering Performance

Better than the SV Coupe?

Pricing and Deliveries

Exterior

Interior

Drivetrains

Safety Features

LandCruiser Line-up

Exterior

Interior

Red

Grey

Blue

Black

Silver

Pain Points

How to Improve the Car Buying Experience?

Conclusion