Auto News – Page 335 – Automobiles Review

2016 Nissan Maxima SR Proved it is Really a 4-Door Sports Car

As you know, Nissan brand promised, that the 2016 Maxima will be known as “4-door Sports Car”, because of the debut of the eighth-generation sports design at the New York International Auto Show. And something more. There is a certified proof to what Nissan has promised: the brand uploaded a vide test, that demonstrates the performance capabilities of the 2016 Maxima.

httpv://youtu.be/zmknk4w8dhA?t=42

Named “1016 Nissan Maxima Test Track Challenge”, the testing was made by a objective, independent third-party organization, that made serious tests , researches and comparison between 2015 Acura TLX 3.5 (FWD), geared with Technology Package, 2015 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Premium Plus Tiptronic, 2015 BMW 328i Sedan and the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR.

All the results demonstrated without any doubt, that the 2016 Maxima was the fastest vehicle and the one with best overall performance.

The AMCI Testing itself got the Acura, Audi and BMW vehicles anonymously and the Maxima SR was obtained from Nissan North America. the driving tests were done with certified drivers at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park’s West Loop.

httpv://youtu.be/p-mVBnbrlSI

As required by the organization, all the vehicles underwent AMCI Testing’s break-in procedure and were prepared according to every manufacturer’s specifications. Along with the special preparation and examinations, the test team created “simulcam technology”, that creates “ghost images” on every single vehicle, tested in order to create even better and more productive comparison on the track.

Long story short: Nissan team demonstrated two things. First, it kept its word by saying it will create a 4-door sports car. Second, the brand created such a 4-door sports car, that dominated the track.

Source: Nissan

May 19, 2015

Meet this Custom Carbon Lamborghini Huracan by VOS

VOS is an acronym which stands for Vision of Speed. This is the name of the German tuning company, which has just released a special project involving a Lambo Huracan. They have individualized the vehicle and as they said – made it more individual than ever. And of course all is achieved with the help of carbon parts.

To go directly into details, the conversion kit comprises only of carbon fiber elements: front lip, mirror caps and door handles. Well, the new in-house made door sills aren’t from this material but they have been also changed.

In addition, the ergonomic steering wheel is the first choice of substitution for the original one, while there are also facings in fine structure carbon for the original steering wheel. In terms of gearshift paddles, one can choose between new parts in full carbon or add-on parts in fine structure carbon.

The instrument cluster that is made by VOS is also made of the lightweight material. There are also carbon facings for the air inlets, upper frame for the center console in full carbon, lateral frames for the center console, gas cap in full carbon, VOS Performance rear wings and individual carbon plate as well as a facing for the rear diffuser bottom.

VOS is offering not one but two exhaust systems for the Huracan. The first one is in-house made, while the second is by Akrapovic. The ultimate car can also get BMC sports air filter. Adjustable rear wings are still to be added to the list of features as is the new wheel set for the fighting bull.

More details for this project to come soon!

Source: VOS

May 19, 2015

Why this Dodge Viper ACR is Better than Any Other

We know that the Viper ACR is already here, right? Well, if you missed the news, then I should remind you that the car was revealed in ten days ago and a few days after that Dodge announced that it is going in production. This is not only the fastest but probably the best version of the Viper ACR up to date and it will be available in the US dealerships in September this year.

To create the ultimate sports car, Dodge decided to update significantly the ACR. As a result the model now features aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new carbon ceramic brakes with six-pot calipers and the special Kumho tires.

Speaking of which, these ECSTA V720 ultra-high-performance tires have been completed with the ACR logo that has been embossed on the sidewall. They have been specifically developed for this car and as a matter of fact Dodge claims that they provide the largest combined contact patch of any production car.

At the front, the ECSTA V720 measure 295/25ZR19, while at the rear – 355/30ZR19. Unique about them is that they feature one-off tread patterns and front and rear compounds. This helps the tires make the Viper achieve lap times up to 1.5 seconds faster than those of race tires. In addition, they also sustain cornering loads of up to 1.5g.

This basically means that these rubbers help the hand-built powertrain, the 8.4-litre V10 engine, achieve its ultimate performance of 645 hp (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. One thing’s for sure here: this American Club Racer (ACR) has much to live up to. Back in the days its predecessors achieved production car lap record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit with a time of 7 minutes 12.13 seconds.

Source: Kumho Tires

May 19, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Brand Will Support Jurassic World With Vehicles And Marketing

This summer comes the next installment of the well-known Park series, named Jurassic World. But there is one more good news. Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be sharing the spotlight. Some of the most popular Mercedes-Benz models will take part in the big action-adventure movie. In addition, Mercedes brand will support the promotion of the movie with television commercials, online ads, microsites and of course social media activities.

One of the “stars” will be the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe. In fact, this will be the film debut of the model and will be the official car of manager Claire, that is played by Bryce Dallas Howard. What happens in the film, is that Claire must confront a crisis, that she can’t deal with alone, so she takes the GLE Coupe with an off-road tuning and joins researcher Owen (Chris Pratt).

On the other hand, Owen drives a G-class model throughout the movie. Other Mercedes-Benz model, shown in Jurassic World is the Unimog, serving as a dinosaur ambulance ,the G 63 AMG 6×6 and the Sprinter model. producer Frank Marshall ensures us, that the Benz vehicles fit perfectly in the Jurassic World. He believes, that they are the perfect cars to show in a sophisticated future international park.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 19, 2015

BMW with more Powerful Package for the M6 Series

If you are not satisfied with the latest M6, BMW has especially created a distinct Competition Package for you. The pack is suitable for the M6 Coupe and Cabrio as well as for the M6 Gran Coupe. It will not only make your car more individual, but will also give it more power. However, you should wait until July to get it because this is when the Bavarian company is releasing it.

To start with the power upgrades, the kit includes a power boost of 40 hp (29 kW) for the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, meaning that the output rises to 600 hp (441 kW). The peak torque is also improved from the standard 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) and it is available between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm.

So this makes it possible for the M6 Coupe to sprint from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.8 seconds, which is its own personal record, because it is0.6 seconds faster than the previous version of the Competition Package. In addition, it needs only 3.9 seconds to reach the 100 km/h. The same number is achieved by the M6 Gran Coupe, too.

The Convertible M6 seems to be a little bit slower, because its covers the latter spring in 4.0 seconds. The top speed of all Competition models has been (unfortunately) electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The good news is that it can be stoked to 305 km/h (189 mph) by the optional M Driver’s Package.

Furthermore, the pack also adds various design and structural enhancements. For instance, the chassis technology is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the engine, thus delivering maximum performance and controllable responses. In addition, the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars got firmer tuning.

There is also an Active M Differential on the final drive works, which also improves traction. The steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping while the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC system delivers sporty handling.

From the outside, all M6 Competition variants are getting 20-inch M light-weight alloys coupled with mixed tires, as well as black chrome twin tailpipes for the exhaust.

BMW M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible with Competition Package are going on sale this July.

Source: BMW

May 19, 2015

What is the Pricing of the Lotus Evora 400?

Lotus has finally announced the pricing of the fastest and most powerful car in its range, the Evora 400. The first deliveries will happen in August and this is when the lucky customers will enjoy for vehicle’s high levels of standard specification. Of course, the Evora 400 will deliver nothing less but the iconic for the brand handling, however in more efficient and dynamic way.

To remind you of car’s capabilities, it laps the test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Better agility and more involving drive are playing a crucial role here.

Speaking in numbers, the maximum speed is rated at 186 mph (300 km/h), while the acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph happens in only 4.1 seconds. 4.2 seconds is for 0 to 100 km/h sprint.

In fact, over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new. This includes also the powerplant. It is supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 that is capable of generating 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 410 Nm (303 lb-ft) of torque.

In addition, car’s new aluminium chassis has resulted in a brand new interior, while the lightweight composite body has been significantly changed. And if you are impatient to know the pricing, official UK prices start at £72,000, while in the US the car will be offered for $89,900USD and in Europe – for €96,000.

For this amount of money, the customer will get AP Racing 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. Of course, there is an option list, which includes automatic transmission, Alcantara or Leather trim upgrades as well as a “Black Pack” option with distinctive look.

Evora 400 is entering production in the summer with first deliveries in August. However, this happens only for those living in Europe. North Americans will get the car in December this year, while in China the first deliveries will happen in early 2016.

Source: Lotus

May 19, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debuts in Tokyo

Ferrari 488 GTB is a new model we have seen debuting in the beginning of February. The good news is that it has made it in Japan and now can be officially purchased there. The premiere happened in Tokyo and this is actually the second time the car is shown after Geneva. The event was held in a very special location along the waterway in the city, in the Isle of Tennozu.

Red laser beams expressed the pulse of the 488 GTB. This color wasn’t accidental. It was actually in harmony with the exterior paint scheme of the beautiful sports car, covered in Rosso Corsa Metalizzato.

Special about this car is that it sets a significant benchmark for the sports car field. It is actually exactly 40 years from the launch of company’s iconic mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, meaning that now the 488 GTB enters a new chapter in the history of cars due to its architecture.

Speaking of which, the body of this Ferrari is made in such way that it offers optimal weight distribution for sportier driving. In addition, the unit that drives the car is the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre (3902cc) engine, producing 660 hp (485 kW) at 8000 rpm and 759 Nm (560 lb-ft) of optimum torque at 3000 rpm.

The 0-62 mph acceleration happens in 3.0 seconds while the 0-124 mph sprint is covered in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is more than 205 mph. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which unleashes the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range.

And if you still wonder what the GTB stands for, well here’s the “deal”: it is an acronym for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, which is comes to pay homage to its deep roots in company’s history.

Source: Ferrari

May 19, 2015

ABT Sportsline Unveils a 210HP Audi Q3 2.0 TDI

ABT has been trending in our site lately so we decided to show you their latest project. Again, the car under the spotlight is Audi, but this time it is the Q3. It has received complete treatment, meaning that the changes are almost in every aspect. I should also mention that this particular car is powered by the 2.0 TDI engine, which is famous for its efficiency credentials … well, maybe not anymore. And if this speaks anything to you, then you should already figured it out that this conversion features power uprating.

Engine & Suspension

What has been done to the powerplant and how? The performance tuning has been achieved with ABT POWER New Generation kit. The result is great. The standard 184 hp (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of the unit has been enhanced to 210 hp (154 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

In terms of suspension, ABT ensured that the Q3 gets new in-house made suspension springs with front axle lowered by 25 mm, and rear axle – by 35 mm; and height adjustable suspension kit that lowers the front axle by 30–60 mm, and the rear axle by 40–70 mm.

Exterior Tuning

From the outside the vehicle looks amazing and for this is contributing the fact that the tuner has given this Audi some substantial updates. Therefore the Q3 can now show-off with front skirt add-ons including a front spoiler, mirror caps, door strip attachments and a rear spoiler. At the back, an integral part of the ABT rear skirt is the muffler system with its four tailpipes.

What is more, we should also mention the wheels, which come in the dimension between 18- and 21-inches and are fitted with high-performance sports tires.

Interior Tuning

The modifications inside aren’t that much, but they definitely add to the charm of the Q3. They include ABT door entrance lights with company’s logo and floor mats, as well as a trunk mat for the luggage.

Source: ABT

May 18, 2015

Krumm-Performance Uprates MINI John Cooper Works [VIDEO]

To be honest, Krumm-Performance is another German tuning company which I hear of for the first time. However, it has been present on the automotive market for ten years now and it specializes in customizing MINIs only. Performance uprating and chassis engineering is the field of work of the tuner. Under the spotlight today is a MINI John Cooper Works conversion.

The car received a Stage III kit, which boasted the engine power to 300 hp (213 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The kit comprises of Hybrid Turbo, diverse heat protection shields, Akrapovic downpipe, racing intercooler with E-certification mark, Pipercross air filter element and more.

In addition to Stage III the engine of the MINI JCW received diverse intercooler air tubes without resonators as well as a custom exhaust system and intake. Furthermore, the gear box is delivered by Drexler LSD and has Krumm-Performance setup, while the racing clutch is from Sachs and features sinter pads and single mass flywheel.

The brake system is delivered by AP-Racing and comprises of 4-piston calipers, 330×32 mm floating wave brake discs with optimized sharp airing, PFC 01 brake pads and steel flex tubes. This MINI is running on 17-inch ATS-GTR rims which have been coupled with Dunlop Direzza 03G tires.

Left to mention are the Challenge front lip, the rear diffusor and the special wrapping by Camshaft. Oh, and let’s not forget to say something about the interior. It has been supplied with Recaro SPG XL seats, CAE-Ultra shifter, OMP Ultraleggero steering wheel, Schroth Profi 3FE 6-point belts and Wiechers Clubsport rollover bar.

Of course, don’t forget to check out the special short film about this exciting project:

httpv://youtu.be/Kr8qZsNgF8o

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Krumm-Performance

May 18, 2015

Porsche Releases Boxster and 911 Carrera Black Editions

Two special cars are part of Black Edition series by Porsche: the 911 Carrera and the Boxter models. What do they feature? First to mention is the combination of black exterior and interior. The goal of the company is to highlight the timeless but straightforward elegance of the iconic cars. Both Black Editions share many things in common, but worthy of mentioning are the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation module, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, rain sensor, cruise control and Sport Design steering wheel, which come as a standard.

Porsche 911 Carrera Black Edition

As a basis for this one is used the basic model in a coupe or cabrio variant. It is propelled by a 3.4 liter flat unit, which is capable of producing 350 hp (257 kW). Available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, this special edition runs on 20-inch 911 Turbo wheels. Other special features include the LED headlights combined with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+).

Inside, the standard equipment throughout the black interior include heated sports seats for the driver and passenger, Bose Surround Sound System, telephone module and front and rear Park Assist with reversing camera.

Posche Boxster Black Edition

This one is as attractive as its sibling, although it is powered by less potent 2.7 litre flat engine that produces 265 hp (195 kW). Unlike the 911 Carrera, the Boxter is offered only in a cabrio variant. And when it comes to soft top and rollover protection bar, the colour concept remains consistent.

What’s exclusive for this special edition? It features wind deflector, which helps in avoiding undesirable turbulence, 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels and the bi-xenon headlights plus PDLS. Inside, the driver and passenger enjoy a two-zone air conditioning and heated seats, and a Sound Package Plus.

The Black Edition series are available for the Boxter Cabrio, 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 both in coupe and convertible forms. All five are currently on sale.

Source: Porsche

May 18, 2015

See How this Mercedes C63 AMG is Boosted to 590HP [VIDEO]

Let me introduce you to this more powerful C63 AMG. You might think that it is enough for a Mercedes to carry the AMG designation, but many are on a different opinion. It seems that for the tuners at DTE-Systems, a new German customization studio, car’s stock 476 hp aren’t enough, because these are the horses that the new variant of the vehicle produces.

The main goal of the modification specialists was to prepare the car in the battle for supremacy against rivals like the BMW M3 and Audi RS4. Hence, they have created a special performance enhancement package for the C63 AMG, called DTE FSR14.

The in-house made chip-tuning have boosted the power and torque of the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine of the emblematic model with 116 hp and 166 Nm. Therefore the horses have grown from 476 hp (350 kW) to 590 hp (434 kW), while the torque from 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) to 816 Nm (602 lb-ft). Now, that’s a thing, isn’t it?

In addition, the development engineers also reshaped the power and torque delivery characteristics, thus ensuring optimum everyday driveability. And in order to ensure maximum performance accompanied by minimum load, DTE-Systems have utilized multi-map technology that offers a choice of driving behavior.

At last, you can also check out the video, which shows the performance enhancement done for this Mercedes-Benz:

httpv://youtu.be/95ttRg_BvPI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: DTE Systems

May 18, 2015

Have You Heard About the Gen Six Camaro?

Finally, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro from the 2016 model year is here! It was introduced two days ago at a special event at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. From what we can see, this car undoubtedly carries the spirit of Chevy’s most popular car, but it is also lighter, more potent and features wide array of features. This basically means faster driving experience.

But, what’s new here? Well, the new Camaro is leaner, it is built over a stiffer platform and features slightly smaller dimensions. Its size is accentuated by a sculpted exterior, tuned in the wind tunnel. The result is more aero-dynamism combined with better handling and efficiency.

As a matter of fact, there are only two things that have been kept from the previous generation: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge. To achieve this unique result, the Gen Six Camaro, Chevrolet has focused on three main points: performance, technology and design.

Exterior Design

The tighter and leaner stance of the Camaro has been created via the new light-weight architecture. It also makes the car more athletic and aerodynamic, because of its wider and lower look. Some of the new features of the exterior design are the LEDs, the ten exterior color choices (complemented by five interior color trims) and a lot of accessories.

In addition, the design was aerodynamically optimized after 350 hours of wind tunnel testing. The aim was to optimally minimize the drag on the LT models and enhance downforce on SS.

At the front the Camaro features cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, while at the back it adds expressive taillamps. Unlike other models, the SS have unique rear spoiler, but all models do share the more pronounced, sculpted roof panel. The last feature improves the rigidity of the roof.

Interior Design

As mentioned, the additional exterior color choices will be complemented by five interior color combinations. Furthermore, the cabin also benefits from the shifter-focused center console, the intuitive controls all over the place as well as the flat-bottom steering wheel.

All of the materials used for the upholstery of the interior are of the highest quality. Other cool features are the control rings around the air vents which are utilized for temperature and fan speed adjustments.

Technology

Nowadays cars are stuffed with technologies that make everything easier. There are three technology features exclusive to the Gen Six Camaro. The first one is the new Drive Mode Selector, which has the capability of tailoring up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes. The modes are as follows: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and Track. The last one comes only for the SS models.

The second feature is the Interior Spectrum Lighting, which can make the experience of the passengers amusing, because it offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console. At last, the third feature is the high-definition configurable color display. There is also an additional screen but it comes on additional price.

Performance & Engines

The first thing regarding the performance that the engineers had to do is to make vehicle’s body mass lighter. Hence, the new Camaro has shed more than 200 pounds of weight, thus achieving better driving experience and more responsiveness.

Next on the list were the engines. The range here features six different powertrain combinations. Common among them is that they are designed to show improved performance and efficiency.

In details, Camaro LT comes as a standard powered by 2.0L Turbo unit, which produces 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). The 0-60 mph acceleration happens in less than six seconds, while the fuel consumption is more than 30 mpg on the highway. This means that this is the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever built.

The LT grade can be also equipped with the 3.6L V6. If this is the case, this means that we should expect 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm). Both engines can be mated to either the six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

At last, the most powerful Camaro is the SS and it is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V8 engine. We know this unit from the Corvette Stingray, but for the Camaro 20 percent of the components were changed and made specific for its architecture. The output of this engine is rated at 455 horses (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm). This one can be connected to six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

Other vital performance features are the Magnetic Ride Control active suspension and the improved handling. Well, all Camaro models will have Brembo brakes, and will ride on Goodyear tires coupled with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro will go on sale later this year. It will be made available only in two grades: LT and SS.