Auto News – Page 342 – Automobiles Review

Why Shelby GT350 Mustang Has the Best Handling Ever?

Did you know that Ford Shelby GT350 has been built on Carroll Shelby’s original idea of changing the Mustang from an everyday to a road racer? Then it is no surprise that the new 2015 Mustang now receives a GT performance pack, which comes to offer the best in terms of technologies and components. The goal is to create the most athletic pony car ever!

Suspension

The first thing to mention about this beautiful car is that its suspension has been tuned for maximum performance on road and track. It has been thoroughly revised in order to improve the cornering performance of the car. Precisely, the new Shelby Mustang is fitted with stiffer and lighter aluminum front knuckle, hub and bearing assemblies.

The rigid bushings help in the steering feedback because they control the arms and subframes. In addition, the heavy-duty bearings are added for increased lateral stiffness. The diameter of the front and rear antiroll bars has been increased so that there is better body control. The side of the rear suspension has new rear spring and rear control arm.

MagneRide Suspension

This is the name has been applied for the first time in a Ford vehicle. The continuously variable MagneRide dampers are actually filled with a hydraulic fluid that features iron particles. This allows near-instantaneous adjustment of the suspension. In fact, changes can be made to each corner every 7 milliseconds.

Brakes

This Shelby Mustang features the most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production Mustang. The brake system comprises of two-piece cross-drilled iron rotors with aluminum hats. They measure 394-millimeter at the front and 380-millimeter at the rear, and are a floating-type and reduce heat transfer to the bearings.

The rotors are also accompanied by Brembo calipers. At the front they are with integrated caliper bridges, while at the rear they are with four-piston units. Additional ducting helps in cooling the brakes for optimum performance.

Wheels & Tires

The new Shelby GT350 rides on 19.0-inch alloys that are 10.5 inches wide in front an 11.0 inches in the rear. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. What is the difference with the GT350R version? The latter rides on hand-laid wheels, which are 19.0 inches in diameter, 11.0 inches wide at the front and 11.5 inches at the rear. Each wheel is fitted with custom formulated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. This combination shed 50 pounds of unsprung weight compared to the previous mentioned.

Chassis

The last change is in the chassis. It has been made stiffer, being the strongest platform in the history of the Mustang. In addition, the GT350 adds bracing to improve the overall stiffness. There is also a new lightweight aluminum tower brace, which links the shock towers and firewall, thus making better the front end stiffness.

The hood is lower for aerodynamic performance; the grille openings have been also reengineered and reinforced with carbon, thus making the overall weight of the chassis 24% lighter than the pervious generation one.

Source: Ford

May 7, 2015

Peugeot Mysterious Concept is a Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Peugeot Vision GT Front View At last! Peugeot has finally unveiled its mysterious car and as we guessed it is a Gran Turismo concept. But if you are following us at Twitter, then you will already know what I am talking about. Yesterday, we have published the first three official photos of the vehicle. Now it is time for the rest of them and for a trailer video of the car.

When I saw the car for the first time, I was speechless and stood in awe. If this car goes into production it will be definitely rivaling the Lambo or the Ferrari. Of course, the Vision Gran Turismo is specifically created for the GT6™ video game, which can be played only by PlayStation3 owners.

At first, the French manufacturer introduced the mysterious concept with a video, in which it suggested that the vehicle will blend the codes of the GT supercar and the prototype sports car. The video clearly showed that it promotes a future model in the Gran Turismo 6 video game.

The next teasers released were the sketches and three images, which gave us even more the impression of a virtual-only project. The sketches revealed that the vehicle will have a very low ride, concept-like exterior, wide and muscular stance and will definitely offer supreme performance.

In addition, the teaser images showed us select parts of the car like the front fascia and wheels. This is where we got the impression of the dark silver exterior paint scheme, accentuated by red highlights.

What’s new? Well, Peugeot said that the car has a design with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, meaning weight of 875kg and 875bhp. Of course, this raises a lot of questions but the first thing that one thinks is about acceleration time. This car is capable of covering the 0 to 62mph acceleration sprint in mere 1.73 seconds.

Lucky PS3 users, they’ll have unforgettable and unique driving experience in the GT6!

To go into details, for this project Peugeot designers have teamed up with the sport engineers to create the perfect supercar. The vehicle had to feature the performance of an endurance racer. The Vision Gran Turismo concept has this monolithic silhouette, which has sculpted sides to sweep aside air resistance.

In addition to this, it is very low in height: it is only 104cm, but does not feature any aero-components. Its body design serves as an effective way to stick the car to the road.

Where does this power come from? It comes from the central V6 turbo 3.2-litre engine, positioned behind the driver, which is connected to a six-speed manual transmission driving all four wheels. The alloys actually measure 22-inch at the front and 23-inch counterparts.

The lightweight design and the responsive steering all add to the benefits that will take one to the top position at the Gran Turismo challenge. What is more, the deceleration of the car is as impressive as the acceleration. It is achieved via four ventilated Brembo carbon discs that are 380mm at the front and 337mm at the rear.

Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo will be soon available in the game in six color variants. It will be released as a free update for the Gran Turismo 6 game. Before you can enjoy it, check out the latest video trailer of the concept car, which teases nothing else but exceptional experience.

Source: Peugeot

May 7, 2015

Vorsteiner with Minor Updates for the BMW 4-Series

This beautiful Estoril Blue BMW 4-Series has received a minor update. Despite the fact there aren’t many changes, the car looks so beautiful that we couldn’t just skip it and not show it to you. The tuner behind this project is the California-based company Vorsteiner. These guys are very clever for choosing a German name and working mainly with European cars, aren’t they?

So, the first thing to mention about this BMW is its exterior color. Although, the Estoril Blue paint scheme comes as a standard from the factory, this does not makes it less attractive. In fact, I have always thought that the color is more typical for the M-series, but one could always learn, right?

If you do expect that the American tuner has changed the engine, well I will disappoint you. What is promising however are the numbers produced as a standard by this BMW’s powerplant. It generates 300 untamed horses (223 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 Nm (300 lb-ft).

But if you ask about the changes featured here, well it’s not much, but it is still very inspiring, because of the new and more powerful stance it gives the car. All right then. It’s only the wheels.

They have been made with the help of a special flow forged technology and come in this exquisite Carbon Graphite color. The design scheme features double five spokes, and the dimensions are different at the front and at the back.

Up front, the wheels come in the size of 20×8.5 inches and are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires in the size of 245/30/20. While at the rear, Vorsteiner has chosen 20×10 inches for the wheels and 275/30/20 for the Pirelli tires. Nice car to drive to the sunset with, isn’t’ it?

Source: Vorsteiner

May 5, 2015

Hyundai ix35 is the First Mass Produced Fuel Cell EV

Hyundai ix35 Zero-emissions mean more eco-friendliness and happier earth. It might seem strange to you but the emission-less cars become more and more important in out society, hence for the automotive industry, too. And as the time goes by, these vehicles become stronger, faster, lighter and more beautiful.

Take for instance, Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell. This is one of most advanced alternative fuel vehicles currently available on the market. It is powered by hydrogen and this is actually the first mass produced fuel cell electric vehicle in the world.

This crossover is on sale all over the globe since 2013, and some of you might have seen it already on the road. To go into details, the ix35 Fuel Cell uses the power from a 100kW (136 PS) electric motor, which is enough to make it reach a Vmax of 100mph (160km/h).

The vehicle also has two hydrogen storage tanks that weigh a total of 5.64kg. They allow the SUV to drive up to 369 miles (594km) on a single fill. Another benefit that these tanks deliver is that they enable the vehicle to start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.

In addition, the energy is stored in a 24kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, which Hyundai has jointly developed with LG Chemical. Of course, the result did not happen over night. The impressive figures and data that the car shows is an effect of years of development.

This year’s ix35 Fuel Cell is actually the fourth-generation fuel cell-powered EV. It not only shows significant improvements over its predecessor, but also allows for an enhanced driving range with 50%. At the same time, it still delivers zero tailpipe emissions, while the fuel efficiency shows gains of more than 15%.

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell is currently available for order. Stay eco-minded!

Source: Hyundai

May 5, 2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup is Under Development

Mazda is currently testing the new MX-5 Cup racer at Mazda Raceway. This is part of the development process of the 2016 model, which will actually include series of tests. They will happen also in public in all remaining race weekends during the 2015 MX-5 Cup season.

The prototype racer Tom Long, who has already won three times with a MX-5 Miata, will lead the development of the car. His assistants this week will be racers Kenton Koch and Andrew Carbonell.

Of course, there is nothing but high expectations about the next gen series. Since this is a complex challenge, Mazda can’t help but consider every step in the development of the car.

There are exactly seven tire manufacturers, eight brake suppliers, and seven suspension kit partners for 392 base combinations under estimation. With the help of advanced analytics and simulations, Mazda Motorsports and its engineering partner Long Road Racing will make the needed tests on a computer to validate everything.

Mazda has as a goal to include in the new MX-5 racer lightweight chassis design, increased power-to-weight ratio, which will balance even more the new platform. The key elements of the original chassis will be kept but in a reborn look.

At last, what’s left unsaid is that Mazda Motorsports is going to announce the price of the MX-5 Cup later this summer.

Source: Mazda

May 5, 2015

Holden Releases Storm Special Edition Pack One More Time!

Holden has reissued the VF Commodore Storm Special Edition for all 2015 SV6 and SS sedan, ute and sportwagon body shapes. The well-known VF Storm is based on Australia’s Best Car winner, VF Commodore SV6 in addition to the SS model. Both vehicles have already demonstrated interesting list of features, that include Auto Park Assist, Rear View Camera with Reverse Traffic Alert and MyLink info system and 8-inch multimedia touch screen.

The VF Storm Special Edition pack includes high-quality components and gadgets like Satellite Navigation, front fog lights, alloy wheels. Holdon Executive Director Peter Keley says, that the 2015 VF Storm package will be very popular among Australian drivers. He ensures us, that thr VF Storm Special Edition will also be as successful as the 2014 pack was.

The VT Storm Special Edition pack includes:

Satellite Navigation, Front Fog Lamps, 18-inch dark finish alloy wheels, red contrast seat stitching, “Storm” embroidery on dash, “Storm” exterior badging. The VF Storm Special Content is available for SV6 and SS models.

Holden Commodore itself comes with two engine variations. The first one is the SV6 Storm and has a 3.6-Liter V6 engine, capable of producing 281 hp (210 kW) and 350 Nm. The secon one is the SS Storm model, that is a V8 6-liter monster, that produces 362 hp (270 kW) and 530 Nm.

Commodore-Storm-interior-1

Source: Holden

May 5, 2015

Integrated Booster Cushion celebrates 25 Years since Introduction

Back in 1990 Volvo has introduced the first ever booster cushion for children. Since then it has become something we are used to seeing in cars that parents drive. If you do the math, this means that the first child who used the famous cushion is now 25 years old and probably their children use one of their own.

The integrated booster cushion took child safety to another level and we must admit that this changed things in the automotive industry very much. There is a story behind every discovery and this cushion has one too.

The first one was actually a redesigned centre armrest. It was developed to elevate the seating position of the child. The sole purpose was to make perfect use of the 3-point safety belt. This in turn removed the child restraints for older children, thus making their comfort experience better.

Although, the cushion is very user-friendly and usable, it is still rarely for carmakers to offer it. Another important advantage of the booster cushions is that it was developed as a part of the seat and this allows the safety belt to have more direct contact with child’s body. In addition, it also removes the possibility of ‘slack’ in the belt.

In 2007 Volvo continued with the improvements of child’s safety features and introduced the integrated two-stage booster cushion in 2007. This one allowed for adjustment in the seating position. It also improved the safety further as well as the child’s comfort. The cushion featured two seating positions so it was suitable for larger children.

What is next for Volvo? The goal is no one to be seriously injured or killed while driving a new Volvo car and the end date for this to be achieved is 2020. The longer term aim is to actually build vehicles that will not crash.

#SaveKidsLives

Source: Volvo

May 5, 2015

Peugeot 208 and BlueHDi Engines Set an Efficiency Record!

The 1.6-Liter BlueHDi 100 S&S PEUGEOT 208 has set a record for long-distance fuel consumption. The car has gone through 1,337.19 miles (2,152 km) with 9.45 gallons 43 liters) of Diesel. The average consumption was measured at 141.2 mpg. All the tests were done under the supervision of the UTAC. This test surely demonstrates the wonderful performance of the latest Euro6 BlueHDi Diesel engines, that bring more power with less consumption.

The record was set at the end of April, on the PEUGEOT test circuit in France under the strict standards, that come with the Union Technique de l’Automobile. In fact, the 208 model, that made the test was specified as a “Very Low Fuel Consumption” version. It comes with aerodynamic rear spoiler and ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver+ tires. All this, combined with the compact and light 208 model is the secret mixture behind the successfully done challenge. The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), the BlueHDi technology one more time demonstrates high performance and low consumption.

The latest PEUGEOT 208 is on sale from June in UK and offers incredible energy efficiency. In fact, it is a PEUGEOT tendency to reduce the emissions not only to the 208 models, but in general for all of the brand’s vehicles.

Source: PEUGEOT

May 5, 2015

Lorinser’s Makeover for this Mercedes C400 is Good but not Enough?

Lorinser is a tuning company famous for its Mercedes-Benz makeovers and this is the reason we are currently making this review. The car under the sport is the C400 4Matic, which has received a numbers of tweaks that increase its visual characteristics and performance capabilities. It is a well known fact that the latest C-Class inherits brand’s iconic power as well as athleticism.

Exterior Tuning

The first thing that one sees in this car is the changed emblem, which now features tuner’s name. It is also obvious that the vehicle has been given black front grille as well as new front and rear bumpers. Five spoke alloys are a necessity, too.

At the back of the car, under the new bumper, the tuners have added a new exhaust system. It features four-tailpipes and in contrast to the overall black-out theme, it is in bright silver finish. Basically, these features round-out the exterior treatment for this Mercedes and let us proceed to the changes under the hood.

Engine

The 3.0-liter V6 powerplant has be modified via a software and now produces 389 PS (286 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 56 PS and 100 Nm in comparison to the original engine, which without any treatment delivers 333 PS and 480 Nm. When it comes to acceleration we are sure of one thing: the car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h that hasn’t been changed.

All in all, Lorinser has created a really nice project, but I am missing some interior changes, as well as more fresh and shiny details to the exterior. What is your opinion?

Source: Lorinser

May 5, 2015

“Ride of Your Life” Launches for Second Time!

A year ago Nissan brand started its popular “Ride of Your Life” marketing campaign. You might remember, that the project captured attention with stories of people, who were given an especially upgraded and tuned vehicle, just to find out, that this is a stock production Altima sedan car. This year “Ride of Your Life” is back and offers interactive consumer experience. Let see what Nissan team has to offer.

As you will see for yourself, the video below shows a group of customers at a local market, who have the chance to “unlock” a big box, where a team of professional racers expect the lucky guy, who can try out the car on a sports track immediately. The idea is to demonstrate, that the 2015 Nissan Altima is capable of conquer the sports track at full-throttle performance.

The filming of the video took place in Southern California. Once the car is “unlocked”, participants join the professional race team and go for a simulated race experience, where every one of the lucky customers can have a lap by themselves under the guidance of the professional driving team. Definitely a mall trip, that they will remember for a long time.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLJ0TwlKp4o&feature=youtu.be

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Source: Nissan

May 5, 2015

BMW M6 Awaits its Owner From MotoGP Event!

BMW M Division presented the highlights in its MotoGP participation at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera: this is the car, which will be presented to the winner of the coveted BMW M Award. As you know, it is a kind of a traditions since 2003 for the racer with the best result to be given an exclusive and individually customized BMW M vehicle. This year is no exception: A BMW M6 with individual features expects its owner. In fact, the car was unveiled today at MotoGP in Circuito de Jerez

The latest BMW M6 line allows BMW M Division to maintain its leading position in the high-performance segment. The model has reached incredible balance between power, efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The power comes from the monstrous 560 hp (411 kW) M TwinPower V8 petrol engine, that gives incredible features. For example, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is measured at 4.3 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (138 mph). These definitely incredible stats are further boosted by the double-clutch transmission, Dynamic Damper Control and Active M Differential systems, that ensure perfect control and reaction time in every situation.

And not only the drivetrain system is impressive. The BMW M6 is visually incredible. No, it is just stunning. The vehicle comes in Frozen Blue Metallic and looks both elegant and aggressive. Further impact have the stylish 20-inch BMW alloy wheels. The interior keeps the sporty affair and comes with Merino leather in Opal White.

This is really a special car for a special event. We all wonder who the winner will be. Stay tuned for further information.

Source: BMW

May 5, 2015

2016 Mercedes G550: 35 Years of Confidence and Tradition

Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing the G-Class for more than 35 years. And for more than 35 years the legendary brand has upgraded and updated the off-roader. And the latest Geländewagen model is not an exception. The 2016 G550 comes even more powerful and more determined to rule over the road. Or, in case there is no road ahead, the 2016 G550 will gladly create one. Let us see what this tough guy has to offer.

To be honest, the list with features is as long, as the history of Geländewagen, but the most important change here is the engine. 2016 G550 comes with a revised 4.0-Liter twin-turbo V8, that produces a total of 416 hp (305 kW) and 450 pound-feet of torque. Impressive, right? There are also upgrades, done to the suspension system. The Benz team has fine-tuned the ESP ASR and ABS systems. Other changes are made on the visuals and style, fresh colors. And of course, Benz team offers different trims, so the 2016 G550 can be customized for every single customer.

But let us get back to the powerplant. The fresh 8-cylider engineer wonder is based on the Mercedes-AMG V8 series, but is further-tweaked, so it will fit perfectly on the G-lineup. Additional features include spontaneous response, that is possible, thanks to the two turbochargers, which are especially designed to fit between the cylinder banks. Engineers created this design in order to achieve optimal response, low emissions and overall energy consumption efficiency. And as usual for the G-class, the latest models deliver the well-known sturdy basis of body frame, that is especially designed for the all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and overall wonderful experience on off-road tracks.

Additional attention has been given and to the suspension system. It has been revised and brings more control and greater ride comfort. The adapted ESP setup brings even more dynamics and increases the overall confidence and stability of the vehicle. In addition, the G500 has optional adaptive damping system with two available modes: Sport and Comfort.

Changes have been made and on the exterior and interior . The G350 and G500 will be instantly recognized by the redesigned bumpers and the AMG flared wheel arches. In fact, the G350 comes with 18-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels. On the other hand, the inside includes a wonderful instrument cluster, 11.4 multimedia display and redesigned pointers. And as said above, the 2016 lineup comes with additional colors. There are exclusive Color packs, that include Solar Beam, Tomato Red, Alien Green, Sunset Beam and Galactic Beam.

But the goodies do not end here. The 2016 G-Series lineup comes with a special AMG EDITION 463 model. It demonstrates impressive looks, wonderful interior, stainless steel underguard, AMG sport stripes, 21-inch forged wheels. It really is a special model. Just as the rest of the G-Class. Mercedes-Benz team really demonstrates passion and incredible craftsmanship with the revised G-Series. The latest models are really more muscular, more powerful and more confident. It is a good thing, that Mercedes-Benz brand pushes its own limits and brings vehicles, that are not just a well-known classics, but machines, that are ready for the challenges of today.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 5, 2015

Category: Auto News

Suspension

MagneRide Suspension

Brakes

Wheels & Tires

Chassis

Exterior Tuning

Engine