Auto News – Page 343 – Automobiles Review

What is the Difference Between 2015 and 1985 Golf GTI?

Volkswagen‘s 1985 Golf GTI is already a collector’s vehicle today. But when put side by side by its youngest brother, the 2015 Golf GTI, you can see how much the model has changed. The latest 2015 model comes with more than twice horsepower, incredible fuel consumption efficiency and technology gadgets, that were not even seen on sci-fi movies back in 1985. But there is one amazing fact, that is beyond that time gap. The MSRP of the 2015 model is only 25% more than the MSRP for the 1985 model.

Rocco DeMas comments, that the fuel economy and the overall performance upgrades are impressive for the last 30 years. But he is also surprised, when it comes to safety advances. DeMans is really amazed by the incredible improvement of the safety system for these 30 years.

We offer you a comparison between the two models, when it comes to performance: The engine power has increased from 100 to 220 hp (73 to161 kW), the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) has decreased from 8.5 seconds to 5.8 seconds. Interesting fact is that the Curb weight increased with almost 1,000lbs. Of course, there are many differences in the transmission system. The options increased from standard 5-speed to 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. In 1985 Power windows and locks and the air conditioning were incredible extra, but today they are all included in the standard equipment for the 2015 model.

It is really incredible how much a car changes in 30 years. We all hope, that the improvements and optimizations will continue and in the future!

1985 Golf GTI vs 2015 Golf GTI - infographic

May 4, 2015

2016 Scion FR-S Is Almost Ready for the Road

Scion FR-S coupe is getting its refreshed and redesigned style for the 2016 model. The upgrades will feature interior tweaks, two additional colors, rear camera and redesigned audio system. The 2016 will bring premium feel, empowered performance and overall increased pleasure of driving. Or at least we expect so. Let see what it has to offer.

In fact, the Manufacturer suggest almost the same price, when it comes to the customization options. For example, the 2016 FR-S will come with six-speed manual gearbox or with six-speed sequential automatic transmission and the price will differ with about 1000$.

The premium feel is further expanded with the nice and stylish silver interior, the nice steering wheel bezel, shift bezel, the door grip and the fresh and stylish center console. But this is not all. The inside will welcome you with a wonderful audio system and a 7-inch touch-screen display. Voice recognition technology is also included. Nice, huh?

And in addition to the wonderful additions, there is a back camera integrated to add safety, comfort and confidence on the road. As said, the 2016 FR-S will come with additional colors. This will be the so called Ablaze red and the Oceanic blue. The 2016 Scion FR-S will be available for purchase in June this year.

Stay tuned for further information!

Source: Scion

May 4, 2015

2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is the Official Vehicle for USA Cycling Event

Volkswagen announced, that the trusty 2015 Golf SportWagen is rated the official vehicle of USA Cycling just in time for the National Bike Month. VW will be providing sport vehicles for the Cycling event throughout the year. And there will be a special SportWagen, wrapped in “Team USA” design, that will be shown at numerous USA Cycling Championships.

In fact, the “Team USA” SportWagen will take place in the Pro Road and Time Trial Championships. There will be about 30 SportWagen vehicles on the races and the good news is that, the winners will receive a one-year Golf SportWagen lease.

The vehicle itself comes in two models. The first one is geared with EA888 1.8-liter 170-hp (125 kW) turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TDI Diesel engine, that is especially designed to work perfectly with the six-speed manual or the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The second engine variation is the 1.8T and comes with manual transmission and fuel consumption, measured at 36 mpg, while the EA888 brings 43 mpg. In fact, both models offer and wonderful cargo space: 30.4 cubic feet and 66.5 cubic feet with folded seats.

As you might know, the USA Cycling event offers numerous challenges for road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross disciplines. The USA Cycling participants are about 64,000 and the event itself contains competitive and non-competitive smaller events.

Source: Volkswagen

May 4, 2015

2016 Acura RLX Confidently Defends its Safety Ratings

Acura made one more step in defending brand’s reputation in the field of safety drive and luxury with the redesigned and fresh 2016 Acura RLX. The model has won full score at the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). In fact, NCAP gave the 5-star rates not only to the 2016 Acura RLX, but also to the RLX Sport Hybrid. In fact, 2016 RLX is also rated as the TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The latest RLX model really offers incredible features and tweaks. It comes with different trims, that offer incredible flexibility and customization, but now, with the 2016 model comes one more extra. The AcuraWatch. This is a pack of technologies, that increase the driver’s awareness and helps for avoiding collisions. The AcuraWatch also includes Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System, which is an independent emergency braking system.

In fact, 2016 RLX offers incredible set of technology and tweaks and depending on the trim you get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Information (BSI), Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines.

In fact, the Surround View Camera System is an interesting addition to the 2016 RLX model. This is the first model to include such a technology, that provides a 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. It offers incredible assistance when it comes to careful driving and precise parking. The system includes four camera, that together create a bird’s eye image, that ensure both wonderful visibility and reaction time.

But despite the additions and further tunings the 2016 RLX sedan comes with price, no different from the previous model.

Source: Acura

May 4, 2015

Chevy Volt Costs Less but has More Technology to Offer

The great news from Chevrolet continues. This time it does not involve the Camaro but the more mainstream Volt model, which is currently going on sale. With the production of the second generation model Chevy is aiming at new customers of the ever-expanding electric plug-in family. The good news here is that the price of the car is lower than that of the pervious generation with more than thousand dollars.

But this does not compromise on the values and technology added in the car. As a matter of fact, the vehicle is equipped with more features than ever, and this makes it even more attractive. In addition to this, the next-generation Volt will also deliver the ability for a longer drive between gas fill-ups.

To go further into details, Chevrolet announced that it has estimated that drivers who charge regularly can expect to cover more than thousand miles between fill-ups. This basically means that the 2016 Volt will also offer great fuel economy. It has been rated at 102 MPGe on electric and 41 combined mpg on gasoline power.

Another interesting fact is that the Volt can cover up to 50 miles solely on electricity within a single charge. This is actually 31-percent improvement over the first-generation model.

Speaking of pricing, this of the new generation Volt begins at $33,995 USD. As mentioned, this is almost $1,200 USD less than the first-gen variant. This will definitely urge many of us to go more “eco”, wouldn’t it?

Source: Chevrolet

May 4, 2015

Chevrolet Announces More Details about Gen 6 Camaro

By the end of next week we will have the impression of the sixth generation Camaro. I don’t know about you, but I am really impatient to see it. Chevrolet is obviously sensing the strong anticipation among fans and has released two more pictures (teasers only) of the future model.

They show that the 2015 Camaro will sport a sculpted exterior that will reflect athletic stance and typical muscle car presence. However, let’s take a look back before we discuss the new details.

The first thing that the American company released was that the vehicle will shed more than 200 pounds of its weight. The car will be actually built over a new architecture that is mass-efficient and contributes for the weight savings.

SEE ALSO: Gen 6 Camaro to Shed 200 Pounds

Small changes like the aluminum beam supporting the instrument panel or the aluminum front and rear suspension contribute for that. Chevrolet also said that the dimensions of the exterior and interior are new to the Camaro Gen 6 as well as some of the components in the Small Block 6.2L LT1 V-8 unit.

After these initial announcements Chevy teased the Camaro again, releasing two new images depicting the engine and the exhaust. The company also disclosed that the car will be equipped with new Drive Mode Selector, which will make most of its performance and will feature multiple drive settings.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Camaro Teased Again

Precisely, there will be exactly eight selectable modes, each of which will feature calibrations that will ensure that a specific throttle progression, steering and stability control is delivered. Magnetic Ride Control will be also included for the first time, but only in the SS.

In addition, it was also unveiled that the new Camaro’s sports exhaust system will have electronically controlled valves. Their purpose is to deliver better performance and greater sound levels.

Now, the company is announcing that the Chevy Camaro features leaner and more athletic design that complements the new driving experience. This news is accompanied by two teaser images which are the last two in the gallery below.

The design team at Chevrolet also said that the iconic muscle car will have more expressive design. The exterior of the model will be defined by complex shapes that will follow the functional elements. This means that they will be fitted around the mechanical components.

Take for instance the aluminum hood which includes powerful, but at the same time smoothly curved sculpted forms that were also highlighted by sharp creases. The end effect is that the hood looks like it has been shrink-wrapped around the engine.

In addition, the rear fenders feature an updated design which now includes more detailing, like the subtle crease that is parallel to the fender edge. As a result the new Camaro appears to have lower and wider stance.

Well, that is all for now, but stay tuned because Chevy is surely announcing more details and releasing additional pictures of the 2016 Camaro before its official debut on 16^th of May at Detroit’s Belle Isle Park.

Source: Chevrolet

May 4, 2015

FUNstar SKODA Comes With a Fun Project

Skoda Auto demonstrates a dream car for 23 trainees from the SKODA Auto Vocational School. This is a fun car concept and it is based on the SKODA Fabia model. The name? ŠKODA FUNstar pickup. Fun, right? The SKODA FUNstar will be shown at the 34th GTI Meeting at Wörthersee from 13 to 16 May 2015.

The 23 young trainees have been tweaking and tinkering the vehicle since November 2014. All of the young engineers participated in the creation and gave numerous ideas, solutions, drawings and designs. And of course, all the trainees were helped by chief designer Jozef Kaban and SKODA AUTO Production Director Michael Oeljeklaus. The idea is not just to demonstrate an unique vehicle, but also to teach the young engineers, that pragmatism and implementation skills are as important as flexibility and inventiveness.

The FUNstar is a pickup, that is based on the ŠKODA Fabia model and contains lots of the well-known Fabia features. The FUNstar comes with metallic colors, grey and green to be precise. There are special LED lights, mounted below the sidebars and additional dual LED lens headlights, especially designed for daytime ride. The “Fun” model comes with 18-inch Gemini alloy wheels, taken from the Octavia RS.

The engine is a 1.2-Liter petrol TS, that delivers a total of 133 hp (90 kW). And there is a really special seven-speed transmission, that works in full harmony with the powerplant unit. But the goodies don’t end here. The interior continues the sporty affair. The inside welcomes you with steel-grey and moon-white components and challenges you to use one of the best sport wheels, that ŠKODA brand offers. But how you will have fun without music? Don’t worry. The FUNstar is geared with 1400-Watt audio system, that delivers incredible sound quality. The youngsters behind the FUNstar project really know how to deliver both high performance and fun experience.

With the “Trainee Car” project ŠKODA demonstrates high-quality training session, that combines both theory and practice. In fact ŠKODA team offers numerous programs for technical training, that at the end give chance to the trainees to get full-time jobs at ŠKODA plant. What better start for young engineers and technicians, who want to build a solid career?

ŠKODA team demonstrates the importance of a well-done education and training, which, as we all know, results on a high-quality product. We congratulate the young team and wish them numerous more achievements and a bright and successful careers!

Pess release:

The new dream car of 23 trainees from the ŠKODA AUTO Vocational School: the ŠKODA FUNstar pickup. The fun vehicle concept, based on the new ŠKODA Fabia, is the result of ŠKODA’s ‘trainee car’ project, which was run for the first time last year. The ŠKODA FUNstar will be making its public debut at the 34th GTI Meeting at Wörthersee from 13 to 16 May 2015.

The two young women and 21 young men have been tinkering on their own vehicle project since November 2014. Developing ideas and discussing possible solutions, drawing, designing and they have built a very special, unique car. Inventiveness and flexibility are just as important as pragmatism and implementation skills. The trainees have been supported in their work by ŠKODA chief designer Jozef Kabaň and ŠKODA AUTO Production Director Michael Oeljeklaus. The new ‘Trainee Car’ is almost ready; the premiere takes place at the legendary GTI Meeting at Wörthersee in Austria in mid-May.

This is the second year in a row that the Czech manufacturer has given selected trainees the opportunity to create their dream car. The company’s goal with this programme is to promote and strengthen the vocational students’ creativity and expertise. “After the excellent results of the ŠKODA Trainee Car premiere last year, it was clear that we would continue the project,” said ŠKODA HR Director Bohdan Wojnar. “We are once again delighted with our students’ creative ideas and their goal-oriented implementation. We would like to thank everyone who has supported the project, especially the teachers at the ŠKODA AUTO Vocational School. The ŠKODA FUNstar is a great concept car that is going to surprise and inspire visitors at the GTI Meeting.”

The ŠKODA FUNstar is a funky pickup based on the new ŠKODA Fabia – cheeky, fresh and surprising. This is a bright, sharp pickup with a real fun factor, not only in name. The ŠKODA FUNstar stands out with its metallic colours steel-grey and moon-white. The sills, grille surround and the rear spoiler form a striking contrast in reflex-green. One special feature is the LED lights mounted below the sidebars. The dual-lens headlights also feature LED technology, with green LED light strips serving as daytime running lights. LEDs are also used in the rear lights.

“Through this project, our apprentices have really shown what they are capable of,” said ŠKODA Production Board member Michael Oeljeklaus whose department has taken the junior employees under their wing in production technology. “The project has been great fun. The students have really got on board with the task, showing great zeal and developing their expertise.”

The ŠKODA FUNstar drives up on 18-inch ‘Gemini’ alloys from the Octavia RS. The engine is a 1.2 TSI petrol with 90 kW. The transmission features a modern seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The sporty look continues in the interior. Individual elements are also finished in steel-grey and moon-white. It goes without saying that the students used one of the best sports steering wheels ŠKODA has to offer, and the 1400-Watt sound system offers a fantastic music experience.

The ‘Trainee Car’ project once again demonstrates the high quality of ŠKODA’s vocational training, and the importance of combining theoretical education with practical experience. The ŠKODA Vocational School offers young adults three- or four-year training programmes in technical subjects. The students graduate with an apprenticeship diploma or NVQ level 3 respectively. There are currently 13 training courses, on which 880 full-time trainees are enrolled. Some 12.5 per cent of these apprentices are young women. In addition, 65 current employees are supplementing their qualifications at a post-graduate level. The ŠKODA Vocational School in Mladá Boleslav was established in 1927. Since then, almost 22,000 students have completed their training there.

Training young people is a key part of the Czech car manufacturer’s social responsibility. The training is free; moreover, students are paid for their work during their apprentices. After successfully completing the training, ŠKODA offers all graduates a permanent job.

Source: SKODA

May 4, 2015

Honda Cars will be aided by Aero Kit at Indy 500

So, this is Honda’s Super Speedway aero kit, which will be used at this year’s Indianapolis 500. The event happens in its 99^th running and has just had its first public competition this Sunday. Company’s aero kit features aerodynamic upgrades and components which were added to the chassis of Honda-powered Dallara Indy car.

They will endow the vehicle with superpowers, thus giving it the capability to maximize performance at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The cars will compete in the Verizon IndyCar Series, powered by the Honda Indy V6 engines.

The aero kit was created with the help of the latest Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology. Then it was proven via Driver-In-Loop (DIL) Simulators. These technologies have helped Honda to minimize the waste at the prototype stage, thus showing the development of the aero components.

In the testing a full-scale wind tunnel was included, through which the actual aerodynamic performance was confirmed. At last, the final tests were conducted on the track before the start of the production of the car in the beginning of the year.

Honda said that the Super Speedway aero kit is now entirely ready to give the drivers the needed configurations that will ensure first places at the Indianapolis. In fact, Honda’s Indy car aero kits made their public on-track premieres during an Open Tests at Indy yesterday.

The official practice for the Indianapolis 500 will start next Monday, while the 99th running of the Indy500 begins on 24^th of May.

Source: Honda

May 4, 2015

The Vengeance: Kahn Teases New Project

Kahn Design has been lately famous for the Flying Huntsman project. After the successful Flying Huntsman 6×6 concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the latest addition in the family was the Defender Pick-up that caused a lot of controversial comments.

They were mainly in terms of the strange front to rear lengthening. The two-door Defender-based pick up actually includes more than 15 inches to the standard 90-inch wheelbase. The lengthening adds 400 mm to the bonnet and 150 mm added to the width. This results in a huge difference between the lengths of the rear-bed and front hood.

Anyway, the British tuner has been obviously planning another ambitious project. What is currently available as information is that the next project will be also based on another British classic. It will be called Vengeance and will feature Kahn’s specific WB12 (a.k.a wide body).

Next to the teaser, the tuner announced that the car will be built in Coventry and will be a two-door coupe in “hammer formed aluminium”. What we also know for sure is that the official images of the vehicle will be released this week. My personal guess, judging from the teaser and available data, is that we will see an Aston Martin. Probably a Vantage. What’s yours?

Source: Kahn Design

May 4, 2015

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Receives One-Off Prior-Design Aero Tuning

Prior-Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Side View The tuner Prior-Design has surprised us with a new and extreme project. After a long and silent time, the specialists have finally released a car which is worth the attention. This time under the spot is the emblematic gull-wing Mercedes SLS AMG. The car alone looks fantastic, but after the addition of the PD widebody kit, it surely turns heads.

The sporty and elegant car was actually teased in the middle of February, when the tuner released just three photos of it as well as some details about the kit that it will include. And although it was said that the kit for vehicle will be available by the end of May. Prior Design has obviously made the impossible and are currently releasing it.

The aero-kit, named PD900GTWB, turns the SLS AMG into a real monster, as the tuners claim. If you ask whether there is something previously unannounced included, well, the news is sad, because there really isn’t. However, only in terms of aero-components. There are some engine improvements added and more.

Aero-Kit

Still, if you meet this project for the first time, it is good to know that this Mercedes is very special because it differentiates from its siblings with new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and front fenders that widen it further, rear wideners, new hood and rear trunk spoiler. The widebody aero-kit is made of fiberglass-duraflex, but it can be purchased made of carbon fiber.

Wheels & Tyres

Of course, this beautiful car requires new wheels to run on. Precisely, they are three-part forged Rotiform SNA alloys in the size of 9×20” and 11×21” at the front and rear, respectively. The Dunlop SU 5P tires come in the size of 245/30 ZR20 and 305/25ZR21.

Suspension & Exhaust System

In addition, PD took care for the suspension of this car, giving it a KW coilovers that lower it with about 35mm. New exhaust system is also at hand. It features 200Cell race cats, new manifold and muffler with clap control. The result is a power improvement with 40 PS.

Engine Chiptuning

The performance of the vehicle was further improved via chiptuning. Additional 30 PS and 40 Nm were added to V8’s standard parameters. In details, AMG’s 6.2 liter engine produces 571 PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). You can make the math.

Source: Prior Design

May 4, 2015

Peugeot Gives with More Information on its Mysterious Supercar Concept

Peugeot GT6 Virtual Car Do you remember when we told you about the mysterious Peugeot concept car? Well, we received further information about it. To be precise, it’s not written details, but pictures which actually tell a lot more. If with the previously released video, the French manufacturer invited us to solve the mystery behind the new project. These photos and sketches actually reveal and confirm a lot more.

The first thing they support is that this concept will probably be the next vehicle featured in the Gran Turismo 6 game. The video teaser told us that we should expect a car which blends the codes of the GT supercar and the prototype sports car.

The two sketches that you can view in the gallery below fortify this statement. They reveal that the vehicle will have a very low ride, concept-like exterior, wide and muscular stance and supreme performance.

Later today, Peugeot released three other teaser images, displaying select parts of the car like the front fascia and wheels. We can also get the impression of this dark silverfish paint scheme, which will be accentuated via red highlights, seen on the front bumper and complementing the Mustang-inspired rear lights.

These details actually tell us that the car will probably stay only a reality in the virtual world, so we do want to play with it in the GT6 video game. However, it’s so nice to be surprised by a full scale model, although it would probably be just only one.

There are no additional details disclosed. “Coming soon” is the only promise that Peugeot has given us.

Source: Peugeot via Facebook

April 30, 2015

Hyundai With One More Award for the Tucson Fuel Cell

The Tucson Fuel Cell, which is Hyundai’s hydrogen powered zero-emission environmentally friendly vehicle has won a Silver Edison Award in Energy and Sustainability at the Edison Awards Gala. The award honors only the best in innovation and premium quality development of products. The Tucson Fuel Cell is, as you might know, the first mass-produced hydrogen powered vehicle in US.

According to Edison Awards, this is one of the highest and most prestigious awards, that a car brand can win. In their own words, this honor is given only to the best in the business. Edison Awards team sees the winners not only as car producers, but as innovators. At least Frank Bonafilia, executive director ensures us so.

In fact, there are more than 3,000 requirements, that competitors must go through, before the judges decide if they stay in the competition or not. All competitors must deal with challenges as past award winners, academic awards, leadership in technical and academic field, design and many other.

But let’s get back to the car and the technology behind it. The fuel cell technology replaces the battery pack and produces energy from hydrogen through a complex process. Overall, the Tucson Fuel Cell maintains flexibility and experience of a gas-powered car without any compromises for the customer.

Source: Hyundai

April 30, 2015

Category: Auto News

Pess release:

Aero-Kit

Wheels & Tyres

Suspension & Exhaust System

Engine Chiptuning