Auto News – Page 349 – Automobiles Review

Lotus Reached 40,000 “Small Car Platform” Models

2015 Lotus Elise Since the first Elise, that was introduced in 1995, Lotus has kept its incredible style and performance on the highest levels. The so called “small car platform” maintains the well known incredible standards, that include weight and fuel efficiency, and at the same time delivers unseen performance and pleasure of driving. As you know, the “small car platform” is defined by models like the Elise, Exige, Europa, 2-Eleven.

Since its first days on the market, Lotus sets its high standards, that influence not just one, but every brand in the motor industry. Meanwhile Lotus team continues the development and upgrading of its own system and technology.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO for Group Lotus plc says that 1995 wasn’t just a landmark for some past and glorious period. The brand, he ensures us, continues to expand, improve and deliver the best and most anticipated vehicles on the market.

Mr. Gales continues:“We are especially delighted that the 40,000^th version of our small car platform will underpin, appropriately, an Elise 20^th Anniversary model, the latest Elise model that celebrates our landmark achievements. Looking to the future, the platform will continue to be developed, improved upon and form a solid and dependable base for future new models demonstrating the production flexibility of the technology and its importance to Lotus.”

Source: Lotus

April 22, 2015

Can You Guess Which is Peugeot’s Mystery Concept Car? [VIDEO]

Peugeot Mystery Concept Car Teaser With the video below Peugeot invites us to actively solve the mystery about an upcoming project. The teaser we found on YouTube tells us the story of Peugeot’s mystery concept car. What we can get from it as information, since there is none, is that it is a vehicle which blends the codes of the GT supercar and the prototype sports car. What’s also confirmed is that it will be revealed very soon.

From what we can see, this video comes to promote a future model in the Gran Turismo 6 video game. Just take a look at the sketches in the beginning and you will be assured of that. Or this is just my conjecture.

The sketches also reveal that the car will have a very low ride, concept-like exterior, wide and muscular stance and supreme performance. Still, the car remains under cover, so we have to wait a little longer to get the real impression.

Well, the only thing that we were allowed to see in this video is the typical Peugeot’s grille, and there is nothing new to that. Unfortunately, there are no additional details disclosed. Just consider the facts that even the automaker and Gilles Vidal, who is company’s style director, calls it a “mystery concept car”. “Coming soon” is what we have as a promised launch date, so stay tuned!

httpv://youtu.be/vE23Pq3APzk

Source: Peugeot via YouTube

April 22, 2015

Irmscher Conquers Auto Shanghai with Custom Insignia

Irmscher Opel Insignia Front and Side View At the Shanghai Motor Show we have seen the debut of very odd vehicles. And I am not talking about those we have written about. We are all familiar with the copy-cat capabilities of the Chinese industry (no-offense on that) and if you try searching about the strangest vehicles at this year’s Auto Shanghai, you would be amazed. Just google it.

Nonetheless, some of the cars on display there were mind-blowing. An example for one is Irmscher’s four-door Opel Insignia. The tuning company has remodeled the body of the car in order to make a sportier model.

Take a look at the front and there you’ll see a redesigned front apron with splitter underneath, which ensures that the large vents can take enough air. Throughout the exterior there are also visible the side line side skirts and rear diffuser.

In addition, there is a rear wing for better downforce, which also displays the sports characteristics of the Insignia. A very impressive fact is that Irmscher has tested all parts in the wind tunnel and has adjusted them in resonance with car’s original aerodynamics. The exterior tuning is rounded out by a special color graphics and 20-inch the Turbo Star alloys.

At last, the tuner is offering an optional performance upgrade for Insignia’s range of engines. Sitting at the top of the range, the most powerful updated unit produces 370 hp, which equals 279 kW.

Source: Irmscher via Facebook

April 22, 2015

Vorsteiner’s Lambo Zaragoza Shows-Off with Aero Wing

Vorsteiner is a Californian based tuning company which makes cars more beautiful. It is famous for its not-that-extraordinary love for exclusive and expensive cars. In fact, we have seen so far so many projects, and each of them shows this fantastic Vorsteiner touch. One of my most favorite examples of their work is the Aventador-V Zaragoza.

It seems like this project is evolving with time. Last time we have heard about it, the Lambo received Zaragoza front spoiler made of single piece of carbon fiber. Now it is time for the tuner to add another element, that was somehow missing, and it is the rear aero wing made of the in-house made signature PrePreg carbon fiber.

There are other two elements that make the Lambo stand out: Zaragoza Aventador-V comes also equipped with side skirts and a special rear diffuser. There is no need to say that the chosen material for these parts is the same as for the previous ones.

Furthermore, to make sure that the front spoiler is incorporated adequately, the specialists have extended the lines from the factory bumper in order to flow with the lower, wider, and longer carbon spoiler. This makes the front spoiler to be around 25 mm lower, 25 mm wider, and 200mm longer in comparison to the factory one.

The added vertical blades direct air away from the body, thus decreasing drag and turbulence, but also increasing stability. At last, this Lambo rides on Matte Black Technica Multipiece VTM-350 alloys in the size of 20×9 at the front, and 21×13 at the rear. They are coupled with Pirelli P Zero tyres in the dimensions of 255/30/20 and 355/25/21.

Source: Vorsteiner

April 22, 2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 is Almost Here! The Production Has Begun.

2016 Mazda Miata MX-5 The wait is over. The 2016 Mazda MX-Miata production had already begun. The 2016 model is actually the long-waited and highly-anticipated car, that will continue the popularity of the famous two-seater. Mazda North American Operations has already released a price list and made a statement, that the first 1,000 cars will be sold as Launch Edition models.

The Launch Edition model includes Grand Touring trim, exclusive Sport Tan leather interior and it will be painted in Soul Red. Additional extras are the SKYACTIV-MT manual or automatic transmission and small gifts, especially made for the Launch Edition.

On the other hand, the standard 2016 MX-5 arrives with 16-inch alloy wheels, SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox, cruise control, LED head- and taillights. In fact, there is an option for installing an automatic transmission, just like the one in the Launch Model.

And for people, who are still not satisfied, Mazda tem offers and two distinctive trim packs: the MX-Club or the MX-5 Grand Touring .

As we have told you, the MX-5 Club offers 17-inch alloy wheels, special tire set, black interior coloring, and lots of technology gadgets. There is a seven-inch touch-screen interactive monitor, satellite radio, numerous connectivity gadgets.

The MX-5 Club pack also includes Brembo front brake rotors, aerodynamic sides and a rear bumper skirt.

The MX-5 Grand Touring pack brings 17-inch bright alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, BOSE audio system, Mazda Connect technology. As in the MX-5 Club edition, a 7-inch touch screen monitor is also included. There is and a safety system, that gives information about traffic, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure information.
The Mazda 2016 MX – 5 is build for only one purpose: to provide incredible driving experience, high performance and lots of positive emotions.

Source: Mazda

April 22, 2015

Audi e-diesel is the First Fuel with No Environmental Impact

Audi is making a step further in the development of CO2-neutral fuels. The company announced that a new plant, based in Dresden, Germany, has initiated the production of high-quality synthetic fuel. The diesel is made from water, CO2 and green power, so there is no need for mineral oil. This is actually great success for Audi, since it advances with its environmental program significantly.

In this program, partner of the automaker is Dresden energy technology corporation “sunfire”. It is also plant operator and uses green power to create liquid fuel. As mentioned, for this process the only raw materials needed are CO2 and water. The first material comes straight from a biogas facility and it is extracted from the ambient air.

The development of Audi e-diesel promises fuel based on CO2 that will literally have no impact on the climate. The use of CO2 as a raw material is also an opportunity for other industries.

But how the production of Audi e-diesel happens? It features several steps. In the first one, water is heated up and then broken down into hydrogen and oxygen. In two further steps, the hydrogen reacts with the CO2 under pressure and at high temperature. As a result of the reaction we have liquid called blue crude.

At last, the blue crude can be refined in order to turn-up into the end product Audi e-diesel. As a synthetic fuel, it is free from sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons. This fuel is also suitable for combination with fossil diesel or for a use as a fuel in its own. And everything sounds very promising, doesn’t it?

Source: Audi

April 22, 2015

Corsa OPS is Ready to Hit the Road

Opel Corsa OPC After the incredible positive feedback, the Corsa OPC is ready for the road. This is the fastest member of the Corsa lineup and mixes incredible sporty character and wonderful adaptive body, suitable for every track. The almost four-meter long vehicle demonstrates a high-torque engine, that brings 207 hp (152 kW). In fact the sporty style doesn’t affect the interior in any way. The cabin is still comfortable and brings further pleasure of driving.

The Corsa’s design catches the eye with the redesigned and large air intakers, the exclusive paint and wonderful lines, that connect to the back of the car.

The rear really continues the sporty affair, by the overall flamboyant vision. The tailpipes and exhaust systems, add even more drama to the beautiful looks.

The interior comes with Recaro performance seats, leather steering wheel, OPC gear knob and especially designed pedals. The inside of the Corsa is a really comfortable place, despite the overall sporty character.

Under the hood you will find a wonderful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, that delivers 207 hp (152 kW) and a maximum torque of 245 Nm. This is a front-wheel-drive car and is geared with a six-speed transmission, that is especially designed for short and fast shifts. The Corsa OPS goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds. The top speed is 230 km/h (127 mph).

One of the main changes in the OPS Corsa is the especially developed chassi, that brings the Fequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology. As the name suggests, the system adapts to the overall frequency of the car and creates wonderful balance between comfort and flexibility.

And this is not all! For people, who want even greater sporty feel, Opel offers the Corsa OPC Performance Pack. It includes 18-inch wheels, Michelin tires, different chassis set-up. The pack also includes with high-performance brake system.

Source: Opel

April 22, 2015

Is Honda HR-V Showing the best Fuel Efficiency in its Class?

Honda HR-V Side View November last year was the month when Honda HR-V was officially unveiled. To be honest, it surprised me very much, due to its innovative design and CR-V-inspired forms. Now, the Japanese company has announced that the model will be also one of the most efficient vehicles in its class and will offer dreamt-about characteristics.

The styling of the car is literally breath-taking. From the outside one can also judge that there is enough space inside. As a typical Honda the car features advanced infotainment and safety technologies.

But where does its perfect fuel efficiency range come from? The answer: two engines – the 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol, both coming directly from Honda’s advanced Earth Dreams Technology series.

Furthermore, the first one is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and this also helps the HR-V deliver 4.0 l/100km and 104 g/km of CO2. However, there is no compromise on performance, since the diesel unit produces 120 hp (88 kW). Not to mention that the HR-V is capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds.

Those who are keener on gasoline engines have the option of 1.5 litre i-VTEC, which achieves a fuel economy of 5.2 l/100km and CO2 emissions from 120 g/km. This is only in the case of CVT automatic transmission.

If the unit is coupled with a standard six-speed manual, the fuel efficiency is 5.6 l/100km and CO2 emissions are rated at 130 g/km. The great performance of the car is proved because it is capable of reaching the 100 km/h in just 10.3 seconds with the manual and 10.9 seconds when equipped with the optional CVT.

2016 Honda HR-V will be available in European showrooms this summer.

Source: Honda

April 22, 2015

Lincoln Shows two Restyled Models and a Concept at the Shanghai Show

Lincoln Concept The luxurious and well-known auto brand Lincoln unveiled three revised and restyled models at 2015 Auto Shanghai Show. The models are the medium-sized MKX, a full-sized SUV, named Navigator and the Lincoln Continental Concept. All the three models demonstrate Lincoln’s determination to bring fresh models on the Chinese market. As you know, Lincoln founded eleven stores in nine cities throughout China in late 2014 and since then the brand marks incredible sales increase.

The first model, the MKX shows a really dramatic exterior design with wonderful proportions. But the exterior isn’t the only eye-catcher. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

The MKX comes with two engine options. The first one is a 2.0-Liter EcoBoost turbocharged powerplant. The second one is the advanced 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost, that delivers 340 hp (250 kW) and a total of 542Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There are and some upgrades for the chassis. The latest MKX has some suspension and handling upgrades.

The Navigator model, on other hand, as one of the most iconic models for the brand comes to demonstrate next-gen technology and a sleek, detailed design. This beauty is geared with a restyled 3.5-Liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine, that provides 582 Nm of torque. Further gadgets and specs include the Lincoln Drive Control, that provides even better performance and smoother ride.

The third unveiled model, the Lincoln Continental Concept, mixes next-gen technology and craftsmanship, that only the Lincoln team can provide. The inside is a really comfortable and pleasurable place to be, thankfully to the highest-class materials. The seats, for example, are clothed with Venetian leather and include the Alcantara seat inserts. The rear seats are especially designed for greater privacy and comfort. There is even a special window technology, that could be activated to block almost 100% of the UV rays.

The heart of the Concept is a 3.0-Liter V6 EcoBoost engine. The drive system is further upgraded with the Lincoln Drive Contro and Aadptive Steering systems, that bring even more pleasure for the driver.

Source: Lincoln

April 22, 2015

Donkervoort Releases Nearly Full-Carbon D8 GTO Edition

You have probably never heard about the Dutch company Donkervoort. Well, you aren’t alone in this. The new automaker is obviously trying to take the position of Wiesmann, since the first car it has produced looks much like one of the liquidated company. Precisely, the model is called D8 GTO Bare Naked Carbon Edition and is the very first carbon infused model of Donkervoort.

The vehicle is entirely fitted with visible carbon fibre with a special technique that allows the material to be exposed to view. This not only highlights the extremely fast personality of the D8 GTO but also reveals some of its specific and charismatic features.

Furthermore, the lightweight carbon fibre components are combined with Audi’s 2.5L R5 TFSI engine, which produces nearly 395 horsepower (290 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 255 km/h.

To me, the most interesting thing about this car is that it has been covered with visible carbon from nose to diffuser, and is also featured throughout the interior. We can see it on elements such as the seats, door panels, window frame, dashboard and door sills.

Believe it or not, even the ignition cylinder housing, belt-and-roll bar trim and headlight housings are made of this material. Next, the painting process is also unique because it involves UV-coating directly applied every single carbon fibre component by hand.

To be more precise, almost 90% of the bodywork was made of carbon components. However, this does not satisfy the professionals of the Donkervoort, because the ultimate goal is to make a full-carbon D8 GTO. With the Bare Naked Carbon Edition this seems fairly possible.

Source: Donkervoort

April 21, 2015

Cadillac CT6 is Becoming PHEV

Cadillac CT6 will be offered in the form of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). This of course will be optional, with the greatest benefit that the PHEV system will improve fuel efficiency significantly. The electric energy that drives the car comes from an 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is mounted between the rear seat and the trunk. The battery can be charged via 120V or 240V charger. Nonetheless, its range wasn’t announced yet. This will happen closer to U.S. launch.

What is more, this Cadillac’s PHEV combines a rear wheel electric variable transmission (EVT) with two-motor EVT, which is then mated to a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine. The petrol unit features spark-ignited direct injection and variable valve technology.

As a result, we have a combined system output of 335 hp (250 kW) and torque of 432 lb-ft (586 Nm). Just like the expected range, the fuel efficiency will be announced closer to launch.

Regenerative braking is the next exclusive feature in the CT6 hybrid. It will use the help of the iBooster and Electronic Stability Program in order to deliver optimum energy recovery. The system also provides better brake pedal feel and improved stop-start operation.

CT6 PHEV will have three operating modes: Normal, Sport and Hold, and will also feature Regen on Demand. The latter will allow for temporarily regeneration of energy which will be transformed in electricity and then stored into the battery pack. In fact, Regen on Demand is for more spirited driving and is engaged via steering-wheel paddle shifters.

So far so good, but I’m wondering whether Cadillac will apply this PHEV tendency onto its other models.

Source: Cadillac

April 21, 2015

Buick Verano Finally Revealed in Shanghai

Buick Verano is an American car debuting in China. As strange as it sounds, the 2017 model year Verano has just been revealed during the Shanghai Auto Show, showing its sports sedan exterior that is said to be inspired by Riviera and Avenir concept cars. The model also delivers great fuel efficiency and sporting handling.

As you can see from the single image we received, the Verano has the typical for Buick waterfall grille. It is accompanied by Avenir’s wing-shaped HID xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. The same wing shape can be seen in the LED taillights, too.

The windshield gives the body of the car a longer look, because it is positioned between the fastback roof and streamlined C-pillar curves. The double-sweep is also there, being typical for all Buick sedans. The beautiful silhouette of the Verano is supported by 17-inch 10-spoke alloys mated to Continental MC5 225/45 R17 sports tires.

Under the hood of the Verano is the 1.5T SIDI turbocharged Ecotec engine, which is coupled with seven-speed DCG transmission with smooth gear shifting. The output of the unit is rated at 169 hp (124 kW) at 5,600 rpm, while the peak torque – at 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) at 1,700-4,400 rpm. Despite the impressive power, the car is still capable of returning 6.1L per 100 km combined fuel consumption.

This is the third Buick entry on the Chinese market that comes to satisfy customer’s demands. The first two were Excelle GT, launched earlier this year, and the family car Excelle. With this step, it is expected that Buick will strengthen its positions in China.

Source: Buick

April 21, 2015

Category: Auto News