Auto News – Page 362 – Automobiles Review

Dodge Equips Durango R/T with more Nappa

Dodge Durango R/T just looks great. The seven-seater can now show-off with many new equipment features and specifically with those one can find in the interior. Its imposing stance is additionally strengthened by the standard for the 2015 model year 20-inch alloys in high-gloss Granite Crystalfinish. On the road the car will produce no less than 360 horsepower (265 kW), coming from the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The torque is rated at 528 Nm (390 lb.-ft.), giving the opportunity of great tow rating measured at 7,400 pounds.

The new Durango R/T is also equipped with sport-tuned suspension and huge performance tires measuring 20-inch. The great exterior looks are due to the monochromatic appearance backed-up by the black headlamp bezels and LED daytime running lamps. In addition, the height of the car has been lowered by 20 mm.

However, the accent of this car is to be found inside. With the opening of the door we see abundance of Nappa Leather in Radar Red. Precisely, it is the seats that were wrapped in it. Of course, the red/black contrast stitching is a must. As a matter of fact, we have seen these seats in the Charger and Challenger, but it is very pleasant to the eyes when one can find them in other cars in Dodge’s range, too.

Other accents throughout the interior that should be mentioned are the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen and the new audio releasing its sound via the nine speakers and subwoofer. Form the outside, one can also like the power liftgate function and the HID low-beam headlamps.

Source: Dodge

March 27, 2015

Toyota Says Goodbye to Jeremy Showing his Best Bits [VIDEO]

Jeremy Clarkson and the un-killable Hilux Two days ago we witnessed BBC’s official confirmation that Jeremy Clarkson won’t continue his TV presence. The world since then changed. Literally. The next news was the announcement of James May on his personal Twitter that he too has quit Top Gear. May fans showed their support online, many colleagues have said that the show should continue with the same presenters, but it is more than obvious that this is the End of an era.

The reason for Clarkson’s release from Top Gear was the so called “fracas” with the producer Oisin Tymon, caused by a cold plate and ending with a punch in Tymon’s face. The result: the star has been suspended on 10th of March and the show was stopped in the middle of the season. Tony Hall, BBC’s general director, said in official statement that Clarkson has crossed many lines and that there should be consequences.

To show their support to the star, many top car manufacturers released posts on their official social media accounts. One of them is Toyota, which was praised by Jeremy during the years. This gave fans the suspicion that the automaker has actually paid him to do so.

There is a video (which you can watch below) that highlights some of Jeremy’s best moments involving various Toyota cars. This is company’s farewell and tribute to star’s great work expressed with the words: “Thanks for everything Jeremy. It has been smashing.”

And you should definitely check out the un-killable Hilux featured extensively in the video:

httpv://youtu.be/l1WMdI3E9jQ

Source: Toyota via YouTube

March 27, 2015

Kia Reveals First Image of 2016 Optima Prior New York Premiere

2016 Kia Optima SX Front View So, this is the first image of the future 2016 Kia Optima that was just revealed. And I am a little bit disappointed. The car in the photograph above has little to do with what we have seen from the beautiful design studies previewed by the brand a week ago. The sketches showed an elongated vehicle with flowing forms, and close-to-the-ground stance. The wheel arches were more pronounced and the sides were more sculpted.

Judging by the photo, the fourth generation Optima has retained its classical forms, but has added some accents like the more flashy tiger nose grille, the new gills on the front bumper and the chrome accents all over the face of the car. Double multispoke wheels are not what this car needs when it comes to surprising the public, although they fit perfectly its mediocre stance.

Kia also officially announced that the new Optima will be powered by many powerplan options. Given the fact, that it will be based on Hyundai‘s Sonata platform, I do expect to see in the engine range the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged units as well as the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated one. And this is where I pray that Kia will somehow surprise me.

The other data announced by the company includes confirmation on a more spacious interior, additional luxury features and never-seen-before technologies, at least on a Kia … Unfortunately I do not anticipate to see anything surprisingly more different than the previous generation Optima. Whether this proves right or not, we’ll see on 1^st of April, when the car debuts at the New York Auto Show.

Source: Kia

March 26, 2015

Bronze-Accented Buick Enclave Makes North American Debut

Buick has introduced a bronze accented Enclave crossover dubbed Tuscan Edition. It is different from its siblings due to the one-off bronze grille and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels that feature accents from the same material. The three-row luxury crossover is actually one of the most popular and looked for in its segment. With this market step, it is obvious that Buick is opting to gather the glances of even more people, who will eventually become buyers.

For those interested, Enclave Tuscan Edition will be offered in two trim variants: Leather (1SL) and Premium (1SN). In addition, the range of exterior color choices includes White Frost Tricoat, Dark Chocolate Metallic and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

The new trim levels will also add some more to the standard equipment of the “normal” Enclave. We are speaking here of the power-operated dual moonroof, the heated steering wheel, the eight-way power front driver and passenger seats, the heated front seats on Leather models and heated/cooled seats on Premium models.

Don’t fool yourself by thinking that the list stops here. The designers have added also ice-blue LED ambient lighting that shines over the instrument panel, power-tilting/telescoping steering column only available on Premium models, Buick IntelliLink, the famous OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, tri-zone automatic climate control, high-intensity discharge headlamps, power liftgate and rear park assist and rear-vision camera system with dynamic guidelines.

Under the hood of the car is the standard 3.6L V-6, which powers all four wheels or only the two up front, depending on customer’s wish. Its economy rating is estimated at 24 mpg on the highway.

Of course, 2016 Buick Enclave Tuscan Edition will be making a debut at the New York International Auto Show before going on sale this summer.

Source: Buick

March 26, 2015

Toyota Racing to Defend Two World Titles at FIA World Endurance Championship

Toyota TS040 Hybrid Under Wraps As you know, Toyota became the first Japanese company to claim the WEC championship last year. The successful season witnessed the share of the first place by two high-performance drivers Sébastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson. The champion winning car, TS040 Hybrid proved to be the hero of the day: the machine, in full harmony with the drivers, has won 5 out of 8 races.

The Hybrid has been modified and improved for 2015 with redesigned suspension, optimized tyre wear, changed front design for even better aerodynamics and some weight-loss modifications. The art of consuming energy and saving is not unknown territory for the crew, that built the beast. They do know, that in modern age energy and performance efficiency is key feature to have in mind.

The car itself comes with two packages for 2015 that have already been tested in France. The first package, so called “The Le Mans” is better suited and used for the well-known 24-hour race, while the second one, called “Spring” is specially built to bring high level of downforce.

As said, the efficiency is well calculated by numerous tests and experiments, that started already on 13 January. The different tracks for experiment really let the team show their best, not only on the test road, but on the championship.

Team members Davidson and Buemi will share one car. Davidson himself says, that he looks forward to winning the big race at Les Mans in June. He knows what real competiton and competitors mean and he confidently prepares for the race. We wish him luck and alot of occasions for celebrating.

Source: Toyota

March 26, 2015

Special Ram 1500 Edition Celebrates the Rangers [VIDEO]

Dodge is one of the most popular American brands that has produced the famous 707HP Hellcat. It is also the main manufacturer of all Ram vehicles. The range of the latter has been expanded by the addition of the Ram 1500 Texas Ranger Concept. The truck is a creative result of company’s collaboration with the law-enforcement agency and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. It aims to bring the iconic Rangers’ spirit onto the road.

The vehicle was introduced at the 2015 Dallas Auto Show, and this is where it wowed the public with its exterior and interior characteristics. The celebration of the Rangers can be seen via the emblematic silver Lone Star Ranger badge and it can be found both inside and out.

The exterior of this Texas Ranger concept has everything typical for the brand. However, there are some accents like the badging (different from the one mentioned above). It was designed to be an example of the Mexican five-peso coins from which Ranger badges are made.

The next big thing (literally) about this concept vehicle is its wheels. They come in the size of 20 inches and are made of polished-aluminum. Milled-aluminum Texas Ranger center cap is making a strong accent on them. At last, the truck comes in a two-tone exterior paint scheme: Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic.

Stepping inside, one sees the same Ranger design cues everywhere. First, there is this Canyon Brown and Tan leather. It is highlighted by tooled-metal details and one-off Texas Ranger edition accents. To name some, Mexican five-peso silver coins are inlaid within the door bolsters, while the steering wheel is accentuated by milled-aluminum, features distressed-finish Ram badge and tan accent “X” stitching.

Ram Texas Ranger edition will travel around Texas with the purpose to expand the awareness for the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum. This means that Dodge has no future plans of making this truck a production version. So sad, isn’t it?

httpv://youtu.be/CP20WRaL0es

Video Source: YouTube
Source: Ram Truck Brand

March 26, 2015

McLaren Teases First Sports Series Model [VIDEO]

McLaren 570S Coupe What’s going on in McLaren’s garage? Pretty much everything since the company has just released a teaser image of a brand new upcoming model. The car is the first one that is going to be introduced to the Sports Series family and will be crowned 570S Coupe. Other official details are very pleasant to hear, because the 570S will be obviously powered by a V8 unit. Given the fact that we know the name of the car, we know its output and it is 570PS (562 hp or 420 kW).

We do not expect anything less than carbon fibre structure from this two seater and the same counts for its aerodynamic characteristics. Where we’ll see the car? There is no other place like New York, so the debut is scheduled to happen there.

McLaren will also show at the event its three tier model strategy. As a matter of fact, every Sports Series model will be endowed with the DNA typical for the Super Series and Ultimate Series. They are positioned very high in McLaren’s range of vehicles.

Other details about the teased car reveal that it will offer one-off performance, well-treated handling with better characteristics and exceptional driving dynamics. It will be equipped with new race-derived technologies that will influence future sports cars in the segment.

Fortunately, McLaren 570S Coupe will be revealed prior its reveal on 1^st of April, so we don’t have to wait that much longer. Below you can see I vide wee found on YouTube, which shows some spy photos of the upcoming car. Enjoy!

httpv://youtu.be/16FeuyvyoZY

Video Source: YouTube

Source: McLaren

March 26, 2015

Alpine Releases Short Video Showing the Inspirations behind Vision Gran Turismo

Alpine Vision in Gran Turismo Sketch The video below is part of Alpine’s 60th anniversary and involves 3D artwork, smooth chromatic painting and nice old school cartoon drawing, that together blend to bring a visual pleasure, lasting just little more than a minute. The team behind the beautiful project uses all these different art techniques, just to show the beauty of the car in not just one dimension. So you should probably prepare to witness the agression on the road, freedom and pleasure of driving and the really special bond between car and driver.

The video shows the beautiful Alpine A450b, combined to the future model of Berlinetta. The viewers will be pleased to see the new design, that mixes already known features and modern new-age aerodynamics and incredible visuals: just notice the unbeliavable back lights or the striking speed of the new Alpine.

The short art-based concept film will make you feel the same passion and emotion, that drove the team to create such a beauty. You will be thrown directly on the racing track to experience the speed and elegance of the new Alpine, just to take you on it’s wings in the air, feel the pleasure of flying and freedom, and then witness the connection between machine and racer, that can take them out of every situation.

Alpine Vision Gran Turismo is avaiable for purchase for Playstation® gaming consoles. Watch the video here:

httpv://youtu.be/2tuObNUTnbc

Source: Renault

March 26, 2015

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Edition Debuts in New York

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club edition will be presented at the New York International Auto Show. The badass car is said to be the most agressive member of MX-5 roadsters. Definately someone you don’t want to mess up with. What actually is making it ‘the most agressive’ car? Let’s mention first the lightweight. The car is using new materials for its body thanks to which the MX-5 Club now weights 2,332lbs.

As we know, Mazda roadsters are lightweight vehicles by defaut, but even more chassi and suspension weight upgrades could be announced. In addition, the car will be equipped either with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, that actually weights a bit more and makes the car total mass grow to 2, 381lbs. We will be dealing with the same four-cylinder, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine, that brings 148 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque and 155 bhp (115 kW). The agressive Club member will be further-upgraded with aerodynamic changes and with even more stylish exterior look.

The construct design of MX-5 Club comes with a bit shorter and wider body, compared to older models, with an engine, placed lower in the chassis, that altogether brings even better experience and pleasure of driving.

The fourth-gen MX-5 beast-and-beauty will be presented by Mazda North American Operations next week at one of the upcoming car festivals in New York. The Club is expanding. Are you ready to join?

Source: Mazda

March 26, 2015

Top Gear Continues without Jeremy Clarkson, BBC Confirms [VIDEO]

Jeremy Clarkson officially dropped from Top Gear BBC has just confirmed that the contract of Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson won’t be renewed. The reason for this is a huge scandal that the star created, involving a physical altercation with the producer of the show. BBC‘s general director, Tony Hall, said that Clarkson has crossed many lines and that he should bear the consequences.

After the so called “fracas” with Oisin Tymon, Clarkson was suspended on 10^th of March. What has been announced as the reason for this quarrel was a cold plate of food served to the star. In addition, the show was stopped in the middle of the season and this caused an outrageous respond from Top Gear fans. There is even a petition going on around the internet that supports Clarkson’s reinstatement in the show.

Top Gear is the most watched TV program in the world and the main contributor for this is Jeremy Clarkson and his witty individuality. The official BBC statement unfortunately signifies that the show will continue without Clarkson presence.

It is also under question, whether James May and Richard Hammond, will be kept, since their contracts are also ending this year. What’s more, they seem unwilling to continue to do their job without their co-presenter.

This is sad news really, because it signifies an end of an era. Now, over the internet there is a burst of speculations, involving the question who exactly is going to join the show. Any suggestions?

Edit: Hear exclusively James May’s reaction to Jeremy Clarkson being sacked by BBC:

httpv://youtu.be/N6cfFnBNELs

Image Credit: Beretta/Sims/Rex Features

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BBC.com

March 25, 2015

Cadillac ATS-V is now 464HP SEA-Certified

Cadillac ATS-V Front View Today, at Los Angeles the new 2016 ATS-V was introduced by Cadillac – the new generation family member that expands brand’s elite hi-end V-Series. The start of the production will be this spring with the availability in sedan and coupe forms. The first ATS-V’s will bring the twin-turbocharged power and uncompetable design artwork and performance system.

Now, for more than ten years, the V-Series have driven incredible power and performance to Cadillac’s ever-expanding luxury range. Built on the base of the award-winning ATS line, the V-series add even more capabilities to what was the most resilient and agile-driving compact car class.

The result? Luxurious multi-purpose vehicle. It comes with the well known and trustworthy true track capability, combined with the smooth feel on the road. The new ATS-V is geared with the first of it’s kind twin-turbocharged engine in a V-series model. The machine comes with SAE-certified 464 horsepower (364kW), highest output six-cylinder engine segment, 601Nm (444 lb-ft) of torque, 0-60 performance in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. The engine is coupled with a six-speed manual or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.

In order to create an agile, luxurious and smooth-performing ATS-V, the Twin Turbo engine supports completely redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems. Other upgrades and further improvements include Brembo high-performance brake system straight from the factory, third-gen Magnetic Ride Control with additionally enhanced damping response, selectable driver modes for sport-based track etc.

In addition, ATS-V comes also with exterior design that supports aerodynamic performance as well as powertrain and drivetrain cooling technology. The interior focuses on the driver’s interface system for even better performance driving, including more ergonomic and high performance seats.

Chief engineers ensure the highest performance available via the bond that the smallest V-series has with the driver. It’s not just a bond, they say, but the engine actually adapts to driver’s preferences for more pleasure of driving. How cool is that?

Source: Cadillac

March 25, 2015

Superb SE Business Edition with Two Engine Options

Skoda Superb SE Buisness is designed to meet the specifics of the fleet market with additional equipment that adds even more comfort and technologic additions. This particular trim level is geared with front and rear parking sensors, touchscreen satellite navigation, drive mode selection, including Eco, Sport and Normal modes, sunset glass from the back and even a Phonebox with wireless enhanced signal.

But the goodies do not end here. The SE Buisness comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights for better vision, Adaptive Cruise control and lumbar support. The most interesting fact is that, although the vastly increased number of additions, the new trim will come at the same price as its predecessor. With all improvements and the incredibly spacious cabin and the increased rear legroom, the new SE Buisness is set to be the businessman’s best friend out on the streets. Only some of the new features are the optional: Virtual pedal system, Blind spot detection, new generation Park assist.

The SE Buisness will come with a choice of two EU6 diesel engines: the 1.6-litre 120PS unit and the 2.0-litre 150 PS one. Both come mated to DSG transmissions. Also, the new GreenLine model will emit about 95g/km of CO2, or at least it is expected to do so.

Furthermore, the SE Buisness will be up to 75kg lighter, despite the fact it is larger than the SE – 47mm wider, with 80mm longer wheelbase. It is believed, that all of these features will make the new model more efficient and comfortable.

Other “firsts” here are the LED rear lights, sunset glass, the redesigned multi-function steering wheel, manual lumbar support, electric parking brake, expanded set of safety and security extras – ABS, EBW, MSR, EDS, HDA and more. The technical additions include AC Contro, Satelite navigation control and SmartLink. The new Skoda SE Buisness will be specifically distributed in Europe and is expected to make a market debut later this year.

Source: Skoda

March 25, 2015

Category: Auto News