Auto News – Page 380 – Automobiles Review

Opel Astra with Better Fuel Economy Due to the Addition of 1.6 CDTI Engine

Opel Astra gets additionally enhanced with more economical engine – the 110 hp (81 kW) 1.6 CDTI. The unit emits only 94 grams of CO2 per kilometer and this is equivalent to 3.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. And for those who chose the 100 kW/136 hp output version, Opel has good news, because it is improved and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In addition to this it needs just 3.7 liters of diesel. The more powerful version accelerates the Astra sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and achieves maximum speed of 205 km/h.

After introducing the new gen 1.6 CDTI engine into the Astra, the engineers at Opel have continued working on improving it. This is how it now delivers up to five percent less emissions and consumption while maintaining the same performance.

There are new low-friction components which have been utilized for the chassis and the bodywork. For instance such are the improved drive shafts or the low-rolling-resistance tires. There is also an Aero Package that includes a lowered chassis and active radiator shutters. They help duce aerodynamic drag.

The ‘eco Astras’ are offered in three- and five-door, sedan and Sport Tourer variants. They are equipped with AGR (German Healthy Back Campaign) stamped ergonomic front seats and Opel’s modern IntelliLink infotainment system. Safety premium technologies are also added. They include Opel Eye front camera with Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning or the rearview camera, Park Assist with parking spot recognition and audiovisual parking assistance, Side Blind Spot Alert and the safety lighting system AFL+.

Source: Opel

February 10, 2015

Redesigned Toyota Prius c: Hot or Not?

Toyota‘s hybrid Prius c range welcomes the new year with a refined exterior, interior and dynamics. Australia’s most affordable hybrid car now demonstrates sharper outline and enhanced driving environment both of which add to the smooth experience on the road. What makes this car even better than before is the reduced price and we all know that when a great car comes for less it becomes even greater. By dropping the price to $22,990 for the standard Prius c and $25,990 for the high-grade Prius c i-Tech, Toyota really gives a late Christmas present which everyone will embrace without thinking twice.

So let’s cut to the chase now. Staying true to all Toyota hybrids, the Prius c can run on either just the petrol engine, the battery alone, or can use a combination of both. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of a petrol engine and electric motor by taking advantage of an innovative planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The 1.5-litre petrol engine generates 54 kW while the electric motor produces 45 kW. The combined power output then is that of 74 kW. Maximum torque is estimated at 111 Nm from the engine and 169 Nm from the motor. On the combined fuel-consumption test cycle, Prius c uses just 3.9 litres per 100km using 91 RON regular unleaded petrol. CO2 emissions are 90 grams/km.

In terms of the exterior, 2015 Toyota Prius c exhibits a refreshed style which features a more aggressive hexagonal grille. Moreover, the reshaped headlights provide a sharper appearance – halogen for the entry grade and a bi-LED lamp for Toyota Prius c i-Tech. The sculpturing of the automobile is further reinforced by a larger rear spoiler and new wheel covers adopted for the 15-inch steel wheels on the standard car. The i-Tech keeps its 15-inch alloy wheels. Yet, both grades arrive with full-size spares. Three new vibrant colours are available and include: Tango (orange), Aura (light blue) and Zest (lime).

Inside, there’s a new fabric upholstery. The standard grade is able to impress thanks to the black with dark blue facings while the i-Tech’s dark-grey seats are adorned by silver stitching that can also be seen on the steering wheel. Both Prius c models are fitted with reversing camera, seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-start assist control and cruise control.

Source: Toyota

February 10, 2015

Hyundai Debuts Special Edition Veloster and Santa Cruz Concept in Chicago

Chicago Motor Show is an event that is to happen in couple of days. Hyundai will show there its “Concept & Technology Garage” that will include 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, the latest connected car technologies the HCD-15 Santa Cruz Concept that we have seen in Detroit and the SEMA vehicles. In addition, the company will also reveal two new products, one of which was officially confirmed to be a special edition Veloster.

The Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept makes its Chicago debut. At the show it will display its characteristics as a new interpretation of truck utility. This fresh concept is intended to appeal to Millennials, whose needs range from expandable utility throughout an active week in the city.

The vehicle is created to shatter convention and offers an extension of personality. One of its key characteristics is the efficiency. The powertrain is the 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit which produces 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb.-ft.) of torque, but it is capable of achieving fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range. Santa Cruz is also equipped with the HTRAC All-wheel drive system.

For those who haven’t visited the SEMA Show in Las Vegas last year, there is good news: Hyundai will bring five SEMA models to Chicago. These include Blood Type Racing’s Genesis Coupe, Toca Signature Edition “Steel Phoenix” Genesis Sedan, ARK Performance AR550 Genesis Sedan, Bisimoto Engineering Sonata and JP Edition Genesis Coupe.

The next star of the show will be the Tucson Fuel Cell, which “wrote history” as the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle available for consumer lease. The fuel cell technology replaces the battery pack in EVs by generating electricity from hydrogen.

This is done through an electrochemical process that does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell stack. In this way the technology alleviates the limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles and maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the gasoline-powered Tucson.

At last but not least, the attendees of Hyundai’s “Concept & Technology Garage” will have an opportunity to test drive the zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle. They will also see how the company demonstrates the latest suite of in-vehicle technologies of 2015 Sonata: the eight-inch navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Hyundai’s Blue Link smartwatch app.

Source: Hyundai

February 10, 2015

Kia’s New Geneva Concept is Optima Based Plug-in Hybrid?

Kia Optima Concept On 3rd of March Kia will reveal a mysterious stylish new concept vehicle at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile or the so called Geneva Motor Show. The company announced that the car will be a D-segment model, which is actually the 11th concept car created by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. As we can see it has a sporty “nose” and is painted in red color that suggests activity and dynamism.

The concept is definitely created for those looking for the perfect vehicle that complements their active lifestyle. Kia also said that the concept is spacious and filled with versatile accessories.

You can also see that the car has confident and powerful lines. They elegantly sweep from Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille towards the rear of the vehicle.

And if you take a closer look at the teaser image, you’ll be definitely confused, whether you are seeing Kia’s new concept or the Optima model. This is probably a clear sign that the car will be based on it, but will carry with sharper looks and more sporting.

Some of the other details of the concept that need attention are the vents in the wings and sleek look of the side profile. The concept embodies modern design and dramatic energy. It is purposeful and style-conscious, and it seems as it can deliver a sanctuary from the stresses of the modern world.

It is rumored that there will also be a production version of this concept which is expected to be shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Kia will also offer several engine choices including a plug-in hybrid option.

Source: Kia

February 10, 2015

2015 Ford Focus Predicts a Spin Before It Even Begins [VIDEO]

Do you know what is better than a car that helps prevent spinouts once they occur? The answer is in the 2015 Ford Focus, because it can predict a spin before it even begins. The vehicle is getting enhanced by transitional stability technology designed to predict potential vehicle spinouts. This system intervenes earlier than previous once in order to help the driver in case he or she loses control of the car. The new technology uses real-time sensor data to trigger spinout-mitigating braking inputs from vehicle’s electronic stability control. In addition, it combines real-time data from sensors to anticipate a potential spin by 100 to 200 milliseconds.

The stability control technology is active all of the time and determines when a car meets the conditions that may lead to a spin. Then it intervenes early to help prevent the driver from losing control.

This feature is also dubbed enhanced transitional stability technology. It also delivers better handling in highly dynamic driving maneuvers. Important vehicle data like speed, steering wheel position, turn rate of the steering wheel and other input is considered to determine when a skid is imminent.

If there is any risk, braking is applied to individual wheels. This will help the driver keep control over the car and continue on the intended path.

2015 Focus will get at no cost the new transitional stability technology. This innovative system came about when engineers applied an algorithm that was in use with Ford’s Roll Stability Control to the new transitional stability technology. As a result they invented the stability control system that predicts potential spins before they happen.

httpv://youtu.be/DImiqklmSD8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

February 10, 2015

Jaguar Land Rover to Star in the Latest James Bond Movie

Jaguar Land Rover revealed that it is going to join the 24th James Bond adventure with three different models. A while ago we wrote that Aston Martin is also going to be part of the franchise with its revolutionary Aston Martin DB10.

The Spectre movie is obviously going to be pretty damn good. The extreme flair of dynamism and action are set to be mixed with a healthy dose of luxury and motion which are extracted from the automotive world. Regarding this exciting news, the Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards, commented that: “This is an exciting partnership for Jaguar Land Rover and an opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic capabilities of the Special Operations team.’’

Among the vehicles selected for the movie are the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the revised Land Rover Defender Big Foot. The JLR vehicles which are going to be used in the upcoming film have been provided by the company’s Special Operations division and were built together with Williams Advanced Engineering. Interestingly enough, the C-X75 model will play a crucial role in a “spectacular car chase sequence” that is taking place through the streets of Rome alongside the Aston Martin DB10.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time when Jaguar and Land Rover cars have had roles in a succession of Bond films. For example, in 2012, Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up was driven by field agent Eve Moneypenny in the opening sequence to Skyfall.

Spectre is scheduled to come out on the 6th of November this year.

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

February 9, 2015

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212 Wows with 720 Wild Horses

Fostla.de is famous for its car – wrapping services using only high – quality materials. So when we talk about individualization and customization, the company at Seelze close to Hannover perfectly knows how to deal with the process. With the necessary experience and skills utilized by Fostla.de, the final result is always something that can strike and impress the customer.

This time around, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212 is the model that benefits from the workmanship of the tuner. After a series of improvements, including not only an installation of a racing exhaust system with downpipes, but a PP-Performance stage 2 tuning (available for 6,299 Euro), the E 63 AMG W212 is able to demonstrate some really amazing characteristics. Initially, the vehicle is able to generate a power output of 557 serial HP (410 kW), which after the alterations in the engine electronics is boosted to 720 untamed horses (529 kW). Respectively, there has been enhanced torque figures too. The previous maximum torque of 720 serial Nm has been increased to the glorious 1,000 Nm.

Exteriorly, fostla.de provides the car with a new grill and emblems in mat black foiling. The 5% tinting of the rear lamps highlight the dynamic presence of the Fostla Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212. In order to make sure that the wrapping will be optimally protected when driving at high speed, the tuner has used a transparent stone chip protecting film.

Finally, the E 63 AMG is fitted with three-part LOMA GT1 super-light rims in 9×20 ET31 in combination with 255/30ZR20 tires on front and in 11×20 ET54 with 295/20ZR20 tires on the rear axle. The price per item for these rims is 1,650 Euro.

The whole performance package for 5.5 liters V8 BiTurbo costs 19,500 Euro.

Source: Miranda Media

February 9, 2015

BMW M4 Shows Better Performance Due to Additional KW Coilover Kit [VIDEO]

KW has just launched a range of new coilovers that were specifically designed to enhance the driving dynamics of the emblematic BMW M4. The special thing about them is that they boast adjustable top mounts, compression and rebound. What is more, the American Tuner European Auto Source (EAS) teamed up with KW suspensions for a test drive at Willow Springs International Raceway. They used the new KW coilovers and as a result the have created an extremely fast BMW.

To o into details, for better performance KW claims that all one needs is bigger brakes and well-made exhaust for extra power. This is exemplified via EAS BMW M4. EAS installed a set of KW Clubsport two-way coilovers with the aim to substantially improve the track handling of the M4, while at the same time keeping it road legal.

As a matter of fact, the KW Clubsport coilovers have been developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and allow separate adjustment of the rebound. In addition, KW Clubsport upgrade not only gives the M4 big brakes, but alls adds semi-slick tyres and increased engine power.

Through the rebound adjustment on the upper end of the piston rod the Clubsport two-way can be adjusted with 16 clicks. At the front axle the rebound will be changed by attachable adjustment knob, while at the rear axle damper KW integrated the rebound adjustment knob in the upper end of the piston rod. Compression damping is modified independently with the help of purple adjustment wheel in the black reservoir housing.

BMW M4 can be lowered on both axles with 15mm to 40mm. EAS also installed a Brembo GT big brake kit and 18in Apex EC-7 wheels with Continental Extreme DW tyres. In addition, the modified BMW also wears Bavarian company’s M Performance Carbon Package and is equipped with engine software. Thanks to the latter, it can now produce up to 559 hp (411 kW).

There is also an Akrapovic Evolution Titanium exhaust system that contributes for better soundtrack. As a result, EAS made a super-fast sports car, ready for both track and city roads.

httpv://youtu.be/cjCpTW0krR0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: EAS and KW

February 9, 2015

Larte Design Will Electrify Your Senses at Top Marques Monaco 2015 Show

It is a known fact that throughout the years Larte Design has established itself as the tuner that significantly improves the stance and looks of different cars. Drawing some of the most compelling designs, the company becomes an artistic symbol of automotive passion, individuality, self – expression and uniqueness. Focusing on the implementation of precision and craftsmanship which aims to satisfy the requirements and expectations of clients, Larte Design successfully combines true elegant lines, masculinity and aggressiveness which contribute to the personalized character of a certain automobile. All of the eye – catching features incorporated into a car, transform the vehicle into a road – conquering automotive machine that is able to catch the attention of everyone.

This year from April 16 to April 19, 2015 Monaco is welcoming one of the most spectacular events in Europe – precisely, the prestigious supercar forum which is going to take place at the Top Marques Monaco 2015 show. Demonstrating sufficient confidence, Larte Design is going to present the premium electric car Tesla Model S with a bold reincarnation. Featuring a redesigned exterior with light and solid tuning components crafted out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the vehicle is ready to dazzle onlookers. What is more, the car also has a facelifted interior, new forged large wheels and can produce one – of – a – kind sound effect. Finally, this supercar offers 691 HP and promises excellent driving quality.

Larte Design is preparing other treats for visitors too. Alongside the supercar, there are going to be revealed two more models available for test drives: Mercedes GL with the Black Crystal tuning kit and Range Rover Sport Winner.

Source: Larte Design

February 9, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Equinox to Debut at Chicago Auto Show

This week Chevrolet will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show a refreshed 2016 model that is the new Equinox. This will happen on 12th of February when we will receive more details about the vehicle, since the official released up to date are scarce. With the introduction of the new Equinox, Chevrolet aims to continue to win customers in one of the industry’s most competitive segments. The company promised that the facelifted model will keep its value-driven balance of performance, versatility and personal connectivity, and will continue to represent the depth of Chevrolet’s strong SUV lineup.

Although there aren’t many details on 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, from the released teaser image we see a new front bumper as well as entirely refreshed headlights and LED daytime running lights. Plastic body cladding and new fog lights are also present. Unfortunately we will have to wait a little longer to find out whether these features are optional or standard, in the best case scenario.

As far as engine line-up, there is a rumor circulating that there isn’t going to be any change. If this is true, then the new Equinox will retain the powerplants of the current lineup. The base model is offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit, which produces 182 horsepower (134 kW) and 233 Nm (172 lb-ft) of torque.

The second engine option is the 3.6-liter V6 one, that generates 301 hp (221 kW) and 369 Nm (272 lb-ft) of optimum torque. Both engines are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive comes as no-cost option, while the all-wheel-drive is available.

Source: Chevrolet

February 9, 2015

DMC Teases new Lambo Lineup Ahead of Geneva Debut

It took exactly five years for the luxury tuning company DMC to be accepted to join the renowned Geneva Motor Show. The good new is that this year the visitors of the famous car exhibit will have the opportunity to “meet” the brand and get to know its work better. As a matter of fact, if one company wants to join the prestigious exhibitions, it can’t just simply give money for a booth. To be accepted, the company needs to have professional background, and most important history.

So this basically means that addition of DMC to the auto salon in Switzerland signifies that it has already joined an elite level of brands. For the show is where the top players of the industry showcase their annual developments.

And to get us all heated up of the most important event, DMC specialists have just released a first teaser image, showing part of their line up. We are almost sure that we are going to see an all Lambo set-up, which will have a possible Stage2 Huracan kit.

We have already seen the Lambo which is going to be featured in the event, so we aren’t quite sure whether there is to be a new project, or the already presented one. The DMC Lamborghini Huracan has a rear wing with an additional base spoiler under it. The latter is stronger and more reliable on the inside.

The interior design of the Huracan was also refined and now features fine leathers and carbon fiber components. There are also a lot of buttons and trims as well as redesigned steering wheel that come as additional packages.

During Geneva Motor Show, DMC will also present the new rims in the lineup. They will come in a 20″/21″ setup and are considered to be the widest sets in the market so far.

On the teaser image we also see silver Lamborghini Countach, but we aren’t sure we are to see it at company’s stand at the show.

Source: DMC

February 9, 2015

Adidas and Porsche 911: An Unexpected Combination

Athleticism is measured in many different ways but Adidas seems to know how to dig its path to the best possible methods. The shoe company uses Porsche 911 as a platform which is able to commercialize and advertise their new UNCAGED adizero 5-Star 40 Football cleats. So the sporty 911 turns into a perfect base for a subtle marketing trick which promotes not just the car but a pair of shoes as well.

In order to match the athletic spirit of the Super Bowl event, Adidas is promising to provide three customized Porsche 911s to the NFL Scouting Combine runners who will achieve the best results. There is one condition only. They should wear the new UNCAGED adizero 5-Star 40 Football cleats. Just to clarify, the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is a showcase which lasts for one week where prospective football players will go through a range of physical and mental tests before NFL coaches, general managers and scouts.

The three Porsche cars receive a uniquely designed bodylook which matches that of the shoes in question. The cheetah graphics which covers the entire back of the Porsche 911 Carrera is definitely like nothing else seen before. But it is kind of weird – looking paintwork really not only on the car but on the cleats too. Undoubtedly the winners will appreciate their prizes but I won’t be surprised if they decide to remove the graphics from the cars and make their Porsches look more… normal and less as vehicles that transport animals to the local zoo.

Source: Adidas

February 9, 2015

Category: Auto News