Auto News – Page 391 – Automobiles Review

Maxi-Tuner Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S with Maxi-Power

Based in the town of Gau-Algesheim in the Mainz-Bingen region of Germany, Maxi-Tuner company has set its eye on two flagship Porsche models. Here we are talking about Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S precisely.

Thanks to the “MaxPower” upgrade, the cars arrive with enhanced power and torque. Maxi-Tuner, then, manages to pump the mighty 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat six engine with additional 60 HP and 100 Nm. As a result, the final power output of the Turbo is 580 HP with 760 Nm of maximum torque, while the Turbo S has 620 HP and 800 Nm of peak torque.

Still, there are no changes in relation to the engine safety functions which means that if the sensors detect overheating or the slightest possibility of detonation, the system defaults to the factory engine protection protocols thatslow down boost and ignition. Fault diagnostic and service regimes are intact as well which makes it easier for customers to uninstall the upgrades and bring the car back to its initial form.

To continue with, Maxi-Tuner 991 Turbo S test car is also fitted with an in-house developed stainless-steel sports exhaust system. It is able tooptimize back-pressure for more power. The system also has a much better soundtrack and comes with a TÜV-test report.

Benefiting from suchaddition, Porsche Turbo S test car demonstrated a maximum output of 635 HP and 864 Nm of torque on the dynamometer. The 0-100km/h sprint was covered in just 2.8 seconds which showed a 0.3-sec improvement. Top speed was refined too and jumped by 10 km/h to 328 km/h.

Source: XMedia-Group

January 20, 2015

The New Dotz Kendo Alloy Wheels “Ken do” It!

Do you know what the Japanese martial art of Kendo is? Well, it is a sward combat training similar to the well-known Samurai. But this is not all. Kendo is also considered to be a lifestyle and moral strength. Taking some of the Japanese Kendo key aspects, the tuners from Dotz have designed spectacular alloy wheels which are able to bring “the ‘way of the sword’ onto the road.”

Dotz Kendo alloys could be said to bring distinctiveness to any vehicle which benefits from them. The double spokes have an extremely sharp-edged outline which transforms them into swirling blades that spin around the center part with untamed fury. If you are still not convinced, just check the images of the Mercedes–AMG A-Class which takes advantage of the Kendo alloy wheels.

This particular harshness which is depicted when they are on the move is additionally stressed by the aggressive angle connectors of the struts. Being set in pairs, they arrive with different thickness and exhibit plenty of dynamism that further highlights the individual character of the whole set. The compactness of the wheel hub area makes sure that there is a low dead weigh which results in highest possible agility.

Finally, the new Dotz Kendo wheels arrive in 7.0×16, 7.0×17 and 8.0×18 inches and are fit for TPMS with ensured ALCAR T-ProSensor compatibility.

Source: Dotz

January 20, 2015

Mercedes-AMG GT Tweaked by German Special Customs

The guys from German Special Customs (GSC) are famous for their exclusively good-looking styling programs which always know how to complement the nature of a given model. This time around they surprise us with the first renderings of the special package for the Mercedes-AMG GT. And we have to admit that it looks devastatingly awesome!

After the professional touch of the tuner, the new AMG GT bodylook embodies even more strongly underlined sporty character. And because this was not enough, there is a feel of haughty aggression that comes as a bonus! I doubt that there is a person on this planet who would say no to this.

Back to the main point now. If we cut the Mercedes-AMG GT into separate pieces, just to get the idea what exactly the car features, we will see that GSC was more than generous when working on the improvements of this sportiness on four wheels. The full body kit is comprised of reworked bumpers with a large carbon fiber front spoiler, modified side skirts with a chunkier look and a massive GT3-style rear wing. We can also see that the pack of little and not so little tweaks includes carbon roof and mirror caps and refined headlights. The black wheels with yellow lips complete the refinements of the GT.

However, German Special Customs hasn’t proposed anything yet in terms of performance. What we know for sure is that the AMG GT is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine which is capable of developing 462 PS (339 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The Mercedes-AMG GT S, then, generates 510 PS (375 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: German Special Customs via Motorward

January 20, 2015

Jaguar’s Bike Sense Technology Saves Cyclists from Potential Accidents [VIDEO]

Jaguar Land Rover just released a video showing that it is currently developing a range of new technologies. They will utilize colours, sounds and touch inside the car in order to alert drivers in cases of potential hazards. The specific thing about these technologies is that they have been created to prevent accidents only involving bicycles and motorbikes. To go into details, the sensors on the car detect when another road user is approaching. In fact, they can even identify it as bicycle or motorbike. When this happens, the Bike Sense will alert the driver via several means.

The technology does not uses only sound or warning icon, but lights and sounds that the driver will instinctively associate with the potential danger. In addition, the audio system will help the driver understand where the bike is in relation to their car. It will make a sound as if a bicycle bell or motorbike horn is coming through the speaker nearest the bike.

There is even more to this. When a motorbike approaches up the road behind the car, for example, after the Bike Sense have detected it, the top of the car seat will extend to ‘tap’ the driver on the left or right shoulder. Except for that it sounds pretty strange and even scary; the idea is that the driver will instinctively look over that shoulder to identify the potential hazard.

There is a scenario, when a cyclist gets closer to the car. What happens next is that a matrix of LED lights on the window sills, dashboard and windscreen pillars will glow amber and then red as the bike approaches. In addition, the exact movement of these lights across the surfaces will also show the direction the bike is taking.

Bike Sense is also clever enough to know that there are potential hazards that the driver cannot see. For instance, is pedestrian or cyclist is crossing the road, and for some reason the person behind the steering wheel can’t see them, the sensors will detect this and draw the driver’s attention with the help of visual an audible signals. And if for some reason the driver ignores the warnings, then the technology will make the accelerator pedal vibrate or feel stiff.

At last, Bike Sense also helps prevent vehicle doors being opened into the path of bikes. In these cases it would warn all passengers of an approaching vehicle through sound and light. If anyone continues with the opening of the door, the door handle will light up, vibrate and buzz.

Source: Jaguar

January 20, 2015

Facelifted Hyundai Veloster Turbo Launched in South Korea

Hyundai has released an updated version of its Veloster Turbo model. The car will be seen only in South Korea and it is specifically intended for this market. The refreshed Veloster aims to catch the attention of younger customers, those who are in their twenties and thirties. The new edition of the vehicle has already been launched and on sale in the country, since 16^th of January.

2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Facelift received some styling upgrades that need to be addressed. The exterior styling improvements included feature silver trim on the front grille which refreshes the front fascia as well as blackish allows in new multispoke design.

The headlight graphics has been also updated as well as the fog lights. Hyundai has continued with the changes inside. The cabin now features new sports seats that will be offered in three different color finishes.

More importantly, the Veloster has been given world’s first engine sound equalizer. It allows drivers to adjust the level of the sound of the powertrain. There are six different sounds offered.The car is driven by the 1.6-liter T-GDi turbo gasoline engine, which produces 204 hp (150 kW). The unit is coupled with a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT).

Hyundai will offer the Veloster Turbo Facelift in three trim versions. The starting price of the Unique trim is 19.95 million won which equals $18,550 USD, 20.95 million won or $19,480 USD) for the PYL and 21.55 million won ($20,040 USD) for the PYL DCT trim level.

Source: Hyundai via thekoreancarblog

January 20, 2015

New Livery for Citroen DS3 WRC and Start of the 2015 Season

The DS model is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. To commemorate this, Citroen has made a new livery for its WRC car. It features exclusive decals and will compete in this month’s Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. The white, red and gold livery has been simplified and includes an eye-catching “60” spread across the rear wings. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena are returning to action, contesting the opening round of the 2015 World Rally Championship season. They are winners of nine world titles and 78 rallies.

The start of the championship will also see the arrival of two new partners for the team. They are also featured on the livery. Official WRC timekeeper since 2013 is Certina. It is included on DS3’s bodywork. In addition, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg will also wear watches made by the famous Swiss brand.

Furthermore, the automotive equipment manufacturer Sparco is now the official Citroën Racing supplier. It will cover all of the series in which the brand is competing. This includes WRC, WTCC and customer racing.

To the three DS 3 WRCs entered in the championship have been made some significant improvements too. They range from engine and suspension to aerodynamics and gearbox. For instance, Citroen have focused on the powerplant so that it delivers more power and torque, whilst also improving reliability.

What is more, there s a reintroduction of the steering wheel-mounted paddles for the gear changes. In terms of aerodynamics, the improvements include a new spoiler and a new front end as well as use of lighter parts.At last, the company has changed the kinematics of the rear suspension. Currently, work is ongoing and there will be another aerodynamic upgrade in the forthcoming months.

Source: Citroen

January 20, 2015

Lotus to Premiere an Exciting new Model in Geneva

No picture and scarce information is what we’ve got from Lotus about a car. The “exciting” vehicle will have its reveal at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March 2015. What we know for sure is that the product will remain true to its core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity. In fact, these three characteristics will be embodied in a most desirable package.

Probably, there will be a teaser image soon, but until Geneva we don’t think that Lotus will spill any information. So be prepared and have some patience untill the beginning of March. Rumors say that the company will premiere a new generation of Evora. The car is to include revised styling, more in terms of engine and less weight.

The most recent Elise S Cup, which was revealed a few days ago, is already creating great response in the general public. There are headlines and comments like “…most intoxicating sports car at any price” and “…it’s about as much fun as driving gets”.

The Geneva reveal will produce even more for the new upcoming model. We are not likely to see Lotus Elise S Cup‘s engine in the new model. However, it is pretty impressive. It produces a maximum power of 217 hp (160 kW) at 6800 rpm, and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm of torque. The top speed is limited at 140 mph (225 km/h).

Elise S Cup covers the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. And we have to ask ourselves: since the new car will show even more, is it to surpass this number? More than a month left and the mystery will be solved.

Source: Lotus

January 20, 2015

See How Honda Have Updated the 2015 CR-V

A good start in 2015 for Honda CR-V! The car got some comprehensive updates that make it even more attractive. There is a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox that aim to deliver great fuel economy. In addition, Honda has added a new technology, which is a world-first that comes to enhance occupant safety. There is an innovative app-driven connectivity system, which is now standard. And in terms of driving fun, the CR-V got reengineered. Of course, the designers did made some minor styling changes to the exterior.

First, the CR-V is offered with a more powerful diesel engine as well as an optional nine-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the new 160 PS 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine will be available with four-wheel drive. The result: outstanding performance and low CO2 emissions.

The combination of both – new engine and nine-speed gearbox, will deliver exceptional fuel economy, which you can see in details below. Just to spoil it a bit: it is one of the best power-to-consumption ratio of any engine on sale today.

Honda Connect infotainment system is the second highlight in the list with updates. It will offer convenience and connectivity while on the road. Its key characteristics include DAB / FM / AM and internet radio, Bluetooth connectivity, internet browsing, satellite navigation and rear-view parking camera.

World-first active safety feature will also be a highlight in the facelifted CR-V. In fact, the car will premiere Honda’s new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) system as part of company’s commitment to ‘Safety for Everyone’. The system predicts and automatically reacts to other vehicles that are ‘cutting-in’ to the vehicle’s lane.

i-ACC does this via the use of camera and a radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road. Combined with the enhanced suspension and optimised NVH measures, the new CR-V will definitely deliver more refined yet dynamic drive.

2015 Honda CR-V Facelift will be distributed only in Europe and is scheduled to arrive in showrooms this Spring.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine

	1.6-litre (diesel)	1.6-litre (diesel)	2.0-litre i-VTEC (gasoline)
Type	4 valves per cylinder	4 valves per cylinder	4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	1597	1597	1997
Bore x stroke	76.0 x 88.0	76.0 x 88.0	81.0 x 96.9
Compression ratio	16.0	16.0	10.6
Power	160 PS at 4000 rpm	120 PS at 4000 rpm	155 PS at 6500 rpm
Torque	350 Nm at 2000 rpm	300 Nm at 2000 rpm	192 Nm at 4300 rpm

Transmission

Engine	1.6-litre i-DTEC
Automatic – speeds	9
Manual – speeds	6
Engine	1.6-litre i-DTEC
Manual – speeds	6
Engine	2.0-litre i-VTEC
Manual – speeds	6
Automatic – speeds	5

Suspension and damping

Front	MacPherson Strut
Rear	Re-Active Link Double Wishbone

Steering

Type	Rack and Pinion
Steering turns (lock to lock)	2.94
Turning circle (at wheels)	11.0 m
Turning circle (at body)	11.7 m (4WD) / 11.9 m (2WD)

Brakes

Front	Ventilated disc
Rear	Disc

Wheels and tyres

Wheel size	Tyres – Front	Tyres – Rear
x 17-inch	225	65R17
x 18-inch	225	60R18

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior	(mm)
Overall length	4,605
Overall width	2,096 (including door mirrors)
Overall height	1,685 (including antenna)
Wheelbase	2,630

Performance and fuel consumption

Engine	1.6-litre6-speed Manual 4WD	1.6-litre9-speed Automatic 4WD	1.6-litre6-speed Manual 2WD	2.0-litre6-speed Manual 2WD	2.0-litre6-speed Manual 4WD	2.0-litre5-speed Automatic 4WD
Maximum speed (km/h)	202	197	182	190	190	182
0-100 km/h (seconds)	9.6	10.0	11.2	10.2	10.2	12.3
Fuel consumption urban (l/100 km)	5.3 (17”)5.5 (18”)	5.6 (17”)6.0 (18”)	4.6 (17”)4.8 (18”)	8.9 (17”)9.3 (18”)	9.3 (17”)9.4 (18”)	10.0 (17”)10.1 (18”)
Fuel consumption extra urban (l/100 km)	4.7 (17”)4.7 (18”)	4.8 (17”)4.9 (18”)	4.2 (17”)4.4 (18”)	6.2 (17”)6.3 (18”)	6.3 (17”)6.5 (18”)	6.0 (17”)6.2 (18”)
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km)	4.9 (17”)5.1 (18”)	5.1 (17”)5.3 (18”)	4.4 (17”)4.5 (18”)	7.2 (17”)7.4 (18”)	7.4 (17”)7.6 (18”)	7.5 (17”)7.7 (18”)
CO2 combined (g/km)	129 (17”)133 (18”)	134 (17”)139 (18”)	115 (17”)119 (18”)	168 (17”)173 (18”)	173 (17”)177 (18”)	175 (17”)179 (18”)

Source: Honda

January 20, 2015

Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid to be Unveiled

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team will unveil the 2015 Formula One World Championship challenger on Sunday 1 February 2015 at the Circuito de Jerez, Spain.

The official first appearance of the next generation of Silver Arrows racing car will take part on the opening day of winter testing when the important event will be streamed live and will be distributed to the public thanks to the team’s social medial channels.

During the first two days of the test, the F1 W06 Hybrid will be driven by Nico Rosberg. After that, on day one and three, the car will be taken by Lewis Hamilton.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport says; “The workload this winter has been as great as ever. Where last year we were preparing for an all-new formula of racing, we are now faced with the big challenge of making the next step in our development. We know that we went into the winter with a target on our backs for the other teams – and we are certain that our rivals will be competitive from the opening race in Melbourne. So we have to focus on every detail if we want to build any advantage this year and that is what we have done. This is an exciting time of year as our collective efforts all come together in the new car. Everybody in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart has put a great amount of effort into creating the latest Silver Arrow and I thank them for their efforts so far. We are excited to see how the car performs when it begins running.”

Further details will follow soon.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 19, 2015

See the Fashionable Side of Mercedes-Benz [VIDEO]

What is better than a Mercedes-Benz C111? Perhaps two Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the same model but Justin O’Shea would do the trick as well. Combining a flair for fashion, sexiness and more than just good-looking… cars, the automaker is introducing a film with the title “Champions of fashion” for the Fall/Winter 2015 edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

Dynamic, mysterious, engaging and, most of all, passionate, the video brings together performance and sensuality. We see the seductive world of fashion through the fast-paced world of cars. And vice verse.

The short video begins and there we have Justin sitting in a C111 all calm and focused, glancing into an invisible point in the distance before him. He talks and as he talks we become more and more sucked into his intense speech until it is all cut off from his sudden realization of a missing set of keys. He gets off the car and we are left with nothing else but a “fistful of wolves.” The clichés of fashion advertising are somehow broken, twisted and presented in an unconventional way. Slow motion, seriousness and dramatic tones contradicted by the acuteness of the Mercedes C111 that appears now and then just show how fashion and automotive business complement one another. At least in this video.

P.S. If O’Shea and the C111 are still not enough, well, you can also enjoy a glimpse of the most sought-after model for the time being, Dree Hemingway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpp3niOf9Nw&feature=youtu.be

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 19, 2015

2016 Audi Q7 Scoops the “Best Designed Interior” Award

Do you remember the 2016 Audi Q7? Of course you do, because it continued to be one of the most discussed SUVs ever since it was mentioned for the very first time. Now, the story is repeating itself for all eyes are on the new Audi model again. Earning the EyesOn Desig Award at North American International Auto Show, the vehicle confirms that it has something which no other car in this range has. Precisely, an award-winning interior design!

What is interesting is the fact that this is the first-ever vehicle to be praised with the “Best Designed Interior” award . But it isn’t surprising really because the new Audi Q7 exhibits inherited sportiness mixed with advantageous technology.

The question is what exactly has grabbed the attention of the jury? The all-new Q7 offers more interior room for up to seven passengers as well as more technological controls than the outgoing model. With significantly fewer buttons, the easiness of driving is complete. There are improved infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance systems. For example, the new MMI all-in-touch control unit with a large touchpad makes operation much more simple. On top of this, the smartphone integration with Google Android Auto and AppleCarPlay further contribute to the range of technological tweaks.

Just to remind you some performance characteristics, the 2016 Audi Q7 can be powered by the 3.0TDI which boosts 272 HP (200 kW) or by the 3.0 TFSI with 333 HP (245 kW). They enable the car to accelerate from 0 to 62.1 mph (100 km/h) in 6.1 seconds (TFSI) and 6.3 seconds (TDI), respectively.

Source: Audi

January 19, 2015

Next-generation Audi R8 with 400-km-plus Range

Audi has confirmed that the second generation Audi R8 will finally make its long-awaited debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March. The car is said to receive an all-electric transmission which promises a range from 400 km (248 miles) to 500 km on a single charge. Not bad at all taking into consideration the fact that the previous all-electric R8 e-tron range was 220km.

The mid-engine platform is shared with that of the Lamborghini Huracán. In order to reduce mass, it features an aluminum frame and carbon-fiber pats. There are rumors which point to a 5.2-liter V-10 naturally aspirated engine , able to produce around 600 horses. Audi is said to offer its naturally aspirated V-8 generating around 450 HP for the 2016 Audi R8 as well.

Additionally, the second-generation supercar won’t get a manual transmission, because, as Audi board member for technical development Ulrich Hackenberg acknowledged: “double-clutch gearboxes are extremely sporty, and if you want to drive extremely sporty and fast, for the record of your personal lap time, you will need a double-clutch.”

Prices and official performance figures are yet to be announced.

Source: CarAdvice

January 19, 2015

Category: Auto News