Auto News – Page 392 – Automobiles Review

Fiat 500 1.2 Pop: Suitable for 18-Year-Old Drivers

Statistics show that about three quarters of young drivers cannot afford a car that is good-looking as well as affordable because of the amount of money spent on car insurance. For this reason around 35 percent of 17-25 year old drivers find the costs too prohibitive so they choose not to have a car. On the other hand, those who take their chance and decide to own a vehicle spend up to 30 percent of their income on their automobiles just to keep them alive.

Things are about to change so attention, please, youngsters! Thanks to Fiat 500 i-Deal powered by Carrot, younger drivers can afford the new Fiat 500 1.2 Pop for a fixed monthly payment of £239 per month over a three-year period. The compact car arrives with a compact list of usefulness, including Easy Care Servicing Maintenance and fully-comprehensive insurance cover from Carrot, underwritten by Zurich Insurance.

Each vehicle is fitted with an i-box, created by Crewe-based telematics service provider Trak Global in the UK. The device helps young drivers attain valuable experience behind the wheel with Carrot’s cash rewards programme for they are encouraged to develop safer driving habits from the very first time when they set foot on the pedal.

What is more, from now on every Fiat 500 will feature ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and seven airbags as standard, with fuel-saving Start & Stop and low-tax emissions which reduce running costs even more. Offering more than 500,000 variations in colors, wheels, decals, options and accessories, Fiat 500 owners can customize their vehicle so it can fit their tastes and personalities.

Initially, there are two engines available for the Pop trim, a 1.2-litre petrol that is capable of 59 mpg and a more powerful 1.3-litre Multijet diesel that produces 72mpg.

Source: Fiat

January 19, 2015

Production McLaren P1 GTR Debuts in Geneva [VIDEO]

We had a glimpse of the interior of 2016 McLaren P1 GTR, and it is now time for the motorsport oriented company to show us little more. With the news that a production-intended P1 GTR is coming to Geneva, McLaren has also revealed pictures from the testing at global circuits in Europe and the Middle East. There is also a video showing the latest stages in the development programme of the car, which is featured below.

The launch of the bespoke Driver Programme happens ahead of the start of production car later this year. As testing continues P1 looks like one of the fastest McLarens that wears the famous ‘speed mark’.

Weight-saving measures have been significant here. Combined with the track-optimisation of the petrol-electric powertrain, the new car is set to boast a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 10 percent (when compared to the road-going model). This means more than 700 PS per tonne!

The team at McLaren did extensive work to achieve this result. Thanks to the motorsport-derived technology and expertise, the track-only model has already covered thousands of kilometres of extreme testing.

The result: the tests pushed the performance of the car to its limits! And also revealed the need to further enhance cooling and aerodynamics over the design concept previewed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance last summer.

This dedicated development programme is continuing at the moment and will do so over the coming months. It aims to additionally tune the performance, aerodynamics, driving dynamics and handling balance. In the forthcoming weeks, new drivers will join the Driver Programme. They will test the car at some of the most iconic racing circuits.

httpv://youtu.be/4pDwmMruOtA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: McLaren

January 19, 2015

2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid Makes Track Debut in Abu Dhabi

The second generation of Porsche’s Le Mans prototype – 2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid, has completed extensive testing yesterday at the Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Tests are continuing till 22nd of January. As scheduled, this shows that it is time for Porsche to start the 2015 motorsport season. 919 Hybrid has already had its roll-out on company’s test track called Weissach. Since the WEC season is planned to open on April 12 in Silverstone, there will be also several performance and endurance tests conducted before this date.

The second generation model is a sophisticated evolution of the successful car, which we have seen rising in 2014. The new hybrid sports car will include the same innovative drivetrain concept. It comprises of a 2-liter V4 turbocharged petrol engine, working with an electric motor powering the front wheels, and two energy recovery systems.

The powerplant revs up to 9,000 rpm and sends the power to the rear wheels. At the same time the electric motor provides force for the front wheels. The brake energy recovery and a thermal energy recovery system are included in the exhaust. This means an 8 megajoule per lap energy recovery boost function.

The first roll-out of the new gen gar was 15th of December 15 on Weissach track. The driver behind the wheel was Marc Lieb.

Source: Porsche

January 19, 2015

Lexus Shows-Off with First Two-Tone Model

Lexus is expanding its CT 200h line-up with the Advance Plus model. It is based on the Advance grade but adds little more exquisiteness. Most importantly, this model makes history because this is the first Lexus with a two-tone paint finish. Precisely, one can choose metallic paint, or a contrasting Velvet Black roof with Fuji Red, Ultra Blue, Sonic White or Sonic Titanium body. This is also the first CT model which adopts the new Sonic Titanium finish. We’ve seen this shade on the NX 300h crossover.

CT Advance Plus will also make another first: it will be the only version available in Celestial Black. Other highlights except for the new paint finish include the F Sport roof spoiler and brand new 17-inch alloy wheels in dark silver as well as the exclusive and a sunroof. Inside, the cabin is adorned by seats in fabric and Tahara upholstery.

The optional features include front and rear parking sensors, easy keyless entry and cruise control. There are also offered heated front seats and Lexus Navigation system with Remote Dial control.

Advance Plus’s style and equipment is further strengthened by company’s quality and reliability of its hybrid system. It delivers CO2 emissions figures of 88g/km and also good fuel economy – combined cycle consumption of 78.5 mpg.

All of this is supported by the hybrid system’s ability to maximize the utilization of its electric motor. For instance, when driving in slow-moving city traffic, the car switches automatically to its EV mode.

Lexus CT 200h Advance Plus is currently on sale in the United Kingdom and has a starting price of £25,495.

Source: Lexus

January 19, 2015

Shelby Launches Shelby GT at Barrett-Jackson and Sells Shelby GT350R VIN#001 for 1 Million US Dollars!

Shelby has launched the first Shelby GT muscle car based on the popular Mustang GT. With its 627 horsepower, the car was unveiled during the weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. More importantly, the company is ready to take orders for the model with the first deliveries planned for the second quarter of this year. Every aspect of the Shelby GT is enhanced and in addition, this car includes Ford Racing Performance Parts.

For instance, one of them is the 627 hp supercharger, or take another example – the performance handling kit and half shafts. Gearing has been upgraded 3.73 gears and paired with chrome-tipped Borla exhaust. The power is transmitted onto the road via set of WELD Racing wheels shod with sticky Michelin tires.

The new performance handling kit adds to the Mustang Wilwood six piston front brakes. At the front, the car is enhanced by the addition of new hood with functional air vents and other functional aerodynamic components like a 2-piece rear diffuser. All of the exterior parts are made of carbon fiber, except or the front grilles, which were made entirely out of billet aluminum.

For those who aren’t enough 627 hp (461 kW), Shelby has created a 700+HP performance upgrade. It can be perfectly complemented by adjustable suspension and upgraded big brake kit. There are also various interior upgrades which will take care for the comfort of occupants.

The first retail production Shelby GT350R Mustang VIN#001 was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale for $1,000,000 USD. All of the proceeds are going to JDRF – country’s leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.

Source: Shelby American

January 19, 2015

2016 Maybach S-Class: Soon a Fact in the U.S.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is going on sale in the United States very soon. Since the car was introduced for the first time, everyone is eagerly awaiting to hear its pricing. The Europeans got their and now it is time for the people living in the U.S. to get the opportunity of owning the luxury icon. Maybach S-Class stands atop of the Mercedes-Benz model range, because it has numerous exclusive details which highlight its “ambition” to lead. These are not only luxury-enhancing features, but also all of the technological benefits of the S-Class.

The highly-anticipated vehicle will have its market launch in April. This exceptional addition to the lineup has more than 8 inches in length when compared to the S-Class. In addition, it features a suite of intelligent safety technologies and exclusive appointments that round-out the abundant package.

As a matter of fact, Mercedes-Maybach is not just a model, but it is also a second sub-brand for Mercedes. It was created for those willing to achieve the maximum. One of the main features in these models is that they have unique interior appointments and extensive individualization options that are unparalleled.

Maybach S600 is driven by a V12 bi-turbo engine. With a displacement of 5980 cc, it produces more than 523 hp (385 kW) and a maximum torque of 829 Nm (612 lb-ft) available from 1900 rpm.

The luxury model can also show-off with the fact that it is the quietest car in the world. Its level of wind noise is very low and even surpasses levels found in the S-Class Coupe. Standard equipment includes a Driver Assistance Package with Intelligent Drive, the popular (from the ads) MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist PLUS, a Warmth and Comfort Package with a heated windshield and Head-Up Display. Other features at no additional cost are the LED Intelligent Lighting and Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System, Executive Rear Seat Package, Rear Seat Entertainment System and the Air Balance Package.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has a starting price of $189,350 USD and is arriving in U.S. dealerships in April.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 19, 2015

Graffiti Skoda: Looks Worse Than a Picture Painted with Two Left Hands

Arriving with a simple and plain design on the outside, the new Skoda Fabia gives a venue for different possible customizations, modifications and interpretations. But there are times of doing it right and times of doing it not-so-right. The Art Version of the Fabia is an example of how it should not be looking.

If the goal was delivering a form of… “Art” which is emotional, touching, effective and pleasing, weeeell, the car is going slightly pass that line. Maybe I know nothing about this expression of human creativity called graffiti. Or maybe, this expression of human creativity called graffiti knows nothing about cars and just does not fit in the automotive world. Apart when there is an already rotting rusty vehicle sent to its death in a scrapyard and in order to look less dreadful, there is a graffiti-made flower painted on what is left of the car.

It is true that the Skoda Fabia Street Art receives a sort of individuality. But I bet that no other car would like to be punished like this. A life in a junkyard would be a life in heaven compared to a life with such bodywork.

This Skoda, the creation of the hardest to comprehend fine art, was completed in several stages. Firstly, Armando Gomes, the artist, laid the groundwork by applying the lines and geometrical shapes to the body of the car. After that, the surfaces were sprayed in different colors.

The art project took place in Lisbon at the end of October as part of the new Skoda Fabia’s international presentation to the press.

Source: Skoda

January 16, 2015

The All-new Vauxhall Corsavan Offers a Variety of Engines

Making its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show today, the new Vauxhall Corsavan will reach the showrooms in UK in February. The small car has fresh exterior, refined chassis and simple but effective interior. Replacing its award-winning predecessor, the new model is 4.02 meters long and 1.94 meters wide.

Power is produced by a high-class range of economical Euro-6 compliant petrol and diesel engines. The offer up to 83.1mpg fuel economy and CO₂ emissions as low as 90g/km. The full list of Corsavan models with different engines includes: 2015 Vauxhall Corsavan powered by 1.2-liter engine that delivers 70PS. This model is priced at £11858.33. Vauxhall Corsavan which takes its power from the 1.3CDTi (75 PS) Start/Stop unit comes for the price of £13108.33; the model with the more powerful 1.3CDTi Start/Stop version which generates 95 PS will cost £13558.33 and, finally, the Corsavan Sportive that takes advantage of the 1.3CDTi (95 PS) Start/Stop has the price tag of £14558.33.

Furthermore, the driving environment has been improved thanks to the seats that offer better support, durability and extended travel. Additionally, the reduced levels of noise, harshness and vibration contribute to the pleasantness of having this car. Other extras include electronic climate control, Winter Pack with heated seats and heated steering wheel, IntelliLink with 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and DAB, 16-inch black alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.

Source: Vauxhall

January 16, 2015

2016 Maserati Levante Still Looks Strange

Before the official launch of Maserati’s new crossover, it has been spotted once again but this time in the cold lands of Scandinavia.

Despite the good-looking concept SUV, Kubang Concept, which was shown some time ago and which seemed to be ready for production, the automaker is still teasing and postponing the official reveal of the new vehicle. The 2016 Maserati Levante crossover is based on the Ghibli sedan but with some significant modifications.

Even though there are no specifications announced, powertrains are expected to be similar to the ones found on Ghibli and Quattroporte. Precisely, the base engine will be a V6 producing 350 HP with a 425 HP V6 version following after the first one. In order to thrill customers even more, Maserati is planning the production of a V8 performance model which will be capable of delivering 560 HP.

Some of the alterations mentioned above include increased ride height and wider tracks. Most probably there will be an all-wheel drive system. As it seems, the age of the SUVs has arrived, for last week, Jaguar teased with a video about its most recent F-pace model which is set to go on sale in 2016.

More information will come soon.

Source: Autoevolution

January 16, 2015

Ines de la Fressange Paris and Citroen Create Stylish DS3 Limited Edition

Citroen continues to expand its limited edition DS3 range with the introduction of a new model called Ines de la Fressange Paris. As the company says, this car is stylish and eminently Parisian. This is the first vehicle, which Citroen shows in the New Year. This step signals that DS3 is very important model in the lineup of cars, and that customer’s individuality is one of brand’s main priorities.

D3 Ines de la Fressange Paris was co-developed by the teams at Citroen’s DS brand and Ines de la Fressange Paris. In fact, the model made its debut as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show last October, and now DS is introducing limited edition model echoing that concept model.

Just like the many other DS3 limited editions, this one features some key and unique characteristics. The first one is the Encre blue body paint, which was specifically developed for this model. In contrast to it is the Onyx black roof, giving the car a bi-tonal design statement. The big contrast however makes the rearview mirror housings, which are painted in bright red.

The unique model exudes strong identity. Inside and out, meticulous attention was paid to the tiniest details in terms of colours and materials. The car is also equipped with new Xenon Full LED headlamps with sequential indicators.

Inside, the interior was meticulously individualized with a “Rouge Ines” dashboard and special front seat headrests. Citroen did not reveal any technical details, except for the information that the car will be available with four environment-friendly engines. Citroen DS3 Cabrio Ines de la Fressange Paris limited edition model will also be available.

Source: Citroen

January 16, 2015

The Car of the Future Will be Able to Avoid All Accidents

Every vehicle should be a combination of attractively-crafted design and ultimate safety, the latter, of course, being the key factor in every automotive industry. In attempts to create a car which is “capable of avoiding accidents totally in the future”, the experts from Seat Technical Centre are working hard, running a number of tests which serve to push them closer to the development of a smart and accident-preventing automobile.

Going into some details, Henrico Puttenstein, one of the engineers at the Technical Centre’s Department of Passive Safety explains that; “We launch different impact elements against the car, mimicking parts of the human body, such as a leg, hip or head.“ He, then continues and says;” The tests we carry out reduce the probability of serious injury in accidents to 20%.”

Interestingly enough, the start of the safety-measures began in 1970’s with the development of the safety-belt. But there is more than just safety-belts and airbags in the car when it comes to secure driving experience and environment. For instance, there is a specially-designed energy-absorbing area along with foams of different densities which are integrated behind the front bumper and the bonnet. Their function is to help reduce the force of the impact.

Still, the biggest ambition of Seat engineers is to craft a vehicle which is fitted with systems and technologies that are able to detect accident in advance and as a result “can change the speed and direction of a car autonomously” in order to avoid collision.

Source: Seat

January 16, 2015

Volkswagen Introduces the Second Gen Polo R WRC

There is a world premiere happing right now and under the spotlights is the next generation Volkswagen Polo R WRC. The company introduced the second gen motorsport car in Autostadt, Wolfsburg. At the same time, the team which will be racing with it has promised to successfully defend its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The car is in top form, both technically and visually. It is based on the first generation Polo R WRC that was introduced in 2013.

The start of the career of the new WRC is on 22nd of January when it will compete in the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. The driving line-up for 2015 consists of the double world champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F), Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), and Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene (N/N).

The new race car has undergone intense development, both on the inside and the outside. Undoubtedly, it looks more dynamic and sporty than before, and it also features many technical innovations under the bonnet. Many details of the package have been further developed and improved. The main focus of this improvement was on efficiency, reliability and performance.

The new design livery is built up from blue and white, and in fact the exterior of the new car is the most striking change for the 2015 season. The white of the first gen model has given way to dark-blue. White and light-blue stripes see the dark-blue front merge into the white rear, which features a towering new rear wing.

Integrated in the new design are VW’s partners in the World Rally Championship. You can see featured on the Polo those companies: Red Bull, lubricant partner Castrol, Volkswagen Financial Services, tyre partner Michelin, chassis and clutch specialist ZF Sachs, and supplier OMP.

More importantly, there have been changes made under the bonnet. For instance, there is new hydraulically activated gearbox, which is operated via a shift paddle on the steering column. This is the biggest innovation. Three quarters of last year’s components were checked and many of them were improved. The aim was to make everything “simpler, lighter, and stronger”.

2015 Season, FIA World Rally Championship (WRC):

22/01–25/01/2015 Rally Monte Carlo
12/02–15/02/2015 Rally Sweden
05/03–08/03/2015 Rally Mexico
23/04–26/04/2015 Rally Argentina
21/05–24/05/2015 Rally Portugal
11/06–14/06/2015 Rally Italy
02/07–05/07/2015 Rally Poland
30/07–02/08/2015 Rally Finland
20/08–23/08/2015 Rally Germany
10/09–13/09/2015 Rally Australia
01/10–04/10/2015 Rally France
22/10–25/10/2015 Rally Spain
12/11–15/11/2015 Rally Great Britain

Source: Volkswagen

January 16, 2015

Category: Auto News