Auto News – Page 402 – Automobiles Review

Hennessey Introduces VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged

Ford’s famous Raptor is appraised for its 411 horsepower (302 kW) and baja pre-runner capabilities. Not only is it one of the most popular truck models, but also the most capable 4×4’s ever built. Unfortunately, Ford has discontinued Raptor’s production, leaving a void in the market for 2015. The good news here is that the tuning company Hennessey Performance has created a special vehicle called the VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged.

This is actually an upgrade for Ford’s new aluminum-bodied pick-ups. As we can see, there are some new design tweaks, but what we can’t grasp from the pictures is that the vehicle has lost almost 700 pounds. This simply signifies of even greater level of performance.

Key to the 2015 VelociRaptor is its 600+ horsepower (441 kW). It was achieved via the Roots-type supercharger that packs 8 psi of boost. In addition, the 5.0L V8 breathes more deeply thanks to the high-flow air induction system and stainless-steel exhaust system.

There are also upgrades for the fuel injectors that help feed the supercharged V8. VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged package will also feature 33 inch BFGoodrich tires coupled with 17 inch Hennessey wheels. Other improvements include custom off-road coilover suspension, upgraded front and rear bumpers, front winch, LED light bars and Brembo brakes.

There will be only 500 units of the 2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged produced. The starting price is estimated at $73,500 USD.

Source: Hennessey Performance

December 17, 2014

Range Rover Sport SVR Tested to the Limit [VIDEO]

This year Range Rover Sport SVR has been crowned “The fastest Land Rover” ever produced, due to the blistering performance it shows. Land Rover has just released a film, which shows the adjustability, poise and body control of the model. The video can be viewed below. In it you will see how the Range Rover is put through its paces. The dramatic film shows how Mike Cross, the Chief Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, demonstrates the aforementioned qualities of the vehicle. Oh, and we forgot to say that this Land Rover is not only the fastest ever produced in company’s line-up, but also the most powerful one.

In the footage below, you will also see how and hear Cross’ explanations of sophisticated drivetrain and advanced four-wheel drive chassis technology of the Sport SVR. They make it possible for the vehicle to deliver exceptional high speed handling characteristics. And all of this happens at the Rockingham circuit in the UK.

The SVR has been created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team. It is driven by the V8 petrol engine that produces 550 horsepower (404 kW) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to these “horses”, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds.

As this video shows how the Range Rover Sport SVR takes the level of performance in its stride. It displays great on-the-limit balance, even when its range of electronic traction and stability aids are turned off.

Source: Land Rover

December 17, 2014

Meet the 520 HP G-Power BMW M4!

G-Power has released a tuning program for the sixth generation BMW M3 and M4 series. The car depicted on the images below is the M4 F82 and it is driven by the 3.0 litres six-cylinder engine, which includes a “default” Biturbo charge that has served as the perfect basis for an additional power increase. Due to an optimization of the motor electronics, engine’s output has now grown to 520 hp (382 kW) at 5,500–7,300 Rpm. This is an increase of 89 hp (65 kW) in comparison to the production 431 hp (317 kW).

All of this was made possible due to the addition of the Bi-Tronik 5 V1 module to the original motor control unit. There is not only an increase of horses but also in Newton meters. They have grown from 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (517 lb-ft), thus giving the BMW noticeably powerful performance.

Due to this power therapy, the M4 reaches the 100 km/h in mere 3.9 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h acceleration sprint is covered in 11.8 seconds. The maximum speed was also raised and it now exceeds 325 km/h.

This added power needs more attention in terms of wheels. For this reason, the tuners at G-Power have decided to endow the vehicle with light-weight 20-inch Huricane RR forged wheel set made in-house. The wheels were then fitted with Michelin tyres in the size of 245/30ZR20 at the front and 285/25ZR20at the rear.

What has been left unmentioned is the new GM4-RS-threaded undercarriage. It optimizes the driving behavior because it is height- and pressure-adjustable.

Source: G-Power

December 17, 2014

Acura Shares First Glimpses at 2016 NSX Production Model [VIDEO]

As a huge fan of Honda the next news are extremely exciting for me! And it is not “a big deal” unless you have been waiting to see the production version of the highly anticipated 2016 Acura NSX supercar. Yes, that’s right! The successor of the legendary original NSX is scheduled to make its global debut on 12^th of January at the next edition of the North American International Auto Show. The model will not only include the styling cues of its predecessor but also will be a real example of the production car, which his slated to launch in 2015.

Acura has released four images giving not so vague idea of what we are to expect. In addition, there is also a new video called “My Way” which comes to promote the NSX. The 30-second teaser video shares an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit. You can view the film below.

In addition, the Japanese company is promising that the NSX is destined to deliver a ‘new sports experience’. The new model will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand.

The NSX concept model was revealed for the first time at the same show in 2012. After three years of intensive development Acura is finally displaying the next-gen supercar. What we have also understood is that the team behind this project has developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the driver’s will and that builds upon the NSX heritage.

Source: Honda

December 17, 2014

RevoZport Releases Aero-Boost for CLA Shooting Brake

Fantastic news from RevoZport! The tuning company is continuing its success on the Mercedes-Benz A- and CLA-Class with the introduction of new package specifically developed for the CLA Shooting Brake that has been released recently. The packages will be called RZA-290 and RZA-450 just like those for the A and CLA models. The only difference is in the size of the vehicles.

First, the RZA-290 package was catered for the CLA 250 and CLA 200 models with AMG bodykit. There is an engine upgrade included, which improves the standard horsepower coming from the powerplant to 290 hp (213 kW).

Next, the RZA-450 is based on the AMG CLA 45 and includes an engine upgrade to 450 hp (330 kW). This improvement in horsepower was achieved with the help of ECU remapping, the new intake system, down pipe and a full titanium exhaust system.

There is also an aerokit that goes for the RZA-290. It comprises of the following: front splitter system and bumper canard, side skirt system and rear diffuser with ground effect system. The latter was designed to create higher downforce. Also something to note is that this new element of the package is made of carbon fiber composite.

The aero package for the RZA-450 for AMG CLA 45 adds a lot of carbon fiber. The material has been used for the design of the front splitter, bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser. We also have to mention the stainless steel down pipe and the titanium exhaust system.

RevoZport-Mercedes-Benz-CLA-Shooting-Brake-02

Source: RevoZport

December 17, 2014

2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Debuts in Seoul

Hyundai has took the wraps off of its 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in Seoul and it looks dazzling! It comes with a sleek exterior design and a refined petrol electric powertrain.

The model in question is packed with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine which generates 156 HP (115 kW) and 139 lb-ft (189 Nm). It is teamed with an electric motor that produces an additional 52 HP (38 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque. If we compare these figures to those of the already existing Sonata Hybrid, the new model turns out to be more efficient since the fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 liters/100 km to 5.5 liters/100 km.

2015 Sonata Hybrid is developed with an exclusive grille pattern, a low drag rear diffuser and benefits from 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also takes advantage of the automaker’s new six-speed automatic gearbox that is comprised of a lighter torsion damper, an electric oil pump and a new engine clutch. The torque converter has been removed. Additionally, the second-generation Sonata Hybrid receives an increased lithium-ion battery pack capacity by 13.3 percent and now it reaches 1.62 kWh. It has been placed under the trunk which adds up to the cargo capacity by 10.5 per cent. As a result, it is now about 380 liters.

More information about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, including its pricing, will be revealed soon. Stay tuned!

Source: Hyundai

December 16, 2014

2015 Hyundai Genesis: A True Winner

Appealing exterior, impressive interior, superb driving quality and dynamics, reliability, safety and style. What more can a person want from a car?! Affordable price I guess might be a suitable answer, but when we have top-notch characteristics, sometimes the cash does not matter that much. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis seems to have adopted all of the virtues mentioned above and have multiplied them by two.

In order to appreciate and recognize the model’s excellencies, AutoGuide.com has announced it to be the 2015 AutoGuide.com Car of the Year for its value, quality and design. Commenting on the prestigious award, Luke Vandezande, AutoGuide.com managing editor points out that; “The Genesis impressed us with high-quality interior materials, refined driving dynamics and dramatic exterior styling that elevates the Hyundai brand as a whole.” After that he goes on and adds that it is “more than a great car, the 2015 Genesis is a great luxury car.”

The 2015 Genesis represents a daring step into the future progress of Hyundai. The car arrives with two engine versions: a 311 HP 3.8 liter V6 and a 420 HP 5.0 liter V8. Moreover, there is an advanced HTRAC AWD system which is available for the very first time on a Hyundai passenger vehicle.

Furthermore, the driver is offered the chance to ride on an entirely refined platform, bearing stronger and more stable attributes than before. The all-new Hyundai Genesis features Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Blind-Spot Detection and Smart Cruise Control system which complement the top-class nature of the luxury car.

The initial pricing starts at $38,000.

Source: Hyundai

December 16, 2014

New Guinness World Record: Raminator is the Fastest Monster Truck [VIDEO]

Ram Truck Brand is America’s fastest growing truck company which broke the speed record for monster trucks. This record was set at Circuit of the America’s in Austin, Texas. The vehicle involved is the Raminator. This is a monster truck that is sponsored by the Ram Truck brand and that has now received the accolade “Fastest Speed for a Monster Truck”.

The vehicle has hit the record speed of 99.10 miles per hour. The person behind the wheel of this “monster” is Mark Hall and he has secured the Guinness World Records title by simply breaking the previous record of 96.8 mph.

Raminator has also received several other accolades. It has been named “Truck of the Year” by Monster Truck Racing Association (MTRA) for the eight time in a row. What is more, the driver Mark Hall has been dubbed by the same organization “Driver of the Year”.

This actually happens for ninth time since 1996. At last, the MTRA has named the Crew Chief Tim Hall “Mechanic of the Year” five times since 2006. Circuit of The Americas is where the record was achieved. It is a multi-purpose facility and 3.4 mile race track which is situated on 1000-acre site in southeast Austin.

Ram-sponsored monster truck lineup features the 2014 Monster Truck Nationals Champion Raminator and Rammunition. This year Mopar also introduced Mopar Muscle vehicle. However, the line-up of monster trucks are owned and operated by the Hall Brothers Racing Team.

Watch how the Raminator sets the new Guinness World Record for being the fastest monster truck in the video below.

Source: Ram Truck Brand

December 16, 2014

Mazda Launches 2015 Mazda6 and 2015 Mazda CX-5

Two award-winning Mazda models, 2015 Mazda6 and 2015 Mazda CX-5, have got improved and now they come with more powertrain options, more developed technologies and systems, and, finally, a reworked interior.

On the one hand, the 2015 Mazda6 wagon powered by SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel engine can be purchased with Mazda’s new-generation all-wheel drive (AWD) system which has been previously used on the CX-5. It includes the world’s first front wheel slip warning detection system and also adopts a specially developed low -viscosity oil, having the goal to increase fuel economy.

On the other hand the 2015 CX-5 is equipped with SKYACTIV-G 2.5 petrol engine along with i- ELOOP, Mazda’s brake energy regeneration system, and Drive Selection. The latter offers a choice of different drive modes for more responsiveness when required.

These models are pioneers as they feature the company’s innovative Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), which represent a high-beam system with four separately controllable blocks of LEDs for each headlamp. ALH includes High Beam Control (HBC) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Moreover, it provides with widened low beam coverage and automatic levelling. In order to avoid dazzling other drivers, the system disables the high-beam block shining only in the direction of the opposite vehicle and allows the remaining LEDs to be working for better night-time visibility.

Other features that are available for the new Mazda models are:

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) which adds Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) that sends alerts to the driver when there is an approaching vehicles while reversing.
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) that provides steering torque assistance while contributing to the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
Driver Attention Alerts (DAA) which scans the driver’s condition and offers a break if it finds a change in behavior.
Smart City Brake Support Forward/Reverse (SCBS F/R) that adds reverse gear functionality to the already existing SCBS system.
Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).

The interior changes are reflected in the ultimately comfortable heads-up cabin and “the new-generation human-machine interface.”

Source: Mazda

December 16, 2014

2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid is Here!

2015 Porsche 919 Hybrid is the second generation of Porsche’s Le Mans prototype and more importantly – it is already here. By “here” I mean that it has just rolled-out at company’s test track in Weissach. The driver behind the wheel was Marc Lieb from Germany. With this introduction, the Porsche team could end the 2014 motorsport season with successful debut in the WEC as planned.

The technical director of LMP1, Alexander Hitzinger, said that this roll-out of the race car is not only much anticipated but also a milestone achieved by the Stuttgart based company. The target of the specialists at the team developing the race car is to make the Porsche 919 Hybrid for the 2015 season right before Christmas. Mission achieved.

In addition, he also confirmed that the car was almost optimized on every level and compared to its predecessor it has been significantly developed. The 2014 version of the vehicle features a drivetrain which consists of a single-turbo V4 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine working with a front axle-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

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

The first meaningful test with the new race car is scheduled to take place from January 18 to 22 in Abu Dhabi.

Note: The photos included in the article depict the 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid.

Source: Porsche

December 16, 2014

Overfinch Shows What Perfection Is [VIDEO]

“Perfection” is word that signifies a state or quality of being flawless, or a person or thing considered to be ideal. The video below shows the concept that Overfinch company has for perfection. They display how their improved Range Rover Sport adds bespoke design, luxury and exclusivity to the performance SUV. The latest film showcases the 5.0 litre supercharged model driven in a stunning alpine setting.

Overfinch Range Rover Sport sets a sporting focus over the standard SUV. It combines visual stance and exclusivity with exhilarating performance. Thanks to its assertive and muscular appearance as well as distinctive styling features, the car draws immediate attention.

The imposing stance of the SUV is further accentuated via the subtly flared front air intakes and rear diffuser, which catch the light and visually widen the car.

At the same time, when entered, the interior exudes exquisite detailing crafted by hand. For this Range Rover Sport, Overfinch has created Body Styling Package. The latter is executed in carbon fibre which adds more strength and lightness.

The interior is wrapped in hand-crafted Bridge of Weir leather upholstery, the design of the seats is chosen by the customer as well as the stitch patterning and hide colours. All of this enables the lucky owner of the Overfinch Range Rover to create an ambience that is reflection of their style.

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Overfinch

December 16, 2014

Elvis Presley’s Cadillac Seville on Display

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is getting slightly rock’n’rolled for the authentic 1977 Cadillac Seville purchased by Elvis Presley himself is going on display. The burgundy-and-silver-colored beauty is presented in its original condition. Even the installed CB radio used by the King of Rock & Roll in order to communicate with the kitchen at Graceland and to the guard house outside Graceland is still there!

Cadillac Seville V8 Automatic was manufactured by General Motors while the body was custom built by Fisher for Cadillac. The engine was able to produce a power output of 180 hp (130 kW) with gas mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Some of the car’s features include electronic windows and mirrors and a grey interior with wood grain highlights on the dashboard, doors and steering wheel.

This is the last car that Elvis purchased and it is said to be the vehicle driven before his death. What is more, it is thought that the singer bought more than 200 Cadillacs in his entire life not just for his personal use but also for family, friends and even strangers. After his death the 1977 Seville was given to his girlfriend Ginger Alden by Elvis’ father.

In 1994 the Cadillac was auctioned in Las Vegas and was sold for $101,500 to a private collector. After that, it was presented for sale again in August when Graceland organized its first auction. Other items included in the Graceland auction were Presley’s first-known signature on a Tupelo, Mississippi, school library card; a 1969 handwritten set list and jewelry.

Source: Beaulieu

December 16, 2014

Category: Auto News