Auto News – Page 405 – Automobiles Review

Hyundai Unveils Improved i40 for Europe

Today Hyundai introduced its improved New i40 Tourer and Saloon which is said to be yet another star added to the automaker’s product line-up. The New Hyundai now shows off with better exterior design, an enhanced range of efficient diesel engines, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, refinements in ride and handling and active safety and convenience technologies which are available for Hyundai for the first time.

New i40 is offered with an upgraded engine line-up comprised of two Euro6-compliant diesel power units which have undergone some extensive re-engineering in order to provide increased efficiency and responsiveness. One of the upgraded 1.7-litre diesel engine model delivers 115 PS (85 kW) at 4000 rpm with 280 Nm of torque at 1250-2500rpm. The other unit produces 141 PS (104 kW) at 4000 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 1750-2500 rpm. The latter is available with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The list of comprehensive technologies includes integrated Stop & Go (ISG), alternator management system, active front flaps, Lane Keep Assist System, new Smart High Beam (SHB) system that detects approaching traffic and automatically turns off the high beam in order to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Hyundai seems to be really generous when it comes to technology-equipment for the New i40 is also fitted with a new Speed Limit Identification Function system as well as the company’s latest navigation system. The latter is available with upgraded and smoother touchscreen functionality and new visualization both of which provide easier usability. Last but not least, the two new audio systems include DAB technology for the top version.

Source: Hyundai

December 10, 2014

What’s New in the 2015 Citroen C4 New Range

The second-generation CitroenC4 was launched in 2010 with more than 450,000 vehicles manufactured at the Mulhouse plant in France. Now, the range arrives with updated technologies, new engines, proved driving quality and a flair of compactness.

With improved driving dynamics, the 2015 Citroen C4 demonstrates some excellent results. It extracts its power from the latest-generation engines which are able to reduce fuel consumption. Thus, the 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engines and BlueHDi Diesels meet Euro 6 standards. They guarantee more than just satisfactory fuel economy: 3.3 l/100 km and 86 g of CO2 for the BlueHDi 100 S&S manual unit and 4.8 l/100 km and 110 g of CO2 for the PureTech 130 S&S EAT6. This exquisite performance is complimented by the new EAT6 automatic gearbox.

Some of the particularities of the 2015 C4 feature a new light design with new LED running lights. The 3D-effect tail lights attach an extra dynamic feel to the vehicle. Furthermore, Citroen receives new upholstery components and a simplified dashboard that has an innovative centrally located 7” touchscreen tablet.

Ultimate driving comfort is ensured thanks to the 2.61 m wheelbase, split foldback rear seats, and a boot volume of 408 litres, all of which mark the benchmarks in this segment.

Moreover, other useful technologies include hands-free Access and Start-up system, a new 7-inch touchscreen tablet which gathers all the media and navigation options, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Traction Control and Blind Spot Monitoring system. If you put all of these extras together, you will get an easier and care-free driving experience.

What is your opinion though? Are you willing to buy one of these?

Source: Citroen

December 10, 2014

1963 Batmobile Sold for $137,000 at Heritage Auctions [VIDEO]

In the beginning of last week we told you that the original 1963 Batmobile went on sale at Heritage Auctions. Well, now the car is sold this Saturday and the lucky owner has spent only $137,000 USD for it. This is only a tiny fraction of the $4.2 million that a buyer paid last year for another version built for the television show that aired during the 1960s.This Batmobile was born in 1963 and was developed by Forrest Robinson.

The story begins with a design sketch in 1960 and then an actual build of the car which was finished in 1963. This means that the “’63 Batmobile” is the earliest known car in existence that was sanctioned by a DC Comics licensee.The car was put up for auction by Toy Car Exchange LLC. This is an online marketplace for collectible cars, which bought and restored the vehicle.

The car retained the original frame, parts, and engine, and was given a second life.For this project, Forrest Robinson customized his 1956 Oldsmobile 88 with a 324 Rocket engine to resemble the single-fin vehicle depicted in DC’s Batman Comics from the 1940s and 1950s.

The body of the Oldsmobile was replaced with custom-designed body, measuring 17 feet by 83 inches. It featured Batmobile’s iconic bat-nose front end and pocket sliding doors.Eventually, the Batmobile was abandoned in a New Hampshire field and, for almost fifty years.

It did not resurface until 2008, when the car was discovered by Bobby Smith. He sold it to a rare car dealer in Chicago, who then re-sold it to auto historian George Albright and then it was purchased by Toy Car Exchange LLC. The vintage car restorer Borbon Fabrications restored the car.

httpv://youtu.be/8SGnrXoWeoM

Video Source: YouTube

December 10, 2014

Mansory Crafts a 1000 HP Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63

mansory-mercedes-benz-s-class-amg-s63 The latest tuning of Mansory that we recall is this on the Rolls-Royce Ghost II and it was amazing and very beautiful. This one is not as versatile in colors and styling but in terms of power – it is definitely mind-blowing. This time the tuning attention was paid to Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S63. Of course, to support the boost in power, the sporty elegance of the Mercedes was enhanced via a special aerodynamic programme.

The latter comprises of several styling and aero components such as a front spoiler with adapted LED daytime running lights, the new bonnet and the new roof and rear lips. The rear apron was designed in a diffuser look.

The sporty appearance was further strengthened with new side skirts and widened front wings as well as the carbon housing of the rear-view mirror. In addition, Mansory’s sports exhaust is responsible for a throaty and imposing sound. The back of the car is entirely redesigned. The rear silencer is made from stainless steel with its angular twin tailpipes.

Speaking of performance, the eight cylinder twin turbo engine of the AMG S63 received some tweaks such as high performance components. In accordance with client’s wish the tuners provide choice of two upgrades for the powerplant.

The first one is called M800 variant and it helps the unit produce a total of 800 hp (588 kW) at 4,750 rpm. The torque grows to 1,200 Nm (886 lb-ft) at 1,700 – 3,500 rpm. If you wonder about how the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h has changed, well, it was reduced to 3.6 seconds (production version: 4.0 seconds).

Next, the M1000 performance kit comprises of connecting rods, big end bearings, crankshaft, bearing bushings, turbocharger, suction and compressor system. Together with the new pipe fan manifolds they help the engine produce instead of 585 hp (430 kW) an impressive 1,000 hp (735 kW). The maximum torque has climbed to 1,400 Nm (1033 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 3,500 rpm. So when fired up, the saloon rockets to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds on its way to an electronically regulated 300 km/h.

All this power has to be transmitted onto the road with the appropriate tyres. Here, the tuners have developed one-piece 22 inch Multispoke alloy wheels that were fitted with Vredestein tyres in size 255/30/ZR22 on the front axle and 295/25/ZR22 on the rear axle.

The cabin received only minor updates such as aluminium pedals and newly designed steering wheel. There are also new foot mats, framed in leather with embroidered Mansory emblem, as well as the illuminated door sill trims.

Source: Mansory

December 10, 2014

New Generation Hyundai i20 Coupe to Attract Younger Customers

On this day Hyundai Motor revealed its New Generation Hyundai i20 Coupe. This three-door B-segment model is different from the five-door Hyundai in terms of style, dynamic exterior appearance, comfortable interior design and performance characteristics.

The 2015 i20 Coupe is crafted in a life-style-oriented manner which is able to attract and tempt younger customers into buying it. Demonstrating a distinctive silhouette and refreshed profile, the New Generation i20 Coupe kind of escapes from the large number of small cars.

Customers can choose from a range of Euro6 engines, including petrol and diesel power units. On the one hand, the diesel units are able to produce 75 PS at 4000 rpm with 180 Nm of torque at 1750-2500 rpm and 90 PS at 4000 rpm with 240 Nm of torque at 1500-2500 rpm. On the other hand, the petrol engines boost 84 PS at 6000 rpm with 122 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm and 100 PS at 6000 rpm with 134 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. Also, there is a new 1.4-litre ‘Kappa’ petrol engine which is going to be available from launch and a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that is going to be added to the range later in 2015.

Hyundai Motor provides the new model with impressive reverse hexagonal front grille which is placed in a new front bumper. There are slightly aggressive wheel arches continuing to a new rear bumper design. The latter contributes to the athletic appeal of the Hyundai i20 Coupe. Even though it depicts strong sportiness, the Coupe is still seen as a practical car.

In an attempt to make the new model even more distinguishable, Hyundai has used one-of-a-kind Tangerine Orange exterior color and an orange interior color available for the Coupe. The vehicle benefits from a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and new rear spoiler too.

Source: Hyundai

December 10, 2014

Ford Starts Shipping 2015 Mustang Convertible to Dealerships

The keys of the first produced 2015 Ford Mustang Convertibles will be in customers’ hands very, very soon. We are talking about those who live in United States, because the company has just began shipping the pony cabrio car to dealerships nationwide. The Mustangs will come with heated seats and remote start and selectable drive modes with a snow/wet setting. This comes exactly for winter time and cold weather, and this car is the perfect present for Christmas. In my opinion … at least.

Heated seats also have a cooling feature. But owners will have to wait until temperatures go little higher. Unlike them, the remote start is standard only on the automatic-transmission models. This feature allows customers to fire up their drop-top from the comfort of their home. When one uses the remote start, the Mustang not only warms up its engine, but also warms the interior of the car to a comfortable temperature.

There are also selectable drive modes that come as a standard on premium Mustang models. It includes a wet/snow setting. It tweaks throttle response, steering effort and traction control in order to “soften” the wheel spin and maximize vehicle control.

This year the Mustang model celebrates 50 years of its birth. Since its debut in 1964 more than 9.2 million Mustang models have been sold. Now, Ford is offering the musclecar with even more options to choose from.

The car, be it in a fastback or a convertible form, can be powered by an upgraded V8, 3.7-liter V6 or a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The first one is offered only for the Mustang GT and now produces 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the V6 generates 300 horsepower (221 kW).

The new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to offer an output of 310 horsepower (228 kW) and 434 Nm (320 lb.-ft.) of torque. 2015 Ford Mustang is turning on dealership lots in eight days.

Source: Ford Motor Company

December 10, 2014

Vorsteiner Releases Exclusive Photo Shoot of Audi S5 V-FF 102

vorsteiner-audi-s5-v-ff-102 Last week we have seen how Vorsteiner has tuned the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Audi S4. This week the tuners set go beyond this and release the “mini” tuning of Audi S5. Although the tuners have only changed the wheels of this car, it most recent photo shoot is really worth the attention. Of course, you can view it in the gallery below.

The current imagery is set to promote Vorsteiner’s new V-FF 102 Flow Forged Wheels. As a matter of fact, these lightweight wheels were fitted specifically for the Audi S5. They come in company’s original Mercury Silver wheel finish.

The dimensions of the wheels at the four corners of the car are the same: 20×10 inches. This S5 is capable to use the deepest profile of our three concavities while utilizing a 275/30/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sports tire a bold fit.

Exactly a year ago, this Audi model was the winner in the 20th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition. The S5 marks the 5thconsecutive win for the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine. It produces 333 horsepower (245 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque at 2,900 rpm.

The time for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.9 seconds and the top speed is of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel consumption in the city is measured at 10.7 liters per 100 km and 6.6 liters / 100 km on the highway and 8.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

Source: Vorsteiner

December 10, 2014

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe – An Impressive Sportier Choice

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its progressive brand-new model 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe. It is dazzling. It is racy. It is sporty. It is powerful. It is…Mercedes after all and if it is Mercedes, well then, no one can deny the fact that it will definitely make a point and will stand out in the crowd with a range of distinctive features.

With this model, the automaker demonstrates a sufficient dominance, progress and style. Among the wide range of features, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG arrives with a V6 petrol engine with a direct injection. This machine is able to deliver 367 HP at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 520 Nm at 1400-4000 rpm. The DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode SPORT+ is available all the time for those who seek an extra dose of adrenaline.

The spectacular presence of the model is highlighted by 53.3 cm (21-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with tyres of size 275/45 R 21 (front) and 315/40 R 21 (rear). Additionally, the standard equipment in the GLE 450 AMG includes better improvements and upgrades. For instance, the AMG bodystyling is comprised of a distinguishable front and rear apron, a rear spoiler lip painted in the vehicle colour and optional 55.9 cm (22-inch) AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tires. Sized 285/40 R 22 (front) and 325/35 R 22 (rear) the spectacular tires promise impressive traction levels.

In terms of the inside look, the new Mercedes-Benz has sporty-looking seats and a black nappa leather AMG sports steering wheel in 3-spoke design. There are also trim elements in light longitudinal-grain aluminium and sports pedals in stainless steel with rubber studs. Finally, the interior is further characterized by AMG carbon-fibre trim and piano lacquer as an additional option.

The GLE Coupe will launch in the US market in late summer 2015.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 10, 2014

Mazda Develops Bio-based Engineering Plastic Featuring High-Quality Finish

Mazda Motor Corporation has been developing a great variety of advanced technologies and products in the biomass field for a long time. Some of its remarkable achievements are the high-strength heat-resistant plant-derived bioplastic suitable for auto interior parts and the ground-breaking biofabric for vehicle seat upholstery made from plant-derived fiber. Now Mazda teamed up with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and in this collaborative work the formal has succeeded in developing an innovative bio-based engineering plastic which can be integrated into the exterior design parts of automobiles.

What is the primary function of this plastic? The new creation will help Mazda decrease its negative environmentally-dangerous impacts in different ways. Moreover, the newly-developed plastic, made from plant-derived materials, will contribute significantly to the harnessing of the use of petroleum resources. Additionally, it will be able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Thanks to the intense color as well as the smooth and sleek finish of the surface, the plastic will be perfect for external vehicle parts with an extreme design factor.

Prototype “Mazda Biotechmaterial” parts crafted from the bio-based engineering plastic will be exhibited by Mazda at Eco-Products 2014. The latter is among the largest exhibitions of environmental technologies and eco-friendly services in Japan.

This new bio-based engineering plastic is going to be used for the first time for interior parts in the 2015 Mazda MX-5 which will officially launch next year. After that, it will be integrated in exterior parts in other production models as well.

Mazda is determined to keep up with the unique, innovative and useful technologies which provide not only an improved driving experience but develop a sustainable society too.

Source: Mazda

December 10, 2014

DMC McLaren MSO MP4 is Capable of 660 HP?

MSO or McLaren Special Operations produces company’s finest products. One of them, the MSO MP4 has been refined by the luxury tuning specialists at DMC. The elegant styling and performance packages that they have created are in perfect harmony with the original MP4 design. They are made with materials such as carbon fiber (for the body kit), titanium (for the exhaust system), and exclusive Italian Leather (for the interior).

Although the front bumper could receive a front lip, DMC decided to leave it unchanged. However, they did add new side skirts which support the pressure between the axles. The rear of the car includes a rear diffuser that displays a revised tunnel set-up by adding 2 fins.

At the back we also see that the standard rear spoiler has been replaced with a light weight one. The rear wing together with the aero scoop on the roof creates a sense of perfection. It supports the aerodynamics, because the scoop is capable of directing the wind flow to the rear wing.

The performance is also supported by new forged alloy wheels in size of 20×8,5” at the front and 21×12” at the back. They were later fitted with P-Zero tyres of the dimensions 245/30r20 and 325/25r21.

This McLaren has also received an ECU performance package as well. It boosts the power of the supercar from 592 hp (435 kW) and 599 Nm (442 ft.lbs) to 660 hp (485 kW) and 680 Nm (502 ft.lbs) of torque. The package is rounded-out with the refinement of the interior which now sports new Italian fine leathers and carbon fiber treatment.

Source: DMC

December 10, 2014

Infiniti Teases with a Sketch of Concept Vision GranTurismo

Infiniti is trying to be as mysterious as possible and keeps up with the teasing in regards to the Infiniti Concept Vision GranTurismo. This time around, there have been released new teaser sketches of the car. Little by little we will get to see this awaited vehicle, but the question is WHEN EXACTLY?

Time is running and our patience is running out too. I really hope the waiting will not be in vain.

This Infiniti is going to be another addition to GranTurismo 6 in a soon-to-be-update. From what we have gathered so far, we can see that the concept is an aerodynamic sports car which is fitted with a ventilated hood, dazzling bodywork and an undoubtedly well-crafted windshield. What is more, the outlines of the car are further complimented by a sleek and flowing roofline as well as the company’s trademark C-pillar. Additionally, the car is also equipped with a carbon fiber rear diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust system and a rear wing which kind of reminds me of the shape of a boomerang.

Stay tuned for more is yet to be released. Meanwhile, share what your opinion about the future Infiniti Concept Vision GranTurismo. Expectations up or expectations down?

Source: GranTurismo

December 9, 2014

Meet Akrapovic ‘Full Moon’…Bike?!

Being an exhaust company isn’t really easy. It is rather… exhausting. (See what I did here?) The people who work there basically sit and do their magic on a bunch of pipes and different tubes. In order to dig their path through the various difficulties, challenges and, well, a whole world of metal, they should go big and jump the barrier of what is normal and conventional. As it seems, for the Slovenians exhaust experts Akrapovic, that meant creating a vehicle… a bike… a thing that will make you sit down and have a thought of it.

It is called ‘Full Moon’ and is been designed from the tailpipe forwards. If Anakin Skywalker was around, he would definitely like to give it a try and cruise with it around Coruscant! It looks like something that could fly! On a second thought, the Akrapovic ‘Full Moon’ bike would also suit a Disney villain. Yes.

Back to the serious part now. The original name of this intriguing machine is inspired by the impressive 30-inch aluminum and carbon fiber front wheel, finished with a composite perimeter brake. The latter can be said to be bigger than the rollers of any other NORMAL bike. Almost. The exhausts are mounted directly into the sheetmetal body. As the company points out; “the bike is essentially an exhaust.”

This dreammachine motorcycle is powered by a 1542cc engine from S&S. Morover, Akrapovic has equipped their creation with ceramic brakes, ‘automatic steering’ and a hydraulic suspension system which lowers the bike on its bodywork and it doesn’t need a kickstand and a steering system.

Source: Akrapovic

December 9, 2014

Category: Auto News