Auto News – Page 411 – Automobiles Review

ZAZ 965 Model Comes Back?

You are probably hearing about the Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio for the first time. The design studio is based in Ukraine and it is currently working on several projects including a supercar as well as this hot crossover. The SUV is inspired by the legendary “humpback” ZAZ 965 model. This remake is a modern take on the popular design. In fact, the ZAZ 965 can be compared to cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat 500 in terms of popularity.

The model was named after the characteristic shape of the body, “humpback”, and it is more likely to be viewed only in the museums nowadays. Undoubtedly, ZAZ 965 is a legend, a modern remake of which could be very popular, especially among young people.

This is why the designers from Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio, which have also promised to make a concept car Ukrainian supercar in May 2015, are also considering a remake based on the ZAZ 965. Below you can view a gallery full of the first sketches of the car, which was modified in accordance with the new auto world trends.

As we can see, the vehicle has Juke-like-proportions and looks. It features a three-door body styling, huge wheels with discs of the original design and LED headlamps. The designers have definitely managed to meet all the canons of the development of remakes: they have saved the iconic ZAZ 956 design and at the same time gave it a modern form.

Source: Askaniadesign Carstyling via Facebook

December 1, 2014

SsangYong Releases Two New Korando Trim Levels

SsangYong is extending the Korando with two new commercial models. These are the two-wheel drive CS and the four-wheel drive CSX. The front of the model has received new treatment including slimmed down black mesh radiator grille, projection headlights and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the featured re-design includes new dashboard. There have been also achieved advances in reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The latest Korando Commercial is driven by the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which is offered with a choice of two wheel drive or 4×4. The CS trim is powered by advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel developing 149 hp (110 kW) at 4,000rpm and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. The CO2 are reduced to 147g/km (CS) and 157g/km (CSX).

The flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors. It packs 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There is also a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4×4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. Other features in the standard equipment include: electric windows and tinted glass, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.

More importantly, the Korando CSX includes a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system. It monitors the level of grip and distributes power to those wheels which need it the most. If the driving conditions are normal, the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels.

If the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure more stability. There is also an all-wheel drive lock mode, which delivers 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph.

Source: SsangYong

December 1, 2014

Nissan Considering Navara Nismo?

Nissan is considering a Navaro Nismo product according to a recent report. In addition, Nismo division is also taking into consideration expanding the range of vehicles with more SUVs next to the pickups. Sales and marketing director, Darren Cox, announced that there is a possibility of this “interesting” Navara Nismo project. He also said that the future pickup will be 100% credible and will not be just a body kit and big wheels.

Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2015 Navara in June this year. This is the 12th generation of world’s famous pick-up truck. The new Navara comes with refined look, complete makeover for the interior as well as better engine range.

Outside, the vehicle includes V-shaped front grille with a lot of chrome, LED daytime running lights and new turn signals, incorporated in the door mirrors. There are also several new fresh body paint schemes: Savannah Yellow and The Earth Bronze combined with black B-pillars and chrome mirrors.

The interior of the pickup includes high quality materials, aluminum trim elements, a high-resolution TFT display in the instrument cluster and an automatic air conditioning. 2015 Nissan Navara features a number of assistance systems including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Limited Slip.

2015 Nissan Navara engine range includes a refined four-cylinder 2.5 liter diesel unit which produces either 163 hp (120 kW) and 403 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque, or 190 hp (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a revised four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine. Both are offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Nissan via CarAdvice

December 1, 2014

BMW to Reveal New Generation of Plug-in Hybrid Models

The BMW i models are highly innovative, revolutionary and offer consumption and emission values of a compact car. Now, the BMW Group is preparing to add plug-in hybrid versions to its core-brand models. In relation to this, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models in Miramas, France.

There is a highly efficient internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable high-voltage battery fitted into the plug-in hybrid models. The internal combustion engine is based on the award winning (International Engine of the Year) TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. Precisely, the electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. Short-distance urban trips can be completed on electric power only. While traveling on longer journeys, though, the vehicle will work in “combined mode”, thus operating with both systems simultaneously.

The main focus of the Efficient Dynamics strategy by BMW is directed towards the electrification of the power train. The plug-in technology aims to bring high performance vehicles well below 100 g / km CO2, while still preserving the well-known excellent driving pleasure and driving dynamics of BMW.

Finally, according to BMW, this new plug-in hybrid technology is extremely flexible and it can be integrated in a great number of vehicle concepts.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: BMW

December 1, 2014

Caterham Cars to Exhibit at Auto Retro 2014

I honestly get really excited when I read something about retro cars. Seeing one of those beauties makes my heart beat faster. Seeing more than one, at a Retro Show for instance, makes me feel that having only one heart is really not enough sometimes. There is just too much of a retro glory that one beating organ cannot take.

This year, the British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, is going to attend the popular Auto Retro show in Barcelona for the first time. The manufacturer is showing its newest model for Europe – the Seven 165 alongside other classic car manufacturers and enthusiast clubs. The show will be happening from the 4^th of December until the 8^th of December.

The ultra-lightweight Seven 165 exemplifies the spirit of the early Caterham Sevens. It is charming, cool, possibly mischievous and has ‘back to basics’ virtue. This retro baby is available from €19,995 (+local taxes). The entry level model takes its power from a 3-cylinder Suzuki engine which offers 80 HP and a top speed of 161KPH. The car is able to reach 0-100km in 6.9 seconds.

David Ridley, Caterham Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Spain is one of our growth export markets; there’s lots of enthusiasm for the legendary Seven and we’ve been able to bolster the model range with introduction of the fantastic new entry model 165.”

The new EU6-approved Caterham Seven 165 model is an exciting addition to the range across Europe. Since its launch in 2013, the car demonstrates some significant demands and sales growth.

The Caterham Cars can be visited in sector 2.0A on stand A-29 A48.

Source: Caterham

December 1, 2014

Audi Takes to the Race Track with the Sportiest Piloted Driving Car Worldwide

Audi impressed the world with the sportiest piloted driving car which it has developed. After the amazing performance by the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept at the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season finale which took place in Hockenheim, the ground-breaking technology platform is now demonstrating what it really stands for on the challenging circuit of the Ascari Race Resort – at racing speed, without a driver!

Due to its 560 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph), the piloted driving concept car signifies Vorsprung durch Technik. On the track in Hockenheim, the RS 7 piloted driving concept reached a maximum 240 km/h (149.1 mph), while its top speed in Ascari is 205 km/h (127.4 mph). The Ascari circuit displays even greater challenges for the technology of the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept because of its ascents, descents, tight chicanes and banked bends.

This race track provides the Audi engineers a chance to get a glimpse of their production development. Precisely, it offers insights into the development of automatic avoidance functions in critical driving situations.

The Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car represents a technology platform which shows the technical advancements of Audi. The large, five-door coupe’s electro-mechanical power steering, the brakes, the throttle valve and the eight-speed tiptronic that distributes the power to the mechanical quattro drive system are controlled automatically.

The technology platform uses specially corrected GPS signals for orientation on the track. Control of the vehicle at the handling limits is another outstanding feature of the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car.

Source: Audi

December 1, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Takes the Wraps off the SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition

Well, well, the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has every reason to celebrate after the past remarkable Formula 1 season, which was really marked by the drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg and their impressive performance which dominated in almost every race. In order to praise its achievements, the Stuttgart-based automaker has decided to unveil a SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s edition. It will be limited to 19 units only.

Still though, Mercedes has not announced officially if the SL63 World Championship Collector’s Edition has gained performance improvements. Nevertheless, the regular SL63 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 which produces 529 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. It will be able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 186 mph.

After the wraps have been taken off the SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition, we are introduced to a car which is offered in black with gold accents or in white with silver touches. Interestingly enough, both Hamilton and Rosberg assisted in the development of the special SL63. The black car is said to be designed by Hamilton who took care of the gold elements.

Hamilton’s edition features the Silverstone Grand Prix track on the floor mats, key fob, and dashboard, while Rosberg’s car has the Hockenheim layout, special badge, key fob and floor carpets.

More is yet to come.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 1, 2014

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid Wins Environmental Certificate

The Mercedes-Benz Plug-in hybrids are said to be able to give customers a unique experience while driving around the city in all-electric mode or cruising on a long journey somewhere else and taking advantage of the combustion engine’s range. The significant environmental computability of The Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid makes the car a representation of a balanced pleasure of driving and a high-quality performance. Now, this high environmental compatibility has been confirmed by the inspectors and specialists at the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority. As a result, Mercedes-Benz S 500 becomes the first Mercedes-Benz plug-in Hybrid which has received the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062.

The Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a V6 biturbo petrol engine and an electric motor. It offers a system output of 333 hp (245 kW), while the motor – 116 hp (85 kW). When you sum this up, it makes 442 hp (325 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque in total. Yet, despite this powerful performance, the hybrid can move and travel over 20-miles on purely electrical power.

All three hybrid S-Class vehicles have environmental certificates which state the cars’ environmental performance from development through to recycling, across the entire lifecycle. Furthermore, the performance is certified to internationally recognized standards by independent experts. Regarding CO₂ emissions, the certificate of the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid points out:

“Over the entire lifecycle, comprising manufacture, use over 300,000 kilometers [186,411 miles] and recycling, clear advantages result compared with the S 500. External charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO₂ emissions by some 43 percent (35 tonnes). Through the use of renewably generated hydroelectricity a 56 percent reduction (46 tonnes) is possible.”

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 1, 2014

Mansory Releases Power and Styling Packages for Rolls-Royce Ghost II

Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II features an exclusive bodywork and interior programme, which makes the British luxury saloon even more magnificent. Increase in performance, as well as a sportier chassis set up, can also be attributed to this tuning. More importantly, the set up can be adjusted at the touch of a button. What is new here? Take a look at the front aprons, which now feature larger air inlets and optional LED day running lights.

Next, the impression is reinforced by the carbon wings that are made of a single and include different side skirts. Carbon fiber is utilized for the creation of the light bonnet, while at the back, there is a newly apron with integrated diffuser insert and stainless steel pipes of the Mansory sports exhaust unit.

If you look closely, then you will see the subtle rear spoiler lip. A boost to the engine was also performed here. The result is around 652 horsepower (479 kW) and torque of 1050 Nm (775 lb-ft) at 1500 rpm. These were enhanced from the production figures of 570 hp (420 kW) and 750 Nm (554 lb-ft).

This increase in power was achieved thanks to the new exhaust unit and a performance optimising control unit. The end effect is a blistering performance for this Rolls-Royce and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of up to 280 km/h.

This power is put on the road via new 22 inch gold alloys mated with Vredestein tyres in size 265/35/22 at the front and 295/30/22 at the rear. In addition, vehicle’s centre of gravity has been lowered by around 50 mm.

Source: Mansory

November 28, 2014

Pagani Reveals One-Off Zonda 760RSJX

Pagani Zonda is not only still alive but it obviously prospers in China. In particularly – in Hong Kong. The absolutely one-off 760RSJX model has just been revealed through the facebook site or the photographer Ron Alder W Photography. Previously dubbed as Pagani 760X, this new and extreme sportscar was specifically made for a customer living in the megapolice. The car is based on the 760 series, which means that it is powered by the mighty V12 7.3-liter engine.

The output of the unit is estimated at 760 horsepower (559 kW) and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. Acceleration is staggering: 3.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is of 370 km/h (230 mph).

This car is unique due to the one-of-a-kind paint finish it has called “pastel green”. Of course, the same design and color theme is applied inside where there have been implemented an extensive use of carbon fiber. The same hue is used for the brake calipers.

We have mentioned carbon fiber but we forgot to mention (if you haven’t seen it yet) that it has been also used in large amount through out the exterior. Just take a look at the front end, the reat and the spoiler above the rear diffuser.

Source: Pagani via Ron Alder W Photography Official Facebook Page

November 28, 2014

2015 Ford Ranger Shows Glimpse of its new Face [VIDEO]

Ford Asia Pacific has just release a sneak peek of the 2015 Ford Ranger. At the official facebook page of the car there were also revealed a couple of additional images. Ford promises that this car will deliver smarter drive, will also challenge conventions and will achieve more. This is the entire information released so far, so there are still a lot of question marks. The showed facelifted pickup is the T6 trim level and won’t be distributed in this form in the United States. There it is more common as 2015 Everest, and to be more precise – it is based on it.However, they share many similarities. The new Ranger definitely looks more rugged and we also hope to see pretty much well modified interior. The pickup is characterized by grille with three floating slats. They are reminiscent of those on the previous F-150.Before the official details on the powerplant range we can only guess. The previous generation version is powered by 2.2 liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 375 Nm (277 lb-ft). There is also the option of the 3.2 liter TDiC unit producing 200 horsepower (147 kW and 470 Nm (346 lb-ft) of torque. Both units can be linked to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission.Ford Ranger is a nameplate that has been used on three distinct model lines of pickup trucks sold by Ford. Originally, the name was used by the short-lived Edsel Ranger, and then later referred to a version of the Ford F-Series sold in North America between 1965 and 1981.Ford repurposed the name “Ranger” in 1982 for the 1983 model year for a compact pickup truck sold in North America and later parts of South America. Since 1998, Ford has offered a separate model of Ranger sold internationally.httpv://youtu.be/uuwM7t21gsUVideo Source: YouTube

November 28, 2014

LARTE Desing’s Winner Project on Range Rover Sport

The relatively new tuning company called Larte Design is read to show us its next project dubbed the Winner. It is based on the Range Rover Sport and just like AC Schnitzer’s M4 it will be premièred at the Essen Motor Show. The tuners have given this SUV a very aggressive and dynamic face. Just take a look at the unique front guard, which is a real factor when it comes to individuality. It is characterized by three trapezoid frames. Additionally, if you take a closer look than you will find out that there are fine blue demarcation lines there. These blue styling elements can be found at other places and undoubtedly lend this design package more artistic expression.

The various polygons, air inlets and light-steps make the bumper appear very tough. The central part there stands out from the white sides in black, due to its large air grids. The latter visually break up the front’s monolithic appearance, thus contributing for more dynamism and sportiness.

We can’t go further without mentioning the LED daytime running lights, which were delivered by Nolden. From the front, the eye wanders along the black “sport band”, which extends the roof and connects it with the rear.

Furthermore, fine, horizontal lines in a contrasting dark shade lend the rear more muscular appearance. The small spoiler fins and fine air inlets loosen up the design. This tuning becomes dynamic via the boomerang-shaped grids on the sides, stretching into the wings.

There is also a black lower part, characterized by irregular polygons, which is the home of the four-pass Remus exhaust system. The system features black-chrome-plated tail. At last, there is the central LED brake light, which is something like a hallmark of large Larte Desing’s SUVs. Oh, we have missed the glossy black alloy wheels.

Source: Larte Design

November 28, 2014

Category: Auto News