Auto News – Page 419 – Automobiles Review

2015 Smart Family Grows to Six Versions

The new smart which debuted recently is set to expand to six models. The entry level variants begin with the 45 kW variants of the smart fortwo and smart forfour, while at the top of the range sits the 66 kW forfour. Although so tiny cars, they come with a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort equipment. Take a look at the LED daytime driving lights for example. The names of the three lines which serve to upgrade the smart fortwo and smart forfour are passion, prime and proxy. Their features include a leather multifunction steering wheel, an instrument cluster with 3.5-inch TFT colour display and heated seats.

Have in mind that smart has also included a lot of standard features such as central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter, exterior temperature indicator with frost warning. Other added equipment is the instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows at the front.

Numerous optional equipment features are also there to make customer’s experience more comfortable. A highlight is the JBL Soundsystem, which incorporates a 6-channel DSP amplifier (240 watt) in the fortwo and an 8-channel DSP amplifier (320 watt) on board the forfour.

In addition, the optional heated seats for driver and front passenger,automatic climate control, dashboard instrument with cockpit clock and rev counter, rear parking aid with audible warning and reversing camera offer further scope for individualisation.

Five practical package will round out the new smart generation. Namely they are the Sports, LED & Sensor, Comfort, Cool & Audio and Cool & Media packages. They add from daytime driving lights featuring LED fibre-optic technology, Bluetooth and navigation, to the new smart media system with the 17.8 cm (7-inch) multi-touch display.

The cars are currently available to order with a starting price of €10,335. The delivery is scheduled for January next year.

Smart Fortwo and Forfour Models Specifications:

	fortwo 45 kW	forfour 45 kW	forfour 66 kW
Number of cylinders / arrangement	3/R	3/R	3/R
Engine capacity (cc)	999	999	898
Rated output (kW/hp)at rpm	45/606000	45/606000	66/905500
Rated torque (Nm)at rpm	912850	912850	1352500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)	4.5	4.7	n/a
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)	104	108	n/a
Efficiency class	C	C	n/a
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	15.6	16.7	11.2
Maximum speed (km/h)	151	151	165
Price starting at (€)1	10,335	10,995	12,450

Source: Smart

November 18, 2014

Honda Presents Its All-new Fuel-cell Car: Honda FCV Concept

Obviously Honda wants to keep its position among the headliners by presenting its concept car titled Honda’s FCV Concept. The competition between Honda and Toyota to establish a revolutionary fuel cell technology promises some very good outcomes. If you remember, just yesterday Toyota presented its first ground-breaking environmentally-friendly Toyota ‘Mirai’ and only couple of hours later, Honda unveiled its all-new fuel-cell vehicle as well.

With its new development, Honda is seeking to establish or at least become closer to a CO₂ -free society. One of the main factors that prompts the manufacturer to continue its progress in this area is the fact that Honda sees hydrogen as a high-potential, next-generation energy carrier since hydrogen can be generated from various energy sources and is easy to store.

The recently-developed fuel-cell stack used on this concept car is 33% smaller than the previous fuel-cell stack. Nevertheless, it is able to achieve an output of more than 100 kW and output density as high as 3.1 kW/L which improves the overall performance by approximately 60% compared to the previous version of the fuel-cell stack.

The FCV Concept car is FCV is more than just environmentally responsible. The electricity that is produced through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen is used by the car as a power source for the motor. Moreover, the Honda FCV Concept is equipped with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage tank that provides a cruising range of more than 700 km. The tank can be easily refilled in only three minutes.

The all-new FCV production concept model is set to go on sale in Japan by the end of March 2016 and respectfully in the U.S. and Europe.

Source: Honda

November 18, 2014

Clocking up the Miles: Kimi and the F12 Berlinetta [VIDEO]

The most powerful Ferrari on the range product was pushed to the limits in a special F12berlinetta track day at Fiorano. Eleven journalists deriving from some of the world’s most significant motoring publications participated in the event. They were presented with the chance to run the miles in an attempt to test themselves as well as the car in an ultimate driving performance. The participants utilized the impressive 740 hp which were released by the mid-front V12 engine. Forming a spectacular show, they were able to depict a full range of excellent natural balance and sportiness which are embodied in the Ferrari.

Taking advantage of the wet track, the journalists experimented with the various Manettino settings to push the car’s performance in different grip levels. Yet, all of the dynamic controls were off when Scuderia Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen was behind the wheel and offered some useful instructions. As a result, the visitors enjoyed a unique experience thanks to the sensational presentation of the F12berlinetta. It managed to demonstrate not only record performance in the Prancing Horse range but it also delivered entertainment and fun.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a car that unleashes super power and high-class presence. The sound of the car, as it starts off, gives you chills every time the gas is pressed. The curves and edges of the exterior are all well-crafted. The welcoming interior offers more than enough space which results in maximum comfort. The vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft satellite system, a rear parking camera, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, climate control, cruise control and temperature monitoring.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSjJ_Ai7gLk

Video Source: Ferrari via Youtube

Source: Ferrari

November 17, 2014

SR Auto and DXSC Release Exclusive Aventador “Guardian of the Galaxy”

I’ve never seen more beautiful Aventador Roadster in my life! Honestly! And although I personally prefer a more minimalistic design, this “Guardians Of The Galaxy” inspired Lambo just took my mind. The tuners behind this project are two talented companies: the Vancouver super car club DXSC and SR Auto Group. They have given an allover galaxy wrap job to the car, making it wilder and more exceptionally attractive than ever. This tuning literally goes above and beyond Earth’s atmosphere!

This Aventador not only wears one of the most unique wraps I have ever seen up to date, but it also runs on a set of wheels that balance out the whole theme of the car. Landing on the galaxy was a set of ADV005 TS SL in a staggered fitment of 21×9 and 22×12 inches. They are in matte black color and feature gloss tint lip.

In fact, the wrapping technique didn’t really take much of my attention so far. But this galactic Lamborghini shows how a single foil and a set of wheels can be really worth of making it through to the news all over the world.

Unfortunately, except for the pictures and the presented data, there are no words whether the supersports car is further modified or not. And if this Lambo stays with the stock figures, this means that it will be capable of producing 700 horsepower (522 kW) and 690 Nm (511 lb-ft) of torque from its 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine.

The unit is coupled with a seven-speed ISR transmission sending the power to an AWD system. The 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint is covered in 3.0 seconds, while the 0-200 km/h – in 8.6 seconds. The top speed is positioned at 350 km/h (218 mph).

Source: SR Auto Group

November 17, 2014

Underground Racing Shows-Off With Twin Turbo Lamborghini TT Huracan

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 is the latest car released by the emblematic Italian brand. Since it was released almost a year ago it has been the main topic among all sports cars enthusiasts, because the automaker has once again raised the bar with this creation. Huracán LP 610-4 is hidden behind the exceptional looks, but more importantly, behind the appearance lies a variety of new technology used. Such are the AWD system wth electronically controlled front differential similar to this one of the Aventador, electro-mechanical power steering (EPS) and dynamic steering (LDS).

The Huracan is powered by a 5.2 liter naturally aspirated V10 engine which produces 610 horsepower (449 kW) at 8,250RPM and 560 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500RPM. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch LDF transmission sending the power to a fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is covered in 3.2 seconds, while this from 0 to 193 km/h – in 9.9 seconds. The engine and new transmission are combined with the high definition instrument displays and awesome interior.

And through this year of Huracan existence, we have seen many tunings on the Huracan, and here we are reviewing another on, which we think is worth the attention. Why? Simply because it has made the car even better!

Underground Racing has developed the very first Twin Turbo Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4. Despite the tuners have already successfully conducted the preliminary testing, there are still no technical details about the car.

What we have understood so far is that the car will use a JRR MoTeC M1 electronics and firmware, and will be snapping through the gears of the DCT transmission with the additional horsepower, offering pure experience. The car will be soon available as a bolt-on system. The proceeding stages are already under development and are soon to be announced.

Source: Underground Racing

November 17, 2014

Toyota ‘Mirai’: A Vision From the Future

The confidence and enthusiasm with which the Toyota executives speak about alternative fuels and vehicles really exemplify their aspiration and ambition of achieving something ground-breaking that will set totally innovative benchmarks in the automobile market.

With the announcement of Toyota’s exceptional fuel cell vehicle titled ‘Mirai’, which translated from Japanese literally means ‘future’, the manufacturer plants a cardinal turning point for the automotive industry. With the launch of the car comes the promise of a safer, greener and easier world. The cutting-edge vehicle arrives with no compromises and it knows no boundaries. It has the cruising range of a normal saloon and can be refuelled in less than five minutes. The only emission that comes out is water vapor. The unconventional sedan with its bizarre look is the production version of the FCV Concept, which Toyota released at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

The new Mirai represents a bold step into a more convenient future. It is absolutely environmentally-friendly car which can reduce our dependence on oil and decrease harm to the environment. The vehicle is said to run on hydrogen that can be produced from pretty much anything. Impressive as it is, Toyota Mirai has a fuel cell that creates so much electricity which can be enough to power a whole house.

Toyota’s new creation is purpose-built around a fuel-cell stack which transforms compressed hydrogen gas into electricity. In consequence, the electricity is congested in batteries and is further used to power a motor that spurs on the front wheels.

The car will cost the equivalent of around $69,000 in Japan. Despite the fact that the U.S. pricing has not been officially announced yet, there are suppositions that the price will be around $50,000.

Source: Toyota

November 17, 2014

Audi A9 Concept Called Prologue Leaks Before Official Reveal

The first design sketches of the Audi A9 Concept have leaked unofficially online, before the premiere of the car at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. It will be called Prologue Concept, this beautiful car designed by Marc Lichte measures length of 5.10 meters, 1.95m width and 1.39m hight. This study is dedicated to the new big time for Audi and it also carries the appropriate name. It redefines company’s future design language.

Prologue will be based on the MLB Evo platform. In terms of design it will feature Audi’s emblematic single-frame grille, distinctive LED lights up front and rear tail lights with 3D effect.

In fact, the front looks flatter than ever before, while the edges look more alive and carry a few more lines. The rear is rather unusual and is more of an interpretation of the coupe concept. Note that the C-pillars are extremely out wide and far. There are envisioned unconventional air intakes in the front.

Although the car is binging about a concept for the future of Audi, we are to see the Prologue in 2016 at the earliest. Reports also say that this car will be a preview of company’s future flagship.

According to previous information, it will be driven by a 4-liter V8 with tuinturbo engine producing 600 hp (441 kW). The concept car will be fully unveiled on 18th of November at the first press day of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Stay tuned!

Source: Audi via Autobild.de

November 17, 2014

Mercedes S63 4Matik Coupe Enhanced by IMSA

The tuning company IMSA GmbH, Brueggen got its hands on the new Mercedes-Benz S63 4Matik Coupe, giving it some last touches which enhance the already good-looking and attractive car.

First of all, the tuner bestows on the sedan the IMSA’s own lowering module such as the air suspension system which is complemented by a wheel-tire-combination of a very specific sort: Precisely, IMSA forged light-alloy rims in 9×21 in. with tires 255/35R21 on the front axle and in 10,5×21 in. with 295/30R21 on the rear.

A huge part of the new improvements is situated around the engine. The current changes are made in order to support the powerplant of the Mercedes in question. This results in the production of the screaming 720 hp (529 kW) with 1,080 Nm of maximum torque that are provided at free disposal.

Other highlighting developments of the Mercedes S63 4Matik Coupe include a software update as well as new sports cats and modified x-cross central muffler of the exhaust system. What is more, the charge air cooler and the sports air filters undergo some significant alterations too. Still remaining the downpipes and the turbocharger outlet for optimized air flow rate and the intercooler radiator.

The worldwide success of IMSA is a result of the company’s leading goal to provide even better driving experience and ultimate fun by dealing with professional know-how mechanisms, quality assurance and high-class technological attachments. In the future, IMSA will also create complete tuning programs for other selected Mercedes-Benz models with a primary focus on AMG.

Source: MIRANDA MEDIA

November 17, 2014

Volkswagen GTI Roadster Debuts at The Los Angeles International Auto Show

Volkswagen is going to depict its unconventional GTI Roadster concept car at the Los Angeles International Auto Show this week. The car was originally shown at the Wörthersee enthusiast festival in Austria in May. It clearly makes a statement which is able to blend in the virtual and the real world.

The GTI Roadster is a Golf GTI show car that is based on a CGI concept created to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the Sony PlayStation®3 classic “Gran Turismo 6” (“GT6”). The two-seater generates its power from a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged TSI® engine that boosts 503 hp (375 kW) and a mighty 559 Nm (413 pound-feet) of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm; from just 2,000 revs, 369 lb-ft of that torque is available. The car benefits from a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system which transmit the power to 20-inch wheel-and-tire combination. To be precise, the 20-inch Golf GTI centerlock aluminum-alloy wheels have body-color elements and are 8.5J wide at the front and 9.5J at the back, with 235/35 ZR20 front and 275/30 ZR20 tires. This automotive monster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in, approximately, 3.5 seconds and goes onto a top track speed of 192 mph.

The red exterior of the vehicle speaks for aggressiveness, provocativeness and looks into the future. The roadster body is aerodynamically optimized, with a chopped roofline and a massive rear wing being the most outstanding visual characteristic. Inside there is a carbonfiber monocoque and Alcantara seats as well as Alcantara four-spoke grip-style steering wheel.

The GTI Roadster, Vision Gran Turismo is available for download to owners of Gran Turismo 6 for the PlayStation 3 gaming console.

Source: Volkswagen

November 17, 2014

Cadillac Introduces Its Wicked All-new ATS-V.R Race Car

There was a rumor going around that Cadillac might just ignore the CTS as its race car next and will instead choose its ATS Coupe. As it turns out, that is absolutely what is happening right now. Presicely, Cadillac ATS-V.R set the start of the next generation of Cadillac’s V-Series elite, high-performance cars. The new race car was shown at the Circuit of the Americas, one of country’s pre-eminent racing venues.

The new ATS-V.R is a vehicle which represents a racing extension of the upcoming Cadillac ATS-V Coupe. Under the hood of the racer lies the LF4.R engine, the racing version of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 in the award-winning Cadillac CTS Vsport. It generates monstrous 600 hp and about 520 pound-feet of torque.

It becomes obvious that the ATS-V.R is equipped with an aggressive aero kit with a carbon fiber front splitter, and a wing at the back. The weight of the whole package is estimated at about 2,900 pounds, which is approximately 700 pounds less than the street version. In addition, there is also a full under tray directs air beneath the car to the rear diffuser, which helps create a downforce-producing effect and plants the 18-inch racing tires to the track. The mighty vision of the new Cadillac ATS-V.R is further complemented by the lightweight aluminum block and heads which are counterbalanced by a rear transaxle.

The ATS-V.R Coupe premiers next week, along with the ATS-V sedan, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is going to arrive track-capable from the factory next spring.

Source: Cadillac

November 17, 2014

Kahn Reveals Entirely Redesigned Jeep Wrangler Sahara

We have just received the striking pictures of Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4DR Chelsea Truck Company CJ300. As you can guess this is the latest creation of the British company, which has taken all the good from the standard model and added some comfort, style and exclusivity to the Sahara. First, we see that the original exterior color was substituted with Volcanic Grey Satin. The grille is also new. Sitting up front, the four-slot grille is Chelsea Truck Company-made and features an industrial mesh between two smoked headlamps.

If you take a closer look to either of the side wing blades, you will see that they got a carbon fibre construction. They and the fuel filler door contrast with the Volcanic Grey finish. Piano Black door mirrors, door handles and roof, 100mm tailpipes quad crosshair system and a Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover is what exaggerates this contrast even more.

The interior is hidden from prying eyes thanks to added privacy glass. Of course, there is much to be seen inside, since we are speaking about an A. Kahn Design tuning. The front with its heated front seats, the rear GTB sport seats centre glove box and the armrests have all been re-upholstered in black and red quilted/perforated leather.

There is also a new steering wheel, which now offers up greater grip and feel for the driver. Beneath the waistline sits stainless steel door entry sill plates and floor mats.

At last, the toughness is of this Jeep Wrangler model is emphasized by the 9 x 20 inch Jeep 1988 wheels in a Satin Black finish fitted with beefy 275/55/20 inch tyres. Behind those wheels sit Liquid Red brake callipers along with a new set of mud flaps.

Source: A. Kahn Design

November 17, 2014

QorosQloud 2.0 Connected Services Platform is to be Unveiled in China

Qoros is a very fresh automaker from China. The company was founded in 2007 with visions for independent, dynamic and successful future. Its first car debuted back in 2013 in Geneva under the name Qoros 3 Sedan. In fact, this model became the first developed in China car which got the five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The second production vehicle of the brand was the so called Qoros 3 Hatch, which debuted a year later at the same event. This one won on of the most prestigious design awards, the Red Dot Awards, in recognition of the quality of its design.

2014 will also see the birth of QorosQloud 2.0. And we are not talking about the recently announced Q: QorosQloud Qubed Concept which will take the center stage at the L.A. Auto Show. The first is set to make a premiere at the 12thGuangzhou International Automobile Exhibition on 20th November 2014.

This is a second generation version of its pioneering connected services platform. The first one included a cloud-enhanced free-for-life suite of services introduced on the Qoros 3 Sedan a year ago. Advanced connectivity is a core strategy here, which accentuates on the ‘New Drive’ philosophy to produce cars for the modern metropolitan consumer.

QorosQloud 2.0 will be launched in the coming months. The Chinese company reveals that it will be easier to use and include an increased integration of social media and gamification. At the event, visitors will be able to sample the full user experience for themselves in a purpose-built show car.

Source: Qoros

November 17, 2014

Category: Auto News