Auto News – Page 420 – Automobiles Review

UK Ordering Available Now for Mercedes-AMG GT, GT S and GT S Edition 1

The iconic Mercedes-Benz is striking the market again with its new models. Mercedes-AMG GT has opened for ordering in the UK with the cheapest price kicking off at £97,195. Yet if you fancy going after the GT S or GT S Edition 1, you should know that the prices go up to £122,745.

First of all, The GT model is going to arrive in the UK in late 2015. The car will be equipped with dry sump V8 engine which is able to produce 462 hp, developed at 6,000 rpm. The GT also makes 600 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm which allows it speed up from rest to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds before reaching 189 mph. Every GT model will benefit from 19 inch wheels (front and rear). Other features include: a mechanical limited slip differential, a switchable AMG performance exhaust, COMAND Online (complete with an 8.4-inch screen), AMG sports suspension and an adjustable electronic rear wing.

Nevertheless, the first models that are set to arrive in the UK in April 2015 are going to be the GT S and GT S Edition 1 variants. Both of them are powered by an all-new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine which generates 510 hp at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,750 rpm. This enables the GT S to accelerate to 62 mph in only 3.8 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 193 mph. The GT S comes with 20 inch rear wheels, red brake calipers clamping enlarged discs, an electronically-controlled rear differential, AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with three different modes.

Additionally, the GT S Edition 1 features high-gloss silver and black 19 inch (front) and 20 inch (rear) wheels, a carbon roof, a set of black mirror surrounds with matching window surrounds and rear diffuser and black exhaust tips complete the enhancements. On the inside there is a distinguishable red contrast stitching which is complemented by a leather and suede finish for the special AMG performance seats and the steering wheel as well as a center console in ‘Black Diamond’ textured finish. Prices start at £110,495 for the GT S and £122,745 for the GT S Edition 1.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 17, 2014

Chaparral Returns with Gran Turismo 2X VGT Concept

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT will be available in Gran Turismo 6. We don’t know yet how it will be looking like, but the news was confirmed by the muscle car automaker via the teaser image above. The car is inspired by the spirit of innovation of the founders of Chaparral Cars – racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp. In addition, it was designed and developed to celebrate the 15^th birthday of PlayStation Gran Turismo 6 game, and gives glimpse into brands plans for the future. Chaparral 2X VGT will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19^th of November, while gamers will be able to race it after the online update of the GT6 around Christmas.

Jim Hall and Hap Sharp were those who have created Chaparral Cars in 1962. Back then they didn’t think that their cars would have influenced so much the racing world, and eventually fundamentally change it. Since the beginning they have partnered with Chevrolet Research and Development, and have utilized “pioneering” aerodynamics and aerospace technology.

Following this tradition, GM’s Advanced Design Studio, with input from Jim Hall, designed the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT concept. It revealed that it is a “fantasy car in every sense of the word.”

The first original Chaparral was a front-engine race car built by Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes in 1961. A year later, Hall and Sharp purchased the Chaparral racers and founded Chaparral Cars, immediately beginning with the design and construction of Chaparral 2.

Unlike the original car, this was a mid-engine one with an aerospace-inspired semi-monocoque fiberglass chassis. It was driven by Chevrolet’s small-block V-8 327-cubic-inch engine and included torque-converter transaxle. Then it made history: winning the 1963 Riverside race, 1964 United States Road Racing Championship (USRRC) and the 1965 Sebring 12-huor race.

Pioneering methods and materials were developed through the collaboration with Chevrolet. Some of them include the composite monocoque chassis, lightweight-alloy powertrain systems, automatic transmissions for racing and progressive and the active aerodynamics.

Chaparral 2E race car appeared in 1966 and raced in the SCCA’s Can-Am series. In 1967, the car set the fastest lap in five of the eight races at the World Championship Endurance competition.

1970 saw the birth of the Chaparral 2J – a radical vehicle powered by Chevrolet’s big-block V-8 engine. The car also featured a separate motor to drive a pair of fans that exhausted air beneath the car, producing suction-derived downforce. And although it it grabbed three pole positions in four races, it was eventually banned by the race series’ sanctioning body.

We are definitely eager to see the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT for Gran Turismo 6. Probably it hints towards production plans?

Source: Chevrolet

November 14, 2014

Jaguar F-Type Coupe Tuned by Best Cars and Bikes

BEST Cars & Bikes Company was established in 1997 at Viersen on the Lower Rhine, Germany and it is famous for its high-quality tuning, among many other kinds of services. Nevertheless, the tuner is quite picky for it offers a collaborative work with carefully chosen suppliers only. Part of its working program are bikes, as the title of the company suggests, but it also offers solely rims and exhaust systems which enhance the performance of a certain car.

The focus of Best Cars and Bikes has now been directed towards the British Jaguar car manufacturer. Not wanting to change big part of the F-Type virtues, the tuner has provided Jaguar F-Type Coupe model “only new shoes”. In this case, there have been used, the so called, CC-Line three-part rims which provides the Jaguar vehicle with exceedingly good and smooth running. The ensured stability and degree of obvious fine work can be noticed even when driving at high speed. Unlike the components inside the cast of ordinary rims which produce vibrations making the tires “jump” on the road, the “Schmidt Revolution” functions on a quite different level.

The developed by Volker Schmidt pressed three-part wheels bring excellent quality and efficiency. The multispoke-wheels are mounted on the front in 9,5×21 with tires 255/30R21 and on the rear in 11×21 with tires 295/25R21. In addition, here has also been installed a H&R spring set.

BEST Cars & Bikes Company is also working on a feature that will be able to improve the power of the Jaguar F-Type.

Source: Miranda Media

November 14, 2014

Dodge Unleashes 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat [VIDEO]

the-2015-Dodge-Challenger-SRT-HEMI-Hellcat-TTHUMB Do you remember that the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever built? It produces the voluptuous amount of 707 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The unit is mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, which also contributes for a certified ¼-mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds at 125 miles per hour on stock Pirelli P275/40ZR20 P Zero tyres. The big news is that Dodge has just unleashed this “little” beast at very enticing price.

Dodge and SRT have already received more than 4,500 orders for the new Challenger. These units are now leaving the Brampton Assembly plant where they were built and going directly to their customers across the United States.

Besides the unprecedented 707 horsepower (520 kW), the car is also capable of and 881 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque. In addition to the awe-inspiring horsepower, the new 2015 model has been entirely redesigned and re-engineered. The aim: to be the most true-to-form muscle coupe on the market.

Equipped with Chrysler’s TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, the Hellcat Challenger also shows some impressive EPA estimated highway fuel-economy rating of 22 miles per gallon. In addition, if the car is equipped with the new for 2015 six-speed manual transmission, it achieves an EPA highway rating of 21 mpg.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has an initial price tag of $59,995 USD.

httpv://youtu.be/nu_O1wH91SA

Video Source: YouTube
Source: Dodge

November 14, 2014

2016 Audi TT Roadster and TTS Coupe to Debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2016 Audi TT Roadster and Audi TTS Coupe will hit the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show thus making their U.S. debut and unveiling the all-new TT model line. The cars feature an excellent new design that is categorized by the use of revolutionary technologies and driver-focused performance. For sure the all-new Audi TT models once again will represent the very pinnacle of craftsmanship.

The Audi TT Coupe and Roadster will again use a 2.0L TFSI engine which will generate 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The sporty Audi TTS Coupe will be powered by a turbo 2.0L TFSI engine with 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Still, all models feature quattro permanent all-wheel drive which is able to deliver phenomenal dynamics, exclusive traction and excellent grip with the Audi drive select system standard. The latter enables the driver to adapt the shift points, throttle response, steering and the standard magnetic ride suspension on TTS, by choosing between four different modes: dynamic, auto, comfort and individual.

The all new Audi TT models stand out with exemplary technology and iconic design which offer a revolutionized ways in which the driver interacts with the vehicle. The 2016 TT and TTS roadsters get Audi’s new MMI navigation in combination with MMI control, as well as virtual cockpit that replaces traditional gauges and interfaces for a customizable driving experience. It is also able to position all information related to the vehicle and infotainment on a 12.3-inch screen right in front of the person who is driving. Other included tech equipment are represented by a radar-based side assist, active lane assist, park assist, traffic sign recognition, and attention assist. Additionally, just like the coupe, the TT and TTS roadsters are available with high-quality materials including of S sport seats, leather, cloth, and Alcantara. Trim material are comprised of aluminum and matching paint.

The third-generation Audi TT features short overhangs, broad wheel arches and quite recognizable muscular stance. The standard full LED headlamps which enhance the sports car appeal. There is also a broader and flatter Singleframe grille, acute lines across the hood, round exhaust tailpipes and rear spoiler.

This time around, we see the original Audi TT in a refined vision which arrives with new standards and combines groundbreaking technology, optimized design and incredible performance.

Source: Audi

November 14, 2014

Chip Foose’s SEMA Mustang Awarded “Best of Stand Design”

What has slipped through our fingers this SEMA show is the project presented here. Do you know who Chip Foose is? If you don’t: he is an automotive legend and hot rod hall of famer for his incredibly creative and unique designs. So it is no surprise that his design for the event was unique and that it deserves some attention. The project is based on a 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible, and by far we haven’t seen many cabrios at this year’s SEMA.

Foose entirely overhauled the exterior of it with parts from the MMD by Foose collection. The goal of this action was to give the car a sense of the hot rodding culture that Chip is all too familiar with.

To be more precise, the front of the Foose Mustang is highlighted with a lower front chin spoiler and hood scoop. These two elements keep the clean look of the S550 Mustang and at the same time they also give it more individual appearance.

Furthermore, thanks to the used side scoops and a rocker panel the Mustang got a brand new side appearance. Its lines became more pronounced, and more importantly draw the attention of the on who’s looking at the rear spoiler.

Another interesting fact is that Ford awarded Chip Foose the “best of stand design” with this ’15 convertible. The greatest news however is that the used MMD parts will be available for customers, which will have the opportunity to customize their own 2015 Mustang.

Source: Chip Foose

November 14, 2014

Sublime 2015 Rolls-Royce Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupe Arrives in Dubai

Dazzling, sublime, gorgeous, unique and super-luxury. That is what the special 2015 Rolls-Royce Maharaja Phantom Dophead Coupe is. It could be said that this model is, perhaps, the sheikh of cars which will pierce the heart of everyone who has the chance to see it. After two years in the making, the exclusively eye-catching vehicle is finally created and only distributed to customers in Dubai.

Maharaja Phantom Dophead Coupe is the product inspired by the Golden Age of the Raja which was a time when Indian royalty purchased over 840 extraordinary Rolls-Royce motor cars over a period of five decades. It is conceptualized and hand-crafted by a team of professionals at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, to praise India’s affinity and one of the longest relationship in the world with the super-luxury automobile manufacturer. In order to celebrate and honor Indian culture, the car features a Peacock emblem which is the national bird of India.

The car conveys certain uniqueness on the outside as well as the inside. The exterior of this breathtaking Rolls-Royce gleams in a Carrara White colour, with a Peacock emblem which adds a subtle touch to the Emerald green coachline. There is also a Deep Green hood retracts, disclosing a nicely-crafted deck with a Peacock emblem, again, integrated into the marquetry. The interior is as amazing as the exterior. It amalgamates gently Crème Light leather with Emerald green contours. More intricate Peacock emblems can be found embroidered into the headrests in Emerald green and Cobalto blue colors. This lavish look is complemented by the Peacock feather pattern in Seashell stitching which is placed on the side and central armrests.

All of this designs a vehicle that is so sumptuous and lavishly appointed that even the name is intimidating! It is a car formed without any thought of compromise, restriction or limits in terms of luxurious presence and feel. It comes with a specific attitude and confidence both of which match the character of a real Maharaja.

Source: Rolls-Royce

November 14, 2014

50-Year Limited Edition 2015 Ford Mustang at Ford Championship Weekend

The sixth generation 2015 Ford Mustang appeared right in time for the golden anniversary celebration of the monumental pony car. The 50-Year Limited Edition 2015 Ford Mustang will serve the role as a pace car for Ford Championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, between November 14^th and November 16^th. This is really exciting and special because this Mustang is based on the 50-Year model which is actually limited at just 1,964 units.

Specifically, the muscle car will be powered by 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine and will lead the field to the green flag for the Ford EcoBoost 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on November 16th, 2014 and the Ford EcoBoost 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on November 15th, 2014. The pace car will be driven by Mark Fields, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company.

Furthermore, there are also going to be some other vehicles which will take part in the races. For instance, the Wimbledon White ’Stang will be joined by the Race Red Mustang GT. It gains its power from a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine that produces 435 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Two other engines, a 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost which generate more than 300 hp, will also be available when the car is distributed to showrooms later this year. The 2015 Mustang GT comes with a number of new features such as an all-new state-of-the-art front suspension and an independent rear suspension that is exclusively designed for this new platform and car.

Another addition will be a pair of all-new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. They will pace the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami on November 15.

Source: Ford

November 14, 2014

Maserati Quattroporte GTS and Ghibli get Minor Updates for L.A. Auto Show

Maserati Quattroporte GTS and the Alfieri 2+2 Concept are going to take the center stage at the forthcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. This year, the luxury company is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. For this occasion the bran is introducing the stunning Alfieri 2+2 Concept. This car and entire model year 2015 lineup will be shown in California at the event on 21^st of November. Another debut, this time a local one, will be making the refreshed Maserati Quattroporte GTS, which is brand’s flagship sedan. At the show there will also be a special vintage Maserati display.

Alfieri Concept was shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. It embodies the stylistic and racing heritage of Maserati, but at the same time it is exotic, sleek and is in “2+2” configuration.

The redesigned 2015 Quattroporte gets some new exterior and interior styling features for its S Q4 and GTS versions. The GTS is more powerful because of the 523 hp twin-turbo V8 engine. New detail accents are the lower bodywork color-matched to its body, the refreshed trident badge and red accented wheel center caps. Optional features here include contrast stitching, red leather upholstery and Black Piano Lacquered trim and Wifi hotspot.

Maserati Centennial Editions of the GranTurismo MC coupe and convertible will be also at the show. More importantly they also get some minor updates for MY2015. They are available in three new tri-coated paint colors: Rosso Magma, Blu Inchiostro and Grigio Pietra. Other highlights are the special centennial center caps, lightweight carbon finishes and stripe design on the seats.

Ghibli can’t be left behind. It also features new enhancements for the next model year. Precisely, it gets standard navigation and Bluetooth, brake caliper finish and contrast stitching.

Source: Maserati

November 14, 2014

2015 Suzuki Celerio is Ready to Conquer the City

2015 Suzuki Celerio which was shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show goes on sale from February next year. It will be seen in the streets of Europe with its elevated driving position, interior space and big luggage capacity of 254L. The main goal of the design of this car was to ensure that there is enough space within a compact body of just 3,600mm length and width of 1,600mm. The height is of 1,530mm. The wheelbase on which the car sits measures 2,425mm.

Going further to the standard specifications, we must say that this Suzuki go a really nice treatment. The range will include six airbags, including driver, passenger, side and curtain, ESP, air conditioning, alloy wheels, DAB Radio, CD Tuner, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

However, there are no details on the grading structure of the car. It will be announced by the end of the year. Another benefit that the Celerio offers are the low CO2 emissions of 99g/km and fuel consumption of 65.7mpg on the EC combined cycle.

In fact, Suzuki is preparing new Dualjet engine with even higher fuel economy and CO2 emissions, which will fall to just 84g/km, which will be introduced in the summer of 2015. At that time the company will also introduce the newly developed Auto Gear Shift (AGS), which includes Intelligent Shift Control Actuator positioned at the top of the transmission that operates the gearshift and clutch automatically.

What we haven’t told is that the Celerio will be available in six colours. Five of them will be with metallic finish and one in a solid colour.

Source: Suzuki

November 14, 2014

Volvo to Offer Simulated Test Drive of XC90 Using Google Cardboard

Volvo Cars is going to be the first automotive manufacturer which will use Google Cardboard in order to make a thorough change in the way different businesses enable their audiences to experience a certain product. This transformation will be realized through the lens of virtual reality via Google Cardboard. Starting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volvo is inviting auto and innovation enthusiasts to go through a ground-breaking test-drive of the all-new XC90, months before it officially arrives in the US.

How exactly is this going to happen? The answer is: very easily. First the Volvo Reality app should be downloaded, after that users should insert their phones into Google Cardboard. Following this, viewers will be virtually transported into an XC90 where they can dive into a revolutionary experience and exploratory car-driving. The main reason for this simulated test-drive using Google Cardboard is to promote Volvo XC90 crossover, which will go on sale in spring 2015. The automaker will roll out the Cardboard test drives at the Los Angeles Auto Show and at Volvo dealers.

“Using Google Cardboard exemplifies the marriage of innovation and design engineering. With nothing more than a smartphone, cardboard, two lenses and a magnet, customers can experience a test drive that puts them in the driver’s seat of the XC90,” commented Bodil Eriksson, EVP, Product, Brand, Marketing & Communications, Volvo Cars North America. He also added that; “With Google Cardboard we can deliver an experience that is so much richer than simple videos or pictures. We can now transport people into a 360-degree world where they can explore and experience the next-generation luxury SUV, months before it’s in dealerships.”

Source: Volvo

November 14, 2014

Chevrolet Impala’s CNG tank can survive bullets

There are many different fuels besides gasoline out there with each one of them having advantages and drawbacks. In the recent years, however, compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a popular type of fuel due to several advantages – it is cheap, it does not pollute the environment and it provides almost as much power as gasoline. The drawback? It’s the CNG tank as there may be leakages and other problems.

This is not the case with the tank of the CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The car boasts a tank that is so safe and so strong it can survive bullets and fires that come from different directions. Chevrolet has achieved this level of endurance and safety by adding a large piece of cast aluminum that protects the tank valve and connection from certain side impacts and sheet metal plates on either side help protect it from loose objects in the trunk or rear seat. Chevrolet has also exposed the tank to pressures higher than 3,600 PSI, which is the normal value and then other extreme situations, exceeding US federal regulations and CNG industry guidelines. In addition to that the tank has undergone long-term structural integrity tests equivalent to 15,000 pressure cycles and hydrostatic burst tests of up to 8,100 PSI. This is what the tank also had to endure:

The industry-standard Bonfire Test confirms the CNG tank’s pressure relief valves are operational and help prevent the tank from rupturing in a fire. In addition to placing the tank about four inches above a steady 800-degree Fahrenheit fire, General Motors’ engineers added trunk, back seat and underbody fires to test the pressure relief valves’ ability to sense heat on all sides of the tank. And the tests were done at two different fuel levels.
In the Penetration Test, the tank is filled to its service pressure and is shot with a 7.62 mm armor piercing bullet. In order to pass the test, the bullet has to pass completely through one side of the tank without exiting out the other side. The goal is to have the tank maintain the bullet hole only as the weak structural point, without rupturing.
Front barrier, side impact and rear impact crash tests were conducted on the Bi-Fuel Impala. Some aftermarket CNG-conversion kit manufacturers conduct only a barrier test.

The all-steel, trunk-mounted tank holds about 7.8 gallons of gas, enough for the driver to cover about 150 miles of driving after which the car automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. The Bi-fuel Impala, which is also a 2015 “Green Car of the Year” finalist, is the auto-industry’s only manufacturer-produced full size sedan in North America that runs both on CNG and gasoline. The CNG system is covered by a 5-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, whichever comes first, and can be serviced at Chevy dealerships in both the USA and Canada.

The CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala can be ordered now. The car will ship by the end of this year.

Source: Chevrolet

November 13, 2014

Category: Auto News