Auto News – Page 434 – Automobiles Review

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe offers new features

Hyundai has proudly announced that the new 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport offer more standard features, comfort and convenience equipment than ever, including refinements to the steering and suspension systems.

More specifically the improvements to the power steering system include a 32-bit microprocessor that delivers a refined steering feel. The steering system keeps the Hyundai Driver Selectable Steering Mode, which offers a retuned “Sport” setting that makes use of the new processor and offers firmer steering. The front wheel bushes have also been re-tuned for 2015, which enhances the steering feel.

The suspension systems in the 2015 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport increase the wheel bearing stiffness and lower control arm bushing stiffness, which increases the overall lateral stiffness of the front suspension. The revised rear suspension geometry and bushings also increase the lateral stiffness.

The two new models also come with tons of new standard and safety features that include daytime running lights, a driver’s blind spot mirror and an auto up/down front passenger power window. Hyundai’s innovative new power Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open is now available on Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models, which makes it even easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area when their hands are full. The system makes it easy for the driver to keep both feet on the ground, simply waiting for the liftgate to open after standing within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket. This is also the first time Santa Fe Sport can be equipped with a power liftgate. Furthermore the two new models offer two new colors – Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite and there is a two-tone grille for 2015 (Santa Fe Sport only) that emphasizes the car’s sportier personality.

Both vehicles offer new rich safety equipment for 2015 including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) with Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, while the Santa Fe Sport offers a choice between an efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine or a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. All engines use gasoline and offer direct fuel injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all 2015 Santa Fe models; the gearbox transfers engine power to the front wheels or all of them, depending on what you choose.

The vehicles are available now with the 2015 Santa Fe Sport starting at just USD 24,950, excluding a USD 875 freight fee.

Source: Hyundai

October 23, 2014

Catching a Glimpse of the Track-Focused McLaren P1 GTR Interior

McLaren finally discloses how the new McLaren P1 GTR will look like interiorly. The revealed insides of this automotive monster really can make a person get goose bumps. It looks like something coming out of Marvel Universe! With its boosted cutting-edge power, dynamic look and excellent performance it is transformed into a machine which is set to become the world’s best track weapon ever.

Did anyone say power? More power? How much more power? Well, precisely 83bhp more than the road-going P1 model, taking total output from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor to 986bhp.

There is a whole lot more about the McLaren P1 GTR than a simple power boost. I mean “simple” really. Perhaps you can notice from the photos that the new P1 GTR does not have a roll cage. That’s because the car does not need such. In addition, from the official first pictures it becomes apparent that the interior is designed in such a manner that speaks for driver-focused style. The DTM-style seats are positioned directly to the chassis, which in return reduces weight by having no additional mounting brackets.

If it still doesn’t look like a race car enough for you, check out the upgraded steering wheel! Its design is similar to the steering wheel of the MP4-23 F1 driven by the 2008 championship winner Lewis Hamilton. Intended to make all controls easily accessible, all of the key controls along with the mode switches are located in the center of the bespoke steering wheel. The DRS and IPAS are also retained there. It does look bloody amazing indeed!

Source: McLaren

October 23, 2014

Galpin Auto Sports Reveals SEMA-bound Ford Mustang

The SEMA-bound Galpin Auto Sports Ford Mustang is a special vehicle which comes to celebrate the golden anniversary of the production Mustang. The modified pony car features a special gold theme, enhanced engine, custom LEDs and other intricate tweaks. Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) is the tuning arm of the largest Ford dealer in the United States. 2015 GAS Mustang embodies a golden anniversary design philosophy and will be of course premiered at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

At first the tuners gave a facelift to the iconic model via a new front fascia, which was restyled to match the three strakes found in the factory headlights. In details, the new headlights now integrate LED turn signals and turn on in sequence to match the rear turn signals. In addition, there have been also installed a carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels as well as a more aggressive rear diffuser.

Under the hood of this Mustang is positioned the Whipple supercharger, which has been custom powder-coated to appear gold. It sits atop the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. The integrated into the hood glass window has the purpose to show off the engine. More importantly, these modifications are not only a cosmetic change, but also signify a boost in the power output. The engine generates the astounding 725 horsepower (533 kW).

Next, the car is also equipped with suspension components delivered by Steeda and new exhaust by Magnaflow. GAS also reveal that with this black and gold idea, they wanted to get the color as close to 24-carat gold as possible. Speaking of which, this GAS Mustang will be running on 20-inch wheels finished in gold. In the same color are also the side sills, brake calipers and badging.

Inside, the same black-gold theme can be found on the entire range of elements which were previously chrome or metallic. Recaro seats are covered with a fabric finished in black and gold, and the headliner is black microsuede. And if you think that the exterior is finished in paint that appears black, then you will be surprised to see that it is actually filled with gold metallic flecks.

Source: Galpin Auto Sports

October 23, 2014

VATH Motorentechnik GmbH: Between Classic and Modern

Throughout the years the close and inseparable relationship between VATH Motorentechnik GmbH (Motor Engineering ltd.) and Mercedes-Benz has served a great purpose to either of the sides.

The founder, Wolfgang VATH, has created a company which is still continuing to progress and play a fundamental part in the market after all these years. By all means, the VATH Motorentechnik GmbH has gained an excellent worldwide reputation as an engine manufacturer. Highlighting the importance of the original production of cars, VATH tunes their “projects” to their best classic characteristics.

Later on, after the establishment of the German tuner, Jasmin EHRET-VATH, the daughter of Wolfgang VATH, takes on the responsibility to run the executive board of the company which is known for car tuning. No matter what the tuner does, it seems to be booming. Not betraying their motto „Everything that can be conserved – must be conserved anyway“, VATH keeps bringing significant up-to-date enhancements to all after-war Mercedes vehicles. And by not discarding their authenticity, the German tuner manages to preserve the balance between what is modern and what is classic. That’s their philosophy after all.

Initially, the work that is being implemented by VATH is on the lower part of the engine and on the crankcase. Doing it in a traditional method, cylinders, for instance, are bored and honored. Pistons are renovated, crankshafts ground, polished and balanced in a really efficient way by the company very own balancing machine. Finally, they get equipped by new bearings. Valve seats undergo a transition as well. They are reamed and, if necessary, valve guides are renewed as well. The refitting of engines for unleaded fuel requires a mounting of hardened valve seat rings. The air ducts are reamed and polished which allows more air passage.

VATH Motorentechnik is an expert when dealing with Mercedes classic models. Beauties such as Pagode, W111 with tail fin, Adenauer, 300 SL or Ponton are dealt with a detailed refitting of automatic and shift gears with heart’s blood. They receive a rear axle retrofitting, optionally with axle ratio modifications.

Undoubtedly then, traditional and classic seem to be the adjectives that best suit VATH Motorentechnik GmbH.

Source: VATH

October 23, 2014

Scion Teases a Sporty iM Concept

Scion iM Concept is one of the vehicles which we will see having a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For this occasion, the brand has released two teaser images that show the future star of the brand. On the photos we see the iM Concept car taking some test shots. They reveal distinctively sporty front end and exactly this has been taken to the spotlight. Scion says that the iM concept vehicle is a reflection of the evolution of company’s design philosophy which aims to catch the attention of youthful customers.

It will probably be a hot hatchback judging form the sporty compact appearance. In fact, rumors say that two new models will be introduced next year. One of these cars will be based on Toyota’s Auris hatchback. Looking at the front of the concept, particularly at the headlights and front grille, in the teaser image, it definitely looks like that this will be a derivative of the Auris.

Form the released images we also see that car will be running on aggressive low-profile tyres wrapped around sporty-looking wheels and featuring drilled brake rotors. If Scion iM is a hatchback as we suppose, than it will be the firs one for the brand.

Another thing coming in question is whether this vehicle will use Auris turbocharged engine, or will there be any new surprises. Another possibility for the iM concept is that it can actually be a model which will replace the-soon-to-be-discontinued xB.

Unfortunately, ahead of the official release date, which is 19^th of November, we don’t expect to get more details from Scion. So we have to wait until then to solve the mystery.

Source: Scion

October 23, 2014

Nissan ships first all-electric taxis to Barcelona and Madrid

The Japanese auto maker Nissan has delivered the first all-electric taxis to the Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The introduction of the new Nissan electric vehicles means that these two cities will enjoy emission-free and quiet transportation from now on.

The vehicles delivered to Barcelona are e-NV200 units and they are the first step in the execution of an agreement between Nissan, the city of Barcelona and the Barcelona metropolitan area. An interesting fact is that the Nissan e-NV200 van is built in Barcelona as well. The delivery of the first electric taxis to Barcelona has taken place at the Expo-electric Formula-e event, which is one of the most important meetings on sustainable mobility in Europe.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, welcomed the news, commenting: “Declining air quality levels are a top concern across Europe and it’s great to see Madrid and Barcelona taking such positive steps in improving air quality through the incorporation of Nissan’s all-electric cars into their taxi fleets. These taxi bring a huge benefit not only for residents but also for the drivers – thanks to the ultra-low running costs only an electric car can offer. This scheme demonstrates that sustainable transportation is easy and affordable for everyone.”

Madrid has received its first Nissan LEAF taxi, which is the best selling electric vehicle in the world with more than 142 000 units sold globally. The official delivery has taken place at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where “Zero KM” – the measuring starting point of all Spanish roads – is located. Antonio Berzal Prieto, the first 100% electric taxi driver in Madrid to choose electric technology for his business, declared “When I heard that the Nissan LEAF had been approved as a taxi for the city, I quickly looked into all the options it offered me. In addition to the environmental benefits, the costs of ownership are highly competitive and the car’s performance is excellent.”

Source: Nissan

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI Enhanced by German Special Customs

The remarkable Mercedes-Benz G-class is considered to be the pioneer among the off-road vehicles. With their stable developments, the off-roaders continue to offer a permanent efficient powertrain and operative handling dynamic systems. Nevertheless, despite the advancements on the vehicle it still manages to preserve its classic authenticity and appearance.

Now the tuners from German Special Customs, Chemnitz, have designed a custom-made aerodynamic-construction kit which is suitable to almost any G-class vehicle. The exterior of the upgraded Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI includes a brand new fibre motor cowl and lateral carbon outer mirrors. The front bumper that has incorporated LED daylight driving headlights and a carbon fibre spoiler lip are renewed as well. The lateral ventilation slots and the spare wheel covering at the rear are also made of carbon fibres.

The German tuner increases the front wheelhouse widenings and the side sills and, in addition to this, it adds a special diffusor-looking rear bumper which underlines the changes and completes the conversion of the G400 CDI.

German Special Customs provides its in-house Jura wheel composition. The upgraded G-class, then, receives a seven-spoke forged wheel in the 10×22 inch format with 305/40R22 tyres. As an option, the Jura rim is available an inch larger than the initial version.

The interior of the vehicle is refreshed too. The designers from German Special Customs provide customized carbon ornaments which enhance and decorate the cockpit. The seats can be featured either in full leather or in combination of leather and alcantara. The alcantara roof canopy and the A-, B- and C-pillars or other infotainments systems for the front and rear are all included in the the highlighting program of GSC for the G-class.

Source: XMedia-Group

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Introduces S550 Premium Sports Edition in Japan

Mercedes-Benz is currently introducing exclusively in Japan the S550 Premium Sports Edition. The car will go on sale later this month and will be produced in a limited run of only 200 units. This special model is based on the long-wheelbase version of the S550 and features the AMG sport package. The exterior of the vehicle, depending on the preference of the future owner, can be either the exclusive Obsidian Black or White Diamond paint schemes. These paint finishes will available only and exclusively for the S550 Premium Sports Edition.

Furthermore, this Mercedes will be running on 20-inch AMG alloy wheels. The sporty styling I continued inside the cabin. Here we see black Nappa leather seats, designo ash wood trim and a leather/wood steering wheel.

In addition, the car also comes packed with chauffeur package. It features executive rear seat, heated seats, heated armrests as well as a rear seat entertainment system – among other things.

The company hasn’t’ said anything about engine configuration so this probably indicates that the car will retain the standard unit. The S550 Coupe is driven by the 4.7-liter biturbo V8 engine. It produces 449 horsepower (330 kW) and 699 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

These figures help the special Japan edition S550 run from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes-Benz S550 Premium Sports Edition will cost the lucky owners ¥18,100,000 which is approximately $169,000 USD.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG Pumped Up by Brabus

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is one of the most compact vehicle in this range but it stands out everywhere with a true SUV capability, ideal flexibility and efficiency which guarantees a unique driving experience.

Similar to its past projects on different Mercedes vehicles, Brabus once again has demonstrated successful results and has turned up the heat with another industry-leading innovative program. In this particular case, the tuner not only improve the complete set of performance qualities of the GLA-Class but extracts their capacity to the max. The outcome does indeed please the senses of drivers. The high class degree of products which are developed by Brabus for the Mercedes compact crossover make it look more athletic and sportier.

The GLA 250 receives the PowerXtra B25 performance kit by Brabus which boosts the four-cylinder turbocharged engine. After the conversion, the power output is pumped from usual 211hp (155 kW) to 2445hp (108 kW) and produces a peak torque that varies from 350 to 385 Nm (258 to 284 lb-ft). The outcome is pretty obvious. With the enhanced driving dynamics, the vehicle is set to another level. In addition, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is performed in 6.7 seconds, with increased top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Next, the Mercedes-Benz compact SUV GLA 45 gets the PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit. With the enhancements, the GLA model produces 400hp (294 kW) with a peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). With this engine, the all-wheel-drive car speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in the impressive 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the BRABUS V/max unit, the power-SUV holds a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Mercedes GLA 200 CDI is crowned with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 which increases the output of the 2.1-liter, diesel-powered vehicle to 210hp (155 kW) and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). This GLA model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds and reaches a new top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

As usual, a significant part of any Brabus program is a new set of wheels. The German tuner offers wheels ranging in diameter from 18 to 21 inches to the GLA-Class vehicles. The platinum Edition wheels are the largest version and are available in either a Monoblock F or a Monoblock R design.

On top of this, Brabus satisfies individual requests and designs the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class according to the personal preferences of its clients.

Source: Brabus

October 22, 2014

Ringbrothers Shows Sketches of 980 HP Chevrolet Chevelle Ahead of SEMA Reveal

Ringbrothers are going to SEMA Show with unique Chevrolet Chevelle. They have released four sketches which give us the idea of what we are to see at the event. The car made back in the 1966 will now take a contemporary form and will benefit from the cool features the modern automobile technology can offer. In addition, the tuning company has also announced that the project will be dubbed “Recoil” and will blend the pure power of a race car with the sleek and detailed finish of a show car.

What is more, the Recoil project will be equipped with a Chevrolet’s LS7 V8 engine, which pushes out 980 horsepower (720 kW) to the rear wheels. The unit is fitted with Whipple-supercharger and a custom Flowmaster exhaust system.

In addition, the customization specialists also said that the car has been renovated and features hand-laid carbon fiber panels and trim pieces. This Chevy Chevelle runs on modern HRE Wheels and there are also several other details just like the LED-lights.

Chevelle was introduced in 1963 and was created with the aim to compete with Ford Fairlane. It was offered in two-door hardtop coupe and convertible variants as well as four-door sedans and station wagons. Six-cylinder and V8 power was offered across the board.

In 1966, the Chevelle saw a complete restyle of the previous frame, which featured smooth contours, new grille and bumper as well as curved side windows. The engines offered back then were the 327-cubic-inch V8 and the mid-level 220 horsepower 283-cubic-inch V8 unit. Options included tachometer, mag-style wheel covers and sintered-metallic brakes.

Source: Ringbrothers

October 22, 2014

Alfa Romeo 4C Chosen as Performance Car of the Year 2015

2015 has been a very good year for the Italian luxury car manufacturer Alfa Romeo. The Alfa Romeo 4C has won some really prestigious accolades. One of them is that of “Performance Car of the Year 2015” in the inaugural Association of Professional Motoring Press (APMP) awards. Also, the car has been chosen as the “Best Driver’s Car Under €75,000” category win and has been prized joint Overall Best Car 2015 in the Sunday Times Ireland / CompleteCar.ie Best Car Guide for 2015. Taking into consideration it was only launched in the UK and Ireland earlier this year, those accomplishments are pretty amazing.

The Alfa Romeo 4C utilizes some of the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo‘s newest models. To sum its charactersitcis up, the car is powered by the new all-aluminum 1750 Turbo Petrol engine with (177 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It also has the latest-generation “Alfa TCT” dry twin clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector that now offers a new “Race” mode. Finally, the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and demonstrates a top speed of 259km/h.

Yet, what really has the judging panels representatives of the Association of Professional Motoring Press and the Sunday Times Ireland / CompleteCar.ie is the improved, lightweight materials that is used in the construction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. The application of such materials positively impact on the performance and the handling qualities of the vehicle. What is more, the advanced lightweight components also result in exceptionally law fuel consumption and decrease CO₂emissions (just 157g/km) which, respectively, effects the price and the motor tax of the car. Described as “an out-and-out bargain”, The Alfa Romeo 4C can be purchased for €69,900 (£45,000 OTR in the UK).

Source: Alfa Romeo

October 22, 2014

Heico Sportive Teases Custom Volvo XC90

Heico Sportiv Volvo XC90 is a project that we eagerly await. The tuning company has just released the first teaser image of the upcoming customized car and the news that the specialists have already begun developing a comprehensive accessories and equipment features for this Scandinavian premium SUV. Other details haven’t been disclosed yet, but we expect this to happen in the coming months.

As we can see from the image, the car is covered in poison green color paint scheme and we also wonder whether there will be any changes in this direction. In addition, the rendering also suggests that there will be a lowered suspension and of course new alloy wheels.

The second generation XC90 was unveiled prior the Paris Motor Show but celebrated its official public unveil there. The market launch of the car is scheduled for May next year. This model is the first Volvo which is built on company’s Scalable Product Architecture and in addition it is powered by four-cylinder Drive-E engines.

Volvo is offering a range of petrol and diesel engines. In particular, the gasoline units are the T5, which produces 254 hp (187 kW) & 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), and the T6 turbo- and supercharged engine, which is rated at 320 hp (235 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The diesel powerplants are also two: the D4 with 190 hp (140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) as well as the twin-turbo D6 producing 255 hp (189 kW) and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft).

Volvo has also announced that there will also be a powerful plug-in hybrid version dubbed T8. It offers a combined output of 400 hp (294 kW) and generates 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) from a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter and an 80 hp electric motor. The electric motor alone offers a range of 40 km (25 miles). Other attractive features in the new XC90 are the T-shaped LED daytime running lights and the 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the SUV can offer space for up to seven people.

Source: Heico Sportiv

October 22, 2014

Category: Auto News