Auto News – Page 448 – Automobiles Review

Ballistic BJ Baldwin Recoil 2 – Unleashed in Mexico by Monster Energy

The attention is focused on the little town of Ensenada, Mexico Set as a stage for Ballistic BJ Baldwin’s viral hit Recoil. We become witnesses to one mind blowing, exciting and adrenaline pumping action driving video. This video, by Monster Energy shows us BJ driving his 800hp (596 kW) Trohpy Truck, raging down across the quiet, unsuspecting seaside town. You can see the Monster truck being pushed to the limit of the aggressive terrain it’s driven on. But what better way of beating an aggressive terrain, than to run it over with your Monster Trophy tuck. Overcoming with ease every drop and twisted angle the town has, as he attempts to win a bet set by his friend Dan Bilzerian. What does he have to win or to lose? You can only find out after having watched the amazing video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXMyZ929lpY

Source: Monster energy Via Youtube

September 24, 2014

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate

Amazingly, the V8 has a lot of power and handles pretty good. With a muscle car feeling. The visual modes are different. There are working air vents for the V8 engine

The all new C63 has a 4.0-litre biturbo engine, allowing excellent performance, with 3 stage adjustable dampers and custom steering set-up, the car remains agile, making it one of the most popular AMG models.

The unique technology installed in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 makes the car high-performance and as exciting as it can get but viable for everyday use as well. The C63 engines reduce vibration from themselves and the gearbox when you are driving in normal conditions. Of course, on the other side, if you want to go faster, they intensify so they can provide and improve performance and handling.

The C 63 is equipped with a genuine suspension set-up. With independent steering, 4-link suspension and improved stability, while the rear system uses increased negative camber. AMG RIDE CONTROL system is connected to both of these, through three stage dampers, which are electronically controlled, provide comfort and track settings.

The S model comes with 245/35 R19 (front) and 265/35 R19 (rear) tyres while the C 63 gains 245/40 R18 (front) and 265/40 R18 (rear) tyres.

A masterpiece M177 engine, equipped with twin turbochargers is implemented in the AMG C63 series.The four different models come with very different characteristics:

Model	Power	Torque	0-62mph (secs)	Top speed (mph)	Economy (mpg)	CO₂(g/km)
C 63 Saloon	476 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm	650 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm	4.1	155	34.5	192
C 63 Estate	476 hp at 5,500–6,250 rpm	650 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm	4.2	155	33.6	196
C 63 S Saloon	510 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm	700 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm	4.0	155	34.5	192
C 63 S Estate	510 hp at 5,500-6,250 rpm	700 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm	4.1	155	33.6	196

Outstanding changes to appearance, both on the inside and the outside. An unique AMG grille, front wings featuring a quiet V8 biturbo engine, front bumpers and rear bumpers, designed to handle the new quad exhaust pipes, give the vehicle all that exciting, shiny new look.A new version of the ”AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT” 7-speed transmission is installed on the C 63 – now with quicker shift times.As a Saloon, the C 63 AMG weighs from 1,715 kg while the Estate weighs from 1,785 kg.

New visible changes are noticed inside. A small original AMG wheel with AMG dials. You can get your AMG with sports seats option along with different leather settings. A optional active AMG performance exhaust system and the “AMG ride control buttons”.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Saloon and Estate will be available for sale next month in the UK. First delivers will be in Spring 2015. Pricing and specifications will be unveiled when the ordering opens.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 24, 2014

Ready for Laser-powered Headlights?

Lasers can do some amazing things. They are being used today to read DVDs, correct blurry vision and even for destroying Imperial Star Cruisers. Now you can add this to the list, “replacing car headlamps.” That’s right; vehicle headlights are getting the laser treatment.

BMW, one of the first automakers to adopt the technology, says that lasers have an illuminating power 1,000 times more powerful than LEDs — which up until just recently provided the greatest wow factor of all the bulb technologies out there. BMW explains that the technology has some compelling advantages, for example: laser automobile lights can be much smaller than conventional lighting systems, they can use less energy to operate, and they look pretty darn cool, too.

But wait a minute, can’t lasers burn your eyes out? Not a problem says BMW, because of the way the beam energy is directed, then reflected, then ultimately displayed out of the headlight housing, you can’t accidentally injure your eyes. This is not like “looking into a laser”. What happens with each headlight is that three blue lasers positioned at the rear of the assembly fire onto a set of mirrors closer to the front. Those mirrors focus the laser energy into a lens filled with yellow phosphorus. The yellow phosphorus, when excited by the blue laser, emits an intense white light. That white light shines backward, onto a reflector then the reflector bounces the more diffused white light forward to illuminate the road.

Because laser-powered headlight systems can be much smaller, automotive designers can have a lot more flexibility to make more aerodynamic shapes or fit more stuff into the engine compartment with the freed-up space.

BMW, the developer and so far frontrunner on this technology, hasn’t yet said when laser-powered headlights will be a regular option on its production cars and SUVs. And other companies? Given the “arms-race” nature of the auto business, it’s probably a safe bet that other manufacturers are already trying to figure out how to produce their own laser-augmented lighting systems. We will likely be seeing a great deal more about automotive laser illumination systems in coming years.

Source: Crosstown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

September 24, 2014

Family Heritage in Dodge Custom Convertible

Collector cars usually have a base price to them, and are usually cataloged based on whether it is all original, packed with certain features, as well its overall mileage. But what can not be explained or defined in the pricing is how that vehicle came to be, the story behind that specific car, and who the original owner can improve the price of the vehicle.

A 1964 Dodge 880 Convertible is the topic of this discussion. It is a custom convertible produced in a model year celebrating the 50^th year of the Dodge auto brand. It is also the year in which Dodge produced over 100 thousand vehicles. Out of all those created, there were just a thousand or so of these convertibles created. That alone adds value to the vehicle.

Now the major kicker to all of this is that the original owner was Anna Thomson Dodge, aka Mrs. Dodge herself. The widow of one of the Dodge Brothers, Horace. The convertible was purchased and given to her from her son Horace Jr. The sad end of that story was Horace never got around to seeing his mother drive her new vehicle, and died that following December.

Now almost 50 years later we now know this remarkable story of a vehicles history, and the people that were involved with it. The current owner Mary Wilson, and whose husband was the founding owner of the Buffalo Bills, says she knows the vehicle could use some restoration work done, but she is always glad to take it for a spin whenever she gets the chance.

Source: Kolosso Dodge

September 24, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Gets new Retro Classic Trim

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic is a limited edition model which is set to appear only at the North American market scene. Volkswagen of America has also announced that the iconic model in a new trim is ready to go on sale this week. This new addition to the Beetle range enhances its value story by the addition of a host of more equipment.

Beetle Classic runs on 17-inch “Heritage” aluminum-alloy wheels, which lend it old-school visual appearance. Thanks to them the car looks more closely to the original bug from the mid 50s. In addition, this particular model adds rear spoiler and will be offered in three exterior paint finishes: Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver.

The Classic trim has an understated retro look inside: there we see leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, multifunction steering wheel, two-tone brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces and comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support. The historic mini model also gets some special technical characteristics in term of equipment such as Sirius XM Satellite Radio, an RNS 315 navigation system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

This coupe is powered by the 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine. It produces 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 240 Nm (177 pound-feet) of torque. The Beetle 1.8T Coupe has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 33 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen will also offer a Beetle Classic Convertible, which will go on sale early in 2015. It will have the same equipment as the coupe and will be driven by the same powertrain. The EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating here is at 32 mpg. 2015 Beetle Classic Coupe has a starting price of $20,195 USD, while the Convertible – $25,995 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

September 24, 2014

CVTs – The Perfect Transmission?

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission but operates very differently than older fluid-based automatics. CVTs are mechanically-based transmissions and provide more useable power, better fuel economy and smoother driving than traditional automatics. It should be noted that CVTs have been around for years in other motorized applications. Vehicles such as snowmobiles and some off-road recreational vehicles have utilized CVTs for decades. Only just recently has the technology seen mainstream automotive use.

How they work

Conventional automatic transmissions have sets of gears inside their housings that provide different gear ratios or speeds. Control units sense a vehicle’s speed and other parameters and use that information to shift the transmission’s gears. The user just puts the transmission in the appropriate mode with the gear selector switch (P-R-N-D-L). A CVT uses a similar selector switch but replaces the complex gears sets common in automatic transmissions with two simple variable-diameter pulleys, each shaped like a pair of opposing cones, with a metal belt running between them. The way it works is that during operation the pulleys move in and out such that a drive belt between moves higher on one pulley, lower on the other and this provides a numerical gear reduction. You can picture this roughly as the way a 10-speed bike works, by routing the chain over smaller or larger gears to change the gear ratios. The gearing effect with a CVT is essentially “continuous”, hence the nomenclature.

What they are like to drive

The controls for a CVT-based car are the same as an automatic-based car: Two pedals (gas and brake) and a P-R-N-D-L-style shift pattern. When driving a car with a CVT, you won’t hear or feel the transmission shift, though. It simply raises and lowers the engine speed as needed, calling up higher engine speeds (or RPMs) for better acceleration and lower RPMs for better fuel economy while cruising. Some people find that driving a CVT-based automobile is a little disconcerting because they sound different when being driven.

Advantages of CVTs

Internal combustion engines do not develop constant power at all speeds; they have specific speeds where either torque, horsepower, or fuel efficiency are at their optimum levels. Because a CVT can theoretically adjust to any gear ratio, engineers can program them to give maximum performance in all these situations.

Disadvantages of CVTs

The CVT’s biggest problem has been user acceptance. Because the CVT allows the engine to rotate at any speed, the noises coming from under the hood can sound odd to ears accustomed to conventional automatic transmissions. Automakers have gone to great lengths to make the CVT feel more like a conventional transmission. For example, many CVTs are now programmed to simulate the “kick-down” feel of a regular automatic when the pedal is floored.

Reliability of CVTs

Because early automotive CVTs were limited as to how much horsepower they could handle, there has been some concern about the long-term reliability of the CVT. This has not proven to be a problem, though. Advanced technology has made the CVT quite robust and reliable. Nissan has more than a million CVTs in service around the world and says their long-term reliability is comparable to conventional transmissions.

The future of the CVT remains to be seen. In spite of the obvious efficiencies of CVTs, customers can be fickle and may prefer and older technology. Give it a few more years and we should know how user acceptance plays a role in the adoption in CVT technology.

Source: Team Nissan North

September 24, 2014

Common Electrical Problems in Jeeps

If your engine components go there is an easy decision on whether to fix it, replace it or trade in for a new vehicle. But when there is something small like an electrical problem, it always seems like those little ones can lead to larger problems, and are incredibly challenging to fix.

Faulty Instrument Lights. One problem any vehicle can face, not including Jeep models is a instrumental or gauges that aren’t lighting up properly. This could be a problem for a number of reasons, one you can’t see how fast your going, you can’t see your fuel gauge just to name a couple.

No blinker or hazards, or even blinkers that are blinking too fast. This is oddly a problem that does happen often with some LED lights. Sometimes just by adding LED lights could cause this problem, or more commonly you have lost a bulb recently. Nobody wants to be driving behind a Jeep that looks like they are having a rave whenever they turn.

Brake Light is staying lit, well after releasing the brake? The main cause for this is because the tab doesn’t release from the connector properly, which signifies the light as if the brake is still on. But it also could be something as natural as a corroded connector or broken wire.

The problems with electric components can be large of very small and granular. This is the challenge of owning any vehicle, and not a Jeep. But in order to maintain the longevity of your vehicle as recommended to us by a local car tech, is to simply have it maintenance on the regular. Just like visiting your doctor, have your check-ups done to catch the small things before they come big problems.

Source: Service Center of Pomoco Chrysler

September 24, 2014

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration is Feasting the Senses

Another picture teaser of the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration was just revealed. The car, which is set to debut at the Paris Auto Show, is Infiniti‘s vision of supreme luxurious driving. It is a “top-of-the-line, four-seat fastback” with driver-centric powertrain and onboard technologies. The car will be introduced exactly at 15:30 local time on October 2 in Hall 5 of the Parc des Expositions de Versailles in Paris. There, the company will premiere not only the progressive Q80 Inspiration but also will offer a glimpse of its high-performance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain as well as additional technologies.

The profile of the Q80 Inspiration extends to 5052 millimeters (198.9 inches) with a long wheelbase of 3103 mm (122.2 in). It strikes width is of 2027 mm (79.8 in) while the height is of 1350 mm (53.1 in). The vehicle runs on custom 22-inch five-dual-spoke lightweight alloys.

This model is created with the aim of capturing the unforgettable feeling when one experiences something important, beautiful, magnetic for the first time. If you look closely to the released photo you will see that the there are no side-door mirrors to break up the aesthetics of the unmistakable profile of the car.

The lightweight acoustic glass highlights the full roof length of the teardrop passenger greenhouse. Moreover, the doors open portal style, which allows the cabin to be fully on display while driver and passengers step effortlessly in and out.

Inside, the cabin of the model is capable of bringing together the four occupants (“1 + 1 + 1 + 1” seating.) in a highly stylized and personalized ambiance. Infiniti reveals that only high quality materials were used for the interior. These include carbon fiber, aluminum and leather.

Next, the car is equipped with advanced adaptive suspension, rides on light and rigid chassis and delivers optimum sound deadening. In other words, Infiniti Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback is expected to redefined premium fastback segment.

Source: Infiniti

September 24, 2014

Take a Look Into The Production of the Chrysler 200

Chrysler Group subsidiary Chrysler has gone ahead and created a new website that allows online users to explore their Chrysler 200 plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It is a very interesting and interactive way of providing people a look into the facility.

Let us start by explaining the facility. It is a completely overhauled facility just outside the Detroit metropolitan area. It is designed solely for the production of the all new Chrysler 200 sedan model. This is the same model that Chrysler is pushing out to the North American market, expressing they have a completely redesigned 200 sedan, that is fresh, and should fulfill many who are looking for a midsize sedan.

This facility might be one of the hardest working facilities over the next 4-5 years as they work hard to reach the FIAT Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s goal of selling over 700 thousand units of the Chrysler 200 by the 2018 year. This is a very optimistic stretch goal for the Chrysler Group, as in 2013 they were only able to sell just 350 thousand units.

Now back to the tour itself. It includes a great narrative, and segmented structure. So it allows you to pick and choose what part of the manufacturing plant you wish to tour. It gives you a blue line to follow for a scripted tour, or you can take a more manual tour, and just click around the screen.

The tour is powered by Google Maps Business, and throughout the tour you will reach highlighted areas where you can watch a video to gain a better understanding of what happens at each and every station throughout the production of the Chrysler 200.

Related Article: Chrysler 200 Sedan on Thompson Chrysler Baltimore

September 24, 2014

2015 Ford Mondeo With Innovative Pedestrian Detection Technology

This latest version of the For Mondeo is a very notable car in many different ways. The previous version is a multiple award winner. It is still a common sight on the UK roads. We all have been waiting for this version of the Mondeo. The first concept car prieviewing this car was before 3 years ago.

Here are five things we know for sure about this car: The Ford Mondeo is a rarity in its class. And a lot of its rivals primarily come as saloons: like the Mazda, premium versions of Audi, BMW, etc. There is going to be a saloon version of this, but you will only get that on the hybrid version and on really top-level trims, but most versions are going to be hatchbacks and there is also an Estate model which is going on sale, exactly the same time as the other models.

With its newest technology feature, the” New Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection” Ford sets a new level of technological advances in its segment. The system can recognize people on the road ahead, or possible people capable of crossing the vehicle’s way, which automatically presses the brakes, if the driver does not respond in time.

One thing that we are really used to with the Ford Mondeo cars, is their sheer size and the newest model is not going to be any different. The trunk is particularly large, very deep and very wide. This car gets a much higher level of equipment , compared to the previous models. Even the entry level versions get alloy wheels, dual-zone conditioning . The latest version of the “Sync entertainment system”. The car is equipped with a “air bag seat belts” which blow up like air bags in case of a crash. That is really quite high level of equipment. This is something you would only get on things like Mercedes-S class.

One thing the Ford has been criticized during the years, is the central console. They are often covered in a lot of buttons and are really quite confusing. But the console in the new Mondeo looks a lot cleaner and easier to use and navigate around. Most things are controlled from the 8-inch touch screen with the Sync system that brings the DAB radio on every model, Bluetooth. And on higher levels, satelite navigation. Many Mondeos have been bought with diesel engines for long trks up and down the motorway

There is going to be 3 diesel engines – 1.6-litre will be the highlight, as far as for emissions, they will be under 100 g/km. There is also going to be 2, 2.0-liter diesel engines under around 110-120 g/km respectively. On the other side, if you are going to use a petrol engine, there is going to be a variety of selection there as well: To start off with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost and in the future, there is a high chance there will be a 1.0-litre EcoBoost in the car as well.

There is also going to be a hybrid version, which is only going to be in the saloon range but that will give you sub-100 g/km of emissions. There is going to be three trim levels which you can choose from: Style Ztec and Titanium – there is going to be further details on what exactly you can get with that as time goes by. There will be a model at the top of the range called “Vignale” which is going to come with a little more visual upgrades on the outside and inside as well.

Source: Ford

September 24, 2014

‘Build Your Own’ Site by Chevy Goes Live

With the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado hitting Chevy Dealers across North America this fall, the introduction of the “Build Your Own” tool by Chevy couldn’t have gone live at a better time. As the marketing manager for the Colorado says, “Our truck lineup is all about giving truck buyers a choice”.

In their press release Chevrolet was able to put together some sample customized builds of the Colorado. But starting off the base extended-cab model has a 200-hp, 2.5l four cylinder engine, and starts off at just $20,995. Some of the unique sample builds they mention are:

This package was simply designed for the working man or woman, with great towing and hauling capability. It includes a Z82 trailering package, and the beefier 3.6L V6 engine for better towing power.
This package was designed for the polar opposite of the labor worker. It was designed for the purpose of simply getting a driver from point A to point B. It starts off with the 2WD Crew Cab, a spray-in bedliner, GearOn divider and tie down rings.

These are just a couple of the sample custom packages that they have using the “Build Your Own” tool from their website. The beauty of this tool it will give each and everyone their own freedom to add whatever options they feel are necessary for their day to day needs.

September 24, 2014

GeigerCars Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray

There is much technology going with the GeigerCars Chevrolet Corvette C7 Convertible. Starting with V8 engine, 460 PS, 630 Nm (464 lb-ft) torque, launch control, magnetic selective ride control suspension and more. GeigerCars provides: exclusive GeigerCars body kit made of carbon as well as adjustable “KW” variant 3 coil-over suspension and a compressor conversion to 590 hp (514 kW) & 757 Nm (558 lb-ft) of torque.

An “Eaton” compressor gives the original V8 engine, an increased performance of 130 hp. Furthermore, the torque is increased by 145 Nm (106 lb-ft). Overall GeigerCars’ C7 has 590 hp (324 kW) and a torque of 757 Nm (558 lb-ft), which allows it to reach top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph).

A specifically designed body kit, with carbon fibre which further increases to the aerodynamics improvement along with a special GeigerCars rear bumper makes this ride even more powerful and beautiful than ever before. A special “motorsport gold” paint improves the car’s visuals. The front consists of more flaps on the right and left, and a nice front grille.

This beautiful ride has a V8 compressor engine with displacement of 6,162 ccm, reaching the dazzling 434 kW (590 hp), enough to produce torque of 757 Nm (558 lb-ft), with a 7-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption in city area is 19.1(EU l/100 km) 14(UK mpg) 12(US mpg) and out of town 7.8(EU l/100 km) (36 UK mpg) 30(US mpg) combined 12 (EU l/100 km) (23 UK mpg) 19 (US mpg). CO² emission combined (g/km) is 279.

A couple of additional features of the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray include improved aerodynamics, new suspension tuning and cooling. The starting price of €74,500 includes those features and other ones which are not met in any other car brand.

The new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 is available both as a coupé or cabrio along with the GeigerCars.de improvements or without it.

Source: Chevrolet

September 23, 2014

Category: Auto News