Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat – 707HP and 880Nm

    Nowadays, all car manufacturers are competing to introduce more fuel efficient cars – plug-in hybrids, all-electric and even hybrid hyper vehicles like McLaren P1 and Porsche 918. No. Dodge has introduced worlds quickest, fastest and most powerful production sedan – Charger SRT Hellcat.

    The engine is taken from the Challenger SRT Hellcat – a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 – 707HP (527 kW) and 880Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox sending all that power to the rear wheels. ¼ mile is covered in just 11.0 seconds and the top speed is whopping 328 km/h (204 mph); 0-160-0 km/h in less than 13.0 seconds.

    There are five driving modes:

    • Custom — Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
    • Sport — Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
    • Track — Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
    • Default — Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
    • Eco — Maximizes fuel economy with a revised shift schedule, pedal map and second-gear starts

    The exterior boasts an aggressive design featuring modified front fascia, a new front grille and LED-infused headlights. There is also a power-bulge aluminum hood with a CAI (cold air intake) and heat extractors. Other highlights include a new rear bumper, lip spoiler for the trunk, dual sports exhaust system and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires.

    The interior features a new sport steering wheel with flat bottom, heated and vented sport seats upholstered in Nappa leather and Alcantara. There is also a digital instrument cluster, impressive 900 watts 18-speaker HK (Harman Kardon) premium audio system and Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4” touchscreen display.

    Last, but not least is the largest front-brake system ever fitted in a Chrysler Group vehicle – 390mm (15.4”) Brembo two-piece rotors with 6-piston calipers. It ensures ultimate stopping power and outstanding heat management and thermal capacity and longevity.

    Source: Dodge

  • Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Super Trofeo [video]

    Carspotter Jeroen has published a nice video of the incredible Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Super Trofeo. Although the car is not officially unveiled, obviously it exists and looks amazing.

    The track-only Huracan Super Trofeo boasts a complete aerodynamics package including an aggressive front splitter, a pair of modified side skirts and an enormous rear wing. There are also some red accents and all parts are manufactured from carbon fiber. Other highlights include vented front fenders and black ultra-light alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero slick tires.

    The interior is completely stripped and comes with a roll-cage, a race-spec steering wheel and a digital instrument display.

    For, now the performance specs are not available but the sports car will be a lot lighter and faster than the normal Huracan.

    2014 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

    Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo is expected to be officially unveiled tomorrow at the The Quail in Monterey, CA. It is going to compete in next year’s Blancpain Super Trofeo.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1spGPR1hn7o

    Source: Carspotter Jeroen via Youtube

  • BMW 4-Series Convertible – ///M Performance

    BMW is going to offer a number of ///M Performance upgrades for the all-new 4-Series Convertible. The stylish drop-top will become even more impressive when fitted with these goodies.

    The exterior boasts several carbon fiber accessories like a new front splitter, a pair of modified side skirts and of course a new rear diffuser. Other highlights include black kidney grilles, carbon fiber mirror caps and different styles of wheels ranging from 18” to 20” fitted with proper tires.

    The interior features a new impressive sports steering wheel fully wrapped in premium quality Alcantara. It also has polycarbonate cover for the OLED display screen and colored LEDs. Other special features include real-time fuel efficiency data; average fuel economy and average speed. There is also a sport mode as well as race mode with a number of interesting data: lap time, max speed, max G-force, 60′ time, 330′ time, 1,000′ time, 1/8 and 1/4 mile times and trap speeds.

    The interior also can be ordered with carbon fiber trim elements, alloy pedals and a carbon fiber gear knob.

    The German manufacturer will also offer a performance package boosting the engines in the range with up to 34HP (25 kW).

    Source: BMW

  • Caterham Cars offers two new models to US customers

    Caterham-Seven-480_thumbCaterham-Seven-480_651

    The British sports car maker Caterham Cars has unveiled two new versions of its iconic Seven, designed for the US market – the Seven 480 and Seven 360.

    The creation of the two new models comes as a response to increased interest towards the brand on the US market and this is the reason why both models will go on sale immediately. Both Seven 480 and Seven 360 models are powered by two-liter Ford Duratec engines with the Seven 480 offering a bit more power. It can reach 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds thanks to an engine that produces 237 bhp (240 HP/176 kW) of power. Top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h). The Seven 360 reaches 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in impressive 4.9 seconds thanks to an engine with 180 bhp (182 HP/134 kW) of power. Top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).

    The Caterham Seven was first created in England over 40 years ago and is now one of the most recognisable British sportscars. The Seven is famed for its distinctive, classic styling, lightweight structure and legendary performance and handling. Sevens are shipped to the USA in part-built form and sold as rolling chassis via Superformance’s nationwide dealer network for customers to then complete personally.

    The Seven 360 can be yours for USD 44,900, while the Seven 480 starts at USD 52,900.

    Source: Caterham Cars

  • 2015 Ford Mustang comes with an advanced sound system

    2015-Ford-Mustang_thumb2015-Ford-Mustang_651

    When you hear “Ford Mustang” you usually imagine a cool-looking, muscle sports car. If you do, you will not be mistaken – the Ford Mustang is indeed a muscle car but the latest 2015 model will come with something more – a really high quality sound system.

    That’s right – the 2015 Ford Mustang will be treating your ears with great sound thanks to the installed audio systems, three of which will find their places in the vehicle. The new model can provide you with a standard six-speaker configuration, a premium nine-speaker system with an eight-inch touch screen and a 12-speaker ShakerPro system with a trunk-mounted subwoofer – the choice is yours!

    “As our team developed this Mustang, the goal was to improve the car’s fidelity in every respect – from the way it slices through a corner to the way the audio system reproduces the sound of favorite driving songs,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The process of rebuilding this car from the ground up allowed us to improve all aspects of the driving experience.”

    The installed sound system is not everything, though – the sound inside the Mustang is made better through the body of the car too. The new Mustang comes with a stronger body that is 28 per cent more resistant to twisting than the previous model, which results in less noise. The improved aerodynamics also aids the acoustic environment because it reduces wind noise, especially at highway speeds.

    The speakers that the new 2015 Ford Mustang uses are mounted in the doors. The basic audio system configuration uses slimmer and lighter 6.5-inch door speakers that do not need as much travel to produce comparable audio volume, with higher-fidelity mid-range and bass sound. A pair of 6.5-inch round full-range speakers are mounted in the rear package tray of the fastback, or in the quarter panels in the convertible. The more expensive sound systems add a front center speaker mounted in the top of the instrument panel for improved vocal and speech clarity. These systems add a separate 8+1-channel amplifier, and use powerful neodymium magnet speakers to help reduce weight while improving overall sensitivity and sound reproduction. The mid-range nine-speaker system adds a second speaker to each door, separating the low and mid-range frequencies for improved fidelity. Apart from these the the top-end Shaker Pro system that is available on Mustang EcoBoost Premium and Mustang GT Premium brings 12 polymer cone speakers, with a pair of coaxial tweeter/woofers in the rear, plus a trunk-mounted subwoofer for maximum bass response.

    Finally the new 2015 Ford Mustang is the first Ford vehicle to feature a high-power, 2.1-amp USB port in the media bin at the base of the center stack to charge various portable devices twice as fast as before.

    Source: Ford Motor Company

  • 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander named one of best back-to-school cars

    2015-Mitsubishi-Outlander_thumb2015-Mitsubishi-Outlander_651

    The US Kelley Blue Book, an important source of automotive information and car prices, has named the Mitsubishi Motors North America Outlander Sport 5-passenger compact crossover/SUV one of the ten best back-to-school cars of 2014.

    According to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is “one of the most affordable crossovers you can buy” and is also “among the most stylish.” KBB.com further remarked that the Outlander Sport “balances a fun demeanor with the peace of mind of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.”

    The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a perfect choice for novice drivers – the car comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems, a 5-speed manual or next-generation continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that mimics a precision 7-speed transmission, a new audio trim panel, next generation power steering, insulated materials for less noise and more.

    Additional technology features include FUSE Hands-free Link System® with Bluetooth® hands-free phone operation and a plethora of standard safety features includes seven airbags, an anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; Active Stability Control, Traction Control Logic, Hill Start Assist and Mitsubishi Motors’ patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety cell technology that helps to protect the vehicle’s occupants by deflecting energy away from the passenger compartment. The vehicle also offers fuel economy of US 32 mpg (7.35 liters per 100 km).

    An additional nice feature is that the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance.

    The new vehicle can be yours for just USD 19,595 (destination fee excluded).

    Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America

  • The 2015 Chrysler 200 named Top Safety Pick Plus

    2015-Chrysler-200_thumb2015-Chrysler-200_651

    Cars are a nice thing but there is always a risk involved with them. You may be the best and most careful driver ever but no matter how slow you may drive, the driver in the opposite lane may still hit you and cause injuries and other bad things. Clearly you need a car that is as safe as possible.

    Well, your choice has become a bit easier thanks to the efforts of the US Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). If you want a safe car then you should take a look at the 2015 Chrysler 200, which was just named “2014 Top Safety Pick Plus” by this same institute. The highest safety rating was awarded to models that come with front crash prevention.

    “The 200 aced the challenging small overlap front test with a good rating in every measurement category,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “Chrysler should also be commended for offering forward collision warning with autonomous braking on this mainstream midsize car. Our research shows that these systems are effective in preventing some kinds of crashes from happening altogether.”

    The tests conducted include a side impact with a large SUV or pickup truck, front moderate-offset impact, roof-crush consistent with a rollover, a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash, a new small-offset frontal impact and new crash prevention evaluation. In all tests the Chrysler 200 achieved the highest possible rating. This is not surprising though – the car comes with a comprehensive array of 60 active and passive safety and security features, including driver-warning/assist systems and state-of-the-art occupant restraints. In addition to all this about 65 per cent of the body of the car consists of hot-stamped, high-strength, advanced high-strength and boron steels for greater overall chassis strength.

    The new 2015 Chrysler 200 comes with various extras such as a nine-speed automatic transmission, full electronic shifting, an innovative all-wheel drive system, a choice of two engines, paddle shifters, an available sport mode, highway fuel economy of US 36 mpg (6.5 liters per 100 km), cruise control and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist technologies. A unique feature of the 2015 Chrysler 200 is that the car comes with a segment-exclusive standard electronic brake with SafeHold that secures the vehicle if the driver opens the door and unlatches the seat belt while forward or reverse gears are still engaged. Other standard and available features include electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, ParkSense rear backup sensors, ParkView rear backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection and LATCH child seat anchors.

    The new 2015 Chrysler 200 starts at USD 21,700 (excluding a USD 995 destination fee) and is available at various Chrysler dealers in the United States.

    Source: Chrysler

  • Diesel engines likely to be used in general aviation aircraft

    Audi-diesel-engine_thumbAudi-diesel-engine_651

    The US general aviation aircraft industry is likely to see a major change in the near future as diesel engines are more than likely to replace traditional kerosene engines used today. In fact major makers of aircraft and aviation engines have already announced development of diesel engines that will be used in aircraft in the near future so the first diesel-powered airplanes are just around the corner.

    The reason for the change is quite simple – diesel fuel and diesel engines have undisputed advantages when compared to kerosene and kerosene-fueled engines. These are the same reasons why diesel-powered vehicles exist in the first place. In a few words airplanes that have diesel engines will have lower fuel consumption, lead-free emissions, increased range and better performance at various altitudes, which are really serious improvements, welcomed by the general aviation industry.

    Major aircraft makers such as Cessna and Continental Motors, American Champion Aircraft, Lycoming and DeltaHawk engines have already announced new diesel engines designed to power various types of aircraft.

    The change to diesel fuel in the aircraft industry follows a clear trend in the US automotive industry that has started offering a number of diesel-powered cars in the United States where just 10 years ago virtually all cars sold featured gasoline engines. The reason for the change is simple – cleaner, more powerful and more fuel efficient engines than ever.

    Source: Diesel Technology Forum

  • ABT 2014 Audi S1 – 310HP and 440Nm

    Abt Sportsline has revealed their latest project based on the ultra-hot small hatchback – 2014 Audi S1. The largest tuner of cars produced by Audi and Volkswagen Group offers a number of modifications for the S1 including: new suspension, improved aerodynamics as well as new wheels and incredible performance.

    “The Audi S1 tuned by ABT is huge fun,“ commentes Hans-Jürgen Abt, the ABT Sportsline CEO.

    The S1 is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine – 310HP (228 kW) and 440Nm (326 lb-ft). This is an increase of 79HP and 70Nm turning the small city car into an extreme racing machine.

    The ride height is lowered by 30mm by using a set of new sport springs. The stance is further improved by a new enormous alloy wheels – 18” DR Gun-Metal rims or Z5 in titanium matte.

    “Our Audi S1 combines a great look and dynamic handling, with safety still a priority,“ says Hans-Jürgen Abt

    ABT S1 – data and facts

    • ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

    Engine:                                               2.0 TFSI, 1984 cc capacity

    Performance Tuning:                          ABT POWER New Generation

    Performance:                                      310 hp/228 kW (Serial: 231 hp/170 kW) and 440 Nm (Serial: 370 Nm)

    • ABT AERODYNAMICS

    ABT fender inserts

    • ABT WHEELS

    DR- and Z5-Design in 8.0 x 18 inch ET30 or ET35

    Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires in 225/50 R18

    • ABT SUSPENSION

    ABT suspension springs (front axle/rear axle minus 30mm)

    • ABT INTERIOR

    ABT floor mats

    ABT integrated entrance light

    Source: ABT

  • 2015 Nissan 370Z – US Pricing $29,990

    Nissan US has announced the pricing for the 2015 370Z Coupe, 370Z Roadster and 370Z NISMO. All models offer an expanded range of trim level as well as a lot of other key enhancements – starting with a new design for the ultra-performance NISMO model. The 370Z Coupe starts at just $29,990, the Roadster is $41,820 and the NISMO has a price tag of $41,990.

    In conjunction with the addition of new trim levels, all option packages have been removed, streamlining the ordering and purchase process.

    The engine is the well-known 3.7 liter naturally aspirated DOHC V6 – 332HP (244 kW) featuring Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with an available SynchroRev Match synchronized downshift rev matching system or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

    The NISMO model comes with improved aerodynamics, Hyper LED DRLs, black headlight bezels, signature NISMO red stripe accents and reshaped and downsized rear spoiler. It is offered in just four exterior colors – Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver and Pearl White. The interior features redesigned black-and-red Recaro leather seats with Alcantara accents. The engine is boosted to 350HP (257 kW) and 373Nm (276 lb-ft).

    The 370Z NISMO also features a 4-wheel independent suspension, large Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

    Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z Coupe:

    370Z Coupe 6MT $29,990 USD
    370Z Coupe 7AT $31,290 USD
    370Z Coupe Sport 6MT $33,570 USD
    370Z Coupe Sport 7AT $34,870 USD
    370Z Coupe Sport Tech 6MT $37,070 USD
    370Z Coupe Sport Tech 7AT $38,370 USD
    370Z Coupe Touring 6MT $37,970 USD
    370Z Coupe Touring 7AT $39,270 USD

    Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO:

    370Z Coupe NISMO 6MT $41,990 USD
    370Z Coupe NISMO 7AT $43,290 USD
    370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 6MT $45,490 USD
    370Z Coupe NISMO Tech 7AT $46,790 USD

    Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster:

    370Z Roadster 7AT

    $41,820 USD
    370Z Roadster Touring 6MT $45,270 USD
    370Z Roadster Touring 7AT $46,570 USD
    370Z Roadster Touring Sport 6MT $48,100 USD
    370Z Roadster Touring Sport 7AT $49,400 USD

    Source: Nissan

  • Burton Racing BMW 128i – Street Tuner Victory at Road America

    BMW 128i Coupe managed to scoop the first ST victory of the 2014 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season in Saturday’s 2.5-hour race at Road America, in Elkhart Lake. It was piloted by the 2013 Street Tuner class champions – Terry Borcheller and Mike LaMarra.

    BMW drivers also scored fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth place Street Tuner class finishes. Bimmerworld Racing’s three 328i machines finished fifth, seventh and eighth. Ted Giovanis and David Murray finished sixth in the No. 64 Team TGM 328i. Logically, the result moved BMW to the top of the Manufacturer’s points standings.

    “We’ve been closing in on the podium throughout the season and got very close to a win at Indy,” commented Keith Burton, Burton Racing Team Principal.

    “It is extremely satisfying to win here at Road America and validates all of our hard work this year. I believe we are back in a position where we can fight for another championship for BMW.”, he added.

    the No. 46 Fall-Line Motorsport BMW M3 of John Edwards and Trent Hindman finished 4th. The car started from the pole and led 18 laps of the 54 lap contest, only 1.768 seconds separating the car from the winner at the checkered flag. The next best finishing BMW M3 was the No. 97 Turner Motorsport car of Tom Kimber-Smith and Michael Marsal in 13th.

    “Congratulations to Mike and Terry and the entire Burton Racing team on their return to the podium and their first Street Tuner win of the season,” said Gordon McDonnell, BMWNA Motorsport Manager.

    “In Grand Sport, both John and Trent put up a great fight in the Fall-Line Motorsport BMW M3 to finish fourth, but the new Camaro seems to have a distinct advantage in the class.”, he finished.

    Source: BMW

  • Haiopai Racing – Three Unique Volkswagen Golfs from Cam Shaft

    Cam Shaft are famous with their extraordinary good craftsmanship, which is absolutely necessary for the transparency print technology. The tuning company offers full customization for your vehicle including body foil wrap, custom interior and performance upgrades.

    „Haiopai Racing“ is a group of motorsport enthusiasts, showing their love for the world’s most extreme race track – the Nurburgring-Nordschleife. Three extremely tuned and customized Volkswagen Golf VI hit the race track. All of them come with lowered suspension provided by H&R, lightweight wheels fitted with high-performance tires and boosted engines – up to 355HP (261 kW). The result is thanks to a new turbocharger, custom downpipe, complete sports exhaust system and an ECU re-map.

    Of course, all three cars come with bucket seats, 4-poing harness, big brake systems and roll-cages. It is always a pure pleasure for a petrol head to take his everyday car to the race track. Still, safety should be highly considered and no compromises should be made.

    Other highlights include various carbon fiber elements for the exterior like a new front splitter, rear diffuser and mirror caps. Complete foliation is also present and it is different for all three cars.It expresses the unique taste of the owners and their racing nature.

    Source: Cam Shaft