Automobiles Review

Category: Auto News

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

Vauxhall offers excellent service to van owners

Vauxhall UK has started offering premium service to owners of Vauxhall vans in the United Kingdom. The car brand now has over 90 per cent of UK businesses covered with a Premier Van Center available within a 30-munite drive.

The new Vauxhall centers offer expert diagnostics without the need for an appointment, lead times no longer than three days and a dedicated Premier Van Helpline, thus maximizing mobility and minimizing downtime for your business. In addition to that Vauxhall will collect and deliver vehicles within a 10-mile (five miles for the M25) radius (16 km or 8 km for M25) and offer a courtesy vehicle free of charge. All Premier Van Center sites will carry out Class 7 MOTs and have a 5-tonne lift on-site.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to looking after the needs of van customers,” said Rachel Parker, Vauxhall Operations Director.

Vauxhall’s Premier Service Centers have to meet strict selection criteria. Only sites that can provide sales and service support and meet strict service level requirements can qualify for Premier Van Center status. Premier Van Centers are also listed on Epyx 1link for ease of identification and online service booking requests. Repairs are carried out at fixed labor rates with job sheets completed on the day the work is completed and invoiced within five working days, so no hidden or unexpected surprises. Customers can also take advantage of a while-you-wait option when a repair is expected to be completed on the same day. Once work is complete a 25-point safety check is carried out including all safety enhancements and software updates. Vauxhall even throws in a wash and vac with every annual service and free fitting of wiper blades.

The new service follows the UK launch of the all-new and British-built Vauxhall Vivaro, which further enhances Vauxhall’s award-winning van range.

Source: Vauxhall

August 7, 2014
Škoda unveils full specifications and prices for Yeti Monte Carlo

The Czech automaker Škoda Auto has announced full details and pricing for its Yeti Monte Carlo model – a new addition to the compact SUV car range that is full of extras.

The Monte Carlo addition to the Škoda Yeti shows that the car celebrates the long and successful participation of the Czech brand in global stage rallies. At the same time the Yeti Monte Carlo comes with a long list of design, comfort and convenience features. The vehicle is based on the Yeti SE equipment levels but offers additional extras and features such as a Monte Carlo signature black roof with black detailing on the front grille and spoiler, rear diffuser, door mirrors and 17-inch Origami alloy wheels.

In addition to all these extras purchasers of the vehicle will get black-tinted front fog lights, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function and dynamic angle control. On the inside the car comes with a three-spoke leather “Supersport” multi-function steering wheel, sports seats with unique Monte Carlo upholstery and exclusive design for the door sills, instrument cluster and floor mats.

The Yeti Monte Carlo gets powered by a 2.0-liter TDI CR DPF diesel engine with 170 horsepower (125 kW) and it also has a standard 4×4 transmission. You can have the Škoda Yeti Monte Carlo with a six-speed manual or DSG sequential automatic gearbox. In the UK the first version costs GBP 24,390, while the second version sells for GBP 25,490. The manual version achieves 49.6 mpg (UK) or 5.7 liters per 100 km with 149 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.4 seconds. The automatic gearbox model offers 44.8 mpg (UK) or 6.3 liters of fuel consumption per 100 km at a cost of 164 grams of carbon dioxide per km and 8.6 seconds of time for reaching 62 mph/100 km from being still.

Source: Škoda Auto

August 7, 2014
MINI teams with JustPark to make parking easier

Having a car brings many benefits to your life but in many cases you may find it really hard to find a parking spot. In fact statistics shows worrying facts – motorists waste 106 days of their lives just looking for a spot. There’s light in the tunnel, though – British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its brand MINI have teamed up with the online service JustPark to provide a service that allows drivers to secure a parking spot in advance directly from their dashboards.

The only thing you have to do now in order to take advantage of the new service is to drive a MINI and then download a special application from the Apple App Store. By using the app, JustPark-registered drivers can find, book and navigate to a parking spot, choosing from more than 100,000 spaces across the United Kingdom.

This is how the whole thing works – drivers can download and then integrate the app in the vehicle’s navigation system and then they can choose whether to input their final destination or look for a parking spot around them while on the go. The app provides drivers with a number of conventional parking spaces, from car parks and hotels to homes and pubs. In addition to that they can look for location details, pricing and reviews left by previous drivers.

Once you choose and pay for a parking space you will be navigated to the destination by the vehicle’s navigation system. The best part is that the app has been designed for use while on the go and it has also undergone extensive testing by BMW laboratories in Germany.

The app is the latest product of the partnership between JustPark and BMW Ventures, the venture capital arm of BMW that invests in startups working to improve mobility in urban areas and took a strategic stake in JustPark – formerly known as ParkatmyHouse – in 2011.

JustPark founder, Anthony Eskinazi, said: “In 2014, no driver should have to experience the stress and uncertainty of circling the streets for that elusive parking space. JustPark gives drivers the convenience of finding and reserving an affordable parking space in moments. Just as we use apps to order taxis and takeaways, parking is finally being brought out of the dark ages.”

The MINI will be the first car to enjoy the new service but JustPark expects to be able to offer the service to many more car brands in the near future.

Source: MINI UK

August 7, 2014
Chevrolet reveals 2015 Colorado pricing

Chevrolet has announced the price of the 2015 Colorado model – the vehicle’s starting price sits at USD 20,995 and there’s a USD 895 dealer freight charge.

The standard equipment of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado includes a 2.5-liter 200-horsepower (147 kW) four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing for strong midrange torque, a six-speed manual transmission, power windows with express up for the driver, a rear-vision camera with dynamic guide lines and a locking tailgate.

“Colorado is an all-new midsize pickup that offers truck customers great versatility and great value,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “It will also have strong appeal for people who know they want a truck, but want one that is easier to maneuver in traffic and easier to park at work or at home.”

Customers who want more can get a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower (224 kW), also with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, a six-speed automatic transmission, 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning, and the GearOn accessory system, a comprehensive solution for organizing and carrying bikes, paddle boards and other equipment. Colorado customers can choose from two cab configurations, extended-cab and crew-cab. Crew-cab Colorados will offer a choice of 5- or 6-foot boxes; extended-cab models come with the 6-foot box.

Quite naturally the more capable Colorado models cost more. Thus the Colorado LT crew cab with 2WD and a 5-foot box has a starting price, including dealer freight, of USD 27,985 and the Colorado Z71 crew cab 4×4 with the 5-foot box starts at USD 34,990.

The new Chevrolet Colorado will be available this fall at various Chevrolet dealerships. Fuel economy data and detailed pricing will be available later.

Source: Chevrolet

August 6, 2014
Aston Martin upgrades Vanquish and Rapide S models

Aston Martin has announced a number of new and exciting technical improvements that will find their way into Vanquish and Rapide S models that belong to the 15 Model Year (15MY). The changes affect performance, fuel consumption and emissions as well as overall driving experience.

The first major change is that both models now come with the new Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic gearbox – the first time ever that this gearbox is integrated in a transaxle layout. The new gearbox has positive influence on both performance and fuel economy thanks to the efforts of ZF, with which Aston Martin has been partnering to bring the Touchtronic III to the Vanquish and Rapide S.

Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin, explained: “We have a long and successful technical partnership with ZF and so it was a natural step for us to adapt and integrate their world class 8HP transmission into our transaxle layout.”

“This has been a detailed piece of work involving careful consideration of many technical parameters including gear ratios, software integration and shifting strategies. This has delivered a significant step change in both vehicle performance and economy whilst preserving the unique Aston Martin V12 driving experience.”

The new 15MY cars also feature reduced 0-60 mph times – the Vanquish and Rapide S now accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds (3.8 seconds 0-100 km/h) and 4.2 seconds (4.4 seconds 0-100 km/h), respectively, down from 4.1 seconds for the Vanquish and 4.7 seconds for the Rapide S. The new gearbox and changes in the gear and final drive ratios also allow the cars to feature lower emissions that are now lower by an average of ten per cent – down to 298 g/km for Vanquish and 300 g/km for the Rapide S. Economy is boosted by thirteen per cent (Rapide S) and seven per cent (Vanquish) with the new transmission (US Combined cycle). In addition for the first time both cars can achieve 200 mph (320 km/h) and more. Peak power also rises – the Vanquish now sports 568 bhp (576 hp or 423 kW), while the Rapide S offers 552 bhp (560 hp or 412 kW) of power. Peak torque is also up to 465 lb.-ft. (630 Nm) at 5,500 rpm.

In addition to all this the new Aston Martin Vanquish and Rapide S take advantage of the latest Bosch Engine Management System. The new system, which delivers more precise engine control and seamlessly communicates with the new gearbox, receives its first application in an Aston Martin that combines the AM29 V12 engine and an automatic gearbox.

Uprated dampers on the new Vanquish – 15% stiffer at the front and a full 35% stiffer at the rear – improve the dynamic characteristic of the car in line with its significantly enhanced performance. Rapide S, meanwhile, gets uprated larger front brakes. Both cars also benefit from a retuned brake booster and amended rear suspension bushes that are now 20% stiffer than before. There are other minor changes to the two models as well.

The global market introduction of 15MY sports cars begins in Q3 of 2014, with more details on market-specific pricing and options available in due course.

Source: Aston Martin

August 6, 2014
GMC announces 2015 Canyon pricing

GMC has announced the price list for the all-new 2015 Canyon – the new vehicle will cost you USD 21,880 at least and there will be a USD 925 dealer freight charge too.

“The all-new Canyon provides a one-two punch that customers tell us they’ve been waiting for,” said Canyon Marketing Manager Kenn Bakowski. “Now they can get a premium vehicle in terms of styling, features and technology, with all the inherent capabilities and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup.”

The starting price of the 2015 GMC Canyon will get you standard equipment that includes a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with direct injection with 200 horsepower (147 kW) under the hood, LED lighting, four-way power driver’s seat, a CornerStep rear bumper and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

The more expensive SLE trim level brings more to the table – it starts at USD 27,520 (2WD extended cab) and offers aluminum interior trim, a soft-touch instrument panel and door pads, EZ-lift and lower tailgate, eight-inch diagonal color-touch radio with Intellilink, and OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with a three-month or three-GB trial (whichever comes first). A 4WD Canyon SLT crew cab short box model starts at USD 37,875, and includes the 3.6-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower (190 kW), leather-appointed seating, automatic climate control, 18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels, remote start and an automatic locking rear differential.

Customers who want more can opt for the more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, a six-speed automatic transmission, an integrated Bose speaker system and the GearOn accessory system that allows you to carry bikes, kayaks and other specialized equipment.

Canyon customers will have multiple cab and bed configurations to choose from, including extended cab models with a 6-foot 2-inch box, or crew cab models with either the 6-foot 2-inch or a 5-foot 2-inch box. Additionally, every 2015 Canyon comes with Pro Grade Protection, which, in addition to a five-year/100,000-mile (160,000 km) powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (58,000 km) bumper-to-bumper warranty, includes two years or 24,000 miles (32,000 km) – whichever comes first – of standard scheduled maintenance.

The new vehicle will be available for purchase this fall. Fuel consumption and detailed pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: GMC

August 6, 2014
Rolls-Royce announces a new model is on the way

The manufacturer of ultra-luxury vehicles Rolls-Royce has announced that it is working on a new Rolls-Royce model that will reach the market sometime in 2016.

The car is intended to follow the success of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost and Wraith and will come with a chassis that will underline the contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling of the marquee, yet take the Rolls-Royce brand into the future. As always the upcoming model will also blend Rolls-Royce luxury with excellent and engaging driving experience.

The new development was confirmed by none other but the CEO of Rolls Royce Torsten Müller-Ötvös, who said, “I am truly delighted to confirm today the development of our new model which will open an exciting new chapter in the great story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership.”

The Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Peter Schwarzenbauer commented: “The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the automobile industry. When it arrives in 2016, this elegant and sensuous new car will build on the success of our current models and will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ commitment to long-term sustainable growth.”

The new Rolls-Royce car currently undergoes prototype testing before it enters the next production stage.

Source: Rolls-Royce

August 6, 2014
Ford to replace Motorcraft brakes for free

Ford Motor Company has announced a new point-of-sale program at Ford and Lincoln dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers that provides users and owners of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles with no-cost replacement of Motorcraft brake pads, purchased as of July 1, 2014. The program applies to certain passenger and commercial vehicles.

“This program reflects our commitment to providing customers with an excellent ownership experience regardless of the age of their vehicle,” said Frederiek Toney, vice president, Ford Motor Company and president, Ford Customer Service. “Plus, when you purchase Motorcraft parts at a Ford or Lincoln dealer, or a Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, you know you’re getting the right parts installed by the right people. Motorcraft parts are the officially recommended parts for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, and these technicians are factory-trained and certified to service our products.”

Motorcraft brake pads that are worn down to less than three millimeters are eligible for no-cost replacement as long as the customer owns the vehicle. Customers must still pay the labor and installation costs for replacing the brakes, as well as the cost of other parts needed to return the brake system to the original operating condition. This offer, called “Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee,” applies to Motorcraft brakes replaced on any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury passenger vehicle and certain commercial vehicles. In addition, in order to qualify for replacement brakes, customers will need to present their service advisor with their repair order or vehicle identification number.

Taxi, limousine, postal, police, towing, emergency and racing vehicles are not eligible for this program.

Source: Ford Motor Company

August 5, 2014
Jaguar Land Rover to show three new models at 2014 Pebble Beach

Jaguar Land Rover has announced three new product debuts that will happen at the Pebble Beach Automotive weekend – the company will present the new 550 horsepower (404 kW) Range Rover Sport SVR (global debut), the US version of the Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 and the prototype of the new Jaguar Lightweight E-Type, of which just six cars will be built.

All three vehicles are from Jaguar Land Rover’s newly created Special Operations division which, under the leadership of Managing Director, John Edwards, will focus on designing and engineering high specification vehicles, bespoke commissions, heritage products and branded goods.

Perhaps, the most interesting model of the three is the F-TYPE Project 7, which is an all-aluminum, fully road-legal, two-seated roadster that features bespoke carbon-fiber aerodynamic aids. F-TYPE Project 7 is based on the 2014 Jaguar F-TYPE and features a Jaguar D-type inspired fairing, as this year marks the 60^th anniversary of the iconic Jaguar D-type. The all-new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe will also be on display at the Monterey Jet Center as part of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s World’s Greatest Sports Coupes Exhibit.

At Pebble Beach Jaguar Land Rover will also present its full model line-up including the high-performance Range Rover Sport SVR, the Range Rover Long-wheelbase and the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Black. Some event guests will also have the chance to drive current model year lineups including the Range Rover Supercharged, the Range Rover Sport Supercharged and others.

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

August 5, 2014
Aston Martin to present 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster at Pebble Beach

The famous luxury car maker Aston Martin has announced that its new 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster will make its global debut at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week, which starts on August 14.

The upcoming Aston Martin vehicle will deliver sporting agility and an enviable sports soundtrack thanks to its naturally aspirated Aston Martin AM28 6.0-liter V12 engine that delivers 565 horsepower (415 kW). Thanks to this engine and state-of-the-art Bosch engine management the new car can reach 201 mph (323 km/h), accelerating from rest to 60 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds. When released, the new Aston Martin 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster will be the car company’s most potent, fastest and fastest-accelerating series production roadster to date.

The Aston Martin 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster will be accompanied by the new Design Prototype 100 (DP-100), which makes a North American debut. Developed in six months time, the DP-100 is a new virtual-only GT racer. The upcoming car looks beautiful and will be available to owners of Gran Turismo 6 to download; later this month it will be shown as a full-sized hand-crafted model at Monterey.

The DP-100 will come with a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 800 HP (588 kW). In addition to that the prototype provides an exceptional level of detail with a fully functional suspension system and state-of-the-art electronics. The DP-100 will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests at the Aston Martin Estate (14-16 August) where it will be joined by the V12 Vantage S Roadster which will also lead the marque’s presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering (15 August).

Source: Aston Martin

August 5, 2014
VW offers Modular Transverse Matrix on the Golf and Golf GTI

Volkswagen fans that live in the United States will be treated with the so-called Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB in short in German) technology given they choose to purchase one of the all-new VW Golf or Golf GTI now. According to Dr. Hubertus Lemke, Head of Technical Project Management in Volkswagen’s Research & Development Division, the MQB strategy represents a milestone in the design and production of future automobiles with transverse-mounted engines.

Modular Transverse Matrix may sound complicated but this technology standardizes many vehicle component parameters across various vehicle classes, starting with sub-compact cars and going through mid-size SUV segments. Later the technology will be used in the Jetta, Passat and upcoming VW mid-sized SUVs, which means that at least in theory, these models, including the Golf and Golf GTI may be produced on the same assembly line.

One of the prominent characteristics of the Modular Transverse Matrix is the uniform mounting position of all engines, including the new modular diesel engine system (MDB), also known as EA288. The standardized engine position, combined with implementation of the EA288 TDI Clean Diesel engine and the new EA211 gasoline engine, will reduce the Group’s engine and gearbox variants by approximately 90 percent. MQB also enables fitment of all current alternative drive concepts without compromise — from compressed natural gas and hybrid versions to a pure electric powertrain. The e-Golf that goes on sale in the last quarter of 2014 in the U.S. uses the MQB architecture as well and is built on the same line in Wolfsburg as other Golf versions.

In the long run MQB will present Volkswagen Group with new opportunities, including the possibility to produce high-volume and niche models of the highest quality at competitive prices as the technology gets introduced globally. In addition MQB will allow VW to tailor vehicles for different and diverse markets that include Europe, China, India, USA and others. One of the positive effects of MQB is that the new Golf and Golf GTI now come with the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking System – after an initial collision, it helps to reduce the intensity of secondary collisions by automatically applying the brakes. It is now standard equipment on the new Golf and Golf GTI.

Source: Volkswagen

August 5, 2014
Mercedes-Benz debuts the all new S 600 Guard armored vehicle

Mercedes-Benz has added a new model to its line of special protection models, this time coming to us as the S 600 Guard. The new car provides all-round protection that covers the VR9 resistance class but at the same time keeps the level of comfort to the traditionally high Mercedes-Benz level. There’s also a powerful V12 gasoline engine, intelligent driver assistance systems and an outstanding AIRMATIC suspension that will provide you with everything you need when it comes to travelling while having excellent protection.

The new S 600 Guard comes with integrated protection that follows the many years of experience that Mercedes-Benz has been through and obtained. The vehicle comes with extra strength and stability thanks to specific reinforcement of the base structure and there is intelligent overlapping and sophisticated integration of all protective elements for continued high level of comfort. The glass areas are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection and thanks to their laminated structure, they have outstanding visual characteristics. Thus the new S 600 Guard provides the passengers inside with ballistic protection and protection against explosive devices and not only meets the strict VR9 requirements but also conforms to all requirements imposed by the ERV2010 protection standard.

Visually on the outside the S 600 Guard does not differ from the regular S 600 version. On the inside it keeps the luxury expected from an S 600 Mercedes-Benz car and adds space. For the first time and as the only car in this segment the new S 600 Guard can be purchased as a 4-seater and as a fully-fledged 5-seater. The vehicle is powered by a mighty V12 gasoline engine that offers 530 horsepower (390 kW) and 830 Nm (612 lb.-ft.) of torque and the so-called 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Thanks to the technologies implemented inside the engine and the gearbox the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle offers low fuel consumption and impressive acceleration. The top speed is limited to 130 mph (209 km/h), though, due to weight reasons.

The new S 600 Guard offers a number of innovations that increase the traditional comfort found in these cars. The AIRMATIC air suspension ensures excellent ride comfort and great drive dynamics. Reinforced, re-dimensioned suspension components and adapted control functions such as ESP or ASR cope with the increased vehicle weight. The air springs at the front are reinforced, for example, and additional steel springs are used at the rear axle. As in the unarmored S-Class, all-round level control also maintains a constant vehicle level irrespective of the payload in the S‑Guard. In the S 600 Guard it also compensates the reduced ground clearance caused by the underbody armor. Standard equipment on the S 600 Guard includes Michelin PAX run-flat tires with an additional tire pressure monitoring system which allows an escape from the danger zone up to a distance of 19 miles (30 km) even with damaged tires. In addition the S 600 Guard comes equipped with intelligent drive systems that include Driver Assistance package PLUS – this includes the assistance systems DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian recognition and ESP®, an electric parking brake, Night View Assist Plus, LED Intelligent Light System and a 360-degree camera.

Mercedes-Benz did not share the price of the new S 600 Guard, though, but as you know, it will cost a ton of cash for sure.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

August 5, 2014