Category: Auto News

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

  • Kahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 10 Chelsea Wide Track Edition

    Kahn-Land-Rover-Defender-Chelsea-THUMBKahn Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 10 Chelsea Wide Track Edition has a very to long name but it is definitely a nice project. The engineering and the design of every element has been done with intent. In other words, this vehicle is blend of refinement, and its all-terrain capability makes it distinctive and unique. The exterior color here has been decided in the unusual Nara Bronze, which in my opinion looks very good. The paint scheme is complimented by wide range of additions.

    At the front, we can see that the tuners at A. Kahn Design have included a new front bumper with bumper lighting, front bumper sump guard, front wide wheel arches in matt black, and LED diamond bright headlights as well as bonnet vents with mesh. At the back we can see a rear wheel wide wheel arch and wings in matt black, exhaust shields and Kahn crosshair exhaust system.

    Other added design elements that make this Land Rover truly one-of-a-kind are the privacy glass, painted brake calipers, hardwearing mud flaps, and of course the Kahn 9 x 20″ Mondial wheels in volcanic black as well as the Chelsea truck company spare wheel cover.

    Going inside, the car’s exquisite interior features front sports GTB, middle bench and rear folding seats in quilted and perforated leather with Harris Tweed detailing. The other enhancements are a centre glove box, rev counter facia in red, centre dashboard surround, Kahn single spoke leather steering wheel, rev counter facia, dashboard and instrument binnacle, hard wearing front and rear cabin floor mats, Kahn fire extinguisher, Churchill time clock facia insert and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium.

    Source: A. Kahn Design

  • Nissan Reveals The Story Behind The Design Of Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

    Nissan_2020_concept_THUMBNissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo has been introduced last week and it was also announced that the virtual car will join the PlayStation3 game on 6th of July. In fact, the game celebrates 15 years anniversary since it was released for the first time on the market. This Nissan concept has a strange V-motion front fascia and slender headlights. Also, there have been added huge air-intakes which were specifically made that big to deliver enough air for the powerful engine. The unit is producing more than 800HP (588 kW).

    In the video below, which the company has just published, Nissan tells the story of how Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo’s life began. Initially it was a dream project for young Nissan designers. They were given the freedom to create the perfect supercar … for their own Gran Turismo fantasy garage, of course.

    The team at Nissan Design Europe based in London however, created a spectacular design which seemed to have so much potential. It also benefited from input from an engineering team based in Japan.

    In addition, their design also adapted cues from current Nissan performance models. The concept was created from scratch with the latest digital tools. In the video the designers say that this design will be used in future Nissan vehicles and probably will turn out to be a future concept.

    A full-size Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo will be presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

    httpv://youtu.be/v2-utp6TZ6A

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Nissan

  • Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 with 329 km/h [video]

    A very brave driver managed to hit an epic top speed with the spectacular Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. The supercar achieved 329 km/h (204.4 mph) on a German Autobahn, where are no speed restrictions. Still, it is extremely dangerous, because there is a lot of traffic cruising with normal speeds.

    Although the official maximum top speed of the Huracan is 325 km/h (202 mph), the driver churned out another 4 km/h and, if there was no traffic he would did over 330 km/h (205 mph).

    As a reminder, the engine is 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). The model also has an engine start/stop system which enables the car to average 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg US / 22.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 290 g/km. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

    There are three modes of operation (STRADA, SPORT and CORSA) will decide the throttle and gearbox response, the sound quality, and the stability control and the AWD system behavior.

    Available as an option is the Lamborghini Dynamic Steering system and Magneto-Rheologic damper control.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6pMCqsOs04

    Source: Thegermansupercars via Youtube

  • 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS – Review [video]

    Autocar has published a full video review of the new 2014 Porsche Boxster GTS. The small sports car comes with a number of performance improvements and unique styling. The particular vehicle used for this review is equipped with the Sport Chrono Package and the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system.

    The new Boxster GTS is powered by a 3.4 liter flat-six with 330HP (243 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The Chrono package comes as standard and the acceleration is extreme – 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 281 km/h (175 mph).

    Some of the standard features include a set of 20” alloy wheels from the 911 Carrera S fitted with 235/35 front and 265/35 rear performance tires. There are also darkened bi-xenon headlights along updated front and rear bumpers.

    The interior boasts leather sport seats with Alcantara trim and a lot of carbon fiber elements. The central console features a big touch-screen display offering all needed information as well as some car settings. The fabric roof can be folded down in just 9.0 seconds, while a pair of luggage areas in the front and in the rear make the Boxster GTS pretty practical for a sports car.

    2014 Posrche Boxster GTS is priced from €69,949.

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

    Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

  • 2014 Engine of the Year – Results [images]

    Ford managed to scoop the International Engine of the Year Award for third consecutive time. The “star” is again the three-cylinder 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine which was recently updated. It now produces 140HP (103 kW) and is able to accelerate the new Fiesta from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The engine is also super-economical – 4.5 liters / 100 km (52.3 mpg US or 62.8 mpg UK) on combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

    The engine managed to gather 351 points from the jury putting it on 1st place. The 2nd place is for Ferrari’s 4.5 liter V8 with 281 points and 3rd for Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter TSI – 254 points. Of course, the 1.0 liter EcoBoost won the sub 1.0 liter category with 505 points.

    Here are all the winners:

    • Sub 1-liter: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo
    • 1.0-liter to 1.4-liter: Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger
    • 1.4-liter to 1.8-liter: BMW / PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.6-liter turbo petrol
    • 1.8-liter to 2.0-liter: Mercedes-AMG 2-liter turbo
    • 2.0-liter to 2.5-liter: Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo
    • 2.5-liter to 3.0-liter: BMW 3.0-liter twin-power turbo six-cylinder gasoline
    • 3.0-liter to 4.0-liter: McLaren 3.8-liter V8
    • Above 4.0-liter: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8
    • New Engine: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo
    • Green Engine: Tesla Full-electric powertrain
    • Performance Engine: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8
    • International Engine of the Year: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

      Source: Engine of the Year Awards

    • Google Android Auto – Technology Brilliance [video]

      Google has presented the Android Auto – designed to give drivers the “right information for the road ahead”. The system works exclusively with Android smartphones and is able to provide all needed information about traffic jams, collisions, etc.

      “Android Auto combines the best the best of both worlds. You get the connected apps and services on your smartphone with the physical controls that were optimized for driving in your car”, commented Android Director of Engineering Patrick Brady.

      Android Auto boasts a nice and easy to use interface. For example, Google Maps has a streamlined design with larger “touch targets” helping to minimize the distraction. The system also features Google Now voice commands giving an instant access to Google Maps, text messages, phone book and applications like Google Play Music. The users can also set reminders, plan their time and meetings.

      The first car with Android Auto will be introduced later this year. There are already several manufacturers, who signed up to be a part of the Open Automotive Alliance. These include Audi, General Motors, Honda and Hyundai.

      Android Auto will make the life and travelling a lot easier and fun. It will help drivers to stay more focused on the road without disturbing their comfort.

      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht8yzpIV9M0

      Source: Google

    • Ford and Intel – The Future of In-Car Personalization [video]

      Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities in-car personalization. The companies will offer new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

      The project is called – Project Mobii and aims to aims to explore how interior-facing cameras could be integrated with sensor technology and data already generated within and around the vehicle to create a more personalized and seamless interaction between driver and vehicle that transforms the driving experience.

      “Our goal with the Mobii research is to explore how drivers interact with technology in the car and how we can then make that interaction more intuitive and predictive,” commented Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President, Ford Research and Innovation.

      “The use of interior imaging is purely research at this point; however, the insights we’ve gained will help us shape the customer experience in the long-term”, he added.

      Project Mobii will use facial recognition technology, so it will be able to recognize different drivers and automatically adjust vehicle settings according to their demands. If the system can’t recognize a person, an image of the individual will be sent to the owner’s smartphone and he or she will be able to approve or deny access to the car. Other nice safety features include teen drivers recognition and reducing audio volume.

      Last but not least, the system will feature voice commands and gestures recognition. You can easily turn the heat up or down while driving without removing hands from the steering wheel.

      httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_DacM5G7PM

      Source: Ford

    • Bespoke McLaren MSO 650S Spider Concept Debuts At Goodwood

      McLaren MSO 650S Spider Concept which has been teased previously this month. If you are fan of the brand, then you will undoubtedly remember that MSO 650S Coupe has already been revealed in China in April. Both models will enter a production, which will not exceed 50 examples. As mentioned previously this month the production Spider will make its debut at Goodwood in the Supercar Paddock. It will also make a run though the famous Hill.

      MSO 650S Spirder has many similarities with the Coupe. The exterior is fitted abundantly with number of carbon fibre styling upgrades with a satin finish. For instance, the extended MSO Side Blades are all carbon, while the three-piece rear bumper includes a carbon fibre centre section, which sits above a restyled and aggressive rear diffuser.

      The supercar will be offered in three paint finishes: Papaya Spark, Agrigan Black and Sarigan Quartz. The first one is a modern interpretation of the famous McLaren Orange, while the Agrigan Black we have already seen in the MSO 650S Coupe. It is a stylish metallic black with a deep ruby red metallic flake. A new color is the Sarigan Quartz which is vibrant metallic silver with a subtle golden infusion, and it will be shown for the first time at Goodwood.

      The final element of this exceptional exterior feature Palladium coloured 10-spoke Super Lightweight alloy wheels. They have unique diamond cut effect to the inside edge of each spoke. It is interesting that these wheels save 4 kg over the standard design.

      The interior of this McLaren is upholstered with carbon black leather and Alcantara. There is stylish satin lacquered carbon fibre detailing which can be seen on the driver and passenger zones. As a contrast to these elements, a gloss finish has been applied to the air vents and handling and powertrain switchgear on the Active Dynamics Panel. At last, a signature dedication plaque is installed on the MSO carbon fibre sill panel.

      Every single example of MSO 650S will be delivered with a Frank Stephenson-signed sketch and a luxury MSO branded, leather weekend bag. The latter is handcrafted from stealth black carbon fibre leather and includes Alcantara lining.

      The pricing of the McLaren MSO 650S begins at £252,500 for the Coupe, while the Spider is rated at £272,500. Those 50 that will purchase the car can expect their deliveries before the end of the year.

      Source: McLaren

    • Skoda CitiJet Concept at Goodwood

      Skoda is going to present the CitiJet Concept at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed (starting today). The small open-top car is designed and built by 16 apprentices under the guidance of Jozef Kaban, Head of Skoda Design, who challenged the team to build their dream car. Obviously, the dreams of the apprentices don’t include a powerful engine and epic sound from the exhaust system.

      Skoda CitiJet is a striking cabriolet that combines a host of innovations and unique design features.

      The exterior features distinctive two-tone metallic paintwork, 16” wheels and a hand-crafted rear spoiler. The interior boasts a red-stitched, leather-trimmed steering wheel, bespoke seat trim and a dashboard panel finished in white and red. Completing the interior package is a 300 watt sound system and music-reactive LED lighting.

      No words about engine, but since the CitiJet is in the same segment as the Citigo, it will obviously get a 1.0 liter MPI petrol with either 60HP (44 kW) or 75HP (55 kW). The engine is available with either 5-speed manual or an automated-shift gearbox (ASG). The fuel consumption will be around 4.1 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of below 100 g/km.

      As in previous years, Skoda will be the main attraction at the Forest Rally Stage. The brand’s legendary Fabia S2000 – the most successful rally car of the Super 2000 era – will be demonstrating its remarkable talents on the Skoda-supported 1.7-mile Forest Rally Stage.

      Source: Skoda

    • LUMMA Design To Show Range Rover Vogue CLR SR At Goodwood

      LUMMA-Design-CLR-SR-Range-Rover-Vogue-THUMBLUMMA Design Range Rover Vogue CLR SR is to have a world premiere at Goodwood. The car is characterized by a special CLR SR assembly kit. The first element of which is the front spoiler bumper bar that includes the original fog lamps and double daytime running lights in the cutting-edge “fiber optics light guide technology”. In addition, the front spoiler blade is centrally installed beneath the apron. At the back, there is a rear apron bumper bar with integrated heck diffuser and four high-gloss polished 105-millimeter stainless steel exhaust pipe ends of the double-pipe sports exhaust system. At last, the kit adds a rear spoiler flap that is glued to the luggage compartment lid.

      Furthermore, the door panels are painted in the color of the car, the brake system is coated with venomous green and at the sides we see ornamental strips with LUMMA logos in the same color as the brakes. This Range Rover runs on special 11×23“ LUMMA Design Wheels shod with Continental tires of the dimension 305/30-23 all-round.

      The sharpened visual appearance just needed an adequate performance boost. For this model the tuners improved the V6 diesel engine with a LUMMA D Boxe that adds performance of 30 hp (22 kW) as well as an increase in torque in 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

      Inside the LUMMA Range Rover Vogue CLR SR one can’t see many changes. However, there are the glossy aluminum pedals in high-end design with anti-slip rubber nubs. At last, very classy high velour foot mats with leather and embroidered logo round out the final look.

      Source: LUMMA Design

    • 2014 Bentley Continental GT3-R Makes Global Debut

      2014-Bentley-Continental-GT3-THUMB2014 Bentley Continental GT3-R is preparing to make its global debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Next to it the company will showcase an exclusive line up of cars. The GT3-R will be shown on the Bentley stand. It is the most dynamic and fastest-accelerating model that Bentley has ever produced. It was inspired by the winning Continental GT3 racer. Car’s production is limited to only 300 examples. Of course, they will be all hand built.

      To go into details, the GT3-R is powered by the powerful 4.0 litre V8 engine. The unit produces 580 hp (426 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The model features also a reduction in weight when compared to the GT3. Precisely, it is 100 kg and when it is combined with torque vectoring and shorter gearing, it delivers breathtaking driving experience.

      Continental GT3 race car – the basis for the debut-maker, will also appear at the festival. The car has recently won the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone. It will be piloted up the hill by David Brabham, who drove a Bentley Speed 8 to second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.

      An interesting reunion will also happen at Goodwood: three historic Bentleys will reunite for the first time in over a decade to complete the famous Hillclimb. The Speed Six Bentley (Old Number 1), which won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930, will be accompanied by two more classic Bentleys: Old Number 2 and Old Number 3 that are both in their original form and raced alongside the first car at Le Mans in 1930.

      Source: Bentley

    • Aston Martin Teases DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo

      Aston-Martin-DP-100-Vision-Gran-Turismo-THUMBAston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo is the name of Aston Martin’s entry in the Gran Turismo 6 video game for PlayStation3. It is in the shape of Design Prototype 100 (DP-100) and has just been teased with couple of images. It will make its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday, 27th of June. DP-100 was developed in-house by the Design team at Aston Martin. As the other cars in the game, this one is a new virtual-only GT racer, which will be available for PS3 customers to download in July.

      We can say much when observing the first teaser image except for that we see the curvaceous body of the prototype and it’s typical for Gran Turismo cars menace look. However, judging on from the second picture, we are almost sure of seeing a V12 engine, which includes a lot of carbon fiber.

      This year Gran Turismo video game series celebrates its 15th anniversary. Next to Aston Martin DP-100 the PS3 user will enjoy driving virtual concept vehicles from rival firms such as BMW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and other.

      This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speedstarts tomorrow and will last until 29th of June.

      Source: Aston Martin