Auto News – Page 551 – Automobiles Review

2014 Dodge Journey SE Gets V6 Engine And AWD

2014 Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD is offering a seven-passenger seating. As visible from the name, the model will be equipped with Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine and all-wheel drive (AWD) and will be based on Journey’s SE trim level.

Furthermore, this Dodge will be equipped with wide variety of features that come as a standard. Precisely, they include 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seven airbags, 4.3-inch touchscreen Uconnect Media Center, Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cruise control, deep-tint sunscreen glass, black side roof rails and LED tail lamps.

As mentioned, the vehicle will be driven by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, which produces 283 horsepower (208 kW) and 352 Nm (260 lb.-ft.) of torque and is coupled with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Despite this amount of power, the unit is also capable of delivering up to 24 mpg on the highway in AWD Journey models.

The next exclusive feature here worth mentioning is Journey’s all-wheel drive system, which is ideal for drivers who want extra grip or extra traction. The AWD works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed in order to maximize fuel efficiency.

All-wheel drive also is activated on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph. This of course, enhances handling during performance driving. Additionally, this system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off.

When the car is driven faster than 25 mph, Dodge Journey’s all-wheel-drive system sends torque to the rear wheels when cornering with the throttle open to make the car turn more easily. At help here also comes the electronically controlled coupling (ECC). At speeds greater than 53 mph, the torque to the rear wheels is minimal (in cases of normal driving conditions) and provides better fuel economy.

What is more, the new Journey model is equipped with standard electronic stability control (ESC) and all-speed traction control. Vehicle’s AWD and ECC work together with the ESC and traction control systems, allowing the ESC system to use the ECC to help gain control of the vehicle. Also standard here are the four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic-roll mitigation.

2014 Dodge Journey SE V-6 AWD is currently available in dealerships.

Source: Dodge

March 13, 2014

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition Goes On Sale

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition was unveiled in November last year and now the model is ready to go on sale around the United States. The car was designed and manufactured in order to celebrate the iconic 1957 Nuova 500 Cinquecento. It combines therefore the emblematic Italian design and vintage styling with modern technology.

The car is equipped with a sptort-tuned suspension for improved handling, and also sports 16” forged aluminum wheels with a retro body color design, throwback “FIAT” badging and a “Marrone” brown and “Avorio” ivory leather interior.

The model is to be offered in three classic exterior colors: “Bianco” white, “Verde Chiaro” light green and “Celeste” light blue. Another tone featured in the exterior design and contributing towards two-tone look is the “Bianco” painted roof and mirror caps, when the car is covered with the last two exterior paint schemes. This Fiat is based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge.

Inside, the 1957 Edition’s vintage look is achieved by the utilization of an “Avorio” ivory interior environment contrasted by premium “Marrone” brown leather seats. “Avorio” accent stitching can be found on the seatbacks and seat cushions.

“Grigio” grey door panels deliver the pwerfect contrast inside and also include “Avorio” inner panel, while “Marrone” door armrests and shift boot are decided in the same color as the leather seats.

“Avorio” is also the color for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which additionally has been hand-stitched with “Marrone” leather on the inner ring. On it can be also seen the retro “FIAT” badge.

This limited edition model is powered by the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. This means that the car is also extremely fuel efficient and delivers an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway. As an option, Fiat offers to fit the engine with six-speed automatic transmission.

2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition will be available at dealerships later this spring and will have a starting price of $20 400 USD.

Source: Fiat

March 12, 2014

BugattiPassion Unveils First Image Of Next Legend Edition Veyron

Yesterday, Bugatti announced that the Rembrandt Bugatti Veyron Legend Edition has already been sold after its successful premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last week. Today we found a reportedly official render of the next Legend in Brand’s exclusive line-up.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Elizabeth Junek is the fifth model of the special edition series and will have its reveal later this year. In fact, we are actually expecting to see it debuting at the Beijing Auto Show.

Similarly to all other Legends, this new Bugatti will be based on the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, and its production will be limited up to three units. Another thing in common is also the price of the supercar, which will be around 2 million Euros. Of course, we can also expect that the roadster will be quipped with the same 8 litre W16 engine. The unit produces the unparalleled 1,200 hp (882 kW) and 1,500 Nm (1107 lb-ft) of torque.

The model has been dedicated to the prestigious Czech female racer Elizabeth Junek which had great achievements in the first half of the last century. As visible on the render, this Veyron will sport a two-tone black and yellow exterior. This is not occasional, but is a reference to the colors utilized by Junek on her race cars.

We can see also the same two-tome combination on the wheels. Slightly seeable is the interior, which is wrapped in brown leather upholstery, and will probably also include the name of the racer on the door-sills and headrests.

March 12, 2014

Advanced Materials Reduce Weight Of 2015 Chevrolet Colorado

What’s new about 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is that it has been built with engineering techniques and lightweight materials. The result is a true pickup capability in a mass-efficient midsize package. In fact, the new 4×4 crew cab weighs 880 to 1,400 less than a full-size truck.

To be more precise, the savings in weight are result of the smaller overall dimensions of the model as well as the extensive utilization of lightweight materials such as high-strength steels and aluminum.

In overall size, Colorado is 212.76 inches long, 74.3 inches wide, but still can deliver up to 6,700 pounds of towing capability. In the design and construction of this Colorado, GM engineers have utilized materials that would guarantee strength, safety and refinement, and at the same time – dependability.

Lightweight, high-strength steels are used for the creation of the fully boxed frames, thus delivering less weight and more stiffness for a quieter ride and better handling. About 71 percent of the body structure is comprised of high-strength steels. In addition, the pickup box consists of roll-formed steel that is lighter and stronger than traditional stamped steel.

To go even further into details, the major aluminum components feature the hood, front steering knuckles, and cylinder heads and engine blocks for both the 2.5L four cylinder and 3.6L V-6 engines. At the front, there is composite grille opening reinforcement with active shutters that seals the front of the truck, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving cooling performance.

The electric power steering not only helps improve steering assist but also contributes for the weight savings. Speaking about the engines, both include direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing. The standard one is the 2.5L four cylinder unit which produces 193 horsepower (142 kW), while the available V-6 powertrain generates 302 horsepower (222 kW).

2015 Chevrolet Colorado will be available in dealerships this fall.

Source: Chevrolet

March 12, 2014

Isuzu D-Max Blade Is A Special Edition Pick-Up

Isuzu has enhanced its pick-up range with the addition of a special edition vehicle called Isuzu D-Max Blade. The model is based on the D-Max, and is equipped with a wide range of unique style features and technology upgrades.

D-Max Blade is driven by the powerful 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, which generates up to 163 hp (120 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Despite this power, the vehicle is capable of returning great fuel economy of just 38.2 mpg (combined). The engine can be matched with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of exterior, the vehicle runs on 18-inch, six-spoke ‘Shadow’ alloy wheels fitted with 255/60 R18 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tyres. In addition, the exterior upgrades also include a ‘Shadow’ grey front grille, privacy glass windows, black door and tailgate handles, black roof bars and rear bumper, and heavy-duty side steps. The Blade trim will be offered in two available body colours – solid ‘Splash White’ or mica ‘Cosmic Black’.

The pick-up also benefits from a towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes and 1-tonne payload. Also standard feature here is the under-rail bed liner for added practicality. There is a choice of an Aeroklas hard top complete with internal light or a Mountain Top Black Roller Top Cover.

Inside, Isuzu included automatic climate control and premium black leather seats, the front ones of which are heated. The new Blade will also benefit from DAB digital radio, Pioneer AVIC-F950 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system, and integrated rear safety camera.

Isuzu D-Max Blade Special edition will be available in dealerships in April.

Source: Isuzu

March 12, 2014

2014 Citroen DS3 DSign & DStyle Special Editions

Citroen has announced two new DS3 special editions designed in collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics. The first one is Dsign by Benefit and the second DStyle by Benefit priced at £14,795 and £16,795 respectively. A 3^rd Benefit special edition DS3 will be unveiled later in the summer.

2014 Citroen DS3 DStyle comes with a sportyVTi 120 manual. The exterior boasts a distinctive metallic grey, with Benefit Orange on the roof, door mirrors and wheel centre caps. 17” black alloy wheels and dark tinted rear windows complete the dynamic styling.

The interior include a gloss black dashboard, air vent surrounds and gear stick cap; bespoke black velour carpet mats with orange piping and orange Benefit logo, and aluminium pedals. These features are greatly enhanced by the luxurious Alcantara trim on the sports seats, which further adds to the car’s undeniable aesthetic appeal. There are also automatic digital air conditioning, automatically illuminating headlamps, automatic rain sensitive wipers, rear parking sensors, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, an electrochrome rear view mirror, interior mood lighting and a front central armrest. The Connecting Box system (Bluetooth^® and USB) is also fitted.

2014 Citroen DS3 DSign by Benefit boasts an efficient VTi 82 engine with a manual gearbox and is based on the DSign specification, but with added features like a Ruby Red metallic paint with a white roof and door mirrors, along with dark tinted rear windows, chrome detailing and 17” white alloy wheels.

The interior features a white dashboard, air vent surrounds and gear stick cap; bespoke black velour carpet mats with red piping and red Benefit logo, and aluminium pedals. A generous specification includes day-time running LED lights, air conditioning and a Connecting Box with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The luxury feel is further reinforced with attractive, stylish and sophisticated Alcantara trim on the sports seats.

Source: Citroen

March 12, 2014

The 1st 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be auctioned for charity

Chevrolet is going to auction the first 2015 Corvette Z06 at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Florida on April 12^th. The money will benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute which will use the funds to improve their infusion center.

The Karmanos Cancer Institute is going to create more comfortable atmosphere for patients, who receive chemotherapy treatments.

The GM President Dan Ammann commented: “Chevrolet’s donation of the first 2015 Corvette Z06 produced is yet another way that we are showing our continued support of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The funds raised from the auction will help further the exceptional patient care that Karmanos is known for in our community and across the country”.

The new Corvette Z06 is expected to hit the market in the beginning of the next year. It will feature a complete aerodynamic body kit and a super powerful 6.2 liter supercharged LT4 V8 with 625HP (466 kW) and 861Nm (635 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: GM

March 12, 2014

2014 Citroen C4 Cactus – EU Price €13,950

Citroen has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 C4 Cactus. The first deliveries are expected in June and the attractive vehicle will have a price tag of €13,950, which is €4,900 less than the C4 Hatchback.

2014 Citroen C4 Cactus will be between 10 to 15 % more affordable than segment rivals. Customers will have the opportunity to take the C4 Cactus in France for just €199 per month for the base Start trim level on a 36-month contract with a limit of 45,000 km. Furthermore, the vehicle can be purchased outright, taking it back to the lessor or signing a new lease for a different car.

The French manufacturer will offer similar flat rate contracts in most European countries.

Source: Citroen

March 12, 2014

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 – Active Rear Steering [video]

Originally, Porsche has presented the Active Rear Steering with the 918 Spyder Concept and now the all-new 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 comes with the same one as standard. The active rear-wheel steering drastically helps the handling and this means faster lap times and incredible traction improvement.

The Active Rear Steering will turn the rear wheels in opposite direction of the front ones at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph), while beyond that barrier, the rear wheels are going to turn in the same direction to improve stability. This is possible thanks to two actuators which are in charge of steering the rear wheels up to 1.5 degrees.

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter flat-six – 475 HP (349 kW) and 438 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph).

Here is a short video demonstrating, how the innovative system works!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQh2ue–0g

Source: Porsche

March 12, 2014

Vorsteiner 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG rides on Flow Forged V-FF 101

Vorsteiner has published some nice pictures of 2014 Mercedes SL63 AMG Roadster riding on their Flow Forged V-FF 101 in Matte Black.

The wheels have dimensions of 8.5J x 19” at the front fitted with 255/35 ZR19 high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and 11J x 20” at the rear fitted with 305/25 ZR20. The lightweight V-FF 101 in Matte Black suits the aggressive characteristics of the SL63 AMG.

As a reminder, the new SL 63 AMG comes with newly developed 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 with 530HP (390 kW) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque in standard configuration and 557HP (410 kW) and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package. 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) – electronically limited. The engine is connected to a 7-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 11, 2014

BMW i8 Goes Into Production

BMW will put the 2015 i8 in production and first deliveries are expected sometime in June, this year. The sports hybrid car is already exceeding the planned production volume during ramp-up. Furthermore, the specifications of BMW i8 are improved.

The drivetrain includes a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The overall power is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft), which is enough for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

The fuel consumption is sensational – 2.1 l / 100 km (134.5 mpg UK or 112 mpg US with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. What is more, the 2015 i8 can go up to 37 km (23 miles) only on electricity with zero emissions.

The curb weight of the vehicle is extremely low, too considering the electric motor and the battery pack – 1,485 kg and a drag coefficient (Cd) for a sports car of 0.26.

Last, but not least are the optional BMW laser headlights scheduled for autumn 2014. The model will become the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology. BMW laser headlights are around 30 % more energy-efficient than the BMW i8’s standard LED headlights and provide considerably more powerful road illumination, with a range of up to 600 metres. Highly concentrated beams of light from high-performance laser diodes act on a fluorescent phosphor material inside the headlight, which projects a sharply focused beam of light onto the road. The laser headlights produce a light similar to natural daylight and are therefore always easy on the eye.

Source: BMW

March 11, 2014

2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe – More Value for Money

Honda now offers an updated 2014 Civic Si with a lot of new features like a retuned suspension, an upgraded interior and more powerful engines. The 2014 Honda Civic Si Coupe will hit the US market tomorrow with a starting price of $22,790. The 2014 Civic Si Sedan goes on-sale March 26 with an MSRP starting at $22,990.

Some of the highlights include a performance-styled 18” alloy wheels, a more aggressive hood, front fenders and headlight designs, and new taillight lenses and side mirrors. There is also an exclusive grille and lower front-bumper garnish and rear air diffuser, and a large wing spoiler.

The interior boasts exclusive seat fabric and trim is enhanced with a sport-oriented black and red color scheme and the audio panel received a high tech, race-inspired carbon fiber-style design.

The engine is a 2.4 liter i-VTEC DOHC 16V mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The power is 205HP (151 kW) and 235Nm (174 lb-ft) of torque.

For superior sport handling, the suspension is revised with higher rate springs, new dampers and a stiffer rear stabilizer bar.

Standard equipment includes a new 7” Display Audio touchscreen, which uses a smartphone-like interface. There is also a Smart Entry with Push Button start, expanded view driver’s mirror and Honda LaneWatch display for enhanced driver visibility.

TRIM	MSRP⁴	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings⁵ (city/highway/combined)

Civic Si Coupe 6MT	$22,790	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Summer Tires	$22,990	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Navi	$24,290	22/31/25
Civic Si Coupe 6MT w/ Summer Tires & Navi	$24,490	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT	$22,990	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT w/ Summer Tires	$23,190	22/31/25
Civic Si Sedan 6MT w/ Navi	$24,490	22/31/25

Source: Honda

March 11, 2014

Category: Auto News