Category: Auto News

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

  • Volvo Concept Estate at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

    Volvo has officially unveiled the Concept Estate, which is expected to be exhibited at the 84th Geneva Motor Show in March. The Shooting Brake version of the Concept Coupe boasts an elegant exterior with flowing lines and gently curved surfaces.

    The front comes with a prominent grille flanked by distinctive headlights with T-shaped LED DRLs. The rear is even more spectacular with the stylish tailgate and a dual exhaust system. There are also enormous alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires.

    The interior boasts leather upholstery, grey wood trim and a lot of metallic accents. There is also a digital instrument cluster, a slender center console and an infotainment system with a big display. Other highlights include a three-spoke steering wheel, orange seat belts and seat backs covered in plaid.

    Source: Volvo

  • Porsche Macan 3-door [render image]

    Here is an interesting version of the all-new 2014 Porsche Macan, which originally comes in only 5-door variant. The 3-door variant has been previewed by TheophilusChinand according to us looks really nice.

    Just like the Evoque 3-door by Range Rover, the 3-door Macan comes with more sloped roofline and more desirable and cleaner look. It fact, it is a real eye-catcher and Porsche should definitely consider such variant.

    Three years ago, when the Macan emerged for first time, it was in a three-door configuration, but Porsche Decided to leave the rear doors in place, so the car looks exactly like a smaller Cayenne.

    Of course, the engine range will be exactly the same, but the interior will suffer a bit and especially the rear passengers, who will have a lot less space.

  • More Powerful Morgan Plus 4 at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

    Morgan is going to exhibit a more powerful Plus 4 model as the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, next week. The car will have an updated variant of the current four-cylinder engine, but the manufacturer didn’t release any further information.

    The current Plus 4 is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 liter Ford Duratec engine – 148HP (108 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox from Mazda. The curb weight of the car is just 877kg (1,933 lbs), which means nice performance – 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

    The new more powerful version of Plus 4 will probably come with more than 200HP.

    Stay tuned!

    Source: Morgan

  • 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker Goes On Sale

    2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker was initially introduced at SEMA show in Las Vegas last November. Since then Dodge dealers ordered the entire production run the model in just four days – this makes a total of 2 000 orders, or a 500 orders a day on average.

    The Challenger R/T Shaker has five exterior paint finishes: Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed and Header Orange. The model looks extremely aggressive and sports Satin Black center-mounted hood scoop, which also directs cooler air back into the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The unit produces over 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque.

    The functional Shaker hood has a Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter, optimized air box, driver-selectable sport-mode powertrain calibration, performance-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and steering calibration.

    What is more, the limited edition model also includes the Super Track Pak. The latter comprises of a high-performance steering gear, brake linings and monotube shock absorbers, P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with “full off” mode.

    But this is not all: the designers have also added here “Shaker style” Satin Black hood, roof and deck-lid stripe graphics, and Satin Black deck-lid spoiler. They make a perfect contrast to the body-color grille surround and Gloss Black fuel-filler door.

    The Shaker runs on 20 x 8-inch polished-face aluminum wheels with black pockets and a satin “matte” clear coat in a five-spoke design. Other details here include “Shaker” badges on the sides of the hood scoop, “HEMI” fender badges and a new “Challenger” grille badge.

    The interior of this Dodge includes three-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped performance steering wheel with black accent finish and integrated vehicle controls. In harmony with the steering wheel is the “K-Black” painted instrument panel and center-console bezel.

    Furthermore, one can also see on the inside high-performance front seats in Nappa Leather in Dark Slate Gray with Sepia accent stitching. The other option for the seats is the Radar Red color with Radar Red stitching. In both cases, they include the “Shaker” logo embroidered on the seat’s back. Moreover, the center console armrest is also leather wrapped. The car is fitted with an available 6.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen.

    2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker is currently available in dealerships with a starting price of $36,995 USD.

    Source: Dodge

  • Render Of Mazda HAZUMI Concept Leaks!

    At the end of last week, Mazda has officially unveiled the first teaser image of the upcoming HAZUMI concept, showing its head-lights and part of the front and exclusive wheels. There weren’t revealed much about the vehicle except for a translation of its name – HAZUMI in Japanese stands for “bound” or “spring up”.

    Mazda also disclosed that the concept will be a small car, and this statement makes us think that the car will be probably the next Mazda2. The sketch we present to you is a rendering which goes around the Internet for some while. And it wasn’t officially released by the company.

    What we can see from it is that Mazda’s unique KODO design language has been applied here. In fact, the new concept has compact proportions, runs on very big wheels and we actually can’t see the rearview mirrors. Just one week is paring us from the show in Geneva, where we will get a full glimpse of the HAZUMI, and will know whether it will be the next generation Mazda2.

    In fact, the next Mazda2 is expected to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year as a 2015 model. Stay tuned!

    Picture Source: www.jalopnik.com

  • 2014 Fiat Freemont Cross To Be Shown In Geneva

    2014-Fiat-Freemont-Cross-THUMBAt the Geneva Motor Show, next to the new 2014 Fiat Panda Cross, the Italian brand will also showcase the 2014 Freemont Cross model. The top-of-the-range crossover has a design which targets balance between functionality and appeal.

    Precisely, the Freemont Cross has tough and distinctive appearance due to its new front and rear bumpers which are adorned by Platinum Chrome details. Adding to it are the front glossy black grille, five-spoke 19″ Hyper Black wheels and Platinum Chrome-colored side skirts. The black frames of the front and rear light clusters are also a highlight here.

    2014 Fiat Freemont Cross features the same distinctive style inside. The interior spors leather seats with sports mesh inserts and light ardesian grey top stitching. The coupe is finished in the shade of Liquid Graphite. Inside, one can also find 8.4″ Uconnect touchscreen satellite navigator, rear parking camera and Premium Alpine audio system with six speakers, 368 W amplifier and subwoofer.

    Other features that need to be mentioned are the electric heated and folding door mirrors, six airbags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Entry and Keyless Go with starting button and audio and driving speed regulation controls on the steering wheel.

    Furthermore, the Freemont Cross is going to be equipped with the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II engine coupled with six-speed manual gearbox and including front-wheel drive; or the 170 hp (125 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II, both in a 4×2 version with manual gearbox and an active AWD version matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

    2014 Fiat Freemont Cross will be available in showrooms from the Autumn of 2014.

    Source: Fiat

  • Eibach Launches Enhanced Renault Captur

    Eibach-Renault-Capture-THUMBThis Renault Captur was given some modification from the suspension specialists at Eibach. They were familiar that the modern SUVs have been created exclusively to city life and motorway travel.

    Triggered by this, the tuners wanted to develop a new Pro-Lift-Kit Performance Lift Springs to open up new terrains for the owners of these vehicles. In the present case, the ride height of the Captur model was increased up to 30mm.

    Nevertheless, the comfort and agility of the SUV was retained at a high level. Another advantage of the raised height is the better view of the traffic. In addition, the car also looks much more muscular, assertive and keeps staying fully in line with an SUV’s design.

    Other models which can be equipped with the kit are Dacia Duster, Hyundai iX35, Hyundai Santa Fé, Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage. More models are to be included in the near future.

    Source: Eibach

  • Prior Design Porsche Panamera Wide Body

    Prior Design has unveiled their latest project based on Porsche Panamera before the facelift. It’s called Prior600 WB and includes only styling upgrades.

    The exterior boasts a complete wide aerodynamics package including a new front and rear bumpers as well as a new spoiler and widened wheel arches. The sports four-door coupe rolls enormous 22” alloy wheels with a black red finish fitted with ultra-low profile tires. The stance is further improved by the specialists from KW.

    Inside, the seats of the first and second row, the entire instrument panel, center console including the armrest, the sports steering wheel that is flattened below and the door linings are immersed in a bi-colored full leather covering in beige and brown with diamond-patterned stitching. On the contrary, the columns and headliner are covered in soft alcantara. Stitching was done even on the headliner.

    The wide-body construction kit can be ordered optionally in high-grade Dura-Flex or even in the more exclusive full carbon.

    Source: Prior Design

  • Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

    Vauxhall is going to exhibit the all-new 2014 Astra VXR Extreme at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, in March. The ultra-hot hatchback comes with extreme body kit and extreme engine.

    The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol has over 300HP (225 kW), which means that is the most powerful front-wheel drive Vauxhall, ever. Derived from last year’s Astra Cup race car that competed in the Nurburgring Endurance Championship, the Extreme model is the lighter, more powerful street-legal race sibling to the current Astra VXR. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending the power to the front wheels through an LSD (limited slip differential).

    The curb weight is whopping 100kg less than the original model thanks to the use of high-quality carbon components.  This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimised rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, bonnet, suspension cross-bracing, engine cover, wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof.

    Other highlights include a set of ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19” tyres, specially developed for the Extreme modell a Brembo 6-piston brake system including 370mm diameter discs up front and adjustable dampers.

    The interior comes with a roll-bar, Recaro bucket seats, with six-point safety belts from Schroth and a carbon-fibre-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

    The car is actually planned to go in a low-volume production, which are great news.

    Source: Vauxhall

  • AMS Nissan GT-R Alpha Omega – Epic History Moments and Records

    There is no doubt that Nissan GT-R is one of the best sports cars ever created. It is not only extremely fast in its factory version, but it discovers new horizons in terms of tuning and drag racing. TheRacingChannel has published a video on Youtube showing epic history moments from the creating of AMS Performance Nissan GT-R Alpha Omega to a lot of record breaks.

    The tuning company has created the first 9-,8- and 7-second Nissan GT-R and holds some other records like 60-130 mph (96-209 km/h) in 2.67 seconds and 100-150 mph (160-240 km/h) in 2.42 seconds, which are practically unbeatable.

    As a reminder, the GT-R Alpha Omega did ¼ mile in 7.984 seconds with a terminal speed of 299.33 km/h (186 mph). It also set 0-60 mph in spectacular 1.72 seconds.

    Still, the tuned GT-R is completely street legal and can go in city almost unnoticed for pedestrians and police. The car doesn’t make scary noise, when its driven normally and goes smoothly even in bumper-to-bumper situations.

    We just can’t describe the atmosphere that the video is offering so… Enjoy!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX3yCiduBqs#t=314

    Source: TheRacingChannel via Youtube

  • 2014 Volkswagen CrossPolo, Polo BlueMotion and BlueGT

    Volkswagen is going to exhibit several models of the recently 2014 Polo Facelift at the Geneva Motor Show, next week.

    First is the small crossover called CrossPolo coming with a set of new 17” alloy wheels, covered lower areas of the bumpers, sills and the wheel arches. There are also silver inserts on the roof rails, mirror housings and both bumpers. 2014 Volkswagen CrossPolo also boasts a new steering wheel, better fabrics and different gear and parking brake lever.

    Second is the Polo TSI BlueMotion powered by a 1.0 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 90HP (66 kW). It is able to return 57.3 mpg US or 68.9 mpg UK – a 4.1 liters / 100 km on combined cycle. The Polo TDI BlueMotion has a 1.4 liter three-cylinder diesel with 75HP (55 kW) – 75.8 mpg US or 91.1 mpg UK – just 3.1 liters / 100 km.

    Last, but not least is the Polo Blue GT (Polo GTI), which boasts lowered suspension (by 15mm) and 17” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There are also different bumpers, wide side sills and a rear spoiler above the tailgate. It is powered by a 1.4 liter TSI with 150HP (110 kW), which is 10HP more than before. It also has a spectacularly low fuel consumption – 4.8 liters / 100 km (48.9 mpg US or 58.8 mpg UK).

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Lamborghini Updates Ad Personam Personalization Program

    Lamborghini-Aventador-Roadster-Ad-Personam-THUMBExclusive news for all Lamborghini admirers! The Italian brand has just unveiled that it will present its renewed Ad Personam program at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The personalization program is to be available for the Aventador range, but will soon be offered also for the Huracán.

    The customers will have the unique chance of refining even better their own supercar to the smallest details. Passenger compartment color combinations have been increased, with an expanded choice of leather and Alcantara colors, range of colors for floormats and seatbelts. There is also available a new dual-color exterior paint finish as well as the same livery theme.

    To go further into details, the Ad Personam features a range of new materials such as semi-aniline leather, Forged Composite, a Lamborghini patented carbon-fiber material offered for the hard top, interior and exterior details. The program also adds to the interior via hand-stitched seat emblems and monograms and custom interior colors.

    At the show the brand will present an example of the infinite range of combinations offered by Ad Personam. It will be of course an Aventador Roadster, which will sport a range of high customizations to both its interior and exterior. Further highlight here is that it is the first vehicle with Forged Composite inserts on the front spoiler, air intake, rear spoiler; and, in the interior, on the door sills, instrument cluster cover, infotainment controls and screen trim.

    Moreover, the mirrors and transparent engine hood details have been refined with the choice of a matt silver paint instead of black. The body is decided in shimmering blue a.k.a. Blue Sideris that matches the dual-color rims and the Forged Composite roof with blue highlights and special Y-shaped livery.

    Source: Lamborghini