Auto News – Page 569 – Automobiles Review

Cadillac ATS Convertible [render]

Design RM has published a render picture of possible Cadillac ATS Convertible. Pretty much, the studio chopped the roof of the already announced 2015 ATS Coupe. Even though the ATS Coupe is not so popular as expected, may be a drop-top version will be more tempting to customers.

The render picture kept the stylish lines of the coupe, but with removing the top it adds a unique look. The rear end is practically identical with the exception of the GPS antenna, which now sits on the rear boot lid.

The engine range will be the same as the coupe’s – a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol – 272HP (203 kW) and a 3.6 liter V6 – 321HP (239 kW) and 373Nm (275 lb-ft).

February 4, 2014

Maserati’s Super Bowl XLVIII Spot For The Ghibli

Maserati-Ghibli-Super-Bowl-Spot-medium Well, the Maserati Ghibli is coming to the U.S. and so the appropriate hype needs to be stirred up. A Super Bowl spot might do the trick. But we are a bit skeptical on how the Italian company is trying to approach its targeted audience.

See, the 1:30 second piece starts off by highlighting some of nature’s tools of destruction, which, by the way, have brought a ton of misery to millions of people in the U.S. and throughout the world. Yes, it does go on to say that we, as humans, have been able to endured all this time and have learned to cope with natural disasters (or giants) and that’s fine. But what does an Italian supercar has to do with any of that? Seriously, was this directed by Michael Bay or something?

No, apparently, it was directed by American filmmaker David Gordon Green. A rationale of the commercial goes as follows:

“[the spot] is relevant to Americans everywhere who have had struggles and obstacles to overcome. It is a reminder that with steadfast commitment to hard work and unwavering passion, we can deal with our own “giants” around us, we can overcome them and achieve what we set out to do.”

We still don’t get it.

Anyway, if we put all this silly marketing stuff aside, the Ghibli is still a tremendous piece of engineering. As Maserati’s first mid-sized four-door luxury sports sedan, it features a Ferrari built twin-turbo V6 engine capable of 400+ hp. It also has a sophisticated chassis complemented by Brembo brakes all around. A liberal use of aluminum ensure comfort and agility.

Source: Maserati

Video Source Maserati via YouTube

February 3, 2014

Mystic Blue Brabus Widestar Mercedes-Benz G63

Brabus has presented the Mystic Blue special paint for the Widestar G63. The tuned SUV comes also with a new forged 23″ Monoblock F mirror polished alloy wheels.

The tuning program also includes BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra module boosting the new AMG engine to 620HP (456 kW) at 5,750RPM and 820Nm (604 lb-ft) at 2,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). The performance package is priced at €5,900.

There is also a stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with butterfly valve. Two tailpipes on either side, exiting in front of the rear wheels and with either a standard or black chrome finish.

The Widestar body kit widens the vehicle with impressive 12cm and gives it striking appearance. There are also LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders as well as stainless-steel running boards.

Source: Brabus

February 3, 2014

Auction: 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Springs Back To Life

1965-Ford-Mustang-289-Racing-Car-medium A fully restored/modernised, rather non-street legal 1965 Mustang 289 racing car in Ford France livery is looking for a new owner. An auction will be held on the 5th of February. The estimated price: anywhere from 75,000 to 95,000 Euros (circa $101,000 – $128,000)

Before you walk away, consider this: the original car’s shell was taken to a highly esteemed coach works (Rae Davis Racing) to have most of its racing bits installed. Later, all was put together by the enthusiasts at CCK Historics in Kent. Now, standing before you, this gem of Americana has an independent front suspension with coilsprings, an anti-roll bar, and disc brakes at the front. It still has leaf springs and drums at the back, but hey, it’s a 1965 Ford. Besides, the main idea behind it, is out-of-the-box readiness for historic racing around the world.

That’s right, it has a six-point roll cage by Caged Manufacturing Ltd., big alloy wheels with Dunlop Racing M-section tires on them, a Cobra Evolution pro seat with TRS belts, a Lifeline plumbed fire extinguisher system and ignition cut-off. Even the (dry) car battery is securely strapped inside the cockpit. The Stack racing rev counter and the shift light indicator are also a dead giveaway for this car’s intent. Pop the trunk open and you find little to no space due to the 120-liter boxed bag-style fuel tank nestled in. Twin Facet pumps and fuel and brake lines have also been installed inside the car.

The 289 cubic inch V8 inside the engine bay has had its carburettor and air-filter replaced. There’s also a remote oil cooler, a Mallory distributor, and a new electric cooling fan. All of that should mean more power (maybe 240 hp and above). At the same time, the almost completely stripped interior and the Perspex side and rear windows keep the weight down.

Deal of the month?

1965-Ford-Mustang-289-Racing-Car-medium-2

Source: rmauctions.com

February 3, 2014

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe – Officially Unveiled

BMW has continued to surprise their fans and customers. Whether the surprise is good or bad, only the time will show. The German manufacturer has presented the all-new 4-Series Gran Coupe, which will make its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The model is very interesting, because it shares the length, width and wheelbase ith the 4-Series Coupe, but has a longer and higher roof. It has a hatchback configuration providing easier access to luggage compartment, which by the way is 35 liters more than the Coupe or totally 480 liters and 1,300 liters with rear seats folded down.

The engine line-up is the same like 3-Series Sedan and 4-Series Coupe – a 420i, a 428i and 435i as well as 418d and 420d. There is also an xDrive variant for 428i.

The inline six-cylinder 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol has 300HP (221 kW) at 5,800RPM and 405Nm (300 lb-ft) at just 1,300RPM. 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. It is able to return 22 mpg US in city / 32 mpg US on the highway and a combined cycle of 25 mpg US.

The 2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe will hit the US market this summer with pricing – $41,225 for the 428i and $46,725 for the 435i. Both are mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and the 428i can be paired with xDrive AWD system for additional $1,000.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8vX_vJBAlo

Source: BMW

February 3, 2014

Fourth Generation Jeep Cherokee Debuts At Geneva This Year

Jeep-Cherokee-Limited-and-Trailhawk-shadow The new Jeep Cherokee is upon us. Be on the look out for it if you happen to attend the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The fourth generation of the mid-sized SUV is sophisticated, off-roadish, torquey and downright ugly/pretty (it’s a hate-it-or-love-it thing so we will refrain from judgement).Coming to Europe in three trim levels – Longtitude, Limited, and Traillhawk – the new Cherokee is supposed to boldly introduce a new face of the Jeep brand…. while remaining “true to the brand”. Every car manufacturer is quick to underline that no matter how outlandsih the final product turns out to be.

Well, there is some truth to that. One of the available engines (only with the Limited and Trailhawk editions) bares the legacy-laden Pentastar V6 label. Although there is quite a lot of power to go around – 272 hp and 315 Nm – the volume has been downsized from 3.6- to 3.2-liters. It’s not only some 30 percent more economical than before but is also more refined with less noise and vibrations.

But that’s all top-of-the-line talk. What about the people that can do without all the six cylnders and the foot-long gas bill? How about a 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox? Yes, 9-speed. But we’ll get to that later. Fiat’s Multijet (common rail) tech can shoot up fuel into the cylinders with a pressure value of up to 1,600 bar thus ensuring smoothness and frugality throughout the cycle. All the while, a variable geometry turbocharger and a double overhead camshaft controlling 16 valves in total get the Cherokee’s power rated at 170 hp and 350 Nm (the latter peaking at just 1,500 rpm).

Then there’s the transmission. Are they going for a world record here? Not only 9-speeds but also 40 individual automatic shift maps corresponding to different conditions. The involved software has to consider, among other things, variables such as the engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and grade changes just so that you and I be always on the right gear.

There is a 140 hp version of the same diesel engine available (mated to a six-speed manual) and another gasoline 2.4-liter engine with 177 hp and 229 Nm at its disposal. The latter of the two, however, will be only available in Russia and the Middle East.

After choosing the right power plant for you, you’ll have to spend another month deciding which 4×4 system to go with. There’s the Jeep Active Drive I (Longitude and Limited models) – a single power transfer unit that is still fully automatic and works its magic in the background. It features a fully-variable wet clutch, housed in the rear drive module, which works in unison with the Cherokee’s ESC system for optimum traction on almost any surface. The Jeep Active Drive II is a more advanced version of the aforementioned (Limited only). It has a two-speed power transfer unit with torque management and a low-range mode (4-Low). It Locks the front and rear drive shafts for low speed power or towing. Essentially, the greater the gear reduction, the better the climbing capabilities of the vehicle. Finally there’s the standard on all Trailhawk Jeep Active Drive Lock package. It includes the Active Drive II system plus a locking differential. As such, the new Cherokee becomes as off-road capable as it will ever be.

On a side note, all 4×4 options feature a standard user-operated Selec-Terrain traction control system that controls way too many of the Cherokee’s systems: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, ESC, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control (Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control). Also, all are not necessarily 4×4 all the time. They use a rear-axle disconnect module that reduces energy loss when AWD is not required.

Finally, it needs to be mentioned that the new Cherokee’s structure implements a high-resistance steel body (65%). Combine that rigid structure with 70+ safety features and you’ve got yourself a very safe environment for both everyday situations and extreme circumstances.

Good job, Jeep!

Source: Jeep

February 3, 2014

Wald 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Edition

Wald International has unveiled their latest project based on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift. The luxurious saloon has received the well-known “Black Bison” package by the famous tuning company.

The exterior boasts a completely new front bumper with LED DRLs, a pair of bigger side skirts and revised rear bumper with new diffuser and quad-tailpipe exhausts system. There is also a trunk-mounted lip spoiler and a roof spoiler.

Last, but not least Wald has installed a Portofino P21C 20” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. The stance is further improved by a lowered sports suspension.

Of course, Wald has put a badge on the trunk in case you don’t recognize their unmistakable style.

Source: Wald International

February 3, 2014

Lister Jaguar Knobbly Returns

Lister announced the recreation of the iconic Lister Jaguar Knobbly racing car which will also mark the 60th Anniversary of the model. Orders have already been taken and almost 50 per cent of 2014 production has been sold. In addition, the company has been published a brochure with all the options and specification data to the potential customers.

The car will keep the traditional hand-built construction at its core, and in addition each car will be specifically tailored to the bespoke requirements of each customer. Of course, the production of the 60th Anniversary Lister Jaguars will be limited. First cars will leave the factory in April this year. The same month will mark the official reveal of the model.

Just like the original model, the new Knobbly will be offered with two engine variants. The first one is the 3.8-liter inline-six unit which will produce 330 horsepower (243 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and will be mated to a four-speed Jaguar gearbox. The second option is a 4.6-liter V8 powertrain that generates 315 hp (232 kW) and 393 Nm (290 lb-ft) of torque and is mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

There are also plans to make a Lister sponsored historic race meetings which are to run in 2015, just in time for brand’s 125th anniversary. It was also announced that the Knobbly will be produced for road and race use. The starting price of the models begins at £259,000.

Source: Lister Cars

February 3, 2014

Saleen’s First Tuned Electric Vehicle To Be Tesla Model S

The muscle vehicle enhancer Saleen has announced that will produce for the first time a Saleen Tesla Model S sports car. This will be tuner’s firs effort in modifying an existing electric vehicle. Unfortunately, no release date has been set for the completion of the car, or any renderings of its design released.

However, the brand will publish very soon the first images Saleen Tesla Model S as the research and design continue. Saleen will also offer a spec sheet which will detail some of the enhancements and innovations that are to be added in this project.

Saleen has become famous with its exceptional transformations of Camaros, Challengers, and Mustangs, by adding to them more style and performance. Now the brand is putting its focus on a vehicle that has defined the sports car in the rapidly growing electric car sector.

In fact, Tesla and Saleen share the same core values of delivering elite power, style, and performance, and unprecedented craftsmanship. This new project will also give them another thing in common: to offer to the automotive audience vehicle which is not dependent on fossil fuels. Saleen has also stated that it fully intends to produce one of the most compelling Tesla’s to ever hit the roadway.

Source: Saleen Automotive

February 3, 2014

QUANT e-Sportlimousine To Make Official Debut In Geneva

NanoFLOWCELL AG is going to make a very special debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in a month. It is going to stage a world premiere of the QUANT e-Sportlimousine. The latter is the first research car equipped with nanoFLOWCELL drive.

What has been announced is that the vehicle has an overall length of 5.25 metres and will be a four-seater. It will also offer unique combination of innovative technology, outstanding design and an entirely new energy storage system, called the nanoFLOWCELL technology.

Back in 2009 Swedish supercar builder Koenigsegg joined NLV Solar AG to release the QUANT project. The model used Flow Accumulator Energy Storage (FAES), which was responsible for the 512 hp (376 kW) and 714 Nm (527 lb-ft) of torque, and had a range of 300-mile and a charging time of 15-20 minutes.

And although the intent of both companies was to start the production of the model, this didn’t happen even in 2010 when NanoFLOWCELL AG returned to the show without the Swedish automaker. Four years later we are to see the birth of this brand new project, which still carries the same name and has the same aim – to deliver innovative technologies and exceptional design. Stay tuned for more information, which is to be released near the official debut.

Source: NanoFLOWCELL AG

February 3, 2014

Nissan Unveils 2014 Qashqai and NV200 in UK

Nissan have lifted their game massively in the past decade with a string of releases that rivaled anything on the market. From 2003, the 350Z, Nissan Leaf and GT-R helped to cement Nissan as serious contenders in the auto world. And their latest two UK releases, the 2014 Qashqai and NV200, very much continue this run of good form.

2014 Qashqai

The first generation Qashqai proved to be a big success for Nissan upon release, mixing solid off-road ability with medium hatchback running costs. Nobody – not even Nissan – envisaged the sale of 100,000 Qashqais in their first year of production. Bit in fact the Qashqai went on to sell over twice it’s estimate in the first year, and those sales have not dwindled since. And although it’s taken Nissan over seven years to produce a follow-up, the 2014 Qashqai seems destined to outdo its popular predecessor. Easily the best all-rounder in the range, the 1.5 litre diesel has an outstanding fuel economy of 74.3 mpg and low enough CO2 emissions to qualify for free car tax in the UK, where it was released last month. The Qashqai doesn’t scrimp on performance either, with an acceleration of 62 miles per hour in just under 12 seconds. Not bad at all. Also available in the range are the 1.2 Acenta Premium and the top spec 4WD Qashqai.

Nissan NV200

As far as London is concerned its farewell to the Hackney carriage and welcome to the city’s new black cab: the Nissan NV200. Unveiled in the capital at the start of the year, the NV200 boasts a number of advantages over the traditional London cab, namely far lower running costs, easy wheelchair accessibility (which will give Allied Mobility a run for their money) and a much higher level of reliability that the bespoke Hackney carriage. Similar models are now in operation throughout the world – in New, Tokyo and Barcelona – and already proving massively popular. Whether that’ll be enough to convince the cabbies of England’s capital or not is another matter. But with an anticipated 40 mpg and far lower CO2 emissions than it’s predecessor, they may not have much say in the debate.

Innovation and Commitment to Quality

With the 2014 Qashqai, Nissan continues it good run of form in the UK with a pair of vehicles that highlight the company’s innovation and commitment to quality. Only time will tell what lies on the horizon for Nissan in 2015.

February 3, 2014

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad Debut In Chicago

The Chicago Auto Show this year will see the coming of a new Dodge Journey Crossroad MY2014. 2013 has been, apparently, the best sales year for the Journey, so Dodge would rather continue the profitable trend. Let’s see what they have in store for us with this one then. First up; the oily bits.

As standard, the Journey comes with a 2.4-liter four-pot that produces 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and delivers 26 mpg on the highway. It’s OK but uninspiring.

The optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, on the other hand, sounds like the one to go for. It has 283 hp in store and 260 lb-ft of torque. The accompanying transmission is a six-speed automatic. Thus, returns almost exactly the same amount of mpg as the 2.4-liter: 25 on the highway.

If you want the Journey to be all-wheel-driven, you’ll have to specify it on the options list. The system is pretty clever, engaging all the wheels only when grip starts running out. It also works on proper pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph – should help cornering. It’s all very cleverly engineered really: the AWD is managed by the electronic stability control (ESC) system which in turn also governs the electronically controlled coupling (ECC).

On the outside, the Journey sports a new front and rear fascia, chrome patterns on them and chrome roof rails, gloss black grille, fog lamp surrounds and tail light bezels. The 19-inch aluminum wheels also come in a Hyper Black five-spoke design.

Standard features to appeal to the occupants inside include a 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, power front seat and a front passenger fold-flat seat with hidden storage bin under the seat cushion. There are also power heated and foldaway mirrors, seven air bags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless

Enter ‘n Go with push-button start and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. It’s pretty spacious too. Fold flat the second- and third-row seats and you create 67.6 cu. ft. of cargo space – best in class, apparently.

Source: Dodge

January 31, 2014

Category: Auto News