Automobiles Review

Category: Auto News

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

2020 Mazda MX-30: a quick overview prior to release date

On the 19^th of May 2020, Mazda began production of the all-new Mazda MX-30, brand’s first all-electric vehicle at the Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima, Japan. The new MX-30 is geared with e-Skyactiv electric drive system and generates a total of 145hp that are distributed to the front wheels. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery, ensuring the vehicle can cover a range of about 200km. Neat!

Furthermore, MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has been exclusively shaped in order to complement the vehicle’s smooth driving behavior. In combination with the new SUV’s comprehensive i-Activsense safety system, it offers a quiet and rewarding driving experience.

As expected, Mazda’s signature Kodo design philosophy is also present. The engineering team has relied one more time on the elegance through simplicity concept and ensured appealing aesthetics for the exterior and spacious and comfortable ambiance for the interior.

With pricing lists coming later this year, MX-30 First Edition will be the first chance for customers to benefit from the vehicle’s advanced drivetrain system and overall advanced features. Available in Ceramic Metallic or Polymetal Grey Metallic single colors, the First Edition can also be ordered with either three-tone Ceramic Metallic or three-tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

SEE ALSO: Nissan reveals details for new 2020 Frontier

In terms of standard equipment, the vehicle comes with a windscreen projecting heads-up display, an 8-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, a colorful 7-inch TFT display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a chrome trim accents. Additionally, there are Mazda Connect, navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone incorporation, all along with Mazda Radar Cruise control and driver’s knee airbag. Nice!

Further details will be soon announced, so stick with us!

Source: Mazda

May 20, 2020
Nissan reveals details for new 2020 Frontier

2020 Nissan Frontier pickup goes on sale in July with a starting price of $26,790USD. Available in King Cab, Crew Cab Short Wheelbase and Crew Cab Long Wheelbase body designs and a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 drive configuration.

All 2020 Frontier models feature a revised 3.8-liter V6 unit and a 9-speed gearbox. This particular engine develops a total of 310hp, which marks an increase of 49hp over the previous V6, while also providing improved fuel efficiency and emission performance. As it comes to the transmission, it is similar to the one introduced on the 2020 TITAN and is designed to maximize power output efficiency and provide enhanced acceleration.

Additionally, 2020 Frontier offers a list of other upgrades as standard push-button start, leather shift knob, manual tilt steering, power door locks, and power windows with drive side auto-down.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI comes with enhanced drivetrain system and sexy new looks!

Also, there are two upgrade packs that were optional for older models that are now part of the standard equipment. The first one is the Midnight Edition, which includes exclusive black exterior treatments and 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels. The other one is Special Edition Package and incorporates a trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-colored rear bumper, and 18-inch aluminum alloys.

Source: Nissan

May 20, 2020
Silverstone Auctions reveals rare vehicles for an exclusive event

Silverstone Auctions will get their live online auction underway this Saturday 23^rd May with a wide list of rare and exclusive classics and numerous contemporary supercars.

Three BMW classics

Among the vehicles, there will be three BMW machines from the personal collection of Jay Kay, who is well-known for his love of fine cars. The first BMW is 1 of 500 1972 3.0 CSL E9s made in right-handed drive and finished in Chamonix White. The miles on the clock are no more than 62,000. Also, this particular vehicle features an original City Pack upgrade which includes electric windows, additional soundproofing, and full bumpers with wheel arch extensions. The second BMW is a super-rare right-handed variant of 1983 Alpina B9 3.5 (E28) with a manual transmission. It is believed to be one of only 18 available in this particular specs and one that had carefully chosen by Jay Kay about a decade ago. The last BMW is a 1987 E30 which has been developed into a competition sports car. After it was converted, it was then prepared for Jay to drive it in the Rally Isla Mallorca in March 2020 as Car Zero. Still looking magnificent, the vehicle is ready for sprints, hill climbs, and stage rallies.

The Maserati entry

As we are talking about performance, other notable vehicles at the event will be a Maserati Merak SS, but the later and rarer version fitted with Bora Dashboard and originally UK-supplied. Presented in an unrestored and original condition with 16,000 miles, this collector’s car is ready to be invited to any Concours. The vehicle comes with a full history, a wealth of paperwork depicting its life, and even the spare wheel has its original sticker on it. Neat!

SEE ALSO: 2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI comes with an enhanced drivetrain system and sexy new looks!

The Alfa Romeo

The audience at the show will also have the chance to see a fantastic 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale. This one is also super rare and is designed by Scaglione. Originally designed for casual use, it was later converted for competition use. In fact, it has acquired FIA papers in 2005 and in 2011 joined a large UK private collection. Neatly maintained, Giulietta Sprint Speciale comes with all the original Italian documents and features a sizeable history life.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

May 19, 2020
2020 Audi A6 allroad is named Top Safety Pick Plus by IIHS!

New 2020 Audi A6 allroad has been named 2020 “Top Safety Pick Plus” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Through IIHS’s tests, the A6 allroad has managed to impress the jury with its body structure and overall rigidity. The vehicle scored “Good” rating in six areas of crashworthiness performance: small front overlap collision evaluations on both the driver and passenger sides, moderate front overlap, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraints, and seat performance. Additionally, the vehicle earned “Good” headlights rating when geared with the Matrix-design LED headlights with high beam assist and LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals.

Because of its forward collision warning and the automatic emergency braking systems, A6 earned “Superior” rating on both front crash prevention tests. In the case of collision, the brand’s pre-sense suite can intervene in order to help prepare the vehicle for impact. This process includes beginning to close the side window and panoramic sunroof and tightening the front safety belts. Also, Audi Pre Sense suite can detect vehicles at speeds of up to 155mph and can initiate braking when a potential collision is detected. Additional driver-assistance technologies include a 360-degree surround-view of the outside of the vehicle and can assist with maneuvering tight spaces.

SEE ALSO: Silverstone Auctions reveals rare vehicles for an exclusive event

New Audi A6 allroad joins A6 sedan in the IIHS “Top Safety Pick Plus” category. As you may know, the A7 and Q8 were also previously named as 2020 “Top Safety Picks” when geared with the available LED Matrix-design headlights with high-beam assist.

Source: Audi

May 19, 2020
Ford reveals information about the new and exclusive Ranger Thunder

New Ford Ranger Thunder brings style and enhanced specs to one of Europe’s most advanced pickups. This is an exclusive lineup and is limited to merely 1,430 examples.

The Ranger Thunder adds unique exclusive interior and exterior design tweaks, along with revised drivetrain system components. Such include Ford’s bi-turbo 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine, providing 213hp and 500Nm of torque. This unit is then mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission system. This gearbox is known for its smooth shifting and enhanced performance both on- and off-road.

In terms of design, Ranger Thunder is offered in a single specification which includes Sea Grey body finish and bold red highlights on the grille and sports hoop. There are also three-dimensional-effect “Thunder” badges for the driver and front passenger doors and tailgate and a matte black logo. Neat!

Additionally, the machine comes with unique 18-inch black alloy wheels and Ebony Black executions for the front grille, rear bumper, skid plates, fog surrounds load bay sports hoop, and door handles. LED headlights with darkened bezels are also part of the standard equipment. These come with darkened taillight bezels at the rear. Also, a black Mountain Top powder-coated roller shutter with Bedliner divider is available as an optional extra on the Thunder, thus enhancing load bay practicality with styling points.

SEE ALSO: 2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI comes with an enhanced drivetrain system and sexy new looks!

Ranger had its best-ever year in 2019, with 52,500 vehicles sold across Europe and more than 16,000 of those in the UK alone. Total UK Ranger sales are expected to pass 150,000 later this year since it was launched back in 1998. This is the third-generation Ranger Thunder, with the first making its debut in 2003 and the second in 2009.

Stick with us for further details!

Source: Ford

May 18, 2020
2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI comes with enhanced drivetrain system and sexy new looks!

Golf GTI is considered an icon all around the world. And there’s a fine reason for that – this best-selling model has been changing the motorsport world since its launch 45 years ago. Now, Volkswagen launches its eighth Golf GTI generation and tries to make it the most digital of all previous versions. Additionally, engineers have added new gadgets and technical solutions, so there’s a lot to be reviewed! Let’s hop in!

Exterior design

As expected, the body language embodies every aspect of the Golf GTI DNA. The vehicle showcases a clean and minimalistic design with numerous straight lines and flat surfaces. As it seems, along with making it technologically advanced, the Volkswagen team has aimed a futuristic aesthetics. Engineers have achieved this result via incorporating a clean and aggressive front face, accompanied by sexy wheels and a tight and expressive rear-end.

Furthermore, the design adopts a LED strip in the headlights mirrors in the red line, which runs across the front of the vehicle when the daytime running lights are activated, or when the driver approaches with the key. Another instantly recognizable feature is the large and single-peace honeycomb grille. The optional foglights are now in the form of X and integrated into the grille. Neat!

The mentioned wheels are 17-inch Richmond aluminum-alloys and can also be specified in an 18-inch variant set. Furthermore, there are also different designs that are available in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch sizes. These all are accompanied by sexy red brake calipers and bespoke spoiler that extends the roofline – and all together contribute to that aggressive and sporty stance.

Interior design

As with the exterior design, the interior features tons of GTI styling cues, all along with next-gen technologies.

The sporty steering wheel has been transformed into a new multifunctional wheel with touch controls. Also, the three silver spokes have been retained, with a red outline on the lower spoke. The plaid seat design is now being called Scalepaper and features red seams with grey and black plaid with all the decorative seams and edges are in red. Neat!

Furthermore, the digital display starts up as soon as the doors are opened. The entire cluster is comprised of the well-known Digital Cockpit and the Infotainment system suite. There are an 8.25-inch screen and a larger 10-inch Discover Pro monitor available as an optional feature. Regardless of which system is fitted, the visual and functional fusion of internal technologies creates a consistent and pretty impressive digital architecture.

Drivetrain system

New Golf GTI features a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system, which controls the XDS electronic differential lock, the VAQ electronically-controlled, and torque-sensing limited-slip differentials, and also the optional DCC adaptive damping system.

Additionally, the vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EA888 TSI power unit that generates a total of 242hp and 370Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a standard six-speed gearbox or the optionally available dual-clutch automatic one.

Additionally, vehicle’s control arm bearings, springs and bump stops on the front suspension have been completely revised, as well as the damping hydraulics. The rear axle also features a new bearing and spring setup, with reconfigured helper springs and damper bearings. As with the front axle, the rear one also features new damping hydraulics.

SEE ALSO: Audi extends warranty in order to aid customers in the times of pandemic

And last, but certainly not least, the progressive variable-rate steering system is now a standard feature in the latest Golf GTI. This system is different from a standard one because of the variable steering rack and the pinion gearings. Also, the system has been further enhanced with a more direct ratio and new software and software algorithms. The variable-ratio on the steering reduces the effort required when maneuvering and parking, but on winding roads the steering is more direct. From lock to lock there are exactly 2.1 turns. Sweet!

Source: Volkswagen

May 18, 2020
Audi extends warranty in order to aid customers in the times of pandemic

Audi of America announced that additional measures to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Automobiles with the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty set to expire between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will have their warranty coverage extended by three months in order to allow customers to have their Audi machines warranty work completed under warranty.

Furthermore, this three-month extension will benefit owners of new and certified-pre-owned machines whose warranty is set to expire between March and May 2020, is giving owners additional peace of mind during these unprecedented times. In fact, the extension is automatic and requires no additional actions by the owners. However, if New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty expires due to mileage coverage rather than time, no extension is allowed.

SEE ALSO: New Honda Jazz will benefit from F1 technologies! Details here!

Audi and Audi Financial Services have also announced an extension to the customer payment relief options put in place as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The program remains in place through June 1. Customers are strongly encouraged to access and manage their accounts online in order to request assistance and extend their lease agreements.

Source: Audi

May 15, 2020
Karma’s new E-Flex Platform: additional information

Karma Automotive today announced its latest and most advanced modular E-Flex platform with two motor AWD and extended-range electric vehicle architecture. This new platform is the final of five demonstrative projects designed in order to illustrate Karma’s technical direction and overall capabilities using the highly versatile EREV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) based rolling chassis systems.

Karma’s latest flexible platform has been engineered with a wide range of solutions in mind. Such is the single motor e-drive unit at the front and at the rear. Also, the platform is geared with Karma’s Silicon Carbide iventer e-drive system, which features an 80 kWh flat floor battery. This setup is targeted to achieve an all-electric range of up to 240 miles and when blended with the EREV, this number can rise to 495 miles, depending on configuration and commercial application.

Furthermore, all Karma E-Flex platforms leverage the brand’s proprietary technology, manufacturing, and design services in order to offer partners innovative electric mobility solutions. By using the Karma E-Flex Platform, manufacturers can optimize development costs to engineer, test, certify, and build an EREV or BEV platform, which allows the electrification of their products with greater speed and efficiency.

SEE ALSO: New Honda Jazz will benefit from F1 technologies! Details here

Additionally, Karma’s E-Flex platform solutions are developed at the karma Innovation and Customization Center, brand’s assembly plant in Moreno Valley, California. All E-Flex platforms feature proven Karma technology solutions as Revero GT drives motors in various configurations, gearbox, suspension, subframes, steering, battery, and electrical systems, in addition to production body structure parts. Many of these components have undergone over a million miles of Karma testing and in-market validation, which ensures Karma’s proven knowledge and award-winning vehicle technology are present in each platform unit.

Source: Karma Automotive

May 15, 2020
New Honda Jazz will benefit from F1 technologies! Details here!
New Honda Jazz will be launched later this year and according to the Japanese manufacturer, the latest family member will feature tons of advanced technologies and systems. Let’s find out more, shall we?

As it seems, Honda engineers are drawing inspiration from the Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit program – the goal is to improve the efficiency of the hybrid system, but also boost the performance rates. As you might know, the latest Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power unit, named RA620H, uses an advanced 1600cc six-cylinder internal combustion power unit, blended with an Energy Recovery System.

Additionally, there’s an advanced electrical system that further recycles energy produced by the brakes and exhaust gases. By doing so, the technology generates extra boost for acceleration and also reduces turbo lag.

The latest road-going beneficiary of the F1 benefits is the recycling cycle of the e:HEV system. By incorporating the same approach in the new Jazz, engineers achieve better battery energy output, more agile performance, and seamless switch between the selectable modes.

SEE ALSO: Mazda celebrates 60 years of coupe design. Here are some highlights!

As expected, the e:HEV is exclusively shaped and molded in order to fit the new Jazz. The system consists of two powerful electric motors which are further connected to a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC petrol unit and also to the lithium-ion battery and the entirely revised transmission. All these components work harmoniously in order to provide a smooth and direct response. Furthermore, the e:HEV system offers three interchangeable driving modes:
- EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly.
- Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.
- Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and drive force is transmitted directly from the engine to the wheels.
Enjoy!

Source: Honda
May 14, 2020
Mazda celebrates 60 years of coupe design. Here are some highlights!

As a preferred layout for attractive and futuristic design since the 1930s, the traditional two-door coupe has long been seen as one of the most stylish and sexy designs in the automobile world. From the elegant high-class appeal of the early European coupes to the outstanding and extravagant American variants, these vehicles tend to focus more on style rather than anything else.

What is also notable about the coupe segment, is the performance-enhancing structure. Many of the coupes feature rigid and aerodynamic bodies, all along with lightweight materials and enhanced performance rates. And all of these are central elements of Mazda’s product philosophy. In fact, the Japanese manufacturer has been setting coupe benchmarks since its foundation. As you may know, its first vehicle was a coupe – an affordable and practical, the 2.96m-long Mazda R360 was also the lightest vehicle ins class! Sweet!

Mazda’s first performance vehicle was also a coupe, unveiled at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show. Back then the Japanese manufacturer revealed the Cosmo Sport 110S – world’s first sports car with a twin-rotor power unit. With its futuristic looks and peculiar engine roar, this machine marked the beginning of an illustrious age of unconventional rotary sports coupes at Mazda.

However, the big strike came with the unveiling of the Familia/R100 and Capella/616/RX-2 series – the respective forerunners to the well-known Mazda3 and Mazda6, all along with the Grand Familia. A few years later, Mazda also revealed its stunning Luce R130 coupe. Designed at Bertone by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it was brand’s only front wheel-driven rotary model and is now a sought-after collector’s item. Furthermore, the hardtop coupe version was available with an AP (Anti-Pollution) rotary that improved emissions and enhanced the overall fuel economy.

In the following years, Mazda has unveiled numerous more coupes as the RX-7, brand’s unique approach towards the late 70s. Then came the Eunos Cosmo, the Japan-exclusive sports coupe built from 1990 to 1995. This was the only production vehicle with a three-rotor power unit. It was capable of producing 300hp via a twin-turbo 20B-REV engine. Furthermore, the vehicle introduced some new cutting-edge technologies as the first built-in GPS system and a touch-screen display. Neat!

SEE ALSO: Mazda’ mesmerizing Kodo Design philosophy – here’s what makes it special!

In recent days, Mazda continues to push design boundaries beyond the conventional limits and reveals numerous sexy and advanced vehicles. Such is the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe, the RF’s one-of-a-kind- power hardtop. What is special about it is that it features Mazda’s new design concept: Kodo: Soul of Motion. Adopted by numerous contemporary models, the design concept has been a key feature in the award-winning models as the latest Mazda3 model. Sweet!

Source: Mazda

May 13, 2020
Lotus and Centrica will reshape the automobile world. Here’s how!

Centrica plc, the parent company of British Gas, and the Lotus team are working together to develop a new model of electric vehicle ownership which will fully integrate the future mobility capabilities and the green energy benefits.

The teams will try to make the vehicle an extension to the home – the car will be capable of storing electricity, minimizing emissions, and generating new income by providing services to the energy market. Furthermore, the energy company will also facilitate a sustainability program that leverages the innovative low carbon technologies and helps mitigate the environmental impact of everything from manufacturing through sales and the day-to-day activities of Lotus employees, heling achieve brand’s carbon reduction goals.

The new partnership aids towards establishing a new global charging and energy infrastructure for new products as part of Lotus’ path towards the zero-emission driving experience.
Centrica Group CEO Chris O’Shea said: “We are committed to helping our customers and communities achieve net-zero and to do so, we must enable the change to electric vehicles. We have the technology, the skills and the scale to do this and our partnership with Lotus is another step in bringing our commitment to life.”

Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said: “Our journey to net-zero carbon is absolutely lock-in-step with the Vision80 strategy for Lotus – taking us to eighty years of the business in 2028. By then we will have transformed Lotus into a truly global player in the high-performance high-technology sector with a new range of cars that remain true to our fundamental promise of always being ‘For The Drivers’. The difference is the energy and infrastructure that will power and support these products in the future – this new partnership demonstrates the progress being made and the ambition of our vision.”

Carl Bayliss, Vice President of Centrica Innovations, said: “Owning an electric vehicle isn’t the same as owning an internal combustion engine car. We see a future where the customer, car and home are connected, enabling new services beyond charging the car, and new products and experiences replacing the unremarkable standard relationship with energy and the ownership of a car today.

SEE ALSO: Jeep makes further approaches to become a greener brand

May 12, 2020
Jeep makes further approaches to become a greener brand
In its ever-evolving efforts to monitor and reduce the environmental impact on vehicles, FCA has completed its latest Global Warming Potential analysis. The endeavors result in the revised 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – compared to its predecessors, this machine offers an overall GWP which is lower with 15 per cent. This GWP improvement was calculated using industry-standard software which examines numerous factors associated with vehicle’s design, production and on-road performance. Such factors include:
- the environmental impact of fuel production and delivery
- material use
- the vehicle’s own fuel consumption
This GWP improvement was calculated by using industry-standard software which examines numerous factors associated with vehicle’s design, production and on-road performance. Such factors include:
- Determinations are based on 150,000 miles of operation. And improvements are measured by contrasting anticipated C02-equivalent greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, with those of comparable vehicles.
- C02-equivalent, or CO2e, is a term for describing various greenhouse gases as a common unit. For any quantity and type of greenhouse gas, CO2e signifies the amount of CO2 that would have an equivalent effect on global warming.
- In this case, the comparison was made with the previous-generation Wrangler Unlimited, as powered by its only available engine – FCA’s award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 – and a since-discontinued five-speed automatic transmission.
Additionally, new Wrangler’s performance was measured as equipped with the optional 270hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 power unit, featuring a built-in stop-start function. Each new Wrangler Unlimited has the potential to account for a 14-metric-ton reduction in GHG emissions, which is equivalent to:
- GHG emissions of three passenger cars, driven for one year
- C02e output from 7.7 tons of coal burned in a power-generation plant
- C02e produced when powering 2.4 average American homes for one year
Further improvements include FCA’s TroqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be mounted to either the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 unit or the optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. Additionally, for the first configuration, the advanced gearbox helps the 2020 Wrangler Unlimited achieve a 21 miles-per-gallon rating in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s combined city/highway test cycle.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Group makes further investments in automobile battery supplies

In fact, for the Sahara trim level, 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited may be geared with a version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that features FCA’s eTorque mild-hybrid technology. Additionally, the new-gen Wrangler Unlimited can be specified with a 3.6-liter V6 from FCA’s award-winning Pentastar engine lineup. It also comes with a choice of a TorqueFlite eight-speed gearbox or a six-speed manual system. Neat!

Source: Jeep
May 12, 2020