Car Makes – Page 198 – Automobiles Review

A special Ferrari model will seek its new owner at Silverstone Auctions!

There is a 2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello with football star provenance that will be offered for a sale by Silverstone Auctions at this year’s Silverstone Classic motor sport festival on 30th of July.

The Maranello itself has a mileage of just 36,000 miles and the most interesting thing about it is that it was owned by the great Sir Geoff Hurst MBE. As any football fan would tell you, Mr. Hurst led England team to a World Cup 4-2 victory against Germany back in 1966 at Wembley Stadium.

Also, Saturday, 30th July marks the fiftieth anniversary of the occasion and at this exact same day the famous classic motor sport festival Silverstone race circuit takes place.

But back to the Ferrari. The UK supplied car has been maintained in superior condition. It is a road-ready machine and it is expected that bids can go up to $250,000 USD. Sweet. This right-hand model comes with Argento Nurburgring finish and black leather Daytona style seats. Buyer will also be granted with full carbon interior trim, leather headlining and silver-painted brake calipers.

2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Also, the vehicle will be sold with two sets of keys, full Ferrari leather bound book pack, red Ferrari cover and full service history.

The car will be auctioned along more than 150 other classic vehicles as part of three days of auctions hosted by Silverstone Auctions from 28th to 31st July.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

July 21, 2016

Ford GT under extensive wind tunnel testing before official release [w/video]

Ford is franticly preparing to release the best car in its range

Ford GT is making WOWs every time it appears, be it even on your computer screen. By the way, its development continues unabated, and everyone is impatiently expecting to see the market debut of the carbon fiber supercar before the end of this year. In other words, the expectations are high and Ford is really making great efforts not to disappoint fans and future customers. Ford GT will probably be the best car in company’s line-up, because it is an example which features the best of Ford: efficient EcoBoost engines, light-weight, aerodynamics, functional design and active airflow management.

The video below shows company’s engineering supervisor, Nick Terzes, who takes us behind the scenes. The scenery is shot in the Wind Tunnel 8 in Allen Park, Michigan, and this is exactly where the Ford GT pre-production prototype is currently undergoing wind tunnel testing.

What happens in the footage below? It previews one of the multiple sessions to prove out the extensive computer aided aerodynamic models with physical wind tunnel data. The airspeed approach is 125 mph (200 km/h). Terzes says that the “prime reason we come to the tunnel is to get the actual physical data on the vehicle” as well as to look at its “interior wind-noise acoustics, and the aerodynamics.”

The clip displays the active rear wing, which is a substantial part of a suite of active aerodynamic features on the 2017 Ford GT. It not only improves performance, but also plays crucial role in the stability and efficiency.

Terzes also reveals some important and interesting facts: “One of the great things about this car, as dynamic and beautiful as the design is, every single opening has a purpose on the car. So If you see a large grille, if you see a scoop, it’s wasn’t just put there to look good. It was put there because it has a function.”

See for yourself!

Source: Ford

July 20, 2016

What it takes to have a life-long passion for vintage Bentleys. Petrolicious answers [w/video]

William Medcalf Vintage Bentley video William Medcalf is a world-renowned vintage Bentley specialist, who has been a subject of this featured video. The film experts at Petrolicious created an evocative film, which perfectly captures the spirit of Medcalf and gives hint into what drives his passion for vintage Bentleys. At the same time, we are sure that it would be the most beautiful video you have watched lately. With its fantastic cinematography (nods to the photographer/s) it not only pleases the senses, but also entertains the viewer and shows exactly how these cars are best used.

Filmed in the Sussex countryside, the 10-minute long piece actually shows the area surrounding Medcalf’s workshop and headquarters in Liss. Why this is so important? Because the location provides the perfect driving roads and also previews England at its very best.

In short, in the video you will hear William’s story about his eternal passion for vintage Bentleys. He also gives some hints of how he thinks cars should be driven today. At one point he actually says that “Anything with wheels should be raced. Everything with wheels should be driven to the limit”. Fair enough!

What is more, in the piece he will also take you on a tour of William Medcalf Vintage Bentley, thus giving you an insight into why his workshop is regarded as the only place to go for vintage Bentleys. He also reveals some surprising secrets of these famously durable and sporting cars. A trained machinist who knows vintage Bentleys better than anyone else, take a look at William Medcalf and his devotion to his life-long passion.

httpv://youtu.be/-Fi_Oe-54Ac

Source: William Medcalf & Petrolicious via YouTube

July 20, 2016

Racing One’s Ferrari is stronger on the race-track with these special LOMA GT COMPETITION rims

Ferrari 458 Italia gets on-track support with one-off LOMA wheels

One of the most triumphant Ferrari-teams in the world is Racing One. Besides leaving nothing to chance, in order to always achieve success they also are updating constantly and developing their innate strengths. By the way, Racing One is a serial winner of the VLN Endurance Championship and it is also an organizer of number of track days.

One of their secrets is that the team is counting on the use of forged wheels made by LOMA. Well, it might sound a little bit strange, but here is why this is so important. The latest developed forged wheel by LOMA is called GT COMPETITION. Its benefits are the innovative spokes ergonomic design, which allows mechanics to change the wheels even faster during critical pit stops. In addition, another advantage is that the spokes fit perfectly into the hand, thus delivering safer and quicker wheel change.

Not to mention that they are also light in weight. This is absolutely necessary for the competitive capabilities of the car. An interesting fact is that this particular rim type was designed and tested specifically for the Ferrari for about two years. The goal was to achieve incomparable result.

LOMA Ferrari 458 Italia GT COMPETITION side view

Since they are only used as racing rims, LOMA GT COMPETITION are totally custom and they are not mass produced, so you can’t buy them in the local shop. What is more, the offsets can be produced as needed, so that they can enhance the track of a vehicle, while the tire pressure can be aligned with high precision, thus allowing more constant performance.

LOMA is currently offering the GT COMPETITION racing rim in 18- or 19-inch size for all Ferrari 458 of the GT-class and for the Ferrari Challenge models.

Source: LOMA Wheels

July 19, 2016

Skoda will challenge supercars from the ’70s and 80’s. Stupid idea, indeed

2016 SKODA Superb 200hp

This time SKODA team tries to do the impossible. And most likely it will fail. The engineering team tries to achieve performance rates from a vehicle that are enough to challenge a Lambo car or a Ferrari. And the most surprising thing? Well, SKODA is not going for this ultra-high quality next-gen hyper ultracar which goes from 0 to 200 mph in two seconds. Nor the team will charge some six figures for the model. So, let’s see what is going on here!

We talk about a new Superb model with 2.0 TSI 280hp (208kW) power unit. In fact, SKODA claims that this is by far brand’s most refined and powerful engine provided so far. And what for? To challenge a 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB. Genious, SKODA. Challenging a 40-year older vehicle seems a good idea. And it is worth spreading the news. Apparently, SKODA team has way too much free time.

Along with its not-bad-sporty-oriented drivetrain system, the new Superb also comes with tons of luggage space. Okay, not tons, but a good 660 liters of free space. This also makes this particular mode one of the most spacious throughout all SKODA lineups.

Available in SE L Executive, SportLine and Laurin & Klement trim levels, the vehicle offers 18-inch alloys, Columbus satellite navigation system, electrically operated boot, leather upholstery and heated seats. Of course, we get the ambition to prove itself worthy among retired vintage cars, but we prefer not to talk about that.

It seems as SKODA team needs a summer vacation. A long one.

Source: SKODA

July 19, 2016

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible or Coupe: PIECHA Design makes both look better than ever

Marcus PIECHA takes his hands on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible and Coupe 207 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 207 Series was released seven years ago, but it brought back the memories of the timeless and elegant 124 convertible and coupe. PIECHA Design is obviously making an offensive to tune Mercedes models, which were famous back in the days. So, what we have here is an interesting variant of the pre-facelift models (those released before 2013), which have the characteristic “rectangular” eyes.

The extensive modular visual package brings about an exciting racing look. Needless to say, the unique bodywork is an elegant extension of the innate AMG looks. So, if you own one and you think it is time for refreshment, maybe this article comes at the perfect time. Let’s see what we have here.

The front and rear get RS styling with the mighty front lip with its integrated air splitter and the rear diffusor insert. More aero-dynamism and assertiveness is thus assured. The top-stretching air box renders the air current beneath the car, while the rear appears flatter and racier, due to the addition of a three-part rear spoiler, which also highlights its width.

PIECHA Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe rear view

Furthermore, the designers added wheel spacers of various sizes and sport-type springs. The latter are 15-20mm shorter than the original ones. There is something very important about the rear of the car: the diffuser insert has been optimized by Marcus Piecha himself in order to fit in the legendary QUADRO 4-pipe exhaust. At its end, the chrome-plated tailpipes add auspicious visuals for the growling sound that come out of the exhaust.

At last, there are several types of wheels for these Mercedes models: at the top are the silver or black 20-inch MP5-LXM alloys. However, if you are keen on smaller rims, then there are available the equally stylish 19-inch MP1-Monoblocks in titanium or black.

Source: PIECHA Design

July 18, 2016

Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged under dyno testing [w/video]

2016 Dodge Viper equipped with Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged upgrade get chassis dyno testing

The latest video we have received from Hennessey Performance is showing how the specialists perform a chassis dyno testing on their latest variant of the 2016 Dodge Viper equipped with the Hennessey Venom 800 Supercharged upgrade. The video is featured below so that you can enjoy that sweet growling sound of the updated powertrain.

By the way, Hennessey Performance’s Venom GT Spyder has been officially certified by Racelogic as world’s fastest convertible. Back in April it achieved a top speed of 265.6 mph (427.4 km/h). Thanks to this, Hennessey added another milestone to its list of awards. Back in 2014, the company has made a spectacular record-breaking speed of the hardtop Hennessey Venom GT, during which it reached a top speed of 270.4 mph (435.3 km/h).

The here presented Viper features company’s so called Venom 800 Supercharger, which helps the engine achieve equally spectacular results. First, the power has jumped to 808 hp (594 kW) at 6,200 rpm, while the torque to 1070 Nm (790 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm. In terms of performance, the 0-60 mph acceleration sprint is covered in 2.9 seconds, while the ¼ mile is reached in 10.5 seconds at 143 mph.

Hennessey Dodge Viper Venom 800 Supercharged rear view

These fantastic results are due to the addition of a high-flow supercharger system with 5 psi boost pressure, additional air to the air intercooler system, extra high flow fuel injectors and brand new stainless steel 3 inch exhaust system.

Besides the cool engine upgrades, Hennessey is also offering some design tweaks for the Viper, which show its significance and custom individuality. We are speaking of the Hennessey and Venom® 800 & Supercharged emblems for the exterior, the serial numbered dash & engine plaques as well as the premium floor mats.

Enough talk! Are you ready to hear some noise?

httpv://youtu.be/QGuRwgbfXPg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey Performance

July 18, 2016

Single malt Jaguar XJ by Vilner is infused with aristocratism and individuality

Vilner makes substantial interior changes to the 2005 Jaguar XJ

This Jaguar XJ by Vilner has rather strange nick name, “single malt”, which as many of you might now is a type of alcohol. But there is a good reason for that, and it is the aristocratic club atmosphere of this XJ. If it is true that the car actually resembles the owner, then the driver of this Jag XJ has high noble traits. But could a car, an object, really say something about its possessor? Let’s find out.

The basis of this project is the beautiful 2005 Jaguar XJ with 300 hp (221 kW) and 420 Newton meters (310 lb-ft) of torque. The car has extremely sentimental value for its owner, who not only keeps it in perfect condition, but also takes care for it as a part of the family. At one point however, this wasn’t enough and the aristocratic owner wanted to do something more for his Jaguar-jewel. Therefore he contacted the luxury Bulgarian based Art Studio Vilner for help. And he obviously came to the right place.

What he wanted was a fine combination of vintage shades, warmth and a hint of the atmosphere of whiskey and cigars club. The aim was achieved with materials of the highest quality: white-striped beige Alcantara as well as soft brown vintage leather.

Vilner Jaguar XJ Single Malt interior pic two

Besides the central parts of the seats and doors, the striped Alcantara upholstery has been given to the transmission tunnel and sun visors. Traditionally, the steering console is made of hard plastic, but now it is reinforced with brown Alcantara. On the other hand, the design theme of the steering wheel, dashboard and almost the entire interior is made of vintage brown leather, stitched with contrasting white thread. Even the plastic mechanisms of the seat belts have been wrapped with the same material.

The owner wanted to preserve all wooden elements, so Vilner incorporated them in their design vision for the XJ. At last, on the headrests you see the embroidery of the family crest, which somehow seems to add uniformity and completeness of this important Jaguar. As a compliment, the studio has created a special bag made entirely in the style of the car, and this tradition seems to become a trademark of Vilner’s.

The conclusion: a car can really say a lot about its owner as it has been exemplified with this project. And this is because he has treated the Jaguar not as a useful object, but as a substantial part of the family that has own personality. By the way, the fact that this XJ is in the family for more than ten years speaks a lot.

Source: Vilner

July 15, 2016

One-off Jeep Wrangler Sahara in Black Clearcoat is Kahn’s next masterpiece

Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company unveil limited edition Jeep Wrangler Sahara that is available to buy

Did we miss something last Friday? Yes. If you follow us regularly, then you know that on this day of the week we are posting our dose of Kahn Design’s tunings. What we have for you today is a project based on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR. Chelsea Truck Company has also participated, thus making this limited edition truly limited.

Exterior

On the outside, the Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE immediately catches the eye with its effervescent Black Clearcoat paint scheme. After the initial amazement, one begins to notice that there is more that has been done on this vehicle. For instance, at the front the two new shadow chrome headlights find their selves on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial mesh.

The rear is governed by the Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover, while the sides are dominated by the door handles, mirrors and the fuel filler cap. The dramatic appearance is rounded out by the set of 17-inch Jeep 1941 DC wheels in Satin Black fitted with beefy 245/75/17″ tyres. Not forgetting to mention that behind the wheels there are new brake calipers finished in Liquid Red, while the mud flaps entirely complete the stunning exterior.

Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara CTC CJ300 LE interior

Behind the privacy tinted glass one finds wondrous interior. The upholstery is made of quilted and perforated Black Leather and features Silver Contrasting stitching. Even the centre glove box, arm rests and roof lining were made in the same design style. Below the waistline there are vented foot pedals in machined aluminium, door entry sill plates in stainless steel and mud flaps.

By the way, unlike many other Kahn projects, this particular Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 Diesel 2DR CTC CJ300 LE edition can be ordered. In case you are interested, the price is £31,975.

Source: Kahn Design

July 15, 2016

Another Crystal added to the range of LARTE Design’s exclusive Mercedes-Benz projects

Mercedes GLS Crystal is the next creation in LARTE’s portfolio

LARTE Design is going to reveal a brand new Crystal model at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) in August. If we have to compare the GLS with a “standard” Mercedes car, then it most certainly will be the S-Class. Both are inarguably very impressive.

However, the aforementioned duo is still “mass-production” and offers no or little individuality. LARTE Design has answered the prayers of the uniqueness-seekers with the release of a brand new tuning kit for the GLS. Exactly this package will be premiered at the event, and we can’t wait to see more real life pictures of it, because it promises to be really cool.

So basically, the set consists of a new front and rear bumpers, which feature the bonus of carbon fibre inserts. As you can see on the images, the rear of the car has been designed to look very massive, but at the same time sporty and aggressive. It also sports new air diffuser, four unusual exhaust pipes and a lot of carbon fiber in the form of various parts.

The front, of which we don’t have any pictures, includes brand new bumper with masculine lines and a new radiator grill with big LARTE horseshow logo. By the way, the new side pads are evocative of LARTE Design’s amazing Mercedes GL Black Crystal, and this is why it is the successor of the Crystal family. What is more, the tuner is saying that there will be carbon shielded air intakes at the fenders.

This is the preliminary information we have about this new tuning, but we hope to receive some more details at a later time. Besides the GLS Crystal, LARTE Design will basically exhibit its entire portfolio, including the business road-jet Mercedes V-Class Black Crystal and the “electrifying” Tesla Model S Elizabeta.

Moscow International Automobile Salon opens gates on 24^th of August and closes on 4^th of September. LARTE Design’s booth is located in hall 3 (pav.13, booth B106).

Source: Larte Design

July 14, 2016

Audi R8 Spyder V10 is one step closer to your garage

Audi is taking first pre-orders for the R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10 made its debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show in March. Now it is time for the first wanna-be owners to make probably the most important step in their lives and purchase the model. The car is exceptional.

It is driven by the 5.2 FSI engine, which produces 540 hp (397 kW) and delivers 540 Newton meters (398.3 lb-ft) of torque, thus accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.6 seconds. The top speed is of 318 km/h (197.6 mph). And the benefit of the open-top experience the car offers is that the driver can enjoy the sound of the engine, when driving with the soft top folded back.

Another advantage of the R8 V10 Spyder is that it is based on the new Audi Space Frame in combination with the aluminum components and structurally-integrated carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. This is important because it accounts for better performance and improved torsional rigidity by 50 percent. In addition, the new lightweight construction results in a curb weight of the supercar of just 1,720 kilograms (3,792.0 lb), whilst its dry weight comes in mere 1,612 kilograms (3,553.9 lb). Thanks to this, the car actually uses ten percent less fuel!

Audi R8 Spyder V10 side view

Speaking of the engine, we forgot to mention that it is connected to the seven-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers power to the newly developed quattro drive system. Depending on the driving situation, the entire power can be directed to either the front or rear wheels.

Of course, all functions are driver-oriented, allowing the driver to keep their hands firmly on the steering wheel and eyes focused on the road. If one asks about the important information, it is displayed on a 12.3-inch fully digital Audi virtual screen, showing everything in cool 3D graphics. In fact, the R8 Spyder is also smart-phone connected, being the first model to feature the Audi smartphone interface.

LEDs with newly developed laser technology are lightning up the way, especially for those who really want to get their booties inside the R8 V10 Spyder. The pre-sales of the hand-built (almost) Audi R8 Spyder V10 begin today in Europe with a starting price of €179,000.

Source: Audi

July 14, 2016

2017 Elantra brings some sporty dynamics! Check it out!

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Hyundai unveiled the 2017 Elantra Sport! At the meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria the audience witnessed the first public appearance of Hyundai’s most powerful Elantra model so far. So, what’s so special about this one?

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

Powered by a 1.6-liter Turbo GDI four-cylinder power unit, the vehicle also features either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT system with paddle shifters. What we also know so far is that the suspension is exclusively fine-tuned to elevate the on-road dynamics and comfort. Sweet.

The vehicle somehow reminds of Ford Focus

In terms of exterior, the Elantra Sport looks just fine. Just fine. There is nothing interesting with that one, if we have to be honest. There are only two distinctive elements: the massive and badass-looking grille and the standard wheel design. And it is indeed the grille that reminds me of a Ford vehicle. The rest is just a straightforward design without any interesting curves and lines. I don’t say it is an ugly vehicle, not at all. We just expected something more. Or, maybe, it was our expectations that let us down.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport