Car Makes – Page 199 – Automobiles Review

2016 Renault Grand Coupe: was it that necessary?

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe After the unveiling of the new Megane in 2015 and the Megane Sport Tourer in March this year, Renault team decides to launch a neat Grand Coupe model. This is a four-door saloon with sweet styling and well-balanced proportions. And just like its brothers, this one wants to be authentic, functional and useful. But did it succeed?

The Megane Grand Coupe comes with the cost-cutting CMF C/D architecture. This means that the engineering team has done its best to deliver a vehicle with enhanced driving comfort, neat dynamics and overall great pleasure of driving.

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

Additional features include a 7-inch TFT display, 8.7-inch multimedia tabled, R Link 2, Multi-Sense, Easy Park Assist and some driver-assistant systems as Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning.

In terms of powertrain system, there are some different variants, depending on the country: there is the SCe 115 with a 5-speed manual gearbox, a TCe unit, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic. These are the petrol machines. Diesel systems include dCI 90 with a 6-speed manual and a dCi 130 also with 6-speed manual.

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

So, what can we say at the end? We got a sweet looking Renault machine with numerous features and systems. Just like the rest of the lineup. We doubt that this was a necessary model to be released, but hey, who cares? We have a sweet vehicle over here!

2016 Renault Megane Grand Coupe

Source: Renault

July 13, 2016

Honda introduces Civic RS Turbo Modulo variant, but there’s one unfortunate fact for all fans

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo side view

We have some sad news for all Honda Civic fans living in Europe and the United States. There is a brand new RS Turbo version currently going on sale in the Philippines. It is called Modulo and it not only looks great but we are sure that it feels fantastic driving it, too! The pack enhances the strength that the Civic has and further highlights its aggressive and sporty appearance.

To make you even more envious, the car will come with two engine variants. The first one, the optional, and it is the naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre unit, which is producing some whooping 141 HP (104 kW) and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque. The standard one is more powerful in terms of horses and torque, namely – the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with 173 horsepower (127 kW) and 216 Nm (159 lb-ft) of torque. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is sending the power to the front wheels in both cases.

The Modulo body kit emphasizes the innate beauty of the new generation Civic. What we have here are new front splitters, bigger side skirts and wider rear valance. New top-ends for the exhaust’s twin tailpipes are also at hand. The car runs on 17-inch wheels in either matt black or polished silver. Everything is rounded out by the Modulo badge at the front as well as the new tread plates.

Honda Civic RS Turbo Modulo costs approximately $30,000 USD. And if you wonder why it is so costly, there’s this little fact that’s called “taxes”, which seem to be extremely high in the Philippines.

Source: Honda

July 13, 2016

JMS offers distinctive ways for BMW M1 improvement

JMS BMW M1 run on brand new alloys and features upgraded suspension

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is not the typical Bavarian model that the fans would rather go for. In fact, exactly this variant, which was introduced back in 2011, is one of the least seen on the streets. Not only because of the fact that it is 1 Series M, but also because is it the coupe variant. It seems that we are also most likely used to associate the 1 Series with the hatchback variant.

But all of the aforementioned reasons aren’t good enough to say that the life of the little brother of the M3 is meaningless. Instead, many tuning companies are undertaking the task of making the M1 even better and more capable, thus highlighting its core strength. Such example is the tuning company JMS, which did some chassis upgrades for the E82.

They haven’t worked alone, but with the help of experts like KW Automotive. The cooperation of both resulted in better suspension, due to the addition of KW Variant 3 ‘Inox-line’ adjustable coilovers. This “little” extra actually gives great results. Precisely – it lowers the ride height by 30 mm at the front, and 20 mm at the rear.

The lowered ride height requires almost always new alloys. Not because it is a necessity, but just because it highlights the applied change. So, JMS added Barracuda Shoxx alloys in Matte Bronze finish and in 20-inch size. The wheels were complemented by 245/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 rubbers. In addition, a set of 15 mm spacers bring these wheels right to the edge of the big wheel arches, and combined with the new front spoiler lip, the whole picture is more purposeful look and improved stability.

Sometimes small changes account for better taste, don’t they?

Source: JMS

July 13, 2016

Limited, distinctive and exclusive: Lotus Evora Blue and Orange is here!

2016 Lotus Evora Blue and Orange Limited Edition Lotus fans have helped the brand to develop new and exclusive color scheme that will soon be released in limited run with an Evora model.

Challenging enthusiasts had show their preference from selected and carefully curated designs that were also available to browse from on brand’s official social media channels.

Car fans across the world have helped the Lotus Exclusive service by choosing one of the most famous racing colour schemes for a run of extremely limited Evora 400 Exclusive editions. The winning scheme, light blue with orange stripe, has made it through the list and left behind some notable Lotus colorings that include established liveries and classic ones.

The Blue & Orange edition recalls the famous racing color combination that was first seen back in the 1960s in combination of neat interior styling: black leather upholstery, contrast stitching and tons of standard features.

2016 Lotus Evora Blue and Orange Limited Edition

Developed by a team at Hethel, Lotus Exclusive program inspires customers and brand enthusiasts to personalize and give distinctive character to their vehicle. Furthermore, the super limited edition demonstrates the appeal of Lotus Exclusive: customers have the chance to get both British craftsmanship quality and neat design features.

So, tell me, how would you personalize your Lotus? Write down in the comment section!

Source: Lotus

July 12, 2016

Jaguar Land Rover showcases a rather special system. Check it out!

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System Jaguar Land Rover shows a range of some badass technologies that will aid future self-driven vehicles through any surface and terrain. It is a multi-million dollar research project that aims to make the autonomous driving as flexible and as confident as possible.

And in order to enable this next-gen of technology, Jaguar Land Rover team has developed some sweet technologies: there are some sensors, surface identification tweak and a 3D path sensing. All of them incorporate the use of a camera, radar and sensors to deliver detailed 360 degree view of the world around the vehicle. Of course, buyers will have the chance to get their path planned, and see some potential dangers and road situations. Sweet.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

One more key element is the ability for vehicles to “talk” to each other: the machines can communicate with by sending data and prepare for any off-road obstacles and road challenges.

In fact, Jaguar and Land Rover have already made an off-road demonstration with two Range Rover Sports that use the DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) technology in order to create an Off-Road Connected Convoy. The wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication system shares data for vehicle’s location, wheel-slip, suspension activity, wheel articulation and All-Terrain Progress Control information.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

As it seems, autonomous and self-driven vehicles and technologies gain more and more popularity and different brands show us some different and interesting solutions to the modern day challenges. How do you find the new systems? Drive in the comment section below.

2016 Jaguar Land Rover DSRC System

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

July 12, 2016

2017 Ford F-150 gets 10-speed automatic for better torque results

Ford adds second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic to the options list

2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall. The leader in the truck segment will amaze its new customers with the various innovations and exceptional torque delivery. By the way, the newest variant of the F-150 is going to offer segment-leading torque, thanks to the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine under its hood. The other substantial reason for the enhanced torque rating is the addition of the 10-speed automatic transmission.

In its second generation, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost unit generates an extra of almost 70 Newton meters or 50 lb.-ft. of peak torque, if compared with the first-generation engine. The result is a total of 637 Nm (470 lb-ft). This number is of significance, because it beats all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including some of the V8 engines on the market. What is more, the horses have been also improved and now they are 375 hp, which is an addition of 10 hp.

To make the engine more capable of its new torque, Ford engineers have developed an exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission, which debuts on the 2017 F-150. Unfortunately, it comes at an extra cost, because Ford didn’t seem to wish to make it standard.

However, in this combination, the powertrain delivers better acceleration and performance, better low-end and peak engine performance, as well as more capability when it comes to hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.

Obviously, Ford has taken advantage of the strong sides of 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost, and has developed something exceptional. We do wait impatiently for the first customer’s reviews though.

2017 Ford F-150 new engine and traansmission

Source: Ford

July 12, 2016

Sky blue carbon fiber Mercedes-Benz G500 is one of the best vehicles you’ll see this summer

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

We absolutely love MANSORY and it is needless to say we do love the G-Class, too. But what happens when a tuning company like this puts all of its efforts on a G500? Miracles maybe? To answer the question we are going to talk about the latest MANSORY project, which involves the aforementioned Mercedes model.

Being one of the most noticeable vehicles on the road, the Mercedes G500 4×4 has been made even more dramatic in its appearance. The tuning experts took as a starting point the wide, flared wheel arches and additional height of the off-roader, and built their ideas on top of these innate qualities of the G-Class.

Carbon fibre has been used as far as the eye can see. Literally. Just take a look at the new front spoiler with LED headlights and the new hood made from visible carbon fibre. In addition, the flanks of the off-roader are beautified with air intakes on the front wheel arches, mirror housings, handles and trim. They are also made of the lightweight material as are the roof and roof spoiler, the rear apron and panels.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 stairway to heaven

One of the very cool enhancements that the designers have added here is a step, which automatically extends to help the person entering the vehicle climb into its cockpit, so that he or she could see the unmatched interior treatment.

Basically, the cabin features everything that one needs to feel their selves in a luxurious and at the same time sports environment. Precisely, the sports steering wheel, which features a carbon inlay, was designed specifically for the 4×4. Below the waistline, there have been added aluminium pedals, evoking that feeling of driving a sports-car.

The luxury part is played by the entirely renewed interior. Almost everything was reupholstered and masterfully created by hand from leather and cutting edge carbon fabric. The changes are topped off by logos, decorative stitching and beading. Of course – in the color of the vehicle.

MANSORY Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4 interior

But it was not just the bodywork. MANSORY has installed its Powerbox and additionally supported it with a sport exhaust system. The extra power given to the G500 is 47 kW (63 PS) as well as 100 Newton meters of torque.

The abundant carbon fiber treatment inside and out, as well as the performance changes, make the G500 one of our favorite projects this summer.

Source: MANSORY

July 12, 2016

G-Power shows how to make the fastest coupe even faster

BMW M4 Coupe gets a comprehensive power upgrade

Did you know that the BMW M4 GTS is almost twice the price of a normal M4 Coupe? It is priced approximately at 142,600 euros ($161,200 USD), but this does not seem to bother enthusiasts. Another interesting fact about the limited edition M4 GTS is that it will be produced in 700 copies, which is one of the reasons for being so expensive. But even this exclusivity could be made better, right? Here step in G-POWER: BMW M-Series tuning specialists, who have more than 35 years of experience in the modification of the Bavarian models.

They have actually recognized that the new M4 GTS is the perfect machine to make full use of their Bi-Tronik 2 V3 ECU upgrade. So they did change not one, but actually four of these significant models.

The goal of G-POWER tuning experts was to achieve more than 615 hp. So what they did is to undertake significant internal modifications to the turbine wheel and housing, add new stainless steel downpipes without catalysts for reduced backpressure, and boost the curves of the Bi-Tronik 2 V3 via custom mapping.

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 front view

As a result, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six engine, has an enhance power output from 500 hp (368 kW) to a whopping 615 hp (452 kW), with peak torque jumping from 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 760 Nm (561 lb-ft). With the help of the Launch Control, the G-POWER-modified M4 GTS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds on its way to the 320 km/h top speed.

By the way, there is an option which does not include the aforementioned mechanical modifications. This means that there is a basic conversion that uses the G-POWER Bi-Tronik 2 V2 with mapping optimization and boosts the output to 575 hp (423 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft).

If you ask about chassis modifications, here’s only one and it is the new wheels. The reason for this is the ultra exclusive fully adjustable coilover suspension that comes as standard with the M4 GTS. Precisely, G-POWER added in-house made lightweight HURRICANE RR sized 21-inches and fitted with low-profile performance tyres. Enjoy!

G-POWER BMW M4 GTS F82 interior

Source: G-POWER

July 11, 2016

SPEED-BUSTER celebrates the 30th anniversary of BMW M5 with unique tuning program

SPEED-BUSTER offers comprehensive power upgrade for the entire BMW M5 range

BMW 5-Series is 44 years old! Can you believe that? It is almost impossible to grasp that one of the most iconic models in BMW’s lineup has debuted back in 1972 and ever since then it has been praised as being one of the best middle class prestige saloons. Fourteen years later, in 1986, BMW released an M version (M5) of the model, topping a 286 hp of performance and taking the crown as the fastest production saloon in the world! How cool is that actually!

But what happens with the current M5 series. BMW is celebrating 30 years of its introduction with the release of a special edition model. What is more, it has added the unique Gran Turismo variant, which in our opinion shows even better the capabilities of the outstanding Bavarian company.

The current series, M5 F10, has a power output between 560 and 600 hp depending on the variant one chooses. The horsepower is pretty much enough, but for those who want even more there is always someone who will offer “even more”. In this case, such someone is the renowned chip tuning company SPEED-BUSTER. The experts there have prepared a muscle-building program for the German blockbuster.

Speed Buster BMW M5 F10 front view

They have developed a special Chiptuning-Box, which re-maps the electronic brain controlling the TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. If one has chosen to go for the “30 Years” anniversary model, then after the modification he or she will be getting up to 695 hp, which is an increase of 95 hp. The torque has been uprated from 700 Nm to 844 Nm.

Owners of the of the M5 Competition Package variant are getting even more. The power increase has been estimated around 108 hp, thus making the numbers increase from 575 hp to a rousing 683 hp, with peak torque up from 680 to 839 Nm.

The least powerful variant among the M5s is the standard one which comes with “only” 560 hp and 680 Nm. After the SPEED-BUSTER Chiptuning-Box intervention, it is now capable of 631 hp and 820 Nm.

Source: Speed Buster

July 11, 2016

Mazda MX-5 race teams prepare for a big race in September

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car British MX-5 racer Oliver Allowood secured a neat seat in the Mazda MX-5 Global Cup car for this year’s Global MX-5 Cup race that took place this year at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Oliver, who raced with a Mk1 MX-5, is one of just five European racers that have won fully-funded trips to race at the legendary American track.

As we have told you, with the support of Mazda UK, the championship leaders of the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) MX-Championship, 750 Motor Club, MX-5 Club and some more joined the intense knock-out competition at the ParcMotor Circuit. And there were five racers that have proven worthy: Moritz Kranz (Germany), Kamil Franczak (Poland), Erik Blixt (Sweden), Oliver Allwood (UK), Gabriele Gardel (Switzerland).

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car

Based on the well-known and award-winning Mazda MX-5, the Global Cup car has been created in order to deliver this same road capability, but with some track-oriented improvements. It is built by Long Road Racing in North Carolina USA and offers the aid of the standard 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G power unit with sealed racing ECU, FIA-approved safety cage, AIM data system and special radiator. Of course, there are race springs, Brembo brakes and neat 17-inch RAYS wheels with slick tires. Long story short, racers will compete with a slightly improved road car.

The standalone global MX-5 Cup Race will be held at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit in September. There will be racers from all around the world: America, Europe, Australia and Japan.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Car

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Mazda

July 11, 2016

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive: launching and advertisement campaigns

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive BRABUS’ new smart vehicle got famous for two thing: unique agility and incredible dynamics. Available as smart BRABUS or smart BRABUS Xclusive, the vehicle will also be available in fortwo, cabriolet and forfour variants later this year. And as it seems, BRABUS team decided to go for a advertisement campaign.

The team has already launched a video, named “Most Xclusve Test Drive”. It showcases how special and different the driving experience is. Or, at least it tries to be. The film shows three different groups of people who want to try out the BRABUS: a family, a couple and a group of friends. Of course, as you may have already expected, there is a plot twist. The ride gets more exclusive than anyone expected.

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive

Also, in order to support the market launch of the vehicle, smart will be launching a mobile Live Escape Game in Hamburg, Vienna, Barcelona and Rome from September. What we know so far is that participants will be randomly selected people that will be divided by groups of four and two and the task is to get out of the maze with a BRABUS Xclusive vehicle.

To support the market launch of the new smart BRABUS on an international scale too, smart will be staging a mobile smart BRABUS Live Escape Game in Hamburg, Vienna, Barcelona and Rome from September onwards. The participants are randomly selected people in the respective cities who are interested to play. In groups of two to four people, they will be trapped inside the BRABUS Live Escape Game with the smart BRABUS Xclusive and given a set length of time to escape. Within this set time, the players must solve interactive puzzles with and about the smart BRABUS to liberate the car from the garage. The participans will get a small prize, but that is going to be a surprise.

2016 smart BRABUS Xclusive

Source: Daimler

July 11, 2016

A legendary Jaguar E-Type has returned to us! Check the story here!

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster Chassis 62 A missing Jaguar E-Type vehicle, considered to be one of the most sought-after early examples of the model has been discovered in the depths of Scotland. It will be offered at auction by Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic on the 30th and 31st of July.

This 1961 Series 1 Roadster, Chassis #62 has a rather interesting story. It is one of the first 92 hand-crafted models and had mysteriously disappeared at a certain time. Historians and experts were trying to know more about this Jaguar’s whereabouts for decades, but without any feasible result. Also, the first 20 units of this particular lineup have been fine-tuned to offer some sporty character and were believed to be the “Holy Grail” of E-Types and unarguably, for vehicle collectors.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster Chassis 62

And this particular, Chassis #62, was dispatched to Scotland in July 1961 via Henleys of London for use as a demonstrator vehicle in the whole Edinburgh area. Funny thing is that, it was expressly forbidden for the car be sold until September of the same year, but was purchased by its first owner right in the beginning of September.

Through the years the Jaguar vehicle was passed from owner to owner within Edinburgh area and back in 2013 it has passed in the dominion of its fifth and current owner who was completely unaware of the fact that he possesses a sort of the “Holy Grail” of vintage sports cars. I can imagine the excitement the felt.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster Chassis 62

And with this interesting story to be told for generations, the E-Type will be offered at the auction with its original Jaguar Heritage Certificate with a starting price between $180,000 and 220,000 USD.

Luckily, the car is still in impeccable visual and performance condition, thanks to the meticulous cares of its last owner. Finished in Carmen Red with black-dominated interior, the vehicle still has some original features and this so-called “fat floor”, split-link throttle linkage, thicker screen chrome mouldings and smooth cut-away groove at the top of the A-post capping.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

July 8, 2016

Category: Car Makes

JMS BMW M1 run on brand new alloys and features upgraded suspension

Ford adds second-gen 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed automatic to the options list

MANSORY releases one-off Mercedes-Benz G500 customization

BMW M4 Coupe gets a comprehensive power upgrade

SPEED-BUSTER offers comprehensive power upgrade for the entire BMW M5 range