Car Makes – Page 287 – Automobiles Review

2016 Hyundai Sonata Is Almost Here!

2016 Hyundai Sonata After its launch last year, the seventh-generation Sonata has gained incredible popularity and even received prestigious prizes. The vehicle is named “Best Midsize Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report and even “Most Affordable Midsize Sedan” by prestigious companies.

And now, for 2016, Sonata will include more features for its interior, starting with the 7-inch color touch screen Display Audio System, Android Auto and Rear Camera. How cool is that? Furthermore, the vehicle is geared with sunroof on the Sport and Limited trims.

There are also some visual enhancements to the Limited model which include a kind of more aggressive-looking front bumper and a 3-bar grille, fresh 17-inch alloy wheels and woodgrain pattern interior trim. Cool, right? But this is not all. The vehicle will also reduce unsprung weight and improve handling with additional aluminum components instead of steel ones. And the steering knuckle and the lower control arm and the assist arm are also aluminum.

And with the nice weight reduction, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata will continue the well-known drivetrain affair. The model is geared with the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI unit with a total output of 185 hp (136 kW) and 178 lb.ft. of torque for the SE, Limited and Sport models. On the other hand, there is a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI and Limited 2.0T units that produce 245 hp (180 kW) and 260 lb. ft. of torque. And there are also some minor changes for the 2016 models. For example, the smaller turbine and compressor wheel. This slight change contributes to better responsiveness and more torque in the low RPM range. Both the engines are paired to a six-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic gearbox.

And the standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, body color heated exterior power mirrors, LED Daytime Running Lights, Cruise Control and a special Bluetooth hands-free phone system. There are also optional premium features like the HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof and 10-speaker Infinity 400-watt audio system.

It sounds good, right? What do you think about the new Sonata?

Source: Hyundai

September 12, 2015

Gripz Concept is Nissan’s Mysterious Crossover Debuting in Frankfurt [VIDEO]

Nissan GripZ Concept front View Teaser Nissan Gripz Concept is the mysterious crossover witch will have its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In the beginning of the week we thought that it would be a Juke-based concept, when Nissan revealed the first teaser image of the vehicle. Now, the Japanese company has released an additional picture displaying the front of the car as well as intriguing video, giving a hint to the sporty nature of the Gripz Concept. There are also hints in it linking to a race heritage.

As a matter of fact, Nissan confirmed that for inspiration the designers have used the legendary 240Z desert racers as well as the sleek two-wheel world of road cycling. In other words, this crossover concept will definitely explore the unexplored for the company: the new sporty direction for a Crossover concept that aims to create an innovative new driving sensation.

Nissan GripZ Concept Side View Teaser

As we can see from both images and the video below, the Gripz Concept has that purposeful and fully dedicated Nissan design with a bi-color paint scheme, rugged forms and distinctive front appearance. LEDs come in the form of a boomerang, which hinted to a new Juke-based concept.

What we expect however, is to see this concept setting the bar higher. All questions will be answered on 15th of September, during the start of Frankfurt Motor Show.

httpv://youtu.be/Kq6jyuuDZR0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

September 12, 2015

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Buy the Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition

Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition Side View Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition is strictly limited. This means that it has some characteristics that aren’t typical for other car in the family. Of course they are all beneficial and come in hand when one wants more from his or her car. The Trofeo is on sale now, and here is why you should consider buying exactly this edition of the model:

1. Exclusivity

Firs of all, I should mention that this model couldn’t get more exclusive. Note that there will be only 250 examples of it produced and this will grant you the chance to express your individuality better. So, if you think that you are unique person and the styling of your car is of importance, a good way to confirm this to the words is with this limited edition Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition.

2. Additional Equipment

Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition includes optional equipment, which usually can’t be found in its range or at this level in the range. First, you will have the option of choosing the exterior color of the model among the following three: Record Grey, Scorpione Black or Officina Red.

Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition Details Up Front

Other fantastic additional features of the Trofeo Edition include colour-coded brake callipers with matching wheel centre caps and carbon-effect Abarth decal set. Special 17-inch ‘Formula’ alloy wheels also come into play. Dark-tinted rear quarter windows and specific ‘Trofeo Edition’ badges are also two very important advantages that you should think about.

3. Fast and Efficient Engine

Under the hood of the Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition is the 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine, producing 140hp (103 kW). By the way, the unit has been rated at 7.9 seconds when accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph), which is a pretty impressive result for this class cars. The top speed is reached at 127 mph. Despite this fantastic performance, the engine is still capable of returning 43.5mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle.

4. Pricing

At last, every Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition has a starting price of £15,150. In comparison, the pricing in the range starts at £14,610, which is a very discrete difference in terms of money but a very big one when it comes to benefits in favor of the limited edition.

You can currently buy the car at Abarth dealerships in the UK. We sincerely hope that this special edition will be soon available in other countries.

Source: Abarth

September 12, 2015

2016 Infiniti QX70 Ultimate Will Try To Become the Ultimate Infiniti Vehicle

2016 Infiniti QX70 Ultimate Everything that owners and fans loved about the Infiniti QX70 is now refined and fine tuned to demonstrate the classy and fresh QX70 Ultimate. And the sweetie will make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Exterior and Interior Styling

As you know, QX70 is Infiniti’s iconic SUV model and it is maybe the most appealing Infiniti vehicle ever created. Infiniti team definitely tried its best to deliver a beautiful, flexible, sporty and attractive machine. And now the fresh new model adopts these features and adds even more technologies and even more style.

QX70 Ultimate comes with completely redesigned front splitter and rear diffuser. Furthermore, the vehicle demonstrates stylish 21-inch anthracite alloy wheels and new daytime running lights. All these tweaks give the vehicle a special and a bit of aggressive look and appearance.

2016 Infiniti QX70 Ultimate

Ultimate’s interior also deserved attention. The vehicle will demonstrate a dynamic vision with glossy black lacquer finishes, purple stitching and soft leather. Sounds nice, huh? As always, Infiniti team will make the best to create a luxurious and cozy cabin.

Drivetrain system

For the Ultimate model Infiniti went for a high-performance system and enhanced sporty feel. Now customers can choose between the 3.7-liter V6 petrol engine and the refined and fine-tuned 3.0-liter V6 diesel unit. Both engines will be paired to a 7-speed adaptive shift automatic transmission with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the vehicle will be geared with an intelligent torque-sensing AWD system.

It looks like this will really be the ultimate Infiniti vehicle. But we will wait for further details and we will put the name to the test. Stay with us.

Source: Infiniti

September 12, 2015

BRABUS Releases a Classy Styling and Performance Update for Mercedes-AMG GT S

BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S Side View BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S is a very special car, which we will see debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The experts have changed the sports-car thoroughly and have included a significant boost for the AMG engine, some exterior tweaks and more cozy and luxury imbibed cabin.

Generally the custom BRABUS vehicles are more likely to be ‘over-tuned’ and with very rugged and pompous styling. This isn’t the case with this Mercedes-AMG GT S. The exterior of the sports car has been moderately modified and the sense of style and classiness has been kept. Follow my thoughts and you’ll know why.

Reasonable Engine Boost?

BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S Engine

The AMG GT S has its capabilities when it comes to performance. So the question here is whether an engine boost is necessary. There will be always opinions on both positions, but BRABUS experts have been obviously chosen the side where one could never have enough power… especially when it comes to a sports car.

This is the reason they have developed the PowerXtra B40 – 600 performance kit. By the way this optimization comes only for the eight-cylinder twin-turbo engine of the GT S. As a result, it gives the enfine an additional 90 hp (66 kW) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) of torque.

In other words, after the upgrade, the GT S is capable of putting out 600 hp (441 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) at 4,800 rpm. The acceleration time has been rated 3.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, while the top speed has been unleashed from 310 to 325 km/h (190 to 201 mph).

Classiness for the Exterior

BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S Rear and Side View

BRABUS quad sports exhaust made from lightweight titanium with four tailpipes made from a combination of titanium and carbon is the perfect compliment for the engine tuning. The special thing about this exhaust is that it has been fitted with electronically controlled butterfly valves operated from the cockpit, thus giving the driver the choice of selecting the level of sound he or she is creating.

Carbon fiber, usually used in the Formula 1 racing, has been chosen for all bodywork components. Starting with the front, we see a front bumper which has been visually upgraded with BRABUS front spoiler. In addition, two covers for the side air intakes of the bumper lend the two-seater even more striking face. They also optimize the routing of cooling air. Integrated LED side markers optimize active safety.

At the sides, the experts added new air outlets for the front fenders, BRABUS logotypes and rocker panels. They lend the car lower and sleeker visual stance and also optimize the airflow between the front and rear wheel arches.

Going to the rear, we can’t argue that it isn’t athletic. The in-house made rear airfoil and diffuser with tailor-made cutouts for the four tailpipes of the exhaust system, contribute to optimized handling stability at high speeds.

Furthermore, BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S rides on custom wheels with 20-inches of size on the front axle and 21-inches – on the rear. The alloys are called Monoblock F “PLATINUM EDITION” and come coupled with tires of sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 21 for the front and rear, respectively. At last, the new ‘shoes’ of the car demanded new sports springs that has been specifically tailored to the low profile tires. They lower the ride height of the GT S by about 15 millimeters.

BRABUS for the Interior

BRABUS Mercedes-AMG GT S Interior

Inside we see a BRABUS interior with exclusive accessories like the carbon scuff plates with stainless-steel inserts and a backlit BRABUS logo as well as chrome-plated aluminum pedals and aluminum paddle shifters in more ergonomic position on the steering wheel. The seats got premium fine leather upholstery, while the inlays were made from real carbon. There is also a wood upgrade the cockpit of the two-door car.

In conclusion, I must say that while I haven’t seen such a stylish upgrade by BRABUS. Well done guys!

Source: BRABUS

September 12, 2015

ABT Audi AS6 Gets More Power and Attitude

ABT Audi AS6 Front and Side View ABT Audi AS6 as presented here is just one of the examples how you can tune up the engine of you Audi with ‘6’ in its name. This group of vehicles is usually powered by a 2.0 or 3.0 TDI or even 3.0 TFSI engines, but for some people, they aren’t as race-performance oriented as they wish.

In case you don’t have the money to buy the sportier S6 or RS6, ABT Sportsline have the right solution for you and it is called ‘ABT Power New Generation’.

ABT and the Engine Technology

ABT Audi AS6 Fron View

The power booster includes individual ABT control unit, which features independently developed software. In case you are driving an Audi A6 with a four-cylinder TDI that usually develops 190 HP (140 kW) and 400 Nm (294 lb-ft) of torque, then this control unit will help your engine produce 215 HP (158 kW) and 440 Nm (245 lb-ft).

But if you are enjoying the other two 3.0 TDI diesel engines in the range, which generate 320 HP (235 kW) and 326 HP (240 kW) as well as 650 Nm (480 lb-ft), then you should know that after the boost they can both reach 365 HP (268 kW) and 710 Nm (524 lb-ft) of torque.

Petrol fans are also considered in case they want a performance improvement. Take for instance the standard 3.0 TFSI with 333 HP (245 kW). It is pushed to 410 HP (301 kW) with a torque increase from 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) to 520 Nm (384 lb-ft).

Driving Pleasure Boosters

ABT Audi AS6 Rear View

Another interesting addition to this Audi is the electronic suspension lowering system, called ABT Level-Control. The air suspension can adjust the suspension springs upon request. In addition, the optional ABT sport brake system with 8-piston fixed callipers is perfect for you if you want to work the break as you enter curves.

More Power Demands Change in the Exterior

ABT Sportsline optics package for the Audi A6 is what makes the car truly stand out among the others. At least in terms of visual qualities. Here we have aggressive fender inserts and mirror covers in high-gloss visible carbon as well as two different variants of the rear spoilers for vehicles with the S-line package as well as the emblem set “Black Chrome”. And note that there is also in-house made rear skirt set including quadruple rear muffler and 89 mm pipe.

At last, the designers at ABT decided that the perfect wheels for this Audi must come in 21-inch of size. They are of the type DR, but if you are looking for an alternative, then ABT Sportsline is offering light-alloy wheels of the types ER-C or FR with sizes starting from 19-inches.

Source: ABT

September 11, 2015

Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company Reveal the Jeep Wrangler Sahara Project

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company Front View Kahn and Chelsea Truck Company are under the spotlight again with its latest Jeep Wrangler. The famous vehicle looks stunning and it features cool equipment, which we will discuss in seconds. The result is that the Wrangler looks more luxurious and stylish than ever. But let’s see what has happened here.

Firecracker Red Exterior

The whole exterior has been covered with the unique Firecracker Red paint. To make some contrast, the designers at Kahn have used Piano black for the door handles, mirrors and roof wear.

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company Rear View

The front has a specific expression with its two smoked headlights and four-slot Chelsea Truck Company grille with industrial mesh. In addition, it also features LED Diamond bright headlights.

This special edition of the Wrangler rides on Jeep 1941 wheels measuring 17-inch. Covered in Satin Black color they are shod with 245/75/17 tires and Liquid Red brake callipers. A pair of mud flaps along with an optional quad cross-hair exhaust system with tailpipes completes the package.

Interior

Kahn Jeep Wrangler Sahara Chelsea Truck Company Interior

Behind the privacy-tinted glass hides the interior. And the cabin is where we will find the front and rear GTB seats, centre glove box and arm rests. Everything has been wrapped in quilted and perforated black leather with silver contrasting stitching. Passengers will also enjoy the rubber floor mats and stainless steel door entry sill plates. Enjoy the pics!

Source: Kahn Design

September 11, 2015

2017 Cadillac XT5 Substitutes the SRX and is First of its Kind [VIDEO]

2017 Cadillac XT5 Side View 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the first of its kind. We haven’t seen a Cadillac vehicle like this before. This particular and unique luxury crossover is a result of the joint venture between the brand and the acclaimed fashion designers Public School.

The good news is that XT5 will be debuting around the world in versatile events. And here we ask: is it going to be shown in Frankfurt? We sincerely hope so! But, wait a minute, the unfortunate truth is that the XT5 is going to debut in November at the Dubai Motor Show.

The vehicle alone looks very good, with its imposing dimensions and aggressive stance, rugged appearance and go-anywhere attitude. By the way, the upcoming XT5 will be the cornerstone of the newest crossovers by the brand.

2017 Cadillac XT5 Front View

They will all carry the “XT” designation with number indicating the relative size and position of the vehicle. And Cadillac also said that it will succeed the current SRX, which is one of the best-selling product lines.

Although there are literally no details about this crossover, the rumors say that XT5 will be built on a C1XX / Chi platform, which is absolutely new for Cadillac. It is also widely spread that the engine could be the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged one with around 260 hp or the naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 with 340 hp. However, we can’t confirm this data.

Check out the video below and stay tuned for more official information.

httpv://youtu.be/jcl_o_fjh2Q

Source: Cadillac

September 11, 2015

Aston Martin Launches a Special Program for Authentic AM Vehicles

2015 Aston Martin Provanence Program Aston Martin is today unveiling the classy and authoritative Assured Provenance certification program, which will assess the background of its heritage sports car. Let’s not forget that this brad has 102-year history, so there is really a lot to be shown.

The program is created to deliver a true blue riband service to heritage vehicle collectors and it is administrated and run by the brand’s world-renowned in-house heritage car facility – Aston Martin Works. Furthermore, this is the first official authentication program to be provided in-house by the brand itself. The scheme offers a total of four levels of verification to take into account not only for the all-original models, but also sporty vehicles and modified ones.

2015 Aston Martin Provanence Program

And now every vehicle will be assessed at brand’s renowned heritage restoration, service and repair facility which is indeed the Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. This is the place where all Aston Martin vehicles undergo through numerous vision and technical investigation schemes, just to prove themselves as true member of the prestigious family. And then all the final results will be presented to the especially created Sanctioning Committee for deliberation.

And then all the vehicles which passed this trial will be awarded with one of four levels of Assured Provenance with medals raging from Platinum to Bronze, depending on their current condition and significance.

Owners of successful vehicles will be further supplied with hand-crafted presentation case with illustrated photographic record book, all-important Heritage Assured Provenance certificate, USB with data and two sets of dashboard and sill plaques. How cool is that?

Source: Aston Martin

September 11, 2015

How the Model T changed America

The father of the Model T automobile, Henry Ford, was born on July 30, 1863 on his family’s farm in Dearborn, Michigan. Henry grew up naturally curious about the machinery that was used for farming and enjoyed tinkering and fixing it. When he got older, in addition to farming, he worked at a Detroit machine shop and later became a part-time employee for the Westinghouse Engine Company. In his spare time he pursued his ultimate passion and built his first “horseless carriage”. The date was 1896 and other Ford-built carriages soon followed.

Ford incorporated the Ford Motor Company in 1903, and proclaimed, “I will build a car for the great multitude.” Working feverously for 5 years, Ford completed the design of his Model T automobile and built a factory to make them. The first Model T’s became available for sale in 1908 and were offered for $950. (Within 10 years, a Model T could be purchased for just $280.)

It wasn’t long before demand outstripped supply and Ford’s solution to this problem was revolutionary. He developed advanced “assembly line” techniques in 1914 and his Highland Park plant could turn out a complete chassis every 93 minutes. This was a stunning improvement over the earlier production time of 728 minutes. Ford’s mass-production techniques would eventually allow for the manufacture of a Model T every 24 seconds. His innovations made him an international celebrity.

In 1914, Ford began paying his employees five dollars a day, nearly doubling the wages offered by other manufacturers. This “Five Dollar Day” assured that he could obtain the best employees on the job market. Later he cut the workday from nine to eight hours in order to convert the factory to a three-shift workday. Business was booming and Henry felt the employees that contributed to his success should have better lives as a result.

By 1927, nearly 15,500,000 Model T’s were sold in the United States alone and the vehicle irrevocably altered American society. As more Americans owned cars, urbanization patterns soon changed. No longer was it necessary to live nearby where one worked and lived. The United States saw the growth of suburbia and a population entranced with the possibility of going anywhere, anytime.

It is quite a realization that Ford witnessed these changes during his lifetime. Interestingly, he personally longed for the agrarian lifestyle of his youth. In the years prior to his death on April 7, 1947, Ford sponsored the restoration of an idyllic rural town called Greenfield Village. Today Greenfield Village is a very popular tourist attraction that provides insight into the life of the man who changed America – Mr. Henry Ford.

September 10, 2015

Meet the Athletic Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept

Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept Rear and Side View Honda is going to preview a very interesting concept study at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is dedicated to outdoors sports fans, specifically for cycling enthusiasts, and this is why it is called Civic Tourer Active Life Concept. Dedicated to the active life, this Civic-based model features a lot of equipment necessary for those who seek adventures. And we are definitely looking forward to see it entering production soon.

The car underlines Tourer’s model class leading cargo space and versatility. As a matter of fact, the concept is a very good example how style and space can perfectly work together. For instance, the exterior is painted in a custom shade, which underlines the athletic design of the car, while the interior features all accessories needed for active lifestyle.

Sleek and Sporty Exterior

Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept Side View

As you can see from the pictures, the external appearance of the car is very sleek and athletic. Designer’s aim was to imbue in this car the sporty and active spirit of its customer’s lifestyle.

The custom paint finish which I was talking about is blue, but the thing here is that it features lower gun metallic gradation and a silver roofline. This further helps in the emphasis of the Civic Tourer’s sleek and aerodynamic design. The car rides on pretty big wheels, 18-inch of size, so that it can tackle almost any terrain. At the rear, we see custom rear bumper, which helps strengthen the dynamic appearance.

Accessorized Interior

Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept Interior

Inside, the cabin also includes one-off theme. The blue shade has been repeated in the form of stitching on the steering wheel and on gear shift. And there is even a hint from the Civic Sport and Civic Type R here, and it is the sporty black roof lining.

At the front, the seats are wrapped in suede and leather. They also include a carbon tape with blue piping, which stretches from the centre and along the upper outer areas of the seat, continuing into the suede door lining.

More Space Means More Fun

Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept Trunk

Believe it or not, the Civic Tourer Active Life Concept makes full use of its 1668 litres trunk space and a low loading height. Some of the features, which I find very cool, and come in this concept are the smart loading rack capable of transporting two bicycles. And there is even a retractable arm which can be extended from the rack, and can help you in the maintenance and repairs. So basically this concept is dedicated to all cycling enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Honda also equipped this Civic with other maintenance accessories like the integrated air pump, the large light on the tailgate, the extended shade area and the retractable bench.

There are also other goodies such as toolbox, bottle holder, water tank and a front wheel holder all integrated within the trunk side lining. Clever storage solutions are not absent. On the contrary, Honda’s designers thought that it would be great if they feature here a special aero shape roof box for the essential cycling accessories such as shoes and helmets.

Guinness Record Winning Engine

Based on the Honda Civic Tourer, the Active Life Concept is too driven by the 1.6 i-DTEC engine. By the way, the unit made a new Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency thanks to achieving an average of 2.82 litres per 100km (100.31mpg) in a 13,498km (8,387 mile) drive across 24 contiguous EU countries.

And at last, if you want to see the Guinness World Record holder and the new concept as well as Honda’s new model range displayed, then you should definitely visit the Motor Show in Frankfurt, where they all will be on display.

Source: Honda

September 10, 2015

2016 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Will be Even More Flexible

Vauxhall’s 2016 Astra Sports Tourer will make its debut at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Like its five-door sibling, the Sports Tourer is based on lightweight architecture technology, fresh design and improved drivetrain system.

Style

Just like the five-door hatch, the 2016 Sports Tourer embraces the “Sculptural Artistry meets Technical Precision” philosophy. But not only that. It even takes it to the next level.

The vehicle will come with extended dynamic lines and slightly arched sloping roofline. This combination gives the Tourer a sort of longer appearance. And the effect is even further enhanced by the divided C-pillar. And now the Tourer has a stable, robust but still confident stance.

Drivetrain System

The engines available for the vehicle are petrol and diesel units offering from 100 hp (73 kW) to 200 hp (147 kW). And now the latest 1.4-Liter 150 hp (110 kW) ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo and the 1.6-Liter CDTi Whisper Diesel are also included. Furthermore, the 200 hp 1.6-Liter ECOTEC petrol unit will make its debut at the Frankfurt Show.

Chassis

Depending on the model, the trim level is up to 200 kg lighter than its predecessor. The revised vehicle architecture is what makes this difference in weight so drastic. Furthermore, every components was created for compact design and with lightweight materials.

Connectivity

The vehicle offers Astra OnStar technology, which is famous for its high-speed 4G LTE mobile network, emergency response notification and stolen vehicle recovery alert. The Sports Tourer also offers and the already famous Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, available through the latest version of the IntelliLink infotainment system.