Car Makes – Page 317 – Automobiles Review

Aston Martin Unveiled a Special Vantage GTE Model

Aston Martin today unveiled a special 24 Hours of Le Mans art car, personally designed by artist Tobias Rehberger. The idea behind the concept is to create the illusion of speed and movement, even when the vehicle is static.

As you know, Rehberger is famous for his abstract art and interesting optical effects, that make you question your perception abilities. He has received numerous prizes and awards, that include the prestigious Golden Lion for best artist at the 2009 Venice Biennale. And now Aston Martin team invited him to create a concept, that will add incredible dynamics and colors to the vehicle.

There are more than thirty years, that passed since the first art car took place in the 24-hours race and now Rehberger takes the challenge to use geometric shapes and patterns, so the impression of movement and speed is still strong, even the car remains in one place. The artwork was commissioned by owner of vehicle #97, who is interested in the art of Rehberger and wanted to witness a combination between the elegant lines of the luxurious vehicles and the challenging art concepts of the artist. We bet he is amazed by the end result. Just as we are.

The design, that will be seen on #97 Vantage GTE was unveiled at the official race scrutineering in the town center today.

let us remind you, that the toughest race in the world, Le Mans starts on Saturday 13 June at 15:00 hrs.

Source: Aston Martin

June 8, 2015

Aston Martin’s Vantage GT12 Will Make its UK Debut at 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Aston Martin‘s performance-focused road vehicle, the Vantage GT12 will make its world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is extreme, lightweight and confident-looking. The vehicle comes with a 6-liter V12 engine, that produces the crushing 600 hp (441 kW) and it is ready to demonstrate it is an honorable member of a proud family.

In fact, there will be only 100 units, that have already been purchased by eager buyers.

On June, 25, visitors at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show will have the chance to witness the showing of the Vantage GT12. After the ceremony, the machine will go up the famous Goodwood Hill Climb with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer himself behind the wheel.

The vehicle is redesigned and inspired by the V12 Vantage GT 3 race car and now it is here to demonstrate some incredible confidence and numerous sporty features with its monstrous engine and the special aerodynamic body.

In fact, this will not be the only Aston Martin vehicle on the festival. Other machines, that will be demonstrated along the latest Aston Martin member are:

Vanquish Coupe V12 Vantage S Coupe
V12 Vantage S Roadster
Rapide S
Vanquish Volante

As you know, we are also expecting impatiently the festival, so for further information stay with us!

Source: Aston Martin

June 8, 2015

Mazda Will Demonstrate Legendary Vehicles at 2015 Goodwod Festival of Speed

Mazda will celebrate its role as Central Feature Marque at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed. With the ever-growing desire to create even better and better engines and vehicles, Mazda team has always been motivated by a single motto: “never stop challenging”. Now, at 2015 Goodwood festival the Japanese brand will honor the incredible lineup of super cars, including the 1991 Le Mans 787B. In fact, this particular vehicle will make its first appearance at Goodwood since 2011.

Also joining the show is the 1990 Le Mans winner Mazda 787 with chassis number 002. Now the vehicle is maintained by Mazda USA and will remind everyone about its confidence and incredible features at 2015 Goodwood festival.

With their private owners, two Mazda 767B and 757 models will also make appearance, along with the famous Kent Abrahamsson Chevron B-16 Mazda, that marked Mazda’s first Le Mans entry back in 1970. These vehicles wrote history back in the day and now they are back to tell about their glorious moments.

Leading the way is definitely the special 1992 RX-792P, that was created for attacking the prototype ranks of American IMSA racing. The machine is powered by the same engine as the 787B model, but has numerous upgrades and changes. The model is famous, because it is the last Mazda model, that uses the factory produced prototype R26B engine.

Other famous Mazda vehicle, that will take place at the 2015 Goodwood festival is the 1991 IMSA GTO RX-7. This car is special, because, along with a team of professionals it managed to record 100 class victories in just 12 years. Impressive, isn’t it?

Now owned and used by British enthusiast Kevin Doyle, the 1981 Spa 24 Hours winning RX-7 is the first Mazda vehicle, that set the first major outright Le Mans victory.

This yeas’ Goodwood Festival of Speed will be a really interesting event. With legends such these Mazda vehicles, this is one of the most-anticipated events this year.

Source: Mazda

June 8, 2015

With The Power Boost to the Abarth 595, Is The 695 Biposto Still the Better Option as a Track Ready Small Fiat?

The Italian tuning company Abarth has been manufacturing insanely powered up versions of what would otherwise be cute little Fiats for decades. The brandnow has the kind of reputation and pedigree that makes the launch of a new Abarth edition something that piques the interest of car enthusiasts. With the launch of the 695 Biposto model came much furore as Abarth themselves billed this vehicle as the world’s first ‘small supercar’.

Reception for the Abarth 695 Biposto

While some drivers and motoring journalists did in fact think the company’s claims that the 695 Biposto classed as a supercar were justified, for the most part it sounded like marketing hubris. However, there is no denying that this is a great vehicle for those who want a small car that can do great things on the track. Slimmed down to the lowest possible weight, this little beast may look like a lovable Fiat city car, but it is designed to be powerful, manoeuvrable, and of course, fast. Some felt that the price, which can approach £50,000 if you get all of the best racing options, was a little crazy for a Fiat. However this car is designed for excitement and competitive edge and it is that,which makes people willing to part with money for it.

Picture: Abarth 695 Biposto

The Mid Range Option

The 695 Biposto is the top end edition in terms of Abarth’s models based on the Fiat 500. At the lower end is the Fiat 500 Abarth, which is essentially just a sport version of the regular car and is designed to rival other sports editions like the Mini Cooper S. In the middle is the 595 Competizione and it has just been announced that this is going to be getting a boost in spec and power. The top speed has been boosted to 140 mph and the speed from 0-60 has dropped to 6.7 seconds from 7.4. This makes for a significant difference and with the tougher 1.4 litre Fiat turbocharged engine, it also gets an increase of 20hp to 180hp.

Do You Still Want the Biposto?

The improvements to the specifications of the 595 Competizione do of course come at a price.However, even the predictable price hike for the latest spec still doesn’t put it in the same ‘crazy money’ category as the Biposto, with even the most expensive options costing under £25,000. This makes it a much easier choice to justify to yourself as a sporty car you can take on the track and it is also much better suited to normal road use than the luxury-free Biposto. However, if you really want a car with a lot of power that can provide an extremely exciting, competitive track experience, the Biposto is the best option.

With Abarth producing some great cars over the years, only time will tell what upgrades they have in store for us next.

June 8, 2015

Liberty Walk Teams Up with SR Auto for this Insane Lamborghini Aventador

2015 Liberty Walk Lamborghini Aventador is a one-off soupercar which has been crafted by the hands of the specialists at SR Auto Group. Striving to bring you the best, the Canadian experts has just revealed this insane Aventador. Their goal was to create something sleek and refined.

This is why this Lambo isn’t painted in some strange color and in fact it exudes elegance and class. However, the traditional black color was perfectly contrasted by the shiny matte silver PUR LX wheels that come in size of 20×9 at the front and 21×13 at the rear. They also feature polished lip.

The superior performance of the Aventador is supported by new Airrex suspension. Speaking of performance this beautiful black Lamborghini is powered by a V12 engine, which generates no less than 700 horsepower (522 kW) and 690 Nm (511 lb-ft) of torque.

What about the exterior? Of course, this is where the Liberty Walk modifications happened. To go into details, the vehicle received new LW front and rear fender flares, side skirts and GT wing. They look so normal on this Lambo that one might think they have been factory made.

Besides them, the supercar also got LP720 front and rear bumpers, which distinguish it additionally from the rest Aventadors. And if you by chance happen to be in Vancouver this summer, you would probably see it roaming on the streets.

Source: SR Auto Group

June 8, 2015

Nissan Murano with more Accolades and Sales Records

2015 Nissan Murano was introduced in the end of last year and since then it has gathered a lot of accolades, prestigious awards and achieved new sales records. The latest trophy in its collection is the “Best Crossover” in the Parentsmagazine and Edmunds.com annual listing of the “10 Best Family Cars”. Just like before, the top cars for the new year were chosen by the Parents and Edmunds.com editors. They have considered their safety, convenience and high-tech performance features.

Recently, Nissan Murano also received another very important award. It has been selected as an IIHS “Top Safety Pick Plus” ranking. The main reason for this is that it offers Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) systems. These two were specifically designed to notify drivers of potential risks ahead.

The crossover can be also equipped with the optional Driver’s Attention Alert (DAA) system. It analyzes driver steering behavior thus delivering an alert if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected.

In terms of sales, those of the 2015 Nissan Murano increased 58.3 percent in May and continued growing. These numbers are in comparison to the same periods in the last calendar year. All in all, the Murano stands out with exceptional styling, premium interior, advanced safety and driver aid technologies.

The new Murano is distinguished by its V-Motion front end, boomerang lights and floating roof treatment. The efficient aerodynamics is to support the great looking exterior design. On the inside, the crossover offers a “social lounge” experience, because of features such as lower-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating and huge Power Panoramic Moonroof.

In the features list are included options such as NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link and many more.

Under the hood, the vehicle is powered by 3.5-liter DOHC V6 that has been linked to an advanced Xtronic transmission. The unit drives the front-wheels or can be also equipped with an All-Wheel Drive. For both variants, the fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg on the highway.

2015 Nissan Murano is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. It is currently on sale with a starting price of $29,560 USD.

Source: Nissan

June 8, 2015

Fiat 500X Rainbow with Special Mission in Detroit

Fiat 500X Rainbow is a special edition of FCA’s supermini, which has been created for a special purpose and has a special mission. Since Fiat brand is a key sponsor of Motor City Pride parade and festival in Detroit, it decided to support the event with one-off 500X edition, dressed in red and carrying the colors of the rainbow. The six colors, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple, have been applied starting from the front, covering the front bumper and grille, and continuing onto the roof and ending at the rear.

The lower parts of the two doors have been also given the rainbow treatment as well as those parts up of the rear wheels. The mission: the specially wrapped all-wheel-drive 2016 Fiat 500X, lead many of Michigan’s 300 same-sex couples, as grand marshal of the Motor City Pride parade.

As a long-time supporting sponsor of the festival, Fiat also celebrated its longstanding commitment to LGBT employees, communities, customers and issues for its fourth consecutive year. In fact, FCA US also supports anti-discrimination law prohibiting discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Fiat 500X Rainbow front

2016 Fiat 500X is company’s fist 500 model offered with all-wheel drive. In its engine range there are four petrols and three diesels. Precisely, the front-wheel drive, petrol-powered models are either equipped with a 110 hp (81 kW) 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Speaking of the all-wheel drive petrol models, they are powered by the 170 hp (125 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine or the 184 hp (135 kW) 2.4-litre Tigershark engine. Each of them is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The diesel range comprises of 95 hp (70 kW) 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel with five-speed manual, and 120 hp (88 kW) 1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive diesel unit is the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission.

Source: FCA

June 8, 2015

Volkswagen Phaeton Facelift Revealed!

2015 Volkswagen Phaeton has received so many updated that when we saw them we were very happy. However, what made me really sad is that the car is going to go on sale in China only.

The Phaeton facelift will be distributed in China only because the country is model’s largest market by far. The exterior modifications include new graphics for the front and tail LEDs as well as many specific features that distinguish this particular model. Although there aren’t any pictures of the interior in our gallery, we assure you that it is more exciting than the outer shell.

Exterior

At the front the car has received new graphics for the LED headlights as well as they go a bi-xenon treatment. The lower grill features more chrome, while the side mirrors received LED turn signals and have heat-function. Electric sunroof with wind deflector also comes as a standard as are the redesigned LEDs for the rear-lights.

Interior

Inside the cabin is where the occupants will meet the true meaning of luxury. At the back, the rear-seaters will enjoy dual 10.2-inch screens, while at the front there is an 8-inch touchscreen which shows the important information. The interior trim is decided in wooden theme, which can optionally be enhanced with DYNAU DIO Temptation sound system.

Engines

There are three output variants for the Phaeton, each mated to a six-speed transmission that drives the four wheels. The firs one is the V6 FSI 3.0-liter engine which pumps out 250 hp (184 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque. The next in the engine line-up is the 3.6-liter V6 FSI generating 280 hp (206 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). At last, we have the top of the range 4.2-liter V8 unit, producing 335 hp (246 kW) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

Source: Volkswagen

June 8, 2015

SS Customs Releases One-Off Pagani Huayra

2015 SS Customs Pagani Huayra is definitely one-off. Why I am sure of this? First, it is a Huayra and we don’t see these rolling on the streets very often. Secondly its exterior has been updated by the specialists at SS Customs. Lately, they have become popular with their TeslaVets Model S car, which has received unique treatment and looks like no other second car in the world.

With this Pagani the situation is the same and therefore the tuning studio was obliged to make a photoshoot to remember. As a result, they contacted the well-known Richard Le Photography & Desing studio. In fact, the TeslaVets was also shot by this photographer.

So, what’s the “thing” about this Huayra. We have to disappoint you by saying that there are any modifications or any aero kit added. There is nothing touched in terms of mechanics or upgrades for the output of the engine.

However, the exterior of the supercar looks much different from what it used to be. The SS Customs experts have wrapped many parts of car’s body in a satin black chrome foil and have then accented it with red striping. The one-off design of the car has been rounded out by the many carbon fiber elements and the black seven double-spoke alloy wheels.

The Huayra is powered by a 6.0 liter bi-turbo V12 engine, producing 710PS (522 kW) and 1000Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an XTRAC 7-speed sequential transmission. The overall weight of the original Huayra is 1 350 kg (2 975 lb), so it is no surprise that it covers the 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint in 3.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).

Source: SS Customs & Richard Le Photography via Facebook

June 8, 2015

2016 Seat Ibiza Will Make its Debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

2016 Seat Ibiza is believed to be the star of this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the four-day event (25-28 June), that will witness not just good vehicles, but also good conditions to try them out right away.

The Goodyear’s audience will have the chance to check out the iconic mini by themselves. let us remind you, that the vehicle is sold with more than five million units for the last 30 years and it is one of the most-anticipated Seat models ever released. Now, the latest model, that will be launched in September comes with even more upgrades and tweaks, with even better performance and even better fuel efficiency.

Now, sharing the sweet place under the limelight along with the 2016 Ibiza will be the Leon ST CUPRA 280, that brings some incredible race experience and the Leon X-PERIENCE, that will dominate every kind of road.

Furthermore, SEAT will be bringing the special 330 hp (242 kW) Leon Cup Racer, that, along with the high power output also demonstrates incredible endurance specifications. This surely will be one of the most interesting vehicles in this year’s show.

Furthermore, visitors will have the chance to try out the special Leon Cup Racer simulator. But this is not all: there will be a small competition, which will grant the winner numerous goodies to take back home. The simulator itself will transport customers to the Nürburgring Nordschleife track, also known as “The Green Hell”.

This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be a really promising one. Tell me what you think about it down in the comments.

Source: Seat

June 5, 2015

Land Rover Launches a Special Event For Demonstrating its Rich Heritage

Land Rover Heritage Driving Experience is open at the special customer test facility in Fen End, West Midlands. As you know, for the first time, customers will have the chance to experience Land Rover’s rich heritage, that started a sort of a cult back in 1948.

There will be a variety of packs, that allow visitors to focus on a certain era of the Land Rover’s history, from the beginning to the present day and the last model. There will be professional instructors, who will provide directions, facts and all kind of interesting information about the brand’s history and particular vehicles. Furthermore, customers will also be able to witness numerous incredible vehicle exhibits and browse a merchandise outlet. Nice, isn’t it?

Customers will choose among different packs and ticket ranges, that all include an experienced instructor and variety of events:

Series I, II, III and Modern Defenders

This range will allow people to see how the Land Rover’s spirit evolved from all generations an how it remained still, strong and confident.

Land Rover Historic Drives

This pack offers customers to see how a legend was born and will witness the creation of original Series, classic models and unusual models. For example the 101 Forward Control, that was created especially for the British Army.

Range Rover Then & Now

Customers will have the chance to compare classic models with modern ones, bot on- and off-road. Furthermore, all, who decided to try out this pack, will be granted with facts about the tracks, the performance experience and numerous off-road experiences.

Land Rover – The Collection

The pack offers an experience of seeing all the key models from the start back in 1940s until 2010. There will be numerous series included, military vehicles, collectable vehicles, modern machines and numerous more.

Jaguar Experience

This pack demonstrates passenger rides, that include models such as XK150 and Mark II Saloon. Also, customers will have the chance to compare different series and models line Series 1 and Series 3 E-type and many more.

Le Mans Experience

Now we are talking. The pack allows customers to see legends like Mike Hawthorn and Duncan Hamilton with iconic drives like C- and D-types, that ruled over Le Mans back in the 1950s. The pack also include models like XKSS and F-TYPE R Coupe. Sweet, isn’t it?

Grace and Pace Experience

This is the last and maybe most interesting pack. It offers a full day of driving Jaguar Heritage legends, that include post-war vehicles, sports saloons, coupes, roadsters and many, many more like XFR and F-TYPE R coupe models. Furthermore, the pack also offers customers to try out the special vehicles from brand’s Special Operation division. Sweet!

Source: Land Rover

June 5, 2015

Porsche Macan and Cayenne Receive TECHART Air Suspension Module

TECHART is a company known for its fantastic work on Porsche models. Now it is releasing a special Air Suspension “Sport” module for the Macan and Cayenne models. When equipped with it the vehicle will benefit of sportier driving dynamics, enhance athletic looks and greater comfortability. The module has the capability of lowering the vehicles up to 22 mm, depending on the model.

To go into details, the exclusive feature is an added function which has been praised since it was revealed on company’s plug-in systems for previous Porsche models with air suspension. There are several modes of adjustment, that offer more direct and agile ride height levels.

The Macan can be lowered by 10mm in Normal Level, while the Sport Plus mode and the Low Level bring the vehicle closer to the ground with 20 mm. The Terrain Level is that one which has been kept the same as the standard level.

What is more, there is even a Loading level that allows for easier loading of the luggage compartment. In this mode, the rear end of the Macan can be lowered even more in order to achieve the added comfort.

The height of the chassis of the Cayenne, when equipped with this feature, can be reduced by 22 mm in Normal Level and by 10 mm in Low Level.

At last, the specialists have developed the unique Automatic Parking Level feature for both Porsche models. How does it work? After locking the vehicle, the body is automatically lowered by another 30 mm or 20 mm, in case of the Macan and Cayenne, respectively. As a result, both get a one-off appearance, which distinguishes them from the standard series models.