Car Makes – Page 325 – Automobiles Review

Lake Como Salutes the Aston Martin DBX Concept

Aston Martin DBX Concept Side View Speaking of Aston Martins, have you seen the DBX Concept already? Or have you missed it somewhere along the way? Well, the news about it is that it has made an appearance this weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which took place at the shores of Lake Como in Italy. With its bold and purely Aston Martin design, the concept car aims to battle conventional thinking about luxury and GT traveling.

The vehicle was actually premiered at the Geneva Motor Show this March, where it gathered a lot of appraisals and superb comments. All in all, the car promises to make luxury GT travel even more stylish and comfortable than ever before. Well, it might also add more practicality, family-and eco-friendliness.

DBX Concept also showcases the evolution in company’s design philosophy through its cutting edge engineering. The car has the capability of accommodating four adults in perfect comfort. What is more, it can be also used everyday, because its design is more practical than other cars in company’s range of vehicles.

Exterior

The metal work throughout the exterior emphasizes Aston Martin’s approach of using authentic materials. It is actually made of machined billet aluminium, which features visible milling lines that are made with the intent to be seen as the car’s jewellery.

The exterior paint finish is also one-off. Called Black Pearl Chromium, it has been specifically created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl. It is made of micro-fine layer of chrome that delivers a level of reflectivity.

Active LEDs light-up the way of this concept, while the rearview mirrors have been substituted with rear view cameras.

Interior

Inside, the car features exclusive materials that aren’t typical for the automotive standards. They create soft and cocooning ambience. To be more precise, the materials used inside feature Nubuck leather, sandwiched accent layer, gold ‘pin striping’ element on the edging and more.

Drivetrain

The car runs on pure electricity, which makes it definitely eco-friendly. It is actually driven by electric motors that are powered by lithium sulphur cells. Unfortunately, there are no details regarding the power output of the model, or any performance figures released so far.

Source: Aston Martin

May 25, 2015

Team 46 Drives an Aston Martin DBS that Glows in the Dark

Do you remember the Nissan which has these superpowers to glow in the dark? Well, if you do then you’ll know why this Aston Martin DBS have the same capabilities. For those who don’t, I must explain what has happened with both cars. First and foremost, they both can glow in the dark. This might sound very improbable, but actually it is actually due to the application of a very simple technology.

The paint used for covering the exterior both the Leaf EV and the DBS absorbs UV energy during the day so it can glow during the nighttime. This is a spray-applied coating or a foil-wrap, which absorbs the daylight and when the night falls, the absorbed energy can glow between eight and ten hours.

The creator of this innovative technology is Hamish Scott and has named it STARPATH. Both paint and foil are made of entirely organic materials. Scott actually used Strontium Aluminate to achieve the result. Another very interesting fact about this paint is that it could last for 25 years.

Now, Nevana Designs has applied this technology onto the DBS. The car is actually getting ready for the Gumball 3000 rally. The vehicle will be driven by Team 46 and in particular by David Morgan, who is proud owner as well. With this car he will definitely achieve his goal, namely his unique Aston Martin DBS to stand out among other cars.

Source: Nevana Designs via Facebook

May 25, 2015

Carlex Design with Another Fantastic Project: Z4 Rampant

BMW Z4 Rampant is the lane of the latest design project of the tuners at Carlex Design. They have become so famous because of their exquisite and detailed work. Just take a look at any of their projects and you’ll see what I’m talking about. This BMW is no exception. The car looks breath-taking due to its heavy customization.

Exterior

The unique design of the first generation Z4 roadster combines perfectly contemporary shapes with the stance and structure of model. The exterior has been covered with a two-tone silver and grey foil, thus giving the car its unique visual appearance.

What is more, the “outside” design is also characterized by the gun metal alloys and the custom front and rear bumpers. In addition, at the back we see the presence of a quad exhaust system and one-off carbon fiber rear diffuser.

Interior

From the inside, the vehicle is even more heavily customized. The tuners have used exceptional aniline grade leathers that seem vintage, like the black Alcantara and buffalo leather for example. They have been complemented by hand painted carbon parts. Even the audio system was covered with paint.

This one-off combination of style, textures and colors perfectly matches the untamed spirit of the V8 engine under the bonnet of the Z4, doesn’t it?

Source: Carlex Design via Facebook

May 25, 2015

Godzilla is Back: Meet Prior-Design’s 720HP Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R is undoubtedly on of the best sports cars on the planet. I sincerely think that there isn’t a car enthusiast who would not want to drive this emblematic vehicle. And it is always a pleasure when we see some good GT-R conversions. Remember the Liberty Walk Nissan GTR, for instance?

Well, this time the tuner is Prior-Design and it has given this Nissan a Widebody Godzilla aero kit. The most important thing that it has done for the GT-R is that it has lowered its weight, thus giving it the capability of faster acceleration.

PD750 Body Kit

The aerodynamic PD750 body kit comprises of several carbon fiber parts that has been added to the car. The first one is the new front bumper, which features large intakes for the uprated intercoolers and brakes.

The second one is the front lip spoiler, and the others are the side skirts and a three-piece rear underbody diffuser with vertical fins. The fins actually channel the out-going airflow in order to minimize the drag. As an option, the company is also offering an eight-piece wheel arch extension kit.

Drivetrain

The aggressive look of the Godzilla is complemented by the uprated engine. The 3.8-liter V6 unit driving the four wheels now produces 720 hp (529 kW) and 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of torque. In addition, the new in-house made steel sport exhaust features a pair of 200-cell free-flow catalytic converters and a flap control. When entirely open, the latter emits powerful sound.

Wheels & Suspension

Prior-Design has ensured that the GT-R receives the best, so they given it a KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension system. Thanks to it, car’s ride height can be adjusted. There is also an added bounce and rebound control, which assists in the effective use of the extra power.

At last, the Nissan rides on new alloys which measure 10.5 and 13.0×21-inches at the front and rear, respectively. They provide huge mechanical grip and look spectacular.

Source: Prior-Design

May 25, 2015

BMW Unveils the Stunning 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept [VIDEO]

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept - Front Angle BMW has just revealed the incredibly beautiful 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este meeting. As we told you already, the car is tribute to the historic BMW Coupé, famous in the 70s and its name, CSL, stands for “Coupé Sport Leichtbau”. The latter word is German and means lightweight, and there is a huge reason for that.

Lightweight Body

The design team has centered on the idea of less weight. This is the reason why the car features aluminium bonnet, boot and wings, Plexiglas windows and only essential equipment. This puts off around 200 kg from car’s sibling model, the BMW 3.0 CS. In addition, carbon-fiber has been used thoroughly inside and out.

Exterior

Athletic and powerful, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is defined by distinctiveness. The body has been elongated, stands on powerful wheel arches and features significantly big spoilers on the roof and tail.

At the front, there is a front air, which vents the engine compartment. On the other hand, the wings over the rear wheels are what maximize the airflow. The characteristic for the company kidney grille here is somewhat different. It has been elongated, while its kidney struts give the front end an air of quality and exclusivity. Laser light and LED technology as well as the flat contours of the headlamps define the unique look of the car.

2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept - Rear Angle View

Instead rear-view mirrors, there are rear-view cameras, which also help in terms of aerodynamics. The stretched silhouette is characterized by low stance, wide wheel arches and dark CFRP areas narrow the gap between the sides and the road. The black graphic accents, the dark lightweight elements additionally highlight the silhouette. The car rides on black or matt and high-gloss bi-colour 21-inch alloys, while the air control blades serve to optimize aerodynamics. Two systems, the Air Curtain and Air Breather, ensure that there is optimum ventilation of the wheel housings.

At the back, the huge spoiler optimizes the downforce on the driven rear axle, thus enhancing power transmission. The styling of the rear lights is unique. There is a LED strip above the spoiler that links the two lights. At last, the unique exterior color, Golf Yellow, contributes for the perfect stance CSL Hommage.

Interior

2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept - Interior

The interior of the vehicle features only the most important equipment because of the lightweight design approach. Almost everything inside is made from carbon fiber. However, the only wood-like presence is the instrument panel, which is a reference to the interior of the earlier BMW 3.0 CSL.

The small central eBoost charging display is positioned in the middle of the wooden instrument panel. The infotainment is very small and it finds itself on the central display on the steering column. Other cool features inside include the black Alcantara bucket seats highlighted by contrasting stitching, the six-point belt and red anodised safety features.

World Debut

Here is a video of the official premiere of the car, which shows it in details. Although there aren’t any official details on the engine, the video shows it. Take a look:

httpv://youtu.be/Nz5Gw4E_Ijg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: BMW

May 25, 2015

Audi Marks Success With a Special Eco-Friendly Fuel

Audi scored one more successful research in the field of synthetic fuels: with collaboration partner Global Bioengeries, Audi developed a special first batch “e-benzin”. This is a fuel, produced without the need of petroleum. It is a 100 per cent isooctane and has an octane rating of RON 100. Furthermore, because it doesn’t contain sulfur or benzene the “e-benzin” burns really cleanly.

The high-grade fuel enables engines to high compression ratios for further improved efficiency. Audi will make further tests not only in the laboratory, but also in test engines on the road. It is soon expected, that Audi and Global Bioenergies will modify the process, so it will require only water, hydrogen, CO2 and sunlight. Ha, future is here!

In fact, Global Bioenergies S.A. operates a plant for producing isobutene, which is one of the main basic materials for the Audi “e-benzin”. The plant is placed in the French town of Pomacle, which near to Reims. The isobutene itself is produced from renewable materials, which is another good news. Furthermore, researchers at another plant, the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Process use hydrogen to transform the gasy isobutene into liquid. The mass production larger quantities will start in 2016.

It is so good to hear such news. It is wonderful to see brands like Audi to create not only wonderful vehicles, but also methods of efficient and environmentally friendly drive. We hope, that project like this one will be a standard soon!

Source: Audi

May 22, 2015

Mazda Launches a Special Advertisement Campaign

As we all know, Mazda believes, that the word “driving” is not just the operation and controlling the vehicle. The team believes, that this is an experience, that can bring incredible pleasure of life itself. And to stay true to prove its words, Mazda launched a special campaign, named “Driving Matters”.

The campaign itself will demonstrate different aspects of what is the thing, which makes driving important and pleasurable at the same time. Mazda’s advanced technologies and design will be only part of what the brand team has to offer, along with the safety, efficiency and overall performance of the Mazda vehicles.

The campaign will start with the special “A Driver’s Life”, which goes through numerous important moments of driver’s live, like finally getting a driving license, buying the first car and so on. The spot will include many 2016 models. The campaign itself starts today (Friday, 22 May) and will contain different sixty- and thirty- second ads.

In addition, the Zoom-Zoom tagline will remain a part of the brand’s DNA. As you know, since the start in 2000, Zoom-Zoom has become a symbol of what Mazda focuses on: style, beauty and performance. The “Driving Matters” campaign will continue the heritage of Zoom-Zoom and will remind what does it mean to drive a Mazda vehicle.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5UjmHOl4pU

Source: Mazda

May 22, 2015

2016 Honda Pilot Will Start Mass Production In Alabama

There are more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA), that celebrate the start of production of the latest and refreshed 2016 Honda Pilot, which is scheduled to go on sale next month. The latest model has a lot of features to demonstrate, so let’s check out what it has to offer.

The restyled 2016 Pilot SUV really has a lot to demonstrate: the styling, the redesigned cabin and of course the incredible direct-injection i-VTEC V-6 engine. But maybe the most important feature is the safety system. The vehicle has already achieved highest scores for safety features in its class.

The latest Pilot will join Honda’s light-truck lineup, that already includes the best-selling SUV and 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility, the 2015 Honda CR-V and the HR-V crossover. The Pilot will be produces alongside the Honda Odyssey, which is the leader in sales of minivans in 2015.

As you know, since its debut in 2003, the Pilot model has ever since advanced and improved and every next generation delivered smoother and more comfortable ride, along with improved drivetrain capabilities. In fact, the Pilot model influenced and transformed the SUV segment with better quality, higher-rated safety system and more space and comfort inside the cabin.

Source: Honda

May 22, 2015

A Special System Will Help For Parking The 2016 Ford F-150

America’s leader in truck manufacturing, Ford pioneers yet another innovation. This time we are talking about the so called Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which will be included for the 2016 Ford F-150. The system itself helps for easier the backing up a trailer. But the good part is, that the system is precisely designed to help both professional drivers and inexperienced drivers. Cool, huh?

The system itself lets customers to steer the trailer with a special knob, while the truck steers by itself and reduces the overall vehicle speed. But it is much more easier, that it sounds. Check it out!

To operate the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the driver tweaks a special knob and controls the intensity of rotating and turning the trailer. The system helps to park the truck for less time and with more confidence. In fact, Ford team uses a special camera to monitor the whole process and furthermore, the system earned five patents for the technology. Another interesting fact is that the system took 10 years to be fully developed.

And after the ten years of development, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist will be included in the pack of technologies for the latest 2016 F-150 vehicle. Other systems, included in the pack are the Curve Control System, that activates, when the truck takes a turn with too much speed. What it does is helping the driver to take control of the vehicle by reducing the torque and activating the brake system.

Other additions in the pack include the Lane-Keeping System, that is especially designed to prevent drifting outside the driving lane. What the system does is detecting the left and right hand of the road via special camera and alerts the driver, when he accidently leaves his line.

In fact, we have told you a lot about the F-150 vehicle, that now comes with even more confidence and even more gadgets. This is a machine, that you should definitely check out!

Source: Ford

May 22, 2015

Volkswagen Unveils the Polo Sedan Facelift

Another news from Volkswagen today: the facelifted Polo Sedan has just been revealed. The car was redesigned specifically for the 2015 model year and it features number of enhancements throughout the exterior and interior. The Polo is ready to go on sale next month (unfortunately only in Russia), so let’s see what the company has changed.

Exterior

The refreshed model features thoroughly revised front end. It has adopted the front grill from the Passat. In addition, the car also comes with different front fenders with chrome treatment, and new headlights that can be specified as bi-xenon. Daytime running lights LED headlamps are also available as an option, and the same counts for the LED tail-lamps.

Volkswagen is also offering a new exterior color option: beige. New are also the wheel caps and design of the alloys.

Interior

The interior of the car is defined by revisions in the center console abundant in color combinations and steering wheel. In fact, the latter is absolutely new and now features three spoke design. The upholstery can be also specified in beige color.

Engine

The Polo sedan will be powered by the same 1.6-liter petrol engine, which produces either 85 PS (63 kW) or 105 PS (77 kW), and will be mated to the standard five-speed manual or the available six-speed automatic transmission.

Trim Levels & Equipment

Three grades are at hand: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. As a standard each will be fitted with electric windows, air conditioner, ABS, central locking and dual front airbags as well as trip computer. The optional safety features comprise of the side curtain airbags only.

Source: Volkswagen

May 22, 2015

Golf Cabrio Gets Updated Engine Range

Volkswagen has just announced that the latest Golf Cabriolet edition will get updates in its engine range. The new EU6-engine generation will deliver up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption. In addition, the car is also getting a different radio and navigation systems as an option.

All engines in the new TSI range are turbocharged. Here are featured the following: the 1.2-liter four-cylinder capable of producing 105 PS (77 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque; the 1.4-liter four-cylinder generating 125 PS (92 kW) and torque rated at 200 Nm (147 lb-ft); and the 1.4-liter four-cylinder pumping out 150 PS (110 kW).

The top of the range Golf GTI Cabriolet will have an uprated output, which is now 220 PS (162 kW). In comparison to its 210 PS predecessor, the 220 PS GTI convertible will be capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster. Despite the increase in power, the fuel consumption has been lowered by more than 15 percent and it is measured at 6.5 l per 100 km.

The diesel units have also received upgrades that have made them more efficient and powerful. For example, the 2.0 TDI now boasts 150 PS (110 kW) and 340 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque, which means gains of10 PS and 20 Nm. It is capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and achieving a fuel consumption of 4.6 l per 100 km.

Besides these powertrain upgrades, the car will also benefit from the latest generation radio and navigation systems. The “Composition Colour” and “Composition Media” radios feature large multicolor touch screen and eight speakers, while the “Discover Media” navigation system now features Bluetooth option.

Source: Volkswagen

May 22, 2015

Zagato Maserati Mostro Debuts at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Mostro is a name of a car powered by Maserati and created by Zagato. In fact, it is company’s latest creation, which is set to be revealed during this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The car is not only created to celebrate the centenary of Maserati, but also to honor one of the most iconic racers in Tridente’s history, the Maserati 450 S Coupe Zagato Monster. The latter was designed back in 1957 by Frank Costin, who was a specialist in aerodynamics. Then it was coach-built in Milan for the 24 Hours of Le Mans because of a request of Stirling Moss.

Body

Just like its predecessor, Mostro is built on the philosophy of pure racing mechanics. However, it is also completely road sanctioned. Its chassis is made of a MonoCell of carbon fiber coupled to a mid-structure of steel tubes. This creates the cockpit and the subframe that carries the fuel tank, exhaust system, rear suspension and gearbox.

The car is constructed in Italy and Zagato says that its bodywork is entirely carbon fiber. With a coupé-body design built on a sports car chassis, the Mostro features specific 450 S Coupe characteristics that express the classic design and timeless beauty of Zagato vehicles. All in all, its design showcases the spirit of the best aerodynamics combined with the stance of a modern race car.

Exterior Design

The idea behind this project is to keep the initial design of the 1957 racer. This is visible through the enormous frontal part that houses the engine. In addition, the large front fender runs along the entire length of the frontal part, then it disappears at the door. This is where the line of the car’s massive rear fender begins.

The other design characteristics that define this car are the fixed glass windows along the sides, the wide windshield increasing the visibility, and the high opening of the doors. The large rear fixed-wing creates adequate downforce on the rear axle.

Engine & Suspension

Under the hood there is a central-front V8 Maserati engine, which has dry-sump lubrication. The unit is linked to a semi-automatic six-speed rear-positioned gearbox. The latter optimally distributes the weight of the car along the longitudinal axis. At the front and the rear Zagato installed double wishbone architecture with a pushrod, spring and shock absorber system.

Wheels & Tires

This unique car will be running on 19-inch multispoke alloys behind which will be working large disc brakes. The wheels will be fitted with 255/40 R19 and 295/35 R19 rubbers at the front and rear, respectively.

Zagato Maserati Mostro will be exclusive edition and only five examples will be created. Each unit has been already assigned to selected Zagato collectors. First deliveries will happen before December this year.