Car Makes – Page 378 – Automobiles Review

Carlex Design Nissan GTR Red Katana Evokes Admiration

If you still haven’t seen one of the most unique GTRs in the world, the time to change this has come! The interior specialists from Carlex Design overdid themselves by creating a driving environment which will take you to some mysterious and fictional land in Japan where Samurais fight with Japanese Katana against a dragon that breathes fire and dust! Or maybe not. If the Nissan GTR Red Katana does not manage to play with your imagination in this way, you will be at least able to enjoy a driving experience in a one-of-a-kind cabin.

The fantastic car has received a mesmerizing enhancement which will leave everyone speechless. Thanks to Carlex Design’s unrivalled eye for details and perfection, the makeover of this Nissan model has reached the final level of pure attractiveness which tickles one’s senses and desire. The use of black leather and the darkest Alcantara is predominant but there is also a dose of carbon fiber too. The contrasting red stiching on the seats adds a touch of different color.

The saturated presence of black upholstery might seem too much at first but then it grows on you and looks perfectly natural. An image of immense luxury is something that follows after that, while evoking an exciting feeling of sportiness at the same time.

Such extraordinary combinations of the finest craftsmanship and patterns result in nothing else but a highly exceptional head-turning vehicle like the Carlex Design Nissan GTR Red Katana!

Source: Carlex Design

January 21, 2015

Mitsubishi Introduces Outlander GX5h and GXhs PHEV Models

The most popular SUV in Mitsubishi’s range is undeniably the Outlander. This fact probably stimulates the company to make various versions of it and expand its range. There are two new additions to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: the GX5h and GX5hs. Externally the models have some new tweaks that need to be mentioned. These include full length side steps that allow ease of access as well as new rear spoiler. At the front we still see the LED fog lamps and DRLs, which come with chrome surrounds.

The GX5h and GX5hs vehicles will be available in all five Outlander PHEV colours, including Atlantic Grey Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, White Pearl Pearlescent, Frost White Solid and Amethyst Black Pearlescent.

The models offer sumptuous interior and add spaciousness. For instance, the Nappa leather seats have been hand crafted and deliver unmatched comfortability. In addition, the front and the rear seats have been all heated. As a standard specification customers will also get in the interior low level mood lighting, optimized sound system with vehicle’s interior acoustics as well as multiple USB charging ports.

To be more precise, the audio system comprise of seven speaker 420W premium Alpine Hi-Fi system. It has silk dome tweeters that deliver exact and smooth highs. In addition, there are also powerful 16.5cm midrange drivers and 20cm subwoofers for deep lows.

As a PHEV vehicle, these Outlanders have exceptional environmental and economy characteristics. They have Co2 emissions of only 44g/km and combined fuel consumption of 148mpg.

Source: Mitsubishi

January 21, 2015

Subaru Outback Has ‘Second Pair of Eyes’ for the Driver

There are exactly six model versions offered for the new 2015 Subaro Outback. Each pf them can be equipped with either of one engines coupled with manual or Lineartronic transmission. The fifth-generation model also gets new exterior design tweaks and technologies which care about occupants’ safety. In terms of appearance the new model looks a bit more rugged. At the front the bumper includes an integrated hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights.

The interior received the significant changes mainly through the use of new materials of higher quality. The cabin has also been made more spacious and comfortable and now includes more standard infotainment and sat nav systems.

Speaking of the “internals” of the vehicle, the engine range consists of two units. The first one is the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, which generates 150 hp (110 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The other one is the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol unit that has power and torque outputs of 165 hp (121 kW) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) respectively.

The diesel engine can be coupled with either a six-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, while the petrol engines are exclusively matched with Lineartronic. Trim levels are two – SE and SE Premium, and when combined with one of the engines and transmission options, the total model variant range expands to six.

The SE models get as a standard automatic LED headlamps and headlamp washers, cruise control, Active Torque Vectoring, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat and privacy glass. The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also standard and includes satellite navigation, audio, smartphone connectivity and a rear view parking camera.

Those who have chosen SE model with petrol engine will also get emissions-reducing start-stop system and Subaru Intelligent Drive. And for those opting for SE Premium trim, they will get the additional sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a powered rear tailgate.

Safety systems are now enhanced with the addition of the EyeSight safety assist. This is literally a ‘second pair of eyes’ for the driver. This technology is there to help drivers prevent collisions. It employs two colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards, and comes as a standard.

2015 Subaru Outback is scheduled to go on sale in the UK from 1^st of April with a starting price of £27,995.

Source: Subaru

January 21, 2015

McLaren 650S Le Mans: When History Cannot Be Forgotten

Quoting McLaren Automotive, “every one of the 106 models of the McLaren F1 built has a story to tell.” A story which often begins with „Do you remember the time when…“ and continues with the reveal of a memory of something that deserves to be fixed and preserved in time.

Twenty years after the the chequered flag was waved at the end of the 1995 race, five McLaren F1 GTR monsters crossed the line, winning 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th place. Marking this impressive achievement, five special editions of the McLaren F1, named the McLaren F1 Le Mans, are commissioned. Of course, each one of them is signifying the cars that finished back then.

The special edition of McLaren will be powered by the familiar 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 engine which will still produce unchained 641 HP and 678 Nm (500 lb ft) of peak torque. This run from 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 3 seconds, while the top speed is that of 207 mph.

With a design inspired by the race-winning #59 McLaren F1 GTR, the McLaren 650S Le Mans will inherit many of the iconic race-winner characteristics. For example, the anniversary car will feature the notable roof-mounted ‚‘snorkel‘ air intake and wing louvers. Combining the incredible tone of the 1995 car with a slightly modernized twist, the 650S Le Mans becomes an example of excellence and uniqueness.

Of course, there are updated components which further shape the presence of the limited edition model. Some of the carbon fiber features include: front splitter and rear bumper but there are also MSO-developed extended side blades and the distinctive MSO rear diffuser. The exterior of the F1 Le Mans has metallic Sarthe Grey paint color which is borrowed from the color of the race-winning McLaren F1 GTR. For additional exclusiveness there is a ‘Le Mans’ logo adorning the wheels and the trailing edge of the door blades. What is more, one-of-a-kind ‘Le Mans Edition’ lightweight wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – are fitted around the design of the motorsport rims used on the 1995 racers.

Inside, the car has black leather and Alcantara upholstery, with a pair of sports seats in black finish and contrasting McLaren Orange Alcantara in the center. Not betraying its nature, the automaker embosses another ‘Le Mans’ logo on the headrest of each seat, as well as on the floor mats.

Limited to 50 units only, the 2015 McLaren 650S Le Mans is priced at £244,500. Deliveries will begin in mid-2015.

Source: McLaren

January 20, 2015

2015 Lexus NX 200t Benefiting From a New 2.0-liter Turbocharged Engine

Lexus is stepping beyond any boundaries and is bravely moving forward like no other crossover until this very day. The new Lexus NX 200t F Sport will be the first lucky one to be equipped with the automaker‘s new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which will allow the vehicle to overcome all kinds of urban challenges that stay between the car and its final destination.

Developed in-house, the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection pushes out 235 HP (175 kW) between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 350 Nm delivered at 1,650 rpm. Official combined cycle figures for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are 183 g/km and 35.8 mpg respectively. The 1,998cc unit is bolted to a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Mode Select system. Cornering stability and traction are maximized thanks to the Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system. All of a sudden, it’s got all the drama u need in a car of this type!

The NX 200t F Sport’s exterior puts emphasis on the sporty nature of the crossover due to its well-crafted edgy lines of the body. The large spindle grille with a mesh pattern includes the explicit Lexus F-motif, and a deeper bumper with a metallic-coated lower section. Also, the door mirrors with a black finish and the F Sport 18-inch, 10-spoke alloys which have a two-tone black and machined silver finish contribute to the powerful stance of the new NX. In addition to this, the wheels are shod with 225/60R18 tires. The refined headlights with LED high and low beam functions add a final tone to the Lexus‘ new model.

There are eight different color options, including new Sonic White, plus Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, Celestial Black, Mesa Red, Ultra Blue and Velvet Black.

In terms of the interior, the 200t F Sport features heated electric leather front seats with lumbar support, standard-fit leather upholstery available in black or Dark Rose exclusively. Non-slip aluminium sports pedals, driver’s foot brace, and F-Sport steering wheel wrapped in grippy perforated leather provide with a stylish and luxurious sentiment.

2015 Lexus NX 200t costs £38,095 on the road with first customer deliveries beginning in March.

Source: Lexus

January 20, 2015

Maxi-Tuner Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S with Maxi-Power

Based in the town of Gau-Algesheim in the Mainz-Bingen region of Germany, Maxi-Tuner company has set its eye on two flagship Porsche models. Here we are talking about Porsche 991 Turbo and Turbo S precisely.

Thanks to the “MaxPower” upgrade, the cars arrive with enhanced power and torque. Maxi-Tuner, then, manages to pump the mighty 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat six engine with additional 60 HP and 100 Nm. As a result, the final power output of the Turbo is 580 HP with 760 Nm of maximum torque, while the Turbo S has 620 HP and 800 Nm of peak torque.

Still, there are no changes in relation to the engine safety functions which means that if the sensors detect overheating or the slightest possibility of detonation, the system defaults to the factory engine protection protocols thatslow down boost and ignition. Fault diagnostic and service regimes are intact as well which makes it easier for customers to uninstall the upgrades and bring the car back to its initial form.

To continue with, Maxi-Tuner 991 Turbo S test car is also fitted with an in-house developed stainless-steel sports exhaust system. It is able tooptimize back-pressure for more power. The system also has a much better soundtrack and comes with a TÜV-test report.

Benefiting from suchaddition, Porsche Turbo S test car demonstrated a maximum output of 635 HP and 864 Nm of torque on the dynamometer. The 0-100km/h sprint was covered in just 2.8 seconds which showed a 0.3-sec improvement. Top speed was refined too and jumped by 10 km/h to 328 km/h.

Source: XMedia-Group

January 20, 2015

Mercedes-AMG GT Tweaked by German Special Customs

The guys from German Special Customs (GSC) are famous for their exclusively good-looking styling programs which always know how to complement the nature of a given model. This time around they surprise us with the first renderings of the special package for the Mercedes-AMG GT. And we have to admit that it looks devastatingly awesome!

After the professional touch of the tuner, the new AMG GT bodylook embodies even more strongly underlined sporty character. And because this was not enough, there is a feel of haughty aggression that comes as a bonus! I doubt that there is a person on this planet who would say no to this.

Back to the main point now. If we cut the Mercedes-AMG GT into separate pieces, just to get the idea what exactly the car features, we will see that GSC was more than generous when working on the improvements of this sportiness on four wheels. The full body kit is comprised of reworked bumpers with a large carbon fiber front spoiler, modified side skirts with a chunkier look and a massive GT3-style rear wing. We can also see that the pack of little and not so little tweaks includes carbon roof and mirror caps and refined headlights. The black wheels with yellow lips complete the refinements of the GT.

However, German Special Customs hasn’t proposed anything yet in terms of performance. What we know for sure is that the AMG GT is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine which is capable of developing 462 PS (339 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The Mercedes-AMG GT S, then, generates 510 PS (375 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: German Special Customs via Motorward

January 20, 2015

Jaguar’s Bike Sense Technology Saves Cyclists from Potential Accidents [VIDEO]

Jaguar Land Rover just released a video showing that it is currently developing a range of new technologies. They will utilize colours, sounds and touch inside the car in order to alert drivers in cases of potential hazards. The specific thing about these technologies is that they have been created to prevent accidents only involving bicycles and motorbikes. To go into details, the sensors on the car detect when another road user is approaching. In fact, they can even identify it as bicycle or motorbike. When this happens, the Bike Sense will alert the driver via several means.

The technology does not uses only sound or warning icon, but lights and sounds that the driver will instinctively associate with the potential danger. In addition, the audio system will help the driver understand where the bike is in relation to their car. It will make a sound as if a bicycle bell or motorbike horn is coming through the speaker nearest the bike.

There is even more to this. When a motorbike approaches up the road behind the car, for example, after the Bike Sense have detected it, the top of the car seat will extend to ‘tap’ the driver on the left or right shoulder. Except for that it sounds pretty strange and even scary; the idea is that the driver will instinctively look over that shoulder to identify the potential hazard.

There is a scenario, when a cyclist gets closer to the car. What happens next is that a matrix of LED lights on the window sills, dashboard and windscreen pillars will glow amber and then red as the bike approaches. In addition, the exact movement of these lights across the surfaces will also show the direction the bike is taking.

Bike Sense is also clever enough to know that there are potential hazards that the driver cannot see. For instance, is pedestrian or cyclist is crossing the road, and for some reason the person behind the steering wheel can’t see them, the sensors will detect this and draw the driver’s attention with the help of visual an audible signals. And if for some reason the driver ignores the warnings, then the technology will make the accelerator pedal vibrate or feel stiff.

At last, Bike Sense also helps prevent vehicle doors being opened into the path of bikes. In these cases it would warn all passengers of an approaching vehicle through sound and light. If anyone continues with the opening of the door, the door handle will light up, vibrate and buzz.

Source: Jaguar

January 20, 2015

Facelifted Hyundai Veloster Turbo Launched in South Korea

Hyundai has released an updated version of its Veloster Turbo model. The car will be seen only in South Korea and it is specifically intended for this market. The refreshed Veloster aims to catch the attention of younger customers, those who are in their twenties and thirties. The new edition of the vehicle has already been launched and on sale in the country, since 16^th of January.

2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Facelift received some styling upgrades that need to be addressed. The exterior styling improvements included feature silver trim on the front grille which refreshes the front fascia as well as blackish allows in new multispoke design.

The headlight graphics has been also updated as well as the fog lights. Hyundai has continued with the changes inside. The cabin now features new sports seats that will be offered in three different color finishes.

More importantly, the Veloster has been given world’s first engine sound equalizer. It allows drivers to adjust the level of the sound of the powertrain. There are six different sounds offered.The car is driven by the 1.6-liter T-GDi turbo gasoline engine, which produces 204 hp (150 kW). The unit is coupled with a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT).

Hyundai will offer the Veloster Turbo Facelift in three trim versions. The starting price of the Unique trim is 19.95 million won which equals $18,550 USD, 20.95 million won or $19,480 USD) for the PYL and 21.55 million won ($20,040 USD) for the PYL DCT trim level.

Source: Hyundai via thekoreancarblog

January 20, 2015

New Livery for Citroen DS3 WRC and Start of the 2015 Season

The DS model is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. To commemorate this, Citroen has made a new livery for its WRC car. It features exclusive decals and will compete in this month’s Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. The white, red and gold livery has been simplified and includes an eye-catching “60” spread across the rear wings. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena are returning to action, contesting the opening round of the 2015 World Rally Championship season. They are winners of nine world titles and 78 rallies.

The start of the championship will also see the arrival of two new partners for the team. They are also featured on the livery. Official WRC timekeeper since 2013 is Certina. It is included on DS3’s bodywork. In addition, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg will also wear watches made by the famous Swiss brand.

Furthermore, the automotive equipment manufacturer Sparco is now the official Citroën Racing supplier. It will cover all of the series in which the brand is competing. This includes WRC, WTCC and customer racing.

To the three DS 3 WRCs entered in the championship have been made some significant improvements too. They range from engine and suspension to aerodynamics and gearbox. For instance, Citroen have focused on the powerplant so that it delivers more power and torque, whilst also improving reliability.

What is more, there s a reintroduction of the steering wheel-mounted paddles for the gear changes. In terms of aerodynamics, the improvements include a new spoiler and a new front end as well as use of lighter parts.At last, the company has changed the kinematics of the rear suspension. Currently, work is ongoing and there will be another aerodynamic upgrade in the forthcoming months.

Source: Citroen

January 20, 2015

Lotus to Premiere an Exciting new Model in Geneva

No picture and scarce information is what we’ve got from Lotus about a car. The “exciting” vehicle will have its reveal at the Geneva International Motor Show in early March 2015. What we know for sure is that the product will remain true to its core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity. In fact, these three characteristics will be embodied in a most desirable package.

Probably, there will be a teaser image soon, but until Geneva we don’t think that Lotus will spill any information. So be prepared and have some patience untill the beginning of March. Rumors say that the company will premiere a new generation of Evora. The car is to include revised styling, more in terms of engine and less weight.

The most recent Elise S Cup, which was revealed a few days ago, is already creating great response in the general public. There are headlines and comments like “…most intoxicating sports car at any price” and “…it’s about as much fun as driving gets”.

The Geneva reveal will produce even more for the new upcoming model. We are not likely to see Lotus Elise S Cup‘s engine in the new model. However, it is pretty impressive. It produces a maximum power of 217 hp (160 kW) at 6800 rpm, and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) at 4600 rpm of torque. The top speed is limited at 140 mph (225 km/h).

Elise S Cup covers the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. And we have to ask ourselves: since the new car will show even more, is it to surpass this number? More than a month left and the mystery will be solved.

Source: Lotus

January 20, 2015

See How Honda Have Updated the 2015 CR-V

A good start in 2015 for Honda CR-V! The car got some comprehensive updates that make it even more attractive. There is a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox that aim to deliver great fuel economy. In addition, Honda has added a new technology, which is a world-first that comes to enhance occupant safety. There is an innovative app-driven connectivity system, which is now standard. And in terms of driving fun, the CR-V got reengineered. Of course, the designers did made some minor styling changes to the exterior.

First, the CR-V is offered with a more powerful diesel engine as well as an optional nine-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the new 160 PS 1.6-litre i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel engine will be available with four-wheel drive. The result: outstanding performance and low CO2 emissions.

The combination of both – new engine and nine-speed gearbox, will deliver exceptional fuel economy, which you can see in details below. Just to spoil it a bit: it is one of the best power-to-consumption ratio of any engine on sale today.

Honda Connect infotainment system is the second highlight in the list with updates. It will offer convenience and connectivity while on the road. Its key characteristics include DAB / FM / AM and internet radio, Bluetooth connectivity, internet browsing, satellite navigation and rear-view parking camera.

World-first active safety feature will also be a highlight in the facelifted CR-V. In fact, the car will premiere Honda’s new Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) system as part of company’s commitment to ‘Safety for Everyone’. The system predicts and automatically reacts to other vehicles that are ‘cutting-in’ to the vehicle’s lane.

i-ACC does this via the use of camera and a radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road. Combined with the enhanced suspension and optimised NVH measures, the new CR-V will definitely deliver more refined yet dynamic drive.

2015 Honda CR-V Facelift will be distributed only in Europe and is scheduled to arrive in showrooms this Spring.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine

	1.6-litre (diesel)	1.6-litre (diesel)	2.0-litre i-VTEC (gasoline)
Type	4 valves per cylinder	4 valves per cylinder	4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	1597	1597	1997
Bore x stroke	76.0 x 88.0	76.0 x 88.0	81.0 x 96.9
Compression ratio	16.0	16.0	10.6
Power	160 PS at 4000 rpm	120 PS at 4000 rpm	155 PS at 6500 rpm
Torque	350 Nm at 2000 rpm	300 Nm at 2000 rpm	192 Nm at 4300 rpm

Transmission

Engine	1.6-litre i-DTEC
Automatic – speeds	9
Manual – speeds	6
Engine	1.6-litre i-DTEC
Manual – speeds	6
Engine	2.0-litre i-VTEC
Manual – speeds	6
Automatic – speeds	5

Suspension and damping

Front	MacPherson Strut
Rear	Re-Active Link Double Wishbone

Steering

Type	Rack and Pinion
Steering turns (lock to lock)	2.94
Turning circle (at wheels)	11.0 m
Turning circle (at body)	11.7 m (4WD) / 11.9 m (2WD)

Brakes

Front	Ventilated disc
Rear	Disc

Wheels and tyres

Wheel size	Tyres – Front	Tyres – Rear
x 17-inch	225	65R17
x 18-inch	225	60R18

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior	(mm)
Overall length	4,605
Overall width	2,096 (including door mirrors)
Overall height	1,685 (including antenna)
Wheelbase	2,630

Performance and fuel consumption

Engine	1.6-litre6-speed Manual 4WD	1.6-litre9-speed Automatic 4WD	1.6-litre6-speed Manual 2WD	2.0-litre6-speed Manual 2WD	2.0-litre6-speed Manual 4WD	2.0-litre5-speed Automatic 4WD
Maximum speed (km/h)	202	197	182	190	190	182
0-100 km/h (seconds)	9.6	10.0	11.2	10.2	10.2	12.3
Fuel consumption urban (l/100 km)	5.3 (17”)5.5 (18”)	5.6 (17”)6.0 (18”)	4.6 (17”)4.8 (18”)	8.9 (17”)9.3 (18”)	9.3 (17”)9.4 (18”)	10.0 (17”)10.1 (18”)
Fuel consumption extra urban (l/100 km)	4.7 (17”)4.7 (18”)	4.8 (17”)4.9 (18”)	4.2 (17”)4.4 (18”)	6.2 (17”)6.3 (18”)	6.3 (17”)6.5 (18”)	6.0 (17”)6.2 (18”)
Fuel consumption combined (l/100 km)	4.9 (17”)5.1 (18”)	5.1 (17”)5.3 (18”)	4.4 (17”)4.5 (18”)	7.2 (17”)7.4 (18”)	7.4 (17”)7.6 (18”)	7.5 (17”)7.7 (18”)
CO2 combined (g/km)	129 (17”)133 (18”)	134 (17”)139 (18”)	115 (17”)119 (18”)	168 (17”)173 (18”)	173 (17”)177 (18”)	175 (17”)179 (18”)

Source: Honda

January 20, 2015

Category: Car Makes