Car Makes – Page 396 – Automobiles Review

Abarth 695 Biposto is the “Smallest of the Supercars”

Today at the “Riccardo Paletti” Racetrack in Varano de’ Melegari (Parma), the new Abarth 695 biposto is being introduced to the international press and made available for test drives. The car represents a perfect combination of road-going and racing cars. In other words, the 695 biposto generates “racing” into a car that is made for daily-life use.

The vehicle weighs only 997 kg and is powered by the 1.4 T-Jet engine. The unit produces 190 HP (140 kW), which allows the biposto to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h only 5.9 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 143 mph.

Making its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the new Abarth 695 has gained an enormous attention from customers and it has already received a number of orders which exceed the production capacity for this year.

The brand’s modern icon is a successful production with positive repercussions in the market and at the main European automotive events like Goodwood, Festival of Speed, LeMans Classic, Lignières Historique, Salon Privée. Let’s not forget the Gumball 3000, a prestigious supercar showcase that, for the first time, adopted an official car: precisely the 695 biposto. Now the “smallest of the supercars” is ready to put its power into practice on the European roads, with the first deliveries starting at the end of the year.

Finally, this is a product that makes the ordinary seems really extraordinary. The compactness of the Abarth 695 biposto brings unquestioned convenience while its style and design demonstrate careful attention to detail, thus mixing passion, craftsmanship and ingenuity.

Source: Abarth

December 2, 2014

F82 BMW M4 Receives Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust System Installs

F80 BMW M4 and F82 BMW M3 ‘conquered’ the automotive and tuning world since their first appearance in the market. Now F82 BMW M4 receives Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust System Installs which improve the vehicle in terms of power and performance.

The arriving of the first M4 at the Mulgari’s shop to receive the premium exhaust system, turned into a memorable and quite exciting moment for this car modifier. The new titanium kit significantly changes the technical data of the F80 BMW M4. The upgraded car receives an important power and torque increase. Precisely, thanks to the Akrapovic Evolution Line system, the BMW jumps from 445 HP (327 kW) at 6250 rpm to 452 HP (333 kW) at 6600 rpm with an improved peak torque of 589 Nm (434 lb-ft.) at 3900 rpm.

What does the Akrapovic kit include though? It features a secondary cat delete, which is designed to increase the gas flow in order to distribute the increase in power and torque rates. What is more, the system also uses valve technology which enables the driver to change the tone of the exhaust as required. This of course, allows a certain customization of the vehicle’s sound.

Still, the quality of the Akrapovic is pretty obvious from the pictures. Its carbon fiber muffler tips peek out from beneath the carbon rear diffuser so they just cannot be left unnoticed. The M4 turns into a car with excellent sounding and enhanced power.

In order to make even more customers happy, the team of professionals at Mulgari is taking new pre-orders for delivery in January!

Source: Mulgari

December 2, 2014

Honda Introduces Most Efficient Hybrid Sedan Named “Grace”

2015 Honda Grace is the next Hybrid sedan specifically created for the Japanese market. The car has just made its sales debut in the dealerships in the country. Grace has been developed as a compact sedan which delivers excellent handling and fuel economy. This is quite a strange name for a sedan, especially a Honda one, but the name represents the passion of the development team to create a sedan which envelops the time people spend in the vehicle with their loved ones.

The car also offers spacious cabin, stately styling, high visibility and tactile qualities and agile driving experience. In addition, there is not only enough space for the rear occupants, but Honda has also provided comfort and perfect quietness for those at the back of the car.

The vehicle is powered by the SPORT HYBRID i-DCD one-motor hybrid system. It enables the driver to start in EV mode and achieve outstanding fuel economy of 34.4 km/L as well s dynamic driving performance. Moreover, Grace is also available with a 4-Wheel-Drive.

The powerplant mbines a 1.5L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine, 7-speed DCT with built-in high-output motor and the IPU with a built-in lithium-ion battery. Due to exactly this powertrain, the car realizes its outstanding fuel.

In addition to Grace’s long wheelbase is the large trunk space with a capacity of 430L. The LWB, which expresses the ample size of the vehicle, was combined with a coupe-like elegant form. The platinum-plated front grille is complemented by LED headlights. At the back, the rear lamps extend horizontally to the trunk lid and chrome-plated license plate garnish.

Inside, we see that much attention to the detail has been paid. For example, the rear seats were developed with cushion thickness and softness, and tactile quality of surface materials. The air conditioning outlet for the rear seat occupants is placed on the back end of the center console. As for Grace’s eight-speaker audio system, it includes a total of four tweeters located in the front of the inner door handle in front and back.

Wondering about the advanced safety and security features? Here Honda has included Advanced Compatibility Engineering body that applies company’s original G-Force Control Technology (G-CON), Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, Hill-Start Assist function as well as the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and the City-Brake Active system.

2015 Honda Grace is offered in three Hybrid trim levels: DX, LX and EX that come with either a front- or a four-wheel drive. The car is currently on sale in Japan.

Source: Honda

December 2, 2014

Twenty Reasons Why 2015 Chevrolet Trax is the Next Big Thing

2015 Chevrolet Trax has the utility of a crossover and the agility of a compact car. In fact, the model is Chevrolet’s seventh small vehicle launch in four years. It is packed with technology that is perfect for the “connected” city lifestyle: it includes the 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Siri Eyes Free technology. In addition, the Trax also delivers efficiency due to its standard turbocharged engine EPA-estimated at 34 mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet is pointing out 20 reasons why the new Trax is the best choice for the city dweller. First, it offers seating for up to five people and up to eight seating/cargo-carrying configurations. Secondly, it features a 60/40-split, flat-folding rear seat and a fold-flat front passenger seat.

Next, the cargo space is up to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The fourth reason is that Trax has 15 interior storage compartments. Some of these include upper and lower storage in each door, glove box, center stack, left and right of the center stack and left of the steering wheel.

Next comes the standard cargo management features, which include a rigid, removable cargo security cover and a storage area under the rear cargo floor. Six is the Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment with a 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen, while under seventh position is the OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Eight: Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users; and nine: standard USB port with MP3 playback/iPod music device support. The tenth place goes for the optional BringGo navigation app and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, while the eleventh reason is the engine. Precisely, it is the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged unit coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 138 horsepower (102 kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm), between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.

On the twelfth position is the available all-wheel drive, while thirteen is the exceptional dimensions of the car, which are designed for more confidence and maneuverability. Fourteen – the MacPherson-strut front suspension and compound crank rear suspension, and fifteen – the direct-acting, fuel-saving column-mounted electric power steering system.

The price of the Trax is the next benefit. It is starting at $20,995 USD for LS trim level. And speaking of trim levels – they are under number seventeen. Chevrolet is offering three trims: LS, LT and LTZ that come with different specifications to match any taste.

Eighteen is the all-wheel drive that is offered for $1,500 US which makes the most affordable AWD option in Chevrolet’s portfolio. And nineteen is the wide range of safety features. At last, we must mention the “Chevrolet Complete Care”, which includes two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.

2015 Chevrolet Trax goes on sale in the United States next year.

Source: Chevrolet

December 2, 2014

2015 Honda Civic Type-R Order Book is Now Open!

2015 Honda Civic Type R is probably one of the most awaited cars! The wait will be soon over, because Honda has just announced that the iconic model is on the starting blocks and it is gearing up for its 2015 launch. The demand is unprecedented and for this reason those customers wanting to be one of the first behind the Type R steering wheel can place an order with a deposit at their local Honda dealer. Unfortunately, this option is only possible for the UK.

The new hot hatch will be in the showrooms next year. Honde promises that this will be the most extreme and high-performing Type R in the 22 year history of the red ‘H’ badge. In addition, it will bring about the beginning of a new performance era for the brand.

2015 Civic Type R was developed and engineered for European drivers. The new model will also mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ button. It is positioned to the side of the steering wheel. With one press, it activates the ‘+R’ mode, which delivers the most exhilarating driving experience.

Furthermore, the engine responsiveness was improved, the torque-mapping changed and therefore the performance is more focused and aggressive. In addition, the steering becomes more responsive and together with the four-point Adaptive Damper System, the car delivers the exceptional handling experience.

The new generation Type R will be driven by a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine. This unit generates more than 280 horsepower (205 kW), hence delivering unmatched performance when compared to the previous generations. The engine will be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

2015 Honda Civic Type R is scheduled to arrive in dealerships during 2015.

Source: Honda

December 2, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 on its Way to Customers Just Ahead of Christmas!

Exciting news! 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is already on its way to customers! The company has shipped the coupe from the Bowling Green Assembly and this means that some customers could receive the supercar later this week. As a matter of fact, this is Chevrolet’s most capable model and it is the first Z06 which can be equipped with the eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. The car features stronger aluminum frame and a removable roof panel. What is more, this is the first time since 1963 that the Z06 is available as a convertible. The latter will be available in dealerships in the beginning of 2015.

To get into details, the supercar is powered by the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine. It produces 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 881 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque at 3,600 rpm. These numbers make the Corvette Z06 the most powerful General Motors production car ever.

LT4 also features direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing. With the help of this powerful engine, the Z06 accelerates from a rest to 60 mph in only 2.95 seconds. This number is achieved only if the car is equipped with the available eight-speed automatic transmission. When the Corvette features the standard seven-speed manual transmission, then this time is estimated at 3.2 seconds.

In terms of braking performance, Z06 can stop from 60 mph in only 99.6 feet. Chevrolet is offering a Z07 Performance package, which adds Brembo carbon ceramic brake rotors and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The package also includes many aerodynamic features.

Z06 is also fitted with Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which enables the driver to record high-definition video, with telemetry overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track. PDR also features free navigation system.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe has a starting price of $78,995 USD.

Source: Chevrolet

December 2, 2014

2015 Mazda6 is Stronger with more Features and Refreshed Styling

2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up gets improved with wide range of standard and available features across the entire model range. The design of the exterior as well as the interior of the car was improved. Not to mention the functionality, ride comfort and quietness, and the sophisticated technologies. The model range comprises of five trim levels: SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav. In addition, Mazda is offering a choice of nine diesel and seven petrol Saloon variants, and nine diesel and three petrol Tourer versions. The engines can be with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

In terms of exterior design, there are eight body colours available to choose from. One of them is new and it is called Sonic Silver metallic. Standing at the top of the range, the Sport Nav trim will get re-styled front with new grille and signature wing design. It includes powerful LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED foglamps as well as LED tail lamps. The car runs on 19-inch bright alloy wheels.

Regardless of trim, the Mazda6 gets new instrument panel with centre console design, revised suspension system, better sound insulation and more equipment ass a standard. SE and SE-L grades on the other hand benefit from electronic parking brake, coming/leaving home headlamp function, Multimedia Commander, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control, manual driver and front passenger seat height adjustment.

The occupants of Sport Nav will also enjoy the seven-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen with DAB radio and MZD Connect. What is more, the six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, vinyl leather knee pads, a new head-up display and an Integrated Navigation system complete the Sport Nav’s standard equipment specification.

How about the available features? The options for this trim level feature stone leather upholstery and improved Safety Pack. The latter includes Adaptive LED headlamps (ALH), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Alert, Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM w/RCTA) and Rear Smart City Brake Support (Rr SCBS).

2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up is officially going on sale in the United Kingdom. It is priced from £19,795.

Source: Mazda

December 2, 2014

SR Auto Teases Future Project on Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Italia

SR Auto Group has teased the public with a picture showing what’s new in their garage. And it is a Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. They have announced that this car will stay a little bit longer there because it will be their next big project. Over the upcoming winter months, the tuners will be tackling the task of creating Vancouver’s first Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. No other details were revealed. Enthusiasts can follow the build progress on SR Auto’s Instagram or official web page.

Ferrari 458 Italia by Liberty Walk is perfectly proportioned. As we can see from the released image, the car is dressed in black paint and will feature some amazing shining red wheels, in the dimension of 20 or 21 inches, with multi-spoke design. We also see that they are coupled with low profile tyres.

Some of the key elements of the Japanese tuning that happened first include front bumper and spoiler set, side skirts, and a duck tail rear spoiler. We are not sure whether there will be any boost of the original engine.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by the naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 engine. It produces 578 horsepower (425 kW) at 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it effortless for it to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198 mph).

Another important number here is the acceleration time which this Ferrari has for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and it is under 3.4 seconds. The power of the 458 Spider is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff. Stay tuned for more pictures and details! This promises to be exciting project!

Source: SR Auto Group

December 1, 2014

SsangYong Releases Two New Korando Trim Levels

SsangYong is extending the Korando with two new commercial models. These are the two-wheel drive CS and the four-wheel drive CSX. The front of the model has received new treatment including slimmed down black mesh radiator grille, projection headlights and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the featured re-design includes new dashboard. There have been also achieved advances in reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The latest Korando Commercial is driven by the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which is offered with a choice of two wheel drive or 4×4. The CS trim is powered by advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel developing 149 hp (110 kW) at 4,000rpm and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. The CO2 are reduced to 147g/km (CS) and 157g/km (CSX).

The flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors. It packs 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There is also a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4×4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. Other features in the standard equipment include: electric windows and tinted glass, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.

More importantly, the Korando CSX includes a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system. It monitors the level of grip and distributes power to those wheels which need it the most. If the driving conditions are normal, the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels.

If the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure more stability. There is also an all-wheel drive lock mode, which delivers 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph.

Source: SsangYong

December 1, 2014

Nissan Considering Navara Nismo?

Nissan is considering a Navaro Nismo product according to a recent report. In addition, Nismo division is also taking into consideration expanding the range of vehicles with more SUVs next to the pickups. Sales and marketing director, Darren Cox, announced that there is a possibility of this “interesting” Navara Nismo project. He also said that the future pickup will be 100% credible and will not be just a body kit and big wheels.

Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2015 Navara in June this year. This is the 12th generation of world’s famous pick-up truck. The new Navara comes with refined look, complete makeover for the interior as well as better engine range.

Outside, the vehicle includes V-shaped front grille with a lot of chrome, LED daytime running lights and new turn signals, incorporated in the door mirrors. There are also several new fresh body paint schemes: Savannah Yellow and The Earth Bronze combined with black B-pillars and chrome mirrors.

The interior of the pickup includes high quality materials, aluminum trim elements, a high-resolution TFT display in the instrument cluster and an automatic air conditioning. 2015 Nissan Navara features a number of assistance systems including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Limited Slip.

2015 Nissan Navara engine range includes a refined four-cylinder 2.5 liter diesel unit which produces either 163 hp (120 kW) and 403 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque, or 190 hp (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a revised four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine. Both are offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Nissan via CarAdvice

December 1, 2014

BMW to Reveal New Generation of Plug-in Hybrid Models

The BMW i models are highly innovative, revolutionary and offer consumption and emission values of a compact car. Now, the BMW Group is preparing to add plug-in hybrid versions to its core-brand models. In relation to this, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models in Miramas, France.

There is a highly efficient internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable high-voltage battery fitted into the plug-in hybrid models. The internal combustion engine is based on the award winning (International Engine of the Year) TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. Precisely, the electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. Short-distance urban trips can be completed on electric power only. While traveling on longer journeys, though, the vehicle will work in “combined mode”, thus operating with both systems simultaneously.

The main focus of the Efficient Dynamics strategy by BMW is directed towards the electrification of the power train. The plug-in technology aims to bring high performance vehicles well below 100 g / km CO2, while still preserving the well-known excellent driving pleasure and driving dynamics of BMW.

Finally, according to BMW, this new plug-in hybrid technology is extremely flexible and it can be integrated in a great number of vehicle concepts.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: BMW

December 1, 2014

Caterham Cars to Exhibit at Auto Retro 2014

I honestly get really excited when I read something about retro cars. Seeing one of those beauties makes my heart beat faster. Seeing more than one, at a Retro Show for instance, makes me feel that having only one heart is really not enough sometimes. There is just too much of a retro glory that one beating organ cannot take.

This year, the British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, is going to attend the popular Auto Retro show in Barcelona for the first time. The manufacturer is showing its newest model for Europe – the Seven 165 alongside other classic car manufacturers and enthusiast clubs. The show will be happening from the 4^th of December until the 8^th of December.

The ultra-lightweight Seven 165 exemplifies the spirit of the early Caterham Sevens. It is charming, cool, possibly mischievous and has ‘back to basics’ virtue. This retro baby is available from €19,995 (+local taxes). The entry level model takes its power from a 3-cylinder Suzuki engine which offers 80 HP and a top speed of 161KPH. The car is able to reach 0-100km in 6.9 seconds.

David Ridley, Caterham Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Spain is one of our growth export markets; there’s lots of enthusiasm for the legendary Seven and we’ve been able to bolster the model range with introduction of the fantastic new entry model 165.”

The new EU6-approved Caterham Seven 165 model is an exciting addition to the range across Europe. Since its launch in 2013, the car demonstrates some significant demands and sales growth.

The Caterham Cars can be visited in sector 2.0A on stand A-29 A48.

Source: Caterham

December 1, 2014

Category: Car Makes