Car Makes – Page 406 – Automobiles Review

Volvo to Offer Simulated Test Drive of XC90 Using Google Cardboard

Volvo Cars is going to be the first automotive manufacturer which will use Google Cardboard in order to make a thorough change in the way different businesses enable their audiences to experience a certain product. This transformation will be realized through the lens of virtual reality via Google Cardboard. Starting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volvo is inviting auto and innovation enthusiasts to go through a ground-breaking test-drive of the all-new XC90, months before it officially arrives in the US.

How exactly is this going to happen? The answer is: very easily. First the Volvo Reality app should be downloaded, after that users should insert their phones into Google Cardboard. Following this, viewers will be virtually transported into an XC90 where they can dive into a revolutionary experience and exploratory car-driving. The main reason for this simulated test-drive using Google Cardboard is to promote Volvo XC90 crossover, which will go on sale in spring 2015. The automaker will roll out the Cardboard test drives at the Los Angeles Auto Show and at Volvo dealers.

“Using Google Cardboard exemplifies the marriage of innovation and design engineering. With nothing more than a smartphone, cardboard, two lenses and a magnet, customers can experience a test drive that puts them in the driver’s seat of the XC90,” commented Bodil Eriksson, EVP, Product, Brand, Marketing & Communications, Volvo Cars North America. He also added that; “With Google Cardboard we can deliver an experience that is so much richer than simple videos or pictures. We can now transport people into a 360-degree world where they can explore and experience the next-generation luxury SUV, months before it’s in dealerships.”

Source: Volvo

November 14, 2014

Chevrolet Impala’s CNG tank can survive bullets

There are many different fuels besides gasoline out there with each one of them having advantages and drawbacks. In the recent years, however, compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a popular type of fuel due to several advantages – it is cheap, it does not pollute the environment and it provides almost as much power as gasoline. The drawback? It’s the CNG tank as there may be leakages and other problems.

This is not the case with the tank of the CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The car boasts a tank that is so safe and so strong it can survive bullets and fires that come from different directions. Chevrolet has achieved this level of endurance and safety by adding a large piece of cast aluminum that protects the tank valve and connection from certain side impacts and sheet metal plates on either side help protect it from loose objects in the trunk or rear seat. Chevrolet has also exposed the tank to pressures higher than 3,600 PSI, which is the normal value and then other extreme situations, exceeding US federal regulations and CNG industry guidelines. In addition to that the tank has undergone long-term structural integrity tests equivalent to 15,000 pressure cycles and hydrostatic burst tests of up to 8,100 PSI. This is what the tank also had to endure:

The industry-standard Bonfire Test confirms the CNG tank’s pressure relief valves are operational and help prevent the tank from rupturing in a fire. In addition to placing the tank about four inches above a steady 800-degree Fahrenheit fire, General Motors’ engineers added trunk, back seat and underbody fires to test the pressure relief valves’ ability to sense heat on all sides of the tank. And the tests were done at two different fuel levels.
In the Penetration Test, the tank is filled to its service pressure and is shot with a 7.62 mm armor piercing bullet. In order to pass the test, the bullet has to pass completely through one side of the tank without exiting out the other side. The goal is to have the tank maintain the bullet hole only as the weak structural point, without rupturing.
Front barrier, side impact and rear impact crash tests were conducted on the Bi-Fuel Impala. Some aftermarket CNG-conversion kit manufacturers conduct only a barrier test.

The all-steel, trunk-mounted tank holds about 7.8 gallons of gas, enough for the driver to cover about 150 miles of driving after which the car automatically and seamlessly switches to gasoline. The Bi-fuel Impala, which is also a 2015 “Green Car of the Year” finalist, is the auto-industry’s only manufacturer-produced full size sedan in North America that runs both on CNG and gasoline. The CNG system is covered by a 5-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, whichever comes first, and can be serviced at Chevy dealerships in both the USA and Canada.

The CNG-powered 2015 Chevrolet Impala can be ordered now. The car will ship by the end of this year.

Source: Chevrolet

November 13, 2014

SS Customs and Tesla Create One-Off TeslaVets to Celebrate Veterans Day

SS Customs told us that this current project we are presenting to you is on of their most favourite. It is called TeslaVets project and it is based on the superb Tesla Model S. The custom design of the car was created in house with the Tesla’s collaboration. The reason: both companies are honoring Veterans Day (11th of November) and those who have supported their country. And this is a great expression of a heartfelt “Thank you”.

In July, the electric car manufacturer released information that it has a goal of becoming the top employer for veterans in the United States. In fact, already about five percent of the staff are veterans, and there is this tendency of additional 600 people to be hired in the near future.

The California-based company has just unveiled the tuned car via its official Facebook page via a bunch of pictures. As we see they show a Model S, dressed up in a special wrap. Of course, it was all done by the specialists at SS Customs. The Camo vinyl wrap was hand cut and then hand applied.

To match the perfect new exterior appearance of the vehicle, the tuners decided to add one off powder coated green 21 inch Model S wheels and Yakima roof basket on whispbars with full Armed Forces regalia. Note also the yellow tinted headlights and the typical military equipment mounted on the custom-made roof rack.

Tesla Model S is the most successful electric vehicle with a rear wheel drive. It is powered by a liquid-cooled powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, drive inverter, and gear box. The total power is rated at 416 hp (310 kW) an 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, while the range of the car is around 450 km.

Source: SS Customs via Facebook

November 13, 2014

Light Pioneer Mercedes-Benz Offers a Preview of What the Future Holds

Apparently, the light pioneer Mercedes-Benz has directed its gaze towards the future. Now it has presented an upgraded vision of the 2014 MULTIBEAM LED headlamps available on the new CLS-Class. What Mercedes-Benz will soon provide is an improved light quality and greater safety at night with the 84 LEDs per headlamp.

Looking at different researches and statistics, it becomes obvious that the precision of light is of a great importance since the risk of accidents is immensely increased at night-time. There are five times as many pedestrians killed on country roads as during the daytime which is a really disturbing fact. Even though driving on country roads during the night-time is estimated at only 20 percent of total mileage, 40 percent of all fatal accidents happen during that time in particular (source: BASt, German Federal Office for Roads and Traffic).

Still, companies like Mercedes-Benz are seeking to refine the levels of safety and convenience while driving. Developing its MULTIBEAM LED technology, the automotive manufacturer actually creates almost perfect visibility and gives the driver the best possible light performance on the road. The innovative 2014 MULTIBEAM LED headlamps which are already incorporated in the CLS-Class are equipped with 24 individual high-performance LEDs. They are highly adaptable to the traffic situation and can be individually electronically controlled. This makes separate areas of the road surface illuminated in a specific way.

Yet, as it seems, this is not enough for Mercedes-Benz. Making plans for the near future, the company is pursuing further safety and comfort which will be distributed with the enhanced MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with a gridded light source containing 84 LEDs. The technology is set to enable maximum illumination of the road no matter what the speed or the traffic condition is. Of course with the careful thought of not dazzling other road users being embodied in the whole idea. The high and low-beam functions of the new flexible light system will be in digital mode only and without any mechanical actuators.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 13, 2014

Scion iM Concept is an Edgy Auris Debuting in L.A.

Do you remember when Scion teased its future iM Concept. Well, the news (and pictures) we received, give more information on what we are to expect debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19th of November. The company told us that the iM concept vehicle is a reflection of the evolution of company’s design philosophy which aims to catch the attention of youthful customers. And we were right with the assumption that the car will be a sporty hatchback based on Toyota’s Auris.

Precisely, the concept is a five-door compact hatchback with sporty looks. It is obvious that these visual characteristics were inspired by the vehicles seen on the European touring car racing circuit. The concept has unique styling with edgy, geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights.

Take a look at his incredible exterior color. We sincerely hope that when we see it in L.A. it will look as vibrant as on these renders. This custom-blended “Incrediblue” paint is complemented by matte silver and gunmetal accents.

In addition, the car features wide aerodynamics and a lower ride height. Having in mind that it Carries in its heart the performance spirit, it is no surprise that it rides on 19-inch forged alloy wheels and sporty performance tires. What complete the racecar-influenced design are the vented front rotors and 4-piston calipers which work with the adjustable height racing suspension.

Scion iM Concept is the first hatchback in brand’s history. There are no details on what engine will it include: whether it will use Auris turbocharged engine, or will there be any new surprises. So we have to wait until next Wednesday to get the whole picture.

Source: Scion

November 13, 2014

Subaru to Present All-New Outback at 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show

The all-new Subaru Outback is going to be exhibited at the 2014 Guangzhou International Auto Parts & Accessories Exhibition, held in Guangzhou, China. It will be open to visitors from November 21 through November 29, 2014.

In China, the all-new Subaru gains its power from a 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo engine. It is manufactured specifically for the Chinese market. The all-new Outback is also equipped with a 2.5-liter Horizontally-Opposed engine which has about 80% of its features freshly projected. In relation to its launch in China in 2014, the product lineup has been renovated in full compliance with the Chinese market’s demands and requirements.

From the start of its production, Subaru Outback has gained a central part in the hearts of Subaru customers around the globe. It incarnates Subaru’s one-of-a-kind crossover conception, thus combining ultimate passenger-car comfort when driving for a continuous period of time at long distances. Moreover, the SUV offers more than just enough space and quality.

After its premiere in the North American and Japanese markets, Subaru has continued its attempts, which are quite successful we have to admit, to change, perfect and progress this initial concept. With the development of the new Outback, all the established notions of the brand’s effectiveness are justified. Due to the incorporated number of advanced design virtues, Subaru manages to create a car that demonstrates strength, stable presence and high degree of good performance all of which place the new Outback at a frontal position in the crossover range.

The Subaru press conference is scheduled at 11:00 am (Guangzhou local time) on November 20th at Subaru booth (Hall 1B03).

Source: Subaru

November 13, 2014

Q: QorosQloud Qubed Envisions Vehicle/Driver Relationship in 2029

Qoros is entering the LA Design Challenge with a Q: QorosQloud Qubed Concept. The special vehicle envisions what the advanced vehicle and driver connectivity in the year 2029 will be. In short, the competition challenges international automotive design teams to explore how technology will change vehicles to connect with human senses in the aforementioned year. The winner will be chosen via a Facebook vote on the LA Auto Show’s official page page.

Q: QorosQloud Qubed was designed by Jamie Barrett, Aditya Mahajan and Alex O’Brien. The vision for it is that it will learn from the driver over a period of time through the five senses. This basically means that there will be a strong and dynamic vehicle/driver relationship, which will grow over time.

What can the car learn? For instance if you were the driver, it could get to know your tastes such as music preferences and general interests. In addition, it could also learn your favourite restaurants, regular destinations, friends and family. And the best thing here is that Q will improve over time, because it will be learning more every single day.

Even more, Q is designed to bring about maximum safety by identifying when the driver is distracted or driving irresponsibly. When this happens the Qoros concept will quickly switch to an autonomous driving mode.

The vote will last until 20^th of November. One user can vote once every day for their favourite LA Auto Show Design Challenge entry.

Source: Qoros

November 13, 2014

New Generation i20: UK Pricing and Specifications

Hyundai has announced the all-new second generation i20 that will reach the showrooms in January 2015. Its starting price is 10,695 GBP (13,630 EUR) in the United Kingdom.

The base S model features electric front windows, remote central locking, tinted windows and RDS radio with USB. The S Air (11,445 GBP / 14,583 EUR) model has additional Manual Air Conditioning. Next comes the S Blue (12,445 GBP / 15,860 EUR) which is equipped with intelligent start-stop system (ISG) and low rolling resistance tires. Both i20 S and i20 S Air are powered by a 1.2 litre 75ps ‘Kappa’ petrol engine, while S Blue has a 1.1-litre CRDi 75ps diesel engine.

The i20 SE model is offered with a number of additional high-end extras. It benefits from 16-inch alloy wheels, voice activated Bluetoothsystem, Cruise Control with speed limiter, front fog lights, Lane Departure Warning System, rear electric windows, reversing sensors and many other features. The price starts from only £12,725. The new generation model receives a lineup of four different engines. Customers have a choice between: 1.2 litre 84ps (62 kW) or 1.4-litre 100ps (73 kW) petrol engines or 1.1-litre 75ps (55 kW) or 1.4-litre 90ps (66 kW) diesel engines, both mated to a 6-speed manual.

Customers who are opting for the Premium will get Smartphone Docking Station, automatic dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, Climate control, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, projection headlamps and privacy glass. Those choosing to go with the Premium SE version will receive front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel and opening panoramic glass sunroof.

Full pricing:

i20 S –from £10,695
i20 S Air (based on S) – from £11,445
i20 S Blue (based on S) – from £12,445
i20 SE (in addition to S) – from £12,725
i20 Premium (in addition to SE)- from £13,725
i20 Premium SE (in addition to Premium)- from £14,725

Source: Hyundai

November 13, 2014

Wimmer RST Infernal Trio Armada Generates up to 1,300 Horsepower

We haven’t heard from Wimmer RS probably since last year. Now, the tuning company from Solingen, Germany, returns with not one, but three powerful cars, based on X-BOW and called “Infernal Trio Armada”. More impressive is that these vehicles produce 1,300 horsepower. This result was achieved via chip tuning and other engine modifications. The first car is the X-BOW GT, which has an extended engine tuning with metal cat, modified turbo charger, optimized high compression pump, special air suction, and a very special Wimmer exhaust system. In addition, there are also a lot of internal hardware upgrades inside the powerplant.

There are also modified chassis components and giant Wimmer EVO 2-Carbon rear wings with adjustable flaps. In terms of numbers, the serial parameters of 285 hp (210 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque have been increased up to the diabolic 485 hp (357 kW) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft).

The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is covered effortlessly in less than seconds, and the Vmax is 160 mph (255 km/h). Vehicle’s handling has been also optimized even. The road “bend robber” with its full carbon chassis is eye catcher par excellence.

The next second car is called X-BOW R, and it is slightly less powerful than the first one. It generates 455 hp (335 kW) with 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque after the tuning, which is an increase with 155 hp and 100 Nm. The top speed is positioned at 154 mph (248 km/h). It also received some chassis and suspension modifications.

The third family member is the X-BOW RR, which brings along 370 hp (272 kW). Everything in it has been optimized and there is the option of a special Wimmer North loop setup featuring wheel load measuring.

Source: WIMMER Rennsporttechnik via Miranda Media

November 13, 2014

Game on: Volvo FH Truck Racing Against Koenigsegg One:1

Setting a massive eight-tonne Volvo FH against one of the fastest cars around the world, precisely Koenigsegg One:1, may sound a bit like a joke. Except that it is not. The question though is why? If it is for the spectacular part, no doubt it is going to be spectacular. Not every day you can see Hulk against The Flash! Nevertheless, the main reason for this “rivalry” is to test, once again, the I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox fitted to the Volvo truck, and see if the FH can cover one lap of the Knutstorp race faster than the Koenigsegg can cover two laps.

Five red lights. They come on. They go off. And start! Now this is going to be one hell of a race!

The two vehicles set off and as they do so, Koenigsegg One:1 is already cutting the air with its high speed. The truck, on the other hand, is left to bite the dust behind. We can admit that looking at the video, we can see the Volvo truck struggling just a little bit… or more. Still, the performance makes the hair on your neck stand up. You nearly won, Volvo FH.

To clarify some of the vehicles’ characteristics, Volvo FH tractor unit delivers 540 horsepower and is equipped, as already pointed out, with I-Shift Dual Clutch. The functionality of its speed limiter has been previously removed in order to give the truck a slightly better chance against its opponent. Thanks to this, Volvo FH reached a speed of almost 130 km/h (80 mph) on the track race. Despite the slight helpful push, it is all about fair play after all, the outcome is still unpredictable.

The Koenigsegg One:1, on the other hand, is noted as one of the world’s mega-hyper-super-fast cars. Its name One:1 derives from the power 1360 PS and weight 360 kg. The exact ratio of 1:1 is a combination that no other sports car manufacturer has managed to achieve ever before. The engine of this Koenigsegg produces more than 1000 Nm of torque between 3000 and 7500 rpm and is capable of 0-100 km / h (0-62 mph) in less than 2 seconds.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlFiKo64kQw

Source: Volvo Trucks

November 13, 2014

Genuine Porsche 917 Racer at Classic Motor Show

Even though Steve McQueen was the leading actor in the film Le Mans, all of us are fully aware who the real star was. Or rather, not “who” but “what” and this is precisely the Porsche 917. And now the racer is going to appear at Classic Motor Show which takes place at the NEC from 14^th to 16^th of November.

The genuine Porsche 917 is generously supplied by Classic Autos of Kings Langley and is going to be transported from the fantastic Spa museum in Stavelot, Belgium to Birmingham. The car is chassis 917 013/034 and it took part in the 1970 movie where it was driven by the King of Cool or also known as Steve McQueen.

The movie-star, no, I’m not talking about the actor but about the Porsche, also scooped a range of highly significant race wins including the Daytona 24 Hours and Monza 1000km, and was driven by legends such as Derek Bell, Pedro Rodrîguez, Jo Siffert, Richard Attwood, Gijs van Lennep and Jackie Oliver.

Undoubtedly, due to its previous fame the 917 will be in the center of attention at the Classic Motor Show which means there will be a huge flow of onlookers, visitors and fans. The Classic & Sports Car editorial team will be available all weekend and will meet enthusiasts and show-goers who can take advantage of special subscription offers and a great variety of free gifts.

Finally, LAT Photographic will be joining Classic & Sports Car magazine on its stand this year.

Source: Classic Motor Show 2014

November 13, 2014

2015 Skoda Fabia Estate Goes on Sale

2015 Skoda Fabia Estate is the third generation of its kind and is currently going on sale in the United Kingdom. For this region there will be three trim grades and four engine options. The car will offer to its customers the convenience of 530-litre boot, maximum load volume of 1,395 litres and high equipment levels. The model was unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and will debut on the market in spring 2015.

The Fabia Estate will be offered in three trim grades: S, SE and SE-L. The first, entry-level S, gets six airbags, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, Stop/Start and electric front windows as standard. SE models builds on it and add manual air-conditioning, alloy wheels, Front assist, Arkamys surround sound package and Bolero radio with telephone control, Mirror Link, USB and SD card connections.

In addition, there are also available options for the SE trim: three-spoke leather steering wheel, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, Maxi-DOT trip computer and black roof rails. At the top of the range stands the Elegance model which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, Light assistant, cruise control and KESSY (keyless entry system).

Furthermore, the 2015 model is based on Skoda’s advanced MQB platform architecture. The result is impressive: 65kg reduction in weight and 17 per more efficiency. Despite this fact, the car has kept the 960mm loading floor.

The tailgate opens to 1,900 mm and is 1,028 mm wide, while the loading sill is only 611mm high. Passenger’s area is also wider by +21 mm, and longer by +8mm, and there’s more headroom for the driver and front seat passengers.

Orders for 2015 Skoda Fabia Estate will open in December. First deliveries are expected in March next year.

Source: Skoda

November 13, 2014

Category: Car Makes