Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Porsche Macan and Boxster – Auto Express Awards

    2015 Porsche Macan has been rewarded by Auto Express New Car Awards. It won in the category – Best Compact SUV, while the sporty Boxster received the Best Roadster Award – for the third year in a row.

    The Macan is the first Porsche to enter the compact SUV segment and combines the typical handling characteristics like excellent acceleration, braking and extreme agility. The fast crossover also boasts a nice steering precision as well as a high level of comfort and everyday suitability.

    “Turn into a corner and the Macan responds with the same athleticism and poise as the mid-engined Cayman….Better still, you get the same perfectly-weighted controls that fizz with feedback. Amazingly, the Porsche is as capable off the beaten track as on it. The permanent four-wheel drive serves up near-unbreakable traction. Yet none of these remarkable dynamic feats comes at the expense of the Macan’s abilities as a desirable family runaround.”, commented Auto Express editorial team.

    On the other hand, Porsche Boxster boasts a unique lightweight body, charismatic flat-six engines, sharp chassis responses and evolutionary yet utterly distinctive styling. It defines what an open-top sports car should be. Core to its enduring appeal is the mid-engined layout that delivers poise and balance combined with precise, agile handling.

    “There are few cars we’d choose to go for a cross country blast in ahead of the Porsche Boxster. It has poise and power by the bucketload, yet it’s also tremendously comfortable to use as a daily driver. Best of all, for the performance on offer it’s seriously good value.”, the editorial team clearly agreed.

    Source: Porsche

  • Ford Mustang Engine Range Announced. Most Powerful V8 Produces 435 Horsepower

    2015 Ford Mustang includes an optional engine the upgraded 435 horsepower V8. Other engines in the range include the standard 300 horsepower V6, and the brand-new 310 horsepower EcoBoost. Every powertrain can be coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission. The addition of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine brings turbocharging to musclecar’s powertrain lineup. This unit was specifically designed for the new edition Mustang and delivers not only excellent performance but also great levels of fuel efficiency.

    Next to the 310 horsepower (228 kW) the car also produces 434 Nm (320 lb-ft) of torque. EcoBoost takes advantage of direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging thus producing big-engine power and torque with enhanced fuel economy.

    Furthermore, this new engine is the first to utilize a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger. The result will be quicker boost response and at the same time lower emissions and better efficiency. The cylinder head include integrated exhaust manifold.

    The latter divides the inner and outer pairs of cylinders into each of the two inlet passages to the turbo. In addition, this also eliminates mixing losses and optimizes the pulse energy to the turbine wheel. All in all, the overall result is quicker turbine spin-up and torque delivery.

    The separated exhaust ports also extend the time of the exhaust valves in which they stay open. This reduces pumping losses and also minimizes fuel consumption. Enhancements to the Mustang EcoBoost engine include: forged-steel crankshaft, piston-cooling jets, steel piston ring carriers, premium bearing materials, upgraded valve seat materials, forged-steel connecting rods, high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps and deep-sump, die-cast aluminum oil pan.

    The must powerful unit in the 2015 Mustang is the V8 engine. The 5.0-liter unit has undergone many upgrades which help it work better in higher speeds. The key of the enhanced power and torque lies in the air which gets into the cylinders and exhaust.

    In details, the focus in the development of the potent V8 features larger intake and exhaust valves, revised intake and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs that ensure valves close completely at high rpm, new cylinder head casting, sinter forged connecting rods that are lighter and more durable for high-rpm operation, redesigned piston tops and rebalanced forged crankshaft that support higher-rpm operation. The result is impressing: an output of 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque.

    Each of the three engines in the range can be mated to an entirely manual gearbox or refined automatic transmission. The manual gearshift has a new shift linkage design and is positioned closer to the driver.

    The other option is the SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission that includes wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts as a standard. It also includes a redesigned case with cast-in ribs, which makes it stiffer and lighter.

    Source: Ford

  • Steve Arpin’s Ford Fiesta Is “Royal Purple”

    Steve-Arpin-Royal-Purple-Ford-Fiesta-THUMBSteve Arpin Royal Purple Ford Fiesta has fresh looks and has just been unveiled via the first design sketches. It will show its fresh new appearance when it debut this weekend at the Red Bull Global Rallycross event in New York. This is the fourth race of the series for the 2014 season and it will be held at Nassau Coliseum.

    To be more precise, the striking new design is a very colorful decision, which differs from the car’s look in the first three races of the year. This new visual stance will be utilized for the remainder of the 2014 Red Bull GRC season.

    Arpin himself said that this Fiesta has the perfect design for the wild and exciting series. And this was the reason he has decided to brighten up the car with the Royal Purple paint scheme and to give it some more color.

    The driver will make his 13th start of his Red Bull GRC career in New York. In all of the races he has come in Royal Purple-backed Ford Fiestas. He earned the first podium of his career in the 2014 season opener at Top Gear Festival Barbados. He is currently third in the series’ Supercars championship, being 27 points back of the lead.

    The latest Ford Fiesta in company’s range is powered by the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. It produces 140 horsepower (103 kW) that is a result of unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management. With the new engine, the Fiesta accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters / 100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

    Source: Ford

  • Vorsteiner Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS Edition

    Bentley-Continental-GT-BR10-RS-Edition-THUMBVorsteiner offers new perspective of its latest Bentley Continental GT BR10-RS Edition. The new photoshoot mainly focuses on the rear of the car and its carbon fiber elements that were added by the tuning company. Precisely, it is an aero package, which as you can see features front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and deck lid spoiler all made of the aforementioned lightweight material.

    This Continental GT is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 which delivers 528 horsepower (389 kW) at 6,000 rpm, as well as 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque available at just 1,700 rpm. The powerplant is coupled with a close-ratio ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. All this makes it possible for the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds on its way to top speed of 308 km/h (191 mph).

    In addition, Vorsteiner has decided to give new shoes to this Bentley. In this way it will be even easier to translate all this power that the car produces onto the road. Precisely, the new wheels are Sport Challenge Forged VSC-103 Forged Monoblocks. They are finished in Gloss Brushed Shadow and come in the staggering size of 22 inches.

    At the front the dimensions measure 22 x 9 inches, while at the rear – 22×10.5. At last, the new wheels were fitted with Pirelli P Nero in the appropriate dimensions: 255/30/22 and 295/25/22 at the front and rear, respectively.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Is Ready For Full Reveal

    huracan-trofeo-teaser-THUMBLamborghini has teased its latest Huracan Super Trofeo. Although the picture they have sent is very dark, it is seeable that the car has the typical characteristics for a Lambo. Below you can also see a lightened up version of the image that shows so much more of the forthcoming supercar. In addition to the teaser, Lamborghini announced that the Huracan Super Trofeo made its appearance on the track, precisely on the “Piero Taruffi” Vallelunga (ITA) circuit, for its first shakedown.

    Behind the wheel was the chief test driver of the company’s research and development department Giorgio Sanna. And by doing this the company has started the delicate task of fine-tuning the Super Trofeo race car. Sanna will be also supported by two official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test drivers Adrian Zaugg and Fabio Babini.

    Starting from 2015, the newest ‘raging bull’ super sports car, will be the car raced in all of the three Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Series that will happen across three continents: Europe, Asia and North America. The next season will include both Gallardo and Huracan that will share the grid. Nevertheless they will race in different classes. There is nothing officially stated whether the new Lambo will sports the same military camouflage as shown in the picture. Stay tuned. More updates to be revealed soon.

    Source: Lamborghini

  • Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe [render]

    Here are two very original render images of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe. Both are created by the designer – Remco Meulendijk, who drew inspiration from the C-Class Sedan and its AMG variants.

    The result is absolutely amazing and the C63 AMG Coupe boasts a redesigned front bumper,  ventilated front fenders and high-performance brake system including big discs and calipers. There are also huge black alloy wheels fitted with performance tires.

    The model will be powered by a newly developed V8 twin-turbo 4.0 liter engine – 510HP (375 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. It meets the EURO 6 regulations and has a dry weight of just 209 kg (460 lbs).

    The power unit benefits from ultra-lightweight pistons and twin overhead camshafts. There are also flow-optimized cylinder heads with zirconium alloy for optimal temperature and thermal conductivity. The cylinder walls have been lined with a nano-slide coating in order to decrease friction. Because of that, there is no need for a conventional oil pan and a dry sump lubrication technology is used.

    The new C63 AMG Coupe is expected to hit the market sometime in the middle of 2015. It will compete with the all-new BMW M4, which is currently the leader in its segment.

    Stay tuned!

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • Skoda Teases 2015 Fabia With Design Sketch

    skoda-fabia-teaser-THUMBSkoda has just teased the new appearance of the future Fabia model and it has done this with a design sketch. As you can see the car takes on design elements from the Skoda VisionC show car exuding modernism and dynamism. The image shows that the Fabia is well balanced, has added width and flatter body thus creating harmonious proportions. This also contributes to the individuality of the car. Skoda also promises that the new model will feature fresh interior design.

    The first design sketch also shows the youthful character of the new Fabia. The crisp and urban small car has the typical for the brand design cues. Skoda revealed that for the first time in a series production vehicle the designers have incorporated elements from a concept model, namely – the VisionC.

    In addition, in the final stages of the design, Skoda motorsport has also took part. In this way, the car is even more dynamic, passionate and sharp. The image shows how in the new Fabia are mixed crystalline shapes and sharp lines.

    Furthemore, the hatchback is characterized by balanced and tight proportions. The company has also revealed that the car will be nine centimetres wider in comparison to its predecessor. What is more – it will stand three centimeters lower. Inside, the interior will be entirely new and versatile and will also feature options for customization.

    Source: Skoda

  • 2015 BMW i8 UK – Price £94,845

    BMW UK is going to offer the sensational 2015 i8 sports hybrid car from tomorrow. It is priced from “just” £94,845 OTR. The German manufacturer has finally developed something that looks like a supercar. Furthermore, it boasts extreme efficiency and a number of innovative technologies.

    2015 BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.   The overall power is 362HP (266 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft), which is enough for acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

    The fuel consumption is impressive – 2.1 liters / 100 km (134.5 mpg UK or 112 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The 2015 i8 can go up to 37 km (23 miles) only on electricity with zero emissions.

    The curb weight of the sports car is extremely low, considering the electric motor and the battery pack – 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs) and a drag coefficient (Cd) – 0.26. The dimensions measure – 4,689 mm in length; 1,942 mm in width and a height of just 1,298 mm. The wheelbase is 2,800 mm and the front/rear tracks – 1,644 mm/1,715 mm.

    Some of the standard equipment includes the Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display and leather sports seats; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants There are also 20” alloy wheels, a rear view camera, high beam assistant, speed limit info, Surround View, Head-Up Display and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition.

    There is also BMW 360° ELECTRIC providing a package of assistance and mobility solutions, while the ConnectedDrive features intrinsic part of car’s connectivity.

    Source: BMW

  • 2015 Toyota Sienna [video]

    Toyota has officially unveiled the 2015 Sienna MPV. For the first time, the manufacturer is revealing a new vehicle completely online.

    “Today’s parents are embracing their life stage and those relatable family moments that make us laugh and feel connected,” commented Jack Hollis, vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

    “The 2015 Toyota Sienna seizes that same spirit of fun, everyday experiences with family and fits into the modern family dynamic. That is why Toyota chose to introduce the newest ‘Swagger Wagon’ to the world through a creative lens.”, he added.

    The exterior of the new Sienna boasts a revised front grille as well as new head and taillights. The interior comes with more changes – new upholstery variants, revised instrument cluster and a “conversation mirror” that allows the driver to check on rear seat passengers without having to turn around.

    The options list include 4.2” multi-information display as well as an updated infotainment system with 7” touchscreen display and capacitive buttons.

    The engine is the well-known 3.5 liter naturally-aspirated V6 – 266HP (198 kW) and 331Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque.

    Safety remains a top priority for families, and the 2015 Sienna brings features to help provide peace-of-mind. There are 8 airbags, panoramic backup camera as standard and LATCH locations for easier securing of children’s car seats.

    Source: Toyota

  • Dodge Announces Pricing For 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat And Challenger Lineup

    2015-Dodge-Challenger-SRT-Hellcat-THUMBDodge has announced pricing for its most powerful and fastest car in the model range, namely – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The car will officially go on sale in the third-quarter of the year. The iconic American automaker has also announced pricing or other vehicles in the Challenger line-up. For the 2015 model year Dodge offers four different and efficient engines for its Challenger range.

    Precisely, the powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is to be found in the SXT and SXT Plus. It generates 305 horsepower (224 kW) and has an EPA estimated 30 mpg on the highway. The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 produces 375 horsepower (275 kW) and 555 Nm (410 lb.-ft.) of torque and powers the R/T models.

    The 485 horsepower (357 kW) and 644 Nm (475-lb.-ft.) of torque are produced by the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 Scat Pack which also delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway. At last, for the who want the most of everything, there is the 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine, which produces 707 horsepower (520 kW) and 880 Nm (650 lb.-ft.) of torque

    Challenger SRT Hellcat with the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine is regarded as the most powerful and the fastest muscle car ever. It has achieved an NHRA certified 10.8 second quarter mile time at 126 mph on drag radials. The vehicle comes standard with two key fobs to control engine output: red and black.

    Furthermore, there are also drive modes that manage the experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, traction and suspension. They are four: Sport, Track, Default and Custom. The aluminum hood has unique center air intake, dual air extractors and can be finished in body color or Satin Black.

    Also defining the new design of the Challenger SRT Hellcat are the “air catcher” inlet port, “Slingshot” forged-aluminum wheels with Matte Black or Brass Monkey/dark bronze finish, a larger front splitter, “SUPERCHARGED” fender badges, black side sills and a unique, taller rear spoiler with raised SRT logo. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has a starting price of $59,995 USD.

    Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – starting U.S. MSRP of $59,995

    • Most powerful and fastest muscle car ever
    • Most powerful Challenger ever
    • Dodge’s most powerful V-8 ever: 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque
    • TorqueFlite “8HP90” ultra-high performance eight-speed transmission
    • Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
    • Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

    Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker models – starting U.S. MSRP of $38,495

    • 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque
    • TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
    • Improves fuel economy up to 8 percent, no gas-guzzler tax penalty
    • Up to 25 mpg highway
    • Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
    • Availaable 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

    Dodge Challenger R/T models – starting U.S. MSRP of $31,495

    • V-8-powered muscle car, delivering up to 410 lb.-ft. of torque
    • TorqueFlite “8HP70” high performance eight-speed transmission
    • “Shaker” hood with functional engine-mounted scoop
    • Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
    • Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

    Dodge Challenger SXT models – starting U.S. MSRP of $26,995

    • Standard TorqueFlite “845RE” eight-speed transmission
    • 305 horsepower and up to 30 mpg highway
    • Standard 7-inch multi-view cluster with “tic-toc-tach” gauges
    • Available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen

    Source: Dodge

  • TI Automotive Has New Livery For Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R

    TI-Automotive-Dodge-Viper-SRT-GTS-R-THUMBTI Automotive has prepared new livery for the Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R. The car that will carry the special exterior will have the Motorsports No. 91 in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship’s Brickyard Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event will take place on 25th of July on Friday. In addition, the company will join SRT Motorsports as Team Associate Sponsor for Remainder of 2014.

    As part of the agreement, TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems, will partner with SRT Motorsports as a team associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2014 season. With this collaboration TI Automotive will be introduced to a wider audience.

    Furthermore, TI is a current supplier of the high-performance fuel pump module system to the production Viper and the recently released Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. This system includes Automotive News PACE Award-winning Dual-Channel Single-Stage (DCSS) fuel pump which is regarded as one of the industry’s highest-performing fuel pumps. As a matter of fact, this fuel delivery design makes 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat the fastest and most potent muscle car ever built.

    Precisely, the livery of the No. 91 vehicle will include a white body with bright green stripe outlined in dark blue from nose to tail. TI’s blue-and-green Fluid thinking icon will be positioned on the top of the roof and on other key points across the vehicle.

    Source: TI Automotive

  • Maserati Launches Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition

    2014-Maserati-Quattroporte-Zegna-Limited-Edition-THIUMB2014 Maserati Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition is a product of the collaboration between the luxury Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati. Only 100 examples of the unique limited edition car will be produced, and they will feature color schemes, materials and exclusive trims that link the histories of the two brands. In order to celebrate the launch of the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, Maserati and Zegna are undertaking a tour. It will feature four international events with first one in Shanghai that will happen this month. The following three cities which will be visited are New York (September), Dubai (February 2015) and Milan (Spring 2015).

    The event locations have been specifically chosen in order to enhance the uniqueness of the collaboration and exude the high standards of Italian elegance. At the events, the visitors will be able to see and know better car’s premium finishes as well as to witness the extraordinary result of the partnership.

    Furthermore, at the four locations will be also present the famous Italian photographer Fabrizio Ferri. He will capture 100 unique images that will be later put together to create a book called “One of 100”. The latter will be presented in Milan in the spring of 2015 at the final event.

    Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition includes a special effect paint finish which simulates the fluidity and purity of metal. This effect was achieved through the utilization of ultra-fine aluminium pigments. Moreover, the gloss black primer additionally strengthens the brilliance of the aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth.

    Inside, Maserati has used for the interior warm hues like moka and greige, that make a link to Zegna’s latest men’s fashion collections. Other components of the coupe such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth and bright fabric.

    Source: Maserati