Car Makes – Page 466 – Automobiles Review

Toyota Prius Plug-in Sets Nürburgring Record For Fuel Economy [VIDEO]

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has set a different kind of record on the Nürburgring race track. So far the achievements on the track were all about miles per hour, not miles per gallon. Toyota has just turned this tradition on its head when it took its Prius Plug-in hybrid to the famous track. It showed not only how fast the car goes, but also how little fuel it utilizes on a single lap. Behind the wheel of the car was the motoring journalist and Japanese car expert Joe Clifford. He drove an upgraded Prius with the addition of TRD parts. They are styling rather than performance elements which enhance car’s visual stance.

In dry conditions he managed to achieve 698 mpg, and completed his lap in 20 minutes and 59 seconds. This figure is exceptional, because it outstrips car’s official combined cycle figure of 134mpg. If we can measure the used fuel for this sprint in table spoons, than it would be just less than five.

This record was made possible due to the utilization of the technology that is development of Toyota’s full hybrid system. It matches a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a compact, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Battery’s performance and outstanding energy density offer the opportunity to drive the car further and at higher speeds on electric power alone.

Prius Plug-in’s achievement is another addition to Toyota’s history of success at Nürburgring. Moreover, the latest test affects directly to what customers might experience with their own Prius. The story of the challenge can be viewed in the video below:

httpv://youtu.be/c3_G5a54USI

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Toyota

July 16, 2014

2015 Toyota Sienna To Debut Tomorrow [TEASER]

2015 Toyota Sienna is set to make a premiere tomorrow. The news was announced at company’s official Facebook page with the announcement that the Sienna is about to take us to “an unexpected journey”. The last third generation of the car was introduced to the market nearly five years ago and Toyota has obviously made the steps to enter the fourth-gen of the popular family minivan. Except for the released teaser image there was no additional information disclosed. So we have to wait to see what Toyota has prepared and whether there will be only minor cosmetic changes or a substantial transformation of the car.

Rumors say that the car will be powered by the 3.5-liter V6 unit. There output will be probably enhanced and thus will deliver up to 268 horsepower (197 kW) and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque. And staying true to Toyota’s eco philosophy, the car is expected to be not only the most fuel efficient minivan on the market, but also the one with the lest CO2 emissions.

It is also said that the new Sienna will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8 seconds. The powertrain will be probably coupled with a six speed automatic transmission. There are also rumors that one of the engines in the range will be a hybrid one.

What is also to expect is a brand new design, since there hasn’t been a new generation of the Sienna model for five years. Modifications will be probably implemented to both exterior and interior and we also envision that it will have some changes to both front and rear bumpers, and will also include luxurious equipment.

2015 Sienna will be built upon Camry’s platform and is expected to be available at dealerships later this year.

Source: Toyota via Facebook

July 16, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Ford US is going to exhibit a unique 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II at the 2014 EAA AirVenture event. The manufacturer has created a nice tradition to prepare special aviation-themed models to showcase at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Besides the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II theme, the specially-prepared car comes with a new front splitter from carbon fiber, a new rear diffuser and special decals. The interior boasts Recaro bucket seats as well as yellow tinted windows and other nice upgrades.

The 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II will be auctioned at the Gathering of Eagles charity event at EAA AirVenture. The money will be donated to the EAA Young Eagles program. This is a non-profit organization, which provides free flights and since 1992 almost two million people participated in the program. It helps the normal people to achieve their dreams of flying on a fighter jet.

No words about the engine, but it will be probably the powerful 5.0 liter V8 – 426HP (313 kW) at 6,500RPM and 529Nm (390 lb-ft) at 4,250RPM. The one-off model will be fitted with a 3.55 Limited Slip Differential, GT Performance Package and Reverse Park Assist.

July 16, 2014

Aston Martin Introduces 2015 V12 Vantage S Roadster

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster is one of the most powerful and fastest cabriolets on the market. The company plans to enter the vehicle on the market worldwide later this year. This model is set to deliver great sporting agility highlighted by an enviable sports ‘soundtrack’. The latter of course is generated by its naturally aspirated V12 engine and the tuned sports exhaust system. All in all V12 Vantage S Roadster is the mechanical embodiment of Aston Martin’s exceptional spirit – beautiful, potent and dynamic.

To go into details, under the hood of the new cabrio sleeps the 565 hp (415 kW) AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine. It features Bosch engine management and is capable of accelerating the car from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited up to 201 mph.

Furthermore, the peak torque is rated at 619 Nm (457 lb-ft) and it is available at 5,750 rpm. The low rev torque is measured at just 1,000 rpm and peaks at a 509 Nm (376 lb-ft).

Just like its coupe sibling, the roadster includes race car technology, which runs right through its DNA. Two examples of this track technology are the CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts. Another instance is the Sportshift III ASM auto-shift manual transmission that is engineered to use the full potential of the V12.

In addition, the utilization of the three-stage adaptive damping, contributes to more precision in driving dynamics. There are three modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ that provide versatility in performance. This system also manages the level of power steering assistance.

The braking performance is ensured by carbon ceramic discs, while the new exhaust system is derived from the exclusive One-77 hypercar. Next, the ZF Servotronic power assisted steering offers a quick 15:1 ratio. It is linked to the adaptive damping button and also offers two-mode steering assistance.

In terms of exterior the new roadster has the emblematic grille, which is made of carbon fibre arrangement with sporty black or titanium silver mesh. It was created to optimize the airflow to the V12. Other distinguishing features include the lightweight forged alloy ten-spoke wheels.

The interior of the car features seat trim and door trims with Sport and carbon fibre lightweight seat options. As an option, Aston Martin is offering the Interior Carbon Pack. It adds the material to car’s fascia and door pulls, and includes black pedals.

On the other hand, the company is also introducing for the V12 Vantage S Roadster, the Q by Aston Martin Collection. It comprises of bespoke features such as a wide range of bold exterior and interior colors, body colored carbon bonnet louvers, red tint or satin finish to the carbon fibre elements on the exterior and interior, a full carbon fibre centre console, black anodised and machined rotary controls and a steering wheel with a leather on-centre stripe in the chosen color.

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster Technical Specification:

Body	Two-seat, two-door soft-cover convertible top bodystyle Extruded bonded aluminium VH body structure Aluminium, magnesium alloy, composite and steel body Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams Halogen projector headlamps (main beam) High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam) LED rear lamps Clear rear lamps Carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser Black headlamp bezels
Engine	All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12 Front mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive Fully catalysed, stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves Compression ratio 11.1:1 Max power 421 kW (573 PS/565 bhp) at 6750 rpm Max torque 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5750 rpm Acceleration Roadster 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds Maximum speed Roadster 323 km/h (201 mph)
Transmission	Rear mid-mounted, seven-speed ‘Sportshift III’ automated manual transmission Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft Limited-slip differential Final-drive ratio 3.727:1
Steering	Rack and pinion, speed-sensitive Servotronic power-assisted steering, 2.5 turns lock-to-lock Column tilt and reach adjustment Steering rack with 15:1 ratio
Wheels & Tyres	19” 10-spoke forged alloy Graphite painted wheels with diamond-turned finish Front: 9 x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 255/35 ZR19 Rear: 11 x 19” Pirelli P Zero Corsa 295/30 ZR19
Suspension	Front: Independent double wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, dual-rate coil springs and monotube adaptive dampers Three-stage Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Normal, Sport and Track modes
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Matrix discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston monobloc calipers Rear: Ventilated Carbon Ceramic Matrix discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston monobloc calipers Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Track mode Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) Traction Control (TC) Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) Positive Torque Control (PTC) Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Standard Specification	Full-grain leather interior Piano Black fascia trim, centre stack and door grabs Leather-trimmed sports steering wheel with Black airbag ring Electrically adjustable sports seats with side airbags Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions) Dual-stage driver/passenger front airbags Carbon fibre front grille Titanium front grille and side strake meshes Powerfold exterior heated mirrors Heated rear screen Automatic temperature control Organic Electroluminescent (OEL) displays Trip computer Cruise control Bluetooth® telephone preparation with audio streaming capability Satellite navigation Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror Garage door opener Rear parking sensors Reverse parking assist camera (USA and Canada only) Tyre pressure monitoring Alarm (with volumetric and tilt sensor) and immobiliser Remote control central door locking and boot release Glass ECU Glass switches Aston Martin Tracking by Cobra LED map reading lights
In-Car Entertainment	160 W Aston Martin audio system with six-CD autochanger Integrated Apple iPod® connector USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
Exterior Detailing Options	10-spoke lightweight alloy wheels – Silver painted – Satin Black painted 10-spoke forged alloy wheels – Liquid Silver painted – Gloss Black painted with a diamond-turned finish Alternative Brake Caliper finish: Grey, Red or Yellow Pirelli P Zero Tyres Black or Silver Graphics Pack – individual body panels or combinations of: front grille ‘lipstick’, rear tailgate panel and lamp infills, Exterior Carbon Pack comprising mirror caps, side strakes and rear lamp infills Carbon fibre side strakes Painted carbon fibre front grille Black front grille and side strake meshes Black side window trim surround Black textured tailpipe finisher Silver headlamp bezels ‘V12’ front wing badging Delete model badging Delete protective tape
Interior Detailing Options	Carbon fibre fascia trim Carbon Interior Pack comprising fascia trim and door grabs Carbon fibre paddleshifts Aston Martin Wings headrest embroidery Black pedal pads and footrest Black anodised speaker grilles (only available with Bang & Olufsen audio system) Personalised sill plaques
Comfort and Convenience Options	Front parking sensors Reverse parking assist camera Lightweight seats with six-way electrical adjustment Heated seats Passenger seat with ISOFIX (fixed height) Garage door opener Second glass ECU Aston Martin Tracking by Cobra First aid kit Ashtray and cigar lighter Boot-mounted umbrella Leather ECU pouch
In-Car Entertainment Options	700 W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby® Pro Logic II® 1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system with ICEpower® technology Satellite radio
Dimensions	Length 4385 mm (172.6”) Width 1865 mm (73.4”) excluding mirrors Width 2022 mm (79.6”) including mirrors Height Roadster 1260 mm (49.2”) Wheelbase 2600 mm (102.4”) Front track 1570 mm (61.8”) Rear track 1575 mm (62.0”) Turning circle 11.8 m (38.7 ft) (kerb to kerb) Boot capacity 144 litres (5.1 cu ft) Fuel capacity 80 litres (17.6 UK gal/21.1 US gal) Kerb weight Roadster 1745 kg (3847 lb)
Fuel consumption litres/100 km (mpg)	Urban 22.5 (12.6) Extra-urban 10.2 (27.7) Combined 14.7 (19.2)
Gas mileage and CO2 emissions	City 12 mpg Highway 18 mpg Combined 14 mpg 343 g/km

Source: Aston Martin

July 16, 2014

Edo Competition Ferrari 458 Italia Niki Lauda – Price €285,000

Edo Competition is now offering a unique Ferrari 458 Italia Niki Lauda Edition specially prepared by the company’s Tailor Made personalization program. The special model is dedicated to one of the best F1 pilots in the history of motorsport – Niki Lauda. The sports car received a few styling changes including a new livery.

Some of the highlights include white roof and a longitudinal Italian flag. There is also a set of gold alloy wheels fitted with performance tires. The interior boasts Italian flag motif on the seats and center tunnel. Other highlights include red stitching on the instrument panel, dashboard, seats and steering wheel.

The engine is the well-known naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 with 570HP (419 kW) at 9,000RPM and 540Nm (399 lb-ft) at 6,000RPM. 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph).

The one-off Ferrari 458 Italia Niki Lauda Edition is currently available on sale through mobile.de with a price tag of €285,000. The price is may be a little too much, but considering the exclusivity of the model, it will be an investment, especially with just 5 km on the odometer. Practically, the 458 Italia Niki Lauda is not used at all, instead for pictures, of course.

uda 13

Source: Edo Competition via mobile.de

July 16, 2014

Smart Fortwo And Forfour World Premiere [TEASER]

New smart fortwo and smart forfour are to make a world premiere today in Berlin, Germany. The next model generation super-minis are giving their debut under the motto “FOR a new urban joy” and they are to prove that they are the best city cars in the world. Daimler has announced that the smarts will include features that make the fortwo edition an “urban original” and the forfour – “smart among the four-seaters”.

In the slogan “FOR a new urban joy” “FOR” stands for the brand’s positive outlook. It also indicates an increased quality of life and more fun in the urban area. At the presentation of the new models, there will be included a line-up which is colourful, varied, and both informative and entertaining.

At the premiere there will also be present the providers car2go and moovel, representing the intelligent urban mobility, with the success story of car2go in particular linked to the agile city runabouts from smart. At the event there will be also smart’s product exhibition.

It will focus on the design and innovative technology of the new smart models. It will also highlight their extremely compact quality. In fact, Daimler states that the future generation fortwo is not longer than its predecessor. However, it will offer much more in terms of comfort, safety, functionality and driving pleasure.

Source: Daimler

July 16, 2014

BMW-Toyota agreement to revive the Supra

You may not remember this fact now but a while ago the acclaimed German auto maker BMW and the Japanese Toyota signed an agreement stating that they will release two new sports models on a common platform by the year 2017. So far nothing has come out of the deal but a report by the Nikkei newspaper claims that the deal will bring back the Toyota Supra.

The upcoming Supra will share the same platform with a future BMW Z4 sports car but both cars will have different bodies. There’s no information whatsoever on the looks, engines, etc. of both cars but the strong fan base of the Supra is the reason for the revival of the brand. This is not surprising – the Supra has always had a large number of fans lusting after it, especially among people who grew up in the 1990s.

Right now there’s not much more to do than wait for both cars to arrive, most likely in 2017 but judging from the BMW Z4 specs we can expect the future Toyota Supra to come with four- and six-cylinder inline gasoline engines and rear-wheel drive. We are sure that with time passing by there will be more information on both models so check our web site from time to time for more news on the future Z4 and Supra models.

Source: Jalopnik.com

July 15, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Reveals CLA250 Sport Package Plus

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 was introduced in April. It is equipped with powerful turbocharged engine mated to a double-clutch transmission. CLA250 is also offered with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. However, it comes as an option. The vehicle has a sporty design which is a true embodiment of Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. The powerplant in this vehicle is the 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol one.

To be more precise, it produces with 211 horsepower (155 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. As mentioned, it is coupled with a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, which comes as a standard with ECO stop/start function.

There is also a radar-based assistance system, which makes visual and acoustic thus warning the driver of identified obstacles. Next, the Brake Assist ensures adaptive braking and it is initiated as soon as the driver steps hard on the brake pedal.

And if the system identifies a risk of collision, then the Collision Prevention Assist calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident. As an option, there is the Driver Assistance package. It includes Distronic Plus, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Now, Mercedes-Benz has some exciting news for those who are searching for even more premium and luxury treatment to their car. And this news is called Sport Package Plus, which was specifically developed for the CLA250.

Although the vehicle is one of the most agile cars in its class, thanks to the new package it will get even more athletic. In details, the new additions include AMG-developed front axle and suspension and more aggressive exhaust setup on the outside. CLA250 Sport Package Plus adds exclusive 18-inch AMG wheels as well as MB TEX/DINAMICA sport seats and red top-stitching throughout the interior.

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

July 15, 2014

Acura Starts Production Of 2015 TLX In Ohio

The mass-production of the 2015 Acura TLX has just begun at the Marysville Auto Plant. The new performance luxury sedan is scheduled to hit the dealerships across the United States in August. The car was designed, developed and engineered by R&D teams in Ohio and Los Angeles. However, it has been exclusively built in Ohio. TLX looks just great. It combines the sports-sedan athleticism typical for Acura (Honda) with the luxury-sedan refinement.

This Acura vehicle will be driven by either of two powerful and efficient direct-injected engines: the 206 horsepower (151 kW) 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder, and a 290 horsepower (213 kW) 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 unit. Both are both produced locally.

The first one is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT) with torque converter, while the second comes mated to the nine-speed automatic transmission (9AT). There are also two next-generation Acura precision-handling technologies included: Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

Innovations to the manufacturing process that are to be used include a roll hemming technology which allows for more exquisite vehicle styling, as well as the application of new sound-deadening materials which deliver ultra-quiet cabin of the TLX.

Standard equipment in the TLX features LEDs at the front, rearview camera, Hill Start Assist and push button ignition. Inside, there is a 7” infotainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, automatic climate control, 10-speaker 455-watt Acura ELS Premium Audio System. In terms of safety this Acura includes Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Source: Acura

July 15, 2014

2015 Lexus NX 300h SUV To Score Five Stars Via Green Vehicle Guide

2015 Lexus NX 300h SUV is anticipated to achieve top efficiency. In other words it is expected to score five stars via the current Green Vehicle Guide (GVG). This means that the NX 300h has to consume as little as 5.6 l per 100 km on the combined cycle, while the emissions has to be as low as 131 g of CO2 per kilometer. These numbers for the All-Wheel Drive models are the following: fuel consumption at 5.7 litres/per 100 km, and CO2 emissions at 133 g. Receiving the top ratings will make the NX 300h sitting atop all of its category rivals.

The reason for these numbers is the combination of the efficient 2.5-litre four cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motors. They both produce 197 horsepower (145 kW) in total. The AWD models will utilize an additional electric motor at the rear. In this way they will form part of Lexus‘ innovative E-Four AWD system.

This system will make its debut on Lexus RX hybrid models. It will enable the rear wheels to be driven solely by electric power, thus removing the need for a mechanical link to the rear of the vehicle and associated losses due to friction.

Furthermore, the hybrid drivetrains will be coupled with an efficient CVT transmission. It includes a six-step sequential shift with new kick-down transmission logic. Furthermore, the NX will be the first model to be fitted with Lexus’s Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard.

Other innovations in the NX include a wireless charging tray for easy charging of mobile phones and other devices and the first application of a new Remote Touch Interface with a touchpad control. As an option Lexus has provided the convenience of Panoramic View Monitor, a comprehensive multi-information display, head-up display, blind spot monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Source: Lexus

July 15, 2014

Maserati Ghilbi To Run On Continental ContiSportContact 5 Tyres

Maserati Ghilbi which was unveiled last year will run on new ContiSportContact 5 tyres just like its sibling the Quattroporte. Continental will those tyres in eight sizes between 18 and 21 inches specifically for the Ghibli model. To make it different from other versions of the premium sports rubbers, the original equipment models for the sports saloon will include the “MGT” marking on the side wall.

Precisely, Ghibli will ride on ContiSportContact 5 in the dimensions of 235/50 R 18 97 Y, with the axles on more powerful models fitted with 19, 20, and 21-inch tyres. The wider tyres will be added on the rear axle. This will ensure that the sports saloon offers high performance on the road with precise handling.

Maserati will equip the initial model of the product range starts with tyres starting from 18 inches. Those models which are with more powerful engines of up to 410 hp (301 kW) will be fitted with ContiSportContact 5 tyres in sizes 245/35 ZR 21 96 Y XL on the front axle and 285/30 ZR 21 100 Y XL on the rear axle.

All of the rubbers that Continental is offering are approved for speeds of up to 198 mph. The ContiSportContact 5 are tyres which is suitable for performance cars. They show significant evolution in comparison to their predecessor – the ContiSportContact 3. As a matter of fact, they offer shorter braking distances in all weather conditions as well as excellent road grip, safety when cornering and reduced fuel consumption.

Maserati Ghilbi’s engine range features the 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel with 275 hp (202 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque; the twin-turbo 3.0 liter V6 petrol with 330 hp (243 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, and its S variant with 410 hp (301 kW) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft). All engines are mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Source: Maserati

July 15, 2014

Datsun on-DO With Production Start

Datsun on-DO is a family sedan that will be only seen in Russia. Its production has already started at the local Togliatti plant and there was a special ceremony that marked the first on-DO coming off the production line. The aim of the vehicle is to bring about affordability and quality. The four-door, five-seat car is a result of the partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and AVTOVAZ.

This Datsun is being produced on one of the most modern lines in the facility. It is being built with techniques that have been developed and refined during the evolution of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which in fact was established 15 years ago.

In the process are involved more than 5,000 employees, and supervisors and shop managers have been trained to Alliance Production Way principles. Everything is built according to the Datsun assembly standards.

Datsun on-DO is not only a modern car but also offers high levels of safety, spaciousness and equipment. In addition, it was created having in mind the Russia’s rough road and weather conditions.

The vehicle is the first one that is specifically created for those customers in Russia who are seeking new, high-quality, modern car from a Japanese brand. Datsun on-DO has a starting price of 329,000 Roubles (circa 9,578 US Dollars)and it will be available for pre-order from the second half of July. The sales are scheduled to start by the end of the summer.

Source: Datsun

July 15, 2014

Category: Car Makes