Automobiles Review

Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

Hyundai vehicles take several awards at the Good Housekeeping’s Best New Family Cars event

Four Hyundai vehicles were featured at this year’s Good Housekeeping’s Best New Family Cars for 2021. The brand is recognized for the new Kona as Best Compact SUV, Accent as Best Subcompact sedan, Sonata as Best Midsize sedan and new Sonata Hybrid was recognized as Best Hybrid sedan.

The experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute joined forces with Car and Driver in order to honor the best machines and options for every type of modern family. There were hundreds of vehicles attending the competition, but only a tight list of finalists was considered for winners.

Having such a strong Hyundai product presence in this year’s Good Housekeeping Institute’s joint product assessment with Car and Driver is an honor we accept proudly, said Ricky Lao, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America. We are grateful for the recognition as it reinforces our commitment to provide appealing, desirable, and practical products that meet consumer preferences.

SEE ALSO: Nissan announces further details for the new Pathfinder model

As it seems, Hyundaiteam continues to impress both brand skeptics and enthusiasts with its rich lineup of modern cars, SUVs, and all kinds of advanced technologies. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced via more than 820 dealerships in the US and more than half of these are built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

June 10, 2021
New Volkswagen Golf GTI takes home a prestigious award

Volkswagen of America announces that the 2021 Golf GTI has earned Good Housekeeping’s “Best Hatchback” award in the “Best New Family Cars” competition. Working with experts from Car and Driver, the Good Housekeeping team has managed to evaluate hundreds of vehicles, test drive them and narrow down the list to only the most advanced and reliable ones.

Furthermore, the Good Housekeeping team has worked with Car and Driver’s automobile experts in order to handpick the most advanced participant as the winner. Both teams have taken safety, road behavior, and technology into account when evaluating the participating vehicles.

After all exams were over, Good Housekeeping named the 2021 Golf GTI “a fun-to-drive car that’s responsive and athletic, a nimble hatchback that has good cargo space for its size,” and noting that the new 2022 model is expected to deliver “even more power and sleekness than previous models on an already attractive build.”

SEE ALSO: McLaren will present new Artura at the first edition of the Milano Monza open-air motor show

The hatch managed to stand out from the crowd thanks to its advanced technology, refined drivetrain system, elegant styling, and overall fun-to-drive character. Also, for the new model year, the vehicle offers some new technologies and design changes that managed to impress the jury. Such for example is the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox with Tiptronic strats.

Further details will be announced soon.

June 9, 2021
McLaren will present new Artura at the first edition of the Milano Monza open-air motor show

McLaren Automotive will have a major presence at the Milano Monza Motor Show held between 10-13 June. Located in the fashion capital, the Autodromo di Monza, the McLaren team will display the all-new Artura.

The latest McLaren vehicle will blend the concepts of art and the future and will showcase a vehicle with high performance in mind, which also blends elegant and futuristic design. Furthermore, the vehicle will showcase TexLux interior trim, carbon-fiber accouterments, and ten-spoke super-lightweight alloy wheels. This new design approach will reflect the brand’s advanced and futuristic design language, but also remain true to some classic McLaren styling approaches.

In terms of performance, the new Artura will be able to accelerate 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds; 0-200km/h in 8.3 seconds; and 0-300km/h in 21.5 seconds, thanks to its all-new 120-degree twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 power unit, generating a total of 680PSand 720Nm and the compact 94bhp axial-flux E-motor.

SEE ALSO: Here are some of the neat Ferraris showcased at an exclusive Silverstone Auctions event

Along with McLaren’s latest masterpiece, some more advanced vehicles will be on display – the elegant McLaren 720S Coupe with Azores Orange and Carbon Black Alcantara interior, Mclaren 765LT in Lantana Purple, White McLaren GT with a panoramic roof, and a 600LT, also in Silica White, with the MSO Club Sport Pro Pack and bespoke details.

June 9, 2021
Here are some of the neat Ferraris showcased at an exclusive Silverstone Auctions event

Silverstone Auctions attended National Ferrari Owners’ Day at Sywell Aerodrome where they hosted their dedicated marquee sale of Ferrari vehicles. The Auction house had a neat sale with millions of worth of deals achieved. The event was a huge success and showcased a837 Ferraris and about 1,800 people attended the event.

Throughout the day a number of beautiful vehicles were sold. One of the most notable automobiles was a 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia DCT. This one has celebrity provenance behind it and comes with a rich equipment and comprehensive service history.

Another vehicle, the 2003 Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 has caught the attention of the audience with its impeccable condition and a double-dose of celebrity provenance. An elegant 1996 Ferrari F355 GTB, which presented immaculate condition and low mileage was also showcased and found its new owner at the event.

SEE ALSO: Vauxhall presents details for the new Grandland SUV. Check them out!

Furthermore, a number of Ferrari Dinos also were on display. Especially popular were the 974 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS – RHD Factory ‘Flares’ Car, 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT – Matching Numbers – just one of 488 and with less than 35,000 miles from new, a 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT with very few miles since a full engine rebuild, and a 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT.

June 9, 2021
Vauxhall presents details for the new Grandland SUV. Check them out!

Vauxhall revealed the new Grandland – a revised version of the popular SUV, which offers elegant design, innovative infotainment technologies, and an electrified powertrain.

What is special about this vehicle is the fully digital Pure Panel that offers drivers an advanced digital experience with two dedicated widescreen displays. Vauxhall’s SUV flagship also features some neat new technologies and assistance systems like the adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with 168 LED components.

Exterior design

The arrival of new technologies is complemented by a new and elegant exterior design with clear lines and elegant curves. Accents are set by the bumpers, wheel arches, and side panels, which are now painted in body color. Also, the new Grandland is available with a two-tone body paint scheme.

Interior design

The cabin design is focused on the ease of use of all the techs and controls. The vehicle offers a fully digital driver-focused experience and provides a cozy interior ambiance.

Furthermore, Grandland sets new and high standards of comfort via the ergonomic active seats, certified by AGR.

SEE ALSO: Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 comes with a next-gen FIA-approved roll cage

The Grandland also features an infotainment system with the full incorporation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In combination with the VauxhallConnect services, the multimedia setup is capable of making any journey relaxing and rewarding – it can show real-time traffic alerts, online map updates, and predictive navigation.

Drivetrain system

Continuing Vauxhall’s electrification strategy, the Plug-In Hybrid version offers neat performance and emission-free driving, thanks to the electric motors or motor (depending on the trim level). Also, the vehicle can be specified with a preferred propulsion system – from efficient diesel and petrol engines to an electrified plug-in hybrid.

In terms of driver-assistive technologies, the new Grandland offers Highway Integration Assist, 360-degree panoramic camera, automatic parking assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Drowsiness Detection and Cruise Control.

June 9, 2021
Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 comes with a next-gen FIA-approved roll cage

The new Lambo Essenza SCV12 is the first vehicle on the market that features carbon fiber roll cage homologated according to the FIA Hypercar safety standards. This achievement is the result of the Lambo team’s 30 years of experience in the study and practice of composite materials in the automotive field.

The special chassis model is produced in Lamborghini’s CFK Department in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the division that also produces the Aventador lineup.

The testing requirements are extremely rigorous and require both static and dynamic examinations. This means the technicians have modified the structure after tons of tests and have managed to present us with the optimal result.

As it comes to the cage itself, it features a reinforced structure that can withstand a force of over 12 tons. There have been more than 20 static tests conducted aided some modifications and improvements to be carried out to the chassis, pedals, belts, and fuel tank. The dynamic tests, on the other hand, have contributed to enhancing the overall rigidity and safety within the cage.

Furthermore, the decision to incorporate an entire carbon fiber roll cage, instead of a steel one has allowed the engineering team to reduce the overall weight of any vehicle with such a cage, and also ensure optimal driving comfort, all along with enhancing the overall driver’s safety.

SEE ALSO: Volvo C40 Recharge showcases brand’s plans for future models

Within the Essenza SCV12, the driver sits on an OMP FIA 8862 homologated seat, mounted on carbon fiber cradles designed by Squadra Corse and produced in Lamborghini’s CFK laboratories. The seat is lowered, compared to the road models and the driver and passenger benefit from one more layer of protection – the two side-impact guards contribute to a safer and more pleasurable ride.

The first units of Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 were delivered to customers in April 2021, and the dedicated program of track events will start at the end of June.

June 8, 2021
Volvo C40 Recharge showcases brand’s plans for future models

The new Volvo C40 Recharge is clearly showing the future for the Swedish manufacturer: this is the first all-electric Volvo machine and it demonstrates how future brand models will operate and what we should expect from them.

Based on the XC40 model, the C40 comes with the same strong character and as many advanced technologies, but also presents a character of its own: thorough the exterior and interior design and the dedicated drivetrain system, this vehicle definitely differs from its siblings.

The concept behind C40 Recharge

Influenced by the Scandinavian landscapes, the latest family member showcases an aggressive exterior design and interior characterized by functionality and a focus towards convenience.

Some of the notable exterior features include the design of the exclusive wheel, redesigned rear spoiler, and neat roofline design.

Along with the electric drivetrain, Volvo engineers decided to include as many sustainable materials in the vehicle as possible. This results in presenting a vehicle that features components made of recycled plastic, naturally renewable wool fibers, recycled suede textile, and micro-tech materials. Needless to say, the interior is also completely leather-free.

SEE ALSO: Kia reveals the first official images of the new Sportage lineup

As expected, using renewable and recycled materials is one half of the sustainability goal, the electrified drivetrain is the other. Coming with efficient engines and advanced technologies, the new generation of Volvo vehicles confidently demonstrates how performance and pleasure of driving can be achieved without sacrificing quality or precious resources.

June 8, 2021
Kia reveals the first official images of the new Sportage lineup

Kia team has revealed the first official images of the all-new Sportage, the SUV that helped the brand take home numerous awards. In September Kia will unveil a dedicated European version for the first time in its history.

Exterior design

Adopting Kia’s new design philosophy, the so-called Opposites United, new Sportage showcases elegant and crisp lines along the entire body, a muscular and confident stance, and tons of redesigned components that altogether contribute to the vehicle’s contemporary look.

The front face creates an instant impact with its black grille and expressive headlights, while the side profile proudly showcases clean and refined surfaces with contrasting volumes. Furthermore, the black roof brings some dynamics and accentuates the vehicle’s sporty spirit, thanks to its notable curvature.

At the rear, the all-new Sportage maintains this strong presence with its wide shoulders, distinctive rear lamps, and overall tight and muscular design.

Interior design

The interior of the all-new Sportage adopts intuitive and advanced technology and creates a cozy ambiance for all occupants.

SEE ALSO: New Tacoma TRD Pro lineup is ready to tackle down every off-road challenge

In terms of design, the cabin adopts a slim and curved display with finely detailed air vents that altogether form the dashboard of the spacious cabin. This approach is complemented by the ergonomic central console that blends convenience and luxury.

Stick with us for further details.

June 8, 2021
Vauxhall reveals the first images of the new Astra model

Vauxhall reveals the first glimpse of the new Astra – the first generation of fully electrified Vauxhall vehicles. The images showcase a dedication to details and high attention to all components of the vehicle.

What impressed us is the set of elegant lines and neat curves, all along with the ultra-slim LED headlamps design that will again revolutionize the compact market segment. Also, at the rear, we see a new design characterized by tight lines and just perfect proportions.

In terms of interior, the new Astra showcases a neat and elegant design with a new Pure Panel digital cockpit and fully glazed surfaces. The physical controls are reduced to the core functions in the form of elegant keys and all the textures, materials and small details contribute to this cozy and elegant ambiance.

SEE ALSO: Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 comes with a next-gen FIA-approved roll cage

Designed by the team of the British Design Vice-President Mark Adams, the new generation of Astra vehicles will be available as a dynamic five-door hatchback and versatile Sports Tourer estate. This approach will allow the Vauxhall team to offer enhanced flexibility to customers and grant them an extended list of customizable options.

More information for the new Vauxhall Astra will be available in the upcoming months.

June 8, 2021
New Tacoma TRD Pro lineup is ready to tackle down every off-road challenge

Toyota proudly presents the new TRD Pro lineup. These vehicles are especially designed for some aggressive off-road performance and feature tons of neat technologies. Let’s find out more!

For the 2022 model year, Tacoma TRD Pro comes with next-generation TRD fine-tuned Fox internal bypass shocks and features some changes to the suspension system.

What is special about this vehicle, is the increased front lift and the machine-forged aluminum construction for some enhanced strength. This setup allows the vehicle to use its FOX shocks to make use of the additional rebound stroke offered by the ball-joint mount.

Drivetrain system

The TRD Pro is base on the Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab short-bed model and can be specified with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic. Furthermore, the vehicle is fitted with FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks tuned by TRD engineers. There’s also a TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate with red TRD lettering and unique LED headlights.

Furthermore, there’s a TRD-tuned cat-back exhaust that provides a menacing roar, produced by the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. In fact, this engine also features Toyota’s innovative VV-iW technology and Atkinson-cycle combustion to maximize performance and efficiency. The output is measured at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of peak torque.

Exterior and interior design

New Tacoma TRD Pro showcases a design language that is significantly different from the previous models. First, there are some exclusive body finishes that customers can choose from – Lime Metallic, Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic for the 2022 model year.

Also, the Tacoma TRD Pro proudly demonstrates a new grille design and exclusive hood graphics. TRD Pro also features a color-keyed rear bumper, door handles, and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and black over-fenders.

SEE ALSO: Toyota launches a limited-run of GR Supra A91-CF Edition models

Inside, the TRD design is focused around the black-leather-trimmed heated front seats, TRD shift knob, and TRD Pro All-weather floor mats.

Safety features

The engineering team has included Toyota Safety Sense-P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Further enhancements include Star Safety System with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop brake override technology.

Furthermore, every Tacoma vehicle has the driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags. Active head restraints for Tacoma’s front seats are designed to move up and slightly forward during a rear-end collision to help reduce the risk of whiplash. Additional standard safety features include a Tire Pressure Monitor System (with individual tire location alert on most grades).

June 7, 2021
Toyota launches a limited-run of GR Supra A91-CF Edition models
Toyota team presents a special Supra edition. Limited to only 600 units, the 2022 exclusive model comes with numerous custom components details. Alongside the elegant and yet aggressive styling, the Supra presents advanced drivetrain system. Let’s check out more, shall we?

Exterior and interior design

The GR Supra A91-CF Edition comes with a new carbon fiber front splitter and large canards, and also carbon-fiber side rockers. At the rear, the vehicle showcases carbon fiber treatment with a duckbill spoiler and lower canards.

This design approach doesn’t serve only as an aesthetic feature. It contributes to greater downforce and stability during both everyday drives and race approaches. Also, the exclusive 19-inch wheels in matte-black complement the sporty stance of the vehicle.

In terms of interior, the vehicle brings exclusive and elegant interior design with a red and black theme through the Alcantara-dominated cabin. The styling concept includes red stitching, heated sports seats, carbon-fiber components, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and sporty pedals.

Drivetrain system and safety features

The GR Supra features a 382hp turbocharged three-liter inline-six engine that enables the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds. The vehicle also features a redesigned chassis and now it comes with reduced weigth and enhanced rigidity.

All GR Supras come equipped with a number of intelligent safety features, including a Pre-Collision System, with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Speed Limit Information.

SEE ALSO: Toyota presents new GR 86 model lineup

A Safety & Technology Package is also available. It includes:
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full speed)
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Parking Sensors with Emergency Braking Function
June 7, 2021
Toyota presents new GR 86 model lineup

The vehicle that marked Toyota’s sportscar heritage will now give the brand’s enthusiasts even more agility, style, and aggressiveness with the unveiling of the new 2022 GR 86.

The vehicle comes with a wide stance and low center of gravity and tons of drivetrain upgrades and changes. Some of the neat exterior features include elegant curves and lines, along with functional air vents, aluminum roof panels and fenders, and more.

In terms of drivetrain system, the GR 86 features a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated and horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine with a total output of 228hp and 184lb-ft of torque. These rates are optimized thanks to the tweaks like increased bore size, some fine-tunings on the exhaust system, and enhanced dual injection technology.

Furthermore, the vehicle is available in two grades, GR 86 and GR 86 Premium, with optional specs like exterior colors, exclusive rear duckbill spoiler and more.

The cabin benefits from deep bucket design seats and side bolster that keep driver and passengers supported during sharp cornering. Additional upgrades include a three-mode digital display, an 8-inch Multimedia Touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and a Sirius-XM navigation system.

However, let’s check out some more features in detail!

Exterior and Interior Design

Influenced by “hachi-roku” forefather, the GR 86 showcases an athletic stance with aggressive styling. The front face features a GT-Specific Functional MATRIX G Mesh grille, angular LED headlights, and neat side sill spoilers. Additional elements include 11.4-inch vented front and rear brakes, Michelin Primacy HP tires on 17-inch wheels on the GR 86, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires on 18-inch wheels on the Premium grade.

Drivetrain system

For the new GR 86, the Boxer-4 engine design is focused entirely on balanced agility. The horizontal cylinders ensure excellent weight control and allow for super low placement in the engine bay, resulting in well-grounded stability.

SEE ALSO: New Hyundai IONIQ 5 is aready available for order

The 2.4-liter engine is larger than its predecessor and features a displacement of 2387cc. It retains Toyota’s advanced D-4S Dual Injection technology system that blends direct fuel injection and port-injection technology. This setup ensures a cooling effect in the cylinders and allows the engine to use a high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power.

Safety and utility features

Both grades come with Toyota’s Star Safety System and include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist. The vehicles also include Smart Stop Technology, Vehicle Stability Control, Track Mode, and Hill Start Assist Control. Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, with the addition of a driver’s knee airbag.

The Automatic Transmission version comes with an active safety standard that includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Cruise Control, and High Beam Assist.

June 7, 2021