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  • New Tesla Roadster Prototype will be on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum

    2021 Tesla Roadster PrototypeThe Peterson Automotive Museum, in collaboration with Tesla, is hosting a dedicated exhibition featuring the new Tesla Roadster prototype from May 19 through June 2, 2021. The vehicle will be displayed alongside the original 2006 Tesla Roadster prototype.

    According to the Tesla team, the production vehicle offers record-setting performance rates. The engineering team claims that the new Roadster Prototype will be able to reach a top speed of 250mph and accelerate from 0 to 60mph in mere 1.9 seconds. Furthermore, it is expected that the vehicle can cover up to 620 miles on a full charge with its next-generation set of batteries.

    As it seems, Tesla continues its goal towards presenting the most advanced and refined vehicles and technologies that will change the face of the automobile industry. After the success of numerous Tesla models, it seems like the team has decided to continue expanding the boundaries of technology and chase even better and more refined engineering solutions.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz expands the EQA lineup

    Visitors who would like to have a look at the new Tesla Roadster Prototype should purchase tickets in advance of through the Peterson Automobile Museum website.

    Source: Peterson Automobile Museum 

     

  • Mercedes-Benz expands the EQA lineup

    2021 Mercedes-Benz EQAThe all-new electric Mercedes-Benz EQA adds two more versions to the lineup – EQA 300 4MATIC and EQA 350 4MATIC and the exciting EQA 250.

    The first vehicle in the lineup, the EQA 300 4MATIC comes with an all-wheel-drive and a dual-motor setup. It generates a total of 228hp and offers some sporty performance capabilities, blended with neat utility features.

    The EQA 350 4MATIC also uses a dual electric motor setup with a total of 292hp and can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in mere 6 seconds. The dual-motor setup also includes a 4MATIC system and adds some more driving capabilities.

    Both models come with a useable battery capacity of 66.5kWh and an all-electric range of 264 miles. Also, Mercedes Charge is a part of the standard equipment for all models and for three years with discounted IONITY rapid-charging service for one year.

    SEE ALSO: Flying Spur’s interior excellence

    In terms of styling, the lineup comes with 18-inch AMG 5-Spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG body styling with an exclusive front apron with an integrated air curtain, and AMG rear apron with diffuser optics. Also, there’s an exclusive black panel radiator grille with a twin-blade design in chrome and illuminated door sills with EQA lettering.

    Some of the optional goodies include exclusive 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloys, electrically-operated panoramic glass sunroof, Keyless-Go Comfort package, augmented reality navigation system, advanced sound system, and wireless charging capabilities.

    Source: Bentley 

  • Flying Spur’s interior excellence

    2021 Bentley Flying SpurOne of the world’s finest four-door sedans has been made even better with contemporary technology and tons of customization options. Also, Bentley designers now offer a new exterior paint that would complement all the changes – Cambrian Grey.

    Technology and craftsmanship

    The latest Flying Spur model comes with a large number of technological benefits for the buyer. Only some of the new additions include traffic sign recognition, hands-free boot opening, extended safeguard features, top-view camera, interior lighting, and more.

    In terms of interior, the vehicle offers high levels of comfort and refinement, advanced virtual technologies, and cutting-edge utility gadgets.

    One of the challenges before designers and engineers was to remove the unwanted noise inside the cabin and they did so by incorporating the Virtual Prototyping concept. It allows the Flying Spur to use digital mock-ups that help to identify NVH before building a physical version of the vehicle, which allows for making tons of experiments that eventually lead to the best suitable solution.

    SEE ALSO: Volkswagen ID. lineup overview: what makes it special

    Furthermore, by using virtual prototyping, the Bentley team was able to undertake the revision of 40 different components. By revising and changing them, the team managed to include the best suitable solution in the latest generation of the Flying Spur and grant buyers the best possible solution for each engineering challenge.

    2021 Bentley Flying Spur

    Source: Bentley 

  • Volkswagen ID. lineup overview: what makes it special

    2021 Volkswagen ID. SeriesThe ID lineup is definitely worth checking out. Especially after receiving the “2021 World Car of the Year” award. All the vehicles in the series come with a set of cutting-edge technologies on board and adopt the latest engineering concepts in terms of drivetrain systems. These features contribute to excellent performance rates, long-range coverage, and excellent safety.

    The battery technology in the ID. lineup

    Batteries are definitely the central part of the drivetrain system of all ID. models. VW team has announced that it will increase the sales figures for electric vehicles by 2030 and therefore focus on developing even better battery systems.

    The sizes in the lineup vary between 45kWh to 150kWh and depending on the model and other factors, an ID. model can cover up to 352km with a single charge. Furthermore, this output is enough to give a power output to the car and ensures between 150hp and 205hp.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-AMG Motorsport achieved its 500th overall win

    Furthermore, the batteries can be charged to their maximum capacity in about 30 minutes – all models allow for AC and DC charging. When using a home charging station, the capacity is 11kW, depending on the battery size.

    Safety features

    Depending on the battery size, up to three controllers are located in the housing which monitors the module voltage and temperature levels. These units compensate for deviations in the capacity of the individual cells. The main control unit and the connection box are mounted at the rear of the battery body – in the event of a serious accident they can instantly de-energize the vehicle.

    Production and quality assurance

    2021 Volkswagen ID. Series

    The battery systems are produced at the VW Components plant in Braunschweig, where they are also developed. Other sites for production are Foshan and Anting, Chattanooga and Mlada Boleslav. In addition, preparations are underway for Volkswagen to start its own battery cell production in Salzgitter.

    VW team guarantees 70 percent of each battery’s capacity for a period of 8 years or 160,000km. Also, the used-up batteries can be reused under second-life schemes.

    Source: Volkswagen 

     

  • Mercedes-AMG Motorsport achieved its 500th overall win

    2021 Mercedes-AMG MotorsportThe Customer Racing Teams have produced another milestone in Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s history. Richard and Sam Neary from team ABBA Racing secured the 500th overall win of the Customer Racing Program with their Mercedes-AMG GT3s in the British GT Cup Championship last weekend. Then, only a few hours later, Antonelli MotorSport added the 501st race in the Italian GT Championship.

    The story of success started back in 2010, when the former VLN series (now called Nürburgring Endurance Series), witnessed the maiden overall win by the BLACK FALCON with Thomas Jäger and Christopher Haase in what was only the second race of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. This is a vehicle that was fully developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG and laid the foundation of the Customer Racing Program.

    Sometime later, the 100th overall win was achieved in 2013 and plays a significant role. With first place in the 24-hour race at Spa, the HTP Motorsport team with drivers Maximilian Buhk, Maximilian Götz and Bernd Schneider completed the ‘Grand Slam’ of all the major GT3 endurance racing classics. Previously, Customer Racing Teams with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 had already been a winner in the Dubai 24-hour race, the Bathurst 12-hour race and the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, all that in a span of only one year.

    Furthermore, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 scored a historic tripe victory in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at Daytona International Speedway in January 2020.

    Then drivers scored another remarkable success in the 2021 motorsport season. The 1-2 for the Mercedes- AMG GT3s from WINWARD Racing and SunEnergy1 Racing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona marked the first-ever GT3 victory for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport in this famous race.

    SEE ALSO: Ford reveals first details for the new Mustang NASCAR machine

    The most recent wins were achieved by Team ABBA Racing and Antonelli MotorSport last weekend. In the GT Cup Championship, Richard Neary and his son Sam Neary drove from second place on the grid to victory in the second of the two 50-minute sprint races at Brands Hatch on Saturday. With the fourth overall win in the sixth race of the season for the duo with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 with starting number 88, the magical number of 500 overall race wins was reached. One day later, Antonelli MotorSport was first across the finish line in the Italian GT Championship. Bar Baruch (ISR) and Luca Segù (ITA) won the second race of the weekend at Monza with the #90 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

    2021 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport

    Source: Mercedes-Benz AMG Motorsport

     

     

  • Ford reveals first details for the new Mustang NASCAR machine

    2022 Ford NASCAR MustangFord unveils new 2022 NASCAR Next-Gen Mustang. This is bran’s vehicle that will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.

    The vehicle has been under construction for two years and showcases a completely new technical and design approach, compared to previous generations and unlike them, the exterior is the only noticeable change. However, the vehicle incorporates the latest and greatest technical concept known to the world of motorsport.

    Next-Gen Mustang resembles the Mustang production counterpart and maintains the name. However, the similarities end here. Changes to the racetrack machine include rack-and-pining steering, independent rear suspension, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and the all-new body design with a wide stance, symmetric exterior shell, tail, and smaller greenhouse.

    SEE ALSO: Toyota team reveals new TRD Camry racecar

    Development of the vehicle took place in Ford’s Dearborn design center and the Ford Performance Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, where the brand’s NASCAR scale model and aero teams are located.

    The NASCAR Next-Gen Mustang will make its competition debut on Feb. 20, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway for the 64th annual Daytona 500.

    http://www.automobilesreview.com/uploads/2021/05/2022-Ford-NASCAR-Mustang-BF.jpg

    Source: Ford 

  • Toyota team reveals new TRD Camry racecar

    2022 Toyota TRD CamryToyota and Toyota Racing Development team unveiled the Next-Gen car that will participate in on-track events in 2022 – the Toyota TRD Camry.

    The engineering teams have been closely working with NASCAR, as well as other OEMs, in order to create the Next Gen vehicles for competition.

    The design concept ensures more body styling characteristics that contribute to the overall high performance and mechanical capabilities. From the grille to the spoiler and everywhere in between, the Next Gen TRD Camry has the most body styling attributes to its production counterpart than ever before in an NCS Camry vehicle.

    Furthermore, Toyota remains the only manufacture in NASCAR to reveal three nameplates across the event’s three national series – the TRD Camry in the NCS, the Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and the Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

    SEE ALSO: Subaru Outback: a quick technical overview

    Since joining the NCS and NXS in 2007, the Camry lineup has earned 155 NCS wins and three NCS championships along with 171 NXS wins and two NXS championships.

    The Toyota TRD Camry NextGen will make its debut as the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

    2022 Toyota TRD Camry

    Source: Toyota 

  • Subaru Outback: a quick technical overview

    2021 Subaru OutbackSubaru announces the introduction of the new Outback, which will be in showrooms from 27th May this year.

    The vehicle has not only retained its popularity since its initial release back in 1995, but also has multiplied its fanbase throughout the years. The vehicle offers safety, comfort, practicality, and tons of on- and off-road capabilities.

    So, let’s see what makes the new Outback even more special.

    Enhanced safety features

    The vehicle comes with optimal driving position, window heights, and carefully arranged pillars that altogether ensure excellent visibility and enhanced control over the vehicle. Furthermore, the new Outback comes with a choice of three trim levels, each of which includes the latest generation of EyeSight Driver Assist technology, Subaru’s advanced camera prevention system.

    Additional safety technologies and features include: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads.

    Advanced drivetrain system

    The new Outback is based on Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system and benefits from the performance of the BOXER engine series and the Linartronic Continuously Variable Transmission system. The BOXER engine is a direct-injection 2.5-liter naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder unit and comes with redesigned build concept that allows a higher compression ratio.

    SEE ALSO: Hyundai announces details for the new IONIQ 5 lineup

    Additional changes have been applied to the suspension system and chassis, thus removing vibrations and enhancing the stability of the vehicle.

    Enhanced off-road capability

    The improved engine performance offers more power for acceleration as well as driving on rough terrain, so drivers can enjoy SUV performance in all driving scenarios.

    The latest Outback comes with a newly designed X-MODE with a Hill Descent Control system and selectable driving modes. This means that the Intelligent Drive can adjust the throttle and gear-shifting response to give the driver the needed amount of power and agility on demand.

     Source: Subaru 

  • Hyundai announces details for the new IONIQ 5 lineup

    2021 Hyundai IONIQ 5Hyundai Motor announces specifications and details for the new IONIQ 5, the first car in the lineup based on the new Electric-Global Modular Platform.

    The vehicle’s design showcases a new approach and incorporates tons of new details, first shown at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, when the concept vehicle was first unveiled. IONIQ 5 is based on Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which enables some neat proportions and elongated wheelbase. With E-GMP, the vehicle offers innovative interior design with numerous advanced technologies. At the same time, IONIQ 5 offers excellent performance rates and offers fast charging capabilities.

    IONIQ 5 will be available in 3 specification models – SE Connect, Premium, and Ultimate.

    IONIQ SE Connect offers a rear-wheel drive with a 58kWh electrical output and the standard specification includes: 19-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, , interior mood lighting, 12.3-inch LCD audio, visual and navigation system with DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, LCD drivers instrument cluster, rearview camera, LED Multi-Faceted Reflector headlamps, LED stop, tail and turn lamps, rear parking sensors, electric parking brake, Navigation based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Drive-Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Alert and more.

    IONIQ 5 Premium with rear-wheel drive builds on the SE Connect trim and adds a 4-way power driver’s seat, heated driver and front passenger seats and steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-LED projector headlamps, power tailgate, chrome side molding, Highway Drive-Assist Level 2 (HDA II) with automatic lane change function, Forward Collision Assist with Junction function (FCA JX) and Blindspot Collision Avoidance assist (BCA). Premium trim also offers customers the optional Vehicle 2 Load pack (V2L). The V2L function allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, supplying up to 3.6 kW of power. The model is also available with the 73kWh battery in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

    SEE ALSO: New Cupra Leon adds a 245hp version in the lineup

    The IONIQ 5 Ultimate 58kWh rear-wheel-drive completes the IONIQ range with a high specification including leather seat coverings, solar and privacy glass, chrome door garnish, black gloss beltline, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, BOSE premium sound system, head-up display with augmented reality, standard Vehicle 2 Load, sliding center console and alloy pedals. Customers can also specify the Eco-Pack which comprises a Battery Heating system and Heat Pump and the Tech Pack with Front Memory Seats, Relaxation Premium Seats, BVM (Blind View Monitor), PCA ( Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – Reverse), RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist), SVM ( Surround View Monitor). The Ultimate specification is also available with the 73kWh battery in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, both of which upgrade to 20-inch alloy wheels.

    2021 Huyndai IONIQ 5 Rear

    Source: Hyundai

     

  • Citroen C3 celebrates one millionth vehicle. Here’s what makes the model special

    2021 Citroen C3The third-generation Citroen C3 has reached the landmark “one-millionth vehicle”. Launched in 2016, the third generation C3 presented a new styling concept and new tech features. Also, the vehicle ranks in the top seven best-selling vehicles in Europe in 2020 and remains popular in many European countries like France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.

    New C3 comes with numerous customization options, and technologies like Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Sign Recognition, and Coffee Break Alert. Available in seven body colors, including the exclusive to the lineup Elixir Red and Spring Blue, the new C3 can also be specified with four Color Packs for the Airbump and fog lamp surrounds. Further personalization is available with four roof colors: Emerald, Opal White, Onyx Black and Sport Red, with the roof matching the color of the wing mirrors and the quarter panel trim.

    SEE ALSO: Vauxhall Corsa-e remains one of the best-selling vehicles in the UK

    The equipment also comes with 16-inch ‘Matrix’ bi-tone wheels, Airbump panels on the doors, the Anodised Deep Red Colour Pack, gloss black door mirrors, and a bi-tone Onyx Black roof. In terms of infotainment, with New C3 models featrure a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto, DAB Radio and USB connectivity.

    Source: Citroen

  • Vauxhall Corsa-e remains one of the best-selling vehicles in the UK

    2021 Vauxhall Corsa-eThe new Vauxhall Corsa is the best-selling vehicle in UK so far this year, according to the latest new car sales and registration details revealed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

    In fact, Corsa remains the best-selling vehicle for the past 8 months, including June, July, September, and November last year. However, the highest number of sales is recorded in 2021, as Vauxhall announced 16,381 registrations, while Corsa-e remains the best-selling BEV, with 1,706 units sold.

    Commenting on the results, Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: It’s great to see the new Vauxhall Corsa remain the UK’s best-selling car and we’re proud that its all-electric version, Corsa-e, is the UK’s best-selling small EV. Customer interest in electric cars and vans in the UK is at an all-time high and Vauxhall is continually expanding its line-up to offer class-leading electrified vehicles, not least with a fully electric van line-up to come before the end of the year.

    SEE ALSO: Acura MDX wins TOP SAFETY PLUS award from IIHS

    Customers can also purchase their Vauxhall vehicle via the brand’s online store, which brings the car-shopping procedure to the world of digital and in every buyer’s home. By using the digital platform, buyers can arrange a live video viewing any model and proceed to the configuration and personalization panel and then finalize the purchase, all this via a laptop.

    The latest generation Corsa is available with a fully electric engine and a choice of agile petrol and diesel units.

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Acura MDX wins TOP SAFETY PLUS award from IIHS

    2021 Acura MDXThe new 2022 Acura MDX has earned the highest possible safety rating from the IIHS – the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The MDX qualified for TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award by earning “GOOD” grade in all crashworthiness tests, “SUPERIOR” rating Collision Mitigation Braking System, and “GOOD” for the driver-assistive technologies. MDX remains the brand’s most popular vehicle and becomes the third model in the Acura lineup to be awarded TSPP.

    Furthermore, all Acura sedans and SUVs come with Acura Watch suite of safety and drier-assistive technologies as part of the standard equipment. Such include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation. Also, the 2022 Acura MDX features Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.

    SEE ALSO: New 2022 VW Taos comes with a modernized and functional interior design

    As it comes to the award, the 2021 TOP SAFETY PLUS is given to vehicles that earn good crashworthiness ratings in all test modes, including in the passenger-side small overlap test. It also needs available front crash prevention (standard on MDX, RDX, and TLX) that earns an advanced or superior rating in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian testing and standard good- or acceptable- rated headlights.

    Source: Acura