FIAT marks its 120th anniversary with a special event!

The oldest Fiat in the UK, the 1899 Fiat 3½hp, is set to mark the 120^th anniversary of the brand by taking the road as a sponsor of the Bonham’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The machine will take part in the 60-mile drive from Hyde Park in London down to Madeira Drive in Brighton as part of the world’s oldest annual motorsport events.

The ancient Fiat is owned by FCA UK Ltd and is on a permanent display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. The Fiat 3½hp features two seats for adults and a horizontal two-cylinder engine, mated to a three-speed gearbox (without reverse feature) and can speed to up to 21mph. Sweet!

1899 FIAT 3

As you might know, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT) was founded by a group of Turin investors in July 1899 and immediately began assembling cars in a modern factory. This very same newly founded company absorbed two smaller businesses for bicycle manufacturing and immediately presented a prototype car, called the “Welleyes”. The first dozen of vehicles were derived from this “concept car” and a year later, in March 1900 the newly established FIAT brand started its steady growth that eventually led to making the Italian manufacturer an industrial giant and one of world’s largest manufacturers.

1899 FIAT 3

Sweet!

Source: FIAT

October 23, 2019

Honda reveals details about the new Jazz lineup

2020 Honda Jazz Honda reveals the all-new Jazz lineup, which features an advanced two-motor hybrid drivetrain system, a new generation of driving dynamics technologies and safety features. Let’s check out more, shall we?

The new Jazz vehicles are proudly showcasing sexy A-pillars, natural crisp lines that run horizontally along the sides of the vehicle and a sharper and more aggressive shoulder lines. At the rear, the new Jazz machine features a new fender design and wheel arches that reinforce the car’s broader stance and bring a sense of stability. Furthermore, the rear design echoes the clean lines from the front-end and the sleek horizontal light cluster layout. Sweet!

In terms of interior, the new lineup provides high levels of comfort and spaciousness, considered as unrivaled in the B-Segment.

The modern setup is a direct continuation of the exterior design, but this time engineers have relied on comfort and ambiance rather than straight lines and aggressive expression. There are new LD touchscreen features, smartphone integration, swipe controls and comprehensive suite for in-built apps.

2020 Honda Jazz

In terms of interior design, the all-new Jazz provides wider front seats with mat-structure support, thin A-pillar design for improved horizontal visibility and the already mentioned ample head- and legroom.

Additionally, the all-new Jazz comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and technologies. The Honda Sensing pack is present with its new camera, Collision Mitigation Brake System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist function.

2020 Honda Jazz

Sales of the next-gen Honda Jazz are expected in mid-2020.

Source: Honda

October 23, 2019

SKODA celebrates a milestone anniversary! Superb has turned 85 years old!

2019 SKODA Superb 85 years ago, on 22 October 1934, SKODA team unveiled the Superb lineup. The name highlighted the quality and comfort of brand’s new luxurious model, which until then had simply been released under the name S 640. Between 1934 and 1949 there were more than 1,000 first generation Superb vehicles rolled off the production line. And in 2001, the prominent Czeck manufacturer revived the vehicle by implying a contemporary approach towards the drivetrain system, design concept, and utility gadgets.

Inspired by the Latin word for “stately”, the first SKODA model to bear the Superb badge was 5.5 meters long, 1.7-meters wide and 1.66-meters tall. Furthermore, the vehicle was powered by a 2.5-liter 55hp six-cylinder engine. The high demand quickly led to longer delivery waiting times, which have eventually expanded to two months for the convertible model.

SKODA team has continued to present improvements and upgrades for about four years, until the team proudly unveiled Superb OHV back in 1938 with the massive 80hp in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,137cm3. There were also several Superb 4000s produced right before the war. This production was revived in 1946 when the brand showcased a revised version with a six-cylinder power unit.

2001 SKODA Superb

Some decades later, in 2001, SKODA Superb makes its dramatic comeback. The refreshed lineup features attractive design and excellent value for money. After building more than 130,000 units, SKODA has managed to launch a second-generation in 2008. This new family member presented numerous innovations, among which can be seen KESSY keyless access and start system. By 2015 there were a total of 404,756 units of the hatch and 217,734 estate versions rolled off the production lines at the SKODA plant in Kvasiny.

The current lineup of Superb vehicles has enjoyed global popularity since 2015. In fact, not a single SKODA vehicle has received such attention until the unveiling of the last Superb model. Featuring tons of “Simply Clever” additions and changes, the automobile offers new assistance systems and massive leg- and headroom for passengers.

And now, SKODA presents 2019 Superb. The flagship machine showcases major updates: there are full LED matrix headlights and an expanded range of innovative assistance systems. The Superb iV will also finish the cycle of innovations and advanced technology by presenting a plug-in hybrid drive next year.

1939 SKODA Superb

Stick with us for further information!

Source: SKODA

October 22, 2019

Volvo team announces details about the new and sporty Polestar lineup!

2019 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineering Full specs and upgrades have been confirmed for the new S60, V60 and XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered Volvo mid-size models. As you might well know, this is the high-performance compartment of the famous Swedish brand and its entire energy is focused towards electrification and refinement of the engineering systems and gadgets.

New S60, V60 and XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s engine, brakes, suspension, automatic transmission and wheels are heavily revised and upgraded in order to ensure better dynamics and road behavior, while the exterior and interior design changes feature sexy lines and curves, all along with comfortable ambience and functional gadgets.

Drivetrain system

2019 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineering

The 405hp plug-in hybrid T8 Twin Engine has already established its positions as the most potent engine in the S60, V60 and XC60, but with Polestar’s exclusive tuning, the output of the agile 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol unit is increased to 318hp from the base 303hp. The additional 87hp are provided by and electric motor that has also undergone several tweaks and changes regarding its performance rates.

This entire drivetrain system ensures a pretty quick 0-100km/h run that ends in mere 4.4 seconds. This makes the lineup one of the fastest, if not the fastest in the Volvo lineup. Sweet!

2019 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineering

And as it comes to brakes and braking system, the vehicles are geared with Brembo brakes (Akebono on the XC60) that feature floating front discs and monoblock front calipers. Furthermore, the front discs are slotted for better heat management, while the front and rear calipers are finished in Polestar’s new signature gold color.

What also makes the braking system reliable is the set of Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers which use a dual-flow valve for accurate and quick response in order to react to changes in the road surface and overall driving conditions. By doing so, the absorbers ensure boosted handling precision and enhanced ride comfort.

Design concept

2019 Volvo S60 Polestar Engineering

Polestar Engineered vehicles will grant buyers with exclusive distinctive features – all models from the lineup feature a Polestar emblem set, a high-gloss black surround for the black grille and black chrome finish and gold-colored seatbelts and stitched finish for the instrument panel. And all this is topped off with exclusive 19-inch wheels for the S60 and V60 and 21-inch for the XC60. Sweet!

Source: Volvo

October 21, 2019

New PEUGEOT 208 is named Car of the Year by carwow!

2019 PEUGEOT 208 The all-new PEUGEOT 208 has been awarded the “Little Legend” award at the 2019 carwow New Car of the Year Awards. It joins a number of other PEUGEOT models. In fact, the agile 208 model has also earned “Most Reliable Small Car” recognition!

The vehicle itself has managed to impress the jury with its futuristic and sexy design, premium feel and distinctive driving experience. Judges have also praised vehicle’s spacious interior and the tons of gadgets and hi-tech features that it adopts. In fact, the vehicle is so well built that it has managed to deal with rivals as Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and VW Polo.

Additionally, the all-new 208 is also the first vehicle to fulfil PEUGEOT’s latest philosophy of “choose your PEUGEOT, choose your powertrain”, which is basically a personalization program that allows buyers choose their drivetrain system and engine. The options include an efficient diesel and petrol units, along with a 100 per cent electric system. The environmentally-friendly e-208 uses a 50kWh battery and is capable of covering a distance of 217 miles with a single charge.

Available with Active, Allure and GT Line trim levels, the e-208 is also available in range-topping GT variant. All 208 models come with the latest generation of 3D PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with multifunctional steering wheel, a configurable 3D heads-up display and either a 7- or 10-inch HD touchscreen. The engineering team has also included PEUGEOT Connect SOS and Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function, Lane Positioning Assist and Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

Source: Peugeot

October 18, 2019

Warning Signs It Is Time to Repair Your Engine

Introduction

A car’s engine is like its heart and perhaps its most important part. When buying a used car, you should get a car history report from REVS Check by providing them the VIN number or registration number and paying a small fee. The car history report can provide information on the car and its key parts and help you to buy the best-used car meeting your needs.

You should regularly monitor warning signs which can indicate potential engine problems. Some key warning signs are as follows:

Warning Lights are Switched On

Warning lights on your dashboard are your preliminary source of detecting problems in your car’s engine. When the on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems of your car detect an engine problem, the “check engine” warning light gets switched on. If you see this warning light, you should immediately get your car’s engine checked by a good mechanic for any potential problems. Getting the issue diagnosed and repaired in the initial stage can save your engine from further damage and which can otherwise cost you much more to repair.

Unfamiliar Knocking Sounds

If you regularly observe unfamiliar knocking sound from your car’s bonnet, then it may be indicative of a problematic engine. Such knocking sound is generally produced due to wear and tear caused to the engine’s parts like piston, bearing, other moving parts, etc. Many car owners ignore the knocking sound when it occurs first. Such symptoms should never be ignored, and you should get your car’s engine checked on hearing knocking sounds. If ignored, it can cause greater damage to the engine and your car can suddenly break down on the road while driving.

Loss of Power

Most cars running on petrol, use the internal combustible engine. These engines make use of a four-stroke combustion cycle which converts gas into the power needed to drive your car. If there is any problem with your car’s engine, then it will be unable to efficiently convert the gas into power by using the four-stroke combustion cycle. In such a case, your engine will be unable to deliver the required power and you will feel the loss of power while driving. Loss of power is a sure sign that everything is not right with your car’s engine and it may need repairs.

Excessive Smoke from Exhaust

If your car’s engine is not working properly, then it can lead to producing excessive smoke from the exhaust. The color of the smoke also reveals a lot about the engine’s health. Black smoke indicates that excessive gas is being burnt in the combustion chamber. Blue colored smoke is indicative of excessive oil being burnt which can cause a lack of lubrication. White-colored smoke means excessive coolant is being burnt and this can cause the car to overheat anytime.

Sharp Drop in Fuel Efficiency

A sharp drop in fuel efficiency can indicate problems in the compression stroke of your car’s engine. If you practice good driving habits and still experience a drop in fuel efficiency, you should get your car’s engine checked by a good mechanic.

October 18, 2019

Volvo Cars shares details about brand’s first-ever electrified vehicle!

2019 Volvo XC40 Recharge Volvo Cars has introduced the XC40 Recharge, brand’s first ever fully electric vehicle and the first model to appear in its new Recharge lineup. Let’s find out more, shall we?

The XC40 Recharge is based on the famous and multiple award-winning XC40 small SUV and will represent the next-gen of Volvo machines. In fact, brand’s goal is to make a fully-electric vehicle every year in a period of 5 years. Additionally, from early 2020, customers will be asked whether they prefer their Volvo vehicle with a rechargeable drivetrain or not. In order to encourage the electric driving, Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid will come with a free electricity for a year, provided via a refund for the average electricity cost during that period. Neat!

As it comes to the vehicle itself, XC40 Recharge is a 100 per cent Volvo machine. It is an all-wheel drive car that can cover a range of up to 400 kilometers with a single charge and can generate a total power output of 408hp. The battery charges to 80% in mere 40 minutes, thanks to the fast-charging system.

2019 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Furthermore, the new lineup of electric vehicles is geared with a brand-new Android-powered infotainment system that is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, brand’s digital connected service platform. With it drivers can track how much time they have spent driving on electric power. Sweet!

In order to meet the anticipated growth in demand for its Recharge vehicles, Volvo team will triple the production capacity for electrified vehicles and will prepare Designer’s Choice selection, which will offer radically reduced delivery times. Volvo Cars aims for plug-in hybrid cars to make 20 per cent of total sales in 2020.

2019 Volvo XC40 Recharge

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Volvo

October 17, 2019

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes home one more prestigious award!

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., the fastest-growing Asian brand in the US has announced the finalist in the 2020 Family Green Car of the Year! The winner is the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and it takes home the price for a second consecutive year! Let’s find out more!

The award was presented for the first time at the 2019 San Antonio Auto & Truck Show and recognizes the environmental performance of the contestants. Each finalist vehicle, by virtue or for its green attributes can a Green Car Product of Excellence.

The Outlander PHEV itself, remains one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid SUVs in the market today. The vehicle brings together superior efficiency and handling, ensured by Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control System. The PHEV boasts a 22-mile all-electric driving range mated to a gas motor to combine for an EPA estimated 74 MPG-E. The S-AWC system was especially modified for the Outlander PHEV’s twin-electric motor configuration in order to allow maximum performance and superior traction and safety, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has also received Green Car Journal’s 2019 Green SUV of the year and numerous more awards and recognitions! Sweet!

Source: Mitsubishi

October 17, 2019

Porsche unveils new electrified Taycan 4S. Check it out!

2019 Porsche Taycan After the resounding success of the latest Porsche machines, the brand continues this line of unveiling new models and proudly showcases the all-new Taycan 4S.

Design

The newcomer comes with leather-free interior for the first time. The cabin is comprised of innovative recycled materials. This approach is not only environmentally friendly, but also showcases some new ideas and concepts as it comes to shaping the interior of a luxurious vehicle.

As standard, Taycan 4S is geared with sporty front seats with eight-way electrical adjustment, while other standard equipment goodies include keyless entry and ambient interior lightning.

Also, as expected, the Taycan 4S is geared with exclusive 19-inch Aero wheels, a revised front fascia with a new geometry, side skirts and rear diffuser in black, sexy LED headlights and Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus.

Drivetrain system

2019 Porsche Taycan

The sport sedan is available with two battery sizes. The first one is called Performance Battery pack and delivers up to 522hp. The second one, the Performance Battery Plus can generate a total output of 563hp. In both variants, Taycan 4S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in mere 3.8 seconds and chases a top speed of 279km/h (155mph).

Furthermore, the latest family member features two permanently excited synchronous motors on the front and rear axles and a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle. Additionally, engineers have used a centrally networked control system for the chassis. There’s and integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control, which analyzes and synchronizes all chassis components in real time. As a standard, Taycan 4S also features an adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology and an electronic damper control PSAM system (Porsche Active Suspension Management).

Also, the new Taycan 4S comes with six-piston fixed-calipers in red finish on the front axle and four-piston calipers in red on the rear axle, with internally vented cast iron brake rotors. These rotor diameters are measured at 360mm for the front and 358mm on the rear wheel.

Charging capabilities

2019 Porsche Taycan

Taycan 4S can be charged via an 800-volt high-speed DC charging station with a maximum capacity of 225kW for the Performance Battery and 270kW for the Performance Battery Plus. With either battery, the charging speed from 5 per cent to 80% can be done in mere 22 minutes. The standard 400-volt high speed DV charging occurs at 50kW, and an optional Booster increases the charging speed to 150kW.

2019 Porsche Taycan

Neat!

Source: Porsche

October 16, 2019

Subaru reveals first technical specs of the new STI S209 lineup!

2019 Subaru STI S209 Subaru of America, Inc. announced pricing on the limited-edition STI S209, the first-ever S-line STI machine produced exclusively for the US market. Limited to mere 209 units, the new family member will arrive at retailers later this year.

Designed with high-performance in mind, new S209 draws inspiration and tech ideas from STI’s most advanced machine: the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racecar, which won the SP3T class at the 2019 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The S209, just like its advanced sibling, features expanded wide-body exterior treatment, 265/35 Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx® GT 600A summer-only tires, wrapped around lightweight and exclusive 19×9-inch forged BBS alloys. Additionally, the vehicle is geared with 6-piston monoblock Brembo brakes on the front calipers and 2-piston monoblock at the rear.

Underneath the massive body of the S209 are exclusive Blistein dampers, stiffened coil springs, a 20-millimeter rear stabilizer bar and pillow-type bushings for the front and rear lateral links. Additionally, the S209 incorporates reinforcements to the front crossmeber and rear subframes and flexible front-strut tower bar and flexible front/rear draw stiffeners.

In terms of engine system, the vehicle is geared with the famous EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER power unit. It features an STI turbocharger by HKS and generates a total of 341hp and 330lb-ft of torque. Also, for the ultimate driver engagement, S209 comes with an exclusive and fine-tuned close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox that transits power to the full-time Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. There’s also a recalibrated SI-Drive system that offers three driving modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

In order to feed more air to the mighty EJ25 engine unit, the drivetrain system also uses a high-flow intake system with a new intake duct, induction box with conical air filter and silicone turbo inlet duct. Also, as a homage to the 2004-07 WRX STI, the S209 is geared with an intercooler water spray system that lowers intercooler temperature by manually operated steering-wheel paddles.

In terms of styling, the limited lineup comes with an STI badge set, a new D-shape steering wheel with Ultrasuede wrap and a serial number badge. For the interior, engineers and designers have fitted exclusive S209 badges, embossed logos on the headrests and STI logos embroidered on the seat back of the Recaro front bucket seats. Sweet!

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

October 15, 2019

Audi reveals new 2020 A6 allroad machine! Check it out!

2020 Audi A6 Allroad Following the success and fanfare of previous models, new Audi A6 confidently makes its debut and proudly showcases a fine-tuned adaptive suspension system, revised 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine and tons of advanced technologies. Especially designed for long-distance adventures and enhanced interior comfort, the latest family member surely has a lot to demonstrate. Let’s find out!

Exterior and interior design

An instantly recognizable Audi vehicle, the new A6 lineup is geared with Scandium gray matte wheel arches and panels, a wide allroad-specific grille with chrome vertical slats and 20-inch exclusive wheels. There’s also alu-optic finish on the roof rails, front blade and underbody protection, and the allroad-specific diffuser in the rear in order to complement the Avant design cues of the sexy machine.

The inside of the new A6 ensures a pretty premium experience with extensive infotainment range and driver assistance systems. There’s panoramic sunroof, ambient LED interior lightning package and premium Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.

Drivetrain system

2020 Audi A6 Allroad

2020 Audi A6’s drivetrain system is characterized by an exclusively fine-tuned adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, which allows the vehicle to switch between on- and off-road driving models. This also means that the ride height can be adjusted, depending on the road surface and condition.

There are also additional standard comfort features that include standard hill descent control, tilt angle assist and dynamic all-wheel steering.

The new A6 model is geared is a turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI power unit and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology, which ensures 335hp and 369lb-ft of torque. The allroad also uses a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a standard Quattro system with Ultra technology.

Additional goodies

2020 Audi A6 Allroad

The already available Anniversary Edition, Audi has ensured an exclusive Gavial Green color and Sarder brown Valcona leather with fine Nappa accents. This special green color pays homage to the Highland Green finish that the original A6 allroad model debuted back in 2000. The Anniversary Edition also includes Fine Grain Ash Natural Noble Wood inlays, pedals and footrest in stainless steel, a leather seat base and leather airbag cab with contrast stitching.

Source: Audi

October 15, 2019

Toyota finally reveals details about the second-gen hydrogen Mirai machine

2021 Toyota Mirai Toyota was one of the first brands to introduce a mass-production electric vehicle back in 1997 with the debut of Prius Hybrid. Almost 20 years later, in 2015, the Mirai was unveiled – the first hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. And as it seems, Toyota team is ready for the next step – presenting a revised version of the Mirai (meaning “future” in Japanese).

The new futuristic machine is based on brand’s premium rear-wheel drive platform and debuts a dramatic design with tons of interior goodies. Expected to go on sale in late 2020, the vehicle will also feature Toyota’s hydrogen FCEV powertrain technology. Let’s find out more, shall we?

At its core, Mirai is an electric vehicle, but it doesn’t need to be plugged in in order to charge. The FCEV system generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only emission.

2021 Toyota Mirai

In terms of styling, new Mirai is based on a rear-wheel platform, which is a major departure from the original front-wheel drive version. This new setup allows for a highly rigid body that is lower, longer and wider, with its bold stance accentuated by exclusive 20-inch alloys. The design is definitely more aerodynamic, sexy and elegant.

Furthermore, by taking advantage of the new platform, the engineering team has managed to ensure more interior space. Along with the cutting-edge technologies, the interior features more than enough leg- and headroom, all along with soft and luxurious ambience.

2021 Toyota Mirai