Automobiles Review – Page 199 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

DTE Design lets you choose drive modes via smartphone app! Check it out!

2018 DTE Tuning BMW 540i With its eight-million models already sold, the 5 Series remains BMW’s most popular and most wanted vehicle in the segment. And one of the latest offspring, the 540i with its six-cylinder three-liter power engine remains one of the sexiest machines at the moment.

However, DTE Systems team has decided to make the 540i even more powerful and agile. The engineers have installed a so-called tuning box PowerControl X that connects to the central sensors of the engine management and adds a neat kick of additional 57hp and 80Nm of torque. Sweet, isn’t it?

2018 DTE Tuning BMW 540i

And the best of all? The system offers some driving modes that can be selected with a dedicated smartphone app. Driver and passengers can choose from the available Dynamic, Sport and Efficiency driving types. Also, there is a dedicated warm-up timer. How cool is this!

Now let’s talk about the performance rates, shall we? The 540i reaches 100km/h in about 5 seconds and with the AWD system engaged – 4.8 seconds. Not bad, if you ask us. Furthermore, the installed PedalBox reduces the throttle response with up to 10 per cent and contributes to this unmistakable and ferocious scream.

2018 DTE Tuning BMW 540i

The PowerControlX and the included PedalBox system can already be purchased and installed via the specialized DTIE Tuning online shop.

2018 DTE Tuning BMW 540i

Source: DTE Tuning

February 19, 2018

Honda team maintains strong and confident presence at Geneva Motor Show

2018 Honda Civic TCR Concept Honda’s presence at the Geneva Motor Show remains strong. And when you think about it, there couldn’t be any way around. The brand has already represented the futuristic Sports EV Concept and it is a matter of time to showcase more of the latest models, ideas and technologies. So, let’s check out what has happened at world’s most popular automobile show, shall we?

The new CR-V

2018 Honda CR-V Concept

As always expectations are high about this one. Our personal belief is that this latest model would build on all the fine features of its predecessors and would leave the bad habits behind. Of course, it is of a high probability to see something brand new for the model. Who knows?

Honda Electric Concept Vehiches

We are getting serious here. All EV vehicles are scoring incredible popularity and of course, the Honda vehicles are no exception. What the audience of the show would witness is the reveal of the Urban EV Concept machine: it would showcase Honda’s intention towards the electric segment.

Furthermore, the Sports EV Concept would also make its debut at the Geneva Show. With its sexy appearance and next-gen drivetrain system this vehicle might well appear the main influence for future models.

And the third electric machine is the NeuV. This is Honda’s most advanced and ambitious project so far. And given that it adopts new AI technology and tons of new features, we do look forward to reviewing this in the recent future.

Along with the unveiling of the vehicles, Honda would also showcase its latest two-wheeled motorsport machines. These include the Civic Type R TCR and a brand new NSX GT3.

Source: Honda

February 15, 2018

The new Seat Ibiza is modest in design, but strong in performance

2018 Seat Ibiza TGI Tight and sexy. This is our first impression. In fact, Seat vehicles have always demonstrated some above-average visual maintenance. And the new Ibiza TGI continues this trend. But sharp exterior looks is not what this model focuses on. Ecology and efficiency are the main key wordshere. The fifth generation adopts a special technology for Compressed Natural Gas and would try to reduce emissions and expenses to the minimum. So, let’s check out some details!

Exterior styling

2018 Seat Ibiza TGI

This is a 100 per cent a Seat vehicle. All the notable and well-known visual features are present. This means that the new model showcases these very same straightforward lines, light curves, memorable headlight design and confident stance. In fact, it looks a lot like any modern affordable automobile. With the only difference being in the clean design concept and a hint of sportiness. In other words, we like it. A lot.

Interior styling

2018 Seat Ibiza TGI

The new Seat TGI is available with 5 door design. This means that the cabin space is more than ample. Being a little bulkier, compared to previous models, the TGI machine manages to offer more headroom, leg room and somehow wider cargo place. Sweet. In terms of design and features it remains pretty straightforward. As if the interior styling has moved to the inside. The cabin is clean, functional and cozy. It looks like it would deliver the driving comfort that every driver is looking for and easy access to all gadgets and systems. It does the job just fine in other words.

Drivetrain system

2018 Seat Ibiza TGI

This Ibiza is geared with an agile three-cylinder 12-valve 1.0 TGI engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Nothing extraordinary. What is interesting, however, is the adopted Compressed Natural Gas and petrol technology. First, the CNG is far less expensive and at the same time remains one of the most efficient fuels out there. What this all means is that the engine offers some boosted horsepower and torque output at the expense of just 101g/km of CO2.

2018 Seat Ibiza TGI

Source: Seat

February 14, 2018

Should we be excited about the announced Rolls Royce Cullinan project?

2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan Some time ago, about three years from now, Rolls-Royce managers announced that the brand would create a vehicle that is high-bodied, highly capable of tackling down any road and off-road challenge and still maintain that luxurious presence and features.

Well, it is almost here. And it is called Cullinan. The project I mean. Of course it is highly likely that the model would bear the same name. Also what we know so far is that there were numerous tests executed and the vehicle was driven on different terrains: deserts, ice and snowy roads, muddy roads and everything in between. And by gaining results, the designers and engineers have managed to craft and shape the machine in such a way that it would be worthy of the name Rolls Royce.

2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan

However, what we wonder is whether such a model would still be as classy and presentable as its siblings. After all, Rolls Royce vehicles are known for their super-premium appearance and being choice number one for influential people. And here’s where we thing that making a sporty all-terrain machine would have an impact on this image that the brand has created ever since its establishment. After all, it is not that classy to go for a drift in a rainy day, nor it is presentable to push the limits of the vehicle in order to score the best time possible.

However, we stay opened for representations and new ideas. And of course, we are eager to see the final result.

2019 Rolls Royce Cullinan

Source: Rolls Royce

February 14, 2018

Powerful as a Blizzard, Advanced as an AMG machine: the new G 63 Titan is Here

2018 Mercedes-AMG G Yep. Monstrous in power and appearance. As any G Class machine should be. And more precisely, as any G-Class with AMG modifications should be. The latest G 63 vehicle comes with all the confidence that usually surrounds this segment and also with all the neat goodies that both Mercedes-Benz and AMG team can deliver. So, let’s delve right in and find out what this bad boy offers to the automobile maniacs.

Exterior Design

2018 Mercedes-AMG G

As you might well have expected, this is a 100% G-Class: straight lines, sharp angles and a stance ready for battle. All this is covered with unusual white finish ad some additional small detailings. The front face features an AMG radiator grille, AMG bumper, large air intakest and the usual for Mercedes-Benz headlamp design, idicators LED lamps.

What has caught our attention is the roof. It is no longer spot-welded, but connected to the body by laser welding. By using this technology, engineering team has achieved more body strength and somehow more modest and straightforward design. Furthermore, there are numerous AMG-specific goodies. The new G 63 comes with flared front and rear wheel arches, distinctive trim components, new front and rear bumpers and all this is topped with 22-inch weels, perforated brake discs and sporty red brake calipers.

Interior Design

2018 Mercedes-AMG G

As it comes to the cabin, both AMG and Mercedes teams have done something exceptional. G 63 comes with completely restyled design that offers both comfort and fuctunality. For example, the revised dashboard features analogue tubes and adopts the digital Widescreen Cockpit with virtual instruments. Of course, there is this large display and all additional features that come with it. In fact, the whole cabin is straightforward and sharp-looking just like the exterior. The seats are geared with tons of convenience functions and of course, deliver pleasurable experience and safe ride.

And as some might well be surprised, the cabin is also dominated by the white color. We are used to witness mainly black C-Class machines, but this time the latest edition deciced to switch strategies. And still, the white and mainly light-colored components manage to deliver that luxurious feeling and completely resemble the whole styling concept of the vehicle.

Drivetrain system

2018 Mercedes-AMG G

The AMG G-Class is geared with a mighty 4.0-liter V8 biturbo power unit that replaces the older 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine. The new guy is capable of producing a total of 585hp (430kW) and 850Nm of torque. Sweet, isn’t it? This also means that the G 63 can speed up from zero to 100km/h in mere 4.5 seconds and chase a top speed of 220km/h.

Further under-the-hood goodies include two twin scroll turbochargers, modified pistons, revised intercooling system and of course, fresh software upgrades. And let’s not forget the special AMG Cylinder Management deactivation system: it adds to the fuel consumption and power output efficiency and wider engine speed range that now goes between 1000 and 3250rpm. Cool right?

2018 Mercedes-AMG G

This whole power is tamed by a fine-tuned AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G gearbox. It delivers super short shift times and also offers new driving modes. Drivers now can choose between the new “Sport” and “Sport Plus”, along with the usual “Slippery”, “Comfort” and “Individual”. It distributes the power to all the four wheels, thanks to the 4MATIC AWD system. Of course, we should mention all additional and exclusive AMG gadgets: AMG Ride Control Suspension with impressive off-road capabilities, AMG speed-sensitive steering and all the safety features.

Source: AMG

February 13, 2018

2018 Touareg sketches and promises: what should we expect?

2018 Volkswagen Touareg Volkswagen team is one of the few others that mark a confident start of 2018. Already showcasing some neat projects, the brand also released authentic and official information about the newest Touareg machine. As you already know, this is the model that tries to become an emblem of the whole brand. It has stood its ground in every aspect: visuals, comfort, safety, drivetrain system and affordability.

And this new model clearly showcases Volkswagen’s standards and determination for delivering high-quality machines. As always, the vehicle looks expressive, contemporary and strong in presence. At least this is what we conclude after seeing the only official sketch. What else is promised by Volkswagen team is new assistance system, revised safety and comfort features.

What else VW Group promises is that this third-generation of Touareg would continue to maintain high standards as it comes to drivetrain capabilities and road performance. And frankly said, we tend to believe the engineers. After all, the C-segment becomes more and more popular and at the same time Volkswagen has managed to deliver better and better machines through time. And also given that Touareg is the main weapon in the SUV fight, it is of high probability that the 2018 family member would bring on some tasty features and high-quality tweaks.

Source: Volkswagen Group

February 12, 2018

2018 Pace Car by Kahn Design: The One We Wanted To See

2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Pace Car Project Kahn proudly reveals its latest revised vehicle: Black over Red Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Pace car. Personally designed by Afzal Kahn, the fashionable SUV catches the eye with tons of fresh new features.

The first thing that makes this model stand out from the original design is the extension on the front and rear wheel aches. This approach not only gives the Range Rover more muscular and confident stance, but also contributes to more road stability and driving comfort. Also, themodel features new bumper, floating front grille with neat 3D mesh inserts and its original fog lights.

2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Pace Car

The inside has also received some attention. The whole cabin is dominated by black quilted and perforated Herringbone leather. In fact, all door tops, armrests, central console, instrument panel and the steering wheel have been re-trimmed to match each other, while the stainless steel inserts and aluminum pedals add to that aggressive and muscular feeling.

When you think about it, this project has managed to maintain all the cool features of the original Range Rover and just add a kick to its already astonishing presence. And given that Kahn designers have tweaked the components, it is of no doubt that everything is of high quality, premium feel and just on the right place.

2018 Kahn Design Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Pace Car

Source: Kahn Desgin

February 12, 2018

2018 up! GTI: beast in cute packaging. We like it!

2018 Volkswagen up! GTI Finally, one of the most anticipated Volkswagen models, the up! GTI is available for order! The new 2018 vehicle builds up on the strengths of its predecessors and as we are about to find out, learns from past mistakes. The latest lineup of GTI lineage machines that includes up!, Polo and the award-winning Golf GTI remains one of the most popular in this vehicle segment and there is a fine reason for that. So, let’s jump right in the action and tell you more about this cute beast!

First of all, the 2018 up! GTI is available in three- and five-door body styles. Second, it looks a lot like previous models. In a good way. The vehicle has maintained its well-known and widely recognizable VW signature visual features, but also showcases a character of its own: the body language is characterized with direct lines, minimal amount of curves and overall simplistic design concept. It does resemble the Golf GTI spirit for some reason. Maybe because of the confident front face and the overall small, yet sexy body.

2018 Volkswagen up! GTI

However, the exterior styling is nothing for all those who would like to drive the machine and enjoy the coziness of the cabin. And we do believe that “cozy” is just the right word for this interior concept. There isn’t anything that would make you say “wow” and there isn’t a single feature that would make you believe that designers and engineers have tried too hard. They haven’t. The cabin is straightforward with everything being placed on the right place. The only thing that is somehow fancy is the red color panels, small details and stitching. As always, the red color makes everything loos sporty.

And now let’s focus on the most important thing: drivetrain system. The 2018 up! GTI is powered by the most agile petrol engine: the three-cylinder turbocharged 1.0-liter TSI wonder. It offers 115 horsepower and up to 200Nm of torque between 2,000-3,500rpm. This power is sent to the front wheels and it is tamed with a six-speed manual transmission. Further mechanical goodies include a lightweight body construction that results on a total of 1,071kg of total weight, a fine-tuned sporty suspension, and some neat engineering tweaks that would make this fancy vehicle into an agile and menacing little imp.

2018 Volkswagen up! GTI

Source: Volkswagen

February 9, 2018

2019 Jetta: would it manage to maintain popularity? A brief overview

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Recently revealed, 2019 Jetta has still a lot to demonstrate and a lot to prove. Based on the award-winning MQB platform, the seventh-generation model is further refined and, as it seems, would mark an important step for Volkswagen Group.

Because of the flexible MQB engineering wonder, the design team was able to shape the body in such a way that the vehicle now comes with longer wheelbase, wider tack and bigger wheels. Of course, this also means that the cabin becomes more voluminous. Cool. At the front people would still see that well-known face, but this time with some elegant changes and twists. For example, the emphasized horizontal lines are still present, along with the grille, but this time this grille is composed of four chrome bars, two of which flow into the headlight housing, where the LEDs pick up the lines and match them with a wrap-around motion. Sweet.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

Of course, the silhouette is still recognizable: buyers would still get these long side windows, but the good news is that they would also get an offset roofline. This so-called “phase” is actually a narrow strip that runs to the roofline and then into the C-pillar. This is not just some comprehensive stylistic feature, but serves a purpose – lowers vehicle’s height. Furthermore, Jetta showcases some more stylistic goodies: a precisely carved character line that runs just under the shoulder. Also let’s not forget the side sills that are marked by a dedicated light line that continues into the rear body.

The rear also has a lot to showcase: it is defined by arch-shaped trailing edge that continues to the shoulders and form aerodynamic termination of the trunk lid. The integrated spoiler emphasizes the sedan impression and also contributes to this somehow sporty feeling. The whole back-end of the 2018 Jetta is wider and more muscular and further emphasized with sharp lines and neat LED taillight clusters.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

The cabin has undergone some comprehensive styling changes. It is driver-oriented and numerous concept ideas from the outside are transferred to the inside. This means that the trapezoidal theme is present and repeated. The upper dash panel adopts the refreshed Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and the infotainment system, while the climate control is located on a separate model onto the central console. On the other hand, the lower part of the instrument panel features horizontal lines and decorative trim strip. Underneath is the main line for the 10-color ambient lightning system.

Source: Volkswagen Group

February 9, 2018

Lexus team reveals further details for the upcoming X 450hL machine

Lexus fans and buyers can now browse further details about the latest RX 450hL model. Scheduled to go on sale in April this year, the crossover showcases some pretty neat drivetrain and technological features. Frankly said, we do expect a lot by the latest edition of the well-known lineup. After all, Lexus team has managed to represent itself as a responsible and persistent manufacturer.

What is most notable about the 2018 RX 450hL is that it comes with a second row captain’s chairs, trimmed seats, side mirror and steering wheel memory and Enform Safety Connect as standard features. Neat. Furthermore, the vehicle seems to have adopted that sexy styling and it is most likely to do so with the drivetrain system.

However, there are some changes, compared to older models: the 2018 machine comes with slightly wider body at the rear and steeper tailgate window angle in order to ensure more headroom for the third-row passengers. Also, the positioning of the second row is higher, compared to the third row, also in order to ensure more foot room for rear passengers.

In the usual Lexus manner, buyers will be benefitting from Lexus Safety System Plus which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent High Beams and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Customers can further order Blind Spot Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking system.

And as we are talking about optional goodies, some of the high-end optional gadgets include semi-aniline trimmed seats, interior LED ambient illumination, manual rear door sunshades, laser-cut Gray Sapele wood trim with aluminum, exclusive 20-inch alloys with machined finish and heated wood steering wheel via the simply-called Luxury Package.

Source: Lexus

February 7, 2018

Maserati and LARTE Design present refined vehicles on a special event

2018 LARTE Design Maserati Levante Black Shtorm The beginning of the year is marked by a pretty confident step by LARTE Design team and one of the largest equestrian clubs in Europe, MAXIMA STABLES. LARTE Design, along with AVILON Maserati dealer revealed two vehicles: black and blue Maserati Levante that were further upgraded with the exclusive Shtorm kit.

2018 LARTE Design Maserati Levante Black Shtorm

On Saturday, 3^rd of February, AVILON team has prepared a sweet surprise to all the guests of the show. On the annual winter test people had the chance to test drive all the exposed vehicles. These include Quattroporte SQ4, Ghibli SQ4 and the all-time favorite Levante SQ4. Of course, all of these vehicles were further upgraded with numerous drivetrain and design goodies by Shtorm.

As it seems the thing that impressed the most the audience was the Jump & Drive show, where 16 sportsmen crossed obstacles on horseback and then moved to the sexy Ghibli SQ4 and demonstrated what is it like to tame a 410hp beast. Something more, the fastest one, appearing to be Vladimir Beletsky, has earned a special prize from Maserati AVILON.

2018 LARTE Design Maserati Levante Black Shtorm

Event partners were the key Moscow developer KR Properties, reviewing their Roza Rossa project, made in the concept of Boutique Hotel & Apartments.

2018 LARTE Design Maserati Levante Black Shtorm

Source: Maserati

February 7, 2018

Z-Performance showcases its own idea of a Batmobile. Check it out!

2018 Z-Performance BMW X5 It is a sort of expected that Z-Performance team has decided to take a closer look at the X5 M SUV. After all we have already seen some neat tuning projects that include a large premium vehicle and tons of beautiful changes.

2018 Z-Performance BMW X5

This time the tuning studio focuses on aesthetics. And it has done some pretty good job. First of all, the revised machine catches the eye with neat ZP.FORGED 12 deep-lip multi-piece wheels with matte black and glossy black finish. These are wrapped by large 10.5×22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero 285/30R22 tires. Starts good, right? Just let us continue reviewing.

2018 Z-Performance BMW X5

As it seems, Z-Performance team wants to make a sort of a Batmobile out of the X5 monster, and believe us, they are pretty close to achieving such a goal. The body is covered in deep black Avery wrapping film that does not contrast in any kind with the front carbon-fiber front spoiler lip, nor with the rear carbon diffuser that is especially delivered by RKP Composite studio. There are also carbon side mirror covers, glossy black front grille and tinted lights.

When you think about it, BMW vehicles are almost perfect for creating a Batmobile. They are aggressively looking, bold in style and do not lack drivetrain power or engineering technology of any kind. And talking about mechanics, we should also mention that the revised X5 SUV features an upgraded engine that is capable of delivering a total of 750hp and the titanic 1000Nm of torque! How incredible is that! Further goodies include carbon-fiber tailpipe tri and valve control, exclusively created by FI Exhaust.

2018 Z-Performance BMW X5