Automobiles Review – Page 226 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

BRABUS and MINI: a rather pleasurable combination

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo BRABUS strikes back with two new sporty packs for the fortwo coupe and cabrio SMART models. Available for moderately low price, the BRABUS Sport Package grants customers with numerous customization features and some neat exclusive tweaks. So, without further due, let’s see what is going on here!

The packs are available with both manual and twinamic transmission on passion, prime and proxy trim levels. Sweet! And in order to bring some more sporty features, BRABUS team has done some neat body and chassis improvements to deliver us a lowering with 10 millimeters, compared to a standard fortwo, some sweet suspension updates that include BRABUS-tuned damping system and some weight reductions.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Also, the BRABUS Sport Package contributes to some neat looks with stragged fitment Monoblock IX wheels in matte grey paint, wrapped by Yokohama summer performance tires.\

Buyers will also be granted with sweet wheel center caps, matte grey rear diffuser and front spoiler and rear apron in body color scheme. Sweet.

2017 BRABUS Sport Package mini fortwo

Furthermore, in terms of interior, the BRABUS-influenced vehicles proudly show a 3-spoke multifunction sporty steering wheel and of course, tons of BRABUS logos all around the cabin. The interior is further refined with brushed stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs.

Available for the 2017 smart fortwo coupes and cabrio models, the sales start this fall.

Source: BRABUS

August 8, 2016

Vitesse and Audessus offer some neat improvements for Rolls-Royce vehicles

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project One of the most popular premium design house, Bengala Automotive and the US-based Vitesse AuDessus have launched a special carbon-fiber program for contemporary Rolls-Royce vehicles. Sweet.

What is so special about this project is that there will be only few lucky units from the Phantom, Wraith, Dawn and Ghost lineups that will benefit from the lightweight body procedures. In fact, the vehicles will be geared with special carbon matrix, similar to the Forged Carbon Fiber, created by Lamborghini and Callaway. As you may know, this kind of fabric allows some neat aesthetics, combined with numerous aerodynamic and performance improvements. Cool, right?

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project

What will also be included is the forged carbon fiber wheels. They are lighter and denser than titanium and do come with vast advantage over their metal alloy brothers. These forged wheels are also quicker to manufacture and it is even possible to make a full and functional set in minutes!

Also, along with the forged carbon fiber components and the Viesse AuDessus’s commitment, every body panel will be offered with bare carbon replacements in the weave, tint and finish in harmony with each individual client’s preferences.

2016 Rolls-Royce Bengala Automotive and Vitesse Audessus Project

Usually, the time needed is about 3-4 weeks and 4-6 weeks for the wheels, all depending on the personal specifications and requirements. So, if you are lucky enough to get your Rolls-Royce piped, please share a selfie with us!

Source: Vitesse/AuDessus

August 8, 2016

Carbon Motors magically transforms the interior of the iconic Range Rover

Carbon Motors Range Rover Onyx Concept has the most exquisite interior so far

Carbon Motors are one of our favorite tuners to write about. Not only because they create exclusive one-off projects, but also because they are so diligent in their work, that we can not but only support them with all means. Their latest project involves a Range Rover, which has been already updated on the outside with a unique body kit, delivered by the UK specialists at ONYX.

By the way, the Range Rover, introduced in the 1970s, was named at the Musée du Louvre in Paris “an exemplary work of industrial design” and we can not argue with that. The vehicle has proven quickly that it is literally the ultimate machine for on-road aristocracy.

Returning to the current topic, the here presented project is actually a masterful work of art when it comes to its interior. The designers and tuners at Carbon Motors made the cabin look contemporary, but still manage to keep the classiness of its shapes and forms.

Carbon Motors Range Rover Onyx Concept interior

Initially, they have made a custom design sketch (the last picture in the gallery), showing an entirely transformed look of the cabin. As a result, the interior is now a combination of special and expensive materials applied with a lot of craftsmanship.

To get into details, the seats are covered with bi-color leather in teak brown and black, contrasted by decorative brown stitching. In addition, the headliner and pillars come in black Alcantara and feature the same decorative stitching. To underlining the strong character of the Range Rover, Carbon Motors decided to coat all trim elements inside with carbon fiber and varnish with scratch resistant cover. Note that even the cup holder has been carbon-fiber coated.

Source: Carbon Motors

August 8, 2016

Chelsea Truck Company and Kahn Design impress with Defender London Motor Show Edition

The iconic Defender gets exclusive stylish upgrades

Billing Land Rover Fest happened a week ago at Northampton’s Billing Aquadrome, and there were many interesting cars to view. A real jewel among them is the featured Land Rover Defender, which was on display at Kahn’s stand. In the project took also part the specialists at Chelsea Truck Company, thus making it stand out even more. So, the showcased iconic Defender 90 includes vast range of stylish interior and exterior updates. Here are the details.

Exterior

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC rear view

On the outside the extinct vehicle is painted in Santorini Black. At the front, it features Kahn’s special front bumper with Tron lighting, Satin Black sump guard fitted alongside the X Lander front grille. And have you spotted the mesh hood vents?

On the opposite side the rear is governed by the very special edition of the Chelsea Truck Company’s spare wheel cover. Both the front and rear include Satin Black wide wings with body colored arches, integrated vents and exposed bolt apertures. The twin cross-hair exhaust system and hard-wearing mud flaps serve to improve the aesthetics of the Defender.

Continuing with the sides of the vehicle, we see a set of 20-inch Mondial wheels in Volcanic Black fitted with 275/55/20 tires. Behind the wheels there are burnt Orange Metallic brake calipers.

Interior

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC interior

Luxurious Hield fabric is what covers the cabin of the vehicle. The material covers the front GTB and rear folding seats, making the Defender one-off and a true collector’s item. In addition, the centre glove box has been hand trimmed as are the passenger dashboard, top handles, door panels, instrument binnacle and the front door cards. The rev counter has been specifically designed to make the model not only unique but also more appealing.

The other interior upgrades featured here include a Churchill time clock, billet and leather steering wheel, 4 speed auto gear box and vented machined aluminium foot pedals, upgraded satellite navigation system and a reverse camera.

Kahn Land Rover Defender London Motor Show Edition CTC is limited to one unit only, making it a collectible. It is currently on sale for £79,995.

Source: Kahn Design

August 8, 2016

Eibach competes WRC with the release of 350 HP Ford Focus RS

Eibach Ford Focus RS impresses with cool tuning pack and a lot of horsepower

Eibach has achieved something that even the WRC team hasn’t. We are talking about their latest project, involving the Focus RS. Its 2.3 litre Eco-Boost four-cylinder engine is now capable of 350 HP (257 kW), as the number plate on the vehicle highlights. In other words, this hot compact car has even more horses than the equivalent WRC rally car.

After the team at Eibach ensured that the horsepower is enough, it then focused on the cornering capability of this Ford, thus enhancing further its performance. Precisely, the tuners fitted Pro-Kit Performance Springs, bringing the Focus RS 20 millimetres closer to the ground. Next to the improved optics, the springs also reduce diving when braking as well as the rolling tendency of the body when cornering is happening.

The next step is the installation of the in-house made aluminum Pro-Spacer Wheel Spacers, ensuring there is more stable tracking as well as a masterful appearance. Eibach Anti-Roll-Kit rounds out the suspension package, while the Performance Stabilizer Bars reduce rolling and pitching during cornering.

Eibach Ford Focus RS rear view

HJS specialists are also involved in this exclusive project as they offered tuning catalytic converter. It is the perfect addition to any type of sport exhaust system, providing 35 % reduction in exhaust backpressure. OZ and Michelin are also included in the project, offering Pilot Super Sport and the Cup version in the size 235/35 ZR19 on the wheel design 19-inch Leggera HLTs.

At last, but not least of importance, this road vehicle with 350 HP has received rally livery and as you can see the design is very cool! It is actually the official M-Sport design. Those of you, who already got impressed and are intending to visit the Essen Motor Show (26 November – 4 December) this year, can go see there the car live.

Source: Eibach

August 8, 2016

Which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads? Ford answers in exclusive video series [part two]

Europe's Greatest Driving Roads by ford Ford and BP/Castrol have answered which are top 6 of Europe’s greatest driving roads via special video series. We have followed them until number 4 (check out in the link below), and now it is time to reveal the last two tracks that the car journalist Steve Sutcliffe has picked for you. Traveling across Europe can be very exciting, especially when you are on four wheels and well prepared. Since the summer has already started, this is one good way to spend it traveling around Europe, and we promise that it not only would be worth it, but it will leave you with unforgettable memories.

“Europe’s Greatest Driving Roads”, is a video project, which explores six of the most exclusive pathways that could be found on the Old Continent. If you wonder how the routes were chosen, the answer is – with a ranking by the thrill factor they offer, the road surface, the accessibility and hospitality, the scenery as well as the food and drink after the drive. The lucky one to pick up those six tracks is the well-known car journalist Steve Sutcliffe, who has actually covered nearly 10,000 miles in 12 months to identify the most breath-taking drives! A dream job, isn’t it?

In short, the list features five countries: Romania, France, Germany, Spain (with two routes) and the United Kingdom. And the performance cars included in the videos are delivered by Ford, including the Mustang GT, Focus RS and Fiesta ST. What we have seen so far are the first route in Spain, the one in Romania as well as those in the UK and France. Here are the last two you need to know about.

GERMANY, B500, Black Forest Highway

httpv://youtu.be/BFDiQJ0Bmts

The B500 is 40 km long and it is positioned in the middle of the enchanting Black Forest. Sutcliffe says that these are some of the most challenging kilometers he has ever driven. However, he also proudly confirms that they are worth the effort. In this video, he drives the Ford Focus ST TDCI Estate. You will fall in love with every corner of this great driving road!

MALLORCA, MA10, Mountain Road

httpv://youtu.be/0P2k9lRsWOw

Here, Steve says that it’s not just the road but the history, which makes Mallorca’s MA10 extremely intriguing. The road is fun to ride on, especially if you are in Focus ST like Sutcliffe. It features tunnels, passes across lakes and over rocky bridges. But in the middle of the MA10 sits a 13^th century Sanctuary de Lluc monastery, which defines this amazing piece of road.

These roads are for people who love cars and love driving, but also want to make an amazing road trip. So, what are you waiting for?

Source: Ford via YouTube

July 29, 2016

Lamborghini showcases a special model, created for a special event. Check it out!

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition Automobili Lamborgini reveals the Aventador Miura Homage, a special model that pays tribute to the Miura, the model that is forerunner of all the V12 Lambo vehicles for its 50th anniversary. Limited to only 50 vehicles, the lineup has a lot to demonstrate.

Created in Lamborghini’s Ad Personam studio, Aventado Miura Homage shows numerous features that were present on the original Miura model. For example, the exterior color that covers the lower body and sill in a contrasting tone. In fact, the original Miura was offered with many color schemes and trim levels. Of course, still available are the well-known Rosso Arancio Miura (solid color); Verde Scandal (solid); and Blu Tahiti (metallic).

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

The vehicle demonstrates neat 20/21-inch Dione rims with matt silver or gold, while the metallic Miura badge on the side and black Lamborghini logo, along with the limited edition plate shape the confident attitude of the Aventador Miura Homage.

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

And just like the exterior, the interior can be specified with two color schemes: Nero Ade or Terra Emilia leather with tone-on-tone stitching. There are numerous carbon fiber components, along with neat Miura 50th logo and of course, Lamborghini badgings.

In terms of performance, the V12 6.5-liter power unit is capable of producing a total of 700hp (447kW) of power and 690Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. Needless to say that Lamborghini vehicles offer great amount of power and neat performance rates, this sweetie is no exception: the 0-100km/h run finishes in mere 2.9 seconds and chases a top speed of 350km/h.

2016 Lamborghini Aventador Miura Homage Limited Edition

Aventador Miura Homage will be demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and of course, this vehicle will be the main one for Automobili lamborghini’s celebration of Miura’s 50th anniversary.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini

July 29, 2016

Friends of MX-5 race event is about to start. Here’s what you must know!

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

This year’s September will witness how five grassroots racers will line up on the grid at the well-known Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with full race-enhanced Mazda MX-5 Cup vehicles. The occasion? A special Global Mazda MX-5 Cup race. Cool.

As many of you know, this weekend witnessed an intense knock-out competition at the ParcMotor Circuit, Barcelona where 20 racers were reduced to ten and then further knocked out to just five. These drivers are indeed Moritz Kranz (Germany), Kamil Franczak (Poland), Erik Blixt (Sweden), Oliver Allwood (UK) and Gabriele Gardel (Switzerland).

Recruited from Europe via Mazda’s Friends of MX-5 engagement program and came together at weekend’s training camp to face-off through one hell of a knock-out race. Of course, there were numerous judges and professionals who voted for competitors and rated their race capabilities, reactions, driving dynamics and more. And as it appears, there were a total of five determined men who made it through the examinations.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

As you might know, launched in April this year, Friends of MX-5 program tries to engage MX-5 owners all around the globe and since the beginning of the project, there were thousands of Mazda fans and enthusiasts that have exchanged tons of experience and wonderful emotions.

Furthermore, competitors at the assessment weekend will have the chance to try out the fresh 2016 Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Car: this is a heavily revised vehicle with more than 200 sporty components added in order not only to meet professionals’ requirements, but also to dominate the track entirely.

Some of the notable tweaks include adjustable Dynamic Coilover suspension, GEMS engine management, race-tuned factory Brembo brakes, FIA approved roll cage, BFGoodrich tires and more.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Race

All these five new Friends of MX-5 racers will line up in a packed field at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca against previous MX-5 Cup winners and all together will run for a chase of victory. Trying to break through to the front lines in a skill-demanding track, racers will surely make incredible event and we are most excited to know what would happen!

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Mazda

July 28, 2016

Here is why 1935 Datsun Type 14 is of remarkable historical importance

1935 Datsun Type 14 front view

1935 Datsun Type 14 might actually look like other cars from the 30s but it isn’t. It is way more than that! The Type 14 is an unusual machine, with potent 15 PS for its time and a remarkable history. If it wasn’t born back then, then we wouldn’t have Nissan nowadays.

We must admit that Datsun is kind of strange name, but its origin has an interesting history. The company Kwaishinsha created the DAT (where “DAT-sun” came from) was founded in 1911 by Mr. Hashimoto. He had a dream to make cars that were suited for the Japanese market and to export them. 1914 marked the birth of his first small 2-cylinder 10-horsepower car. For it, he borrowed the initial letters of the surnames of his three investors: K. Den, R. Aoyama, and M. Takeuchi, and respectively the name “DAT” appeared on the automotive scene.

Almost two decades later Kwaishinsha combined forces with Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., thus forming the Dat Jidosha Seizo Co. Its main purpose during those years was to produce military vehicles. However, in 1931 the brand “opened a new door”, developing a new passenger car with 500cc engine capacity and 10 horsepower. It embodied the DAT spirit, but was more compact than the original. Hence it required new name: DATSON, or the “Son of DAT”. However, Japanese people are very superstitious and because in their language “son” means “loss”, they decided to changed it to “SUN”…for brighter way to put things out. The car went eventually on sale a year later.

1935 Datsun Type 14

In 1934 is the ecstatic moment in history when the Jidosha-Seizo Co. became Nissan Motor Co., simultaneously starting a full-scale production. The first car of the new company that came off the line was the Datsun Type 14. It was powered by a brand new 15 HP with 722cc capacity. In addition, it had something that previous generations didn’t: the rabbit mascot created by the designer Ryuichi Tomiya.

Type 14 never made it outside the Japanese market, but there was the option of shipping it to the owner, if he could afford it. This is the case of the here presented example of the 1935 Type 14, which was transported to Britain by the car manufacturing magnate Sir Herbert Austin, the creator and owner of Austin Motor Company. He wanted to inspect every detail for possible patent violation because the car looked similar to the Austin 7 Ruby. No action was ever taken by him, but what was left was a never registered car put into storage.

The good new is that this historically significant vehicle is now part of UK’s National Motor Museum collection. So, if you are in the vicinity, go witness history!

Source: Datsun via Nissan

July 28, 2016

Ford Performance team showcases F-150 Raptor’s flexibility [w/video]

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Stories about our favorite F-150 Raptor continue! Today we continue with vehicle’s special systems that allow it to tackle down any challenge in any road condition and situation. F-150 Raptor features a total of five terrain modes to fit in every kind of demanding road (or off-road track). So, here’s what you can do with tweaking a bit the buttons in the cabin:

Normal mode

As name suggests, this one is the preferred one for everyday on-road duties and is ideal for a comfortable and convenient drive.

Sport mode

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor This one shows vehicle’s adrenaline-rush capabilities. You can select this mode for some enhanced on-road driving: what this mode does is to increase the throttle response and to provide some sporty-oriented steering feel. Of course, quicker speed shifting is also present with the Sport mode.

Weather mode

This one is divided in two sub-modes.

Snow/Wet
If there is some snowy or wet weather issue, this one will make the most out of the situation. Without compromising performance rates or convenience, this one can tackle down numerous snowy or wet tracks, thanks to the engaging of the 4 Auto system. Also, an additional special system makes all the needed calculations and engages just enough amount of throttle, wheel torque and power to deal with any road challenge.

Mud/Sand
In order to deal with muddy or sand-slippery roads, this setting will do the job. The electronic locking differential adopts to the loose and soft ground, while the AdvanceTrac setting aids Raptor to keep its foots on the ground. The mode automatically sets the steering to comfort in order to make it easier to navigate along tight trails and over obstacles.

Baja

Baja is a special mode. It is especially created and exclusively fine-tuned to deliver some high-speed desert runs. Baja mode engages F-150’s 4 High setting and programs the AdvanceTrac to the least intrusive setting. At the same time the throttle map is set for more linear power and tweaks the engine response in a sort of hardcore off-road behavior. Gearbox delivers quick shifts and holds gears longer: this helps the vehicle to stay in its power band.

Rock Crawl

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Last, but not least, this one is especially created for intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speed. When engaged, this mode sets vehicle’s settings to 4 Low and at the same time the electronic locking differential is engaged, while the AdvanceTrac is set to least intrucive mode for optimum rock-climbing capability. Also, the front camera allows driver to see what’s ahead of the truck and can be kept on at speeds up to 15mph.

Definitely a capable machine, Raptor continues Ford Performance’s tradition to deliver customers highest performance rates and adequate response to road’s demands.

https://youtu.be/EAsR42Oa84s

Source: Ford Performance

Video Source: Youtube

Channel Source: Ford Performance

July 28, 2016

BORLA Gears Camaro SS with exclusive exhaust system. It is worth reviewing! [w/video]

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS with BORLA Exhaust System BORLA Performance Industries team proudly announces the launch of a fresh exhaust system, exclusively designed and engineered for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, geared with 6.2-liter LT1 V8 power unit.

BORLA R&D department is, in fact, in the process of developing numerous Camaro systems and the last creation was just revealed. Just like brand’s other products, the exhaust system comes with 2.75-inch diameter and is fine-tuned to fit perfectly the LT1 engine.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS with BORLA Exhaust System

The product highlights include this very same 2.75-inch diameter exhaust, made of stainless steel, high-quality engineering with special warranty, patented ATAK and S-Type muffler technology, different mid-pipe and resonator options, long-tube header and large 3-inch header-back exhaust system.

Furthermore, the ATAK and S-Type rear-section mufflers can be further specified with or without Dual Mode-type valve technology. Also, Camaro SS owners can add BORLA performance mid-pipe to the rear-section mufflers in order to improve airflow and aid the overall performance rates without increasing noise levels.

2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS with BORLA Exhaust System

In fact, whatever the combinations are, BORLA team created and engineered precisely all of the parts and systems to work in full harmony with Camaro SS models. And the best part is that the team manages to boost the performance without any annoying drone, which is associated with aftermarket exhaust additions. Sweet.

https://youtu.be/1o0HzNx8JqM

Source: BORLA Performance Industries

Video Source: YouTube

Video Channel Source: BORLA Performance Industries

July 27, 2016

KW Automotive modernizes the iconic Honda S2000

KW Honda S2000 side view

It is the Honda S2000, which is responsible fro bringing such excitement in enthusiasts as no other car in the industry. Well, many might argue about that, but the Japanese roadster is one of the icons out there which thrills the spirits as it has just came off the production line. Because of its key assets, it is still valued as one of the best cars out there. Not to mention its continuous use for races, drags and etc.

This Honda was built from 1999 to 2009 and it was mainly famous (and still is) for its stiff chassis and short shift paths. What is more, it had the ability to rev up to 9000 RPM from its 241 hp or 247 hp strong VTEC two-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

But what would happen if we dare to customize the innate capabilities of the S2000. If done correctly, it could further strengthen the core qualities of the car, right? Let’s see what the team of Christian Scmidt has done to improve its driving dynamics.

KW Honda S2000 rear view

He and his mates at KW Automotive and ST Coilovers, decided to add various types of coil-over, which perfectly fit the all S2000’s, including the local versions Type S, GT, Club Racer and the facelift. There are actually two coilover kits available: the ST X and ST XTA. Both lower the ride height of the car by 55 mm, but the latter comes with adjustable top mounts and high-performance dampers.

Making the ride of the Honda S2000 sportier or more comfortable, the ST suspensions coilover kits take every curve more direct and holds firmly to the road. This also means that bumps and typical transverse joints for bridges are damped easily by the kit.

KW is also offering the option of adding ST wheel spacers for more performance-infused attitude. The ST DZX wheel spacers come with multi hole circle bores, and they enable to widen the track per wheel in 2.5 mm-steps from 5 to 25 mm. On the other hand, the ST AZX wheel spacers, offer a wider track of 25 to 35 mm, which can be reached in 5 mm steps.

Well, whoever’s driving the car on the images seems pretty satisfied by the applied changes, doesn’t he?