Automobiles Review – Page 293 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Darth Vader’s Viper ACR and Stormtrooper’s Challenger and Charger Take Over L.A. [VIDEO]

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the movie we have all been waiting for a very long time! The future blockbuster is premiering on December 18th and everybody is going crazy about that. Including Dodge. Since it has released the promo video called “the Force Gathers”, it was about time for some additional news for those cool vehicles featured in the advertisement.

It is definitely the best time (the weekend before “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens in theaters worldwide) for Dodge to take to the streets of greater Los Angeles the team of the Star Wars themed Dodge vehicles. Fans will have the opportunity to take photos and videos with them, so make sure that you won’t miss them and we will be also happy to receive your pictures at our social media accounts.

In details, a pair of First Order Stormtrooper-themed white 707-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will travel around the greater L.A. area this weekend. Of course, they will be accompanied by the intimidating Kylo Ren-inspired wrapped black Dodge Viper ACR.

In addition, the company is also offering fans the chance to locate the vehicles via real time on Twitter. The only thing you must do is use the hashtags #Dodge and #TheForceAwakens, and see the brand’s daily fan favorites on the Dodge Facebook and Instagram pages.

As a fast reminder, the beautiful black Dodge Viper ACR is powered by 8.4-liter V10 engine, which produces 645 horsepower (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. It transmits all this power onto the road via the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

The car also shows-off with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, 19-inch alloys and exclusive Kumho Ecsta V720 high-performance tires. If Darth Vader drives this car, we don’t doubt that he will chose to add the Extreme Aero package, making sure that he will have the highest aerodynamic downforce of any production car! And just in case you ask about it, well the Extreme Aero package can offer up to three times the downforce of the Viper TA or Time Attack 2.0 package.

httpv://youtu.be/7ESP8bPldl0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Dodge

December 12, 2015

Ford Reveals Details for its Furure Plans

2016 Ford Focus Electric Fast Charge Program Ford decided to invest additional $4.5 billion in electric vehicles and the big plan is by 2020 there should be plenty of electric cars and numerous “green” changes that will make people’s lives better and cleaner.

The brand will add 13 new electric vehicles to its portfolio by 2020. This is also the year that will also mark Ford’s 40% domination over the electric car market. And finally, this investment is brand’s largest-ever electric vehicle investment in a five-year period.

And now, one of the most anticipated Ford vehicles is on its way to us: Focus Electric. The vehicle will be available for purchase next year and features a special DC fast-charge battery that can deliver almost 80 per cent charge for only 30 minutes and projects 180 km (100 miles) range.

The new Focus Electric will also feature SmartGauge with EcoGuide LCD Instrument Cluster for customizable display for delivering real-time information about vehicle’s condition, Brake Coach for training the driver on how to use smooth braking in order to maximize the energy captured through the Regenerative Braking System. Also, Focus Electric will provide agile steering and handling.

Also interesting fact is that Ford team will focus also on the customer experience and not only the vehicle itself. This new approach is expected to bring even better research results and eventually even better vehicles.

But at the end, we will see for ourselves how good did Ford managed to deal with the task. So, what are your expectations for the new Focus Electric?

Source: Ford

December 12, 2015

Volkswagen Teases a Mysterious Electric Vehicle Ahead of CES Debut

Volkswagen CES EV Debut Volkswagen has just released a mysterious teaser image of what seems to be a big in size vehicle, which will be introduced at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The event will take place from 6^th till 9^th of January in Las Vegas. The new concept will be entirely new and unseen so far and will illustrate the major changes that Volkswagen is going to set through the next few years.

The details revealed are scarce, but what the company said is that the world premiere will mark the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electro-mobility. Should Tesla fear? We doubt so. Anyway, at the event the new vehicle will show the advantages to the customer that VW will be able to deliver in the near future. They will be due to the “increasing interconnectedness of the motor car”, whatever that comes to signify.

The visitors of the show in Las Vegas will be also able to see new operating concepts, which will be also making a debut there. As an example, Volkswagen will give quite a clear glimpse of the latest developments in in-car infotainment system, which is going to be launched onto the market very soon. Golf R Touch concept will also be finding its way into Volkswagen’s broad product portfolio.

What does the teaser image say? There isn’t a second opinion that the car will light its way via LED headlights. What we also see is a LED grille and logo up front. Since there are LED DRLs as well, we can also suspect that the rear will too receive a LED treatment.

Other details about the show reveal that Dr. Herbert Diess, the Chairman of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will be a speaker on the evening before the show opens its doors. He will discus the latest developments in electro-mobility and the next generation of connectivity, we spoke about.

Stay tuned and eco-minded!

Source: Volkswagen

December 12, 2015

Porsche Revives the Legendary 718 via Exclusive Video

Porsche 718s Teaser If you have been excited about Porsche’s last announcement, than we are happy to announce that the company has released an exclusive video as well as a picture which show the link between the historical 718 and the new 718 Boxster and Cayman. So basically, the legendary Porsche 718 is back! And you can see it in its entire glory in the video below.

As a mid-engine Sports Cars the 718 has a long tradition at Porsche, setting standards on the racetrack. And are we to expect that the new two models will do the same? Hopefully they will.

The Legend is About to Return

Back in the days, the legendary Porsche 718 was lightweight, fast and beautiful. It was one of the most favorite cars then, winning numerous races and winning the hearts of enthusiasts and the drivers. It has many advantages, but some of them that stood the most were the excellent power-to-weight ratio, it had a top speed of up to 260 km/h (162 mph) and had great maneuverability.

Curious About the New 718 Models?

With the introduction of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, Porsche is envisioning a bright dynamic future of our mid-engine Sports Cars. Since it is tradition for the 718 number to set standards on the race track, this means that all expectations are set high on the two new cars. In other words, the company is promising to follow the footsteps of the historical race machine in 2016.

The new 718 model range will be powered by the new flat-four turbo engines developed by Porsche. They are powerful and will definitely show exceptional performance. The most important difference between the two cars is shown in their names: “Boxster” and “Cayman”, signifying that one is open and the other closed.

Don’t miss the video!

httpv://youtu.be/UMFD8jdJXmc

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Porsche

December 12, 2015

2016 F-150 Will Be Offered With Even Cleaner Engines

The first 2016 Ford F-150 that can run on clean-burning compressed natural gas has rolled off the assembly line. This makes Ford the only vehicle manufacturer that offers CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup. Definitely America’s truck leader know how it’s done.

2016 Ford F-150 will come with its stock 5-liter Ti-VCT V8 unit which is also available with a factory-installed gaseous fuel prep pack. It includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and piston rings. All these tweaks are made in order the vehicle can operate on natural gas, propane or gasoline through separate fuel systems. Geared with this systems the bi-fuel is capable to go through 750 miles (1,350 kilometers) on combined tanks of gasoline and CNG. But this titanic power and extended range doesn’t mean dirtier ride. Just the opposite. The system offers 22 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg combined.

2016 Ford F-150

In fact, Green Car Journal named the 2016 F-150 the 2016 Green Truck of the Year. Cool, right? Furthermore, Ford offers extended portfolio of CNG/propane-capable vehicles. With the creation of the 2016 F-150, Ford Motor Company will offer a total of 8 vehicles that are available with such a system. These are indeed:

F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup with 6.2-liter V8
F-350 to F-550 Super Duty chassis cab with 6.2-liter V8 or 6.8-liter V10
F-650 and F-750 chassis cab with 6.8-liter V10
F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis with 6.8-liter V10
Transit Connect van and wagon with 2.5-liter I-4
Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6
E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis with 6.8-liter V10

But at the end, what are the positive sides of such an upgrade? First of all the compressed natural gas is comprised of methane. Stored and distributed in hard containers at high pressure levels. And also, approximately 85 per cent of the CNG is produces domestically. And let’s not forget the cleaner emissions: vehicles driving on CNG can reduce the CO2 emissions by 20%, compared to the same vehicle running on gasoline.

2016 Ford F-150

Source: Ford

December 11, 2015

2015 Toyota RAV4 Marches Towards UK

2015 Toyota RAV4 RAV4 arrives in UK with full force. The vehicle will be available with diesel and petrol-powered engines and brand’s lovers will also have the chance to try out the first hybrid RAV4 from mid-January next year.

The latest RAV family member confidently offers its capabilities on the market that are indeed pretty interesting: the SUV offers 2.0-liter D-4D diesel and 2.0-liter petrol unit and both offer wonderful performance and low CO2 emissions. And let’s not forget the improved fuel efficiency.

The four-cylinder diesel unit is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and offers 141hp (103kW) and 320Nm of torque. And with the enhanced front-wheel drive the RAV4 can go anywhere with relatively low emissions: 123g/km.

2015 Toyota RAV4

The other choice involves the 2.0-liter 149hp (109kW) Valvematic petrol engine, mated to a CVT automatic transmission and AWD system. This option offers 152g/km and 43.5 mpg for combined cycle CO2 emissions and fuel economy.

The latest RAV member offers comprehensive exterior details with clean and elegant lines, along with new headlamps and 17- or 18-inch wheels.

The inside of the vehicle welcomes with its numerous additions and improvements. For example, Toyota has improved the sensory quality, the ambient lighting design and added more storage points. The interior also benefits from the new 4.2-inch color multi-information display that alogn with the 7-inch touch screen.

2015 Toyota RAV4

Source: Toyota

December 11, 2015

Pogea Auto Unveils the Ultimate 4C Vehicle

2015 Pogea Racing 4C Centurion 1 Plus The 1.75-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine and the total power output of 237hp (174kW) and with its lightweight components, Alfa Romeo 4C is one of the most appealing and most interesting sports vehicles on the market today. And this, of course, hasn’t stopped numerous aftermarket tuners to add even more exclusivity to the sweetie. One such brand is Pogea Racing.

The tuner unveiled the impressive remake of the 4C back in late June, but now showcases a special and limited lineup of only 10 vehicles. The 4C Centruion 1 Plus is here and it has a lot to demonstrate. So, let’s check it out.

2015 Pogea Racing 4C Centurion 1 Plus

Pogea Racing tuners boosted the engine to provide a total of 314hp (230kW) and 336 lb-ft of torque. This monster is paired to a dual-clutch transmission that changes gears twice as fast than normal. Or at least Pogea Racing says so. Impressive stats, provided the small size of the engine, right? And even though this stunning power has not been put to the test, engineers from Pogea Racing claim that the vehicle is capable of going from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 340km/h (189mph). Impressive, right? Hopefully these are real stats and not tuner’s dreams..

Along with the engine stats, 4C Centurion 1 Plus comes with lowered springs and lightweight forged XCUT wheels, 18-inch at the front and 19 at the back and they are wrapped in 225/40 and 265/30 Michelin tires. Also, the vehicle has undergone comprehensive lightweight reduction program to deliver a 35kg lighter body.

2015 Pogea Racing 4C Centurion 1 Plus

Beautiful, powerful and stylish. Definitely an upgrade that deserves our attention.

Source: Pogea Racing

December 11, 2015

This Defender in Tamar Blue is the Best Ride for the Weekend

Kahn Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT in Tamar Blue Front View Land Rover Defender 2.2 TDCI 90 Hard Top has received numerous enhancements by the talented tuners at Kahn Design and Chelsea Wide Track. It is painted in Tamar Blue and has one-off styling enhancements that are the perfect way to start the weekend and continue to the beginning of the new week. As an off-road and terrain-conquering machine the Defender has always been Kahn’s favorite to work with. So let’s see what have the experts done this time.

Exterior

As a basis the team decided to use Tamar Blue Defender 2.2 TDCI XS 110 Wide Track. From there it proceeded with exclusive package. Basically, the visual upgrades comprise of such part that we have seen so far in many tuning by the company. But we should definitely mention some. Starting with the Volcanic Black Satin roof, it perfectly blends with the Tamar Blue exterior color. We can not say that we don’t like the new daytime running lights and the shadow chrome headlights on both sides of the X-Lander grille.

The front bumper has been replaced too and there is a new sump guard below it. At the front as well as at the rear we spot bigger and wider wings, which also have exposed vents and bolt apertures. The bonnet received Kahn lettering and vents, while the rear stands proud with large Chelsea Truck Company spare wheel cover.

We all know that the Land Rover Defender have a capable and dynamic character. This is the perfect basis for the addition of bigger and better looking wheels, isn’t it? So, the logical consequence was the addition of a set of 18-inch satin finish 1948 Defend wheels fitted with 235/85/16 tires. Behind those new alloys we see liquid red painted brake callipers and mud flaps.

Interior

Kahn Land Rover Defender Hard Top CWT in Tamar Blue Interior

As one enters the cabin, he or she will immediately feel the superb support of the GTB sport seats, which were added at the front. By the way they match the centre glove box as well as the new Churchill Time Clock Fascia insert in red, Billet and Leather steering wheel and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium. In other words the cabin is made so luxurious that even the most capricious one to enjoy.

Source: Kahn Design

December 11, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT on Sale This Spring

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Viiew From Above 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid LT is the latest addition in the line-up of cars in the General Motors family, which can stand proud with 48 mpg fuel consumption in the city. To make this model achieving these results, the Chevrolet engineer decided to give the Malibu a technology that has been already fitted in the second-generation Chevrolet Volt.

Therefore we have nothing else but a new hybrid powertrain. It uses slightly modified drive unit and electric motors found in the 2016 Volt. The new Ecotec 1.8L hybrid optimized direct-injected engine is mated with a two-motor electric drive unit.

The powertrain helps the car achieve fuel efficiency on the highway of 45 mpg, and a combined one of 47 mpg. However, these are only preliminary results and the official EPA estimates are still pending.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Detail

There are a lot of standard features in the Malibu Hybrid model. For instance, a cool one is the MyLink Radio with 7-inch diagonal color touch screen which however comes with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a rear vision camera. Other standard equipment includes 10 airbags, cruise control and push-button start with passive entry.

In terms of safety, the 2016 Malibu Hybrid offers several absolutely new to the model technologies. These include Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and Low Speed Front Automatic Braking.

The popular Teen Driver features isn’t standard but helps support safe driving habits by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their seat belts. In addition, this feature is also the first one to let parents view information on how their teenagers drove the vehicle.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will be available the spring of 2016 and will be offered with a starting price of $28,645 USD.

Source: Chevrolet

December 11, 2015

Meet the Last McLaren P1™ with Production Number 375

The First and Last Edition of McLaren P1 Say goodbye to McLaren P1, because its 375th and final example was just produced… And that’s it for the P1. This brings the curtain down for the most technologically advanced and dynamically accomplished supercar ever created! If you remember, the launch of P1 was lined with an important aim: to be the best drivers’ car on road and track. And it has proven to be one indeed.

The production start was in 2013 and all cars were sold prior to the first one being delivered. And by the way, the first P1 was finished in Ice Silver paintwork and featured a lot of carbon. And each of these 375 examples was custom-built to the exacting specifications of its owner. This of course, didn’t happen without the help of the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO), which have ensured that no two cars are the same.

The Last P1

The absolutely last example of the McLaren P1™ is finished in stunning pearlescent orange. The color was achieved via unique tinting process and its echoes the shade of the 64th and final McLaren F1 roadcar, with chassis number #075. And in fact, this color also inspired the Volcano Orange paint scheme, which is available today across the McLaren Automotive range.

In addition, the 375th McLaren P1 features carbon fibre splitter, diffuser and the aerodynamic blades along the lower body. It also rides on super-lightweight wheels that come in silver finish. MSO “touched” the interior and included gloss black detailing for the switchgear, instrument bezels and air conditioning vents. Carbon fibre is also used for the racing seats, which were upholstered in black and orange Alcantara contrasted with appropriate also carried on the steering wheel.

McLaren P1 is the Ultimate Supercar

The First and Last Edition of McLaren P1 Rear View

McLaren P1 was the first model in the exclusive Ultimate Series, powered by a combination of a petrol engine and lightweight electric motor. The supercar also features wide range of new technologies as well as weight-saving technologies and materials such as the including the extensive application of carbon fibre. Therefore the McLaren P1™ has a dry weight of just 1,450kg.

As mentioned, the powertrain comprises of a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine mated with a lightweight, highly powerful electric motor which. They produce together 903 hp (664 kW) at 7,300rpm and 900Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. McLaren P1 is also very fast and it proves this via its acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h that is happening in 2.8 seconds. The 200km/h is reached in 6.8 seconds and 300km/h achieved in just 16.5 seconds. The Vmax is 350km/h (217 mph). The powertrain also shows very good efficiency, returning 34.0mpg (8.3l/100km) on the EU combined cycle with CO2 emissions of only 194g/km.

Check out the car’s amazing two-year history in numbers below.

McLAREN P1™ in Numbers:

Number built:	13 x eXperimental Prototype
	5 x Validation Prototype
	3 x Pre-Production
	375 x production cars
Build time	800 hours
Number of people involved in the build	105
Paint	5-8 litres of base coat colour (dependent on colour). 8-9 litres of lacquer
Paint process duration	up to 5 days depending on specification
Most popular colour	Volcano Yellow
Development mileage	620,000kms – 15.5 times around the world
Global split	The Americas – 34 percent
	Europe – 26 percent
	Middle East & Africa – 13 percent
	Asia Pacific – 27 percent

Source: McLaren

December 11, 2015

Toyota Demonstrates the New Design Pack for Yaris Lineup

2016 New Design Toyota Yaris Design grade for refreshed Yaris? Yep, this looks like a promising start for the 2016 season for Toyota. The refreshment pack includes numerous changes and upgrades for adding value, style and performance upgrades for the newest Yaris family member.

Customers for the new Design models can also choose along additional distinctive color schemes as the new black “wrap-around” roof treatment. But let’s see what the upgraded specifications look like. It is good to know that the hybrid power, CO2 emissions and the overall performance is significantly boosted. So, let’s see the additions.

New Design Grade

The five-door Design grade replaces Sport in the Yaris lineup and offers a choice between the 1.33-liter VVT-i petrol, 1.4-liter D-4D diesel and a hybrid unit. Additional specifications include Cruise Control System, Toyota Touch 2, DAB tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, Rear Parking Camera, Dual-Zone Climate Control exclusively for the hybrid model, 16-inch black and machined-face alloys, LED daytime running lights and rear lights, Projector headlights, Glossy black honeycomb-mesh grille, rear spoiler and chrome fog lamp surrounds.

Furthermore, Yaris Design model lineup can be further enhanced for even better visuals, thanks to the new b-color option that provides Eclipse Black Metallic finish for the roof, front pillars, door mirrors and upper grille. All this mixed with contrasting Vermillion Red or Glacier Pearl White bodywork.

Optional equipment

The new Yaris can be further upgraded with two optional factory-fitted packs.

The first one is Convenience Pack that is available for petrol and diesel Design versions and offers dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, auto-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control and push-button start.

2016 New Design Toyota Yaris

The second one, Excel Hybrid can be specified with Premium Pack that adds Skyview panoramic roof, rear spoiler, keyless entry, auto-folding door mirrors and Toyota Touch 2 with Go navigation. On the other side, the Protection Pack offers front and rear parking sensors, leather interior with different contrasting stitching.

Improvements and enhancing the pleasure of driving. It is good to hear that brand like Toyota keeps up the good deals.

Source: Toyota

December 10, 2015

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition and the End of the Prestigious Auction Event

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. announced that after a 10-day long auction of the first Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition 0001, won the auction with a bid of $46, 200. The event concluded live at the 29th annual MS Dinner in San Diego on November 21 where Mitsubishi Motors was the main sponsor.

The legendary sport vehicle is a true manifestation of Mitsubishi’s advanced technology and engineering achievements. The vehicle will include a special numbered plaque and 5-speed gearbox, paired to a turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0-liter unit. The engine produces a total of 303hp (22kW) which makes it one of the most powerful mass-production Lander models. Base for the current GSR model, the unique vehicle also includes lightweight two-piece Brembo brake rotors and special Blistein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. And let’s not forget the Super All-Wheel Control System.

Provided that Mitsubishi’s long-standing involvement with support of the National MS Society, it was the only fitting brand to donate the first Lancer Evolution off the production line for the US market. Furthermore, Brooklyn Mitsubishi is currently the top ranking Mitsubishi dealer in New York and has even plans to display the Final Edition in the dealership showroom.

This is how history is made. One of the most powerful and most beautiful vehicles finally revealed its full potential not only as a sporty vehicle, but also as a piece of history.