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  • Peugeot Reveals 308 Racing Cup Edition Based on 308 GTi

    Peugeot 308 Racing Cup and Peugeot 308 GTiPeugeot 308 Racing Cup is the most outrageous and radical model in Peugeot’s line-up. Based on the 308i GTi by PEUGEOT SPORT, this racer is entirely ready to take a leading position on the racetrack. And here is why.

    One-off Design

    The racing car was designed by the team at Style Peugeot, who has obviously done its best since the generous proportions and aerodynamic forms we see. What we immediately see here is that the wheel arches of the racing car were widened so that they can house the huge 18-inch wheels.

    As a matter of fact, the larger overall width has been extended to 1,910mm. This is an addition of 106mm to the 308 GTi.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi Unleashed! To Debut at Goodwood [Detailed Review]

    What is more, the designers have added a very cool spoiler at the rear, and they have taken inspiration directly from the WTCC regulations. Both front and rear bumpers and front splitter are also unique to the 308 Racing Cup.

    Powerful Engine

    Peugeot 308 Racing Cup Front View

    The 308 Race Cup is powered by the same 1.6-litre THP engine that drives the bonnet of the 308 GTi. However, there is only one little difference here. The Racing Cup car produces 38HP more than the GTI. In other words, the racer generates a total of 308HP (226 kW).

    We have to mention that this is only the first stage of development of the engine. Brand’s engine specialists have already surpassed the 308-horsepower thresh-old, offering even more potent and radical performance.

    Race Bred

    Peugeot 308 Racing Cup Rear View

    There are a lot of similarities between the 308 Racing Cup and the 308i GTi. And although the racer has borrowed a lot of elements of the suspension from its road-going counterpart (like pivots and rear beam), in other areas it features parts that are dedicated for a racetrack use.

    Precisely, company’s engineers have added specific parts like the six-piston brake-callipers. In addition, the six-speed sequential gearbox got steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. At last, the 308 Racing Cup weighs less than the car on which it is based. It will be restricted between 1,000kg and 1,050kg.

    Where to See Peugeot 308 Racing Cup and How About Buying it?

    The really good news is that from the end of 2016, 308 Racing Cup will be available to customers around the globe. But before that, anyone who wishes to see it will have the opportunity of doing that at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. A demonstration run is scheduled for the end of October at the Paul Ricard in France.

    Source: Peugeot 

  • Mazda2 Gets Ingenious Sport Black Special Edition

    Mazda2 Sport Black Special Edition Upper ViewMazda2 is getting a brand new Sport Black Special Edition with stylish and sophisticated enhancements. Although the supermini model is already fitted with high levels of standard specification, its sporty styling improvements give a sense of individuality. This particular model is based on the 90PS SE-L Nav trim level but it adds more to it.

    Enhanced Exterior Stylishness

    Sport Black Special Edition of this Mazda2 is the perfect example for company’s new KODO: Soul of Motion design. With its flowing lines and strong visual presence, this car is a real jewel among others in the segment.

    SEE ALSO: Eibach Refreshes the Mazda2

    If you consider buying exactly this edition of the model, then you should know that you can purchase it in Soul Red Metallic or in Snowflake White Pearlescent (as pictured in the gallery below). The Brilliant Black front and side skirts contrast with both exterior paint choices. Brilliant Black color was also the choice for the roof spoiler and chrome exhaust trim.

    Mazda2 Sport Black Special Edition Front View

    Further individualization of the car is allowed via two optional exterior graphic designs and contrasting door mirror covers. The so called KODO graphic follows the lines of the side profile and sweeps from the headlights to the taillights. On the other hand the Race graphic represents sporty stripes low down behind the front wheel. And the best thing is that you chose to add either or both of these decals.

    Generous Equipment

    Over the abundant standard equipment of the SE-L Nav trim, the Sport Black adds the following: 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.

    Drivetrain

    Mazda2 Sport Black Rear View

    Under the hood of the Mazda2 Sport Black is hidden the 1.5 SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, producing 90PS (66 kW) at 6,000rpm and 148Nm (109 lb-ft) at 4,000rpm. It is mated as a standard with five-speed manual. The fuel consumption of the unit is rated at only 62.8mpg on the combined cycle, while the CO2 emissions are 105g/km.

    And don’t worry! You still have a little bit time to think whether you want to buy this car, because it goes on sale on 1st of September.

    Source: Mazda 

  • 2016 Renault Talisman Estate: Are Two Talismans Enough?

    2016 Renault Talisman EstateRenault has unveiled the Talisman Estate which will stand along the saloon version, revealed on 6 July. The fresh estate vehicle will deliver the same nice technologies and gadgets like the its saloon brother, but will also have some extra load-carrying abilities.

    And while bringing all the benefits of the saloon version, the vehicle also comes with some additions and style upgrades:

    First of all, the Estate offers a total of 572dm3 (VDA) of load space and a maximum load length of 1,116mm. And with the rear seats folded this amount increases up to 2,010mm. Nice, huh?

    And especially designed to offer more space, the vehicle is also restyled in terms of interior space. The Renault Talisman Estate, just like its saloon brother, is a class leader in offering space for passengers. With this said, the vehicle now comes with additional 30mm headroom at the rear and more:

    • Front headroom: 902mm
    • Rear headroom: 886mm
    • Front elbow room: 1,512mm
    • Rear knee room: 262mm

    And with all these sweet measurements, the vehicle also offers some incredible characteristics in terms of comfort. There is up to 10 possible settings for seat adjustment, along with four-way electric lumbar settings. There is also a sweet massage function which can be fine tuned. But this is only a small part of the pack that the vehicle offers as comfort features.

    2016 Renault Talisman Estate

    The Talisman Estate is also available in special Initiale Paris trim which offers even more refinement and comfort, plus Amethyst exterior finish, full-grain Nappa leather upholstery and improved soundproofing. How cool is that?

    And now, for the first time, the Renault Talisman Estate comes with 4Control system to active damping. What is known for the 4Control chassis is that it adds some incredible flexibility and stability on the road. Furthermore, the vehicle is geared with the Multi-Sense technology which allows the driver to personalize his driving experience with four settings: ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Neutral’ and ‘Eco’. And there is one additional mode that is fully configurable and it is named ‘Perso’.

    Drivetrain System

    The Renault Talisman Estate offers the same range of engines and choices that the saloon version offers.

    First of all, there are two petrol engines: the Energy TCe150 and the Energy TCe 200, both coming with seven speed dual clutch EDC automatic gearbox.

    SEE ALSO: A Talisman in a Sea of Mediocrity or Mediocrity in a Sea of Talismans?

    And there are also and three diesel units: Energy dCi 110, paired to a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch EDC automatic transmission; Energy dCi 130, also available with the same gearbox options; twin turbo Energy dCi 260, offered exclusively with the six-speed dual clutch EDC transmission.

    The Renault Talisman Estate will be offered with four different equipment levels and there will also be a special range-topping Initiale Paris trim.

    The first appearance will be at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale during the first half of 2016.

    2016 Renault Talisman Estate

    Source: Renault

     

  • OXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car is Hell of a Truck! And Here is Why

    OXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car Front and Side ViewOXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car is one of the rarest examples of truly unique vehicle! With its strange looks, almost 60 years of history and unique tuning equipment, this truck immediately stands out. And we are sure no one can argue with that, right? Well, we must also admit that OXIGIN team has done a very good job by choosing it as its ambassador show car. Who doesn’t want to look up closely this one-off F100!

    Exterior Rust

    As a basis the tuning experts have chosen the F100. This is an American Ford Panel Truck from 1956 that has a lot of history to tell. This is visible through the body of this post-war truck, which features extremely rusty exterior. Of course, this effect was done on purpose with the single aim to catch the attention of everyone.

    SEE ALSO: ROUSH Performance Proudly Introduces ROUSH F-150 

    The next thing that grabs the eye is company’s logo which is finished in orange flames and was emblazoned on the sides of the truck, creating a contrasting glossy orange effect. The same technique was applied to the door mirrors for more harmonious appearance.

    Wheels & Rims

    OXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car Rear View

    When it comes to alloys OXIGIN brand is one to trust. Here, the F100 truck was fitted with OX18 concave-wheels finished in Black Full Polish. They come in 9×21-inch ET18 and 11.5×21-inch ET32 sizes front and rear respectively and are coupled with 245/35ZR21 and 325/25ZR21 Pirelli P Zero rubbers.

    But the unique posture of the truck was achieved via lowered suspension and 50 and 60 mm spacers. They literally push the wheels right to the edges of the big arches, giving the Ford F100 one-off presence.

    Louder Soundtrack for the Engine

    Under the hood there is a 4.2 litre V8 motor, which has been improved… a little bit. Edelbrock carburetor was added to enhance the sound of the engine. This carburetor breathes through a sports air filter and a custom exhaust, making everyone know that OXIGIN’s F100 is in the vicinity.

    What’s Inside?

    OXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car Inside the Cargo Area

    But the good things about this Ford do not end here! If you open its rear doors and take a look inside, then you will see something unexpected. Almost like a room, the cargo space was given a wooden panelled floor, a large flat screen monitor which displays company’s latest video clips and e examples of some colorful OXIGIN wheel designs fixed to the walls and floor. In other words the cargo space has become a media centre.

    OXIGIN Ford F100 Show Car is a rare example of how a show car can represents a one-off mix between past and present. Great job tuners!

    Source: OXIGIN Leichtmetallräder 

  • 2016 Jaguar F-Pace Will Come With Even More Dynamics and Flexibility

    The latest Jaguar F-PACE will be the first ever performance crossover from the well-known British manufacturer and will also include numerous technologies and design concepts to ensure it will defend brand’s prestige. And furthermore, the F-PACE vehicle will be offered with numerous dynamics technology and a sophisticated All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system with torque-on-demand.

    The F-PACE will be manufactured using Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture, which will contribute for more precision and control, but it will not sacrifice comfort and pleasure of driving. The Double Wishbone front suspension will take full advantage of the vehicle’s body structure and will bring that nice responsive rates and will ensure some smooth and comfortable ride.

    F-PACE’s Electronic Power-Assisted Steering system is also expected to remain that cool and to maintain the leadership positions Jaguar has earned so far. Now, for the latest model, the brand has calibrated and improved everything between the steering wheel rim and the tire contact patch. And combined with the Torque Vectoring technology, the F-PACE will deliver some improved agility and flexibility in all weathers and on all surfaces. At least we hope so.

    And to ensure that everything is more than efficient, brand’s engineer team helped itself with a computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools. This will improve the model’s overall performance and will deliver even better simulation results, which can be used for further works.

    So, at the end the vehicle looks nice, new and shiny. Definitely a car that every Jaguar fan should see.

    Source: Jaguar

     

  • Is Frankfurt Debuting Nissan Micra N-TEC Better than the Others?

    Nissan Micra N-TEC Side ViewNissan Micra N-TEC is the latest grade added to the Micra range which is currently being prepared for European debut in Frankfurt. Geared with a lot of equipment, the N-TEC model is positioned between the Acenta and Tekna models. There are no surprises when it comes to the engine line-up, because all of the available drivetrains in the range are available for the N-TEC, too.

    Engine Options

    In other words, customers have the option of choosing between the standard 1.2-litre petrol engine and the 1.2-litre DIG-S unit. With the first one they will get for their Micra 80PS, while with the second – 98PS. The former is available with CVT automatic transmission as an option.

    SEE ALSO: 2015 Nissan Micra Debuts At Montreal Auto Show

    Equipment

    Nissan Micra N-TEC RearView Mirrors

    Nissan Micra N-TEC features a lot of goodies that come at no price. Among the most exciting ones is the newest generation NissanConnect system, which is accessed through 5.8-inch colour touchscreen display. The system features satellite navigation, smartphone integration and Google Send-To-Car technology.

    There is even more to that! The equipment list continues to expand with Rear Parking Sensors and Parking Slot Measurement, automatic climate control, rain sensing windscreen wipers and automatic headlights.

    In addition, Micra N-TEC also grabs the eye immediately thanks to some styling features. Examples are the 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and rear privacy glass. Completing the exterior are the silver satin door mirrors and door handles.

    In the cabin the centre console immediately stands out with its gloss black surface, with the distinctive blue stitching on the trim and the leather-covered steering wheel.

    2015 Nissan Micra N-TEC is going to make an official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15. If you are there, go and see it!

    Source: Nissan 

  • Honda Will Encourage Young Engineers At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

    2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will be one of the most important events this year for Honda. This is where the brand will present its latest range of restyled and improved vehicles. And along with the vehicles, Honda will also showcase some fresh design concepts and technologies which will all demonstrate brand’s desire for creativity and self improvement.

    The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will further witness and the global premiere of “Honda Project2 & 4”. This is a special design competition run and managed by Honda which will inspire and reward creative minds. Taking the idea for ‘creative craftsmanship’, Honda Project 2 & 4 was created by Honda’s motorcycle design centre in Alaska and by Honda’s automobile design centre in Wako, Japan. The project is the result of brand’s effort to create more and more exciting vehicles and driving experience.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Honda HR-V is What We Have Been Waiting For?

    Furthermore, the 2015 Frankfurt Show will witness the latest HR-V and Jazz models. As you might know, they are arriving in European markets from September onwards and will demonstrate interesting design and of course the well-known class-leading Honda versatility and comfort.

    It looks like Honda is taking all this year’s challenges pretty seriously and will continue to impress with new concepts, ideas and projects. But what will happen in reality, we are about to find out.

    Source: Honda

  • Bugatti Further Details the Vision Gran Turismo Concept

    Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Rear Wing Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is the first vehicle by the brand created specifically for its fans and players of the popular PlayStation game Gran Turismo 6 (GT6). What is more, this concept car will give a glimpse of what Bugatti designers have in mind for the future vehicles. The company will also display the virtual project at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), which makes us really excited! This will happen between 17th and 27th of September.

    The Vision Gran Turismo project is actually the first step in the process of the development of the future sportscar. The virtual car has been created in cooperation with Polyphony Digital Inc., the creators of the Gran Turismo video game.

    SEE ALSO: Bugatti 12.4 Atlantique Grand Sport Concept by Alan Guerzoni [VIDEO]

    As a matter of fact, this is the first time, when Bugatti takes part in the GT6 game. This is an opportunity for all fans of the expensive brand, to ride a Bugatti vehicle even though it is only in the virtual reality. Company representatives also said that this is the perfect opportunity for the brand to make a Bugatti car accessible to a large number of people.

    More about Bugatti Vision GT

    Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo First Teaser

    The exciting Vision Gran Turismo Concept is a high-performance vehicle with an exceptional one-off design. The designers have paid a lot of attention to the detail in this project. In addition, Achim Anscheidt, head of the Bugatti design team, said that they “had the clear goal of developing a vehicle which could also be driven on a real race circuit if it left the virtual world”.

    With its new forms and design language, Bugatti Vision GT is the first example of the next stage in company’s creative history since the end of the Veyron era. We also understood that this project will be extremely performance-oriented. There are two teaser images that give a glimpse of the future car. More to be announced soon, stay tuned!

    Source: Bugatti 

  • How Green is the 2015 Skoda Superb GreenLine?

    Let’s say it right away. The latest ŠKODA Superb is extremely efficient when it comes to fuel consumption. Especially the GreenLine lineup which will be presented to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The vehicles come with really impressive fuel consumption, measured at 3.7 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 95 g/km for the hatchback version. Furthermore, ŠKODA team ensures us that with one fill at the petrol station you can go for more than 1780 kilometers. Interesting, isn’t it?

    The ŠKODA Superb GreenLine 1.6-TDI/119 hp (88 kW) comes with manual gearbox, Start/Stop engine system and brake energy recovery as standard features. Furthermore, owners of GreenLine models will be granted with additional goodies like longer gear ratios and SCR (Selective Catalyctic Reduction).

    But the ‘green’ engine is not the only thing that makes the latest Superb model so appealing. The vehicle also comes with some aerodynamic changes and overall style upgrades. The chassis is with 15 mm lower than the standard Superb model and the vehicle features a tailgate spoiler. And the engineers have done some additional improvements for the drag coefficient: the Superb GreenLine now achieves a total of 0.263 and the Combi GreenLine goes for 0.275.

    ​And the GreenLine version is now offered with ‘Active’, ‘Ambition’ and ‘Style’ subversions. As you know, since 2008, the GreenLine idea has been one of the most important for ŠKODA and its models.

    So, it appears to me that ŠKODA’s path is defined: eco-friendly ideas and numerous changes in order to deliver high quality components and comfort. But will it be that good, we are about to find out.

    Source: ŠKODA

  • Thoroughly Revised 2016 Kia Optima Debuts in Frankfurt

     2016 Kia Optima Front View2016 Kia Optima in its European Specification is going to be revealed at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on September 15. This is the fourth generation of the model and it is scheduled to go on sale in the Old Continent in the last quarter of the year. The car is characterized by contemporary forms, brand new exterior and interior design as well as more spacious cabin. Not to mention the array of technology features included as a standard or as an available options. Furthermore, Kia decided to introduce the 2016 Optima with a wide range of efficient powertrains. The great news here is that there will also be a hybrid one.

    Cutting Edge Exterior Design

    What can we say about the exterior styling of the latest Optima? First thing that grabs the attention is that it is harmonious and absolutely substituted to brand’s newest design philosophy. The car looks athletic with its detailed surface, sharp body lines and more elongated sedan silhouette. LEDs a featured both up frond and in the rear.

    SEE ALSO: This is the Next Generation Kia Optima

    The next important thing to mention here, is that the 2016 Optima is way longer than the previous generation. Precisely, the wheelbase has been extended by 10 mm to 2,805 mm. Therefore the full vehicle length now measures 4,855 mm. what is more, the car is also 25 mm wider, at 1,860 mm, and 10 mm taller at 1,465 mm.

    Better Interior

     2016 Kia Optima Interior

    These changes of course result in a more spacious and comfortable cabin. In general, the interior was thoroughly refined and now features high-quality materials. This in turn makes the experience of the passengers more luxurious than ever.

    The cabin features a cleaner and more unified design than the previous model. For instance, the dashboard is spread along a more horizontal plane, wider central console and a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

    Kia offers its Optima customers the option of choosing black only, black with stone beige or  dark grey with light grey interior.

    Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid in the Future

     2016 Kia Optima Rear View

    Kia is also offering its customers the choice to select their Optima with petrol and upgraded diesel engines. The good news is that brand representatives have ensured us there is a plug-in hybrid to follow in 2016. All engines will be driving the front wheels and will compliant with the latest Euro 6 emission standard.

    The first diesel unit that will be offered in Europe and is expected to be the most sold one, is the updated 1.7-litre CRDi. Compared to the one featured in the previous generation model, it is more powerful but way more efficient.

    To be more precise, it generates 141 PS/ 104 kW (up from 136 PS) and 340 Nm/ 251 lb-ft of torque (up from 325 Nm). The emissions have been reduced to 110 g/km.

    2016 Kia Optima will be also available with the same 2.0-litre CVVL engine with continuously variable valve lift technology. It produces 163 PS.

    Lower Emissions & the Seven-Speed DCT

    Kia’s advanced new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT) will be available with the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel. The DCT is engineered for a sportier driving experience with instant gear changes. It also contributes for lower CO2 emissions.

    The 1.7-litre CRDi and the 2.0-litre CVVL engines are also available with a six-speed manual transmission, while latter can be specified with six-speed automatic transmissions, too.

    2016 Kia Optima is going on sale in Europe by the end of the year. Kia also said that the model is currently being developed in a body style, inspired by the Kia SPORTSPACE concept car.

    Source: Kia 

  • Fourth Generation Lexus RX Debuts in Europe

    Lexus RX Front ViewLexus RX in its fourth generation form is going to be revealed at thee Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15. Next to it, Lexus will also present for the first time the European appearance of the revised GS and GS 200t.

    A Little Bit of History

    Since its appearance on the market, the RX has become one of Lexus’ best selling vehicles. The popular SUV was introduced in 1999 and for 16 years around 2.2 million examples have been sold worldwide. This also means that three out of every ten Lexus vehicles sold have been an RX.

    The Newest Lexus RX

    There isn’t a lot said about the new RX, but the good news is that we have a picture (the one above). The image shows that the fourth gen RX has a posture that combines sharp edges and curves. It seems that Lexus has succeeded in making car’s new design an effortless evolution of the previous generation that also shares the new design philosophy of the brand with other Lexus models.

    SEE ALSO: What’s new for 2016 Lexus ES 300h? 

    Although we don’t have any pictures of the interior yet, the company says that it has been redesigned to achieve harmony between practicality and luxury. The cabin will offer future customers spaciousness and an intimate feel, and a lot of comfort for both driver and passengers.

    In addition the drivetrain range is going to feature “advanced, redesigned hybrid and petrol” engines, “sophisticated safety technologies and driver aids”, like for example the Lexus Safety System+.

    GS and GS 200t with European Debut

    Lexus GS 200t US Specification

    In Frankfurt we will also see the first European appearance of the facelift of the GS and the new GS 200t, which were displayed for the first time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this summer.

    There aren’t other details announced, but we expect to receive more information about the RX very soon. Stay tuned!

    Source: Lexus 

  • Honda Performance Will Make Return on SCORE Baja 1000 Event!

    Honda is planning to make return to its 4-wheel off-road factory racing this November. The well-known manufacturer thinks of doing it the SCORE Baja 1000 desert race with a vehicle powered (obviously) by Honda Performance Development. So, it appears to me as one of the most beloved brands will go back on the road (or off the road?) to remind everyone why is it that good.

    Furthermore, the manufacturer teased some images of the race car today, featuring the twin-turbocharged Honda HR35TT V6 powerplant, Albins ST6 Sequential transmission, Fox racing shocs and rugged General Grabber tires. We know that this is not enough to satisfy the desire to know more about the vehicle, but don’t worry. Honda will release more informantion in the days leading up to the Baja 1000 event, held in November this year.

    SEE ALSO: 2015 Honda BR-V Prototype With a World Premiere at 2015 GAIKINDO Event

    As you know, this return to the SCORE Baja 1000 marks Honda’s first 4-wheel desert race since the HPD Desert Pilot raced in Class 6 back in 2012. And now we all await for further information and details about both the vehicle and race itself. Even though Honda’s returning was in many ways expected, it is always good news to hear that one of the most popular brands has a desire to continue challenging itself and bring innovations and thrilling moments for all the customers and fans.

    Source: Honda