Automobiles Review – Page 365 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Kahn Unveils Sunset Orange Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Every Friday I am used to receiving an e-mail from Kahn Design with its latest project. And since today is the day, let me introduce you to the Jeep Wrangler CJ300 by the Chelsea Truck Company (CTC). This one is so cute that I am sure you’ll love it as I did. The Wrangler is definitely my favorite from all Jeep models, and it seems like the one and only Afzal Kahn has the same feelings for it, too. So, let’s take a look at the newest addition in Chelsea Truck Company’s portfolio.

Exterior

Starting from the outside, the exterior of the Wrangler looks intriguing with its two-tone design scheme. The tuners have used Sunset Orange as paint, but have accentuated it with a contrasting Piano Black used for the door handles, fuel filler cap and mirrors.

At the front we see two smoked headlights flanked by a four-slot Chelsea Truck Company grille that features industrial mesh. We can’t miss the LED Diamond bright headlights and CTC’s spare wheel cover, which rounds out the exterior modifications.

Wheels & Tires

Complementing the Piano Black theme are the Satin Black 17-inch big Jeep 1941 wheels. They fit perfectly to vehicle’s exterior and are fitted with Copper Discoverer ST Maxx 285/70/17 all terrain tires. Commenting on the wheels, we can’t fail to see the new painted brake callipers with a set of mud flaps. There is also a new quad-cross-hair exhaust system.

Interior

For the cabin, Kahn Design has used quilted and perforated leather extensively. It has been matched with contrasting white stitching. The same material was used for the centre glove box and arm rests, while the steering wheel is absolutely new and now offers greater grip and feel for the driver.

At last, beneath the waistline we see stainless steel door entry sill plates and new floor mats.

Source: Kahn Design

May 29, 2015

Rezvani Motors Shows First Image of Beast’s Interior

When I first saw the image above, I thought that this is some sort of cheap game construction for games like the Need for Speed or (the future) Mad Max. Then I spotted the huge amount of carbon fiber and the emblem on the steering wheel which said so much. This is Rezvani Motors’s emblem with the wings representing the aviation roots, and the racing stripes and steering wheel displaying company’s passion for driving.

If you hear for the first time for this company, it is based in California, and its simple mission is to create the lightest, highest performing car on the market … but at a reasonable price of around $150 000 USD. Whether it is possible or not, we can’t comment on that. Still the goal is great.

Last year we have seen the first images of the Beast, the name of the first vehicle in company’s history. The supercar is uses the Ariel Atom chassis, features carbon fiber body and will be driven by either the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 315 hp (235 kW) or the supercharged 2.4-liter unit with 500 hp (372 kW). Driving the rear wheels will be the six-speed manual transmission.

So basically, this is Beast’s interior and it has just been teased. As we can see, there is as little equipment as possible due to the low price and lightweight. The big question is what we see inside?

rezvani-beast-exterior-910-2

The answer: Apple CarPlay for Seamless Smartphone Integration. Yes, this means that your iPhone multimedia could be effortlessly integrated into the vehicle. This will also allow the capability of sending and receiving calls and texts, use of Siri voice control software and music streaming, and even more.

Although the accent of Rezvani Motors was on the technology, we see that the interior will sport a carbon-fiber gear-shift lever and steering-wheel, leather wrapped dash and alloy pedals.

At last, the other great news is that the company will release the Beast in June, so we don’t have to wait much longer.

Source: Rezvani Motors

May 29, 2015

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are Ready For the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship Event

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are ready for the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship race with the Beetle GRCs. The event starts this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will start its second season this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale.

At the same time, that Scott Speed will begin the Red Bull Global Rallycross season, Volkswagen team will enter its fourth year as a sponsor for Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK. In fact, Mr. Speed will be competing with number 41 SHARK WEEK Volkswagen Beetle GRC.

For this year’s season, the team decided to change the engine specs and now, the Beetle comes with 2.0-Liter turbocharged and intercooled TSI four-cylinder engine, that produces 553 hp (406 kW) and 465 lb-ft, instead of the old 1.6-liter TSI engine, that granted the racers with 544 hp (400 kW) and 385 lb-ft.

Furthermore, both drivers have been invited to the Summer X Games in Austin, TX and now, the golden medalist Scott Speed will have to defend his 2014 title.

And there is one more good news. VARX Supercars app will provide all fans with different kind of information about the event. Now, users will be informed about schedules, session results, timings, scores and everything else, they need to know about the race. In fact, the app is free to use.

Source: Volkswagen

May 28, 2015

Toyota Is Recognized as the Most Valuable Car Brands for 2015

Once again Toyota brand is listed in the top spot of the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2015. With its USD 28.9 billion it remains as the most anticipated automobile brand.

According to a report, the modern society trends challenge the vehicle industry in numerous ways. And it really is a challenge to stay on the market with high-quality product, but to be different at the same time. Nowardays the so called “colliding trends” are the thing, that keeps the spirit of car manufacturers.

As you might know, in 2014 Toyota launched the world’s first commercial for a hydrogen-powered car. And this is the Toyota Mirai sedan, which is already available in Japan and comes to Europe and US at the end of this year.

And since Toyota demonstrated the world’s first mass produced hybrid vehicle back in 1997, the sales of the brand exceeded seven million worldwide. Furthermore, European customers have the opportunity to choose between 15 Toyota and Lexus hybrid cars. In fact, Lexus has gained 10th position in the list for the most valuable vehicle brand with its value of USD 4.3 billion.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands is conducted and commissionedby WPP and Millward Brown Optimor and has over two million consumers in over 30 countries.

Source: Toyota

May 28, 2015

Honda Team Heads Up for A World Record

Honda is ready to put a world record with its super-efficient 1.6 i-DTEC engine. The test will put the machine on a 8, 5000 mile drive across 24 EU countries with the single purpose to demonstrate the incredible fuel efficiency.

On the 1st of June this year, a team will drive the Honda Civic Tourer and will go for a special journey, starting from Aalst, Belgium. The team will come back 28 days later and will drive exactly 8, 459 miles.

The rules of the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS will make the two drivers Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren sit in the car for about 7.5 kilometers a day in order to drive 370 miles a day. the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title is “Lowest Fuel Consumption – All 24 contiguous EU countries”. Furthermore, the rules require the driving team to enter each of the 24 countries and collect numerous evidences for doing it as fuel logbooks, GPS readings, vide, photos and more. If the tour happens to be a successful one, every model from the Civic Tourer lineup will be counted as successfully passed the test. Even the hybrid and electric models.

And of course, to ensure accurate monitoring on the track, the car will be geared with a special tracking device, that will provide information about the journey in real-time, so everyone, who is interested in the attempt can easily track the vehicle.

Further requirements are, that the vehicle must be with its stock package and without any further upgrades or tweaks, that will give any advantage over any unrevised model. And to evade some “unfairness”, the vehicle will be filled to the max with fuel, every time the team stops to refill.

We wish the team luck and a special occasion for celebration! It will be good for all the Civic drivers out there to know, that they are driving a car, that broke a fuel efficiency record!

Source: Honda

May 28, 2015

Chevrolet Confidently Stays as a Global Leader in Incorporating Smart Phone Apps

Strategy Analytics state, that there are more than 2 million smart phone users and this numbers increases. Something more, there are many phone users, that tweak their smart gadget even when they drive. Now, Chevrolet brand takes another challenge to deliver the smartest and easiest way of using both mobile phones and vehicles.

For the 2016 year Chevy will offer the special Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. There will be 14 Chevrolet models, that include and the special Chevrolet Cruze, which is the best-selling passenger car, which will include the special multimedia systems.

On the other hand, Chevy‘s seven-inch Mylink information system grants owners with a smart way to use the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

As you might know, each of both systems builds off the features, that customers like the most. For example, Android Auto is built with influence by Google Maps, Google Now and some apps like WhatsApp, Skype Gplay and more.

Car Play, on the other hand, focuses on the iPhone features and grants access to apps, while driving in incredibly simple way. The system allows drivers to make calls, send messages, listen to music and many more.

It is a good thing to hear, that a car brand tries to fit in the world of hi-tech gadgets. Having the ability to make numerous different technologies work together will make you spark out from the crowd. Just like Chevrolet team does.

Source: Chevrolet

May 28, 2015

BRABUS Demonstrates its Latest Masterpiece, the 2015 Brabus Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid

As you know, for more than three decades BRABUS demonstrates confidence, perfection and elegance within its refined work. And now, with the latest BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid for the Mercedes S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID the tuning brand demonstrates for one more time why it is one of the best on the market today.

Drivetrain upgrades

The engineer team made an incredible upgrade for the Mercedes model, as it inceases the power of the V6 engine with 52 hp (38 kW) and boosts the torque with 70 Nm. With this additions, the vehicle comes with a total of 500 hp (368 kW) and torque of 890 Nm. The result? The S 500 now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and chases the top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph)

As you know, BRABUS is a pioneer in the research and development of not just high-performance engines, but high-performance eco-friendly powerplants. Staying true to the tradition, the German tuning brand geared the S 500 with a special 3.0-Liter V6 gasoline engine and plug-in electric drive. This gadget, the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid brings additional 52 horsepower (38 kW) and 70 Nm.

And as a well-known brand for the quality and richness of the detail, BRABUS offers and a stainless-steel exhaust system, that incorporates the BRABUS logo. Sweet, isn’t it? Furthermore, the tuning team brings and numerous more goodies for the well-designed sedan. Tailor-made BRABUS aerodynamic elements of carbon-fiber are available on numerous different places on the body.

Exterior and interior upgrades

The front fascia replaces the stock bumper and catches the eye with its looks and the stylish air intakers. Furthermore, the shape is especially redesigned to reduce the lift on the front axle and features a special integrated spoiler lip. Furthermore, every fender is upgraded with a special BRABUS-crafted carbon-fiber elements.

And of course, the striking visions come with striking lights: the redesigned LED headlights are integrated in a special underside rocker panels.

The vehicle is further geared with BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” high-tech wheels, that come with customizable options for wheel/tire options. Furthermore, there are Monoblock VI and Monoblock F cross wheels, that can be combined with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires.

On the other hand, the interior is sheer and luxury, that really has that unmistakable BRABUS touch. Everything is covered with high-quality BRABUS leather and every single detail had its own attention and we all will admit, that BRABUS team has incredible skills in shaping wonderfully even the smallest details. Furthermore, the hybrid can also be geared with the special BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system.

Source: Brabus

May 28, 2015

Mercedes Premieres New Safety Car at the DTM

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S Safety Car will be the premiered car at the second DTM race at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. Behind the steering wheel will be Jürgen Kastenholz. The new sport vehicle will make sure there is enough safety on the race track. What is more, the car will be also deployed at the fourth race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, and at the final race in Hockenheim in October.

Mercedes-AMG GT S will also substitute the previous C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series Safety Car. The new vehicle is almost identical to the Official Safety Car being deployed at all of the 19 races of the 2015 Formula 1 season. In particular, GT S boasts front mid-engine concept with transaxle, V8 biturbo powerplant with dry sump lubrication, the dual clutch transmission and fantastic sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone.

The most impressive part about this car is the driving dynamics. Here, the aluminium lightweight design not only allows for lowering the weight of the vehicle, but also for a low centre of gravity thus managing distribution of 47 to 53 percent between front and rear axle.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain of the DTM safety car matches that of the GT S road-going version. This means that it is the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo that has a maximum output of 510 hp (375 kW) and 650 Newton metres (480 lb-ft) of peak torque. This guarantees an acceleration time from a standing start to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Vmax is positioned at 310 km/h. The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission.

AMG DYNAMIC PLUS

Mercedes is offering AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package with which the Safety Car will get dynamic engine and transmission mounts and “RACE” DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode and “M” mode.

The package also adds tauter spring and damper tuning, negative camber at the front axle and adapted speed-sensitive sports steering system. Rounding out the pack is the performance steering wheel wrapped in black DINAMICA microfibre as well as the yellow highlights in the instrument cluster.

Brakes, Wheels & Tires

The Mercedes-AMG car runs on matt black 19-inch forged wheels mated with 265/35 R and 295/30 R 20 tires at the front and rear, respectively. In addition, the braking system comprises of ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 402 millimetres at the front and 360 millimetres at the rear. It delivers lowered weight, a longer service life and better fade resistance.

Aerodynamics package

In terms of aerodynamics, the safety car gets an optimized carbon-fibre air scoop on the roof. Thanks to it, there is a least possible airstream resistance, while the flow of air towards the fixed rear aerofoil. In addition, the new front spoiler helps in reducing the lift at the front and rear axles.

Interior

The cockpit is extremely exclusive and features radio equipment and sports bucket seats that keep the diver fully focused on the track. Six-point seat belts provide maximum support. The Performance steering wheel is wrapped in black nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre with flattened bottom section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles. Everything else throughout the interior is like the one of the production model.

At last, we must mention that the signalling functions on the light bar will be performed by fast-responding and energy-efficient LEDs.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 28, 2015

Kaege Changes Porsche 997 GT3 Clubsport

Kaege is another tuning company working in Germany and optimizing exclusive cars. The current example shows how they have managed to tune the outstanding Porsche 997 GT3. Originally the car is powered by a 3.6 liters engine that generates 415 HP (305 kW). The wish of the client was to make the performance of the car far better.

So basically the expert succeeded in the modification of the sports Porsche and this is how they have done it. At first, the car received M+M noise reduction system as well as racing header. The tuners also added 200 cells catalysts and then modified the air filter in order to enhance the output by 8 hp. As a result of these steps, the weight of the car was lowered with 7 kg.

The hydraulic pump was substituted with an electric power steering pump, thus distributing the weight from the rear to the front and improving the response and performance (with additional 10 hp) of the car.

What lightens the weight of the car even more, by 8 kg actually, is the single mass flywheel including Sachs sports clutch, which also contributes towards additional 5 hp. Lithium-ions battery and RS rear window were installed, thus saving another 32 kg.

The car runs on special 19-inch red extra red coated ATS superlight rims, fitted with Michelin Pilot Cup2 tires with Porsche-specific N-label. And as you can guess they also result in a total weight economy of 13.5 kg. Triple KW clubsport running gear with uniball bearing and tie rods take car for the road holding.

All in all, the saved weight estimates around 60 kg, while additional horses are rated at 23 hp (17 kW), and this is without any software optimization.

Of course, the tuners ensured great sporting experience inside, where the lightweight seats have been wrapped in retro-checkered fabric, while the central console, the rollover cage and different interior parts have been painted in car’s color. At last, the steering wheel was newly covered and the trunk was cleaned.

What’s left unsaid is the special travel and helmet bag made of the same to the seats cover fabric.

Source: Kaege

May 28, 2015

Volkswagen Tiguan Gets Updated Engine Rage and Better Entertainment Systems

Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most wanted SUVs globally and this is why this news will make many people happy. The company has just released information, revealing that the crossover is getting more equipment and new generation of engines for the 2015 model year. Well, the key changes in the equipment aren’t that big, because the vehicle will get only new radio and navigation systems.

The entertainment systems available in the Tiguan are based on the latest generation of the modular infotainment matrix. On the other hand, the previous radio systems have been substituted with Composition Colour and Composition Media, which includes color touchscreen, eight loudspeakers and a variety of connection ports.

This one can be also ordered with App Connect as an option, allowing for utilization of wider range of smartphone apps from the Google and Apple Stores. Media Control is also in the list of available features. This is an app-based extension of the infotainment system, which helps in the control of functions allowing it to happen from a tablet anywhere in the car.

As an option, VW is offering the available Discover Media radio navigation system. It comes with Volkswagen online services package Guide & Inform, as standard.

In terms of engines, the car is getting the 2.0 liter diesel units that now can pump-out more power. For example, the output of the 140 hp (103 kW) engine was increased to 150 hp (110 kW). Here, the fuel consumption has been rated at 5.0 liters per 100 km, while the CO2 emissions were cut by 17 g/km, now measuring 130 g/km.

The 2.0 TDI with previous output of 177 hp (130 kW) now delivers 184 hp (135 kW). The Co2 emissions here have been also lowered and estimated at 150 g/km, while the combined fuel consumption is as low as 5.7 l per 100 km.

Source: Volkswagen

May 28, 2015

Cadillac Officially Confirms that V8 ATS-V+ Won’t Happen

Sadly, the V8 powered ATS-V+ isn’t going to happen. What’s even worse is that this news was officially confirmed by Cadillac. Our colleagues at Motor Authority have spoken with David Caldwell, who is Cadillac’s communications manager, and he told them that the rumors were a complete bogus.

He also said that given the fact that Cadillac has produced a car like the ATS-V that is extremely capable, it will be pretty much unlikely that it gets a new engine. What was also confirmed however is that the V8 will be powering another model in company’s lineup, and it is the CTS-V.

This gets us pretty excited, because the car will be revealed this summer, according to Caldwell. It will be powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 unit, which produces 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 855 Nm (630 lb-ft) of torque.

Caldwell also continued explaining why there won’t be two cars having the same V8 powertrains. It is because there’s simply “no need for the two V product lines to be twins”. Since both V-Series models are extremely capable and premium, it is reasonable for Cadillac to “dial-in two types of performance character”, one of which is smaller and one bigger.

It still would have been great if the V8 ATS-V+ have happened!

Source: MotorAuthority.com

May 28, 2015

It’s Official: Lamborghini SUV is Planned for 2018

We have just received an official statement from Automobili Lamborghini that a luxury SUV is going to be the third model to join the product line-up. However, we will have to wait three years, because 2018 is when the car will be introduced to the market. And if you remember the Urus concept, which was revealed at Auto China three years ago, then you will also have the idea of what the future SUV would look like. Take a good look at the galleries below to get a fresh impression.

Lamborghini aims not only to expand its product range, but to also substantially increase the production capacity of the factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese. In addition, Audi is also planning to invest “hundreds of millions of Euros” over the lifecycle of the new SUV.

SEE ALSO: Lamborghini Urus at 2012 Beijing

For this project to happen, several brands are involved: Volkswagen Group with AUDI AG as Lamborghini shareholder, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the Italian national agency for inward investments and economic development (Invitalia), Emilia Romagna Region, the Union Representatives and Automobili Lamborghini.

To produce the new vehicle, Lamborghini will also have to increase the factory area in Sant’Agata Bolognese from 80,000 to 150,000 square meters. What is more, there will be built new facilities, like a production line, warehousing and bigger R&D department, where 500 new employees will work.

The targeted markets for the new SUV will be the USA, China, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia. The vehicle is planned to sell 3000 units of the vehicle annually, which actually is two times company’s current sales performance.

Who’s excited, too?