Automobiles Review – Page 371 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Smart and JBL Engineers Squeezed 5727 Watts In ForTwo!

Smart and JBL brands showed the world, that you can create a concert hall in a Smart car. The cooperative work of both brands managed to squeeze the incredible 5720 watts in Smart ForTwo. Everyone knows how good the small cars are. But no one knows how good a small car with crushing audio force is. And this is not all: the engineer team created a mobile amplifier, especially designed for street musicians and live concerts.

A total of five amps are placed in the Smart, that provide incredible sound pressure of 150dB, that are further reinforced by not one, but two subwoofers. The incredible system comes with a total of 16 loudspeakers, that are especially designed to focus on a certain frequency to ensure highest quality audio experience.

All music signals are provided by a digital signal processor (DSP), especially created by the Italian specialist Mosconi. This processor has eight output channels and via Bluetooth streaming it can process different file formats like Wave or Flac, MP3s and numerous more. The signals are delivered from mobile devices and the result is crystal-clear-high-end sound.

And now the question, that everyone is asking: how did the team managed to squeeze squeeze 16 speakers, 2 subwoofers and 5 amplifiers inside ForTwo!? The design of the audio system is integrated in the smart design idiom. Take for example the ventilation opening and the dashboard: they serve as visual model for incorporating the speakers. Other example is the place for the two subwoofers: they are strategically placed in the luggage compartment. In general, all the audio system components are so well designed and so well placed within the ForTwo, that somehow people might start thinking, that this is completely natural way of the Smart to be.

Source: Smart

May 19, 2015

2016 Buick Enclave Now Comes With Even Better Connectivity System

Customers of the 2016 Buick Enclave can now download on the go with the latest OnStar 4G LTE connectivity. The system offers Wi-Fi hotspot, that can be used simultaneously by seven devices! The Enclave’s connectivity upgrade can be installed on all Buick vehicles, including the Encore, Verano, Regal, LaCrosse and Cascada models. In fact Buick brand offers three moths/three gigabytes free trial.

The 4G LTE is the latest and fastest mobile data network: it is 10 times faster than the 3G network and 100 times faster than the previous generation of OnStar systems. And now it offers and stronger and more reliable connection.

On the other hand, Buick’s IntelLink touch radio is already a standard on Enclave lineup and comes with even better connectivity features and customizable options. In addition, six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is also a standard function. And there is even a mobile app, that controls vehicle functions and has access to vehicle information, that can be further shared to other devices.

There is also Five Years of OnStar Basic Plan, that allows owners to remotely star and lock the vehicle and can activate the horn or lights. There is even one more extra. It is called OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, that can make checks on the engine, transmission, brakes and other. How cool is that?

Source: Buick

May 19, 2015

Mitsubishi Introduced its Latest Android Information System

Mitsubishi Electric announced the latest generation of FLEXConnect In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) systems. IVI provides effective and intuitive three-screen user interface, that combines swipe and touch-screen technology, that the driver can easily and quickly navigate it. Built on an Android system, the center touch-screen platform allows fast sharing of information about navigation, media and climate. And unlike many other similar technologies, the FLEXConnect comes with a large 12.1-inch portrait mode, that allows customers to access up to three features at the same time. Handy, isn’t it?

And while the system provides usage of three displays, it is powered by a single Texas Instrument Jacino 6 automotive processor. It comes with the ability to share content from one display in a fast and effective way with an easy to-master manner.

The Texas Instruments Jacinto 6-based Android system comes with three 12.3-inch displays, that provide 1,920×720 resolution, additional 480×240 heads-up display. As you know, the FLEXConnect is a close relative with the FLEXConnect.RSE, FLEXConnect.IVI and FLEXConnect.ANC. These system offer solutions for every driver, when it comes to easy access information device. The FLEXConnect series was introduced the last year and it marks incredible success on the market with high-tech automobile gadgets. And there is a reason why.

Source: Mitsubishi

May 19, 2015

2016 Nissan Maxima SR Proved it is Really a 4-Door Sports Car

As you know, Nissan brand promised, that the 2016 Maxima will be known as “4-door Sports Car”, because of the debut of the eighth-generation sports design at the New York International Auto Show. And something more. There is a certified proof to what Nissan has promised: the brand uploaded a vide test, that demonstrates the performance capabilities of the 2016 Maxima.

httpv://youtu.be/zmknk4w8dhA?t=42

Named “1016 Nissan Maxima Test Track Challenge”, the testing was made by a objective, independent third-party organization, that made serious tests , researches and comparison between 2015 Acura TLX 3.5 (FWD), geared with Technology Package, 2015 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Premium Plus Tiptronic, 2015 BMW 328i Sedan and the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR.

All the results demonstrated without any doubt, that the 2016 Maxima was the fastest vehicle and the one with best overall performance.

The AMCI Testing itself got the Acura, Audi and BMW vehicles anonymously and the Maxima SR was obtained from Nissan North America. the driving tests were done with certified drivers at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park’s West Loop.

httpv://youtu.be/p-mVBnbrlSI

As required by the organization, all the vehicles underwent AMCI Testing’s break-in procedure and were prepared according to every manufacturer’s specifications. Along with the special preparation and examinations, the test team created “simulcam technology”, that creates “ghost images” on every single vehicle, tested in order to create even better and more productive comparison on the track.

Long story short: Nissan team demonstrated two things. First, it kept its word by saying it will create a 4-door sports car. Second, the brand created such a 4-door sports car, that dominated the track.

Source: Nissan

May 19, 2015

Meet this Custom Carbon Lamborghini Huracan by VOS

VOS is an acronym which stands for Vision of Speed. This is the name of the German tuning company, which has just released a special project involving a Lambo Huracan. They have individualized the vehicle and as they said – made it more individual than ever. And of course all is achieved with the help of carbon parts.

To go directly into details, the conversion kit comprises only of carbon fiber elements: front lip, mirror caps and door handles. Well, the new in-house made door sills aren’t from this material but they have been also changed.

In addition, the ergonomic steering wheel is the first choice of substitution for the original one, while there are also facings in fine structure carbon for the original steering wheel. In terms of gearshift paddles, one can choose between new parts in full carbon or add-on parts in fine structure carbon.

The instrument cluster that is made by VOS is also made of the lightweight material. There are also carbon facings for the air inlets, upper frame for the center console in full carbon, lateral frames for the center console, gas cap in full carbon, VOS Performance rear wings and individual carbon plate as well as a facing for the rear diffuser bottom.

VOS is offering not one but two exhaust systems for the Huracan. The first one is in-house made, while the second is by Akrapovic. The ultimate car can also get BMC sports air filter. Adjustable rear wings are still to be added to the list of features as is the new wheel set for the fighting bull.

More details for this project to come soon!

Source: VOS

May 19, 2015

Why this Dodge Viper ACR is Better than Any Other

We know that the Viper ACR is already here, right? Well, if you missed the news, then I should remind you that the car was revealed in ten days ago and a few days after that Dodge announced that it is going in production. This is not only the fastest but probably the best version of the Viper ACR up to date and it will be available in the US dealerships in September this year.

To create the ultimate sports car, Dodge decided to update significantly the ACR. As a result the model now features aerodynamic and suspension upgrades, new carbon ceramic brakes with six-pot calipers and the special Kumho tires.

Speaking of which, these ECSTA V720 ultra-high-performance tires have been completed with the ACR logo that has been embossed on the sidewall. They have been specifically developed for this car and as a matter of fact Dodge claims that they provide the largest combined contact patch of any production car.

At the front, the ECSTA V720 measure 295/25ZR19, while at the rear – 355/30ZR19. Unique about them is that they feature one-off tread patterns and front and rear compounds. This helps the tires make the Viper achieve lap times up to 1.5 seconds faster than those of race tires. In addition, they also sustain cornering loads of up to 1.5g.

This basically means that these rubbers help the hand-built powertrain, the 8.4-litre V10 engine, achieve its ultimate performance of 645 hp (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb-ft) of torque. One thing’s for sure here: this American Club Racer (ACR) has much to live up to. Back in the days its predecessors achieved production car lap record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit with a time of 7 minutes 12.13 seconds.

Source: Kumho Tires

May 19, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Brand Will Support Jurassic World With Vehicles And Marketing

This summer comes the next installment of the well-known Park series, named Jurassic World. But there is one more good news. Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be sharing the spotlight. Some of the most popular Mercedes-Benz models will take part in the big action-adventure movie. In addition, Mercedes brand will support the promotion of the movie with television commercials, online ads, microsites and of course social media activities.

One of the “stars” will be the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe. In fact, this will be the film debut of the model and will be the official car of manager Claire, that is played by Bryce Dallas Howard. What happens in the film, is that Claire must confront a crisis, that she can’t deal with alone, so she takes the GLE Coupe with an off-road tuning and joins researcher Owen (Chris Pratt).

On the other hand, Owen drives a G-class model throughout the movie. Other Mercedes-Benz model, shown in Jurassic World is the Unimog, serving as a dinosaur ambulance ,the G 63 AMG 6×6 and the Sprinter model. producer Frank Marshall ensures us, that the Benz vehicles fit perfectly in the Jurassic World. He believes, that they are the perfect cars to show in a sophisticated future international park.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 19, 2015

BMW with more Powerful Package for the M6 Series

If you are not satisfied with the latest M6, BMW has especially created a distinct Competition Package for you. The pack is suitable for the M6 Coupe and Cabrio as well as for the M6 Gran Coupe. It will not only make your car more individual, but will also give it more power. However, you should wait until July to get it because this is when the Bavarian company is releasing it.

To start with the power upgrades, the kit includes a power boost of 40 hp (29 kW) for the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, meaning that the output rises to 600 hp (441 kW). The peak torque is also improved from the standard 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) and it is available between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm.

So this makes it possible for the M6 Coupe to sprint from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.8 seconds, which is its own personal record, because it is0.6 seconds faster than the previous version of the Competition Package. In addition, it needs only 3.9 seconds to reach the 100 km/h. The same number is achieved by the M6 Gran Coupe, too.

The Convertible M6 seems to be a little bit slower, because its covers the latter spring in 4.0 seconds. The top speed of all Competition models has been (unfortunately) electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). The good news is that it can be stoked to 305 km/h (189 mph) by the optional M Driver’s Package.

Furthermore, the pack also adds various design and structural enhancements. For instance, the chassis technology is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the engine, thus delivering maximum performance and controllable responses. In addition, the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars got firmer tuning.

There is also an Active M Differential on the final drive works, which also improves traction. The steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping while the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC system delivers sporty handling.

From the outside, all M6 Competition variants are getting 20-inch M light-weight alloys coupled with mixed tires, as well as black chrome twin tailpipes for the exhaust.

BMW M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible with Competition Package are going on sale this July.

Source: BMW

May 19, 2015

What is the Pricing of the Lotus Evora 400?

Lotus has finally announced the pricing of the fastest and most powerful car in its range, the Evora 400. The first deliveries will happen in August and this is when the lucky customers will enjoy for vehicle’s high levels of standard specification. Of course, the Evora 400 will deliver nothing less but the iconic for the brand handling, however in more efficient and dynamic way.

To remind you of car’s capabilities, it laps the test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Better agility and more involving drive are playing a crucial role here.

Speaking in numbers, the maximum speed is rated at 186 mph (300 km/h), while the acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph happens in only 4.1 seconds. 4.2 seconds is for 0 to 100 km/h sprint.

In fact, over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new. This includes also the powerplant. It is supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 that is capable of generating 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 410 Nm (303 lb-ft) of torque.

In addition, car’s new aluminium chassis has resulted in a brand new interior, while the lightweight composite body has been significantly changed. And if you are impatient to know the pricing, official UK prices start at £72,000, while in the US the car will be offered for $89,900USD and in Europe – for €96,000.

For this amount of money, the customer will get AP Racing 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. Of course, there is an option list, which includes automatic transmission, Alcantara or Leather trim upgrades as well as a “Black Pack” option with distinctive look.

Evora 400 is entering production in the summer with first deliveries in August. However, this happens only for those living in Europe. North Americans will get the car in December this year, while in China the first deliveries will happen in early 2016.

Source: Lotus

May 19, 2015

Ferrari 488 GTB Debuts in Tokyo

Ferrari 488 GTB is a new model we have seen debuting in the beginning of February. The good news is that it has made it in Japan and now can be officially purchased there. The premiere happened in Tokyo and this is actually the second time the car is shown after Geneva. The event was held in a very special location along the waterway in the city, in the Isle of Tennozu.

Red laser beams expressed the pulse of the 488 GTB. This color wasn’t accidental. It was actually in harmony with the exterior paint scheme of the beautiful sports car, covered in Rosso Corsa Metalizzato.

Special about this car is that it sets a significant benchmark for the sports car field. It is actually exactly 40 years from the launch of company’s iconic mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, meaning that now the 488 GTB enters a new chapter in the history of cars due to its architecture.

Speaking of which, the body of this Ferrari is made in such way that it offers optimal weight distribution for sportier driving. In addition, the unit that drives the car is the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre (3902cc) engine, producing 660 hp (485 kW) at 8000 rpm and 759 Nm (560 lb-ft) of optimum torque at 3000 rpm.

The 0-62 mph acceleration happens in 3.0 seconds while the 0-124 mph sprint is covered in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is more than 205 mph. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which unleashes the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range.

And if you still wonder what the GTB stands for, well here’s the “deal”: it is an acronym for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, which is comes to pay homage to its deep roots in company’s history.

Source: Ferrari

May 19, 2015

ABT Sportsline Unveils a 210HP Audi Q3 2.0 TDI

ABT has been trending in our site lately so we decided to show you their latest project. Again, the car under the spotlight is Audi, but this time it is the Q3. It has received complete treatment, meaning that the changes are almost in every aspect. I should also mention that this particular car is powered by the 2.0 TDI engine, which is famous for its efficiency credentials … well, maybe not anymore. And if this speaks anything to you, then you should already figured it out that this conversion features power uprating.

Engine & Suspension

What has been done to the powerplant and how? The performance tuning has been achieved with ABT POWER New Generation kit. The result is great. The standard 184 hp (135 kW) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of the unit has been enhanced to 210 hp (154 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

In terms of suspension, ABT ensured that the Q3 gets new in-house made suspension springs with front axle lowered by 25 mm, and rear axle – by 35 mm; and height adjustable suspension kit that lowers the front axle by 30–60 mm, and the rear axle by 40–70 mm.

Exterior Tuning

From the outside the vehicle looks amazing and for this is contributing the fact that the tuner has given this Audi some substantial updates. Therefore the Q3 can now show-off with front skirt add-ons including a front spoiler, mirror caps, door strip attachments and a rear spoiler. At the back, an integral part of the ABT rear skirt is the muffler system with its four tailpipes.

What is more, we should also mention the wheels, which come in the dimension between 18- and 21-inches and are fitted with high-performance sports tires.

Interior Tuning

The modifications inside aren’t that much, but they definitely add to the charm of the Q3. They include ABT door entrance lights with company’s logo and floor mats, as well as a trunk mat for the luggage.

Source: ABT

May 18, 2015

Krumm-Performance Uprates MINI John Cooper Works [VIDEO]

To be honest, Krumm-Performance is another German tuning company which I hear of for the first time. However, it has been present on the automotive market for ten years now and it specializes in customizing MINIs only. Performance uprating and chassis engineering is the field of work of the tuner. Under the spotlight today is a MINI John Cooper Works conversion.

The car received a Stage III kit, which boasted the engine power to 300 hp (213 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The kit comprises of Hybrid Turbo, diverse heat protection shields, Akrapovic downpipe, racing intercooler with E-certification mark, Pipercross air filter element and more.

In addition to Stage III the engine of the MINI JCW received diverse intercooler air tubes without resonators as well as a custom exhaust system and intake. Furthermore, the gear box is delivered by Drexler LSD and has Krumm-Performance setup, while the racing clutch is from Sachs and features sinter pads and single mass flywheel.

The brake system is delivered by AP-Racing and comprises of 4-piston calipers, 330×32 mm floating wave brake discs with optimized sharp airing, PFC 01 brake pads and steel flex tubes. This MINI is running on 17-inch ATS-GTR rims which have been coupled with Dunlop Direzza 03G tires.

Left to mention are the Challenge front lip, the rear diffusor and the special wrapping by Camshaft. Oh, and let’s not forget to say something about the interior. It has been supplied with Recaro SPG XL seats, CAE-Ultra shifter, OMP Ultraleggero steering wheel, Schroth Profi 3FE 6-point belts and Wiechers Clubsport rollover bar.

Of course, don’t forget to check out the special short film about this exciting project:

httpv://youtu.be/Kr8qZsNgF8o