Automobiles Review – Page 375 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Dawn Rises for Rolls-Royce. Rare Model Will Ride Under Sunlight One More Time

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced the name of its latest model. It will be exciting and sensuous and will be named Rolls-Royce Dawn. The luxury vehicle was unveiled at the 2015 Rolls-Royce World Dealer Conference in Los Angeles California. This is the next step, after the brand has released Phantom, Ghost and Wraith models.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has the opportunity to revive a famous name, that was first used in 1949. Sadly, itapplied to only 28 very special vehicles, produced between 1950 and 1954. In fact, the original Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce vehicle to be offered with a factory-build structure. The vehicles, that carried the Dawn name ensure incredible rarity and unseen design.

The “Dawn” is really the right name for the latest Rolls-Royce car. Dawn comes after the dark and ethereal nocturne. Dawn touches with tender, awakes the senses and tingles the feels. The Rolls-Royce Dawn is here to remind you, that at the start of the day everything is possible.

This vehicle excites everyone: we all want it, we desire it. It is beautiful and stylish and wakes the passion for life. It brings possibilities and desire to explore unknown horizons.

Rolls-Royce Dawn will launch during the first quarter of 2016.

Source: Rolls-Royce

May 13, 2015

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is Ready for the Market!

Like its Coupe brother, the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is built with ultra-lightweight carbon fiber monocoque and minimum redundant structural additions. The body includes redesigned aluminum rollover structure, especially crafted carbon-fiber windscreen frame and engine components, built from high-strength steel. Overall, the car looks beautiful and confident. But let’s see what else it has to offer.

Exterior

One of the first things we noticed is the redesigned front. It comes with covered projector-style xenon headlamps, that previously were only optional, while now they are included in the standard pack for the Spider. The back is also restyled: it comes with distinctive Spider buttresses and redesigned engine cover. Further additions are the heat extractors and the rear spoiler.

Of course, the body is not restyled just to be beautiful. Alfa Romeo team paid attention to the aerodynamic characteristic of the Spider. Now the Spider comes with even better aerodynamic features, that include minimal wind and noise intrusion when the roof is stowed away.

Interior

The inside welcomes you with a redesigned Alpine head and Alfa Hi Fi audio system. And of course all the components are crafted to ensure maximum comfort and usability. And for customers, who want even more, the engineer team offers premium leather stitching and matching door cards as optional additions. Sweet.

Drivetrain system

This beauty is powered by all-aluminum 1750 TBi 240 hp (176 kW) engine, that provides a total of 258lb-ft. The 0-100 km/h (62mph) run is over in less than 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 288 km/h (160 mph). And just like the Coupe version the Spider generates the same 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25g of braking deceleration.

Packs and Trims

The standard pack for Alfa Romeo 4C Spider includes the upgraded audio system, luxury floor mats, glove compartment with leather cover, parking sensors and cruise control, carbon-fibre windscreen frame and xenon headlamps.

Prices start from £59,500

Source: Alfa Romeo

May 13, 2015

Chevrolet Sonic Gets Top Safety Rating from IIHS [VIDEO]

Chevy Sonic Side View There is so good news about Chevrolet cars lately. The newest one is that the Sonic model from the 2015 model year just got the Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The car actually got ‘Good’ rating in small overlap front crash test, which you can view in the video below.

Customer’s safety is number one priority for the company when building its cars. So it is no surprise that this model has received this designation. The improvements shown in vehicle’s Small Overlap Front Crash Protection Test are because of the changes in the front-end structure, door sill and door pillar.

Just for information, IIHS “good” is the highest possible in each test. What is more, the model got the same rating in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. The result is good ratings across the board in all five IIHS crashworthiness evaluations and of course – the fulfillment of requirements needed to get the Top Safety Pick.

Another interesting fact is that Chevy has made the Sonic the only car in its class to feature 10 standard airbags, including knee one for both driver and front passenger. Additionally, there are sensors throughout the vehicle which decide how many air bags to deploy depending on the crash.

Furthermore, in a case of an accident, car’s body has been designed very strong and to absorb crash energy. The advanced steel body structure further provides protective “safety cage” around occupants.

As an option customers can get the car with two additional safety features, which actively work to avoid crashes. These are the Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. The first one alerts the driver if the vehicle in the front becomes slower or is suddenly stopping, while the second one alerts drivers in those cases of unintentionally drifting out of the lane.

httpv://youtu.be/Di4lEDNfhBA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Chevrolet

May 12, 2015

Skoda Fabia R5 Combi to Debut at Wörthersee

The Wörthersee meeting this year will be full of surprises. After the reveal of the Fabia R5, Skoda has announced that it will also display a Combi version of the model. In fact, at the meeting there will be exactly five Skoda racers and four sporty versions of the Fabia. Next to the aforementioned two cars, the visitors of the event will also see the FUNstar concept, the Fabia with Design package Red & Grey, the Octavia Combi RS 230 and Skoda’s Crazy Rally Ride. However, we will have to wait until tomorrow to get more details and pictures of each car.

The Fabia R5 Combi rally show car will debut for the first time in Reifnitz delivering a real motorsport experience. Like its coupe sibling, it has this eye-catching exterior with green, white and black finish.

In addition, the model will be running on big 18-inch alloys, which are complemented by powerful front bumpers. What is more, the wide air intake is a testimony of vehicle’s rallying ambitions.

The grille is wide, it is finished in black just like the wing mirror covers. Flared mudguards and powerful doorsills further highlight car’s racy attitude. At the back, this Fabia combi boasts enormous rear spoiler and huge bumper. There is also wide exhaust pipe in the centre.

The last detail about this car is that it will be powered by the 1.6-litre turbo engine, which has been taken from the Fabia R5 rally car. No words on the output, so we will definitely have to wait a little longer to get the whole picture. Probably the drivetrain will be connected to a five-speed sequential gearbox just like the rally version.

At last, Skoda will be also showing a special kind of racing experience at Wörthersee. Of course, those who will attend the event will have the opportunity of joining. Visitors will be able to participate in “Skoda’s Crazy Rally Ride”, which is a special racing track next to the stands. Those competing will go head-to-head in mini racing cars.

Source: Skoda

May 12, 2015

BMW i8 Transformed by AC Schnitzer [VIDEO]

What happens when you combine hybrid power wit hybrid thinking? The result is simple and can be expressed via this amazing project by AC Schnitzer. This time the tuner has modified BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid giving it special equipment that further emphasizes the unique qualities of the model.

Exterior

First to be mentioned is the lowering. This BMW sits very close to the ground in a standard form, but now it is even closer. Precisely, the tuners have lowered it by 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear. This helps is also to develop optimum efficiency and better dynamics.

The in-house made carbon fiber front spoiler elements, side skirts and rear wing also contribute for the unforgettable performance. In addition, AC Schnitzer logos can be seen on both sides of the vehicle as well as on the center caps of the wheels. Speaking of which, they are the so called AC1 forged alloys in bicolor double-spoke design which have been fitted with low profile tires.

Another benefit from these wheels is the weight saving. Compared with the standard alloys on which the i8 runs, these save up to 30 percent weight, thus improving the driving dynamics. The AC1 are 21 inch of size and matched with 245/35 R 21 tires at the front 285/30 R 21 tires at the rear.

Interior

Unlike many tuners, AC Schnitzer specialists find the interior as important as the exterior. However, this time they haven’t given it a thorough make-over, but some small changes. Inside one will enjoy aluminium pedal set and root rest from the same material as well as velours floor mats.

There is also a video promoting this car, so don’t forget to check it out:

httpv://youtu.be/kW9oofEQrEA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: AC Schnitzer

May 12, 2015

Volkswagen Teases Another One-off Wörthersee Golf GTI Concept

Next to the Clubsport concept Volkswagen is going to debut another car at the Wörthersee meeting this year. It has just been teased with two sketches and an announcement that it will be developed by thirteen apprentices. Four young women and nine men are currently training at Volkswagen and developing their project. Their age is between 17 and 25, and they have been selected as team members on the basis of their excellent performance.

At first, they took a body of the Golf GTI painted in white and then developed it demonstrating creativity, skill and knowledge. The members at the team are actually training as interior specialists, paint and mechatronics technicians, media designers and process technicians in plastics and rubber engineering, therefore you can imagine the variety of the work they can do for this project.

What we know so far about it? Well, there isn’t enough information. However we are sure that there will be optical and technical refinements of the suspension, engine, interior, seats and sound system. The car also port innovative color scheme, hand-crafted and painted body kitл

What was left unsaid is the information about the engine. We suspect that this concept will have some significant upgrades over the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit. This means that it will develop more than 230 hp (170 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

All of this will be shown at Lake Wörthersee, between 13th and 16th May. Stay tuned.

Source: Volkswagen

May 12, 2015

Onyx Release Rolls-Royce Ghost Dubbed San Mortiz

The tuners at Onyx are mostly famous for their Land Rover based projects. However, we have seen a Bentley and now it is the time for one of the most emblematic luxury car in the world – the Rolls-Royce. Under the spotlight is the Ghost dubbed in this case San Mortiz.

Exterior

As the specialists say, this name is an expression of the ultimate dynamism and style. The exterior has been changed significantly, with the help of many upgrades. The most prominent new feature is the sportier San Mortiz front bumper. It has been redesigned thus creating the athletic effect. In addition, the front also features hand crafted lower satin-carbon aero plate.

At the sides of the car we see lowered stance due to the added new suspension. It is complemented by a set of wheels in the size of 22 inches, while at the back the exterior of this Rolls-Royce is adorned by the quad hand crafted exhaust .The rear spoiler is also finished in satin carbon.

Engine

Despite the good treatment on the outside, this project is lacking the interior modification. This however can’t be said about the engine, which has been upgraded to produce more than 613 hp (451 kW), in comparison to the standard 563 hp (414 kW).

Onyx also said that it will introduce a wide range of enhancements for Rolls Royce Wraith and Phantom over the next 12 months. Let’s hope we will see some interior treatment next time.

Source: ONYX

May 12, 2015

2015 Jaguar XE Wins Diesel Magazine Award

Jaguar XE has won the prestigious award Best Large Car in 2015 Diesel Car Magazine Awards. The prestigious vehicle had to deal with rough path and serious competitors as the BMW 3 Series and Ford Mondeo. However, Jaguar XE now stands proudly with its first place award. Let’s see what happened.

The judges chose the Jaguar because of the compettitive pricing, wonderful looks, cozy interior and low CO2 emissions. Ian Rober, Diesel Car Editor says, that it is thrilling and interesting to see how a Jaguar vehicle beats Germans in their own game.

In fact, the Jaguar XE is the one car in its class, that includes lightweight aluminum material, that, combined with the high-performance, yet efficient Ingenium diesel engine delivers just 78mpg and 99g/km CO2.

The car itself comes with 161 hp (120 kW) 2.0-Liter diesel powerplant, that is a part of the special Ingenium engine family. The engine produces a total of 380 Nm of torque, which forms 1,750 rpm.

Besides the engine, one of the biggest changes in the XE model is the suspension and steering systems. The rear suspension comes with incredibly strong, yet lightweight components, that ensure smooth and pleasurable drive.

Arriving to the market next month, the XE’s price will start from £26,990

Source: Jaguar

May 12, 2015

Peugeot 108 Comes With Sweeter Looks And Improved Performance

The fancy PEUGEOT 108 already received the best of all prizes: customer’s recognition for one of the best vehicles available for its cost. And now PEUGEOT team brings and other good news. The 108 model is now available with two additional technologies: Active City Brake and Lane Departure Warning system.

The first one, the Active City Brake alerts the driver for possible collision situations, when the speed of the vehicle is no more than 32 km/h (20 mph) and, if necessary activates the emergency brake to avoid accidents.

On the other hand, Lane Departure Warning System activates at 55 km/h (31 mph) and warns the driver, when it notices changes of vehicle’s position on major roads in order get it back in its own line.

Additional features are the special Euro6 compliant engines, that bring even greater efficiency and performance. The powerplant range include: 1.0-Liter 68 hp (50 kW) with 95 g/km of CO2; a 1.0-Liter 2-Tronic 68 hp (50 mph) with 97g/km of CO2 and the last one is a 1.2-Liter PureTech 82 hp (60 kW) with 99g/km of CO2.

In addition to the drivetrain system, the redesigned PEUGEOT 108 comes with refreshed looks. There are eight customizable colors, that also include the metallic “French Blue” color. Furthermore, customers are encouraged to chose a color combination for the exterior and interior.

The PEUGEOT 108 is really a sweet and beautiful car. And PEUGEOT team continues to make it sweeter and more beautiful.

Source: PEUGEOT

May 12, 2015

DS Brand Demonstrates Even Better Performing Transmission System

Since its launch in 2010, DS 3 has become one of the well-known and most loved gearbox system. And now DS 3 comes with a redesigned and next-gen six-speed automatic transmission, that brings more comfortable and smoother gear changes and overall smooth ride. The latest PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 delivers also lowered CO2 emissions, that are reduced to 40g/km

As you know, DS Automobiles is a premium brand, that was launched by PSA group in 2014: since then the brand delivers high quality product and brings technological innovations and customization options. Following on the DS LED Vision lamps and the THP 165 S&S Engine, now DS 3 continues the tradition of quality and performance.

The EAT6 gearbox is fitted with a PureTech 110 turbocharged petrol engine, that produces incredible torque even at low engine revs. This engine-gearbox blend will fit in with every customer. The shifts are faster and even smoother and provide even better responsiveness and drivability. At the same time, the latest transmission system demonstrates incredible energy efficiency. See for yourself: hatchback models come with 60.1 mpg and the Cabrio version have a total of 57.6 mpg.

All four DS 3 models with the latest EAT6 transmission system will be on the market in late June 2015.

2015-DS-3-EAT6-Transmission-09

Source: DS

May 12, 2015

Nissan Brings Even More Surprices With “The Altima Chase” [Video]

With the success of last year’s campaign “Ride of Your life“, Nissan brings it back for one more time. But this time with even more events. The brand announced the start of “The Altima Chase” project, that will take the “Ride of Your Life” campaign to a even higher level. Let’s see some more details.

As we told you, Nissan team promoted customers to “unlock” the Altima from a special box. The luckiest people were given a chance to experience the sedan on a racetrack. Instantly. How cool is that?

Now, “The Altima Chase” starts with video, that tracks down the car via numerous clues on social media. For three weeks fans and customers will have to find out where the Altima is hidden. And when they do, or to be more precise, when one of them is lucky enough to find out the hidden vehicle, he takes it as a giveaway price. The rest of the participants also get some prices: numerous Nissan– and Altima-inspired gear and cash prizes.

The social media element for the campaign started on May 11 and will run through the end of the month. Fans and customers have the chance to find clues in all the social media, along with the official Nissan website.

We wish good luck to all participants. We hope we will be lucky enough to talk with the winner!

Source: Nissan

May 12, 2015

Audi Team Prepares for the 24-Hour Race at Nürburgring

The revised GT sports car is ready to take the challenge on the 24-hour Nürburgring race from May 16 to 17. Audi team is determined to continue its successful series of races. And the brand with the six circles shows this determination with the debut of the R8 LMS at Geneva Motor Show ten weeks ago.

The redesigned Audi R8 LMS comes with a V10 engine, that delivers 500 hp (367 kW) and whole pack of additional features. In fact, every single component is especially designed to ensure optimal performance on the track. And the track itself is challenging. It was opened back in 1927 and it is the world’s longest track. It is also one of the hardest: there is a stage, that is called “Green Hell”, that requires maximum demands on the drivers and the cars.

In fact, Audi Sport Team Phoenix and Audi Sport Team WRT are each tweaking two Audi R8 LMS vehicles. As you know, WRT team celebrated victory in VLN Endurance Championship in April and Phoenix team won the race back in 2012 and 2014.

The race will include the best driver line-up, that include the 2012 FIA WEC champion Marcel Fässler (CH), DMT drivers Mike Rockenfeller (D) and Nico Müller (CH) and other pilots, that have won different races and competitionsthroughout the years.

In addition, customer teams rely on the Audi R8 LMS Ultra, that won the 24-hour race in 2014 and 2012. Now, in 2015 we all want to see how the redesigned car performs through the “Green Hell”.

Source: Audi

May 12, 2015

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