Automobiles Review – Page 378 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Audi Announces Details for 2016 Audi TT and TTS Models

Audi announced details for the 2016 Audi TT lineup. The legendary vehicle comes with incredible design and character. The latest member of the TT family demonstrates innovative technologies and driver-focused high performance. Audi has always demonstrated incredible design, concept and features. We are definitely interested in what the latest TT has to offer. Let’s check out together.

Body and Design

The third generation TT model demonstrates bold and original concept with short overhang, broad wheel arches and more aggressive stance. The TT demonstrates full LED headlamps, flatter grille and sharp hood lines. In addition, the spoiler and the exhaust tailpipes remind of the first generation TT vehicles. The latest TT is also geared with 19-inch alloy wheels and 13.3 inch front brakes.

In addition to the muscular vision Audi team includes and wide variety of colors. There are a total of 10 body colors, that include the special TTS gammas: Daytona Gray and Sepang Blue. Both the TT and TTS models come with the well-known Alu-optic fuel cap with exposed bolts. And especially for the 2016 TTS model, there is a Mythos Black Exterior Pack, 19-inch five-arm facet design wheels, Piano Black inlays.

Interior

The HVAC controls eliminate the need of the dash console and the controls for the heated seats are integrated in the side air vent. There is an available Band & Olufsen Sound system, that brings 680 watts of power and 5.1 Surround Sound with a 14-channel amp and 12 speakers.

Technology additions

The 2016 TT model demonstrates a completely different way of driver interaction, than what we are used to see. One of the biggest changes is the incredible virtual cockpit. It replaces the traditional gauges and brings customizable driving experience. The special technology was unveiled at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show and includes an unique 12.3-inch high-resolution 3D Graphics display. Supported by the latest and greatest technology tweaks, the innovative cockpit generates incredible processing speed.

The 2016 Audi TT will also include the most advanced Audi Connect System, that comes with picture navigation, read-aloud headlines, social media connectivity and thousands of radio stations. The virtual cockpit is entirely controlled by the steering wheel buttons.

Powertrain and Performance

2016 Audi TT Coupe Roadster features a 2.0-Liter TFSI engine, that brings 220 hp (161 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque. The acceleration is also noticable: the TT goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 for the coupe model and the roadster goes to the same speed for 5.6 seconds. The TTS Coupe model features 2.0-Liter TFSI engine with 292 hp ( 214 kW) and 280 lb-ft of torque and goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) for 4.6 seconds.

In fact, the all-wheel drive system could be fine tuned and adjusted by the driver, as long with the shift points, throttle responce and steering. The TTS model has and adjustable suspension system, that is tweaked with three special modes: dynamic, auto and comfort.

The 2016 TT will be available in coupe and roadster forms, while the TTS comes only in coupe form. All the 2016 TT and TTS models include the all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox, that provides smooth and quick shifts.

Source: Audi

May 7, 2015

2016 Seat Ibiza Is Ready for the Road!

Seat team has unveiled the latest Ibiza model at the Barcelona Motor Show. The youngest Ibiza member comes with innovative technologies, engine option and additional equipment. The Ibiza’s incredible design continues to be one of the vehicle’s most anticipated features, but along with it, the Seat team gave serious attention and to the hi-tech gadgets and connectivity options. let’s see what the latest Ibiza has to offer.

Exterior

The exterior design are extremely well built and designed, and as always Seat includes latest additions. In the case of the Ibiza, the five-door and three-door SC models, along with the ST version demonstrate a beautiful up-to minute lines and expression and additional features: 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels and additional colors – Moonstone Silver and Chilli Red.

Interior

The cabin received some significant changes. The design concept features numerous customizable elements and bring incredible balance between functionality and expressivity. The proportional elements and drive-oriented panels ensure ease of use and pleasurable drive. In addition, everything, that can be tweaked is crafted with high-quality soft-touch materials.

Individualization

The latest Ibiza model is really filled with life and colors, but for those, who still want more, Seat offers additional Color packages. They offer further individualization options and only some of the included colors are Bismuth and Velvet. But this is not all. The packs include wide range of additional features for each individual color. In fact, there is a wide range of color variation with all the color stock and additional features.

Engine system and Fuel Efficiency

The SEAT Ibiza comes with latest generation petrol and TDI engines. The entry level powerplant is a 1.0-Liter Eco turbocharged, that delivers respectively 75 hp (55 kW), 95 hp (75 kW) and 110 hp ( 80 kW). Further engine variations include the 1.4-Liter Eco TSI engine, that brings 150 hp (110 kW) and 250 Nm of torque. In addition, the TSI 90 hp and 110 hp version are available with slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox and start/stop system. And of course, all the engine units include the EU6 emissions standards and grand excellent fuel consumption efficiency. For example, the the 1.0 Eco TSI Ecomotive 95 hp model brings 68 mpg and the 1.4 TDI with 75 hp achieves 83.1 mpg.

Safety

The latest Ibiza model is geared with Tiredeness Recognition System (TRS), which notices diminished driver concentration. And in addition to the TRS system, the vehicle is geared and with Multi-Collision Brake. What it does is to reduce the kinetic energy after a collision. The brake system reacts instantly and opens the airbags, along with the reducing of the kinetic energy.

Hi-tech additions

As a modern vehicle, the latest Ibiza model is geared with the latest and greatest technology units. You will deal with touch screen operations, satellite navigations. You can play music via your smartphone or any other bluetooth device. And there is a big surprise for the music maniacs. The vehicle proudly demonstrates the latest SEAT Sound System. It includes six speakers and a ten-liter bass box, amplifier and additional tweakable options. Additional and optional features include a rear camera and parking assistance information screen.

Body Style

The latest Ibiza will be offered in three bodystyles: five door, SC and ST. In fact, even with the sporty looks, the luggage space is surprisingly big. The stock volume could be expanded from 430 up to a maximum of 1, 164 Liters.

Connectivity

Connectivity features are essential in today’s world. And Seat team realizes it. The Ibiza comes with MediaSystem Plus, Satellite Navigation System and MirrorLink function, which allows smartphone to be used safely in the car. Furthermore, SEAT is about to develop its own phone app, called SEAT DriveApp.

The latest Seat Ibiza is definitely a wonderful vehicle with wonderful features. You should definitely check it out.

Source: Seat

May 7, 2015

PIECHA with Evolutionary Design for the Jaguar F-Type

This week’s project by PIECHA Design involves the mighty Jaguar F-Type. This time under the spot isn’t the roadster but the coupe. The unique interpretation of the famous car is called “Evolution” because it brings the iconic British car to the next level. Although there isn’t any change to the 3.0-liter V6 engine, the car looks sportier than ever and creates the feeling of more athleticism.

There are several reasons for this. First of all, the motorsport expression of the Jaguar is strengthened by new aero front spoiler and side sills. In addition to this, PIECHA designed a larger rear diffuser, which was then framed by a color-coded undertray.

It featured an extended frame to improve the stability of the car and to further reduce drag. What is more, the big exhaust outlets are accompanied by stainless steel grille inserts.

At the back, we see a three-piece integrated rear spoiler lip, which is positioned on the end of the rear hatch lid. It additionally minimizes the drag and lift over the rear axle. As an option, the tuner is also offering GT rear wing, which not only improve car’s visual stance, but also creates more downforce.

This project is all about aerodynamic enhancements. This means that it can’t go without any lowering. A set of springs drops the ride height by 30mm. This is then combined with a choice of 20 or 21-inch diameter alloys that add a wider stance to the car. At last, a more spontaneous throttle response is ensured via in-house made power converter module.

The PIECHA Design Jaguar F-Type 3.0 V6 Coupe EVOLUTION takes the owning and driving experience of this outstanding sports car to the next level. Similar upgrades for the V8 Coupe and convertible models are also available.

Source: PIECHA Design

May 7, 2015

Why Shelby GT350 Mustang Has the Best Handling Ever?

Did you know that Ford Shelby GT350 has been built on Carroll Shelby’s original idea of changing the Mustang from an everyday to a road racer? Then it is no surprise that the new 2015 Mustang now receives a GT performance pack, which comes to offer the best in terms of technologies and components. The goal is to create the most athletic pony car ever!

Suspension

The first thing to mention about this beautiful car is that its suspension has been tuned for maximum performance on road and track. It has been thoroughly revised in order to improve the cornering performance of the car. Precisely, the new Shelby Mustang is fitted with stiffer and lighter aluminum front knuckle, hub and bearing assemblies.

The rigid bushings help in the steering feedback because they control the arms and subframes. In addition, the heavy-duty bearings are added for increased lateral stiffness. The diameter of the front and rear antiroll bars has been increased so that there is better body control. The side of the rear suspension has new rear spring and rear control arm.

MagneRide Suspension

This is the name has been applied for the first time in a Ford vehicle. The continuously variable MagneRide dampers are actually filled with a hydraulic fluid that features iron particles. This allows near-instantaneous adjustment of the suspension. In fact, changes can be made to each corner every 7 milliseconds.

Brakes

This Shelby Mustang features the most powerful brakes ever fitted to a production Mustang. The brake system comprises of two-piece cross-drilled iron rotors with aluminum hats. They measure 394-millimeter at the front and 380-millimeter at the rear, and are a floating-type and reduce heat transfer to the bearings.

The rotors are also accompanied by Brembo calipers. At the front they are with integrated caliper bridges, while at the rear they are with four-piston units. Additional ducting helps in cooling the brakes for optimum performance.

Wheels & Tires

The new Shelby GT350 rides on 19.0-inch alloys that are 10.5 inches wide in front an 11.0 inches in the rear. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. What is the difference with the GT350R version? The latter rides on hand-laid wheels, which are 19.0 inches in diameter, 11.0 inches wide at the front and 11.5 inches at the rear. Each wheel is fitted with custom formulated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. This combination shed 50 pounds of unsprung weight compared to the previous mentioned.

Chassis

The last change is in the chassis. It has been made stiffer, being the strongest platform in the history of the Mustang. In addition, the GT350 adds bracing to improve the overall stiffness. There is also a new lightweight aluminum tower brace, which links the shock towers and firewall, thus making better the front end stiffness.

The hood is lower for aerodynamic performance; the grille openings have been also reengineered and reinforced with carbon, thus making the overall weight of the chassis 24% lighter than the pervious generation one.

Source: Ford

May 7, 2015

Peugeot Mysterious Concept is a Vision Gran Turismo [VIDEO]

Peugeot Vision GT Front View At last! Peugeot has finally unveiled its mysterious car and as we guessed it is a Gran Turismo concept. But if you are following us at Twitter, then you will already know what I am talking about. Yesterday, we have published the first three official photos of the vehicle. Now it is time for the rest of them and for a trailer video of the car.

When I saw the car for the first time, I was speechless and stood in awe. If this car goes into production it will be definitely rivaling the Lambo or the Ferrari. Of course, the Vision Gran Turismo is specifically created for the GT6™ video game, which can be played only by PlayStation3 owners.

At first, the French manufacturer introduced the mysterious concept with a video, in which it suggested that the vehicle will blend the codes of the GT supercar and the prototype sports car. The video clearly showed that it promotes a future model in the Gran Turismo 6 video game.

The next teasers released were the sketches and three images, which gave us even more the impression of a virtual-only project. The sketches revealed that the vehicle will have a very low ride, concept-like exterior, wide and muscular stance and will definitely offer supreme performance.

In addition, the teaser images showed us select parts of the car like the front fascia and wheels. This is where we got the impression of the dark silver exterior paint scheme, accentuated by red highlights.

What’s new? Well, Peugeot said that the car has a design with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio, meaning weight of 875kg and 875bhp. Of course, this raises a lot of questions but the first thing that one thinks is about acceleration time. This car is capable of covering the 0 to 62mph acceleration sprint in mere 1.73 seconds.

Lucky PS3 users, they’ll have unforgettable and unique driving experience in the GT6!

To go into details, for this project Peugeot designers have teamed up with the sport engineers to create the perfect supercar. The vehicle had to feature the performance of an endurance racer. The Vision Gran Turismo concept has this monolithic silhouette, which has sculpted sides to sweep aside air resistance.

In addition to this, it is very low in height: it is only 104cm, but does not feature any aero-components. Its body design serves as an effective way to stick the car to the road.

Where does this power come from? It comes from the central V6 turbo 3.2-litre engine, positioned behind the driver, which is connected to a six-speed manual transmission driving all four wheels. The alloys actually measure 22-inch at the front and 23-inch counterparts.

The lightweight design and the responsive steering all add to the benefits that will take one to the top position at the Gran Turismo challenge. What is more, the deceleration of the car is as impressive as the acceleration. It is achieved via four ventilated Brembo carbon discs that are 380mm at the front and 337mm at the rear.

Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo will be soon available in the game in six color variants. It will be released as a free update for the Gran Turismo 6 game. Before you can enjoy it, check out the latest video trailer of the concept car, which teases nothing else but exceptional experience.

Source: Peugeot

May 7, 2015

Vorsteiner with Minor Updates for the BMW 4-Series

This beautiful Estoril Blue BMW 4-Series has received a minor update. Despite the fact there aren’t many changes, the car looks so beautiful that we couldn’t just skip it and not show it to you. The tuner behind this project is the California-based company Vorsteiner. These guys are very clever for choosing a German name and working mainly with European cars, aren’t they?

So, the first thing to mention about this BMW is its exterior color. Although, the Estoril Blue paint scheme comes as a standard from the factory, this does not makes it less attractive. In fact, I have always thought that the color is more typical for the M-series, but one could always learn, right?

If you do expect that the American tuner has changed the engine, well I will disappoint you. What is promising however are the numbers produced as a standard by this BMW’s powerplant. It generates 300 untamed horses (223 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 Nm (300 lb-ft).

But if you ask about the changes featured here, well it’s not much, but it is still very inspiring, because of the new and more powerful stance it gives the car. All right then. It’s only the wheels.

They have been made with the help of a special flow forged technology and come in this exquisite Carbon Graphite color. The design scheme features double five spokes, and the dimensions are different at the front and at the back.

Up front, the wheels come in the size of 20×8.5 inches and are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires in the size of 245/30/20. While at the rear, Vorsteiner has chosen 20×10 inches for the wheels and 275/30/20 for the Pirelli tires. Nice car to drive to the sunset with, isn’t’ it?

Source: Vorsteiner

May 5, 2015

Hyundai ix35 is the First Mass Produced Fuel Cell EV

Hyundai ix35 Zero-emissions mean more eco-friendliness and happier earth. It might seem strange to you but the emission-less cars become more and more important in out society, hence for the automotive industry, too. And as the time goes by, these vehicles become stronger, faster, lighter and more beautiful.

Take for instance, Hyundai’s ix35 Fuel Cell. This is one of most advanced alternative fuel vehicles currently available on the market. It is powered by hydrogen and this is actually the first mass produced fuel cell electric vehicle in the world.

This crossover is on sale all over the globe since 2013, and some of you might have seen it already on the road. To go into details, the ix35 Fuel Cell uses the power from a 100kW (136 PS) electric motor, which is enough to make it reach a Vmax of 100mph (160km/h).

The vehicle also has two hydrogen storage tanks that weigh a total of 5.64kg. They allow the SUV to drive up to 369 miles (594km) on a single fill. Another benefit that these tanks deliver is that they enable the vehicle to start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.

In addition, the energy is stored in a 24kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, which Hyundai has jointly developed with LG Chemical. Of course, the result did not happen over night. The impressive figures and data that the car shows is an effect of years of development.

This year’s ix35 Fuel Cell is actually the fourth-generation fuel cell-powered EV. It not only shows significant improvements over its predecessor, but also allows for an enhanced driving range with 50%. At the same time, it still delivers zero tailpipe emissions, while the fuel efficiency shows gains of more than 15%.

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell is currently available for order. Stay eco-minded!

Source: Hyundai

May 5, 2015

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup is Under Development

Mazda is currently testing the new MX-5 Cup racer at Mazda Raceway. This is part of the development process of the 2016 model, which will actually include series of tests. They will happen also in public in all remaining race weekends during the 2015 MX-5 Cup season.

The prototype racer Tom Long, who has already won three times with a MX-5 Miata, will lead the development of the car. His assistants this week will be racers Kenton Koch and Andrew Carbonell.

Of course, there is nothing but high expectations about the next gen series. Since this is a complex challenge, Mazda can’t help but consider every step in the development of the car.

There are exactly seven tire manufacturers, eight brake suppliers, and seven suspension kit partners for 392 base combinations under estimation. With the help of advanced analytics and simulations, Mazda Motorsports and its engineering partner Long Road Racing will make the needed tests on a computer to validate everything.

Mazda has as a goal to include in the new MX-5 racer lightweight chassis design, increased power-to-weight ratio, which will balance even more the new platform. The key elements of the original chassis will be kept but in a reborn look.

At last, what’s left unsaid is that Mazda Motorsports is going to announce the price of the MX-5 Cup later this summer.

Source: Mazda

May 5, 2015

Holden Releases Storm Special Edition Pack One More Time!

Holden has reissued the VF Commodore Storm Special Edition for all 2015 SV6 and SS sedan, ute and sportwagon body shapes. The well-known VF Storm is based on Australia’s Best Car winner, VF Commodore SV6 in addition to the SS model. Both vehicles have already demonstrated interesting list of features, that include Auto Park Assist, Rear View Camera with Reverse Traffic Alert and MyLink info system and 8-inch multimedia touch screen.

The VF Storm Special Edition pack includes high-quality components and gadgets like Satellite Navigation, front fog lights, alloy wheels. Holdon Executive Director Peter Keley says, that the 2015 VF Storm package will be very popular among Australian drivers. He ensures us, that thr VF Storm Special Edition will also be as successful as the 2014 pack was.

The VT Storm Special Edition pack includes:

Satellite Navigation, Front Fog Lamps, 18-inch dark finish alloy wheels, red contrast seat stitching, “Storm” embroidery on dash, “Storm” exterior badging. The VF Storm Special Content is available for SV6 and SS models.

Holden Commodore itself comes with two engine variations. The first one is the SV6 Storm and has a 3.6-Liter V6 engine, capable of producing 281 hp (210 kW) and 350 Nm. The secon one is the SS Storm model, that is a V8 6-liter monster, that produces 362 hp (270 kW) and 530 Nm.

Commodore-Storm-interior-1

Source: Holden

May 5, 2015

Integrated Booster Cushion celebrates 25 Years since Introduction

Back in 1990 Volvo has introduced the first ever booster cushion for children. Since then it has become something we are used to seeing in cars that parents drive. If you do the math, this means that the first child who used the famous cushion is now 25 years old and probably their children use one of their own.

The integrated booster cushion took child safety to another level and we must admit that this changed things in the automotive industry very much. There is a story behind every discovery and this cushion has one too.

The first one was actually a redesigned centre armrest. It was developed to elevate the seating position of the child. The sole purpose was to make perfect use of the 3-point safety belt. This in turn removed the child restraints for older children, thus making their comfort experience better.

Although, the cushion is very user-friendly and usable, it is still rarely for carmakers to offer it. Another important advantage of the booster cushions is that it was developed as a part of the seat and this allows the safety belt to have more direct contact with child’s body. In addition, it also removes the possibility of ‘slack’ in the belt.

In 2007 Volvo continued with the improvements of child’s safety features and introduced the integrated two-stage booster cushion in 2007. This one allowed for adjustment in the seating position. It also improved the safety further as well as the child’s comfort. The cushion featured two seating positions so it was suitable for larger children.

What is next for Volvo? The goal is no one to be seriously injured or killed while driving a new Volvo car and the end date for this to be achieved is 2020. The longer term aim is to actually build vehicles that will not crash.

#SaveKidsLives

Source: Volvo

May 5, 2015

Peugeot 208 and BlueHDi Engines Set an Efficiency Record!

The 1.6-Liter BlueHDi 100 S&S PEUGEOT 208 has set a record for long-distance fuel consumption. The car has gone through 1,337.19 miles (2,152 km) with 9.45 gallons 43 liters) of Diesel. The average consumption was measured at 141.2 mpg. All the tests were done under the supervision of the UTAC. This test surely demonstrates the wonderful performance of the latest Euro6 BlueHDi Diesel engines, that bring more power with less consumption.

The record was set at the end of April, on the PEUGEOT test circuit in France under the strict standards, that come with the Union Technique de l’Automobile. In fact, the 208 model, that made the test was specified as a “Very Low Fuel Consumption” version. It comes with aerodynamic rear spoiler and ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver+ tires. All this, combined with the compact and light 208 model is the secret mixture behind the successfully done challenge. The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), the BlueHDi technology one more time demonstrates high performance and low consumption.

The latest PEUGEOT 208 is on sale from June in UK and offers incredible energy efficiency. In fact, it is a PEUGEOT tendency to reduce the emissions not only to the 208 models, but in general for all of the brand’s vehicles.

Source: PEUGEOT

May 5, 2015

Lorinser’s Makeover for this Mercedes C400 is Good but not Enough?

Lorinser is a tuning company famous for its Mercedes-Benz makeovers and this is the reason we are currently making this review. The car under the sport is the C400 4Matic, which has received a numbers of tweaks that increase its visual characteristics and performance capabilities. It is a well known fact that the latest C-Class inherits brand’s iconic power as well as athleticism.

Exterior Tuning

The first thing that one sees in this car is the changed emblem, which now features tuner’s name. It is also obvious that the vehicle has been given black front grille as well as new front and rear bumpers. Five spoke alloys are a necessity, too.

At the back of the car, under the new bumper, the tuners have added a new exhaust system. It features four-tailpipes and in contrast to the overall black-out theme, it is in bright silver finish. Basically, these features round-out the exterior treatment for this Mercedes and let us proceed to the changes under the hood.

Engine

The 3.0-liter V6 powerplant has be modified via a software and now produces 389 PS (286 kW) and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. This is an increase of 56 PS and 100 Nm in comparison to the original engine, which without any treatment delivers 333 PS and 480 Nm. When it comes to acceleration we are sure of one thing: the car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h that hasn’t been changed.

All in all, Lorinser has created a really nice project, but I am missing some interior changes, as well as more fresh and shiny details to the exterior. What is your opinion?