Automobiles Review – Page 380 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Receives One-Off Prior-Design Aero Tuning

Prior-Design Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Side View The tuner Prior-Design has surprised us with a new and extreme project. After a long and silent time, the specialists have finally released a car which is worth the attention. This time under the spot is the emblematic gull-wing Mercedes SLS AMG. The car alone looks fantastic, but after the addition of the PD widebody kit, it surely turns heads.

The sporty and elegant car was actually teased in the middle of February, when the tuner released just three photos of it as well as some details about the kit that it will include. And although it was said that the kit for vehicle will be available by the end of May. Prior Design has obviously made the impossible and are currently releasing it.

The aero-kit, named PD900GTWB, turns the SLS AMG into a real monster, as the tuners claim. If you ask whether there is something previously unannounced included, well, the news is sad, because there really isn’t. However, only in terms of aero-components. There are some engine improvements added and more.

Aero-Kit

Still, if you meet this project for the first time, it is good to know that this Mercedes is very special because it differentiates from its siblings with new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and front fenders that widen it further, rear wideners, new hood and rear trunk spoiler. The widebody aero-kit is made of fiberglass-duraflex, but it can be purchased made of carbon fiber.

Wheels & Tyres

Of course, this beautiful car requires new wheels to run on. Precisely, they are three-part forged Rotiform SNA alloys in the size of 9×20” and 11×21” at the front and rear, respectively. The Dunlop SU 5P tires come in the size of 245/30 ZR20 and 305/25ZR21.

Suspension & Exhaust System

In addition, PD took care for the suspension of this car, giving it a KW coilovers that lower it with about 35mm. New exhaust system is also at hand. It features 200Cell race cats, new manifold and muffler with clap control. The result is a power improvement with 40 PS.

Engine Chiptuning

The performance of the vehicle was further improved via chiptuning. Additional 30 PS and 40 Nm were added to V8’s standard parameters. In details, AMG’s 6.2 liter engine produces 571 PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft). You can make the math.

Source: Prior Design

May 4, 2015

Peugeot Gives with More Information on its Mysterious Supercar Concept

Peugeot GT6 Virtual Car Do you remember when we told you about the mysterious Peugeot concept car? Well, we received further information about it. To be precise, it’s not written details, but pictures which actually tell a lot more. If with the previously released video, the French manufacturer invited us to solve the mystery behind the new project. These photos and sketches actually reveal and confirm a lot more.

The first thing they support is that this concept will probably be the next vehicle featured in the Gran Turismo 6 game. The video teaser told us that we should expect a car which blends the codes of the GT supercar and the prototype sports car.

The two sketches that you can view in the gallery below fortify this statement. They reveal that the vehicle will have a very low ride, concept-like exterior, wide and muscular stance and supreme performance.

Later today, Peugeot released three other teaser images, displaying select parts of the car like the front fascia and wheels. We can also get the impression of this dark silverfish paint scheme, which will be accentuated via red highlights, seen on the front bumper and complementing the Mustang-inspired rear lights.

These details actually tell us that the car will probably stay only a reality in the virtual world, so we do want to play with it in the GT6 video game. However, it’s so nice to be surprised by a full scale model, although it would probably be just only one.

There are no additional details disclosed. “Coming soon” is the only promise that Peugeot has given us.

Source: Peugeot via Facebook

April 30, 2015

Hyundai With One More Award for the Tucson Fuel Cell

The Tucson Fuel Cell, which is Hyundai’s hydrogen powered zero-emission environmentally friendly vehicle has won a Silver Edison Award in Energy and Sustainability at the Edison Awards Gala. The award honors only the best in innovation and premium quality development of products. The Tucson Fuel Cell is, as you might know, the first mass-produced hydrogen powered vehicle in US.

According to Edison Awards, this is one of the highest and most prestigious awards, that a car brand can win. In their own words, this honor is given only to the best in the business. Edison Awards team sees the winners not only as car producers, but as innovators. At least Frank Bonafilia, executive director ensures us so.

In fact, there are more than 3,000 requirements, that competitors must go through, before the judges decide if they stay in the competition or not. All competitors must deal with challenges as past award winners, academic awards, leadership in technical and academic field, design and many other.

But let’s get back to the car and the technology behind it. The fuel cell technology replaces the battery pack and produces energy from hydrogen through a complex process. Overall, the Tucson Fuel Cell maintains flexibility and experience of a gas-powered car without any compromises for the customer.

Source: Hyundai

April 30, 2015

Tesla Model S by Larte Design Gets Upgraded to 900 hp

It is hard to forget the spectacular lava-infused Tesla Model S by Larte Design, isn’t it? The car was revealed two weeks ago at the Top Marques Monaco and caused a big furor. And if you think that there is nothing new going on around this project then you are definitely wrong. The car is getting a performance upgrade, which will make it even more powerful.

Named Elizabeta and colored in fiery red, this Model S is now getting an exuberating white version, which is currently in preparation at company’s division in California. It will be extremely hot variant of the car, because of its spectacular 900hp capability. In comparison, the red Elizabeta produces “only” 700 hp.

What is more, this will not only raise the performance of the car with 29 percent but will also show any higher energy consumption, meaning that it will have similar reach as the production variant. Furthermore, this version of the Elizabeta will also feature lightweight front and rear bumpers made of basalt fibers just like its sibling.

To remind you, Larte Desin’s bodywork weighs just 13kg altogether, not only due to the aforementioned bumpers, but also because of the carbon fiber elements included in the front bumper, wheel arches, side skirts, trunk lid and the rear diffuser insert.

And for those who really like the noisy sound of a petrol engine, the tuner has prepared a sound module, which can acoustically mimic car’s acceleration. Oh, and have you noticed the revised interior as well?

Source: Larte Design

April 30, 2015

Cadillac Shows its Most Powerful Model Ever Released

Cadillac announced, that the US market is ready to take orders for the next-gen 2016 CTS-V. This is a 640 hp (477 kW) sedan and it is one of the two V-Series models, that will be offered in the market in Summer of 2015. In fact, the 2016 V-series mark a big expansion of Cadillac luxurious line.

The luxurious ride has a top speed of 360 km/h (200 mph) and goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. In fact, this is maybe the most powerful car, that Cadillac has ever built for its 112 years on the market. An despite its power, it has a ton of features to show. Let’s see what it offers.

The 2016 CTS-V is geared with third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which is rated as the fastest reacting suspension technology. But this is only one of the many features, that are standard in the 2016 CTS-V. This beauty is further geared with carbon-fiber hood, Brembo break system, 19-inch alloy wheels. It comes with selectable drive modes, that are Tour mode, Sport mode and Track Driving mode. There is really a wide variety of driving options, that ensure every kind of driver feels comfortable in the 2016 CTS-V.

And now, the most interesting part. The engine. The car is equipped with a 6.2-Liter supercharged V8 powerplant, that works in full harmony with the eight-speed automatic gearbox. This configuration, as said above, delivers 640 hp (477 kW) and 630lb-ft/855 Nm of torque.

2016-Cadillac-CTS-V--10

But this is not all. There will be a smaller version of the ATS-V, that would be earlier released. This will be track-ready ride, that delivers 464 hp (341 kW), thanks to the Twin-Turbo V6 engine. The 0-100 km/h (62 mph) is just 3.9 seconds. The model will be offered both in coupe and sedan forms.

This will be definitely an interesting model not just for the Cadillac fans, but for everyone, who is interested in high-performance vehicles. What do you think about the latest Cadillac family member?

Source: Cadillac

April 30, 2015

The Most Powerful Evora 400 Validated at Hethel

In February we saw the birth of the most powerful Lotus ever – the Evora 400. Then, at the Geneva Auto Saloon we witnessed its official public reveal. Now, the company has finally proved this with early tests, carried out by the Technical Manager for Lotus Motorsport, Gavan Kershaw. He drove the new Lotus at Hethel, boasting an advantage of six seconds per lap. During the tests he drove an Evora with standard road specifications, running on road tyres and suspension.

The Evora 400 is the latest supercar Lotus has produced. It features significantly reduced weight (by 22kg), additional 55 hp and better traction due to the addition of a limited slip differential. This basically means that the car is faster and more athletic in comparison to the previous generation Evora and this in turn hints for advantages in terms of agility and driving.

To go even further into details, the new model has a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). But more impressive is the fact that it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 4.1 seconds. This time extends to 4.2 seconds for the 0-62 mph acceleration sprint.

This capability is due to the addition of an entirely new powerplant, which is the 3.5-litre V6 engine. It generates 400 horsepower (294 kW) and 410 Nm (303 lb-ft) of torque. As a matter of fact, more than two thirds of the car is entirely new. This also includes the aluminium chassis, interior and the lightweight body.

At last, we should also mention that the new Evora 400 is scheduled to for a production start this summer, and will be available in European countries in August. The North Americans will have the chance of driving it as a 2016 model year, while the car will be debuting this autumn. In China, Lotus has decided to release the Evora 400 in the beginning of next year.

Source: Lotus

April 30, 2015

Jeff Gordon Sits behind the Wheel of Corvette Z06 for Indy 500

Jeff Gordon is not an unknown name for the motorsport enthusiasts. But if you are not among them, maybe it is a nice idea to tell you that he is a five-time Brickyard 400 winner and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion. Why these facts are so important? Gordon will be driver behind the steering wheel of a Corvette Z06 pace car. This will happen at the 99^th edition of Indy 500 mile race on May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Another interesting fact about the even and Corvette, is that this particular model was a pace car a total of thirteen times. Chevrolet, in general, has participated in the race with a pace car exactly twenty-six times.

Thanks to Chevy’s 650 horses and seven-speed manual, the specific race-oriented chassis system and impeccable characteristics, Gordon won’t have any problems in being the first car in the race. As you can see from the pictures, the car features an Arctic White exterior paint scheme and one-off Indy graphics, while the interior is decided in Adrenaline Red. Safety strobe lights are also included in the special package.

To remind you, the new Corvette Z06 is driven by the LT4 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine. It produces no less than 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque (881 Nm) at 3,600 rpm. If this does not speak anything to you, well the numbers only say that this is the most powerful production GM car.

As an option, Chevy is offering the Z07 package, which enables 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.95 seconds and braking in only 99.6 feet as well as some styling components. In addition, Z06 is also equipped with Performance Data Recorder. It allows those driving the vehicle to record HD video of their driving experiences on and off the track.

Source: Chevrolet

April 30, 2015

Volvo Seems to Have Created the Best Hybrid Engine

Volvo XC90’s T8 Twin Engine is one of the best powertrains currently on the market. It can deliver spectacular power and has very low needs for fuel. This of course, corresponds to the lowest emissions for a seven seater. They have dropped by 10 g/km and now measure only 49 g/km. The fuel economy is rated at 134.5mpg, while the power from the engine has also grown. The SUV can generate a combined power of 407 hp (300 kW) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque.

Drivetrain

As a matter of fact, the drivetrain allows to be driven on a pure electric range up to 26 miles. Meanwhile it achieves 0-62mph acceleration sprint in 5.6 seconds. To be more precise, the gasoline engine produces 320hp, while the electric unit delivers the other 87 hp. 400 Nm and 240 Nm is the combination for the torque.

Driving Modes

The seven seater can offer five driving modes, which can be selected via either a scroll wheel on the centre console or a touchscreen on the dashboard. The first one is the “Hybrid” mode, which is set as a default. This means that, the vehicle will alternate between drawing power from the Drive-E engine and the electric unit automatically.

The second mode is called “Pure electric” and as the name suggests it uses the battery of the car for the only energy source. The electric motor drives the rear axle, thus offering a total range of up to 26 miles solely on electricity. This mode is also the most efficient of all.

Via “Power mode” the driver will get both power-sources working and will offer a better torque at lower revs, while the “AWD” mode will drive the all-fours on demand. At last, the “Save” mode comes in help if the battery is charged and the driver literally wants to keep this energy level for a later electric ride.

The good new is that the XC90 T8 Twin Engine is scheduled to appear in the showrooms later this spring.

Source: Volvo

April 30, 2015

Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro Demonstrates Refreshed Design and Features

Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro debuts with refreshed styling and bodywork features. In fact, the whole concept is different, compared to the Audi model, that won the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC season at Silverstone. As you know, it is kind of a tradition for Audi team to create different bodywork concepts for each individual race. Just to be prepared for everything. And this proofed to be a successful strategy.

As you might remember, the visual changes in previous models was not that interesting or recognizable, but now, the skilled engineer team created a body, that is especially designed and tweaked, just to be in great condition to the Le Mans race. The specific tweaks and configurations are especially done to achieve better downforce, higher speed and even better aerodynamics.

In fact, the result is more than satisfying. the greater downforce levels, along with the different fairing, sidespots, openings and the overall bodywork and styling are essential for the latest Audi vehicle and promise to achieve the best results available on the sports track.

With all the innovations and tweaks, Audi team is ready to show great results not only in the training place, but also on the Le Mans track itself.

We wish Audi team luck and numerous occasions for celebrations!

Source: Audi

April 30, 2015

2015 Nissan Versa Note Defends its Position in the Kelly Blue’s List

This year marks the second time, that Nissan Versa Note stays on Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Tech-Savviest Cars Under $20,000”. The car won the award, thanks to the Around View Monitor, the numerous tech options, that include the hands-free texting, Bluetooth and Pandora Connectivity. In fact, Nissan Versa in on the sixth place on the prestigious list.

The companion to the Versa sedan, the Versa Note demonstrates some wonderful features, distinctive look inside and outside. In fact, the vehicle comes with large list of features and tweaks. Today we will show you some of them.

The Versa Note demonstrates incredible stylish exterior, that includes the steeply sloped windshield. There is an optional Active Grille Shitter, that makes a further boost to the overall fuel economy. And when we talk about economy, The Xtronic-geared models offer 40 miles per-gallon-highway fuel economy. The vehicle also offers spacious cargo place, that is further upgraded with the Divide-N-Hide Adjustable Floor. And of course, the Versa Note is geared with numerous hi-tech gadgets and tweaks, that include NissanConnect system, RearView Monitor, Navigation and many more.

Under the hood 2015 Versa Note shows a 1.6-Liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual injection and Twin Continuously Variable Timing Control (CVTC). The Note S model comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the other models, the S Plus, SV, SR and SL are geared with a next-gen Nissan Xtronic transmission.

In fact, we can still show numerous features, that are included in the 2015 Versa Note. Nissan team has included Bluetooth, Hands-Free system, Satellite radio and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

With all these features, 2015 Nissan Versa Note surely deserves a place in the prestigious list. What do you think?

Source: Nissan

April 30, 2015

Volkswagen Adretti RallyCross Crew Is Preparing for the Upcoming Competition

After competing in the inaugural season, Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team is ready to compete in the Global RallyCross Championship. In 2015 the team will fight its place in the competition with the two Beetle GRC vehicles, which, as you know, debuted in 2014. The vehicle itself is based on the GRC car and features six-speed transmission, further-tuned drive system, upgraded slip differentials.

For the upcoming season, VW crew decided to make some changes on the car specifications and the end result is a Beetle, geared with 2.0-Liter TSI powerplant, capable of producing 553 hp (406 kW) and 465 pound-feet of torque. Impressive, isn’t it? This time, the team, that engineered the car, decided to focus on the higher power output and torque, along with some weight equalization tweaks.

The redesigned Beetle comes with incredible response and capabilities. Overall, the car is nearly 170 inches long and 70 inches wide. It weighs 2866 pounds. The combination of weight reduction, high power and all-wheel drive results on an incredible sprint, that from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 2.0 seconds. Impressive, isn’t it?

And there is good news for the VW team. Scott Speed is returning to take part of the championship after he recorded three victories in 2014 season. As you know, Speed participated in Formula 1 races back in 2006 and 2007 and in NASCAR races in 2008 to 2013. And as you know, he is known for his incredible rally skills and stunt drives.

We all wish him the best of luck and success!

Source: Volkswagen

April 30, 2015

Vilner Finally Releases New Project Based on Morgan Plus 8 Anniversary Edition

Vilner Morgan Plus 8 Front View The last time we have heard about Vilner was almost five months ago. Right ahead of Christmas the tuning studio has released Porsche 911 cabrio-based project that has also drawn a lot of attention. Luckily the talented specialists have been working on many projects and have been very busy. One proof for that is their newest project, involving a Morgan Plus 8 roadster. How cool is that! But let me continue.

History Behind this Car

There is nothing but great work involved here. As usual. This Morgan Plus 8 is a very special edition, because it is one of the jut 35 ever released. It is actually an anniversary edition which was released to commemorate model’s 35^th birthday. As a Morgan car, it is also hand made.

Even more special about this car is that its owner has purchased it, wanting a special cockpit treatment. However, he wasn’t lucky, because Morgan said that the options are limited and he should be content with the original gray-white leather and no interior detailing at all. And this is when he obviously contacted Vilner.

Interior

The tuner set a goal to give the Plus 8 the deserved attention to the detail and cabin treatment in accordance to the traditional spirit of the 35th Anniversary edition. For this purpose, the craftsmen chose vintage brown leather with diamond stitching. The latter varies in terms of color in different places. For instance, the seats and headrests received a silver leather fiber, repeating the color of the aluminum panels.

Other details, like the door mechanisms, have been wrapped in black Alcantara, while the thumbs – in brown skin. In addition, the belt buckles have also received leather treatment. Other interesting detailing involves special screws with polished metal heads, which corresponds to the beautiful aluminum wood-enhanced steering Moto-Lita wheel.

Exterior

There are no exterior modifications involved in this project. So, it basically features the standard silver paint scheme, applied over the hand-bended aluminum panels. The alloys are multi-spoke and the overall style of the car is a pure expression of the British tradition.

Drivetrain

No changes have been applied to the engine as well. This means that the 2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary roadster is powered by the 3998 cubic V8 engine, which produces no less than 190 hp (140 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission that drives the rear-wheels.

Source: Vilner

April 29, 2015

Blog

Aero-Kit

Wheels & Tyres

Suspension & Exhaust System

Engine Chiptuning

Drivetrain

Driving Modes

History Behind this Car

Interior

Exterior

Drivetrain