Automobiles Review – Page 391 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Isuzu D-Max Becomes a Flagship with a Special Edition

2015 Isuzu D-Maz Blade Side View Isuzu D-Max became the permanent flagship model in company’s pick-up range. To celebrate this, Isuzu has released a special edition version called Blade. It was inspired by a version released last year but includes even more styling features and numerous improvements. The 4×4 double cab will be offered in two paint schemes: Cosmic Black and Pearlescent White. You should also mind that the last one is an option and will cost you some additional money.

Long list of versatile enhancements, featuring styling and technology ones, is also attributed to the Blade. New here for instance are the “Shadow” grey front grille and garnish as well as the Cosmic Black door mirror caps, door handles and tailgate handles.

Soft-close tail-gate damper comes as a no-cost option just like the 18-inch “Shadow” alloys mated with 255/60 R18 Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. There is also an Aeroklas leisure canopy or a Black Mountain Top roller cover with rear style bar. This time this choice won’t cost you a thing.

Stepping inside, one encounters heated leather seats and a ‘Shadow’ grey headlining. Other exclusive to the Blade model features include side-sill scuff plates, one-off carpet mats and Piano Black accents throughout the interior. For the great experience of the occupants will take care the Pioneer system with eight speakers and 6.1-inch touchscreen navigation system.

At last, we should mention that the vehicle is powered by the 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel, which is connected to either six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The unit generates 163 hp (120 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The other strength of the D-Max Blade is its capability of 3.5-tonnes towing capacity.

This special model is currently on sale. There are no details on whether it will have a limited production, but we urge you to hurry up if you like it.

Source: Isuzu

April 14, 2015

Redesigned Silverado Models Come in Monochromatic Colors

2015 Silverado Custom Sport Chevrolet shows monochromatic looks to the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD models. The HDs include colored front and rear bumpers, body-colored grille, chrome door handles and chrome mirrors. Other extras include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, available for the 2500 model and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels for the 3500 model. Both cars are available in Summit White or Black color.

The 2500 and 3500 HDs join the 1500 model, that are especially built for premium customer requirements. There are several options, that together meet and greet customers needs. Here are some of them.

Silverado Black Out takes the 1500WT to bring that dramatic look for not-that-high price. The Black Out Edition includes 20-inch black painted aluminum wheels and additional carbon-fiber components.

Silverado Rally includes body-colored grille, black Rally stripes, black mirror caps and black door handles. It comes with 22-inch black alloy wheels and black side steps.

Silverado Custom is a really beautiful and stylish pack, that adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome bumpers body colored top and chrome mirror caps.

Silverado Custom Sport includes projector beam headlamps, and fine heated-power adjusted mirrors

Silverado Midnight brings a thick black front end, body-colored grille and bumper, 18-inch black alloy wheels with special all-season tires and Z71 badges on the doors.

Source: Chevrolet

April 9, 2015

Toyota is Ready for World Endurance Championship

2015 Toyota TS040 Toyota Racing is prepared to defend their title on the World Endurance Championship in Silverstone (10 to 12 April). Let us remind you, that the Toyota team dominated the last championship and claimed five wins out of eight. It is expected to be a hard defense, because the rivals at Audi and Porsche team are also motivated to show their best.

Actually, there is an addition to the team: Kazuki Nakajima (Japan). The Toyota crew also looks forward to keeping the RAC International Tourist Trophy, which is one of the oldest honours. The first was presented in 1905.

But this isn’t the final team arrangement. Additional changes are made by Alez Wurz (Austria) and Stephane Sarrazin (France), who are united again with Briton Mike Conway in car No.2. The trio, as you might remember raced together in 2014.

The machine itself, the almighty TS040 Hybrid has been tremendously redesigned since the 2014 races. Almost 18 percent of the parts and components are further upgraded to bring even higher levels of performance and reliability.

Upgrades include aerodynamic changes, that bring even higher speed and additional downforce. The powertrain also deserved attention. Now, it roars with more than 1,000 hp (735kW).

he race weekend will start with two hour and a half practice sessions, qualifying at 12:30 and the start of the six-hour race will be at midday on Sunday.

Stay tuned for further details and news.

Source: Toyota

April 9, 2015

Fabia R5 Comes With Full Force

The fearful and highest authority in motorsport, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) gives Skoda Fabia R5 the green light. The innovative rally car is based on the Super 2000 model, which, as we all know, is the most successful rally car Skoda ever built. In fact, with the Fabia R5, Skoda marks its 114th year on the rally road.

The Fabia R5 is really a heaven for the high-tech maniacs. The model is geared with a 1.6-Liter turbo engine, which is a big difference, compared to the 2.0-Liter at the Super 2000 model. The redesigned powerplant works in full harmony with the five-speed sequential transmission to bring boosted performance for the four-wheel drive machine.

Since the start of the project, the Skoda team invested more than a year time, 15 months, to be precise, to bring a fine-tuned and redesigned proud heir of the Super 2000 model, that, with a lot of hard work is finally approved by FIA.

In fact, the Fabia R5 is already tested by some of the best rally drivers, and went throughout 10,000 kilometers and different road conditions and locations, that include Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Italy, France and many more. The Skoda team now can proudly say that the R5 machine has passed every single test.

We remember the successful 2014 season for Skoda and now, with a vehicle like the R5 we expect even better coming up season.

Source: Skoda

April 9, 2015

Forza Horizon 2 now with Furious 7 Car Pack [VIDEO]

Forza Horizon 2: Furious 7 Car Pack Remember when we told you the story behind the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T from Furious 7? Well, the great news for today is that you are actually given the chance to drive it. At least virtually, since the car has made its debut in Forza Horizon 2, the strenuous Xbox One game. The other good news is that it is actually part of Furious 7 Car Pack, which features lineup of eight fantastic vehicles, appearing in the latest series.

All of the cars have been authentically recreated, and in fact they also include details never seen before in a Forza game. Take for instance the awesome functioning blower in the Charger R/T. There is also a month’s free car, which in this case is the 1998 Toyota Supra.

So, let’s start with the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T Fast & Furious Edition. It is said that this car offers the best way to live your life a quarter-mile at a time. It is driven by a 426 Hemi engine, pumping out 425 horses (313 kW). It also comes equipped with coil-over race suspension, 18-inch wheels coupled with wide tires and huge disc brakes. There is also a fully functioning supercharger and street blower scoop making a hole in the hood. The result is more than impressive and it is 900 hp (662 kW).

Next is the 1970 Plymouth Cuda with 600 horsepower, coming from the same as Charger’s engine. It is characterized by bold colors, muscular fenders and a lot of Mopar features.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is also featured in the car pack. The very cool thing about it is that it is bulletproof and extremely modified throughout. Surprisingly, its power comes from a turbo-diesel motor.

If you want to see something more luxurious in the pack, you have it! Greet the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Fast & Furious Edition, which in the movie is driven by the Jason Statham’s character. Under its hood, one finds the twin-turbo V6 pumping out more than 400 horsepower (294 kW).

Number five is a position reserved for the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. Interesting fact about this car is that it was the choice of bootleggers and street racers back in the 70s, because it was faster than most police cars. Perfect ride, isn’t it?

We can’t skip the latest 2015 Dodge Charger R/T, which is also featured in both the movie and the game. This American muscle car was driven by Dom, features Mopar tweaks and packs 370 horses (272 kW).

Another Dodge, this time the Challenger, will also help you battle your competitors in the game. Its bulging fenders, long hood, and short deck are something that stays lasting in our mind. We also saw a captivating ad campaign, featuring this model.

At last, the month’s free car is 1998 Toyota Supra, which back in the days was the king of Japanese sports cars. This particular model is powered by the famous 2JZ engine. The unit is highly tunable and is preferred among tuning enthusiasts.

The pack is already available and can be purchased for only $5 USD. And I have already done this good thing. Can you guess what I’m going to do next?

httpv://youtu.be/mpIPO1UhAJs

Video Source: YouTube

Source: ForzaMotorSport

April 9, 2015

Can you get Lost With the InControl Touch Pro?

HERE Auto for Jaguar XF Last week, at New York Auto Show (NYIAS) the Jaguar XF was introduced. This is the first model to include the innovative InControl Touch Pro Information System. As you know, with years of developing, the HERE Auto platform, on which InControl Touch Pro is based, Jaguar XF comes with a system, that will gradually get along with the driver, to deliver real-time information at any moment.

Actually, the HERE System has the ambition to bring guidance like no other navigation system. HERE team confidently ensure us, that the InControl Touch will deal with all kind of navigation problems – from the biggest to the smallest with incredible precision. And we tend to believe them.

The system is created to bring you pleasurable driving, that comes with well-planned and well-delivered trip. The HERE system shows numerous route details, including available parking space, which makes the gadget quite handy.

The system comes with a 10.2-inch touch screen, that allows the Jaguar XF customers to get along with different routes, pit stops and other. InControl comes with personalization profiles, that drivers can customize and change, depending on the situation, which really makes the gadget really handy in a lot of situations. Or does it?

Source: Jaguar

April 9, 2015

Spring Meets the Refreshed 200 Model by Chrysler

2015 Chrysler 200 nterior The award-winning 2015 Chrysler 200 meets the spring with two additional interior packs, that give clients even greater customization choices. Interesting fact is, that the sales of the 2015 Chrysler 200 have grown tremendously since the introduction of the sedan. In March, the 200 model increased sales by the unbelievable 155 percent, compared to March 2014.

2015 Spring meets the fresh and hot 200S and the 200C models. The first one, 200C, comes with Ambassador Blue leather and Black leather or Black cloth with Ambassador Blue leather trim. 200C meets the upcoming Spring with the premium Mocha leather interior with heated front seats and also includes Black or Linen leather interiors.

But the 200 models don’t just come with interior changes: Chrysler 200 shows wonderful and handy addons. For example, the nine-speed automatic transmission and the option to choose between two engine types. And of course a trusty safety system is included. Actually the 200 models come with the most resilient safety system ever installed in a Chrysler vehicle.

The Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) and Texas Auto Writers Association are the first to give awards to the 2015 Chrysler 200 models. RMAP gave the Chrysler 200 “Car of the Year” award, while TAWA believes, that the 200 is the “Mid-size Sedan of Texas”.

It is a brand’s tradition to bring innovative and high-technology products and the 2015 Chrysler 200 is not an exception. Since 1926 Chrysler creates beautiful designs, brings upgraded technology tweaks and overall premium feel, that is instantly recognized by customers.

So, tell me what you think about the 200 series.

Source: Chrysler

April 9, 2015

Honda’s “Never-Ending” CR-V YouTube Campaign is Simply Mesmerizing! [VIDEO]

Honda "The Endless Road’" Campaign Is there a better way to promote the newCR-V other than with an endless film? Obviously there isn’t, since Honda has just done this, which makes it the first company to create a ‘never-ending’ YouTube Film. This is part of an integrated campaign, called ‘The Endless Road’, which comes to advertise the latest CR-V. The campaign also aims at showing all new benefits of the model, starting with the expanded engine range and continuing to the improved equipment.

The endless video displays a vicious cycle, showing how Honda CR-V drives up a hill, chasing a spiraling road. And this never stops, literally. What is more fascinating however is that everything is personalized and happens in real time.

Another interesting fact that the company has revealed that since launch, this film will be always running, visually reflecting the time of day and weather of the particular location of the viewer. One can even click on other locations to see how it would change. And it does, but I won’t tell you more. Just try it.

The secret behind this commercial is that it uses a hypnotic visual illusion with the aim of demonstrating Honda’s constant pursuit for superiority. The video was filmed with the help of a one tenth scale model and a custom motion control rig. The latter was used to capture this mesmerizing illusion. Everything was shot by Nick Meek and led by “mcgarrybowen London creative agency.

You can view the film at HondaVideo YouTube channel, and also below, but you won’t get the same impression as at the interactive site. However, we also have added a ‘making-of’ video below, so you can fully enjoy the process.

httpv://youtu.be/5u95Zc7AbDM

httpv://youtu.be/pU7za8viorE

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

April 9, 2015

Say Goodbye to Honda Crosstour. It is Never Coming Back.

If you drive a Honda Crosstour, then you are a lucky one, because Honda has decided to cease the production of the 2016 model year version. The car was originally introduced in 2010, and intended to bring about a combination of a crossover, sedan and a wagon. The last edition of the model was equipped wit the powerful but fuel-efficient Earth Dreams V-6 engine, which was rated at 278 horsepower (204 kW) and 341 Nm (252 lb-ft) of torque, and was linked to an AWD.

The other unit in the powertrain range was the 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC, generating 192 horsepower (141 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque. It was connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control.

Although, Crosstour’s exterior stance exuded sleek and sporty proportions, the car was said to be one of the ugliest on the market. Well, opinions may vary, since I find it really attractive. Unfortunately, Honda is a brand that follows strongly customers’ opinion and the result is at hand.

In addition, the Japanese company has a growth strategy in North America that includes strengthening of its light truck line-up. This is visible through the recent introduction of the CR-V, the stunningly beautiful HR-V, the Pilot, and the next gen Ridgeline truck. Moreover, Honda is also planning to fortify its leading lineup of passenger cars, starting with the new Civic.

The company also says that Crosstour has played a significant role, in targeting crossover customers. However, it is obvious that with the introduction of the new HR-V, Honda is actually creating new perception for the crossovers in the segment, thus aiming to attract new buyers.

This is definitely sad news for all Honda fans, but it will probably open many new unexplored horizons.

Source: Honda

April 9, 2015

Nissan Releases Hybrid Version of the X-Trail. Sadly, only in Japan.

Nissan’s X-Trail model is more famous in the United States under the name Rogue. Well, regardless the name, the model just got its hybrid version, which will be firstly distributed in Japan. The vehicle will go on sale on 13^th of May in the country, but there are no details, whether this will happen in other places in a later time.

Equipped with a four-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter MR20DD hybrid engine, this vehicle is capable of delivering great performance and efficient driving. In addition, the eco-friendly X-Trail will have Forward Emergency Braking, thus expanding its standard equipment.

Intelligent Dual Clutch Control is the next feature that needs to be mentioned. One of the two clutches separates the motor from the engine completely. This helps the car drive in EV mode during high-speed situations and at the same time to realize efficient regeneration.

Speaking of efficiency, the model has been rated with fuel economy of 20.6km/l. Helping the powertrain in this good result is the XTRONIC transmission, which not only contributes to this great fuel efficiency but also to a superior acceleration.

Next, the high-output lithium-ion battery is very compact and this allows the luggage capacity of the vehicle to exceed 400 liters. The good news continues, because the X-Trail Xtreamer-X and Black Xtreamer-X limited editions will also receive hybrid variants, adding to Nissan’s range of “PURE DRIVE” vehicles.

We really hope to see the hybrid version of the X-Trail coming to other countries.

Source: Nissan

April 9, 2015

Mercedes-Benz Expands C-Class Line-up

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Side View Five new entry-level models have been introduced to the C-Class family among which there are two four-wheel-drive variants. All new models will be offered in both Saloon and Estate trims. What’s new is the sporty interior trim that adds a sense of spaciousness as well as fuel-efficient powerplants. There is also a wide range of safety features next to innovative technologies, and a lot of new equipment options.

C 160 Saloon is C-Class’ entry-level model that is equipped with four-cylinder engine, developing 129 hp (95 kW) and a torque of up to 210 Nm (155 lb-ft). This particular model can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds for the Saloon version and 9.9 seconds for the Estate. This corresponds to great efficiency which is 5.2 and 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 120 grams/125 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The two four-wheel drive models are the C 200 4MATIC and C 220 d 4MATIC, while at the top-of-the-range position among the four-cylinder engines sits the C 300. It can produce 245 hp (180 kW), sending it from a standing start to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds (6.1 seconds for the Estate). The fuel consumption here is 6.3 litres per 100 km for the Saloon and 6.4 litres for the Estate.

V6 petrol engine is what we will see in the C 450 AMG 4MATIC. It has an output of 367 hp (270 kW) and a torque of up to 520 Nm (384 lb-ft), thus it can sprint to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds for the Estate) and has a slightly bigger needs for fuel: the combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres (7.7 litres for the Estate).

At last, we have in the renewed rage the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S. These two just had their market debut and are powered by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo unit, developing 476 hp (350 kW) and 510 hp (375 kW), respectively.

Left to be mention is the additional equipment. The future owners will get the chance of purchasing options like the head-up display, a touchpad and various assistance systems. Also present are some luxury treats like the heated steering wheel.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 9, 2015

HPE has Future Plans of Building World’s Fastest Sedan [VIDEO]

HPE1000 Twin Turbo Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Side View One of my most favorite tuners is Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), because it always surprises me with its supreme and outstanding projects. The newest one aims to be world’s fastest four-door sedan and will be based on the Cadillac CTS-V. In fact, the model can’t be seen on the streets yet, since its market launch begins later this year.

But when this happens, we will have more than 640 hp and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. The team at HPE finds this as the perfect basis, since it is planning to make an HPE1000 Twin Turbo CTS-V.

The last versions of the CTS-V tuned model, was a VR1200 Twin Turbo coupe, which ran 221 mph (356 km/h) on State Highway 130. John Hennessey believes that the new 2016 Twin Turbo CTS-V will have a top speed of more than 240 mph (386 km/h).

If you are already interested in buying one, then it’s probably better to make a reservation soon, since there are going to be produced only 24 units. They will be driven by a strengthened 6.2L V8 engine, which will lose its factory supercharger but will gain twin turbos for more power and better performance.

There is also going to be also a wide range of performance upgrades like carbon-ceramic brakes, larger wheels and tires as well as a widebody upgrade. Custom interior also made it in the plan.

But more importantly, the performance upgrades will allow the V8 to produce more than 780-800 horsepower. And this promise makes us very impatient, doesn’t it?

httpv://youtu.be/y_0von_5SRk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Hennessey Performance

April 8, 2015

Blog