Automobiles Review – Page 392 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Lava-made LARTE Tesla Model S to Debut in Monaco

Larte Design Tesla Model S Teaser We are eagerly waiting to see Larte Design’s Tesla Model S, when it debuts at the Top Marques Monaco on 16^th of April. The reason for this is that it will have a body work, which is not made from polyurethane or carbon, but from basalt fibers. Well, actually the front and rear aprons will be made of this material and in fact, this contributes for the weight of this kit to be only 13kg.

What does basalt fibers precisely mean? First, it means that they are made of material that is produced from volcanic rock, and some of it is actually millions of years old. Secondly, high smelting temperatures are required for its melting. This however does not impact its good total energy footprint. Thirdly, the result is that the basalt is also ecologically-viable, which resonates perfectly with the spirit of the Tesla.

The volcanic material has other good characteristics. For instance, its pure fibers’ high application temperature is between -269 and +650°. This makes it strength-to-weight ratio really great and perfectly suitable for the parts like the bumpers or spoilers. It makes them not only lighter but also stronger.

Compared to the conventional glass fibers, the basalt fibers are less acid-, base- and salt-resistant. In addition, the lava-derived material has a higher compression and shear strength, it has good price and this makes its future really bright. So what’s left is to see the car debuting in a week from now. This is when a lot of question will be answered.

Source: Larte Design

April 8, 2015

Opel ADAM ROCKS S: Cute or Masculine?

Opel Adam Rocks S Back and Side View Opel’s sporty mini-crossover is going to debut at the AutoRAI in Amsterdam on 17th of April. ADAM ROCKS S is cute, but at the same time it has this masculine appearance. And thanks to the Swing Top canvas roof it is ready for adventure. Powered by the 1.4-liter turbo ECOTEC engine, it is capable of 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque.

Due to the Start/Stop function the engine is not only potent but also efficient because it uses 5.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle. This equates to 139 g/km of CO2. The unit also comes fitted with a short ratio 6-speed gearbox, which contributes for the 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint to happen in mere 8.5 seconds. Top speed is 210 km/h.

With this performance the car needed some other sport tweaks. For instance, the chassis has been lowered by 15 mm compared to the ADAM ROCKS version. It is also equipped with a direct sporty steering and a high performance braking system and an ESP system.

Furthermore, the vehicle stands firmly on the road due to the wide front and rear tracks that measure 1,472 and 1,464 mm, respectively. The other special sportswear that needs to be mentioned comprises of an extended rear bumper, aggressive exhaust tailpipe and a rear spoiler planted on the roof.

At last, the car is also fitted with wide range of technology features like the Advanced Park Assist, Side Blind Spot Alert and the IntelliLink infotainment system. That’s nice, isn’t it? And if the price is reasonable, I bet this car will be a big hit in Europe.

Source: Opel

April 8, 2015

Nissan unveils the 2015 Lannia

2015 Nissan Lannia Nissan unveils the refreshed Lannia, a mid-sized sedan today, at the 16th Shangai International Automobile Exhibition (Auto Shangai 2015). The global debut marks one of the most important steps for the brand’s market in China. In fact, the Lannia is the first model, that is especially created for young customers in China. The Auto Shangai show runs from 20 April to 29 April.

Lannia continues the evolution, that started with the Lannia concepts from 2013 and 2014. The 2015 model is inspired by the young Chinese generation, that bring new beliefs and values – the energetic young people are the main inspiration for Nissan and the revised sedan.

The exterior comes with more dynamics and brings the feel of muscles and power. The looks are well designed, beautiful and stylish. The classic and well-known V-motion grille and the boomerang-shaped head just add more tension to the wonderful looking and performing 2015 Lannia.

As you know, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is the second-largest auto company in Japan, seated in Yokohama, Japan and is a part of the strong Renaut-Nissan Alliance. In 2013 the brand sold more than 5.2 million vehicles and generated an income, measured at 105 billion US dollars. One of the most memorable moments in the history of the brand is the introduction of Nissan LEAF in 2010. This is the first worldwide sold purely electric motor car, that doesn’t produce emission segments.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl3TjqC1SsU&feature=youtu.be

Source: Nissan

Video source: Youtube

April 8, 2015

Citroen Reveals Aircross Concept Ahead of Shanghai Debut

Citroen Aircross Concept is finally here. Online, I mean. The car is scheduled to debut at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show. This cute SUV is an example how the French company expresses its perception of power and determination. First, notice the huge wheels mated with Continental 275/42 R 22 tyres. As a matter of fact, the tyres were specifically created for the concept and include large tread blocks and a unique pattern.

The front features the typical for Citroen front bumper, chevron design and a two-tier light signature. At the rear we see a new rear bumper that includes 3D-effect lights. Strong graphic components further emphasize how special this car is and they also hint to better aerodynamic capability. On the other hand, the orange-red body paint expresses the intense nature of the vehicle.

The same design approach can be seen throughout the interior of the Aircross. One also finds inside great levels of comfort, generous and open spaces, and large storage compartments. What one immediately sees is the smooth and floating dashboard, which includes two large screens. Well, we should also mention the ‘king-size’ seats and the wraparound headrests that will additionally give that feeling of comfortability.

The next thing that one should consider here is the technology. Citroen has filled the Aircross concept with systems that are innovative and the same time practical. For instance, the innovative screens have this strong graphic personality. Then there is the mobile and motorized screen that can be transferred from passenger to passenger, and speakers and a microphone equipped seats. In summary, there are a lot of technology tweaks that can make everyone happy.

What’s left is the engine under the hood. Well, it is not a surprise that the Aircross is actually a hybrid. It is driven by a plug-in hybrid petrol engine coupled with an electric motor located on the rear axle. The 1.6 THP gasoline unit ensures that there is 218 hp (160 kW) and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, while the electric motor generates 95 hp (70 kW) and torque of 200 Nm (148 lb-ft). It is also impressive that the Aircross is capable to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in only 4.5 seconds.

When the car is driven in an all-electric mode, it can travel up to 31 miles (50km), thus emitting 0 CO2. When the petrol engine is involved, then the CO2 emissions are an impressively low and are measured at 39g/km. The combined cycle fuel consumption is 166mpg (1.7 l/100 km).

2015 Citroen Aircross Concept Technical Data:

Dimensions:

Length: 4.58 m
Width: 2.10 m
Height: 1.73 m
Wheelbase: 2.80 m

Plug-in hybrid drivetrain:

1.6 THP petrol engine: power 218bhp (160kW) / torque 275Nm
Electric motor on rear axle: power 95bhp / torque 200Nm
ZEV mode: range of 31 miles (50km)

Performance, fuel consumption & emissions:

0 to 62mph (100km/h): 4.5 seconds
Fuel consumption: 166mpg (1.7 l/100 km) MVEG combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 39g/km

Tyres:

Continental 275/45 R 22

Source: Citroen

April 8, 2015

Project Cullinan Brings a Vehicle For Every Type of Terrain

2015 Rolls-Royce Еngineering Mule In an open letter Roll-Royce Motor Cars made a statement and gave details for the so called Project Cullinan. Strict to the word given, Rolls-Royce team unveiled photographs of the vehicle-developing program. The pictures are of the engineering mule, that will be completely unveiled this week. The mule, influenced by the Phantom Series II body, is created to begin development of an all-wheel drive system to bring us the smoothest experience that only a Rolls-Royce vehicle can deliver.

The newborn suspension system will be only a part of the project, that will bring to life the final 4-wheel system, that will be capable of delivering on road and off-road driving experience with further-improved smoothness and high levels of performance.

The tests and experiments are focused on the suspension and handling system in order to achieve stability on different types of roads, that include Belgian Pave, cobblestones, resonance roads, resonance roads, acceleration bubs and many other.

The team behind Project Cullinan will spend equal time periods of tests both on urban roads and off-road terrains to ensure the highest performance levels available, that customer very soon will have the chance to test for themselves.

Stay tuned for more information about further information about Rolls-Royce news.

Source: Rolls-Royce

April 8, 2015

Why this Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Needs Your Attention?

VAETH Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Side View When German automotive power is combined with knowledge, precision and creativity, we have as a result a car like this VAETH Mercedes-Benz GLA 200. The specialists at VAETH are not only renowned for their great chassis modifications, but are also famous with their great engine techniques. The question here is what they have done to this Mercedes GLA 200? Let’s see.

First, the engine has been subjected to optimization. The car can actually produce a serial 156 hp (115 kW) and 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque. After the upgrade with V20 tuning kit, the 1.6 liters engine boasts 184 hp (135 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque.

More power also means new exhaust. Therefore the tuners decided that the 270 EVO VA stainless steel down pipe sports exhaust system is the perfect choice. It also received oval end pipe in 110 x 90 mm and crimped end pipe edges on the right and left, making it look really good.

Steel flex tubes and Castrol SRF racing braking fluid are what improves the braking system. At last, new wheels are mandatory for VAETH, since the company wants to make everything perfect. Precisely, the car now runs on in-house made 18” rims in black: 8.5 x 18” at the front and 9.5 x 18” at the rear. Of course, they were coupled with the appropriate tires.

And this is why this Mercedes-Benz needed your attention. How would you rate it?

Source: Miranda Media

April 8, 2015

2015 SLK Comes With Fresh and Sporty Addons

Mercedes-Benz sends the SLK to the summer roadster season. The two-seater is geared with redesigned engine and transmission, that altogether boost the overall efficiency and performance. In fact, the SKL is available to order now. As some of you might remember, before nearly 20 years, Mercedes-Benz redefined roadster vehicles with the vario-roof and combined the pleasure of driving both in sunny and rainy days and nights.

Like the predecessor, the SLK is capable of providing 204 hp (150 kW), 500 Nm of torque leads to increased acceleration – the roadster goes from 0 to 100 for 6.6 seconds. The diesel engine is especially built for power and consumption efficiency, which makes the revised SLK the most environmentally friendly car in the series.

As (almost) always, the SLK 200 comes with a redesigned 6-speed manual gearbox, that is precisely built to bring accuracy and comfort. The SLK 300 and the SLK 250 D are geared with 9-speed automatic 9G-Tronic transmission, that delivers lower engine speed and fast gear shifts.

The standard pack of the revised SLK comes with LED lamps, LTE-capable exterior and optional convenience telephony. There are also many different safety and performance systems to ensure pleasurable and safe drive.

2015 SLK comes with Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, different technology tweaks, that include automatic proximity control, Adaptive Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist.

The SLK includes a smooth suspension, which could be further changed with the Dynamic Handling pack, that comes with adaptive damping system, Direct-Steer system, Dynamic Cornering System.

The redesigned SLK models surely deserve our attention an so we will continue to bring you news from the Mercedes-Benz crew. Stay tuned!

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 8, 2015

Tanner Foust reveals the Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat [VIDEO]

Rockstar Energy Drink / Nitto Tire VW Passat The two-time Formula Drift champion Tanner Foust comes back to drifting in Long Beach. Mr. Foust showed the redesigned and refreshed Rockstar Energy Drink/ Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat machine, that would be his companion in the anticipated race series. As it comes to the machine, Foust wants it with innovative and fresh design.

Foust, who drives for Rockstar drinks and Volkswagen in many races, says he is really excited for joining the Nitto Tire team. In fact, the NT05 is the chosen type of tires, that is known for great performance and durability.

The car itself is built by Tanner Foust Racing and reflects the interest of mr. Foust for the Rockstar Energy Drink/ Nitto Tire Passat. The car will also be featured in the “Tanner Foust Back on Track” video, also in many other projects.

The high skills and high motivation of the driver require high performance and high class car, as the Rockstar energy drinks/Nitto Tire Passat is. We will show you some of the features of the machine. Get yourself ready.

Mr. Foust will be dealing with a beast, that comes with a 700 HP (514 kW) 450 cubic inches and with a boost of plus 200 HP (147kW). That engine will be paired with a G-Force GSR 4 speed gearbox and RS-R custom built suspension. The fuel system comes with the x2AEM 320L pumps and the injection is AEM Infinity-10. Scary, right?

But not scary enough for Foust. As you know, he is a multi-talent driver, known for his incredible control over the car. He has won numerous championships, including the U.S. rally cross championship for 2010, 2011, 2012, Formula Drift championships and many more. He has held and multiple world records, that include the Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare, the indoor speed record for the TV show Top Gear USA and a jump record with a 332′ ramp-to-ramp leap.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQMdSTj0gWg

Source: Rockstar

Video Source: Youtube

April 8, 2015

Mercedes Launches the Best Selling Suv. Again.

Mercedes Benz GLE AMG The accents of the redesigned GLE are onto the different front and back looks, the extensive measures and well upgraded emission and drive systems. So well upgraded, that deliver up to 17 percent lower fuel consumption for all the lineup. And this is not all the good news. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz offers a plug-in hybrid, that is indeed the GLE 500 e 4MATIC.

The GLE 500 SUV blends the highest available energy consumption efficiency and wonderful overall performance. In fact, this is the best vehicle, in the lineup, when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The GLE 500 SUV comes with a range of different packs, that offer different tweaks and technological expansions. The standard pack is based on the predecessor model and includes the Crosswind Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus. The Driver Assistance Package incredible brake and steering systems, additional Active Blind Spot Assist, Distronic Plus and a lot more goodies. The parking package comes with a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist. There are even packages for interior upgrade and equipment, that brings numerous personalization options.

The two models, AMG GLE 63 4MATIC and the GLE 63 S 4MATIC come with incredible quality and performance. As always, Mercedes-Benz know how to create a beautiful and powerful vehicle, that combines style, luxurious feel and the greatest levels of performance.

Prices start from €45,350.00

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 7, 2015

Redesigned VW Models Come With Special Programme For Disabled Customers

2015 Volkswagen Passat Limited Editions The redesigned Volkswagen Passat and Passat Estate models are available to Motability customers. A wide range of engine and trim customizations will be offered on Advance Payments. The eight-generation Passat includes incredible design, tweaks and powerplant options. The redesigned models include an overall weight-loss up to 85 kg and further-improved fuel consumption efficiency up to 14 percent.

Both the engines, the 1.6-Liter 120 hp PS TDI and the 2.0-Liter 150 PS TDI come with automatic gearbox and will be offered with S, SE or SE Business trims and with tweaked saloon and interior. The models are geared with Post-Collision Braking System and Ergo Comfort seats. There are even front and rear parking sensors.

Volkswagen offers motability customers incredible range of vehicles, that include the Polo, Golf, Tuguan, Jetta and many others with Advanced Payment. The brand is also plans to participate in the five Motability road shows, that start on Friday 8 at the One Big Event at Eventcity Manchester.

The Motability Operations created a worry-free Scheme for over 600,000 disabled people and their relatives. Anyone, who suffers such a disability can exchange a special monthly payment program to get a vehicle or a special powered wheelchair.

Stay tuned for more information.

Source: Volkswagen

April 7, 2015

Experience the 2015 GMC Canyon Performance Online

2015 GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition The redesigned and improved 2015 GMC Canyon pickup feels really comfortable both in the city and in the woods. In fact, you can try the premium GMC with the interactive online platform “Canyon Experience”. It lets customers to personally test the pickup on every terrain and see if it fits their own style.

Actually, the Canyon Experience is the first project, that uses both Google Maps and Google Street View technologies to let you “see” the GMC in your neighbourhood, just next to your house.

The expanding Canyon line includes constant customer changes or upgrades to the GMC lineup. In fact, through March, more than the half of the Canyon buyers traded their non-GM brand an had viewed information on the official site more than 3 million times last spring.

Back to the Canyon Experience. It is designed to connect and serve the customers in the early stages of buying the vehicle. The platform is available for desktop internet browsers, tablets, iOS and Android devices.

Canyon has created trucks for more than a decade, with innovative and ever-improving technologies. The brand evolves to bring more power and efficiency on the market, along with different types of vehicles, including everything from small, light-duty pickups to titanic and heavy-duty machines.

Source: Canyon

April 7, 2015

What happened to the 1700HP LM2 Streamliner?

LM2 Streamliner Revealed in NY Do you remember when we announced that a 1700 horsepower hypercar will debut at the New York Auto Show? Well, it did, after the official press days though. The first thought that comes to mind is that the prototype wasn’t actually finished in time and this has caused the delay. There was even an official statement from Lyons Motor Car that the Streamliner will be available for public view during the consumer/public days of the event, because the “prototype wasn’t ready”.

What we have found today at the official Facebook page of the company is those two photos of poor quality that actually display the car. And I am definitely not impressed. Maybe a little surprise is there, since this actually looks like a plastic box with an odd shape that is put over very posh and expensive wheels. Could this car even sustain 1700 hp?!?! My guess is that it would fall apart.

What is more, there isn’t a reliable explanation why the prototype wasn’t revealed during the press days, thus missing the opportunity to be shown to the world. Or is Lyons Motor Car trying to hide some details about the Streamliner and actually avoiding questions? We would probably never know, since I sincerely doubt that this car would ever develop 1700 hp .. or even 700 hp.

If my guesses are wrong, then we’ll see how this DOHC V8 powered car develops the promised horses and covers the 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint in just 2.2 seconds. Still, I doubt that Bugatti should have any fears of having this more potent rival.

Pictures Source: Lyons Motor Car via Facebook

April 7, 2015

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