Automobiles Review – Page 406 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Bentley Shows Intriguing Concept in Geneva: Meet the EXP 10 Speed 6

We have seen a very interesting concept at the Geneva Motor Show displayed by Bentley – the EXP 10 Speed 6. This car envisions company’s future design and performance capabilities with the needed level of luxury typical for Bentley. The two seater sportscar has obviously inherited the credentials of company’s racing success through the years.

In other words, this concept should be Bentley’s epitome of its vision for the future. The contemporary automotive design is complemented by highly skilled British handcrafting and of course by the most luxurious of materials and highest in performance technology. And if you take a closer look at the car it seems like it is a “baby” Continental GT, isn’t it?

Speaking of Continental, the model just received new styling enhancements and improved technology features. Precisely, the GT version now includes new exterior design features such as front bumper, smaller radiator shell, while the fenders have been made more pronounced.

Furthermore, there are three additional exterior colors available, while for the interior Bentley ensured that there are new seat patterns, steering wheel, gear paddles and more. Onboard WiFi is really delightful, but what’s more intriguing is the improvement to the W12 engine.

The unit can now show-off with power and torque increase, from 567 hp (423 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) to 582 hp (434 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft). What about the eco-friendliness and economy of the car. Well, Bentley isn’t saying much, except for their word that they have been also improved.

Next, Flying Spur features improvements in terms of luxury, while the Mulsanne Speed aims to deliver the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience. There is nothing new around this model but still, its characteristics and capabilities are impressive. It is powered by the 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which accelerates it from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).

Source: Bentley

March 4, 2015

Aston Martin DBX Concept: Strange Mix Of Luxury and All-Electric AWD

The next vehicle on the spot comes from my personally favorite brand Aston Martin. It is called DBX Concept and was again revealed in the Swiss city. It has the styling characteristics of its siblings but somehow it reminds me of a muscle car mixed with a Peugeot RCZ. It is obvious that the concept was created with the aim to bring some new insights to the luxury GT segment, like the sense of more practicality.

The brand even says that it focuses on family and eco-friendliness, which is true since the car runs on pure electricity. In addition, the design is harmonious and evokes powerful stance with hints to the future development of the brand. In other words, the all-wheel drive DBX Concept effortlessly incorporates the traditional Aston Martin beauty with the new engineering applied in it.

Exterior-wise, the body of the car is made of machined billet aluminum and has visible milling lines. The paint finish, Black Pearl Chromium, further strengthens the presence of the model, incorporating micro-fine layer of chrome. This helped the designers deliver a truly unique exterior paint, that can’t be obtained via usual techniques.

The concept is suitable for four people and it features huge space available for the luggage. Inside, we see the purity of luxury applied via the cutting edge style and advanced technology. Precisely, the standard materials used inside include Nubuck leather, sandwiched accent layer, gold ‘pin striping’ element on the edging and more.

But this car, in my opinion, challenges the conventional thinking in other terms. First, DBX Concept needs no engine compartment. Why? Because it uses electric motors that are powered by lithium sulphur cells.

Other technology advancements that need to be mentioned are the drive-by-wire electric steering and the driver and passenger head-up displays. Not to mention the toughened glass with an auto-dimming ‘smart glass’ inter-layer.

Active LEDs light the way of this concept, while carbon ceramic brakes with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) take care for the perfect stop. There are no conventional rearview mirrors here because they have been substituted with rear view cameras.

Despite that I really like this car, this question still bothers me: Could it be capable of catching up with the performance of a real, gasoline-driven, Aston Martin? There are no details regarding the power output of the model, or any performance figures. This “little” fact gives me the feeling that we won’t see the DBX in production anytime soon.

Source: Aston Martin

March 4, 2015

Have you seen the Nissan Sway Concept?

Geneva Motor Show started yesterday and this is where many new cars and concepts were revealed. A very special instance is the Nissan Sway Concept whish redefines the design language used for the small cars. It is so beautiful that literally takes the breath away. One thing I personally don’t like is how the doors open. Follow my thoughts and you’ll understand why. The new bold design is edgy and fresh. The interior is innovative with a lot of technology features.

Following the steps of the Qashqai and Juke, this new Nissan model is destined to bring more success to the brand. This means that the compact hatchback offers a first glimpse of how the future generation compact cars would look like. Especially those distributed in Europe.

Some of the most striking elements of the exterior are the V-motion grille, boomerang lamps and kicked-up C-pillar. At the back, the lights are also boomerang and are accompanied by the trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

The rear doors do not open normally and this is what really bothers me. Instead, both front and rear doors seem to taken inspiration from some Rolls-Royce models forgetting they are just Nissan’s. The new design language incorporated in the interior also includes floating roof, which is simply a panoramic glass roof. This is advantageous because those sitting inside will have the sense of space.

“Bluish dawn grey” is the name of the exterior paint color. It seems like this hue have some hints of blue visible under light. This is harmonized via the contrasting orange color. Inside, the color combination is the same. However the blue is darker, while the ivory and orange hues are used for the stitching.

What really captivate me in the interior are the basics of the design. For instance, there are just two instruments facing the driver, while the other functions can be viewed on a huge trapezoidal tablet. In other words, with this concept Nissan has once again brought some innovative ideas to the automotive world. The next logical question is who is to mimic this car first?

Sway Dimensions (mm)
Length	4,010
Width	1,780
Height	1,385
Wheelbase	2,570

Source: Nissan

March 4, 2015

Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6×6 Concept Debuts in Geneva! Go See it!

Geneva Motor Show is around the corner and so is Kahn’s long-awaited project called the Flying Huntsman 110. It is no secret that the prototype will be officially revealed at the event and for this reason the tuner has sent us one last picture and some detailed information ahead of debut. The WB 6×6 coach-built concept is based on the Land Rover Defender 110 and also carries a codename “Mission 1”.

Will this concept challenge the rest of the automotive world – it is still a mystery, but it is definitely intended to do so. To proceed with the details, it is now official that the 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine under the hood of the Huntsman will produce exactly 430 horsepower (316 kW). And this is pretty impressive since it is far more in comparison to the original.

All this power will be transmitted onto the road via a six-speed automatic gearbox that has a tap shift control. Furthermore, Kahn Design has strengthened the off-road capabilities of the Defender, making it capable of managing even the roughest terrain. This is due to the rugged heavy duty chassis, the updated braking and suspension systems as well as the hi-lo ratio drive system and locking differentials.

There have been some substantial changes to the exterior that make this project unique.

Extensions to the bonnet measure 400mm, while these to the rear cabin – 800mm.

The vehicle has been also widened by 150mm, and these numbers actually make me want to see this vehicle for real.

This masterful appearance will be further supported by increased windscreen rake and wider rear door. Changes have been applied to the front doors too, which are now longer and allow easier entry.

In addition, the added panoramic roof starts from the B pillars and continues until it reaches the rear. The other exterior styling tweaks is said to be inspired by Kahn’s Chelsea Truck Company Defenders so this is a good reason to expect aggressive and striking appearance.

More importantly, the tuner is making plans for producing the Huntsman in up to five potential variants featuring four and six wheel versions. There are is also the option of making it not only a hard top but also a pickup, depending on customers’ response.

If these details aren’t enough for you, then you will definitely have to wait until next week, when Kahn is promising to give us the full details of the concept. Stay tuned!

Source: Kahn Design

February 27, 2015

MTM Unleashes Three Reinterpreted Audis at the Geneva Motor Show

Audi S8 Talladega S, RS6 Clubsport and S3 Cabrio are the MTM remastered models which will gather the glances at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Starting with the first mentioned, the vehicle joins the Audi 200 in its aims to show exhilarating performance records at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Although the current Talladega S is larger, it is still capable of the same velocity due to its powerful unit.

Precisely, the engine produces 802 hp (590 kW) but this is not everything that the car can show-off with. MTM has given it the magic of luxurious interior imbued with carbon-fiber and hand-crafted leather.

At MTM’s Geneva stand we will also see the RS6 Clubsport that is 80 kg lighter than before. The 4.0 TFSi Quattro engine was tweaked and now delivers up to 760 hp (559 kW) and 945 Nm (697 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission here is the 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox and it helps the car score a 3 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint.

At last, the final Audi in the trio is the S3 Cabrio that stands proud with enhanced 2.0 TFSi unit. The power output is now 426 hp (313 kW) and the torque reaches 530 Nm (391 lb-ft). It is therefore no surprise that the open-top S3 can reach the 100 km/h in a mere 5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 270 km/h.

If you wonder about the modification, well MTM has ensured that the powerplant gets a turbocharger and ECU mapping as well as modified Cat and exhaust system. Each of the cars has also received chassis refinement. Which one would you like to drive?

Source: MTM

February 27, 2015

Toyota 86 Pro-Am Makes it Official in the V8 Supercars Events

2015 Toyota 86 Pro-Am is a vicious motorsport car based on the 86 coupe, which is going to compete in the famous V8 Supercars events. They are scheduled for next year and this is where the car will run as a “pro-am” driven by up to five selected people. The race vehicles will be actually based on the GT manual version of the popular coupe and will feature some key specifications. It is said that the Pro-Am cars will deliver suitability and reliability but at the same time will be affordable.

Furthermore, Neal Bates Motorsport has been selected to develop a race package optimization for the car. Therefore several important features will be added. Among them are the new suspension and brakes, specific exhaust treatment, ECU tuning for the engine, remote oil cooler and a brand new wheels and R-type tires. As an option there is also a mandatory safety gear.

Toyota’s 86 one-make series for the Supercars events will be like those we have seen racing in Japan and Germany. As a matter of fact, the company has successfully competed in the US-based NASCAR, Dakar Rally, Super Formula and Super GT categories in Japan, as well as at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

86 Pro-Am will be driven by a powerful engine, which generates 200 hp (147 kW) at 7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) at 6600 rpm. The total weight of the car is 1222 kg which promises and exhilarating performance, but as for any other details, Toyota has been in silence. More information will be disclosed in the months to come.

Source: Toyota

February 27, 2015

SCG 003 Stradale and Competizione Officially Unveiled

The Glickenhaus automotive empire has taken the wraps off the road-going SCG 003S and its track-only brother, the SCG 003C. The S in the name stands for Stradale, while the C in the name of the other vehicle means Competizone. Both of these beasts are going to be officially presented during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next week.

Looking properly hungry for power, the race car is going to be powered by an improved version of Honda‘s prominent V6 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine. Horsepower and torque output are not known for sure but the engine is expected to be capable of producing around 530 HP (389,5 kW) at 6,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 700 Nm (516,8 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm.

The power unit is also thought to be coupled to a Hewland paddle shift transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. The Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003C weighs only 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) and rides on 18-inch wheels. According to the automaker, this model can be made into a road car.

There is no information regarding the road-going SCG003S and what engine it is going to adopt, but it was reported that it is going to be a totally different twin-turbocharged V6.

Other specifics are yet to be announced so stay around!

Source: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus

February 27, 2015

Volkswagen Reveals Unique Amarok Ambulance

Often conventional vehicles can’t reach all areas and in emergency situations this becomes an issue. Fortunately, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles comes to the rescue by creating a unique VolkswagenAmarok ambulance for the East Midlands Ambulance Service in the United Kingdom. The new Volkswagen ambulance has the purpose to overcome different driving challenges presented by the beaten track and to help patients more quickly.

The car also benefits from a 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a snorkel which helps it drive through water up to 500 mm deep. What is more, this response model is also fitted with life-saving medical equipment and a load area which allows for the safe transportation of patients.

Just as a reminder, VW Amarok shows plenty of personality under the engine compartment lid as well. The model offers a choice of a fuel-efficient 2.0 l TDI diesel with 140 hp (103 kW) and a 2.0 l BiTDI engine that is capable of delivering 180 hp (132 kW) with a maximum torque of up to 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). Each of the power units has an updated rail technology which guarantees greater smoothness when on the move as well as more efficiency. Moreover, they are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Being UK’s first fully converted Volkswagen Amarok, it is expected to enter service very soon.

Source: Volkswagen

February 27, 2015

See the Transformed ABT Volkswagen Passat B8

Looking far more aggressive and assertive than before, Volkswagen Passat B8 receives some enhancements from ABT. The tuning package for the new generation VW combines elegance style and excellent performance which design a car that is really attractive. Performance-wise, the tuners from Bavaria could be said to add a lot. The ABT latest engine technology is represented by a 2.0 TDI engine which offers utmost power, reliability and balance. The power unit boosts the initial power of 240 HP (176 kW) to 280 HP (206 kW).

The sporty flavor of the ABT Volkswagen Passat B8 can be sensed not only under the hood but on the outside as well. Thus, the wagon takes advantage of an aerodynamic body kit which features a front lip spoiler, improved side skirts and revised rear spoiler. The latter can be ordered for both the limo and the estate models in different variants.

Additionally, buyers can purchase new sport springs, mirror caps and a sports exhaust system. Lastly, the last components which add an underlining finishing touch to the style of the Volkswagen Passat B8 are the ABT-branded floor mats and 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels fitted with sports tyres in 245/35 ZR20 or 255/30 ZR20 dimensions.

Source: ABT

February 27, 2015

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Racer is Fully Revealed!

After we had a glimpse of what the Mercedes-AMG GT3 car would look like, now it is time to have a full view on it. In addition, there is some impressive data regarding its specifications. Although the famous carmaker has revealed only four pictures of the motorsports-beast we are extremely satisfied that the veil has been finally lifted. So, take a look at the gallery and tell us what you think.

The 2015 motorsport season starts in March, not literally of course, but with the start of the Geneva Motor Show, and this is where we are going to hear the V8 engine of the AMG GT3 roaring.

The car has all the necessary characteristics of a FIA GT3 racer, thus it will be eligible to compete in the race series. Spectacular design is what we can see from the photos, but what Mercedes ain’t telling us is the cutting-edge racing technology imbued in it.

Going straight to these facts, the 2015 GT3 car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT. This means that both models have similar characteristics like the low centre of gravity, the perfectly distributed weight and wide track width. As a matter of fact, this layout is the reason of the precise cornering as well as the high lateral acceleration, exceptional agility and traction.

The design of the car is classy: the body is painted in matt designo selenite grey mango, while the large air intakes, diffuser and the rear aerofoil speak of extreme track performance. The vehicle is constructed with lightweight aluminium spaceframe, thus ensuring less weight and more aerodynamism.

Inside, the driver is protected via the carbon-fibre seat pan and the integral roll-over cage. For the purpose of weight savings the engine cover, doors, front wing, front and rear aprons, sidewalls, side skirts, diffuser, boot lid and rear aerofoil are all made from carbon-fibre.

The horsepower comes from the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that is coupled with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox. The transmission is mounted in a transaxle configuration on the rear axle, which actually results in the perfect weight distribution. What’s left to be mentioned is the aluminium double-wishbone suspension.

The GT3 has gone through extensive testing and the company is saying that it will ship the racer to the customer teams at the end of this year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 27, 2015

Mercedes-Benz G-Class is FABulous Thanks to FAB Design

FAB Design knows how to make cars look just FABulous and now two Mercedes-Benz models, G55 and G63 AMG, have been lucky enough to get some improvements. Firstly, there is a power upgrade which enables the Mercedes-Benz G55 to boost 530 HP (390 kW) with a peak torque of 775 Nm (572 lb-ft) while the upgraded Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is capable of cranking out up to 620 HP (456 kW) and 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

The G-class remains one of the biggest attention-grabbers among tuners. Thanks to FAB Design, the four-wheel drive luxury SUVs gain one-off bodies which are crafted out of carbon fiber components. Precisely, the improvements on the outside are comprised of bespoke front and rear spoilers, tweaked side skirts and bigger wheel arches which can take advantage of 23-inch wheels in 305/55 R23 tires.

Even though the tuner hasn’t shared any images of the interior, they confirmed that the G55 and G63 AMG benefit from Alcantara and custom leather. What is more, inside there are accentuating carbon fiber elements as well. An additional storage room is possible thanks to the special tire failure which replaces the spare wheel.

What do you think of the reworked models? Are they better than before?

Source: FAB Design

February 26, 2015

Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo: Small but Furious

MINI has officially unveiled the Clubman Vision Gran Turismo virtual racecar that will be available in the Gran Turismo 6 video game for PlayStation 3. It is based on the Clubman, as the title suggests, but with the notable difference that it has more distinguished design. Made for the virtual reality, the Clubman Gran Turismo concept is imagined to take its power from an unspecified engine which is capable of delivering 395 HP.

This power output is sent to a permanent all-wheel drive system using a six-speed sequential gearbox. With such figures, the car is able to speed up from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in the impressive 3.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

Visually, MINI’s Gran Turismo arrives with an appealing style which transforms driving into a real pleasure. The car features striking split doors, huge air inlets and air ducting surfaces, front splitters which are there to regulate airflow and to cool the engine.

Also, the carbon fiber front apron as well as the flat underbody serve to reduce air resistance. The aggressively-shaped front is complimented by LED headlights that feature an “X” layout while the back of the car is highlighted by LED taillights with an interesting filigree design.

Finally, MINI Clubman Vision Gran Turismo moves on wide 22-inch bi-color alloy wheels.

Source: MINI

February 26, 2015

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