Automobiles Review – Page 416 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Mercedes-Benz Vito 4×4: One better Version

Mercedes-Benz Vans are among the most reliable vehicles in the segment. They offer not only quality of driving but also sufficient safety, balance and stability which help the vans operate properly during different icy and snowy weather conditions. Now the automaker is introducing its Vito as a 4×4 model which becomes the only mid-size van offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive as well.

Being powerful and economic are also characteristics that define the nature of the new Mercedes-Benz Vito 4×4. Thanks to the new all-wheel drive system, the van impresses with solid performance on slippery surfaces. Power derives from the most powerful engine available – precisely, the four-cylinder unit that is capable of boosting 190 HP (140 kW) from its 2.15-litre displacement. The maximum torque is that of 440 Nm. The Vito 119 BlueTEC 4×4 scores a top speed of 199 km/h. Amazingly enough, the fuel consumption (NEDC combined) is only 6.4 l/100 km which is the equivalent of 169 g/km CO2.

Due to the SCR technology with AdBlue injection into the exhaust gas, the BlueTEC engine technology of the van 4×4 is compliant with the future Euro 6 emissions standard. The engine power is transported by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with torque converter.

2015 Mercedes-Benz Vito 4×4 is available in Germany as a panel van, Mixto and Tourer in the body variants compact, long and extra long. The 140 kW version can be ordered as a Vito 119 BlueTEC 4×4 for €36,120. The 100 kW and 120 kW engine models will arrive in the following months.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 10, 2015

Manhart MHX5 750 Promised to be Faster than BMW X5M F85

Despite the fact that Manhart Performance are still being very secretive about their upcoming MHX5 750, they have decided to unveil two images of the model just to keep our attention and interest alive.

The recently – developed Manhart MHX5 750 is based on the BMW X5M F85 and will be fitted with a stylishly designed exterior. The rigid and somehow serous bodylook suggests that this car is definitely made for grownups. The masculine appeal of the MHX5 750 is underscored by a blacked out grille, bonnet made of carbon fiber and front spoiler. In addition to this, carbon fiber mirror caps can be spotted too. For an extra tone of dynamism, there is a sporty exhaust system, 23 – inch forged alloys and an impressive rear diffuser.

Power is provided by the well – known twin – turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine. It is going to be tweaked so that it can trigger 750 PS (551 kW) and 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of maximum torque. Even though the company refused to share any performance specifications for now, the model is expected to be much faster than the BMW X5 M. The latter is able to speed up from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The X5 M arrives with 567 HP (423 kW), between 6000 and 6500 rpm.

More information about the Manhart MHX5 750 is yet to be revealed, so stay tuned!

Source: Manhart

February 10, 2015

Mansory Creates 50 Exclusive Bentley Continental GT/C Editions

Mansory Edition 50 is a limited edition parts kit intended for only 50 units of Bentley GT or GTC. The kit itself adds subtle modification, but still it strengthens the luxury characteristics of the car. The stylish bodywork modification sets consists of several design tweaks that need some thorough attention. Looking at the front of this beautiful Bentley, we immediately see a newly designed apron with integrated LED lights. In addition, the new contribute to the powerful and muscular stance of the car.

At the sides, the car definitely looks better thanks to its new Mansory-made side skirts. Continuing with the rear, the one-of-fifty Bentley can show-off with rear spoiler lip and a rear apron with diffuser insert and matching stainless steel exhaust tips.

As you can see nothing looks pretentious or ostentatious and this was Mansory’s goal and the components were effortlessly added to the standard production bodywork. The kit is rounded off by entrance panels with an illuminated logo and number signifying the limited edition.

Mansory made each of these components from carbon fibre via a traditional way using the material in an autoclave. In this process, the carbon sheets are put into moulds and hardened in an autoclave under high pressure at high temperature. The results are the following: improved acceleration, stopping distances and the fuel consumption due to the weight reduction of the car.

At last, wee can’t go by the wheels, which are also in-house-made. They are in double-spoke format and are fitted with low profile tyres. Cheers to this project Mansory!

Source: Mansory

February 10, 2015

Opel Astra with Better Fuel Economy Due to the Addition of 1.6 CDTI Engine

Opel Astra gets additionally enhanced with more economical engine – the 110 hp (81 kW) 1.6 CDTI. The unit emits only 94 grams of CO2 per kilometer and this is equivalent to 3.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. And for those who chose the 100 kW/136 hp output version, Opel has good news, because it is improved and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In addition to this it needs just 3.7 liters of diesel. The more powerful version accelerates the Astra sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and achieves maximum speed of 205 km/h.

After introducing the new gen 1.6 CDTI engine into the Astra, the engineers at Opel have continued working on improving it. This is how it now delivers up to five percent less emissions and consumption while maintaining the same performance.

There are new low-friction components which have been utilized for the chassis and the bodywork. For instance such are the improved drive shafts or the low-rolling-resistance tires. There is also an Aero Package that includes a lowered chassis and active radiator shutters. They help duce aerodynamic drag.

The ‘eco Astras’ are offered in three- and five-door, sedan and Sport Tourer variants. They are equipped with AGR (German Healthy Back Campaign) stamped ergonomic front seats and Opel’s modern IntelliLink infotainment system. Safety premium technologies are also added. They include Opel Eye front camera with Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning or the rearview camera, Park Assist with parking spot recognition and audiovisual parking assistance, Side Blind Spot Alert and the safety lighting system AFL+.

Source: Opel

February 10, 2015

Redesigned Toyota Prius c: Hot or Not?

Toyota‘s hybrid Prius c range welcomes the new year with a refined exterior, interior and dynamics. Australia’s most affordable hybrid car now demonstrates sharper outline and enhanced driving environment both of which add to the smooth experience on the road. What makes this car even better than before is the reduced price and we all know that when a great car comes for less it becomes even greater. By dropping the price to $22,990 for the standard Prius c and $25,990 for the high-grade Prius c i-Tech, Toyota really gives a late Christmas present which everyone will embrace without thinking twice.

So let’s cut to the chase now. Staying true to all Toyota hybrids, the Prius c can run on either just the petrol engine, the battery alone, or can use a combination of both. Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive combines the output of a petrol engine and electric motor by taking advantage of an innovative planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The 1.5-litre petrol engine generates 54 kW while the electric motor produces 45 kW. The combined power output then is that of 74 kW. Maximum torque is estimated at 111 Nm from the engine and 169 Nm from the motor. On the combined fuel-consumption test cycle, Prius c uses just 3.9 litres per 100km using 91 RON regular unleaded petrol. CO2 emissions are 90 grams/km.

In terms of the exterior, 2015 Toyota Prius c exhibits a refreshed style which features a more aggressive hexagonal grille. Moreover, the reshaped headlights provide a sharper appearance – halogen for the entry grade and a bi-LED lamp for Toyota Prius c i-Tech. The sculpturing of the automobile is further reinforced by a larger rear spoiler and new wheel covers adopted for the 15-inch steel wheels on the standard car. The i-Tech keeps its 15-inch alloy wheels. Yet, both grades arrive with full-size spares. Three new vibrant colours are available and include: Tango (orange), Aura (light blue) and Zest (lime).

Inside, there’s a new fabric upholstery. The standard grade is able to impress thanks to the black with dark blue facings while the i-Tech’s dark-grey seats are adorned by silver stitching that can also be seen on the steering wheel. Both Prius c models are fitted with reversing camera, seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-start assist control and cruise control.

Source: Toyota

February 10, 2015

Hyundai Debuts Special Edition Veloster and Santa Cruz Concept in Chicago

Chicago Motor Show is an event that is to happen in couple of days. Hyundai will show there its “Concept & Technology Garage” that will include 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, the latest connected car technologies the HCD-15 Santa Cruz Concept that we have seen in Detroit and the SEMA vehicles. In addition, the company will also reveal two new products, one of which was officially confirmed to be a special edition Veloster.

The Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept makes its Chicago debut. At the show it will display its characteristics as a new interpretation of truck utility. This fresh concept is intended to appeal to Millennials, whose needs range from expandable utility throughout an active week in the city.

The vehicle is created to shatter convention and offers an extension of personality. One of its key characteristics is the efficiency. The powertrain is the 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit which produces 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb.-ft.) of torque, but it is capable of achieving fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range. Santa Cruz is also equipped with the HTRAC All-wheel drive system.

For those who haven’t visited the SEMA Show in Las Vegas last year, there is good news: Hyundai will bring five SEMA models to Chicago. These include Blood Type Racing’s Genesis Coupe, Toca Signature Edition “Steel Phoenix” Genesis Sedan, ARK Performance AR550 Genesis Sedan, Bisimoto Engineering Sonata and JP Edition Genesis Coupe.

The next star of the show will be the Tucson Fuel Cell, which “wrote history” as the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle available for consumer lease. The fuel cell technology replaces the battery pack in EVs by generating electricity from hydrogen.

This is done through an electrochemical process that does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell stack. In this way the technology alleviates the limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles and maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the gasoline-powered Tucson.

At last but not least, the attendees of Hyundai’s “Concept & Technology Garage” will have an opportunity to test drive the zero-emissions Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle. They will also see how the company demonstrates the latest suite of in-vehicle technologies of 2015 Sonata: the eight-inch navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Hyundai’s Blue Link smartwatch app.

Source: Hyundai

February 10, 2015

Kia’s New Geneva Concept is Optima Based Plug-in Hybrid?

Kia Optima Concept On 3rd of March Kia will reveal a mysterious stylish new concept vehicle at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile or the so called Geneva Motor Show. The company announced that the car will be a D-segment model, which is actually the 11th concept car created by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. As we can see it has a sporty “nose” and is painted in red color that suggests activity and dynamism.

The concept is definitely created for those looking for the perfect vehicle that complements their active lifestyle. Kia also said that the concept is spacious and filled with versatile accessories.

You can also see that the car has confident and powerful lines. They elegantly sweep from Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille towards the rear of the vehicle.

And if you take a closer look at the teaser image, you’ll be definitely confused, whether you are seeing Kia’s new concept or the Optima model. This is probably a clear sign that the car will be based on it, but will carry with sharper looks and more sporting.

Some of the other details of the concept that need attention are the vents in the wings and sleek look of the side profile. The concept embodies modern design and dramatic energy. It is purposeful and style-conscious, and it seems as it can deliver a sanctuary from the stresses of the modern world.

It is rumored that there will also be a production version of this concept which is expected to be shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Kia will also offer several engine choices including a plug-in hybrid option.

Source: Kia

February 10, 2015

2015 Ford Focus Predicts a Spin Before It Even Begins [VIDEO]

Do you know what is better than a car that helps prevent spinouts once they occur? The answer is in the 2015 Ford Focus, because it can predict a spin before it even begins. The vehicle is getting enhanced by transitional stability technology designed to predict potential vehicle spinouts. This system intervenes earlier than previous once in order to help the driver in case he or she loses control of the car. The new technology uses real-time sensor data to trigger spinout-mitigating braking inputs from vehicle’s electronic stability control. In addition, it combines real-time data from sensors to anticipate a potential spin by 100 to 200 milliseconds.

The stability control technology is active all of the time and determines when a car meets the conditions that may lead to a spin. Then it intervenes early to help prevent the driver from losing control.

This feature is also dubbed enhanced transitional stability technology. It also delivers better handling in highly dynamic driving maneuvers. Important vehicle data like speed, steering wheel position, turn rate of the steering wheel and other input is considered to determine when a skid is imminent.

If there is any risk, braking is applied to individual wheels. This will help the driver keep control over the car and continue on the intended path.

2015 Focus will get at no cost the new transitional stability technology. This innovative system came about when engineers applied an algorithm that was in use with Ford’s Roll Stability Control to the new transitional stability technology. As a result they invented the stability control system that predicts potential spins before they happen.

httpv://youtu.be/DImiqklmSD8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

February 10, 2015

Jaguar Land Rover to Star in the Latest James Bond Movie

Jaguar Land Rover revealed that it is going to join the 24th James Bond adventure with three different models. A while ago we wrote that Aston Martin is also going to be part of the franchise with its revolutionary Aston Martin DB10.

The Spectre movie is obviously going to be pretty damn good. The extreme flair of dynamism and action are set to be mixed with a healthy dose of luxury and motion which are extracted from the automotive world. Regarding this exciting news, the Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards, commented that: “This is an exciting partnership for Jaguar Land Rover and an opportunity to demonstrate the fantastic capabilities of the Special Operations team.’’

Among the vehicles selected for the movie are the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the revised Land Rover Defender Big Foot. The JLR vehicles which are going to be used in the upcoming film have been provided by the company’s Special Operations division and were built together with Williams Advanced Engineering. Interestingly enough, the C-X75 model will play a crucial role in a “spectacular car chase sequence” that is taking place through the streets of Rome alongside the Aston Martin DB10.

Nevertheless, this is not the first time when Jaguar and Land Rover cars have had roles in a succession of Bond films. For example, in 2012, Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up was driven by field agent Eve Moneypenny in the opening sequence to Skyfall.

Spectre is scheduled to come out on the 6th of November this year.

Source: Jaguar Land Rover

February 9, 2015

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212 Wows with 720 Wild Horses

Fostla.de is famous for its car – wrapping services using only high – quality materials. So when we talk about individualization and customization, the company at Seelze close to Hannover perfectly knows how to deal with the process. With the necessary experience and skills utilized by Fostla.de, the final result is always something that can strike and impress the customer.

This time around, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212 is the model that benefits from the workmanship of the tuner. After a series of improvements, including not only an installation of a racing exhaust system with downpipes, but a PP-Performance stage 2 tuning (available for 6,299 Euro), the E 63 AMG W212 is able to demonstrate some really amazing characteristics. Initially, the vehicle is able to generate a power output of 557 serial HP (410 kW), which after the alterations in the engine electronics is boosted to 720 untamed horses (529 kW). Respectively, there has been enhanced torque figures too. The previous maximum torque of 720 serial Nm has been increased to the glorious 1,000 Nm.

Exteriorly, fostla.de provides the car with a new grill and emblems in mat black foiling. The 5% tinting of the rear lamps highlight the dynamic presence of the Fostla Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG W212. In order to make sure that the wrapping will be optimally protected when driving at high speed, the tuner has used a transparent stone chip protecting film.

Finally, the E 63 AMG is fitted with three-part LOMA GT1 super-light rims in 9×20 ET31 in combination with 255/30ZR20 tires on front and in 11×20 ET54 with 295/20ZR20 tires on the rear axle. The price per item for these rims is 1,650 Euro.

The whole performance package for 5.5 liters V8 BiTurbo costs 19,500 Euro.

Source: Miranda Media

February 9, 2015

BMW M4 Shows Better Performance Due to Additional KW Coilover Kit [VIDEO]

KW has just launched a range of new coilovers that were specifically designed to enhance the driving dynamics of the emblematic BMW M4. The special thing about them is that they boast adjustable top mounts, compression and rebound. What is more, the American Tuner European Auto Source (EAS) teamed up with KW suspensions for a test drive at Willow Springs International Raceway. They used the new KW coilovers and as a result the have created an extremely fast BMW.

To o into details, for better performance KW claims that all one needs is bigger brakes and well-made exhaust for extra power. This is exemplified via EAS BMW M4. EAS installed a set of KW Clubsport two-way coilovers with the aim to substantially improve the track handling of the M4, while at the same time keeping it road legal.

As a matter of fact, the KW Clubsport coilovers have been developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and allow separate adjustment of the rebound. In addition, KW Clubsport upgrade not only gives the M4 big brakes, but alls adds semi-slick tyres and increased engine power.

Through the rebound adjustment on the upper end of the piston rod the Clubsport two-way can be adjusted with 16 clicks. At the front axle the rebound will be changed by attachable adjustment knob, while at the rear axle damper KW integrated the rebound adjustment knob in the upper end of the piston rod. Compression damping is modified independently with the help of purple adjustment wheel in the black reservoir housing.

BMW M4 can be lowered on both axles with 15mm to 40mm. EAS also installed a Brembo GT big brake kit and 18in Apex EC-7 wheels with Continental Extreme DW tyres. In addition, the modified BMW also wears Bavarian company’s M Performance Carbon Package and is equipped with engine software. Thanks to the latter, it can now produce up to 559 hp (411 kW).

There is also an Akrapovic Evolution Titanium exhaust system that contributes for better soundtrack. As a result, EAS made a super-fast sports car, ready for both track and city roads.

httpv://youtu.be/cjCpTW0krR0

Video Source: YouTube

Source: EAS and KW

February 9, 2015

Larte Design Will Electrify Your Senses at Top Marques Monaco 2015 Show

It is a known fact that throughout the years Larte Design has established itself as the tuner that significantly improves the stance and looks of different cars. Drawing some of the most compelling designs, the company becomes an artistic symbol of automotive passion, individuality, self – expression and uniqueness. Focusing on the implementation of precision and craftsmanship which aims to satisfy the requirements and expectations of clients, Larte Design successfully combines true elegant lines, masculinity and aggressiveness which contribute to the personalized character of a certain automobile. All of the eye – catching features incorporated into a car, transform the vehicle into a road – conquering automotive machine that is able to catch the attention of everyone.

This year from April 16 to April 19, 2015 Monaco is welcoming one of the most spectacular events in Europe – precisely, the prestigious supercar forum which is going to take place at the Top Marques Monaco 2015 show. Demonstrating sufficient confidence, Larte Design is going to present the premium electric car Tesla Model S with a bold reincarnation. Featuring a redesigned exterior with light and solid tuning components crafted out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the vehicle is ready to dazzle onlookers. What is more, the car also has a facelifted interior, new forged large wheels and can produce one – of – a – kind sound effect. Finally, this supercar offers 691 HP and promises excellent driving quality.

Larte Design is preparing other treats for visitors too. Alongside the supercar, there are going to be revealed two more models available for test drives: Mercedes GL with the Black Crystal tuning kit and Range Rover Sport Winner.

Source: Larte Design

February 9, 2015

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