Automobiles Review – Page 434 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Lexus Reveals its GS F Saloon

Lexus has unveiled its 2016 GS F well ahead of the car’s official debut at the North American International Auto Show. As it seems, BMW M4 just got a high-class competitor!

Benefiting from a wide range of enhancements, the new Lexus GS F Saloon is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that bursts out 467 bhp (348 kW / 473 PS) at 100rpm and 527 Nm (389 lb-ft) of maximum torque between 4,800 and 5,600rpm. What is more, it is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities.

Despite the fact that the automaker was kind of secretive about more specifications, it revealed that Lexus GS F will have a Torque Vectoring Differential, which premiered in the RC F. There are three different modes:

Standard (default) which balances the agility and firmness
Slalom, that puts emphasis on nimble steering response and agility
Track, which provides with stability in high-speed circuit driving

There is a certain sportiness which characterizes the new model. The GS F’s monocoque chassis will be structurally reinforced and will feature an exceptional suspension package which is set to boost the car’s handling capabilities and ride quality.

Inside, the sporty appearance is continued as there are two-tone sport seats and carbon fiber trim. Contrast stitching and metallic elements accentuate the cabin as well.

Which one would you prefer though? Lexus GS F or BMW M4?

Source: Lexus

January 7, 2015

BMW Shows M4 Concept Iconic Lights

BMW is obviously ready to go on with the innovative developments in terms of Laserlight. At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Bavarian marque is showcasing its BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights which are a modern-day interpretations of the typical BMW twin round headlights that incorporate the laser lights technology.

In the core of the lighting functions of the Concept Iconic Lights lies the idea of ensuring enhanced safety and comfort. Thanks to the white metallic car which was exhibited, we can see how the future lights would look like on a BMW vehicle. Precisely, there are fine blue strips inside the lights which identify the laser technology.

The beams are about ten times more powerful than other light source and have impressively long range of up to 600 meters in combination with the camera-based BMW Selective Beam function (anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant). The latter is controlled by dynamic instigators and serves to prevent oncoming or preceding vehicles from being dazzled. It also allows the laser high beam to be left on at all times.

The dynamic abilities of these lamps are taken even further thanks to the use of an infra-red camera which detects other moving objects and reduces the risk of accidents.

BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights are based on OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) which can produce light from wafer-thin semiconducting layers of purely organic material. Interestingly enough, this is the first time when the tail lights and rear direction indicators feature OLED technology.

Source: BMW

January 6, 2015

Subaru STARLINK Enhanced by SIRIUS XM

Subaru of America, Inc. is teaming up with Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services Inc., a unit of Sirius XM, and AT&T in order to enhance its Subaru STARLINK in-vehicle connectivity system.

STARLINK represents an in-vehicle platform which delivers a variety of hands-free connectivity, entertainment and safety services. Thanks to the collaborative work Subaru STARLINK will be able to give more. Arriving with a built-in AT&T 4G LTE capability, the in-vehicle platform will offer features provided by Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services. The new pack of features includes: stolen vehicle recovery, automatic collision notification, remote vehicle services such as lock/unlock via a smartphone device and monthly vehicle health reports.

With the improvements, Subaru will be able to provide comprehensive safety and security qualities as well as better connectivity to car occupants. Moreover, Sirius XM contributes with its audio entertainment service for a greater driving experience.

In relation to this, Alan Bethke, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. said that; “Working with trusted, industry leaders such as Sirius XM and AT&T to enhance the Subaru STARLINK in-vehicle connectivity system is a natural fit for Subaru.” He continued and added; “Sirius XM and AT&T will enable us to provide customers with additional peace of mind through new safety and security services, as well as enhanced connectivity.”

Source: Subaru

January 6, 2015

Detroit Eelectric SP:01 – Specifications

Detroit Electric has finally unveiled the exterior and interior designs for the SP:01 pure-electric sports car. Pre-production prototype models are going through some extensive testing at Detroit Electric’s production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, ahead of the official production in early 2015.

Power-wise, the lightweight electric car is fitted with an electric motor which is able to produce 285 HP (210 kW). There are also carbon fiber body panels and manual transmission that comes as standard. An optional single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmission are available as well. The two-seater sports car promises to deliver spectacular acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) before boosting a mind-blowing top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Outside, the Detroit SP:01 has been altered in order to show off with an improved aerodynamic performance. Thus, some of the refined highlights include a new fastback configuration, a large sculptural rear wing and under-body diffuser. The last two features help reduce lift and improve handling when the driver decides to cut the air while driving at a higher speed. The sports car offers a Metallic paint options such as: Performance Black, Performance Blue, Performance Green, Performance Orange and Performance Silver, as well as ‘Special White’ and ‘Special Red’. Clients can order customized paint colors too.

In order to craft out a plain and not so complicated cabin, the SP:01’s center console has an incorporated 8.4-inch touchscreen tablet, that replaces the previous analogue dials and switches on the fascia. Other specifications include: Detroit Electric’s SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) application with Android operating system, that provides access to different functions, like music player, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), satellite navigation and vehicle systems status, such as battery charge, V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) etc.

There is also a choice of leather or Alcantara sports seats (black, with body-color accents), power electric windows, power central locking, ambient cabin lighting, embroidered floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity. Nevertheless, customers are given the opportunity to personalize their vehicle by choosing between colored leather seats (red, beige, tan and black) or two-tone leather seats (black with a choice of red, beige, blue, orange or grey), and optional leather trim for door panels, door sills and dashboard.

Source: Detroit-Electric

January 6, 2015

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion: Automobile Revolution

Think of the future. Yes, that future, with huge capital F! This is what Mercedes-Benz is trying to incorporate in its latest concept car revealed at CES this week. The automotive company is seeking to encapsulate a whole set of futuristic ambitions into a car that will serve the needs of drivers on a totally different level. Level that is extracted from an environment which does not belong to our world and yet, it is somehow applicable here.

Dubbed the Mercedes Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion – frankly, the last two words are somewhat unnecessary, as if we would not be able to notice the luxury… or the motion in this mere creation from beyond – the car is really able to demonstrate… luxury… in motion. This vision for the future of motoring has the goal to present the first self-driving car which drives you to your destination while offering more than enough space for complete comfort.

The all-new body structure is crafted out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum and high strength steel. Inside, there is a mobile living space made from open grain walnut, glass, ice white nappa leather and aluminum. The use of six screens controlled via eye-tracking, gesture recognition or touch demonstrate one highly-progressive Connectivity which really suits the unconventional nature of this car of the future.

With travelling convenience being the most cardinal concept here, Mercedes-Benz envisioned an innovative interior with variable seating system which offers four rotating lounge chairs that provide with a face-to-face seat configuration. What is more, the seats can swing by 30 degrees to allow easy ingress and egress.

Perhaps, it will be too obvious to mention but the F 015 is eco-friendly. It is said to contain the F-Cell plug-in hybrid system, firstly seen in Mercedes-Benz F 125 research vehicle in 2011, which will help the F 015 concept travel 1,100 km (684 miles) on a single charge.

It sounds like a car born out of perfection and transformed into a physical automotive excellence. Pity that it is unlikely to turn into a reality soon.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

January 6, 2015

Golf R Touch Cockpit Concept Solves Future Challenges

It is a known fact that the two creates creation in the world, the car and the computer, are merging together, thus forming a final automobile product which is expected to be more communicative, reliable, safer, advanced, interesting and even entertaining. Having the goal to create such successful merging between technology and an automobile, Volkswagen is releasing its innovative Volkswagen Golf R Touch. Its aim is to offer not only groundbreaking systems but systems which are, in fact, easy to use and really useful.

The Volkswagen Golf R Touch concept vehicle, displayed for the first time at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES), demonstrates what practical implementation of technology means. The car’s future concept focuses on a gesture-controlled automotive environment which, of course, isn’t something new but Volkswagen manages to push it one level up. With the mounting of cameras inside the cabin, drivers are enabled to set commands with just hand gestures. In other words, one does not actually need to touch the displays. At all. Respectively, the company points out that this system is “intended to reduce driver distractions while attaining maximum personalization and intuitive operation in the car.”

There are three different displays: 12.8-inch high-resolution infotainment system touchscreen; a Control Center (8.0-inch with touch feedback) and a 12.3-inch Active Information Display. As it is stated, both the looks of the displays and the interior color can be customized to the driver’s preferences — same as when customizing your tablet or smartphone.

Something else that was revealed at CES was the ultimate networking capacity of the Golf R Touch in the form of Connected Golf. This is e-Golf with online-based functionality which will be fittted with the newest generation (MIB II) infotainment system. It will also take advantage of a huge number of apps, smartphones and tablets thanks to its advanced interface management system.

Others progressive extras of the e-Golf include: e-Golf Intelligent Charge and e-Golf Perfect Parking system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 6, 2015

2016 Chevrolet Volt: Sneak Peek

It is finally here, people! Instead of waiting for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week when the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is going to be revealed, General Motors chose to depict its new electric hybrid earlier at CES.

For now all that we have is a visual glimpse of the new model, without any official specifics. Nevertheless, the automaker has promised that the 2016 Chevy Volt will be equipped with an improved steering system and refined acceleration. Moreover, it is said that the noise and vibration levels have been reduced significantly.

Additionally, the electric hybrid will be fitted with a bigger battery pack that has been the result of the collaborative work with LG Chem. The battery can store about 20 percent more despite the fact that it is 13 kg lighter.

In relation to the exterior, what we can clearly see from the image is the reworked nose of the car. The front fascia is characterized by upper and lower grills which are accompanied by updated LED daytime running lights and well-shaped headlights.

Detailed information is yet to be announced so stay tuned for more!

Source: Chevrolet via Twitter

January 5, 2015

BMW 550i – More “Steam” Than M5 Series

The tendency of car-wrapping instead of coloring has been progressing for quite some time now and has been significantly conquering every part of the world. More or less. In relation to this, Fostla at Seelze near Hanover, Germany, is considered to be some sort of a master when it comes to car-wrapping and for this reason, it has been preferred by many customers.

Such example is the BMW 550i F10 which has received not only full wrapping in urban-Taupe-mat-metallic or also gray-olive-mat-metallic but has also gained some substantial power improvements. After the alterations and thanks to the professionally applied foil by the company, the BMW exhibits highly aggressive look. The windows, the front and rear lamps are tinted, while the mounted on the front bumper lip and the rear diffusor are covered in sleek-black. Inside, there is a leather sports steering wheel coated with soft cushioning. It is just one of the features that exemplifies the distinctive custom-made design by Fostla.

In terms of power, the engine of the Bavarian car underwent a PP-Performance refitting which included stage-2 motor electronics modification, downpipes and Vmax unlocking, thus costing 4,299 €. In consequence, there is a power output boosted from 408 HP (300 kW) to 570 PS (419 kW) and a peak torque improved from 600 to 800 Nm. When we compare it to the M5 F10, which brings along 560 HP (412 kW) and the “modest” 680 Nm, we see that the 550i is more powerful.

Additionally, the BMW 550i F10 benefits from wheel-set that consists of Yido Performance YP1 Talia 20 inches in 9×20 ET35 at the front and 10×20 ET35 at the rear axle. This rim set can be purchased for 2,000 €, including a certificate. Finally, Michelin Pilot Sports tires in 245/35ZR20 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear axle are considered to be a high-class wheel-tire-combination.

Source: Miranda-Media

January 5, 2015

Volkswagen Polo Lounge Special Edition in Germany

A new special edition Volkswagen Polo Lounge has been added to the line-up for the German market.

The new Lounge special edition is equipped with a choice of four petrol and three TDI diesel engines. The starting price for the initial 1.0-liter 5-speed model is that of 15,200 EUR (18,140 USD), while the top-of-the-range 90 HP (66 kW) TDI version with DGS gearbox is priced at 20,375 EUR (24,300 USD).

What really distinguishes the special edition from its siblings is the visually improved exterior and interior. The full pack of enhancements includes dark red rear lights, a set of silver 15-inches ‘Novara’ alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, ‘Lounge’ badges and dark-tinted windows in the rear.

Inside the cabin, the vehicle is fitted with ‘Deep Inox’ center console patterns, cruise control system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate system known as ‘Climatronic’, auto-dimming rear view mirror, infotainment system with six speakers and ‘coming home’ headlight function. The 2014 Volkswagen Polo Lounge special edition is further outlined by ‘Lounge’ floor mats, ‘Tartan’ upholstery and leather-trimmed steering wheel, hand-brake and gearknob.

The Polo Lounge represents one of the Volkswagen’s new Club and Lounge new special edition vehicles which were introduced this month by Volkswagen’s new Marketing Manager Robbie Williams.

Source: polodriver

January 5, 2015

2015 Mazda CX-5 Arrives with Upgrades

2015 Mazda CX-5 is ready to impress customers with some significant interior and exterior enhancements. The line-up is available in three grades: SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport Nav. The range includes three 2.0 liter petrol two-wheel drive variants equipped with six-speed manual transmissions, and thirteen 2.2 liter diesel versions – six of which are available with all-wheel drive. They are equipped with a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmissions. The compact SUV delivers uncompromising fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions while still demonstrating excellent performance and driving dynamics.

The conventional stock equipment of every model in the CX-5 range has been improved thanks to the new manual front passenger seat height adjustment, an electronic parking brake, a coming/leaving home headlamp function, and the company’s Multimedia Commander that has separate volume dial for safe, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control.

Internet connectivity is made easier now due to the new 7-inch, full-color and center console touch-screen that incorporates DAB radio, two ports for USB connectivity and MZD Connect.

The range-topping Sport Nav models take advantage of new exterior features which are comprised of 19-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlamps including LED daytime running lights, and LED foglamps. There is also a new Integrated Navigation system that offers refined accuracy, advanced search features and three years of free map updating.

Moreover, the already existing Lane Departure Warning system on Mazda CX-5 is built on by Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Attention Alert (DAA), thus providing steering wheel vibration and assisted steering if the driver rides off from the middle of the selected lane. Finally, improved Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert systems (BSMw/RCTA) are also available.

Source: Mazda

January 5, 2015

Infiniti Reveals Q60 Concept

Infiniti takes the wraps off its Q60 Concept ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. What we are presented with is definitely a stunning coupe which shines with genuine sportiness and style. The combination between edgy exterior contours, well-crafted handmade interior and excellent performance characteristics results in “a no-compromise fusion of looks and speed.”

Even though Infiniti Q60 Concept fumes with significant freshness and newness, it somehow points back to the bespoke Infiniti Q80 Inspiration that was revealed in October at the Paris Motor Show. The resemblance is evident in the finest details and craftsmanship of the exterior, especially when we examine the sides of the car. The curved and somewhat sweeping lines underline the sporty personalities of both vehicles.

On the outside, the acute lines of the concept are further complimented by low roofline as well as custom 21-inch wheels. The black spokes in a combination of mattes and chromes are inspired by jet turbine blades. They stretch to the edge of the wheel and put emphasis on the style of the coupe. Inside, the Q60 Concept benefits from elegant high-quality leather seats which are inherited from the full-size Q80 Inspiration. The hand-stitched leather and carbon fiber accents speak for ultimate workmanship which defines the distinctive design of the Q60.

Infiniti Q60 Concept can be seen when Infiniti holds its 2015 NAIAS press conference at 8:10am on Tuesday, January 13^th.

Source: Infiniti

January 5, 2015

2015 MG GTS Unveiled

MG has finally taken the wraps off its GTS crossover which is planned to go on sale in China next year. This is the first ever production SUV which for now we can see only in a series of images.

2015 MG GTS will come with a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo engine that is able to develop 217 bhp (162 kW) and 349 Nm (258 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The power output will be transmitted to the wheels through a dual-clutch six-speed transmission that works along with an all-wheel drive on-demand system. The crossover will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8 seconds.

Later on, the vehicle is said to receive the newly developed GDI engines by MG. The range starts out with a 3-cylinder 1.0-liter power unit. Furthermore, there are going to be larger 1.4- and 1.5-liter petrol motors which will be able to produce about 165 kW and 250 Nm of peak torque.

The stylish new five-seater is scheduled to reach the Chinese showrooms in May, 2015 and it is essentially the production version of the CS concept which was revealed last year at the 2013 Shangai Motor Show. More information is yet to be announced.

Source: MG

December 30, 2014

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