Automobiles Review – Page 447 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2015 Mazda6 is Stronger with more Features and Refreshed Styling

2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up gets improved with wide range of standard and available features across the entire model range. The design of the exterior as well as the interior of the car was improved. Not to mention the functionality, ride comfort and quietness, and the sophisticated technologies. The model range comprises of five trim levels: SE, SE Nav, SE-L, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav. In addition, Mazda is offering a choice of nine diesel and seven petrol Saloon variants, and nine diesel and three petrol Tourer versions. The engines can be with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

In terms of exterior design, there are eight body colours available to choose from. One of them is new and it is called Sonic Silver metallic. Standing at the top of the range, the Sport Nav trim will get re-styled front with new grille and signature wing design. It includes powerful LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED foglamps as well as LED tail lamps. The car runs on 19-inch bright alloy wheels.

Regardless of trim, the Mazda6 gets new instrument panel with centre console design, revised suspension system, better sound insulation and more equipment ass a standard. SE and SE-L grades on the other hand benefit from electronic parking brake, coming/leaving home headlamp function, Multimedia Commander, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control, manual driver and front passenger seat height adjustment.

The occupants of Sport Nav will also enjoy the seven-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen with DAB radio and MZD Connect. What is more, the six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, vinyl leather knee pads, a new head-up display and an Integrated Navigation system complete the Sport Nav’s standard equipment specification.

How about the available features? The options for this trim level feature stone leather upholstery and improved Safety Pack. The latter includes Adaptive LED headlamps (ALH), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Alert, Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM w/RCTA) and Rear Smart City Brake Support (Rr SCBS).

2015 Mazda6 Saloon and Tourer line-up is officially going on sale in the United Kingdom. It is priced from £19,795.

Source: Mazda

December 2, 2014

SR Auto Teases Future Project on Liberty Walk Ferrari 458 Italia

SR Auto Group has teased the public with a picture showing what’s new in their garage. And it is a Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. They have announced that this car will stay a little bit longer there because it will be their next big project. Over the upcoming winter months, the tuners will be tackling the task of creating Vancouver’s first Liberty Walk Ferrari 458. No other details were revealed. Enthusiasts can follow the build progress on SR Auto’s Instagram or official web page.

Ferrari 458 Italia by Liberty Walk is perfectly proportioned. As we can see from the released image, the car is dressed in black paint and will feature some amazing shining red wheels, in the dimension of 20 or 21 inches, with multi-spoke design. We also see that they are coupled with low profile tyres.

Some of the key elements of the Japanese tuning that happened first include front bumper and spoiler set, side skirts, and a duck tail rear spoiler. We are not sure whether there will be any boost of the original engine.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by the naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 engine. It produces 578 horsepower (425 kW) at 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it effortless for it to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198 mph).

Another important number here is the acceleration time which this Ferrari has for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and it is under 3.4 seconds. The power of the 458 Spider is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff. Stay tuned for more pictures and details! This promises to be exciting project!

Source: SR Auto Group

December 1, 2014

Original 1963 Batmobile on Sale at Heritage Auctions [VIDEO]

The officially licensed Batmobile was born in 1963 and was developed by Forrest Robinson. The story begins with a design sketch in 1960. After finishing it, Robinson and Len Perham, begun building the car in the Robinson family barn. Then, the completion of the car continued in 1963, which is exactly two years before the George Barris customization of the TV Batmobile was started.

This basically means that the “’63 Batmobile” is the earliest known car in existence that was sanctioned by a DC Comics licensee.Robinson’s earlier car is instantly recognizable as “more authentic” by comic book fans. It features, seen in DC’s Batman Comics from the 1940s and ’50s, the prominent front-end bat-nose and rear-end single fin.

The car was custom-built from the ground up. As a basis served the 1956 Oldsmobile 88 frame and the famous 324 Rocket engine. The body of the Oldsmobile was replaced with custom-designed body, measuring 17 feet by 83 inches. It featured Batmobile’s iconic dorsal fin, bat-nose front end and pocket sliding doors.After the built up of the car finished in 1963, Robinson painted it in space-age silver.

The car became a stunning piece of art-on-wheels. Robinson initially used the car for regular driving, but when Batmania started in earnest, the car caused such a sensation that ALL STAR Dairies and its New Hampshire affiliate, Green Acres Ice Cream, leased it for a promotional campaign.For this purpose, it was repainted in official Batman colors, and of course – badged with official Batman labels.

Then it toured the Eastern United States as “Batman’s Batmobile”. It is kind of irony that Forrest, who needed cash to start a fabricating business, sold the car for only $200 USD.What was the destiny of the car? It was abandoned in a New Hampshire field and, for almost fifty years, remained a long-forgotten piece of American Pop Culture. Until 2008, when the car was discovered by Bobby Smith.

He sold it to a rare car dealer in Chicago, who re-sold it to auto historian George Albright.In 2013, 1963 Batmobile was purchased by Toy Car Exchange and transported to Borbon Fabrications to be restored to pristine condition. The vehicle retained the original frame, parts, and engine, and was given a second life.

Now the car is to be found at Heritage Auctions and is currently on sale for at least $90,000 USD.

httpv://youtu.be/8SGnrXoWeoM

Video Source: YouTube

December 1, 2014

ZAZ 965 Model Comes Back?

You are probably hearing about the Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio for the first time. The design studio is based in Ukraine and it is currently working on several projects including a supercar as well as this hot crossover. The SUV is inspired by the legendary “humpback” ZAZ 965 model. This remake is a modern take on the popular design. In fact, the ZAZ 965 can be compared to cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and Fiat 500 in terms of popularity.

The model was named after the characteristic shape of the body, “humpback”, and it is more likely to be viewed only in the museums nowadays. Undoubtedly, ZAZ 965 is a legend, a modern remake of which could be very popular, especially among young people.

This is why the designers from Askaniadesign Carstyling Studio, which have also promised to make a concept car Ukrainian supercar in May 2015, are also considering a remake based on the ZAZ 965. Below you can view a gallery full of the first sketches of the car, which was modified in accordance with the new auto world trends.

As we can see, the vehicle has Juke-like-proportions and looks. It features a three-door body styling, huge wheels with discs of the original design and LED headlamps. The designers have definitely managed to meet all the canons of the development of remakes: they have saved the iconic ZAZ 956 design and at the same time gave it a modern form.

Source: Askaniadesign Carstyling via Facebook

December 1, 2014

SsangYong Releases Two New Korando Trim Levels

SsangYong is extending the Korando with two new commercial models. These are the two-wheel drive CS and the four-wheel drive CSX. The front of the model has received new treatment including slimmed down black mesh radiator grille, projection headlights and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the featured re-design includes new dashboard. There have been also achieved advances in reducing noise, vibration and harshness.

The latest Korando Commercial is driven by the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, which is offered with a choice of two wheel drive or 4×4. The CS trim is powered by advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel developing 149 hp (110 kW) at 4,000rpm and 360Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque. The CO2 are reduced to 147g/km (CS) and 157g/km (CSX).

The flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors. It packs 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There is also a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4×4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. Other features in the standard equipment include: electric windows and tinted glass, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.

More importantly, the Korando CSX includes a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system. It monitors the level of grip and distributes power to those wheels which need it the most. If the driving conditions are normal, the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels.

If the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure more stability. There is also an all-wheel drive lock mode, which delivers 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph.

Source: SsangYong

December 1, 2014

Nissan Considering Navara Nismo?

Nissan is considering a Navaro Nismo product according to a recent report. In addition, Nismo division is also taking into consideration expanding the range of vehicles with more SUVs next to the pickups. Sales and marketing director, Darren Cox, announced that there is a possibility of this “interesting” Navara Nismo project. He also said that the future pickup will be 100% credible and will not be just a body kit and big wheels.

Nissan has unveiled the all-new 2015 Navara in June this year. This is the 12th generation of world’s famous pick-up truck. The new Navara comes with refined look, complete makeover for the interior as well as better engine range.

Outside, the vehicle includes V-shaped front grille with a lot of chrome, LED daytime running lights and new turn signals, incorporated in the door mirrors. There are also several new fresh body paint schemes: Savannah Yellow and The Earth Bronze combined with black B-pillars and chrome mirrors.

The interior of the pickup includes high quality materials, aluminum trim elements, a high-resolution TFT display in the instrument cluster and an automatic air conditioning. 2015 Nissan Navara features a number of assistance systems including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Limited Slip.

2015 Nissan Navara engine range includes a refined four-cylinder 2.5 liter diesel unit which produces either 163 hp (120 kW) and 403 Nm (297 lb-ft) of torque, or 190 hp (140 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a revised four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine. Both are offered with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Nissan via CarAdvice

December 1, 2014

BMW to Reveal New Generation of Plug-in Hybrid Models

The BMW i models are highly innovative, revolutionary and offer consumption and emission values of a compact car. Now, the BMW Group is preparing to add plug-in hybrid versions to its core-brand models. In relation to this, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models in Miramas, France.

There is a highly efficient internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable high-voltage battery fitted into the plug-in hybrid models. The internal combustion engine is based on the award winning (International Engine of the Year) TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. Precisely, the electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. Short-distance urban trips can be completed on electric power only. While traveling on longer journeys, though, the vehicle will work in “combined mode”, thus operating with both systems simultaneously.

The main focus of the Efficient Dynamics strategy by BMW is directed towards the electrification of the power train. The plug-in technology aims to bring high performance vehicles well below 100 g / km CO2, while still preserving the well-known excellent driving pleasure and driving dynamics of BMW.

Finally, according to BMW, this new plug-in hybrid technology is extremely flexible and it can be integrated in a great number of vehicle concepts.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: BMW

December 1, 2014

Caterham Cars to Exhibit at Auto Retro 2014

I honestly get really excited when I read something about retro cars. Seeing one of those beauties makes my heart beat faster. Seeing more than one, at a Retro Show for instance, makes me feel that having only one heart is really not enough sometimes. There is just too much of a retro glory that one beating organ cannot take.

This year, the British sportscar maker, Caterham Cars, is going to attend the popular Auto Retro show in Barcelona for the first time. The manufacturer is showing its newest model for Europe – the Seven 165 alongside other classic car manufacturers and enthusiast clubs. The show will be happening from the 4^th of December until the 8^th of December.

The ultra-lightweight Seven 165 exemplifies the spirit of the early Caterham Sevens. It is charming, cool, possibly mischievous and has ‘back to basics’ virtue. This retro baby is available from €19,995 (+local taxes). The entry level model takes its power from a 3-cylinder Suzuki engine which offers 80 HP and a top speed of 161KPH. The car is able to reach 0-100km in 6.9 seconds.

David Ridley, Caterham Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Spain is one of our growth export markets; there’s lots of enthusiasm for the legendary Seven and we’ve been able to bolster the model range with introduction of the fantastic new entry model 165.”

The new EU6-approved Caterham Seven 165 model is an exciting addition to the range across Europe. Since its launch in 2013, the car demonstrates some significant demands and sales growth.

The Caterham Cars can be visited in sector 2.0A on stand A-29 A48.

Source: Caterham

December 1, 2014

Audi Takes to the Race Track with the Sportiest Piloted Driving Car Worldwide

Audi impressed the world with the sportiest piloted driving car which it has developed. After the amazing performance by the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept at the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season finale which took place in Hockenheim, the ground-breaking technology platform is now demonstrating what it really stands for on the challenging circuit of the Ascari Race Resort – at racing speed, without a driver!

Due to its 560 hp and a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph), the piloted driving concept car signifies Vorsprung durch Technik. On the track in Hockenheim, the RS 7 piloted driving concept reached a maximum 240 km/h (149.1 mph), while its top speed in Ascari is 205 km/h (127.4 mph). The Ascari circuit displays even greater challenges for the technology of the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept because of its ascents, descents, tight chicanes and banked bends.

This race track provides the Audi engineers a chance to get a glimpse of their production development. Precisely, it offers insights into the development of automatic avoidance functions in critical driving situations.

The Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car represents a technology platform which shows the technical advancements of Audi. The large, five-door coupe’s electro-mechanical power steering, the brakes, the throttle valve and the eight-speed tiptronic that distributes the power to the mechanical quattro drive system are controlled automatically.

The technology platform uses specially corrected GPS signals for orientation on the track. Control of the vehicle at the handling limits is another outstanding feature of the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept car.

Source: Audi

December 1, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Takes the Wraps off the SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition

Well, well, the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has every reason to celebrate after the past remarkable Formula 1 season, which was really marked by the drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg and their impressive performance which dominated in almost every race. In order to praise its achievements, the Stuttgart-based automaker has decided to unveil a SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s edition. It will be limited to 19 units only.

Still though, Mercedes has not announced officially if the SL63 World Championship Collector’s Edition has gained performance improvements. Nevertheless, the regular SL63 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 which produces 529 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. It will be able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 186 mph.

After the wraps have been taken off the SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition, we are introduced to a car which is offered in black with gold accents or in white with silver touches. Interestingly enough, both Hamilton and Rosberg assisted in the development of the special SL63. The black car is said to be designed by Hamilton who took care of the gold elements.

Hamilton’s edition features the Silverstone Grand Prix track on the floor mats, key fob, and dashboard, while Rosberg’s car has the Hockenheim layout, special badge, key fob and floor carpets.

More is yet to come.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 1, 2014

Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid Wins Environmental Certificate

The Mercedes-Benz Plug-in hybrids are said to be able to give customers a unique experience while driving around the city in all-electric mode or cruising on a long journey somewhere else and taking advantage of the combustion engine’s range. The significant environmental computability of The Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid makes the car a representation of a balanced pleasure of driving and a high-quality performance. Now, this high environmental compatibility has been confirmed by the inspectors and specialists at the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority. As a result, Mercedes-Benz S 500 becomes the first Mercedes-Benz plug-in Hybrid which has received the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062.

The Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a V6 biturbo petrol engine and an electric motor. It offers a system output of 333 hp (245 kW), while the motor – 116 hp (85 kW). When you sum this up, it makes 442 hp (325 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque in total. Yet, despite this powerful performance, the hybrid can move and travel over 20-miles on purely electrical power.

All three hybrid S-Class vehicles have environmental certificates which state the cars’ environmental performance from development through to recycling, across the entire lifecycle. Furthermore, the performance is certified to internationally recognized standards by independent experts. Regarding CO₂ emissions, the certificate of the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid points out:

“Over the entire lifecycle, comprising manufacture, use over 300,000 kilometers [186,411 miles] and recycling, clear advantages result compared with the S 500. External charging with the European electricity mix can cut CO₂ emissions by some 43 percent (35 tonnes). Through the use of renewably generated hydroelectricity a 56 percent reduction (46 tonnes) is possible.”

Source: Mercedes-Benz

December 1, 2014

Mansory Releases Power and Styling Packages for Rolls-Royce Ghost II

Mansory Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II features an exclusive bodywork and interior programme, which makes the British luxury saloon even more magnificent. Increase in performance, as well as a sportier chassis set up, can also be attributed to this tuning. More importantly, the set up can be adjusted at the touch of a button. What is new here? Take a look at the front aprons, which now feature larger air inlets and optional LED day running lights.

Next, the impression is reinforced by the carbon wings that are made of a single and include different side skirts. Carbon fiber is utilized for the creation of the light bonnet, while at the back, there is a newly apron with integrated diffuser insert and stainless steel pipes of the Mansory sports exhaust unit.

If you look closely, then you will see the subtle rear spoiler lip. A boost to the engine was also performed here. The result is around 652 horsepower (479 kW) and torque of 1050 Nm (775 lb-ft) at 1500 rpm. These were enhanced from the production figures of 570 hp (420 kW) and 750 Nm (554 lb-ft).

This increase in power was achieved thanks to the new exhaust unit and a performance optimising control unit. The end effect is a blistering performance for this Rolls-Royce and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of up to 280 km/h.

This power is put on the road via new 22 inch gold alloys mated with Vredestein tyres in size 265/35/22 at the front and 295/30/22 at the rear. In addition, vehicle’s centre of gravity has been lowered by around 50 mm.

Source: Mansory

November 28, 2014

Blog