Automobiles Review – Page 452 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Vorsteiner GTRS4 Wide Body for the BMW M4

Vorsteiner always comes with one key goal – to create a design which will really become the quintessential design icon, representing the next-generation ultimate driving machine. The tuning company makes this possible by crafting a cutting-edge design that is so revolutionary and so innovative that succeeds in establishing new benchmarks. BMW has always had a central position in the heart of the tuner. With the new BMW M4 GTRS4 Vorsteiner once again has successfully tried to demonstrate an absolute idol among BMW automobiles which is regarded as representative symbol of audacity, craftsmanship and supremacy.

With the GTRS4 Vorsteiner marks and celebrates its 10 year anniversary. This BMW is a full lightweight carbon composite wide body conversion that is originally based on the 2015 BMW M4 coupe.

The team of specialists has worked to ensure that the improved wider fenders and wheels are functional and serve the best purpose possible. Vorsteiner also crafted air ducts for optimal cooling towards the front brakes, while focusing on aerodynamic ventilation for the inbound air to exit. The front fenders have a total span of 4 inches while the rear quarter panels is 7 inches wider than its previous form. The BMW M4 GTRS4 benefits from 3-Piece Forged wheels in 20×10.5J and 20×13.5J which are designed to match the 275 and 345 width tires.

The Special Edition GTRS4 Package Includes:

Carbon Fiber Front Bumper with an Integrated Front Splitter Element
Carbon Fiber Wide Front Fenders with Ventilation (2 inches wider each side)
Carbon Fiber Aero Side Blade Elements
Carbon Fiber Wide Rear Fenders (3.5 inches wider each side)
Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper with an Integrated Rear Diffuser Element
Vorsteiner 90mm Quad Exhaust Tip Finishers (Options: Brushed | Diamond Black)
Vorsteiner Embroidered Colored Floor & Trunk Mat Set • Vorsteiner Chrome Trunk Badging
GTRS4 Forged 3-Piece Wheels, 20×10.5J | 20×13.5J in Gloss Brushed Shadow

Technology Partners:

Pirelli Tires
KW Suspension
Brembo | Race Technologies
ESS Tuning
KI Studios
Gold & Co. London

Source: Vorsteiner

November 24, 2014

Who Has Inspired Kia for the Sorento X-Men Car?

As Kia’s ambassador Rafael Nadal is to take an unusual role: he will unveil the Kia Sorento X-Men inspired car at next year’s Australian Open. The striking project was created in collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and should undoubtedly exite all “X-Man” movie series enthusiasts, since they have to guess the character behind Kia’s latest model on the official Kia Facebook page.

The visitors of the page can guess from four iconic characters: Storm, Wolverine, Mystique and Magneto. Those who have answered correctly will be entered into a prize draw to win a DVD copy of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”. What is your guess?

In the middle of December, Kia will release a video showing how Rafael Nadal teams up with the X-Men and taking on the Sentinels. If you have no clue and haven’t watched the movie, the latter are robotic antagonists.

They will be threatening the Australian Open and in order to save the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the X-Men and Nadal will use the ‘Kia X-Car’, which will be leading the attack against the Sentinels.

This special vehicle will be on show at Melbourne Park throughout the tournament. The next Australian Open takes place from 19 January to 1 February 2015. The car will then be showcased in various international motor shows for the fans.

2016 Kia Sorento was earlier this year. The car combines exquisite style, practicality and technology. The MY2016 model is quieter and more refined and features higher quality interior, smoother ride and handling, as well as a range of new technologies.

The car is already on sale in Korea, and will go on sale in North American market in early 2015.

Source: Kia

November 21, 2014

2015 Nissan Juke Gets More Personal with Juke Color Studio

Next to the debut of 2015 Nissan Juke at the L.A. Auto Show, the Japanese company is also introducing the Juke Color Studio. This is a unique program that allows thousands of ways to customize the visual appearance of the car. In short: form this month, Nissan is bringing a bold new way for Juke owners to create a truly personalized look and feel through this customization program. How this creative studio works?

It is very simple. There are 12 Genuine Nissan accessory items offered in a range of eight colors: Red, Yellow, Orange, Electric Blue, Black Purple, White, Matte Black and Carbon-fiber Look. The Piano Black is available for interior inserts. To go further into details, the parts include front and rear bumper accents, headlight trim rings, side mirror caps, door handle covers, side door sills, rear roof spoiler, hatch handle finishers, lower hatch accent, interior inserts, floor mats, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and center caps.

This abundant range of options will allow customers to mix and match different color combinations. To make the Color Studio even easier, Nissan has created a dedicated website. It offers a full 360-degree view of the new 2015 Juke with all the available colors and combinations of parts.

2015 Nissan Juke is now stronger with revised front and rear fascias, new projector headlights with LED Signature Accents and three new exterior colors. The interior improvements feature Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, RearView Monitor and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

Not to mention the 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant. There are five trim versions of the car: S, SV, SL and two special Nismo editions: Juke Nismo and Juke Nismo RS. Each of them is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Source: Nissan

November 21, 2014

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Crossover Debuts in L.A.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Crossover was shoed at the L.A. Auto Show. This is a plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle, which has excellent performance and efficiency, and is also the real sibling version of the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision which we have seen in the newest Gran Turismo 6 PlayStation game. The SUV features the same prominent and bold styling as the virtual concept and has many of its styling characteristics.

The futuristic vehicle hints at the future design direction for company’s production cars in North America. It blends the functionality of an SUV, the dramatic, eye-catching appeal and performance of a sports coupe and the drivetrain of a PHEV vehicle.

The muscular of the model is improved by the highly sculpted fenders that go around the oversized high-performance tires. For this also contributes the low and wide stance. Solar cell arrays are embedded within the roof. They help for a better charge of the auxiliary equipment battery. They also serve as an active aerodynamic device in the form of a variable angle spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof.

Inside, we see driver-centric interior. The proof of this is driver’s seat which has been inverted in terms of color combinations in comparison to the other seats. They have been upholstered in black with red accents.

The modern information display pod allows the driver to easily and instantly notice the most important driving parameters. The speedometer, tachometer and other key performance information displays/readouts are placed along the top of the dashboard, at the base of the windshield, to ensure the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road ahead.

The driving force of this concept car is the front engine and front-wheel drive gasoline-powered 1.1-liter inline-3-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is rated at 134 horsepower (100 kW) and is paired with a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency electric motor which can contribute with 161 horsepower (121 kW) with a high-boost converter. A main drive lithium-ion battery pack with storage capacity of 14 kWh is located beneath the floor of the cabin.

Concept XR-PHEV has been equipped with “connected car” technology that makes use of information systems, thus providing additional information and driving-related logistics in a convenient way. In terms of safety, the vehicle has has been equipped with the following advanced safety systems: Pedestrian Collision Mitigating Auto-braking, Rearward Blind Spot Vehicle Warning, Unintentional Vehicle Move Off Control, Driver Monitor, Driving Safety Support System, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Hi-beam Headlights.

Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Specifications:

Length x Width x Height		4,370 mm × 1,870 mm × 1,570 mm 172 in x 73.6 in x 61.8 in
Occupants		4
Hybrid Fuel Efficiency		>65 mpg (>28 km/liter)
Plug-in Cruising Range		>53 miles (>85 km)
Engine	Configuration	1.1-liter 3 cylinder direct injected turbocharged MIVEC, gasoline
	Max Output	134 bhp (100 kW)
Electric Motor		120 kW (161 bhp)
Battery Capacity		14 kWh
Transmission		Transaxle
Drivetrain		FWD

Source: Mitsubishi Motors

November 21, 2014

Mopar Releases Accessories for 2016 Fiat 500X

Besides the 2016 Fiat 500X premiere in Los Angeles, the company has also introduced the new Mopar accessories for the model. In fact, there are more than 100 accessories available for the interior and exterior. There have been already available in five trim models and 12 exterior colors, the additional option of more than 100 Mopar accessories from which to choose provides unlimited potential for individualization of 500X.

Of course, there is an exemplar unit on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is accented with red hood and roof graphics, with red and grey body side graphics. The five-seater with superior ride and handling, rolls on new Pirelli tires, which are coupled with satin black 18-inch Mopar wheels. Other custom elements for the exterior include Satin Black “wings” on the chrome rear and front badges as well as a gloss black painted exhaust tip.

Stepping inside the Fiat, we first see the seats of the Moparized 500X. They are wrapped in Tuscany Katzkin Leather. Then what grabs the eyes are the steering wheel and shifter boot trimmed with red accent stitching. Bright pedal kit and rear cargo organizer emblazoned with the automaker’s logo are also available.

Some of the accessories include Graphics Packages with more than 20 different exterior graphics packages, 18-inch wheels in three different color options, Racks & Carriers for bikes, skis, snowboards and luggage. Premium leather Katzkin Seats can also transform the interior, while the cargo management is ensured by the cargo trays.

EVTS stands for Mopar Electronic Vehicle Tracking System which is GPS-enabled stolen vehicle recovery system, which serves to add more protection to the vehicle. Splash guards are signed to fit the contours of the Fiat 500X in order to provide protection from road debris and stone chips.

Source: Mopar

November 21, 2014

Kahn Range Rover Vogue 600-LE Bathes in Volcanic Rock Satin

A. Kahn Design has entered on the market an extreme project featuring striking styling and stance. We are talking about the custom Volcanic Rock Satin Range Rover 3.0 TDV6 Vogue 600-LE by Project Kahn. Besides the emblematic comfort and tailored elegance which is inherent in all of tuning company’s interior tunings, this Range Rover have been given new exterior upgrades such as the Volcanic Rock Satin paint scheme.

Let’s start with the floating black roof, which sits atop the vehicle and extends towards the rear. This was made possible due to the addition of a new wing with an extended lip spoiler that also delivers improved down force.

In addition, the custom front bumper includes a floating carbon fibre section, which sits below the new three-dimensional mesh, floating insert and body coloured surround. The lightweight element is also used for the side vents, while the body colour is to be found on the door handles.

Kahn enamel wing shields, privacy-tinted glass, 600-LE bumper with integrated exhaust diffuser, 600-LE cross hair quad rear tailpipes and finishers in black must also be mentioned. Of course, Kahn lettering is positioned above the more dynamic rear bumper and the lower boot lid spoiler to show who’s responsible for the beautification of the Vogue.

Speaking about tuning we surely must include the wheels, which in this case are a new set of RS-2 wheels in the size of 9.5″ x 23″ fitted with 285x35x22″ tyres. Behind the Gloss Black RS-2 wheels one can see gold-painted callipers.

The interior is adorned by perforated black leather. In fact, the 3-D modular front and rear seats are fitted with the soft material as well as the centre glove box, door cards, arm rests and steering wheel centre in Nappa leather. Stainless steel sill plates and vented foot pedals in machined aluminium is what rounds out this sporty 600-LE Luxury Edition SUV.

Source: A. Kahn Design

November 21, 2014

Oxigin Leichtmetallräder: Novelties at the Essen Motor Show

OXIGIN & CARMANI Leichtmetallräder is already ready for the Essen Motor Show. The company is going to present its new and very impressive OXIGIN wheels in hall 2, stand D112.

The brand-new design OX19 Oxspoke will be exhibited to the audience for the very first time at the Essen Motor Show. The modern design is an addition that joins the new colour and foil variant of the well-known OXIGIN wheels.

Something else that OXIGIN is going to show is the High Tech-Line “Oxforged” which is presented as a world premiere. The forged wheels vary in their size – from 19 to 21 inch in size. Their innovative and extravagant design shows a significant dedication to low weight at maximum wheel load without compromising on any quality levels.

In addition to this, the owner of the company, Oliver Bekat, comments that: “We were looking for options to make high-quality forged wheels affordable for the “normal” customer as well. We found them. We have excellent and flexible production options and are able to produce forged wheels even in small amounts exclusively for interested customers.”

The OX19 Oxspoke wheels come in several variants: Black Full Polish, Black, Light Blue Polish, Orange Polish. The High Tech-Line “Oxforged” are also available in different colours: Black Full Polish, Red Polish, Green Brush and Silver Brush.

In some of the pictures we can see Audi A5, BMW 6er, Mercedes CLS and Mercedes S fitted with the High Tech-Line Oxforged wheels.

Source: XMedia-Group

November 21, 2014

2016 Fiat 500X Trekking Plus Combines Iconic Italian Style with Functionality, Performance and All-wheel-drive Confidence

Fiat adds another product which is defined by genuine Italian design and excellent driving dynamics. The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, complete safety, technological features and absolute comfort.

In the United States, the Fiat 500X arrives with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission. The engine has an output of 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine generates 180 hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. This time around, it is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.

There is a disconnecting rear axle which is used to reduce the parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not really needed. This results in much better fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system offers the driver three different modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) to choose from.

Furthermore, the 2016 Fiat 500X is equipped with up to 70 safety and security components. They are comprised of: Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation and seven air bags are included on all models.

The Fiat 500X is also available with features such as Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

The new Fiat’s baby features five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more edgy look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus versions is available in one-of-a-kind front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver elements which adorn the appearance of the car.

The all-new Fiat 500X will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. It will go on sale in more than 100 countries around the world.

Source: Fiat

November 21, 2014

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach Debuts Officially

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach may just become the synonym for class, individual character, luxury and exclusive superiority. It has been officially revealed in its two key markets in the USA and China, Los Angeles and Guangzhou, almost at the same time. The saloon car represents another huge step towards the already successfully innovative march of Mercedes-Benz manufacturer.

The S-Class Maybach undoubtedly carries a sort of prestige which has never been seen before. It is tremendously stylish and arrives with a certain amount of confidence which springs out of every possible part of the car.

The top-of-the-range model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600. It is powered by a V12 biturbo engine which has the robust output of 530 hp. With a displacement of 5980 cc, the peak torque of 830 Nm is available from 1900 rpm. The V8 biturbo engine placed in the Mercedes-Maybach S 500 is able to produce 455 hp from a displacement of 4663 cc. Its maximum torque is estimated at 700 Nm. NEDC combined fuel consumption for the saloon is 31.7 mpg (premium petrol) with CO₂ emissions of 207 g/km. The vehicle benefits from exclusive 20-inch (50.8 cm) forged, light-alloy wheels. Their design includes large surfaces to underline the flagship model’s high-quality look. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is considered to be the world’s quietest production saloon car.

The sleek exterior of the Maybach is an amalgamation of immense style, supremacy and trend-setting exceptionality. The car is a definition of modern luxury conveyed in an exclusive manner. Moreover, alongside the extended wheelbase, the explicit lines hint at dynamism and power. Nevertheless, the most cardinal feature which differentiates the Mercedes S-Class Maybach is the new side line. If you compare it with the long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, you can see that the outstanding rear door has been shortened by 66 mm. As a result it looks more than just natural as it gently fades away into the overall composition. The elegant Maybach Manufaktur logo – a double M inside an arched triangle – is mounted on both sides of the C-pillars.

Inside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the lounge style brings a definite feel of comfortable spaciousness and sensuous elegance. For an exclusive look, the front center is wrapped around with nappa leather or exclusive nappa leather upholstery embossed Maybach crests. Another special feature in the dashboard is the analogue clock with an IWC design.

2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach features a great variety of technological upgrades and other functions such as the Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system which offers a unique optical and acoustic experience and the Voice amplification that enables easier communication with the rear passengers from the front.

The market launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is scheduled for February 2015.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 21, 2014

Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT Concept Transmits the Spirit of Innovation

There is something marvelous, something wondrous, something breathtaking and mind-blowing about 2014 Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) concept. It looks like a car from a world far beyond ready to attack and conquer our own. This fighty little devil represents an exclusive development for all the gamers and fans of the PlayStation^®3 racing game, Gran Turismo^®6.

Chevrolet wanted this car to feel special. And it succeeded. But if u strip that away, there is a mid-mounted 671-kW laser beamed-energy propulsion system that releases beams of light that focus in a shroud. They produce shock waves that generate enormous thrust in the lightweight race car.

Thanks to the integrated laser and the pack of lithium-ion batteries and an air-powered generator which boosts 900 hp, the concept car will be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game, with 0-60 acceleration capability of just 1.5 seconds.

Yet, unlike other GT projects, this Chevy is actually real and it looks even more monstrous than in any pictures. It can be seen and touched at the 2014 LA Auto Show. The car is boundary-pushing, with innovative design and flare for power. Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT is seen as a quintessential design icon that can become the next-generation driving machine. It offers an explosion of character, ambitious vision and futuristic glare.

“The Chaparral 2X VGT is a vision of how advanced technology may shape the look and driving experience of racing,” explains Chevrolet. “Chaparral’s race cars and methods were seen as outlandish four decades ago. The 2X VGT concept might just be a harbinger of motorsports in the next four decades.”

Have a look through the pics. What do you think? Could this be the best Vision GT concept so far?

Source: Chevrolet

November 21, 2014

2016 Chevy Volt to offer easier charging

Electric cars have many benefits – a simpler chassis, fewer internal parts, no harmful emissions and more but people worry about being able or not to charge their cars when such a need arises. Chevrolet knows this very well and that’s why the new 2016 Chevy Volt will offer easier and more user-friendly charging.

“Chevrolet used the real-world experiences of today’s Volt owners to make the charging process simpler and more convenient in the next-generation Volt,” said Andrew Farah, chief engineer for the Volt. “The new Volt will give owners greater flexibility for charging it on their terms.”

The new car comes with improvements when it comes to recharging the battery and checking the battery level. There are three major new features that customers will get to enjoy – GPS location-based charging, new and more intuitive charge status indicators and portable cord enhancements.

The GPS location-based charging will allow owners to set their charging preferences exclusively for their “home” charging location and the vehicle will automatically adjust to that setting when it is at that location. The car will recognize when it arrives “home” based on GPS data. This will allow owners to pre-set their charging level (8 amps or 12 amps on 120V only) and whether they wish to charge immediately, set a departure time for each day of the week, or set a departure time and a utility rate schedule to charge only at off-peak rates. Owners can input their local utility’s rate schedule into their Volt to assure they’re charging using the cheapest electricity rates. They will only have to program the system once and the Volt will return to these settings every time it is at its home location.

The new and more intuitive charge status indicators make it easier for owners to confirm that their Volt is charging and to see what the status of the charge gauge is. The new status system features a specially designed tone that indicates when charging has begun, with additional tones for delayed charging. It will even indicate if the charge port door was left open after unplugging but before entering the vehicle. Moreover, if you glance through the windshield you can see an updated charge status indicator light on the on the top of the instrument panel to show the approximate charge level through a series of flashes.

The portable cord set enhancements include a new 120V portable cord set that incorporates a cord that is nearly 25 feet long, which is longer than the current 120V portable cord. It can be locked using a small padlock to deter unauthorized removal during charging. Based directly on customer feedback, a new storage bin for the cord is now located on the left side of the Volt’s rear cargo area, above the load floor, for improved accessibility.

Excited about the new 2016 Volt? Then have some patience – the car will debut in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Source: Chevrolet

November 20, 2014

Lincoln MKX Concept’s Dynamic LEDs Lighten Up its Way in Los Angeles

North American debut is also to be accounted for the Lincoln MKX Concept. In L.A. the luxury brand has shown the midsize premium utility vehicle that exudes balanced stance via the wide shoulders, sloping roofline and 21-inch wheels. Full LED headlamps with strips of dynamic LED signature lighting float within a redesigned Lincoln split-wing grille. MKX is only a concept vehicle now, but it is scheduled to become the third global Lincoln SUV in 2016.

From the pictures we can clearly conclude that the design of he model draws inspiration by airplanes and motorbikes. To go further into details, the MKX Concept features elements such as a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance and reinforced wheel arches. The floating aluminum body-side rocker molding features an engraved Lincoln logo.

The aerodynamics is inherent to the vehicle. Take a look at the sloping teardrop roofline, the wide shoulders flanking its recessed rear windows as well as the dynamic side undercuts and the high beltline. The 21-inch machined aluminum wheels further improve the well-proportioned design.

In addition, the roof over the rear was lowered and is highlighted by a panoramic glass surface. The floating rear spoiler houses the center high-mounted stop light and hides the antenna. An interpretation of Lincoln’s signature full-width taillamps is also featured at the back.

The front end of this concept is accentuated by split-wing grille with horizontal lines which continue as strips of LED accent lights below each headlamp. The last thing to mention is Lincoln Experiences – a technology-driven range of features.

Source: Lincoln Motor Company

November 20, 2014

Blog