Automobiles Review – Page 453 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2016 Honda HR-V is What We Have Been Waiting For?

2016 Honda HR-V Crossover is finally here! It was fully revealed at the Ls Angeles Auto Show after being premiered as a prototype in Paris this September. The car will be arriving in dealerships early next year, when it will enter the crossover market. The small SUV features dynamic and refined exterior, shows great performance as well as fuel economy. Interior spaciousness and cabin versatility are other two qualities worth mentioning.

The unique platform design of the vehicle features center-mounted fuel tank and reconfigurable second-row “Magic Seat”, delivering 100.1 cu. ft. of passenger volume (LX) and 58.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the second row seats down.

The “face” of the HR-V features the typical design. However, when I saw the sides of the car, I immediately thought about the CR-V. Actually, it looks like a smaller version of Honda’s emblematic SUV with its dynamic appearance and sporty, solid stance. An element which I liked very much and which is taken from the Civic is the concealed rear door handles. So the designers managed to great a great combination of some of the best Honda designs here.

Inside, the interior is spacious enough and features soft-touch materials and details such as the bezels, stitch lines and brushed chrome and piano black highlights. The three-meter driver’s instrument cluster immediately grabs the attention with the “floating” illumination rings and brand’s ECO Assist feature. The speedometer illumination changes from white to green depending on the fuel efficiency of the car.

2016 HR-V is driven by the updated 1.8-liter SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC valvetrain. It generates 138 horsepower (102 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 172 Nm (127 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,300 rpm. The unit is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda “G-design” shift logic, or can be linked to a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission in the 2WD models. The all-wheel-drive drivetrain configuration features company’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.

Safety performance is ensured thanks to the addition of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure as well as the standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent side airbags and side-curtain airbags and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Speaking about standard equipment we should mention the power windows, power mirrors and power door and tailgate locks, electronic parking brake, rearview camera, aluminum-alloy wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface and Pandora radio. They come in all three HR-V trims: LX, EX and EX-L.

Depending on the trim level, the crossover might get 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface, Honda LaneWatch, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start, paddle shifters, SiriusXM radio, HD Radio and Honda Digital Traffic, heated front seats, a power sunroof, embedded navigation and leather trim.

2016 HR-V Key Packaging Specifications
Wheelbase, in.	102.8
Length, in.	169.1
Width, in.	69.8
Height, in.	63.2
Passenger volume, cu. ft.	100.1 (LX), 96.1 (EX, EX-L)
Cargo volume, cu. ft.	24.3 rear seats up 58.8 rear seats down
Seating capacity	5

Source: Honda

November 20, 2014

Lexus Presents LF-C2 Luxury Roadster Concept

Lexus LF-C2 Luxury Roadster Concept

Just hearing the word Lexus tells you what kind of a car you should expect. Precisely, luxurious, reliable, with emotional design and tempting every fiber of your being into buying it. Still though the several obvious unsuccessful attempts of Lexus to create an endurable convertible car (For example, the SC430 which, if we are completely honest, we have to admit that it faded away into oblivion) seem to have prompted the manufacturer into giving it a try once again and working its way to the creation of the Lexus LF-C2 Concept Car.

Debuting at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Lexus LF-C2 concept, a 2+2 roadster design, looks ready for the road. It promises one really exceptional top-down driving experience which, hopefully, will help the car stay among the top vehicles for a long period of time.

The exterior of this beauty has styled edges, planes and curves which enable it to picture a different attitude and appeal when it is observed from different angles and in different lighting conditions. The golden yellow finish of the concept car has been created using a multi-layered paint process which results in projecting a top-of-the-line-product. In addition, the bodylook is completed with triangular LED headlights, indicator lights and vents in the front bumper. The latter transports cooling air to the brakes and help manage airflow to keep the front end stable when driving at high speed. The new Lexus LF-C2 is fitted with five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior offers a spacious cabin with embedded, sporty tone, luxury and a touch of extravaganza all of which fully match the dashing exterior. The dashboard combines a functional simplicity with an appealing and straightforward instrument cluster. There is also a central video monitor controlled by a Remote Touchpad and a classic analogue clock set between the central air vents. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel and form-fitting seats add a finishing touch to the attractiveness of the concept car.

Source: Lexus

November 20, 2014

Colorado ZR2 Concept is Chevrolet’s Vision For Future Pick-up Trucks

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept is a design vision of how the American company could take the off-road capability to the next level. It also displays the potential of the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine, which will arrive in the Colorado lineup later next year. The concept is built on the production Colorado Z71 and uses advancements in technology from the ZR2 production models. The diesel unit has an estimated power of 181 hp (133 kW) at 3,400 rpm and 272 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, and it is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four inches wider than the production Z71, the concept truck has new front and rear fascias, and two-inch higher ground clearance. Greater suspension levels are ensured by the mono-tube coil-over shock absorbers delivered by King. They feature remote-mounted fluid reservoirs.

Electronic-locking front and rear differentials are what distribute torque to 275/65R18 off-road tires. The rubbers are coupled with unique 18-inch aluminum multi-spoke bead-lock-style wheels.

Other exterior elements that need to be mentioned are the new grille, power dome-style hood and headlamp housings. The exterior color is Cyprus Green and it is highlighted with Henna Orange accents and custom ZR2 identification on the rear fenders, tailgate and grille.

Stepping inside the pickup truck, we see the ZR2 logos almost everywhere: from the front-seat headrests to the instrument cluster display. The Jet Black leather-trimmed interior features orange stitching which perfectly harmonizes with exterior’s orange accents.

Source: Chevrolet

November 20, 2014

Cadillac Shows its First Ever ATS-V Coupe

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe is the first ever ATS-V coupe, which in addition features the first Twin Turbo V-Series delivering the ultimate driving experience. The car just debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with the announcement that its production will begin in next year’s spring. Precisely, the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 V-Series engine is as powerful as 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 603 Nm (445 lb-ft) of torque, and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is more than 185 mph. This potent unit is linked to a six-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.

Furthermore, the Cadi also boasts redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems. Some of the key performance technologies included here are the Brembo high-performance brake, Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management and more.

The underlying ATS structure is highly mass that has been optimized and designed to meet higher performance requirements. The new elements include unique shock tower-to-plenum brace, strengthened rocker bulkhead, stronger rear cradle-to-rocker braces, unique aluminum shear panel at the front of the chassis, V-braces for the engine compartment. The result? 25-percent greater structural stiffness, hence – more precise handling and more direct steering responsiveness.

The great performance of the car is supported by the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which were specifically developed for the ATS-V. They have a tri-compound tread which delivers for better grip, excellent ride quality and extended tread wear.

Going next to the exterior of the car, we must say that Cadillac put a lot of efforts here. Almost every exterior panel on the ATS-V is unique, starting with the fascias and fenders, to the hood, rear spoiler and rocker moldings. For instance, the hood is made of lightweight carbon fiber and features an air-extracting vent.

Aerodynamics is improved with the addition of larger grille openings in the front fascia, the wider fenders to accommodate 18 x 9-inch front wheels and 18 x 9.5-inch rear wheels, the aluminum wheels are constructed of a low-mass forging and the rocker moldings and rear spoiler are aero-optimized.

For those ho need more aerodynamic experience there are available the optional Carbon Fiber and Track packages. The first one features more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim and rear diffuser, along with composite rocker extensions and a taller, body-color rear spoiler. The second has all of the components of the former, but adds Performance Data Recorder and a low-mass battery. It also deletes the floor mats and tire inflator kit to save weight.

Inside, we see 16-way-adjustable RECARO performance front seats trimmed in Mulan leather with sueded microfiber inserts and seatbacks. There are three interior color combinations offered: Jet Black, Jet Black with Saffron accents and Light Platinum with Jet Black accents.

ATS-V also adds 5.7-inch, three-window instrument panel cluster display, with V-Series graphics and distinctive gauge readouts. The connectivity technologies include CUE with Bluetooth connectivity with natural voice recognition, text-to-voice and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Source: Cadillac

November 20, 2014

GEMBALLA Promoting its Winter Wheels

GEMBALLA tuning company is now taking care of premium cars and allows them to look perfectly good in winter thanks to its new range of GEMBALLA allow wheels. Because of the great amount of available combinations, looks and sizes, the GEMBALLA sales team will be helpful enough when working with potential clients and will ease their selection by trying to find their perfect choice of winter wheels.

For the Porsche 911 (991), GEMBALLA offers the GForged-one wheels that come with special winter prices. With 20 and 21 inch sizes, the dimensions are pretty spectacular. The ultra-light and stable structures are possible thanks to the effective forging process which is able to attain high material compression. Furthermore, the GEMBALLA wheel’s widely spaced twin-spoke pairs are outlined into shiny Vs. In consequence, the design looks absolutely unique, fresh and powerful. Additionally, in order to contribute even more to the excessively good GForged-one wheels, the tuner offers different surface finishes. Customers can select from “Gunmetal” or “Black Magic” both of which come either with a full-surface finish or with a “diamond cut” emphasis.

Porsche Cayenne (958, 957, 955) and Porsche Panamera (970) benefit from GEMBALLA GT SPORT Forged wheels, again, at a special winter price. This ultra-light set comes with “Black Magic” or “Gunmetal” finish. Additionally, the cast wheels GT SPORT and GT SPORT-R represent a good deal as well. These black nicely-shaped pieces exhibit a sense of elegance and sportiness and demonstrate an excellent price-performance ratio which does not sacrifice the required quality. Clients can purchase complete wheels with high-performance winter tires upon request.

Source: GEMBALLA

November 20, 2014

MINI Hardtop 4 Door Revealed in L.A.

MINI Hardtop 4 Door is debuting next to the Classic MINI and MINI Superleggera Vision roadster concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The aim of the company is to show its past, present and its future plans. The Hardtop model has space for five and also boasts more cargo space. However, it is as dynamic as the 2 door model, and keeps the go-kart, while adding functionality and interior space.

Being a little bit larger it is logical that the new model offers more space for the occupants. Precisely, there is more legroom in the rear, more shoulder space in the front and back and additional cargo space.

More importantly, the car will be the first four door MINI to be built on the shared front wheel drive global architecture with BMW Group. It will be driven by the same three- and four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines of the Hardtop 2 Door model.

The iconic brand will also use the event to showcase brand’s newest integration with Spotify. This is one of the world’s most popular streaming music services. Even more, it will be available in MINI vehicles with MINI Connected infotainment platform.

Looking forward to the future we see the MINI Superleggera Vision roadster. The past and future come together in this stunning concept car. It combines the tradition of classic coachwork construction with MINI’s authentic British styling.

Its timeless aesthetic appeal was first shown at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Milan this year. The roadster exemplifies the potential future of the brand and it is also the first time the sporty roadster concept will be shown in the U.S.

MINI Hardtop 4 door is scheduled to go on sale in January next year with a price around $1,000 USD above the equivalent Hardtop 2 door.

Source: MINI

November 20, 2014

ABT Sportsline Enhances the Latest Audi A8

The enigmatic Audi A8 is undoubtedly a top-notch product. Nevertheless, this outstanding vehicle can obviously climb up in its range and can become a real automotive giant! This is possible with the new ABT Sportsline upgrade distributed to this Audi model. Now it impresses us with more power and more attractive styling.

Thanks to the power updates by ABT Sportsline, Audi A8s get 4.0 TFSI upgrade, which alters the initial 435 hp (320 kW) and 600 Nm of torque to no less than 540 hp (397 kW) and 720 Nm. Those who enjoy Diesel models and their 3.0 TDI now can take advantage of 300 hp (221 kW) and 640 Nm of torque instead of 258 hp (190 kW) with 580 Nm. For the crazy V8 diesel, ABT Sportsline boosts the 4.2 TDI’s 385 hp (283 kW) and 850 Nm to the impressive 430 hp (316 kW) and 920 Nm of maximum torque.

Elegance and style seem to be key characteristics for the high-end limo. Therefore, the German tuning company sought for an aero package with stylistic components that convey not only elegance and style but sportiness as well. ABT Sportsline Audi A8 receives dynamically curved front spoiler which disrupts the cross-lined front. ABT Sportsline also provides the car with new side skirts which break up the static serial silhouette. As a result, they bestow on it more interesting and rough feel. The rear skirt set contributes to the spectacular look of the Audi too. Finally, the inner outlets are smaller and demonstrate a slightly different geometry than usual.

The handling of Audi A8 models is improved as well due to the integrated electronic lowering module. The ABT Level Control lowers the car by 25 mm, front and rear, which make the alloy wheels look even more magnificent. The wheel is available in 20’’ and 21’’ in mystic black and Gun-Metal. ER-C is another available variant in 19’’ and 20’’. It comes with silver bullet and Gun-Metal finishes.

Source: ABT Sportsline

November 20, 2014

LARTE Design rocked Vegas

This year at SEMA Show in Las Vegas it seemed like many of the exhibitors focused on too many sparkling and dazzling models in order to capture the attention of the people who attended. Nevertheless, what stood out as different and more attractive was the tuner LARTE Design which once again managed to convince the American audience that among the top virtues of automobile products is, on the one hand, quality and on the other workmanship. In the beginning of November, the tuning company revealed its new body kit for the iconic Infiniti QX80, titled LR-3. The impressive outfit definitely succeeded in depicting that excellence is possible to be achieved.

The kit’s official mark is conveyed by the distinguishable and aggressive front and rear aprons. Their design is defined by different air inlets and spoiler features. In addition to this, the matte-black V-shaped front guard and Infiniti QX80 both depict a sort of genuine and balanced aggressiveness and roughness. Moreover, other improvements and outlines are the additional LED daytime running lights and fog lights. The rear is highlighted by four black-chrome-plated tail pipes, specifically designed by Remus, the renowned manufacturer from Austria. Something that complements the snow-white paint is the pale leather interior. The improved by LARTE floor mats and the trunk floor are made of teak.

Outside the SEMA center, LARTE Design also showed another black Infiniti QX80, tuned Infiniti QX70 as well as Infiniti QX60. Los Angeles is going to be the next destination in North America. Los Angeles Auto Show is going to take place from November 21 to November 30.

Source: LARTE Design

November 20, 2014

Audi Prologue Concept Car Officially Revealed

Audi Prologue Concept is finally revealed at the 2014 LA Auto Show. With the new Prologue Concept car comes a new age in the automotive world. This car is set to establish new tendencies which will be conducting the design of Audi for the future. The remarkable shape, exclusive lines, sportiness and excellent quality form a car that builds the backbone of Audi’s lineup.

The show car’s technology represents a mixture of power, efficiency and convenience. It is powered by a 4.0 TFSI engine which generates up to 605 PS of power and 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) of maximum torque. The car speeds up from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. Its dynamic all-wheel steering, in which the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees, makes the large couple really stable and highly responsive while it is driven. The show car is capable of returning to 32.8 mpg combined, which is equal to CO₂ emissions of 199 grams per kilometer.

One of the most significant elements at the low front end is a Singleframe grille which depicts the emblem of Audi. The radiator grille has gone through some changes too. Widened up, it is positioned lower than on the current production models. Audi Prologue Concept has a strong horizontal effect that is an embodiment of power and powerful dynamics. The vehicle benefits from 22-inch wheels which are set in widely flared wheel arches. They are fitted with 285/30 size tires.

The Gran Turismo based interior is what really stands for innovative design that will set the benchmark of Audi’s future models. It is luxurious, stylish and communicates technological advancement. There is a generous open space that allows ultimate comfort. The car’s virtual cockpit organizes the information on a different and innovative level makes it more easily accessible and comprehensible.

Source: Audi

November 20, 2014

Fans Help Nissan Fully Restore Craigslist 1996 Nissan Maxima [VIDEOS]

1996 Nissan Maxima is definition of luxury. In September 2013 Craigslist commercial (the first video below) showed a particular example which was then subjected to of major reconstructive surgery. Nissan rejuvenated the vehicle back to its original condition and this is what took our interest. In addition, these three very special videos show more about the restoration process and the original Maxima.

The story begins, when the owner of the car, Luke Aker, posted his car on Craigslist for the reasonable price of $1,400 USD. What Aker did was outstanding: one-minute film, presenting the “finer points” of his sedan. The result is overnight viral success.

Nissan saw the ad and quickly jumped at the chance to buy such a gem. The response to the first video was with a tongue-in-cheek video (the second video below called “Luxury Restored”) that emphasizes the qualities of the near two-decade old Maxima.

Take for instance the “built-in navigation” (folding maps), “an all-new media entertainment center” (a tape deck) and “state-of-the art external lane-departure indicators” (turn signals). The video ends with a factory-fresh 1996 Maxima.

Of course, the brand eventually bought the car, and soon afterwards placed its fate in the hands of its social media following. The third and most interesting video shows the process of bringing the car back to life. It reveals that Nissan has asked fans how to restore the Craigslist Maxima and what to do next.

The votes were tallied and the fans decided that a complete restoration was in order. According to their opinion, the car would have a prominent display at Nissan’s North American headquarters in Tennessee.

httpv://youtu.be/0YN_gTu0brk

httpv://youtu.be/Fr6FklMc6B0

httpv://youtu.be/94su27otGZU

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2014

Land Rover Reveals U.S. Specifications for 2015 Discovery Sport

The U.S. specifications for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport were just revealed. The car is debuting in North America today at the L.A. Auto Show. Just like the European version, this Discovery Sport comes offering dynamic design with the option of seven-passenger seating in a “5+2” configuration. To mention also are the refined combination of performance, safety and efficiency.

This is due to the body shell of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminum, combined with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and standard all-wheel drive. The unit produces 240 horsepower (176 kW) and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which makes the car not only more efficient but also more attractive.

Land Rover will also enter innovations on this vehicle, including available Autonomous Emergency Braking and touchscreen infotainment system. The arsenal of technology in this model also features the latest Terrain Response with five different settings to suit specific terrain demands. These include general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl.

Land Rover LR4 will also be on display. It will bring more attention to the recently commissioned Land Rover adventure thriller The Vanishing Game, which is an interactive, digital book written by internationally acclaimed British author William Boyd.

Guests of the show will have an opportunity to drive the 2014 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Evoque and Land Rover LR4. 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport U.S. Spec will have a starting price of $37,995 USD.

Source: Land Rover

November 19, 2014

Gymkhana Seven – Wild in the Streets of Los Angeles [VIDEO]

It roars and fumes and crosses the streets of Los Angeles like it owns them. This is the 1965 Ford Mustang modified to hell with 4-wheel drive! If the entire city could belong to it, why couldn’t the car have the whole world too? Well, it probably could as the recently launched video of the mind-blowingly good performance of the custom-made Mustang already circles around the history of people’s browsers worldwide.The beast is powered by Roush Yates 410 cubic inch Ford V8 engine that boosts the WOW-ing 845 hp and 720 lb-ft with individual throttle bodies. The monstrous Ford Mustang has 6-speed Sadev SC90-24 all-wheel drive transmission with a hydraulic handbrake system as well as custom ASD Motorsports-designed geometry and elements. The outstanding (yet in a way too ornate) 1965 widebody Ford Mustang is created by Ken Block, Hoonigan and RTR. There is ASD Motorsports full tubular chassis, ASD Motorsports custom roll-cage, door bars and front/rear suspension mounts and, finally, RTR carbon fiber body panel. The muscle car benefits from fifteen52 three-piece R40 18- x10.5-inch wheels with Pirelli Trofeo R, 295/30R18 tires that are modified with custom Ken Block compound.In the video we see Ken’s 1965 Mustang powerfully exiting a cloud of emitted fumes. And as it exits, it looks like a carnivore that is ready to eat on your flesh. Figuratively speaking of course. Screams down the streets of LA, the Mustang covers every corner with such precision and acuteness that would make the edge of a knife feel as soft as butter.This is definitely a performance which will either make your heart beat ten times faster or will make it stop in a gasp of amazement (Or might just make you wonder what the hell?!).If you still have not watched the video, just click on the link bellow.httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qanlirrRWs

November 19, 2014

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