Automobiles Review – Page 454 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Toyota Mirai Achieves Maximum Power Well Above 100kW

Only couple of days ago Toyota announced its ground-breaking Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Car without giving too much information about it. Now we already have the specific characteristics of the car so you will know what to expect out of it.

First of all, Toyota Mirai indicates the beginning of a new era of vehicles. Since it is all about better future in a clean world and environment, the car uses hydrogen to produce electric power which results in delivering better environmental performance. Still though the convenience and the ultimate driving pleasure are not sacrificed. Drivers still receive the best possible efficiency and quality.

The new Toyota uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) that combines fuel cell and hybrid technologies. It includes Toyota’s new proprietary fuel cell stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO₂ or pollutants.

Moreover, the hydrogen-powered sedan’s stack has a maximum power output of 153 bhp (114kW) and a maximum torque of 335 Nm (247 ft-lbf). The 3D fine mesh flow channels enhance the efficiency of the car’s electricity generation and ensure uniform generation on the cell surfaces. As a result, this provides the FC stack with compact dimensions, excellent performance and a world-leading power output density estimated at 3.1kW/L. The electric motor is driven by Nickel-metal hydride battery.

The exterior of the Toyota Mirai emphasis on its individuality and sophistication. Even the headlights present high-tech luxury. They gain ultra-thin profile and an in-line arrangement of four LED lights, along with visible heat sinks and other optical components. The trapezoidal shape of the rear profile extends from the license plate surround and continues to the bottom corners of the bumper and out towards the 17-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside the car encompasses a full capacity of balanced style and quietness. The sound absorbing systems and noise-reducing glass for the windscreen and door windows add to the electric motor which works with impressive quietness. The front seats use an integrated cover/seat foaming process to ensure better body fit and hold. Furthermore, the central meter cluster placed on the top of the instrument panel has a speedometer and a multi-information display presented on a high-definition 4.2-inch liquid crystal TFT screen. Customers can choose from three different interior colors, including Warm White.

Source: Toyota

November 19, 2014

Thailand Gets 2015 Mitsubishi Triton Pickup Truck [VIDEO]

The long-time best seller 2015 Mitsubishi Triton gets its first redesign in nine years! The truck just went on sale in Thailand and the good new is that it won’t be only distributed in this part of the world, but it is going to be introduced sequentially in ASEAN, Oceania, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. The new Triton was been developed to be the “Ultimate Sport Utility Truck“. It combines the comfort of a passenger car with the functionality of a pickup.

The exterior styling is muscular, sleek and dynamic. The cabin is spacious, the payload capacity is just enough and the handling is perfect. Safety is ensured by the durable and sturdy chassis and frame structures.

What is more, the Triton is quiet enough due to the addition of the new diesel engine, optimization of the suspension, and of course of the sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials. There will be three trim levels offered in Thailand: Single Cab, Double Cab and Club Cab variants, next to the three-engine lineup.

As mentioned, there is a new turbo diesel engine – the 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo diesel. It joins the well-known but enhanced 2.5-liter turbo diesel and 2.4-liter gasoline engines.

Mitsubishi has produced pickups for 36 years. From 1978 it has sold more than four million units globally. The new Triton is the fifth-generation model. The previous gen was launched in August of 2005 and has sold a total of 1,260,000 units worldwide. This means that the model is expected to be a core model for the brand, which contributes to improving Mitsubishi’s sustainable growth in the future.

httpv://youtu.be/Uhw77HvuZUA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Mitsubishi

November 19, 2014

Volkswagen Reveals New Golf R Estate at LA Auto Show

The big-booted version of Volkswagen’s superhatch VW Golf R is finally unveiled. It will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, 2014. This is the first time when the Golf R model has been developed in an estate bodystyle.

Just like its hatchback predecessor, the new Golf R Estate takes its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine that is able to produce up to 300 ps from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and 380 Nm of maximum torque available from just 1,800 rpm to 5,500 rpm. It is transmitted via a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) to the permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This is a certain recipe for maximum traction, excellent performance and active safety.

But how powerful is it? The manufacturer quotes a 0-50 mph, taking just 3.8 seconds, and 0-62 mph of 5.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Nevertheless, on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Golf R Estate consumes only 7.0 l/100 km or 40.4 mpg which is equal to average CO₂ emissions of 163 g/km.

The design of the 2015 Golf R Estate is similar to that of the Golf hatchback up to the B-pillars. Yet, what really identifies and differentiates the car from the rest is the new R design bumper, a high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome-plated tailpipe trims, so-called ‘aero flaps’ on the D-pillars, cherry-red taillights and LED number plate illumination. There are also specific 18-inch ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels and black-painted brake calipers with R logo which add finishing touches on the overall appearance. Optional 19-inch ‘Pretoria’ flow-formed wheels (exceptionally lightweight and sturdy) in motorsport design are available as well.

The interior of the Golf R Estate imitates the appeal of the hatchback version. It comes with Alcantara upholstery, R logos on the seats and steering wheel, a high level of standard equipment and blue highlights.

Source: Volkswagen

November 19, 2014

2015 Toyota Sienna Receives a SpongeBob Movie-themed Look

I will allow myself to use a quote from SpongeBob Squarepants himself: “hahahahahah” (I almost shed a tear here).

Toyota has once again teamed up with Nickelodeon studios to create a 2015 Sienna minivan that is inspired by the upcoming “SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.” The car will have its official premiere at 2014 LA Auto Show this week. It is definitely unique, fun and unconventional. It is impossible to describe it in a different way. This Toyota is an absolute ice-breaker and can make everyone laugh. Or at least smile.

The SpongeBob Movie-themed 2015 Toyota Sienna will be rolled out on a cross-country promotional tour leading up to The SpongeBob Movie’s premiere on the 6^th of February, 2015. The tour will follow different family-friendly locations like some Bass Pro Shops across the US, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Orlando, Fla.; Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America, Minneapolis, Minn.; the Chicago Auto Show, Chicago, Ill.; and, finally, the New York Auto Show, New York, NY.

This one-of-a-kind Toyota has a custom three-dimensional SpongeBob SquarePants exterior, complete with the character’s Superhero Incredibubble mask. For a full amazement, the latter blows real bubbles at the top of the car. The interior features seatings inspired by each of SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom friends. There is also a wood-grain dashboard, a custom Captain’s steering wheel, a blue-sky head liner and a sand-inspired floor.

The initial 2015 Toyota Sienna made its debut earlier this year. The car comes with a number of improvements such as refreshed exterior styling packed with added safety, convenience, multi-media features and many more.

Source: Toyota

November 19, 2014

Audi Exclusive Shows One-Off RS 4 Avant Peridot Metallic

Audi Exclusive has unveiled online the unique RS4 Avant finished in exclusive Peridot Metallic paint finish. The car has been prepared for a private customer, who has paid extra money to get their RS4 Avant customized. The customizing division of the automaker has released a set of images, which you can view below, but didn’t leave any words on what it has done. The highlight was put on the on-off paint finish, but as we can see there is more that the specialists have done.Another striking design feature, which immediately catches the glance, is the matte black alloy wheels. In black are decided the mirror caps, grille frame and tailpipe surrounds. The Peridot theme is also found in the interior, and it is visible in the door panels, center console and leather/Alcantara seets with Peridot green shells.Even the stitching is in the same shade. The same color is also present in the stitching, while the Audi Exclusive badging is what rounds out the cabin of the RS4 Avant.There is no information on engine modifications, so this means that the engine is the standard 4.2-liter V8, which produces 450 horsepower (444hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and features a quattro all-wheel drive system.This enables the car to cover the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching the top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The combined fuel consumption is estimated at 10,7 l/100 km, while the CO2 emissions are at 249 g/km.

November 19, 2014

2015 Dodge Charger R/T Recognized with ALG Residual Value Award

The fancy 2015 Dodge Charger R/T has been praised with the prestigious Residual Value Award in the Fullsize Car category from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. This is really important for the automaker because that’s the Charger’s first Residual Value Award in the category mentioned above. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards acknowledge only vehicles that are stated to be able to maintain the highest percentage of their initial price after a conventional three-year period.

Over the years Dodge Charger has gained and preserved a position among the top vehicles which have continuingly been in the buyers’ spectrum of interest. It is also considered to prompt the development and the progression of the segment even further on.

That muscular persona is supported by Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine that produces 370 hp (272 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb-ft) of torque in R/T and R/T Road & Track models. The base engine continues to be the award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 292 horsepower (218 kW) at 6,350 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 4,800 rpm, and is rated at 31 mpg.

The award from ALG is, on the one hand, a signifier of how well the Charger manages to keep its value and, on the other hand, it honors the improvements that have been made on the 2015 models. Such improvements, of course, include a new attractive exterior, a standard new state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission and several new models, such as the all-new powerful 707 horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

Source: Dodge

November 19, 2014

Lexus Shows the Front and Interior of LF-C2 Concept

Lexus has dropped two more teaser images of the upcoming Lexus LF-C2 Concept which is about to be unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time the company previews the front and part of the interior, the steering wheel, of the convertible concept. As we can see from the front fascia of the car, it looks much like the RC Coupe. There are also large side vents in the front bumper and shiny grille surround in black. Also visible is that the unlike the RC Coupe, the boomerang LED daytime running lights here extend to the headlights and are connected with them.

The second image, not only shows the three-spoke steering wheel with sensor-controls, but also the entirely digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen display, as well as the blue lighting and metallic accents on the center stack.

The teaser image revealed a couple of days ago showed that this is actually the open-air version of the RC Coupe. We can also see the exciting exterior yellow color, the tight windscreen, the elegant rear deck as well as an integrated trunk spoiler. Note also the protruding nose of the car. Two seater or not, this car promises to be exciting.

There are no words on the engine, but at this point but it seems that the car could get RC 300’s 3.5-liter V6 unit with 306 horsepower (225 kW) or RC 350h’s 2.5-liter teamed up with an electric motor. The other option is the V8 5.0-liter engine of the RC F, which generates 467 hp (348 kW) and 527 Nm (389 lb-ft).

Is there any chance for production? Yes. The rumors say that the concept will become a production model in 2016 or 2017. Next to the physical event, the concept will be given a simultaneous on-line global reveal through a 72-hour social media campaign.

Source: Lexus

November 19, 2014

Nissan LEAF Owners to Charge Vehicle for Free in Chicago

You may think that electric cars are too expensive while offering a limited driving range but they do come with numerous benefits – quiet operation, excellent acceleration, no harmful emissions and in some places even tax benefits. Now there’s one more reason to buy an electric vehicle, at least when it comes to Nissan – owners of Nissan LEAF cars will be allowed to charge their vehicles for free in Chicago, IL.

The news comes from Nissan itself. Here’s the deal – by purchasing or leasing a new Nissan LEAF car you get the right to charge the vehicle for free for two years at public locations in Chicago. You must also get the car from a Chicago Nissan dealer. The promotion, called “No Charge to Charge” includes complimentary access to fast chargers that can charge a LEAF battery pack from zero to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

“Nissan LEAF is an attractive option for Chicago car buyers for a number of reasons, such as the available Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate of up to USD 4,000 and significantly lower operating costs than a gas-powered car,” said Brendan Jones, director, Nissan Electric Vehicle Sales and Infrastructure Strategy. “Adding free public fast charging in Chicagoland gives Nissan LEAF an even greater competitive edge over other vehicles, regardless of their fuel source.”

This is not everything – apart from being able to charge their Nissan LEAF at retail stores, tollway oases and other convenient Chicago locations, owners of LEAF cars will also have the benefit of enjoying free one-hour charging sessions at more than 140 level 2 (240V) charging stations.

The Nissan “No Charge to Charge” promotion is also offered in other US cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and Washington, D.C. In the next year, Nissan plans to offer the “No Charge to Charge” program at LEAF dealers in at least 13 additional U.S. markets.

“No Charge to Charge” is now available at Nissan LEAF dealers in the Chicago market. LEAF owners who purchased or leased their vehicle on or after November 1, 2014, in the Chicago market will receive entry into the “No Charge to Charge” program retroactively.

Source: Nissan

November 18, 2014

Shelby is Back: The Legend Shelby Ford GT350 Mustang Revealed!

The legend returns! Yes, finally we have seen the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang and we are delighted to inform you that it will be driven by the 5.2-liter V8 engine which produces more than 500 horsepower. This makes the most powerful naturally aspirated Ford production engine ever! As a true Shelby model, a lot of advanced materials have been used for its construction. The Mustang got MagneRide dampers, aggressive brakes and finely tuned aerodynamics.

2015 GT350 builds on Carroll Shelby’s original idea to transform the “every-day” car into a dominant road racer. From Shelby have assured us that driving enthusiasts can expect to be treated to the most balanced and exhilarating production Mustang yet.

Since balance is the key theme her, engineers took an innovative approach with GT350. They haven’t developed independent individual systems, but optimized every component and shape to work in concert, and at the same time paying rigorous attention to detail.

Under the hood sleeps the 5.2-liter engine, which is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft and is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever. It produces more than 500 horsepower (368 kW), with a torque peak more than 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.). The unit is coupled with lightweight six-speed manual transmission.

The front stiffness of the GT350 is further improved with injection-molded carbon fiber composite grille opening and optional lightweight tower-to-tower brace. Compared to Mustang GT, the front track has been increased while spring rates and bushings have been recalibrated all around, with ride height reduced.

The stopping power is ensured by the brakes which are two-piece cross-drilled iron discs mounted to aluminum hats. At the front are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers with integrated caliper bridges, while 380-millimeter rotors at the rear utilize four-piston calipers.

This Shelby creation runs on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which measure 10.5 inches in front and 11.0 inches in the rear. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Ultra-quick responsiveness is delivered by the continuously controlled MagneRide dampers.

For better aerodynamics, the aluminum hood has been lowered and sloped, front and rear aero elements have been balanced to work together on the track, and the fascia has been resculpted with aggressive lower front splitter.

At the rear of the car we see aggressive functional diffuser doing double duty to increase downforce and provide cooling air to the optional differential cooler. There is also a subtle lip spoiler across the trailing edge of the decklid increases downforce without adding excess drag.

Aluminum front fenders accommodate the wider front track and wider wheel arches. The forward-angled grille is designed with individual openings to draw air through the radiator, high-pressure engine air intake, cooling ducts for the front brakes and, optional with the Track Pack, an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler.

Inside, the interior is focus-driven. First to mention are the specifically developed for Shelby GT350 Recaro sport seats with a unique cloth. The flat-bottom steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to get in and out, and is more ergonomic on the racetrack. In addition, gauges have been also modified, while the chrome and bright finishes have been reduced or eliminated.

In terms of technology, the car employs the advanced technology inherent to Mustang. For example, the integrated driver control system, the ABS, stability control, traction control, steering effort, throttle mapping, MagneRide tuning and exhaust settings. There is also an optional Tech Pack offered, which includes power leather-trimmed seats, Shaker Audio, 8-inch MyFord Touch LCD touch screen and dual zone electronic temperature control.

httpv://youtu.be/f32uV70e8Uk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

November 18, 2014

Lexus LF-C2 Concept Returns to Show Little More

Second teaser of Lexus LF-C2 Concept has been unveiled. The car is going to make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19th of November. As you can see, the vehicle will offer an open-air experience, making it a convertible variant of the RC Coupe. Why we are on this opinion? Because the side profile of the model clearly shows similarities between both vehicles.

Next to the physical event, the concept will be given a simultaneous on-line global reveal through a 72-hour social media campaign.

What we can also see from the teaser the exciting exterior yellow color, the tight windscreen of the concept, the elegant rear deck as well as an integrated trunk spoiler. Whether the model will be a two seater, we can’t say for sure, but it surely does look like this. Note also the protruding nose of the car.

There are no words on other details, especially about the engine or additional technical data. But at this point but it seems that the car could get Lexus RC 300’s 3.5-liter V6 unit with 306 horsepower (225 kW) or RC 350h’s 2.5-liter teamed up with an electric motor.

Another option is the V8 5.0-liter engine of the RC F, which generates 467 hp (348 kW) and 527 Nm (389 lb-ft). With this engine, we can expect an acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.4 seconds.

There are rumors that the concept is to become a production model in 2016 or 2017.

Source: Lexus

November 18, 2014

Enjoy a New Audio Experience with Spotify While Driving Your MINI

We are all well aware that the new MINI is one of the coolest ones in its range. We have seen it and we have read about it. Now there is even more to love about it due to the introduction of Spotify to the brand’s roster of third-party App integration. Get ready, MINI fans for you will be jazzed out with this additional extra on the car!

Undoubtedly, Spotify is the largest music streaming service in the world. It has more than 20 million songs available to be transmitted into customized individual playlists. For MINI drivers the access to this huge amount of tunes will be just one dashboard away from them. Using an App on their iPhone, people will be transported into a whole new audio experience while driving.

How exactly can this happen? Simply download the free Spotify App from the Apple App Store, plug in your iPhone to the MINI Connected system, and then you can browse around the impressive musical archives by reducing your search to a specific genre, artist, album or track. What is more, you are enabled to look into the newest album artwork on screen and create your own personalized playlists. This in-car access does not require any premium service subscription which really makes your life easier.

The only thing that is necessary is the vehicle to be equipped with the MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Connected or the MINI Media Pack. The integration of the App inside the vehicle’s operating system is dealt through the customer’s Apple iPhone.

Other apps which are available for MINI drivers include a great variety of services like Go-Pro, JustPark, Glympse, AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster, TuneIn and the Amazon Cloud Player. Furthermore, there are also the services built into the MINI Connected system such as a web radio and RSS news feeds as well as social media including Facebook, Twitter and foursquare. Some of the exclusive MINI online search and functions are comprised of Driving Excitement, Mission Control, Dynamic Music and MINIMALISM, as well as the new MINI Connected XL Journey Mate for interactive travel planning and support for Real Time Traffic Radar.

Source: MINI

November 18, 2014

Peugeot Reveals the Definitive Combat Livery of 2008 DKR

Peugeot has shown the 2015 Peugeot 2008 DKR livery which will compete in the Dakar rally in more than a month. The event will start on 4^th of January. The car has traded its initial all-carbon finish for its official colour scheme and is fully prepared to take on its 4×4 rivals. The vehicle has a racier look based on a combination of blue, white and red. In fact, the part around the cockpit, which is white, is a perfect way to protect the people inside from the heat.

2008 DKR was revealed in April and it will be driven by Carlos Sainz and Cyril Despres during the competition that starts on January 4. It is powered by a V6 twin-turbodiesel engine which produces 340 horsepower (254 kW).

Recently, Peugeot 2008 DKR has covered thousands of kilometres in Morocco, thus showing results of the test programme that reveal that the technical concept is well founded. Carlos Sainz stands fully behind the Peugeot 2008 DKR’s technical concept. He says that the concept works well and the test programme has shown a very fast machine.

There are only 48 days to go until the start of January’s Dakar. This actually means that the team is currently facing a busy final countdown. On November 20, the service trucks which carry the necessary equipment and spares will be loaded onto the ship that will take them to Argentina. What follows is the build of three rally cars and a final test in Morocco at the beginning of December.

Source: Peugeot

November 18, 2014

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