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  • 2015 Skoda Fabia Estate Goes on Sale

    2015-Skoda-Fabia-Estate-THUMB2015 Skoda Fabia Estate is the third generation of its kind and is currently going on sale in the United Kingdom. For this region there will be three trim grades and four engine options. The car will offer to its customers the convenience of 530-litre boot, maximum load volume of 1,395 litres and high equipment levels. The model was unveiled at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and will debut on the market in spring 2015.

    The Fabia Estate will be offered in three trim grades: S, SE and SE-L. The first, entry-level S, gets six airbags, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, Stop/Start and electric front windows as standard. SE models builds on it and add manual air-conditioning, alloy wheels, Front assist, Arkamys surround sound package and Bolero radio with telephone control, Mirror Link, USB and SD card connections.

    In addition, there are also available options for the SE trim: three-spoke leather steering wheel, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, Maxi-DOT trip computer and black roof rails. At the top of the range stands the Elegance model which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, Light assistant, cruise control and KESSY (keyless entry system).

    Furthermore, the 2015 model is based on Skoda’s advanced MQB platform architecture. The result is impressive: 65kg reduction in weight and 17 per more efficiency. Despite this fact, the car has kept the 960mm loading floor.

    The tailgate opens to 1,900 mm and is 1,028 mm wide, while the loading sill is only 611mm high. Passenger’s area is also wider by +21 mm, and longer by +8mm, and there’s more headroom for the driver and front seat passengers.

    Orders for 2015 Skoda Fabia Estate will open in December. First deliveries are expected in March next year.

    Source: Skoda 

  • Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf Officially Unveiled in Dubai

    Aston-Martin-Lagonda-Taraf-THUMBAston Martin Lagonda Taraf is currently being launched in Dubai, but don’t worry because Aston Martin is planning to release it outside the Middle East market. The super saloon is one of the finest of fast cars. It is based on company’s flexible VH architecture and is inspired by the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976. In addition, it includes wide range of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports. An instance is the use of carbon fibre body panels.

    Of course, the car has been hand-built by the finest craftsmen and women at company’s manufacturing facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Right there was the production of the One-77 hypercar. Just like its exclusive siblings, like the V12 Zagato and CC100 Speedster Concept, Lagonda has been created as a piece of automotive art.

    Unfortunately, this is the entire information which we have received from Aston Martin. However, we suspect that the car is likely driven by a refined V12 6.0-liter engine, which produces more than 565 hp (415 kW) and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This means that we should expect a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time in 4 seconds or less and a top speed around 200 mph.

    Aston Martin Lagonda super saloon was revealed in October. This was the time when the British company released the first officia images of the car. With this super saloon, the luxury brand is trying to revive the historic Lagonda nameplate.

    Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf will be offered for sale by invitation only. Up until now there are no details revealed about the exact pricing.

    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda
    Aston Martin Lagonda

    Source: Aston Martin 

  • 2016 Audi A6 and Audi A7 Model Lines Strike with Style at the 2015 LA Auto Show

    Two of the Audi brand’s top selling vehicles, Audi A6 and A7, will debut at 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show with altered characteristics. They will present updated designs, technologies and more powerful engines. Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America said that; “The 2016 A6 and A7 model lines will continue to drive our momentum in the upper-premium market by elevating the standard for vehicle technology. These cars represent the perfect balance of beautiful design, efficiency and performance.”

    The A6 is powered by 2.0T, 3.0T or TDI clean diesel engines, or a 2.0 liter four cylinder TFSI motor that develops 252 hp (187 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb. ft.) of torque. Moreover, the car also has front-wheel drive with a seven-speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission that further improves its responsiveness and agility. The A7 is offered with a 3.0T engine, clean diesel TDI engine, as well as in a high-performance S7 or RS 7 versions. The latter variant has an eight speed automatic tiptronic transmission that helps it generate a powerful 560 hp (417 kW) and 699 Nm (516 lb. ft.) of torque.

    Both of the cars demonstrate exclusive exterior appeal and interior luxury. Audi A6 and Audi A7 come with new front and rear looks which assert greater dynamic presence and better performance on the road. Alongside this, there is also a vibrant front fascia which includes new LED headlights, Singleframe grill and bumpers. The rear of each vehicle features LED taillights and new trapezoidal tailpipes. The sedans share similar inside view which is available in flint gray, cedar brown or an arras red selection that intertwines red thread into carbon fiber inserts. An extra feature of the interior is the ventilated comfort seats. They enable the car-occupants to choose from five different massage programs which transform long journeys into more pleasurable and convenient experiences.

    2016 Audi A7 and S7-European versions
    2016 Audi A7 and S7-European versions
    2016 Audi A7 and S7-European versions
    2016 Audi A7 and S7-European versions

    Source: Audi

  • You Must See It, Because this is the First Ever 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe [VIDEO]

    2016-Cadillac-ATS-V-Coupe-THUMBThe first ever 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe has just been previewed via an exclusive video, which was officially revealed by the company. The exclusive car will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 18th of November. As you can see, the footage does not show much except for the “burnout”. However, the rumors say that the ATS-V Coupe will adopt an aggressive front fascia with a carbon fiber front splitter.

    Of course, there will be the typical for Cady mesh grille, which however will be slimmer. Some also say that there will be larger and lower intake.

    As you can see from the video, the shoes of the coupe are black multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels backed up by an exceptional braking system. And are we hearing the sound of four-tailpipe sports exhaust system?

    There is no official data about the engine, however we expect to see the twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine, which generates around 425 hp (313 kW).

    Cadillac unveiled the 2015 ATS Sedan in July. It featured a new front fascia with a revised grille, high-intensity discharge headlamps, LED vertical light signature elements and Adaptive Forward Lighting. All models also feature LED technology for the taillamps and rear-center stop lamp.

    The engine range here starts from the 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 202 hp (151 kW) and 259 Nm (191 lb-ft) of torque and the 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 272 hp (203 kW) and 400 Nm (203 kW), to the 3.6 liter V6 – 321 hp (239 kW) and 373 Nm (275 lb-ft).

    httpv://youtu.be/w_IpVwJXXEk

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Cadillac

  • Mercedes-Maybach Returns

    Two years after the German giant among automakers, Mercedes-Benz, decided to pull the plug on the production of its ultra-luxury Mercedes Maybach, the car is set to come back from the dead. Surprising or not, this is going to be a major step towards the dynamic progress of the brand and will definitely broaden the spectrum of its immense success. The reborn vehicle is officially badged Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and it will be presented at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show next week, as well as in Guangzhou, China.

    The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will not only open a whole new chapter in the history of the brand known by its three-pointed star but it will also mark the beginning of innovative and highly cultivated standards in this segment. Additionally, this time around unlike before, Maybach will not be a separate brand. Instead, it will be set as yet another addition in the the top echelon model of the Mercedes’ S-Class sumptuous sedan.

    Some of the features of the revived Maybach S-Class include extra space, special seats and craftily designed, glamorous interior that offers one-of-a-kind personality. The team of professionals wanted to feel special on the inside and they succeeded. The sedan illustrates a grown up model of a car which generates mightiness, luxury, reliability and comfort.

    What is interesting is that Mercedes-Benz had plans to construct an ultra-premium sedan back in the mid-’90s. Yet, when the company’s opponents, BMW and Volkswagen-Audi, gained control of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, Mercedes’ plans were accelerated. Nevertheless, later on in 2012, Mercedes-Benz stopped making Maybach limousines after the vehicles, with a starting price of approximately $380,000, could not reach enough sales.

    Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
    Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

    Source: Mercedes-Benz

  • 2015 Volvo XC90 Unveils Improved Multi-filter that Enhances Interior Air Quality

    CleanZone is a clever and unique approach developed by Volvo Cars which is designed to control the quality of the interior air and to provide a better driving environment through groundbreaking solutions for improved well-being and health. Drivers are enabled to breathe more easily because even the tiniest and microscopic dust particles will now be kept out.

    The multi-filter which is created specifically for the SPA platform, will first appear in the all-new stylish Volvo XC90 in the beginning of 2015. The filter includes a larger design that intercepts more particulates and pollen. There is also a layer of active charcoal that serves the purpose to clean off every contaminants which can impact and harm the health of drivers.

    As a result, every car that is equipped with the new enhanced multi-filter, shows reduced amount of “fine dust” particles which are smaller than 0,4 μm. Comparing this to a car without the filter, there is about 70% difference in terms of “fine dust” particles-presence. This is considered as a very pivotal improvement as studies have pointed out that dust particles smaller than 10 µm can cause a number of health problems, including lung infections and difficulties when it comes to breathing.

    Nevertheless, the filter is just one of the elements that comprise the Volvo’s state-of-the-art Interior Air Quality System (IAQS). Another feature is a sensor that can scan the incoming air for noxious substances. If the level of harmful substances is too high (for example when driving through a tunnel), the car’s air intakes will automatically close. The multi-filter and sensor, then, prevent a number of harmful and irritating pollutants, from entering the vehicle. Such harmful material includes:

    • Nitrogen oxides
    • Hydrocarbons
    • Ground-level ozone
    • Gases and unpleasant odors

    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior
    2015 Volvo XC90 Interior

    Source: Volvo

  • Aston Martin Produces One-Off DB9 Volante Morning Frost

    Aston-Martin-DB9-Volante-Morning-Frost-THUMBAston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost is unique and was made by company’s Q customization division. If you still can’t believe it, this car is so exclusive that it will be produced in only one example. The one-off exterior is finished in white color, called Morning Frost, and features blue satin carbon fiber accents, and we must say it looks pretty nice. The same blue color has also been used for the soft top.

    There is also a special mesh grille and even more special and elegant 10-spoke alloy wheels. The two-tone design scheme continues inside in the cabin. There we see the combination of Pearl White and Spectral Blue leather seats. The latter leather is used also for the air vents, while Cobalt Blue is used for the fascia trim.

    DB9 Volante Morning Frost will be driven by 6.0-liter V12 engine. The unit produces 510 hp (375 kW) and 620 Nm (458 lb-ft) of maximum torque, and is coupled with a Touchtronic 2 six-speed transmission. The transmission helps the car accelerate effortlessly from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

    DB9 is the iconic heart of the Aston Martin model range. It combines an intoxicating blend of elegance and engineering, refinement and technology. DB9 is also the latest progeny of the most illustrious automotive bloodline in the world.

    Aston Martin’s newest DB9 has been commissioned by Aston Martin Dallas. Honestly, this sports car is definitely one of the most eye-catching DB9 Volantes we’ve ever seen. What do you think?

    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frostvolante-morning-frost-02
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost
    Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost

    Source: Aston Martin

  • Qoros 3 City SUV to Debut at Guangzhou

    The newly-established international Chinese-Israeli automotive manufacturing company Qoros has unveiled the first design sketches of its third production model called the Qoros 3 City SUV. The vehicle will make its premiere at the 12th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition on 20th November 2014.

    Qoros 3 City SUV carries a sense of a bigger premium metropolitan lifestyle. With its compactness it is as good for cruising around the city as for country-driving. The modern design of Qoros 3 along with its versatility are depicted by its excellent ground clearance, large wheels, and a more commanding driving position. The car is spacious enough with raised driving position and offers more safety, quality and control for a memorable experience on the road.

    Moreover, the City SUV will be equipped with the brand’s innovative and award-winning QorosQloud™ connected services platform. This model will be another addition to the 3 Sedan and 3 Hatch in Qoros’ automobile family.

    Interestingly enough, Qoros scans astonishing results after the debut of its first model Qoros 3 Sedan, which appeared for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. The car was praised with the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests. It went on to gain the title of ‘the best performer of any car subjected to Euro NCAP’s crash tests in 2013’ by Euro NCAP.

    The second production model, the Qoros 3 Hatch, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014. It won an Honourable Mention in the prestigious Red Dot Awards in recognition of the quality of its design, and also scooped several more awards at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2014.

    As it seems, for a new automobile manufacturer Qoros is doing pretty well.

    Source: Qoros Auto

  • McLaren to Call its next Sports Series Black Swan?

    McLaren-Sports-Series-THUMBNo, don’t worry. There is absolutely no chance for McLaren to call its new vehicle Black Swan. Instead, it will be probably dubbed McLaren P13 Sports Series, and more importantly, the company has just officially released a first teaser image of the front of the upcoming racing machine. “Black swan moments” is only a metaphor, which means that something is going against ordinary belief and expectations.

    And this is what we can expect from the future P13. From the image we see that the vehicle is currently undergoing testing. Nevertheless, the teaser image above does not show much of the car. In fact, it shows it partially and covered with camouflage.

    Although it somewhat resembles a Ferrari, the car definitely looks like a contemporary McLaren. You can see the thin LED headlights as well as ten-spoke alloy wheels. Wing mirrors are also there and they are mounted to the doors, and this is what is similar between the P13 and P1, and different between the first and the 650S model.

    This car is being developed and released into production before the Acura NSX makes an official appearance. This means that the McLaren will definitely offer a better car Acura. In addition, McLaren Sports Series is set to take on the admirers of the Audi R8 or the Porsche 911 GT3.

    P13 will be based on a carbon fiber monocoque and will be powered by a V8 engine. The rumors say that the unit will be a modified 3.8-liter twin-turbo, and just like the P1 it will be coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Last thing to mention is that the car will be a two-seater.

    Source: McLaren via Facebook 

  • Eclipse Reveals new Lexus LF-C2 Concept [TEASER]

    A beautiful picture of Lexus LF-C2 Concept was just revealed. Unfortunately, what we can clearly see is only the eclipse. The car stays under the veil of darkness and slightly lightened up by the moon. It will be premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19th of November. Lexus revealed that the new concept model is “open-air” and has kept the other details in secret. 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 picture is that the vehicle has a tight windscreen, a very 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 is also another question and it is: will this roadster be an updated convertible version of previously shown concept with a hard-top on. Just like the unique LF-LC concept, which we haven’t seen for a while.

    As a reminder, Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept is a sports coupe concept in lustrous Opal Blue finish. It combines advanced technologies and materials with an organic design. The car pioneered in the use of lightweight carbon fibre and the next generation of Lexus’s industry-leading full hybrid powertrain. The “marriage” between carbon fibre and aluminium alloy materials used here results in light body mass.

    Another advantage is that these details provide great platform for the next generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system – Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. It features a new, high-energy battery pack designed to generate greater power from a unit that is smaller than those used in Lexus’s current full hybrid model range. The full petrol-electric system is able to produce a maximum 500 hp (372kW) and this means that this is more power than any other Lexus hybrid.

    Source: Lexus 

  • BMW is Getting Greener with Light and Charge Prototype

    BMW-Light-and-Charge-prototype-THUMBBMW continues with innovations and this time the company has prepared for us an innovative street lighting with integrated charging station for electric vehicles. It might seem futuristic, but in fact we sincerely hope to see this genius technology applied in the near future. The pilot project is dubbed Light and Charge and was part of the Eurocities conference in Munich. The car company will cooperate with the City of Munich in order to create an infrastructure of public charging stations. The pilot project will begin in the spring of 2015.

    The prototype combines the latest LED technology with a usable connection way to charge the high-voltage batteries of the electric vehicles. The technology is integrated in the ChargeNow network of the electric BMW i series. In other words Light and Charge is simple and innovative solution which naturally integrates a reliable network of charging stations in the city.

    Another benefit from the Light and Charge street lighting is the energy efficiency as well as the LED module’s higher luminous efficiency. In fact, up to four modules are enough to illuminate the lanes of major roads at night. One or two modules provide a pleasant light in the side streets and residential areas.

    The used LED technology is similar to this one utilized in vehicle’s headlights. This means that it enables a particularly targeting of light rays. The next advantage is that with the development of the Light and Charge system, BMW signals for the future development of a comprehensive network of charging stations for electric vehicles.

    Light and Charge units have a standard connector for EV’s charging cable. The integrated control panel allows the driver to start the charging procedure with just one click. ChargeNow already offers customers of BMW i access to worldwide around 18,000 charging stations.

    Source: BMW 

  • Jaguar Heritage to be Part of the 2014 Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show

    The Jaguar Heritage team is proud to attend the annual Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Motor Show from 14th to 16th of November, 2014. This will be the first year in which Jaguar Land Rover, represented by the recently established Jaguar Heritage department, will be taking part in the NEC season finale. Jaguar will put on display the professional competence of the Jaguar Heritage team conveyed in the new Jaguar Lightweight E-type continuation model and the extensive classic Jaguar parts offering.

    As mentioned above, one of the beauties that are going to be presented is the so called ‘Car Zero’. This is the prototype for the six brand-new Jaguar Lightweight E-Types that are expected to be built by specialist engineers, highlighting the expert skills of the Jaguar Heritage workshop. The first models of the car in question were originally built in 1963. They were developed with aluminum bodies, aiming to exhibit better performance, with just 12 of the planned 18 cars being built. The six brand-new Lightweight E-types will carry the original series chassis numbers of the ‘missing’ models and will officially complete this exciting project.

    In celebrating the 60th Anniversary of its iconic Le Mans winning D-type, Jaguar Heritage is more than pleased to introduce the sublime ‘Shortnose’ D-Type, chassis number 561, kindly loaned to Jaguar Land Rover by Adam Lindermann. The car became the Ecurie Ecosse team’s third, last, and latest ‘Shortnose’ D-Type. It was received brand-new from the Coventry factory in March 1956 and was registered ‘MWS 303’.

    These Jaguar cars will be accompanied at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show by new Jaguar Heritage branded goods which are now available for sale.

    Jaguar Lightweight E-type and 1955 Jaguar Heritage D-Type
    Jaguar Lightweight E-type and 1955 Jaguar Heritage D-Type

    Source: Jaguar