Automobiles Review – Page 459 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Volvo Compares 855 T5-R and V60 Polestar

Volvo 855 T5-R was officially unveiled 20 years ago, in 1994. The car was dedicated to performance and in fact was the first estate model from Volvo. To celebrate this anniversary, Polestar brought 855 T5-R together with its current heir: the mighty Volvo V60 Polestar, at the Huntington Beach in California. 855 T5-R featured a five-cylinder turbo-charged R5 2319 engine, which was capable of producing 240 hp (176 kW) and 330 Nm (244 lb-ft). The unit was coupled with a four-speed auto gearbox and featured a front-wheel drive.

The 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint was covered by it in 7.0 seconds. The deceleration from 100 to 0 km/h happened in 45 meters, thanks to the front brakes including 1 piston calipers and 280 mm discs. The top speed of the car was 245 km/h.

The chassis was specifically developed, thus making the car one of the fastest estate models of its time and an iconic performance vehicle. Suspension here included MacPherson Strut, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers and Stabilizer Bar. Alloys were 17 inch and were fitted with 205/45 tyres.

Unlike the 855 T5-R, which weighs 1600 kg, Volvo V60 Polestar is much heavier: 1834 kg. Another difference includes a R6 2953 cc engine, which is capable of a way more powerful output of 350 hp (257 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). The unit is coupled with a six-speed auto transmission and features a 4-wheel dirve.

Of course, the acceleration is faster with 2.1 seconds, while the deceleration is shorter with 11 meters, thanks to the 6 piston calipers and 371 mm discs. The top speed f the car is 250 km/h. In the suspension is featured again the MacPherson Strut and Coil Springs, but adds Polestar Öhlins Shock Absorbers and Carbon Fibre Clad Stabilizer Bar. The rims here are 20 inch and the tyres – in the dimension of 245/35.

Source: Volvo

November 11, 2014

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: Motor Authority’s Best Car To Buy 2015

Picking the best car in no matter what category can be quite challenging, especially when there are so many notable models to choose from. Yet, according to Motor Authority, the best performance and luxury car of the year is the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C.

The all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C offers distinctive Italian style; an innovative 1750 all-aluminum, direct-injection, 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 237 HP and 258 lb. ft. of torque; a class-exclusive power-to-weight ratio due to its state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque influenced by Formula 1 and advanced technological solutions.

But what really helps this car stand out and what makes it so special as to win Motor Authority’s “Best Car to Buy” award? The answer is simple: everything. From style to performance, the Alfa Romeo 4C flaunts exclusive excellence and dominance. As Nelson Ireson, editor for Motor Authority points out; “The Alfa Romeo 4C is beautiful, exotic and incredibly fun to drive.” He also adds that; “It’s also a tremendous value, offering a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and turbocharged mid-engine layout around the price of much more ordinary sports cars, including some of those it beat out for the award this year, like the Ford Mustang, as well as more luxurious or practical alternatives like the Porsche Macan and Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG.”

Moreover, not lacking any qualities of a real master in its segment, the 4C does indeed possess 4 Cs for it is classy, creative, captivating and convenient. The craftsmanship of this Alfa Romeo encompasses innovative technologies and systems that are focused on ensuring better performance, quality and driving experience. The more aggressive edge adds up to the appealing sporty look of the car that is essentially embedded in the very nature of the brand.

Source: Alfa Romeo

November 11, 2014

Facelifted 2015 Fiat Bravo Debuts in Brazil

2015 Fiat Bravo will be rolling on the streets in Brazil in a few months, when it will go on sale. The facelifted five-door compact hatchback version of the car will be locally produced. The revised version features more stylish front and rear fascias as well as new alloys. There are also other exterior tweaks such as the new headlamps, grille and bumpers. The front end includes design dominated by the new grille that adds a new chrome bar.

The Fiat logo is positioned in the center of the grille and is in perfect harmony with the bumper and the new frame of foglamps. At the back, we see new taillights, a redesigned bumper again as well as a different typeface.

The interior adds for the 2015 model year multimedia system with LCD screen and touchscreen controls, and integrated reverse camera and a GPS navigation system. The driver will enjoy a multifunctional steering wheel wrapped in leather. There are also some shiny accents which spice up the cabin.

The car will be offered in four trim levels: Essence, Sporting, T-Jet and BlackMotion. The firs two trims and the last trim are equipped with the 1.8 16V engine, while the T-Jet version – with the 1.4 16V unit. The 1.8 16V powerplant is coupled with a Dualogic Plus (AMT) transmission, while the T-Jet model comes as a standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Fiat

November 11, 2014

Fiat 500X Receives New Exclusive Accessories and Services from Mopar

Not long ago we introduced you the new Fiat 500X which joined the Fiat 500 family. It has several engine ranges: a 110 hp (81 kW) 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140 hp (103 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine; 2.4-litre Tigershark engine which generates 170 hp (125 kW) 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine or the 184 hp (135 kW); 95 hp (70 kW) 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel with five-speed manual, and 120 hp (88 kW) 1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel supplied with a six-speed manual gearbox; and finally, there is a four-wheel drive diesel option presented with the the 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine.

Now the new compact crossover comes with more attractive improvements because FCA’s in-house tuner Mopar has designed exclusive accessories and services especially for it. The range of accessories is comprised of more than 100 extras, including 18″ alloy rims with their specific design and range of colours ((White, Red, Bronze and Greyge) and aesthetic treatments, the door mirror fairings in 9 colour options, original stickers for the roof, bonnet and side strips, door moulding inserts in four colours or chrome plated and many more. All of them, of course, come with uncompromised quality and high efficiency.

Furthermore, there is also a new “Xtra Care” pack from Mopar Vehicle Protection available for Fiat 500X which extends the manufacturer’s warranty up to five years (or 75,000 km ) and includes, for the same period, cover for scheduled maintenance costs. Finally, Fiat customers will be able to use a new Owner Handbook which contains significant and useful vehicle information in just 200 pages.

Source: Mopar

November 11, 2014

The New Kia Soul EV to be Sold Globally

There are two things guiding the new Kia Soul EV: it is eco-friendly and fun. Making its worldwide premiere at this week’s Chicago Auto Show, the Soul EV showcases the future in genuine style. The first all-electric, zero-emissions Kia model has a distinguishable look, bold design and practical interior with a unique twist.

First of all, the Soul EV is built with a fun-to-drive character. Its electric motor produces 109 HP (81.4 kW) in a combustion-engined model with 285 Nm of torque. The car is utterly smooth and silent thanks to the Virtual Engine Sound system at low speeds in both forward and reverse gears which warns pedestrians and cyclists that it is in a close distance. What is more, 2015 Kia Soul EV has a top speed of 90mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds. This makes the vehicle absolutely stable and capable of keeping pace with the intense flow of the always busy city traffic.

A 96-cell, 27-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery keeps the motor alive. For better convenience, Kia can be charged to 80 percent in as little as 33 minutes using a 50-kW system. The Soul EV is fitted with three charging ports: two of the ports are for conventional AC charging, per SAE standard J1772, and the third is for CHAdeMo public stations.

The interior of the new Kia represents an amalgamation of simple luxury and exceptional comfort. The color schemes soothe and please the eye, thus complementing the overall driving feel. The friendly and spacious inside environment is comprised of striking two-tone colored cockpit, with smooth surfaces, original bio-based trim as well as padding and, finally, plain but stylish contours.

The new 2015 Kia Soul EV is priced at £24,995 after the government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant.

Source: Kia

November 11, 2014

BHP Project Releases Renderings of Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1

BHP Project are specialist who need our attention, because they are currently working on a Koenigsegg One:1. This is one of the most dreamt of car globally, which we have seen in movies such as “Need for Speed” and so rarely on the streets. The tuners are putting careful thoughts and changing their minds several times in the last months, so that they can present the official renderings of the Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1. Yes, that’s the name.

BHP decided to go for a combination of clear and also blue tinted carbon with triple layered pearlescent white stripes to highlight the lines and features of the exclusive sports car. And we must confirm that it looks just incredible and we really can’t wait to see its official photos.

Furthermore, the car was dubbed as the first megacar in the world. It is powered by a twin-turbo V8 5.0-liter engine, which produces 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW) and 1,371 Nm (1,011 lb-ft) of torque. The top speed is simulated and is measured a 440 km/h (273 mph). The sprint from 0 to 400 km/h is covered by the car in around 20 seconds.

The car will be finished early next year, so we have to wait until then. Deliveries will take place early next year through the official Koenigsegg dealer – SuperVettura. Only nine examples of this AB One:1 will ever be built and sold. They are only with a right-hand drive configuration.

No words on pricing, but we are sure that Koenigsegg Automotive AB One:1 will be one of the most expensive automobile in the world.

Source: BHP Project via Facebook

November 11, 2014

GKN Produces the Industry’s First Two-Speed eAxle for Hybrids and EVs

The global engineering group and world’s leading supplier of automobile driveline technologies and features GKN has created the first ever two-speed eAxle. This groundbreaking system has already entered production on the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

What GKN strives to achieve is developing an innovative and brand-new generation of electric drive vehicles which will result in giving customers better driving experience and more efficiency when on the road.

eAxle technology will provide the electric motor with an additional gear ratio that will improve the acceleration and the pure electric range and will also give significant advantage to the driving dynamics and CO₂ emissions. Another thing that GKN’s two-speed eAxle does is enabling the eMotor and all its related systems to be downsized, thus reducing weight and cost but increasing the levels of efficiency.

As opposed to the usual ingle-speed transmissions, GKN technology manages to break all of the established standards. Therefore the two-speed eAxle becomes the first one that empowers the electric drive with boosted vehicle’s performance across its entire speed range. The package weighs only 27kg and measures less than 325mm by 562mm by 313mm.

In order to make the system narrower, the shift mechanism is set on the input shaft instead of the intermediate shaft in the middle of the transmission. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the input shaft spins at up to 11,400rpm, GKN’s excellent software control of the eMotor and the synchro-actuation succeeds in comprehending a smooth gearshift no matter what the conditions are.

GKN deserves some ovation for it definitely sets new benchmarks in the industry in terms of convenience, efficiency, and economy.

Source: GKN

November 11, 2014

Ford Escort Revealed Ahead of Market Launch … in China

Guangzhou Auto Show will happen later this month, where the visitors will witness the birth of the new Ford Escort. The car will be launched officially market on 20^th of January next year and will be strictly distributed in China. The image released by the company didn’t show many surprises in terms of exterior changes. Unfortunately, it looks almost like the previous generation, featuring the familiar front grille and typical Ford headlights.

The latter we have seen in the Focus.Inside, the disappointment continues with a dash that looks completely outdated. There is no screen or specific technology to grab our attention. Instead, we find the standard six airbags and a Connect Radio system and a small display on the center console.In terms of power, the Escort is driven by the 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter Ti-VCT petrol engine.

The unit produces 115 horsepower (85 kW) and 142 Nm (105 kW) of maximum torque, and is coupled with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.The wheel base of the car is measured at 2687mm, while the overall size at 4587/1825/1490mm, for the length, width and height, respectively.

The new Ford Escort arrives in China with the sole purpose to replace the current Focus Classic, on which it is also based. The platform underpinning the Escort is called C1 MCA.Ford Escort will be manufactured locally by the Changan-Ford joint venture. The starting price will be around 90,000 yuan which equals $14,715 USD.

November 11, 2014

Purchasing a Used Ford Vehicle for your On-road Needs

If you are tired of your old ride and are looking for a high performance option within a budget, consider opting for one of the many models made available by leading automobile manufacturer Ford. For buyers looking for a vehicle that is equipped with all the latest features, Ford’s range of hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs are the ideal consideration.

Affordable Models

There are a number of benefits attached to purchasing a used Ford vehicle, besides the convenience of finding the perfect used model at Hertz Rent2Buy.

Ford vehicles tend to be extremely affordable when compared to other brands. Traditionally considered as one of the more economical investments for buyers looking for used vehicles, the purchase is made even more affordable with the availability of monthly installment schemes. Other interesting offers include ‘150 pounds off every Ford purchase made at Hertz Rent2Buy’.

Making the Most of American Engineering

In addition to being a rather affordable consideration, Ford vehicles are known to last for several years. Their models come with some of the best interior workings that continue to remain reliable for a long period of time. Contrary to common beliefs, pre-owned Ford vehicles are as unlikely to break down as brand new models. Maintenance and repair of these vehicles also tends to be very affordable, making the process of owning the vehicle as cost-effective as it is to buy one.

The fuel efficiency delivered by Ford vehicles helps save additional problems that usually come with purchasing used models. Manufactured for utmost efficiency, there aren’t many areas of using and maintaining Ford vehicles that get owners to complain.

The appealing exterior design of every Ford vehicle helps owners enjoy the looks which add up to the overall quality of the vehicles. Buyers tend to get spoilt for choice with a wide range of feature rich Ford vehicles available to choose between. For instance, the Ford Fiesta 1.6 comes with front fog lights, leather steering wheels, and gear knobs along with remote central locking, passenger airbags and a variety of other aesthetic, functional and safety features that are standard in every Ford vehicle.

Comparing the features of any Ford model with similar offerings from other brands, is a great way to understand the key advantages of this range of vehicles. It is important that you find yourself a used vehicle that is at par with your expectations and on road needs.

November 11, 2014

Gemballa Says Goodbye to Mirage GT

Sadly we have come to the point when there will be only two Gemballa Mirage GTs left. Yes, the run on the last two has begun, because the series is limited to 25 cars and we have already counted to 23. This makes the Mirage a collector’s item and its value is going to rise very soon. The legendary car is based on the Porsche Carrera GT, but has more power and exclusivity to show. In terms of appearance, this car almost has nothing to do with the Porsche.

Furthermore, the sports car is powered by the 5.7l/10 cylinder engine, which is uprated from 612 hp (450 kW) to 670 hp (493 kW) and its torque from 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) to 630 Nm (465 lb-ft). What is more: the modified Porsche reaches 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 335 km/h.

For the faster acceleration time also contributes the new body kit, which was made of real carbon fibres. In addition, the aprons and the striking rear spoiler raise the surface pressure and keep the car safely on the road, regardless the speed. The three-part air inlet, which stretches across the entire front and the recessed door elements, also stands out.

The engineers at Gemballa also installed a sport-type coupling with special linings. They are perfect for the “stop and go” city driving and make it softer and gentler.

And for those who will miss the Mirage project – don’t worry. Gemballa is currently working on its next limited edition series, the first of which will be based on the Porsche 918 Spider hybrid. With its very aggressive silhouette and coming in only 25 examples, it may become even more exclusive.

Source: Gemballa

November 10, 2014

The New MINI Superleggera Vision Concept Car at 2014 LA Auto Show

Having been first seen on the shores of Lake Como at Villa D’Este in May, MINI Superleggera Concept car is a collaborative product between MINI and the Italian design and body manufacturing specialist Touring Superleggera. It is a modern interpretation of classic proportions of a two-seater combined with groundbreaking efficiency. With its aesthetic attractiveness, the compact roadster brings together British style and Italian flair.

The vehicle will be presented at the 2014 LA Auto Show and will exhibit all the necessary characteristics of MINI productions highlighted and synchronized with the typical contours and surface finish of Touring Superleggera. Being put together as a precise superleggera (which in translation means “superlight”), the two-seater gets an allow space-frame chassis covered in allow sheets. In relation to this, Louis de Fabribeckers, Head of design of Touring Superleggera, points out that: “In this car all unnecessary equipment or decoration is sacrificed, as performance is gained through lightness and efficiency of the bodywork and interior. The Italian touch is in the proportions and the typical waistline.”

The selection of high-quality materials in combination with the brilliantly manufactured surface contribute to the charismatic appeal of the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept car. The emotional design and lightweight construction shape a car which is truly unique.

Even though there is not much information about the powerplants, the MINI Superleggera sports car is said to be electric-powered which contributes to the pure driving experience. It is also really significant for, well… electric vehicles are pretty much the future, so when this car is finally produced and released for sale it might just be the next big thing on the market.

Source: MINI UK

November 10, 2014

BMW i3 Gets More Personal with 3DDesign and Studie Thailand

3DDesign and Studie Thailand have collaborated for a special project including the intricate BMW i3. Being more individual than ever, the tuned i3 has been created with the single aim to push the boundaries of the chassis. The personalization of the car began with the styling changes, which include a new exterior color, called Fire Orange, as well as some contrasting graphics in black.

Inside, the same fiery color theme has been used for the set of Recaro LX-F seats. They were wrapped in a combination of orange leather and suede. The dash is in the same fire Orange featured to add more harmony in the overall design.

Next, the right height of the car was lowered by 20 mm. There is also an option for the i3 to be even lower (30 mm) to the ground thanks to the specifically created by Studie suspension setup. In addition, 3D Design created for the BMW more pronounced front lip spoiler and a roof spoiler. The result of this is more balance and perfect addition to the black MAK wheels.

Take a look at the front grille. When I saw it for the first time it looked familiar. Then I immediately though of the F chassis ///M cars. This is where Studie took inspiration and built a custom front grill set with integrated blue LED’s.

Although the i3 is electric, the tuners have made it possible for the driver and occupants to enjoy the BMW active sound in the cabin. The system produces a programmed soundtrack of an inline-six, V8, V10 or even a mighty V12 engine.

Source: 3DDesign via www.bmwblog.com

November 10, 2014

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