Automobiles Review – Page 470 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Trion Nemesis: Funny Name and Serious Superpower

When I break it through a slightly different prism and interpret the name of Trion Nemesis, its meaning in Bulgarian is… Wait For It… “Saw”! The American company promises to provide clients with the first exemplars of this powerful model in early 2016, while the first operating prototype will be ready in 2015.

Trion Nemesis breaths in expectations from this world and breaths out power beyond measure from its own world! Well… Almost. The super-vehicle is expected to hit over 270 mph and is announced to produce around 2,000HP which will indeed saw the air around when it moves. Sort of. The car will be supplied with a pushrod-based suspension system that is also used in F1. The four-wheel drive system is another important factor which helps this monster make as much stability as possible. If that does not sound powerful enough, well… Read bellow.

The Trion Nemesis will be powered by 9-litre BiTurbo V8 engine. The car will be able to up from 0 to 100km/h in the mind-blowing 2.8 seconds. Its top speed will be beyond 432km/h (270 MPH). It seems that Nemesis will be faster than Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and Hennessey Venom. In order to reduce weight and increase its power-to-weight ratio, most of the Trion’s body components will be produced from carbonfibre.

The massive power will hit the road through an 8-speed sequential manual. With the carbon-ceramic brakes sporting six-piston calipers on the front and four-piston at the rear the efficient stopping of the Trion Nemesis will be as easy as stealing candy from a baby.

Prized at 1 million, the car will be built in just 50 models which will really label it as an exclusive vehicle.

2016 Trion Nemesis

October 23, 2014

Petty’s Garage Ford Mustang to Debut at SEMA Show

In two weeks Ford is bringing performance oriented Mustangs to the halls of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Among the modified Mustangs will be the Galpin Auto Sports version, as mentioned earlier today, as well as versions by other tuners such as Roush, Petty’s Garage, MRT and many more. The performance specialists will not only show how they have boosted the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine sleeping under the hood of the pony car, but also will demonstrate newly developed aftermarket parts which enhance its track handling.

Petty’s Garage will also be among the featured customizer at the show. It will be bringing a Mustang wearing Richard Petty’s famous blue paint and a discrete No. 43. The secret about this number is that this is Petty’s car number in his NASCAR days. In addition, this car will be equipped with Roush’s supercharged V8 engine.

Ford has also stated that this particular model will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson and the proceeds will go to the Victory Junction. The latter is dedicated to helping chronically ill children attend summer camp.

2015 Ford Mustang features new independent rear suspension and multilink front suspension. They have been both improved by Roush and Steeda. SEMA will also see plenty of 5.0-liter V8s roaring around. The spotlight however will be on the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.

The unit not only provides an entirely new platform for experienced turbocharging specialists, but also delivers stunning 310 horsepower (228 kW) and 434 Nm (320 lb.-ft.). Another secret revealed by Ford is that there are several tuners which will be on hand with high-powered versions of the new turbo four-cylinder.

Source: Ford

October 23, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R is the safest car on wet roads

Drivers in the Northern Hemisphere of the world now face winter, which always brings months of road challenges that include fog, ice, snow and rain. Most people will keep on driving even in these conditions so having a safe car for challenging roads is essential if you want to get from point A to point B with no problems at all. This is especially true if you own a performance car too.

Choosing one such car is now a bit easier thanks to the efforts of the British automobile magazine Autocar. According to it, the safest wet road performance car is the Volkswagen Golf R. The result was achieved after extensive testing that included various other models such as the MINI Cooper, Audi RS4, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Range Rover Sport, Toyota GT86 and Nissan GT-R. The safety test included five separate challenges at a manufacturer test facility at MIRA Proving Ground. We should also say that the cars tested used tires chosen by the vehicle manufacturer.

All cars underwent tests that included control over stopping from highway speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h), stability when accelerating, braking on ice-like conditions at lower speeds, level of lateral grip when cornering and precision around a circuit.

VW’s four-wheel-drive Golf R, which costs GBP 31,970 and produces 296 bhp (300 HP/220 kW), performed the best across all five tests, with the rear-wheel-drive GBP 24,995, 197 bhp (200 HP/147 kW) Toyota GT86 the worst. Running the VW Golf R close was the GBP 88,400 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with exception for the Lateral Grip tests where it’s rear-biased weight distribution unsettled its handling.

“Driving conditions can become hugely challenging very quickly for drivers of sportier and higher performance vehicles. It is very easy to get caught out,” explains Chas Hallett, editor-in-chief of Autocar. “Advanced electronics certainly aid the driver, and winter tyres will improve grip, but drivers still need to drive within their limits and abilities, not the cars.”

Source: Autocar

October 23, 2014

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe offers new features

Hyundai has proudly announced that the new 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport offer more standard features, comfort and convenience equipment than ever, including refinements to the steering and suspension systems.

More specifically the improvements to the power steering system include a 32-bit microprocessor that delivers a refined steering feel. The steering system keeps the Hyundai Driver Selectable Steering Mode, which offers a retuned “Sport” setting that makes use of the new processor and offers firmer steering. The front wheel bushes have also been re-tuned for 2015, which enhances the steering feel.

The suspension systems in the 2015 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport increase the wheel bearing stiffness and lower control arm bushing stiffness, which increases the overall lateral stiffness of the front suspension. The revised rear suspension geometry and bushings also increase the lateral stiffness.

The two new models also come with tons of new standard and safety features that include daytime running lights, a driver’s blind spot mirror and an auto up/down front passenger power window. Hyundai’s innovative new power Hands-Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open is now available on Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport models, which makes it even easier for owners to gain access to the cargo area when their hands are full. The system makes it easy for the driver to keep both feet on the ground, simply waiting for the liftgate to open after standing within a few feet of the rear bumper with the key fob in a purse or pocket. This is also the first time Santa Fe Sport can be equipped with a power liftgate. Furthermore the two new models offer two new colors – Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite and there is a two-tone grille for 2015 (Santa Fe Sport only) that emphasizes the car’s sportier personality.

Both vehicles offer new rich safety equipment for 2015 including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) with Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, while the Santa Fe Sport offers a choice between an efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine or a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. All engines use gasoline and offer direct fuel injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all 2015 Santa Fe models; the gearbox transfers engine power to the front wheels or all of them, depending on what you choose.

The vehicles are available now with the 2015 Santa Fe Sport starting at just USD 24,950, excluding a USD 875 freight fee.

Source: Hyundai

October 23, 2014

Catching a Glimpse of the Track-Focused McLaren P1 GTR Interior

McLaren finally discloses how the new McLaren P1 GTR will look like interiorly. The revealed insides of this automotive monster really can make a person get goose bumps. It looks like something coming out of Marvel Universe! With its boosted cutting-edge power, dynamic look and excellent performance it is transformed into a machine which is set to become the world’s best track weapon ever.

Did anyone say power? More power? How much more power? Well, precisely 83bhp more than the road-going P1 model, taking total output from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor to 986bhp.

There is a whole lot more about the McLaren P1 GTR than a simple power boost. I mean “simple” really. Perhaps you can notice from the photos that the new P1 GTR does not have a roll cage. That’s because the car does not need such. In addition, from the official first pictures it becomes apparent that the interior is designed in such a manner that speaks for driver-focused style. The DTM-style seats are positioned directly to the chassis, which in return reduces weight by having no additional mounting brackets.

If it still doesn’t look like a race car enough for you, check out the upgraded steering wheel! Its design is similar to the steering wheel of the MP4-23 F1 driven by the 2008 championship winner Lewis Hamilton. Intended to make all controls easily accessible, all of the key controls along with the mode switches are located in the center of the bespoke steering wheel. The DRS and IPAS are also retained there. It does look bloody amazing indeed!

Source: McLaren

October 23, 2014

Galpin Auto Sports Reveals SEMA-bound Ford Mustang

The SEMA-bound Galpin Auto Sports Ford Mustang is a special vehicle which comes to celebrate the golden anniversary of the production Mustang. The modified pony car features a special gold theme, enhanced engine, custom LEDs and other intricate tweaks. Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) is the tuning arm of the largest Ford dealer in the United States. 2015 GAS Mustang embodies a golden anniversary design philosophy and will be of course premiered at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

At first the tuners gave a facelift to the iconic model via a new front fascia, which was restyled to match the three strakes found in the factory headlights. In details, the new headlights now integrate LED turn signals and turn on in sequence to match the rear turn signals. In addition, there have been also installed a carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels as well as a more aggressive rear diffuser.

Under the hood of this Mustang is positioned the Whipple supercharger, which has been custom powder-coated to appear gold. It sits atop the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. The integrated into the hood glass window has the purpose to show off the engine. More importantly, these modifications are not only a cosmetic change, but also signify a boost in the power output. The engine generates the astounding 725 horsepower (533 kW).

Next, the car is also equipped with suspension components delivered by Steeda and new exhaust by Magnaflow. GAS also reveal that with this black and gold idea, they wanted to get the color as close to 24-carat gold as possible. Speaking of which, this GAS Mustang will be running on 20-inch wheels finished in gold. In the same color are also the side sills, brake calipers and badging.

Inside, the same black-gold theme can be found on the entire range of elements which were previously chrome or metallic. Recaro seats are covered with a fabric finished in black and gold, and the headliner is black microsuede. And if you think that the exterior is finished in paint that appears black, then you will be surprised to see that it is actually filled with gold metallic flecks.

Source: Galpin Auto Sports

October 23, 2014

VATH Motorentechnik GmbH: Between Classic and Modern

Throughout the years the close and inseparable relationship between VATH Motorentechnik GmbH (Motor Engineering ltd.) and Mercedes-Benz has served a great purpose to either of the sides.

The founder, Wolfgang VATH, has created a company which is still continuing to progress and play a fundamental part in the market after all these years. By all means, the VATH Motorentechnik GmbH has gained an excellent worldwide reputation as an engine manufacturer. Highlighting the importance of the original production of cars, VATH tunes their “projects” to their best classic characteristics.

Later on, after the establishment of the German tuner, Jasmin EHRET-VATH, the daughter of Wolfgang VATH, takes on the responsibility to run the executive board of the company which is known for car tuning. No matter what the tuner does, it seems to be booming. Not betraying their motto „Everything that can be conserved – must be conserved anyway“, VATH keeps bringing significant up-to-date enhancements to all after-war Mercedes vehicles. And by not discarding their authenticity, the German tuner manages to preserve the balance between what is modern and what is classic. That’s their philosophy after all.

Initially, the work that is being implemented by VATH is on the lower part of the engine and on the crankcase. Doing it in a traditional method, cylinders, for instance, are bored and honored. Pistons are renovated, crankshafts ground, polished and balanced in a really efficient way by the company very own balancing machine. Finally, they get equipped by new bearings. Valve seats undergo a transition as well. They are reamed and, if necessary, valve guides are renewed as well. The refitting of engines for unleaded fuel requires a mounting of hardened valve seat rings. The air ducts are reamed and polished which allows more air passage.

VATH Motorentechnik is an expert when dealing with Mercedes classic models. Beauties such as Pagode, W111 with tail fin, Adenauer, 300 SL or Ponton are dealt with a detailed refitting of automatic and shift gears with heart’s blood. They receive a rear axle retrofitting, optionally with axle ratio modifications.

Undoubtedly then, traditional and classic seem to be the adjectives that best suit VATH Motorentechnik GmbH.

Source: VATH

October 23, 2014

Scion Teases a Sporty iM Concept

Scion iM Concept is one of the vehicles which we will see having a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For this occasion, the brand has released two teaser images that show the future star of the brand. On the photos we see the iM Concept car taking some test shots. They reveal distinctively sporty front end and exactly this has been taken to the spotlight. Scion says that the iM concept vehicle is a reflection of the evolution of company’s design philosophy which aims to catch the attention of youthful customers.

It will probably be a hot hatchback judging form the sporty compact appearance. In fact, rumors say that two new models will be introduced next year. One of these cars will be based on Toyota’s Auris hatchback. Looking at the front of the concept, particularly at the headlights and front grille, in the teaser image, it definitely looks like that this will be a derivative of the Auris.

Form the released images we also see that car will be running on aggressive low-profile tyres wrapped around sporty-looking wheels and featuring drilled brake rotors. If Scion iM is a hatchback as we suppose, than it will be the firs one for the brand.

Another thing coming in question is whether this vehicle will use Auris turbocharged engine, or will there be any new surprises. Another possibility for the iM concept is that it can actually be a model which will replace the-soon-to-be-discontinued xB.

Unfortunately, ahead of the official release date, which is 19^th of November, we don’t expect to get more details from Scion. So we have to wait until then to solve the mystery.

Source: Scion

October 23, 2014

Nissan ships first all-electric taxis to Barcelona and Madrid

The Japanese auto maker Nissan has delivered the first all-electric taxis to the Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The introduction of the new Nissan electric vehicles means that these two cities will enjoy emission-free and quiet transportation from now on.

The vehicles delivered to Barcelona are e-NV200 units and they are the first step in the execution of an agreement between Nissan, the city of Barcelona and the Barcelona metropolitan area. An interesting fact is that the Nissan e-NV200 van is built in Barcelona as well. The delivery of the first electric taxis to Barcelona has taken place at the Expo-electric Formula-e event, which is one of the most important meetings on sustainable mobility in Europe.

Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, welcomed the news, commenting: “Declining air quality levels are a top concern across Europe and it’s great to see Madrid and Barcelona taking such positive steps in improving air quality through the incorporation of Nissan’s all-electric cars into their taxi fleets. These taxi bring a huge benefit not only for residents but also for the drivers – thanks to the ultra-low running costs only an electric car can offer. This scheme demonstrates that sustainable transportation is easy and affordable for everyone.”

Madrid has received its first Nissan LEAF taxi, which is the best selling electric vehicle in the world with more than 142 000 units sold globally. The official delivery has taken place at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where “Zero KM” – the measuring starting point of all Spanish roads – is located. Antonio Berzal Prieto, the first 100% electric taxi driver in Madrid to choose electric technology for his business, declared “When I heard that the Nissan LEAF had been approved as a taxi for the city, I quickly looked into all the options it offered me. In addition to the environmental benefits, the costs of ownership are highly competitive and the car’s performance is excellent.”

Source: Nissan

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI Enhanced by German Special Customs

The remarkable Mercedes-Benz G-class is considered to be the pioneer among the off-road vehicles. With their stable developments, the off-roaders continue to offer a permanent efficient powertrain and operative handling dynamic systems. Nevertheless, despite the advancements on the vehicle it still manages to preserve its classic authenticity and appearance.

Now the tuners from German Special Customs, Chemnitz, have designed a custom-made aerodynamic-construction kit which is suitable to almost any G-class vehicle. The exterior of the upgraded Mercedes-Benz G400 CDI includes a brand new fibre motor cowl and lateral carbon outer mirrors. The front bumper that has incorporated LED daylight driving headlights and a carbon fibre spoiler lip are renewed as well. The lateral ventilation slots and the spare wheel covering at the rear are also made of carbon fibres.

The German tuner increases the front wheelhouse widenings and the side sills and, in addition to this, it adds a special diffusor-looking rear bumper which underlines the changes and completes the conversion of the G400 CDI.

German Special Customs provides its in-house Jura wheel composition. The upgraded G-class, then, receives a seven-spoke forged wheel in the 10×22 inch format with 305/40R22 tyres. As an option, the Jura rim is available an inch larger than the initial version.

The interior of the vehicle is refreshed too. The designers from German Special Customs provide customized carbon ornaments which enhance and decorate the cockpit. The seats can be featured either in full leather or in combination of leather and alcantara. The alcantara roof canopy and the A-, B- and C-pillars or other infotainments systems for the front and rear are all included in the the highlighting program of GSC for the G-class.

Source: XMedia-Group

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Introduces S550 Premium Sports Edition in Japan

Mercedes-Benz is currently introducing exclusively in Japan the S550 Premium Sports Edition. The car will go on sale later this month and will be produced in a limited run of only 200 units. This special model is based on the long-wheelbase version of the S550 and features the AMG sport package. The exterior of the vehicle, depending on the preference of the future owner, can be either the exclusive Obsidian Black or White Diamond paint schemes. These paint finishes will available only and exclusively for the S550 Premium Sports Edition.

Furthermore, this Mercedes will be running on 20-inch AMG alloy wheels. The sporty styling I continued inside the cabin. Here we see black Nappa leather seats, designo ash wood trim and a leather/wood steering wheel.

In addition, the car also comes packed with chauffeur package. It features executive rear seat, heated seats, heated armrests as well as a rear seat entertainment system – among other things.

The company hasn’t’ said anything about engine configuration so this probably indicates that the car will retain the standard unit. The S550 Coupe is driven by the 4.7-liter biturbo V8 engine. It produces 449 horsepower (330 kW) and 699 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

These figures help the special Japan edition S550 run from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes-Benz S550 Premium Sports Edition will cost the lucky owners ¥18,100,000 which is approximately $169,000 USD.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

October 22, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class AMG Pumped Up by Brabus

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is one of the most compact vehicle in this range but it stands out everywhere with a true SUV capability, ideal flexibility and efficiency which guarantees a unique driving experience.

Similar to its past projects on different Mercedes vehicles, Brabus once again has demonstrated successful results and has turned up the heat with another industry-leading innovative program. In this particular case, the tuner not only improve the complete set of performance qualities of the GLA-Class but extracts their capacity to the max. The outcome does indeed please the senses of drivers. The high class degree of products which are developed by Brabus for the Mercedes compact crossover make it look more athletic and sportier.

The GLA 250 receives the PowerXtra B25 performance kit by Brabus which boosts the four-cylinder turbocharged engine. After the conversion, the power output is pumped from usual 211hp (155 kW) to 2445hp (108 kW) and produces a peak torque that varies from 350 to 385 Nm (258 to 284 lb-ft). The outcome is pretty obvious. With the enhanced driving dynamics, the vehicle is set to another level. In addition, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is performed in 6.7 seconds, with increased top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Next, the Mercedes-Benz compact SUV GLA 45 gets the PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit. With the enhancements, the GLA model produces 400hp (294 kW) with a peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). With this engine, the all-wheel-drive car speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in the impressive 4.4 seconds. Thanks to the BRABUS V/max unit, the power-SUV holds a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

Mercedes GLA 200 CDI is crowned with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 which increases the output of the 2.1-liter, diesel-powered vehicle to 210hp (155 kW) and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). This GLA model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.0 seconds and reaches a new top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

As usual, a significant part of any Brabus program is a new set of wheels. The German tuner offers wheels ranging in diameter from 18 to 21 inches to the GLA-Class vehicles. The platinum Edition wheels are the largest version and are available in either a Monoblock F or a Monoblock R design.

On top of this, Brabus satisfies individual requests and designs the interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class according to the personal preferences of its clients.

Source: Brabus

October 22, 2014

Blog