Automobiles Review – Page 490 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO is the Official Safety Car at Circuit of the Americas

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO in a special livery will be of service at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, being the official Safety Car. The Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (CTSCC) race will happen on 19^th of September. In addition, Nissan will enter four cars in the race. Precisely, these will be two Nissan 370Z NISMOs and two Altima 3.5 racers. They will be in the CTSCC field behind the beautiful NISMO Safety Car.

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO debuted in May at the ZDAYZ event, incorporating a range of design and engineering improvements. The car embodies the essence of performance motoring, and part of this is due to the added design changes and new aero package.

The 2015 model year 370Z NISMO features an entirely redesigned front bumper with larger air intake, additional air inlets ahead of the wheel arch and new LED daytime running lights. Other updates include black headlamp bezels, special red NISMO trim at the base of the bumper, redesigned side sill and door mirror and special NISMO badging.

To further emphasize the sportiness of the car, Nissan have equipped it with 19-inch Rays alloy wheels finished in black and silver. At the back of this car one can see a new bumper and spoiler design. 370Z NISMO’s aero package includes a smaller rear spoiler that works in team with the new front bumper.

2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO is driven by the 3.7-litre six-cylinder engine, which produces 344 horsepower (253 kW) and is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the car is just 5.2 seconds.

Source: Nissan

September 12, 2014

2015 HSV GTS Maloo – 585HP and 740Nm

HSV(Holden Special Vehicles) has unveiled the limited edition powerful GTS Maloo. The interesting vehicle will be limited to just 250 units – 240 for Australia and 10 for New Zealand with first deliveries expected in November, this year. No words about pricing, yet.

The GTS Maloo comes with an aggressive exterior package including a new front bumper with LED DRLs (daytime running lights) and honeycomb mesh grille. There is also a four-tailpipe exhaust system and a set of 20” forged alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires taking care of traction. There is also a remote locking hard bed cover.

The interior boasts sport leather seats, a sport multi-functioning steering wheel and aluminum pedal set. There are also new gauges, carbon fiber trim and a MyLink infotainment system with GPS SAT NAV.

The engine is the well-known 6.2 liter LSA supercharged V8 – 585HP (430 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of toque. It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels.

Other highlights include a sports suspension, big brake system and an LSD (limited slip differential). There is also a TVS (torque vectoring system) improving the handling and reducing the understeer.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM9xYeN7hsM

Source: HSV

September 12, 2014

Peugeot 208 HYbrid Air 2L Demonstrator Achieves 141 mpg

Peugeot 208 HYbrid Air 2L Demonstrator is a vehicle capable of achieving the impressive fuel economy of 141 mpg. In addition, it also has the lowest CO2 emissions on the average, measured at just 111.2g/km. This special car will be debuting at next month’s Paris Motor Show. The 2L in its name stands for two litres per 100km. This Peugeot is based on the 208 1.2-litre PureTech 5-seater Hatchback, but obviously promises to go step further.

In order to achieve this high fuel economy, the company has utilized technologies previously reserved for competition and luxury models. First of all, the car weighs only 860 kg – this is 100 kg less than the production car. This reduction is a result of the mix of steel, aluminium and composites.

What is more, carbon composites are used for the body panels, sides, doors and roof, which also contributes towards the weight savings. The new coil springs improve the suspension. In terms of aerodynamics, the car has been also finely tuned. Many improvements were made resulting in reduced drag and of course lower stance on the road.

Some of the existing parts were redesigned. For instance, the thickness of the stainless steel exhaust system was changed, enabling a 20% improvement on this part alone. The standard powertrain has been replaced by a hybrid drive system. It includes a mix of petrol and compressed air.

In addition, the HYbrid Air technology features two types of energy to achieve perfect efficiency. Compressed air is utilized to assist and even replace the petrol engine to enable maximum efficiency during transition phases. Precisely, this system comprises of a compressed-air tank located below the boot, low-pressure tank near the rear axle acting as an expansion chamber and a hydraulic system consisting of a motor and a pump in the engine bay.

Moreover, since the hydraulic system is made of two different energy sources, bespoke epicyclic transmission delivers the best balance between them. This also allows for the utilization of automatic transmission.

In Air (ZEV) mode, the car runs on compressed air alone. This means that running under this mode, the vehicle do not consume fuel or emits any CO2. In Petrol mode, the car is driven only by the 1.2-litre petrol engine, which is suitable for travelling at a steady speed on main roads and motorways. At last, the Combined mode is designed for transition phases in urban environments, such as standing starts and acceleration, because it draws on the two energy sources in proportions adjusted to achieve maximum fuel consumption.

Source: Peugeot

September 12, 2014

2015 Subaru BRZ Special Edition

Subaru is introducing a special edition BRZ which comes with several upgrades.New for 2015 are the fin shark antena on top of the car, some improved interior elements as well as reworked suspension system to enhance the driving feel, compared to the last year. The 2015 Subaru BRZ comes in 3 trim levels: Premium, limited, and the “series blue limited edition” of which only a thousand will be made.

This 2015 Subaru comes with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, that gets up to 200 (147 kW) horsepower and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque, conjugated with a six speed manual transmission that will get you up to 30 mpg on the highway. Depending on which trim level you choose your 2015 Subaru BRZ,it comes with a number of exterior enhancements, stepping up from the premium to the limited BRZ will get you a rear deck lid spoiler. And going from the premium to the series blue, gets you awesome STI designed wheels. You can also notice an aero kit installed on the car, including the front side, the rear diffuser and the skirts that run along the side of the car

The 2015 Subaru BRZ has really been designed with the enthusiast in mind.

There is a large center mounted tachometer and also the six speed manual transmission easily within the arm’s reach. A carbon fiber trim on the dahs board with blue stitching that goes all around the interior which is exclusive to the BRZ models

One thing that I find disappointing with the BRZ is the lack of steering wheel mounted controls. However you do get a navigation and Bluetooth connectivity standard with every BRZ . Along with that when you step from the premium to the limited edition, you get heated leather seating surfaces, heated mirrors as well as key less ignition and key less entry.

Available to order, the 2015 Subaru BRZ special edition (AU-spec) will reach its customers in November.

Source: Subaru

September 12, 2014

2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Price £22,575

Mercedes-Benz UK is now offering the all-new 2015 B-Class. The pricing starts from £22,575 for the entry level model. The best-selling model from Mercedes-Benz has undergone a major facelift including exterior and interior upgrades as well as an attractive, redefined design and equipment improvements.

“As the first member of a completely new generation of compact class, for us the B-Class paved the way for great success in this vehicle segment. The pioneer is now in better shape than ever,” commented Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales.

“The B-Class is the perfect (family) car for anyone who attaches importance to practicality, comfort and safety, but at the same time doesn’t want to miss out on sportiness or driving dynamics.”, he added.

The exterior boasts a new front bumper, wide radiator trim with two ventilation inserts and new DRL (daytime running lights) in the headlamps. The rear bumper is also modified and comes with n additional chrome trim strip. LED High Performance headlamps create a more striking look, both day and night (not available for the B-Class Electric Drive).

The interior comes with premium quality materials, a more exclusive, up-to-date feel and improved individualisation. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced a number of high-quality details in the B-Class such as the large, free-standing head unit display, which is now larger, with a diagonal of up to 8”. There is a choice of 12 colours for the ambient lighting, allowing different moods to be created. KEYLESS-GO is also a new optional feature.

The engine range includes four diesel and two petrol models – B180 CDI, B180 CDI, B200 CDI and B220CDI 4MATIC for the diesel side and B180, B200 for the petrol range.

Model	B 180 CDI*	B 180 CDI ECO	B 200 CDI/**	B 220 CDI/4MATIC*
Number of cylinders/arrangement	4 in-line	4 in-line	4 in-line	4 in-line
Displacement (cc)	1461	1461	2143	2143
Rated output (hp at rpm)	109 at 4000	109 at 4000	136 at 3200-4000 [3400-4400]	177 at 3600-3800
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	260 at 1750-2500	260 at 1750-2500	300 at 1400-3000	350 at 1400-3400
Combined fuel consumption from (mpg)	68.9 (70.6)	78.5	65.6 (70.6) [56.5]	68.9 [56.5]
Combined CO₂ emissions from (g/km)	108 (104)	94	111 (104) [130]	107 [130]
Efficiency class	A (A+)	A+	A (A+) [B]	A+ [B]
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)	11.6 (11.9)	11.6	9.9 (9.8) [9.8]	8.3[8.3]
Top speed (mph)	117 (117)	117	130 (130) [128]	139 [136]

*Figures for model with 7G-DCT in round brackets, ** standard with 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission,
***figures for 4MATIC version in square brackets

All petrol models at a glance:

Model	B 180	B 200**
Number of cylinders/arrangement	4 in-line	4 in-line
Displacement (cc)	1595	1595
Rated output (hp at rpm)	122 at 5000	156 at 5300
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	200 at 1250-4000	250 at 1250-4000
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)	50.44 (52.3)	50.44 (52.3)
Combined CO₂ emissions from (g/km)	129 (125)	130 (125)
Efficiency class	B (B)	B (B)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)	9.3 (9.2)	8.6 (8.4)
Top speed (mph)	124 (124)	136 (136)

All models with alternative drive systems at a glance:

Model	B-Class Electric Drive
Number of cylinders/arrangement	–
Displacement (cc)	–
Rated output (kW/hp at rpm)	132/180
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)	340
Fuel consumption, combined, from	16.6 kWh/100 km
Combined CO₂ emissions from (g/km)	0
Efficiency class	A+
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)	7.9
Top speed mph	99

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 12, 2014

Vauxhall’s New Large Diesel Engine

A new Vauxhall master piece power train will be unveiled in the “Insignia” and “Zafria Tourer” series at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, which will be live from 4-th to the 19th of October.

A brilliant 2.0 litre diesel engine that is great to drive in long distance travel. Very smooth and quiet, you soon start forget it is even a diesel one. Impressive torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) is available from 1,750 to 2,500rpm, and maximum power of 170PS is accessed at just 3,750rpm with 14 per cent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.The new engine’s power is 85PS/ litre. Available next year, the new 2.0 CDTi is the first in a new large range of diesel engines developed by a global team of engineers. Vauxhall’s never ending focus on “sound engineering” results engine noise reduction by 5 decibels as well in minimizing noise, vibration and harshness.

Vauxhall’s newly developed “BlueInjection Selective Catalytic Reduction” system allows the engine to run as smooth as a petrol one. This 2.0-litre CDTi unit is the latest step in Vauxhall’s power train engineering , following the establishment of the all-new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol power train.

The all-new 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine will debut at next month’s 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Source: Vauxhall

September 11, 2014

Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition

Aston Martin has just unveiled the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black and Carbon White Edition. The special models are available both as a Coupe and in Volante specification.

The duo of special edition Vanquishes remain mechanically identical to the standard car. The 2015 Aston Martin Carbon White and Carbon Black Editions come up with the exact same engines: A 6.0-litre V12 which now rounds up produces 576 PS (423 kW) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. With a brand new 8-speed transmission, the 2015 Vanquish hits from 0 to 96 km/h (0 to 60 mp/h) in 3.6 seconds. That is 0.5 seconds faster than the current car model and makes the Vanquish the fastest accelerating series production Aston Martin ever. For the first time Aston Marin can surpass 320 km/h (200 mph).

A nice new package of dark-theme exterior details along with graphite painted diamond-turned alloy wheels together with black headlamp bezels, side window surrounds and textured tailpipe finishers, clear rear lamps with black surrounds.

New interior changes include Herringbone carbon fiber trim, black accents and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with black anodized speaker grilles; machined carbon sill plaques, black magnesium paddle-shifts or carbon fibre gearshift surround; satin chrome rotaries; a leather (or Alcantara) steering wheel with contrasting on-centre stitch feature; seat and door inserts in technical Plissè Alcantara and unique seat trim patterns.

Pricing of the Vanquish edition is approximately about $99,900

Source: Aston Martin

September 11, 2014

SsangYong XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure to Debut in Paris

SsangYong XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure Concepts will make a world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October. The vehicles preview what the production soon-to-be-launched X100 model will look like. Both are based on brand’s development philosophy of ‘Robust, Specialty and Premium’ and design theme of ‘Nature born – 3 Motion’. To go even further into details, the XIV stands for eXciting user-Interface Vehicle. It is part of SsangYong’s B-segment SUV series, which was shown for the first time at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt and with the most recent – the XLV, shown in Geneva this March.

There are almost no details provided by the brand around those two. What SsangYong has disclosed is the SUVs will measure 4,195 mm in length and will feature a 2,600 mm wheelbase. In addition, the XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure will be powered by either a 1.6 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engines that meet Euro 6 emission standards.

As one can see from the teaser images below, the two new concepts will offer more style, practicality and convenience for the user. Although the teaser images are pretty dark, we can get some impression for the exterior of the models. The muscular stance is evident as well as the wraparound front and rear lights, and the slim grille.

Both concepts differ in terms of alloys, with the XIV-Air having more concept-like ones. The same model features a large air intake positioned on the lower front bumper. It also sports silverfish exterior paint scheme. On the other hand, the XIV-Adventure, finished in green, has rugged and off-road appearance. It is visible that it features a roof rack and a storage compartment attached to the bootlid.

SsangYong X100 is scheduled to go on sale next year.

Source: SsangYong

September 11, 2014

Toyota Introduces Innovative Urban Utility Concept [VIDEO]

Toyota U-squared Urban Utility Concept vehicle was developed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California. The concept car will make a first public presence at World Maker Faire in New York City on 20th and 21st of September. This revolutionary vehicle includes a new open architecture and is built with innovative materials that redefine urban utility. For instance the designers have included the ability to roll back the roof, fold down the tailgate into a ramp and customize the interior on a versatile rail system.

The model was inspired by a growing innovative spirit in urban areas. Just take as an example the vehicle elements, which showcase the lifestyle and needs of an entrepreneurial city driver. Both exterior and interior are made in such way that they are intended for urban utilization.

Car’s exterior dimensions can perfectly handle bumper-to-bumper traffic, potholes and tight corners. Furthermore, this Toyota U2 concept has an extremely durable underbody and tool-like exterior. In addition, the side panels are completely customizable.

There are other distinctive design highlights such as the circular door handles and a slightly chunky proportion. The rear has a box-like design, which of course hints towards vehicle’s storage capabilities.

Other exclusive features regarding the exterior that needs to be mentioned are the roof panels that retract open, the rear glass that can slide into the tailgate, the tailgate that folds down into a ramp and the protective and replaceable ridges on tailgate.

Inside, the concept is as customizable as the outside. At the center of the design philosophy stood the outdoor activities, which involve gear and equipment. As a result, this made the Toyota U2 concept a flexible, functional gadget that owners can model according to their needs.

For instance, the retractable utility bar can be used as a holding a desk or grocery bag hooks. The side windows flip up for easy access from roadside. Other key interior highlights include a versatile utility rail system configurable which can hold everything from baskets to bike stands and the ability to fold and remove the front passenger seat. Toyota also created a fold-up rear seating, unique shifter design with intuitive switch for parking, drive and reverse mode.

Toyota U-squared Urban Utility Concept vehicle has the size of a compact car. However, it also incorporates the functionality of a compact truck and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It also delivers good fuel economy, maneuverability in city environments as well as easy loading and unloading.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfKeLto3v60

Video Source: YouTube
Source: Toyota

September 11, 2014

DMC “Extrem” Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes G-Class, formerly know as the G-Wagen is a traditional tough off-roader. It hasn’t changed much since its release back in 1979. The company sets for a new beginning with the launch of Mercedes Benz G500/G65 AMG program.

A redesigned vented front hood had to be added because of the new monstrous new engine with its doubled performance from 385 hp (285 kW) to the unbelievable 700 hp (515 kW). There are, for now 2 different engines. One is a 5.5 litre bi turbo petrol V.8 which can reach from 0 to 62 mp/h (100 km/h) in less than 5 seconds. And there is the second engine which is a 3.0 litre V.6 diesel which accelerates from 0 to 62 mp/h (100 km/h) in 9 seconds.

Round headlamps and turning indicators are placed right on top of the headlamps. The body panels appear strong. DMC comes with a variety of alloy wheels. Sizes range from 23” to 25”. Dimensions are 305/30/23 but can be re-adjusted.

At the off-road is where the G-class exceeds any other. It has massive ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles; there is also a low-range mode and three way lockable differential to help stabilize the car when driving on slippery surface.

The G-class is spacious and convenient for carrying a lot of luggage. The trunk is huge and it’s square shape only adds practicality and even more space. Moreover, the backseats can be fold down which opens up additional space.

The cabin has been polished up so it can have efficient luxury to appeal to its new target markets: Asia and Middle East. It can be acquired with lots of modern equipment. All the safety features are included that can be found on all modern cars. Rear seat entertainment digital screens and radio. Three average size adults can fit on the rear sits with ease with comfortable headroom. Central locking engages once the vehicle accelerates. The interior can be tailor made with Carbon Fiber materials or with extremely rare Ostrich and Stingray leathers.

What I don’t like about the tailgate, is that its pain to open in tight spaces with the spare wheel on the back it makes it really heavy. Getting inside the car is proving to be a challenge. You have to make a big leap to get yourself in and it does not get easier , the running board is sticking out which allows a lot of dirt and mud to be brought inside the car, not to mention the need of strong thumbs to operate the integrated handles. Considering how big the G-class is, the knee room does not allow a lot of space and stretching is really hard to do.

The car is not exactly responsive. This is because of the low gearing of the steering. It tricks you into thinking it is a sports car because of the way it accelerates. It’s dangerous to make sudden emergency maneuver because then you get the feeling you are more like a tractor rather then a racing car. Another downfall is that on high degree corners, the G-class leans and becomes unstable.

Source: Mercedes-benz

September 11, 2014

Reckless Driving in the City [video]

Is there better way to disturb a quiet peaceful morning in the city than driving irrationally your BMW M3 E92? The following video shows us a reckless driving “talent” cruising around in the city limits, arrogantly ignoring all laws about safety driving. Avoiding every one and everything by luck, he demonstrates how NOT to drive inside the city. The reckless driver’s license plate can be clearly seen in the video, therefore, adequate actions are supposed to be taken by the authorities to track him down and start a driving license deprivation procedure.

This BMW M3 E92 specs are: Equipped with V.8 cylinder petrol engine with indirect fuel injection system, along with a manual transmission gearbox of 6 speeds. Top speed is exactly 250 km/h (155 Mph), accelerating form 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.8 s. Maximum output is 420HP (414 bhp) (309 kW) at 8,300 rpm with a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,900 rpm.

This reminds us of the infamous, amazingly skilled street drifter Giorgi Tevzadze, who lost his life not long ago in a tragic accident while being the passenger in a drift race.

Although entertaining and fun, street racing is undoubtedly too dangerous for both the street drifters and for the rest of the drivers, even more the innocent pedestrians. This kind of racing must be conducted only on the race track. There, the adrenaline junkies can freely drive to the limits, with only the difference that they are threatening their own lifes alone, and maybe crashing a nice car.

Drifting on public roads is illegal!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9vaZy5MNCY

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpAzXqIcWzc

September 11, 2014

2016 Mazda MX-5 to be Presented at the Paris Motor Show

2016 Mazda MX-5 MKIV roadster is to be the star of Mazda’s Paris Motor Show exhibit, where it will make its official European premiere. The event will happen between 4th and 19th of October, where Mazda will also display the Mazda3, Mazda6 and the Mazda CX-5 models. The new MX-5 was revealed just a few days ago and showed its stunning cutting-edge technology and timeless charm. The MKIV Mazda MX-5 is expected to give another boost to the successful Japanese brand.

The latest edition of the best-selling two-seater roadster is the sportiest one ever created by the company. It fully embodies the striking rendition of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, thus exuding exuberance and expressing car’s agility.

The new model also expresses the exciting experience that awaits every driver behind the wheel. In keeping with the tradition, the cabin is snug yet comfortable, and it also includes modern convenient technologies. Just to name two: MZD Connect smartphone connectivity system and i-ACTIVSENSE. What is more, the 2016 MX-5 also sports Mazda’s innovative line-up of active safety technology.

Under the bonnet of this jewel lies high-compression SKYACTIV-G petrol engine that drives the rear wheels. In addition, the specially-developed SKYACTIV-Chassis delivers the most advanced Jinba Ittai driver-and-car-as-one experience yet.

Of course, the latest MX-5 retains the same charm, reliability, affordability and lightweight fun of the original model, which was launched exactly 25 years ago. This is the most compact model of any previous generations and it is more than 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. More details on the 2016 Mazda MX-5 are expected to be announced during its official premiere.

Source: Mazda

September 11, 2014

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