Automobiles Review – Page 515 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Fiat 500L Vans Concept Shown At Huntington Beach

Fiat 500L Vans is a design concept which is currently on display at Huntington Beach in California. The company has once again teamed up with the Vans US Open of Surfing and the result is this unique 500L. The attendees at the stand will also see and interact with the full Fiat portfolio. This means that they will enjoy the models such as the Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio, the 4-door 500L Trekking, and the electric Fiat 500e. The visitors will also have the chance to receive giveaways like Wayfarer sunglasses, branded shoelaces as well as other branded items.

The special Fiat 500L Concept is inspired by Vans and has been exclusively designed and created for the event. The car matches the spirit and playfulness of both teams. The grille of this concept vehicle has four rings of LED headlights which are also open in their centers. Underneath them is mounted couple of fog-lights.

Furthermore, the Vans Concept is decided in three-tone color scheme. The dark blue color can be seen along car’s bottom. The white paint finish has been used for the biggest part of the body, while the light blue shade is used for the hood. The last color can be also seen on the tops of the doors as well as the mirror caps.

Checkerboard pattern which is something iconic for Fiat has been utilized for the roof. In addition, at the top of the car there is a rack added to support two surfboards and additional gear. Inside, the interior is literally Vans inspired, due to the extensive use of company’s stickers added on the dashboard. The seats are made from canvas, while the waffle sole tread pattern is utilized for the pedals and storage bins.

This concept is driven by the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 160 horsepower (118 kW). It is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

In addition to the vehicles on the sand, the brand’s popular water-bound FIAT-skis will be back surfing the waves of Huntington Beach. At the event, the professional surfer Brianna Cope will be signing autographs. 2014 Vans US Open of Surfing is running till the 3rd of August.

Source: Fiat

July 28, 2014

DMC Lamborghini Huracan LP630-4 Affari [teaser]

DMC has released another set of teaser images of their latest project based on our new favorite sports car – Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4. The tuning company is going to officially unveil the “Affari” soon, but until then here are some further details.

The exterior boasts a complete aerodynamics package including a modified front bumper with big air ducts. There are also new carbon fiber GT splitters and aero-fins. In fact, the look reminds a lot to the powerful and aggressive Aventador. Other components include a pair of new wide side skirts (also from carbon fiber) and a huge rear wing. Last, but not least is the modified rear bumper and a different diffuser.

Lamborghini Huracan is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 – 610HP (448 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). The model also has an engine start/stop system which enables the car to average 12.5 L/100km (18.8 mpg US / 22.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 290 g/km. The engine is connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

DMC is going to fit a new sports exhaust system as well as tuned electronics. The result is additional 20HP and around 30Nm.

As a last touch, DMC has fitted the sports car with a set of enormous forged alloy wheels – 8.5J x 20” at the front and 12J x 21” at the rear fitted with 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR21 high-performance tyres.

Source: DMC

July 28, 2014

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Goes On Sale

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a five-seater, plug-in hybrid, delivering zero emissions while on the run. The car will go on sale from the beginning of August and all deliveries are expected to happen from January next year. The electric power of this vehicle makes it possible to achieve 176.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 37g/km. It has a combined output of 204 hp (150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of system torque. In addition, the car is capable of reaching the 100 km/h from standstill in just 7.6 seconds. The Vmax here is 137 mph. What is also important to mention is that A3 Sportback e-tron furthermore can travel up to 31 miles under purely electric power and speed of 81 mph, while its total range is of up to 584 miles.

This spacious five-door hatchback is driven by the combination of the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an electric motor. The modified unit has a peak power output of 150 hp (110 kW) and it is connected by a clutch to a 75 kW electric motor. The latter is integrated into a six-speed S tronic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. As already mentioned the combined power of those two units is 204 hp (150 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

There are several ways for managing vehicle’s response. Precisely, four key settings take car for this: the EV mode, which gives priority to electric drive; the hybrid auto mode that is perfect for long journeys; the hybrid hold mode that keeps electrical energy stored in the battery for later use; and the hybrid charge mode, which utilizes the combustion engine as a generator to charge the battery.

When the driver chooses a particular mode it appears on the powermeter’s display in the instrument cluster. There can also be seen system’s overall output and the battery charge, the operating ranges and consumption figures.

Audi has implemented in this car its ultra lightweight construction philosophy. The result is that the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron weighs only 1,540 kilograms. Furthermore, it features comprehensive additional equipment such as LED headlights and daytime running lights, special ‘turbine design’ 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, MMI navigation plus with hard drive-based mapping and Audi connect online services.

There are two charging leads developed for the A3 Sportback e-tron. The first one is appropriate for public charging points, while the second one – for domestic use. The charge status of the A3 Sportback e-tron can be also monitored via smartphone with the e-tron app. More importantly, using a domestic socket it takes four hours to fully charge the battery of the car. When a wallbox is connected or a public charge point is used, the charging time is reduces to two hours and fifteen minutes.

2015 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has a starting price of £34,950.

Source: Audi

July 28, 2014

2014 Ford Territory for Australia

Ford Australia has published an image of the production version of the 2014 Territory facelift. The SUV will be produced specially for Australia and will be available with a choice of two engines and several trim levels.

The manufacturer didn’t release further details, but the image of the range-topping Titanium version will feature a new front grille as well as a redesigned bumper. Ford Australia has also confirmed that there are no changes at the rear.

The engine range will include a 4.0 liter in-line six-cylinder petrol engine and a V6 TDCI turbodiesel comprising more than 50 % of the model’s sales. The 2014 Ford Territory is expected to hit the dealerships in the end of this year and further details will be unveiled in the next few weeks as well as the pricing.

Ford Australia has also revealed the G6E version of the Falcon model. It will be the most luxurious in the range and will be sold alongside the XR6 and XR8 models. 2014 Ford Falcon XR8 will be offered with a choice of three engines: EcoBoost, V6 or V8 petrol. It comes with a number of upgrades including revised exterior and interior.

XR’s slim headlights deliver high-end technical look and include ‘hockey stick’-style LED daytime running lamps. In addition, the lens reflectors also get distinctive “XR” shields and there are also unique fog lamp bezels.

Source: Ford

July 28, 2014

McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept To Debut At Pebble Beach

McLaren P1 GTR, the track focused model, was teased more than a month ago, Now the concept is shown in a sketch form, but gives us better idea of what this vehicle will look like. The P1 based GTR concept will be shown at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance at the McLaren Brand Centre on the 18th Fairway at the Pebble Beach Lodge on 15th August. The public debut will happen at the Pebble Beach Concept Lawn over the course of the weekend.

The car was created as a response to requests from buyers. They wanted the road legal McLaren P1 to have a track focused edition. This new McLaren model will deliver even greater levels of performance, grip, aerodynamics and downforce than the road car.

The car will include big range of technology features and will be driven by a powertrain that is promised to produce an intended power output of 1,000 PS (986 hp). Furthermore, the car will run on race-proven slick tyres and will feature more aggressive and distinctive styling.

McLaren P1 GTR will go into production in June 2015. This will mark the completion of the 375th and final example of the road-legal car, and two decades from the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans win by the legendary McLaren F1 GTR.

P1 GTR has been priced at £1.98 million. Each unit will be individually tailored. The exact number of the track-focused model is still to be determined, but it is certain that it will be strictly limited.

Source: McLaren

July 28, 2014

mbDESIGN Audi R8 5.2 liter V10

mbDesign has unveiled their latest project based on the stylish sports car – Audi R8. It comes with several nice styling features like a full wrapping in the F16 Arctic Aggressor fighter jet, a set of new wheels and improved stance.

The exclusive mbDESIGN KV1 rims are finished in dull gray with camouflage rim bed – 9J x 20” ET34 at the front with 235/30 ZR20 tires and 12J x 20” with 305/25ZR20 Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires at the rear. While the “normal” concave version of the KV1 is used on the front axle, the “deep concave“ variation provides an impressive disposition on the rear axle with its particularly distinctive concavity. The ride height is lowered thanks to a new coilover sunspension kit. It improves not only the stance, but the handling as well.

Other highlights include a new front apron with carbon front splitter as well as side skirts and side blades from the V10 model. The rear was also completely redesigned with an original GT carbon rear wing, an original GT carbon rear panel and a custom full-carbon trunk cover.

The interior features original GT carbon fiber package and Bang&Olufsen premium sound system.
The 2009 Audi R8 V8 is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 FSI – 420HP (310 kW). 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 301 km/h (187 mph). The engine received a high-flow K&N motorsports air filter and an ECU re-map. There is also a new Capristo stainless steel exhaust system with electronic valve control. The result is additional 33HP (17 kW).

Source: Audi

July 25, 2014

ATS Reveals Lightweight Leggera Roadster

Lightweight Leggera Roadster - Front Angle ATS Leggera is red and fast open-top two-seater and it is made in Italia. Yes, ATS has nothing to do with Cadillac, but stands for Automobili Turismo e Sport. This is an Italian automaker that has been created in the 1960’s by former Ferrari staffers. ATS Leggera Roadster is born with the idea to revive the concept of Italian sports cars which were famous back in 50s and 60s. These vehicles are still kept dear and alive in the memories of millions of fans.

This model is the first one to include a front midcenter positioned engine in order to optimize weight distributions. They are rated at 50% -50% between front and rear axles. It has a stainless steel tubular frame chassis with large diameter tubes, but its architecture is made of lightweight materials. The result is that the overall weight of the car is 650 kg.

In addition, the suspension is double wishbone with adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers. The Italian automaker also offers an optional kit. The hubs are machined from solid aluminum, while the brake system includes 6-piston calipers at the front and rear and ventilated discs.

ATS Leggera is driven by two versions of the Turbo 1600 engine. The power of 210cv and 240CV determine the two versions – the 300 and 365 Leggera. The top version is offered as standard with selectable dual map Road / Race and launch control.

The engine is coupled with a five-speed manual reinforced transmission. There is also available a streightcut gearbox and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The basic version of the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 km/h. It runs on 16″ alloy wheels which are offered as standard.

Inside, this ATS includes bespoke leather seats, wooden steering wheel, and Smiths instrument panel centrally located. There are also 3-point seat belts, adjustable aluminium pedalbox with brake balance knob as option, a shift knob and an aluminum fuel cap, chrome mirrors, aluminum switches, LED rear lights, front and rear anti-roll bars, stainless steel fuel tank and solid painting.

Source: ATS Autosport

July 25, 2014

Fiat Shows The New Freemont Cross [video]

2015 Fiat Freemont Cross has been officially unveiled. The Italian manufacturer has also announced that the new model is just a rebadged Dodge Journey Crossroad.

There are two engines in the range : a 140HP (103 kW) 2.0 MultiJet II engine connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive and a 2.0 liter MultiJet with power of 170HP (125 kW). Both engines are available in a 4×2 version with manual gearbox, but only the powerful can be opted with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The new all-wheel-drive system features an electronic control unit which uses sensors to measure the grip of the four wheels and to transfer torque to the rear wheels if needed.

Outside, the 2015 Freemont Cross comes with a new front bumper with chrome platinum colour inset, glossy black front grille and frame and fog lamps. There are also side skirts with platinum chrome finish and roof bar extends in the same color as well as a black frame to the front and rear light clusters. Last but not least is the under-body armor and a set of 19″ five-spoke alloy wheels finished in black.

The interior features an 8.4″ chscreen satellite navigation system, a DVD player and a SD slot. In addition, buyers will get Bluetooth connection, rear parking sensors and an Alpine Premium sound system with 6 speakers, 368 W amplifier and subwoofer.

Source : Fiat

July 25, 2014

Subaru Teases New WRX S4 Sports Sedan

Subaru has released the first teaser image of brand new model called WRX S4, which will be exclusively distributed throughout Japan. The car will be unveiled exactly in one month. In addition, for this occasion the company has launched a special website to reveal the first picture and later in the coming days – additional information. You can visit is just by clicking here.

The all-new sports sedan will be introduced in Japan on 25th of August 25. The WRX S4 will have Subaru’s top All-Wheel Drive (AWD) sports performance characteristics. It will also achieve unique overall safety performance with equipment included like the next-generation EyeSight.

The brand also announced that the model will deliver superior environmental friendliness, meaning that it will probably achieve great fuel efficiency, as well as offer high-quality feel. By fusing these values and putting the attention on the AWD system as a core attribute, the WRX S4 is set to achieve new attainments.

The vehicle will enable more drivers to get the maximum of its superb driving performance and in the same time will also offer greater safety and comfort. In fact, the S4 stands for the four attributes of the car: “Sports performance”, “Safety performance”, “Smart driving” and “Sophisticated feel”.

Source: Subaru

July 25, 2014

Maxi-Tuner MINI Cooper S F56

Maxi-Tuner has unveiled performance package for the new MINI Cooper S. The hot hatchback comes with a number of upgrades including both – styling and performance modifications.

The exterior boasts a set of Schmidt Shift rims – 8J x 18” fitted with Goodyear tires in size 215/35 R18. There is also a set of lowering sport springs improving not only the stance, but the handling as well. The lowering springs are provided by H&R.

The 2015 MINI Cooper S is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 192HP (141 kW) at 4,700RPM and 300Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). Maxi-Tuner boosts the small engine to 220HP (162 kW) and 340Nm (252 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph).

The tuning specialists also provide different tail pipe designs for the regular exhaust system as well as a valve sports exhaust system or a cup exhaust system. The valve system can be licensed through individual technical inspection directly in Maxi-Tuner’s workshop. The cup version is meant solely for export or usage on the race track, because of the extreme noise.

The prices

Performance boost package: €899

Exhaust systems: from €699

Wheel set: from €1,498

Lowering spring set: €279

Source: Maxi-Tuner

July 25, 2014

Honda CR-V crowned as most reliable SUV

Honda-CR-V-2014_thumb Honda-CR-V-2014_651

Everyone wants to have a reliable car – after all you would want to have a car that is cheap to maintain and that will give you driving pleasure, taking you anywhere, instead of making you spend tons of cash and waste time in car repair shops. Well, the British Which? Car web site has made your choice a bit easier by naming the Honda CR-V the most reliable SUV for year 2014.

The model in particular that has earned this prize is the 4 x 4 Honda CR-V 2.2 i-VTEC model up to three years old. The car has zero reported breakdowns, average annual repair costs of just GBP 10 and an overall reliability score of 98.5% over a 12-month period.

Impressed? If yes, this is not everything – the Honda CR-V shines with 0.14 faults reported compared to 0.88 for the worst performing in its category and 0.11 days off the road with the worst performing recording an average of 1.09 days. The survey has covered 49 000 owners and some 58 000 cars over a twelve month period.

Leon Brannan, Head of Cars for Honda (UK) comments: “It’s fantastic to see Honda’s excellent reputation for reliability recognised yet again, particularly from a name as respected and trusted as Which?. It’s also really useful to get feedback from customers living with their Hondas day in, day out, as this gives us insight which we can use to continually maintain our high levels of service.”

The latest addition to the Honda CR-V line – the 1.6-liter i-DTEC vehicle – proves the quality, refinement, comfort and reliability of the brand. This car can cover up to 800 miles (1287 km) on a single tank of fuel and its CO2 emissions are just 119 g/km, which means that in the UK the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC qualifies for zero road tax for the first year and a road tax that can be as low as GBP 30 thereafter.

Source: Honda UK

July 25, 2014

SsangYong offers 3-year free servicing for select models

SsangYong-Rexton-W_thumb SsangYong-Rexton-W_651

The Korean automaker SsangYong has announced a 3-year free servicing offer that covers all Rexton W models purchased during the months of August and September 2014. More specifically the offer is about the 4×4 Rexton W SX, EX and EX automatic models and covers the CSX commercial, registered by September 30 this year. Add the market leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty that SsangYong offers and you will have complete peace of mind when driving such a car.

The SsangYong Rexton W is a vehicle that is built on a steel ladder chassis and that offers a 3-tonne towing capacity, yet at the same time the car carries equipment that will make you feel comfortable. Owners can expect to find cruise control, air conditioning, electrically operated and heated door mirrors and a CD/RDS radio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Rexton W is powered by a SsangYong 2.0-liter Euro 5 turbo-charged e-XDi200 diesel engine that delivers maximum power of 155 HP (114 kW) at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 360 Nm (265 lb.-ft.). The vehicle is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission and offers a frame construction for maximum strength and double wishbone and coil spring suspension to the front. A five-link rigid axle with coil springs is situated at the rear.

In the UK a SsangYong Rexton W can be obtained for GBP 21 995 – GBP 25 995. Some dealers also offer 0% finance to certain applicants aged 18 and over.

Source: SsangYong

July 25, 2014

Blog