Automobiles Review – Page 520 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Dongfeng Nissan Introduces Venucia R30

Venucia is an entirely new brand which enters its fourth production model called R30 at the Chinese market. Venucia is a product of the Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV). The R30’s development was based on Nissan’s global platform and will be specifically built for the Chinese market. R30 aims to attract buyers in terms of affordability and quality.

Its cockpit is generous: it has a wheelbase of 2450 mm and exterior dimensions of 3775 x 1665 x 1530 mm. The car is powered by the 1.2-liter HR12DE engine. It is powerful but at the same time has similar fuel consumption to most of its peers, which have 1.0-liter engines. Furthermore, the R30 is agile enough delivering a minimum turning radius of 4.5 m. In addition, it features a stable suspension and chassis.

Venucia R30 is based on the Micra model. It has been given brand new luxury dashboard, new steering wheel, console with instruments and different centre consol. Nevertheless, the circular AC vents and the basic layout are the same as Nissan’s model.

Furthermore, the car gets seats with integrated headrests, dual front airbags and a music system. The exterior silhouette of the R30 is similar to this of Mirca. However, there are some substantial changes done to the front and rear fascias.

The brand name Venucia is very special and its name is derived from the ancient Roman goddess “Venus”. Her functions encompassed love, beauty, fertility and prosperity. The five stars of the brand logo represent company’s five promises. They are the following: respect to customers, creation of value, always doing the best, achieving world-class quality and constantly seeking the dream.

Source: Nissan

July 21, 2014

BMW X5 F15 M50d vs Range Rover Sport – Drag [video]

Here is an interesting test made from Cars.co.za between BMW X5 F15 M50d and the latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged. Although, there is a huge power gap between the two vehicles, it is quite fascinating to see them in a drag race.

2014 BMW X5 F15 M50d is powered by the world’s most powerful diesel – 3.0 liter three-turbocharged with 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power through xDrive AWD. 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). What is more, the big SAV is able to achieve 42.2 mpg UK – 6.7 liters / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport Supercharged comes with a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine – 510HP (375 kW) and 625Nm (463 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The average fuel consumption is 13.8 liters / 100 km.

So, both vehicles accelerate to 100 km/h in the same time, but after that the Range Rover Sport is a lot faster, because of its 129HP advantage.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSMxYS6h2tw

Source: Cars.co.za via Youtube

July 21, 2014

Chris Pratt To Drive Chevrolet SS Pace Car At Brickyard

The official Chevrolet SS Pace Car at the Brickyard has been unveiled next to the news that it will be driven by the actor Chris Pratt. His latest film – “Guardians of the Galaxy” will soon have its premiere. The actor disclosed that it is a “dream-come-true” for him to drive the official pace car at the race. The John Wayne Walding 400 at the Brickyard will take place on Sunday, 27th of July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The SS is Chevrolet’s first V-8 rear-wheel-drive performance sedan built since 1996. It is driven by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8 engine, which produces 415 horsepower (305 kW) and 562 Nm (415 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles positioned on the steering wheel.

The Crown Royal Presents the John Wayne Walding 400 is part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Chevrolet has a long history of pacing races specifically at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has delivered pace cars for every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race since 1994.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of NASCAR racing. Furthermore, Chevrolet has entered the SS as its race car in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition from the last year. Back then, behind the steering wheel sat Jimmie Johnson. Chevrolet has also won 11 consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the Brickyard. In addition, it has also won 15 of 20 races in the overall history of the Brickyard 400.

The company will also pace every race during the Kroger Super Weekend (July 25-27) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next to the SS, other pace car Chevrolets will be: Camaro ZL1 in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, Corvette convertible in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and Camaro 1LE in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Source: Chevrolet

July 21, 2014

BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition – Price €83,000

BMW has unveiled a new special 2-Series M235i Track Edition in the Netherlands. The small coupe combines superior driving dynamics with a strong appearance and high quality. It boasts a number of upgrades improving the road behavior as well as the comfort of the driver.

The exterior boasts a complete ///M-Performance body kit including a new front splitter, a pair of revised side skirts and a new rear diffuser housing a stainless steel sports exhaust system. Other highlights include a black front grille, a trunk-mounted lip spoiler and a set of 19” lightweight alloy wheels fitted with low-profile performance tires.

The interior also comes with a number of ugprades – a set of aluminum pedals, a carbon fiber handbrake with Alcantara upholstery and an Alcantara-wrapped sport steering wheel with a race display providing information like lap times, temperature, shifting moment, etc.

2014 BMW 2-Series M235i Track Edition is powered by the well-known 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine – 326HP (240 kW) and 450Nm (322 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically-limited.

BMW will limit the production to just 12 units with pricing starting from whopping €83,000.

Source: BMW

July 21, 2014

Skoda Launches Eight New Black Editions

Skoda is introducing to the market eight new models all together. And we are not speaking about entirely new, never seen before, vehicles, but about the current Black Editions. These are striking and well equipped limited edition models, which are available on every one model in Skoda’s line-up: everything from Citigo to Superb. The Black Editions are based on the abundantly-specified SE trim, and they can have either black or white exterior paint scheme. The models Citigo, Roomster and Rapid will be offered only in black exterior paint.

These Black Edition vehicles additionally improve the cutting-edge contemporary style of the entire range of Skoda’s passenger cars. The enhancements included in the cars varies by model, but examples of the equipment feature black alloy wheels, additional black exterior styling details, sunset privacy glass, ‘Amundsen’ satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, full leather upholstery, cruise control, floor mats and metallic and pearl effect paint.

The most popular Skoda Octavia also gets a Black Edition. It will be available in both Hatch and Estate body styles. Furthermore, the company will offer it with a choice of two engines. The first one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR which is coupled with a manual/DSG transmission, and produces 140 horsepower (103 kW). The second one is the 2.0-litre TDI CR mated to the same transmission, but producing 170 horsepower (125 kW).

The range of Black Editions features the following models: Citigo, Fabia, Roomster, Rapid, Rapid Spaceback, Octavia, Superb and Yeti.

Source: Skoda

July 21, 2014

2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan vs E30 M3 DTM – Hockenheim [video]

Sport Autohas published a nice video with an epic battle between the latest 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan and the classic E30 M3 DTM. There is a huge 22-year gap between the production dates of the two models, but the old racing car is faster than F80 M3. 2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan closed a lap around Hockenheim in 1 minute and 13.1 seconds, while the E30 M3 DTM needed just 1 minute and 9 seconds.

2014 BMW M3 Sedan is powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 is able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.

BMW E30 M3 DTM was driven by the former race pilot Johnny Cecotto, while the M3 F80 was driven by Sport Auto’s journalist – Christian Gebhardt. Alberto “Johnny” Cecotto is one of the few drivers who managed to compete in motorcycling, Formula 1, DTM, Formula Two, BTCC and Le Mans. The multi-talented pilot is currently supporting the racing career of his son – Johny Cecotto Jr.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pApuVB_UHg

Source: Sportauto

July 21, 2014

2015 Ford Expedition comes with EcoBoost engine, advanced technology

Ford Motor Company has announced the 2015 Ford Expedition full-size utility vehicle for everyone that wants capability, class-leading maximum cargo space in the extended length version and the latest automotive technologies.

Ford has something to boast with – the car company says that the 2015 Ford Exhibition is the most powerful and fuel-efficient Expedition ever with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and a SelectShift six-speed transmission under the hood. The vehicle also comes with some advanced technologies that include electric power-assisted steering, a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, SYNC with available MyFord Touch, and continuously controlled damping to give drivers control of ride performance.

“Customers still have a need for a traditional full-size utility vehicle and the new 2015 Expedition delivers what those customers are looking for,” said Keith Wilson, Expedition marketing manager. “These are Ford’s more affluent customers who won’t compromise – they want space, performance, comfort and capability all in one impressive package.”

The new 2015 Ford Expedition comes with numerous improvements, one of which includes increased engine torque, better fuel efficiency, an independent rear suspension and more. The 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine will be the only one to be offered in North America. The unit will deliver 365 HP (268 kW) and 420 lb-ft (567 Nm) of torque. The machine is also capable of towing up to 9200 pounds (4177 kilograms) – a fact that will make the 2015 Ford Expedition a useful vehicle for many people under many circumstances. The new 2015 Ford Expedition will also be the first Ford nameplate to offer a continuously controlled damping suspension that allows drivers to select among three drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. Thanks to 46 integrated sensors the continuously controlled damping technology analyzes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and reacts accordingly to help control wheel and body motions so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.

The list of improvements continues with Ford’s new and innovative electric power-assisted steering that gives drivers improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds while at the same time saving fuel. Customers will enjoy unprecedented levels of quietness thanks to a host of changes that include improved seals on the body and reduced air leaks by 20 per cent. New sound dampening material in the cabin pillars also improves quietness. The center console also makes use of this material for even lower levels of unwanted road and engine noise. The interior noise gets reduced too thanks to the usage of acoustic glass in the windshield.

The new 2015 Ford Expedition will be offered in four versions – XLT, Limited, Ranch and Platinum and King Ranch. This means customers can select from the sporty XLT; the confident, elegant Limited; the sophisticated, urban Platinum; or the rural, rugged King Ranch. Each series has unique finishes specially selected to reflect the lifestyle and desires of the customer. For example, Expedition Limited features refined yet traditional finishes, while Platinum colors and material finishes are fresh and sophisticated.

The 2015 Ford Expedition will be commercially available later this year. No word on pricing as of now.

Source: Ford Motor Company

July 18, 2014

2015 Sonata officially rated as very safe

Korean automobiles are usually regarded as cheap alternatives to German and Japanese cars but quite often they win prestigious awards here and there. This is now the case of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, which has been officially rated as one of the safest cars on the road today. This recognition comes from none other but the US Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), which has named the 2015 Sonata “2014 Top Safety Pick+”.

Just a quick look at the car will convince you that this is indeed the case. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata comes with a host of active safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Collision Warning and rear parking sensors. All these technologies bring a new level of safety and refinement to the midsize sedan category.

“The TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation recognizes state-of-the-art safety,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is not only engineered to protect people when crashes happen, but with its optional forward collision warning system rated basic in our tests, this car can help drivers avoid some of the most common kinds of collisions altogether.”

“Occupant safety is at the forefront of Hyundai design and engineering,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ recognition reinforces our dedication to occupant safety, and integrating our accident prevention technologies makes the 2015 Sonata one of the safest midsize sedans on the market today.”

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata also offers a number of additional technologies that include Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure indicators and Electronic Stability Control. The car, however, comes with no new engines. In the USA customers can choose between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 185 HP (136 kW) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 274 HP (201 kW) of power. The car also has a six-speed automatic transmission for both models and more versions of it are expected soon.

In the USA you can have the 2015 Hyundai Sonata for as little as USD 17 870.

Source: Hyundai

July 18, 2014

2014 Smart ForTwo vs 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Crash Test

Here is a very interesting video featuring the new 2014 Smart ForTwo and the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class. They are involved in a head-collision crash test proving that the small car, which is half of the weight of the big saloon is just as safe as the S-Class.

2014 Smart ForTwo is even more safe than the legal requirements. In some points in terms of safety, the small city car exceeds the Euro NCAP regulations. This was demonstrated by a recent in-house offset crash against a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The impact speed is 50 km/h with 50 % overlap and the Smart offers its two passengers an intact occupant space and excellent chances of survival.

After all, the new Smart ForTwo has undergone the same development programme as, for example, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Daimler’s 75 years of safety expertise and smart’s 21 years of expertise in building small cars have gone into the safety concept of the new smart generation.

You can see, how the main frame of the 2014 Smart ForTwo is virtually intact and the doors can be opened without additional devices used in heavily crashed vehicles.

Of course, the new Smart doesn’t have so much crumple zones as the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan, but still offers impressive passenger protection.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v708z67ALww

Source: Mercedes-Benz

July 18, 2014

Porsche Macan and Boxster – Auto Express Awards

2015 Porsche Macan has been rewarded by Auto Express New Car Awards. It won in the category – Best Compact SUV, while the sporty Boxster received the Best Roadster Award – for the third year in a row.

The Macan is the first Porsche to enter the compact SUV segment and combines the typical handling characteristics like excellent acceleration, braking and extreme agility. The fast crossover also boasts a nice steering precision as well as a high level of comfort and everyday suitability.

“Turn into a corner and the Macan responds with the same athleticism and poise as the mid-engined Cayman….Better still, you get the same perfectly-weighted controls that fizz with feedback. Amazingly, the Porsche is as capable off the beaten track as on it. The permanent four-wheel drive serves up near-unbreakable traction. Yet none of these remarkable dynamic feats comes at the expense of the Macan’s abilities as a desirable family runaround.”, commented Auto Express editorial team.

On the other hand, Porsche Boxster boasts a unique lightweight body, charismatic flat-six engines, sharp chassis responses and evolutionary yet utterly distinctive styling. It defines what an open-top sports car should be. Core to its enduring appeal is the mid-engined layout that delivers poise and balance combined with precise, agile handling.

“There are few cars we’d choose to go for a cross country blast in ahead of the Porsche Boxster. It has poise and power by the bucketload, yet it’s also tremendously comfortable to use as a daily driver. Best of all, for the performance on offer it’s seriously good value.”, the editorial team clearly agreed.

Source: Porsche

July 18, 2014

Ford Mustang Engine Range Announced. Most Powerful V8 Produces 435 Horsepower

2015 Ford Mustang includes an optional engine the upgraded 435 horsepower V8. Other engines in the range include the standard 300 horsepower V6, and the brand-new 310 horsepower EcoBoost. Every powertrain can be coupled with either a manual or automatic transmission. The addition of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine brings turbocharging to musclecar’s powertrain lineup. This unit was specifically designed for the new edition Mustang and delivers not only excellent performance but also great levels of fuel efficiency.

Next to the 310 horsepower (228 kW) the car also produces 434 Nm (320 lb-ft) of torque. EcoBoost takes advantage of direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging thus producing big-engine power and torque with enhanced fuel economy.

Furthermore, this new engine is the first to utilize a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger. The result will be quicker boost response and at the same time lower emissions and better efficiency. The cylinder head include integrated exhaust manifold.

The latter divides the inner and outer pairs of cylinders into each of the two inlet passages to the turbo. In addition, this also eliminates mixing losses and optimizes the pulse energy to the turbine wheel. All in all, the overall result is quicker turbine spin-up and torque delivery.

The separated exhaust ports also extend the time of the exhaust valves in which they stay open. This reduces pumping losses and also minimizes fuel consumption. Enhancements to the Mustang EcoBoost engine include: forged-steel crankshaft, piston-cooling jets, steel piston ring carriers, premium bearing materials, upgraded valve seat materials, forged-steel connecting rods, high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block with ladder-frame bearing caps and deep-sump, die-cast aluminum oil pan.

The must powerful unit in the 2015 Mustang is the V8 engine. The 5.0-liter unit has undergone many upgrades which help it work better in higher speeds. The key of the enhanced power and torque lies in the air which gets into the cylinders and exhaust.

In details, the focus in the development of the potent V8 features larger intake and exhaust valves, revised intake and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs that ensure valves close completely at high rpm, new cylinder head casting, sinter forged connecting rods that are lighter and more durable for high-rpm operation, redesigned piston tops and rebalanced forged crankshaft that support higher-rpm operation. The result is impressing: an output of 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb.-ft.) of torque.

Each of the three engines in the range can be mated to an entirely manual gearbox or refined automatic transmission. The manual gearshift has a new shift linkage design and is positioned closer to the driver.

The other option is the SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission that includes wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts as a standard. It also includes a redesigned case with cast-in ribs, which makes it stiffer and lighter.

Source: Ford

July 18, 2014

Steve Arpin’s Ford Fiesta Is “Royal Purple”

Steve Arpin Royal Purple Ford Fiesta has fresh looks and has just been unveiled via the first design sketches. It will show its fresh new appearance when it debut this weekend at the Red Bull Global Rallycross event in New York. This is the fourth race of the series for the 2014 season and it will be held at Nassau Coliseum.

To be more precise, the striking new design is a very colorful decision, which differs from the car’s look in the first three races of the year. This new visual stance will be utilized for the remainder of the 2014 Red Bull GRC season.

Arpin himself said that this Fiesta has the perfect design for the wild and exciting series. And this was the reason he has decided to brighten up the car with the Royal Purple paint scheme and to give it some more color.

The driver will make his 13th start of his Red Bull GRC career in New York. In all of the races he has come in Royal Purple-backed Ford Fiestas. He earned the first podium of his career in the 2014 season opener at Top Gear Festival Barbados. He is currently third in the series’ Supercars championship, being 27 points back of the lead.

The latest Ford Fiesta in company’s range is powered by the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. It produces 140 horsepower (103 kW) that is a result of unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management. With the new engine, the Fiesta accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters / 100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Source: Ford

July 18, 2014

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