Automobiles Review – Page 573 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

MINI DeLux By Alex Coyle With Premiere In New York

MINI DeLux by Alex Coyle is the winning design of the “MINI Originals” design-contest, which will have its premiere at next week’s New York International Auto Show. The car has been created in order to support the launch of the new MINI Hardtop and is based on it. Alex Coyle’s blacklight-influenced MINI will be produced in a limited run of 56 examples, and will be available for purchase across the United States.

The contest began in November last year, when the brand asked past and present MINI owners to submit a video or photo about what features of the new MINI Hardtop they will like to see before the third generation of the iconic car arrives at dealerships this spring. There were more than 800 submissions, of which nine winners were selected.

Alex Coyle’s “DeLux” design package was selected by the MINI community as the winner. Coyle is a sophomore, who studies creative advertising and photography at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He was inspired by light and designed her MINI Originals package, which obviously stands out at night.

As a matter of fact, in Latin “lux” means “light”. Coyle says that after going through all the options she had available to customize the car, she created what she calls a “Deluxe” model. The result was the “DeLux” design package.

Source: MINI

April 10, 2014

2015 Honda Fit Goes On Sale

2015 Honda Fit is bigger, more powerful and fuel efficient and goes on sale in less then a week. The car also features more refined and sporty dynamics, roofline spoiler, LED taillights, Bluetooth connectivity and rearview camera. All Fit models will feature the new 1.5-liter engine which generates 130 horsepower (96 kW) and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque. The estimated EPA fuel-economy rating of the new Fit is 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined).

The new Fit is more spacious and offers comfortable seating for five persons and the ability to carry voluminous cargo. The cabin interior features a 4.9 cubic feet increase in passenger volume and a 4.8-inch increase in rear seat leg room.

In addition, the car offers new chassis with longer wheelbase and numerous improvements to front and rear suspension and steering systems. The adoption of a new frame structure includes company’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, which also delivers more safety performance.

2015 Fit also benefits from the included Earth Dreams Technology engine. It significantly increases power, torque and throttle response. In addition, it also supports two newly developed transmissions: the 6-speed manual and the CVT with G-Shift Control.

Under the hood the car is fitted with the 1.5L DOHC 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC+VTC valve and timing control. It features direct fuel injection, reduced weight and friction, increased compression ratio. This results not only in the increase of horsepower, but also in the fuel efficiency ratings, which are listed in details below.

Inside, one can see a rich and sophisticated black with silver accented interior surfaces and controls, and blue backlit instrument dials. As an option, Honda offers Display Audio touchscreen interface and leather seating.

2015 Fit boasts wide range of technologies. For instance, standard features include auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth 6HandsFreeLink and a center storage console with armrest. On the other hand, the available features offered here are the Smart Entry Push Button Start, aone-touch operated moonroof, 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio7 with next-generation HondaLink and heated leather seats.

Next, standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. The standard drive-assistive technologies are multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines and expanded view driver’s mirror.

2015 Honda Fit goes on sale at Honda dealerships on 14th of April. Detailed pricing is listed below.

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (city/highway/combined)
Fit LX 6MT	$15,525	29/37/32
Fit LX CVT	$16,325	33/41/36
Fit EX 6MT	$17,435	29/37/32
Fit EX CVT	$18,235	32/38/35
Fit EX-L CVT	$19,800	32/38/35
Fit EX-L CVT with Navi	$20,800	32/38/35

Source: Honda

April 10, 2014

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess

Bugatti has unveiled another special edition of Veyron. Actually, this is the fifth edition part of Bugatti’s “Legends” series. It is based on the super powerful Grand Sport Vitesse and comes with a number of unique styling upgrades.

2014 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess is paying tribute to the Type 18 “Black Bess”, which the manufacturer describes as one of the first street-legal super sports cars. The Type 18 “Black Bess” was powered by a 5.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 100HP (73 kW) and achieved a top speed of 161 km/h (100 mph), which was incredible considering the year – 1913.

To be sensational nowadays, you need a really spectacular engine and power like twelve times more than 1913.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by an 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engin – 1200HP (883 kW) and 1500Nm (1106 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 16 seconds. The top speed is 410 km/h (254 mph). ¼ mile is covered in 10.0 seconds flat and 1 mile in just 25.0 seconds. Other interesting disciplines like 0-100-0 km/h take 5.9 seconds and 0-200-0 take 12.9 seconds. The interesting 0-300-0, which is brutal for the brakes take 23.9 seconds.

Bugatti will exhibit the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting on April 20^th.

Source: Bugatti

April 10, 2014

2015 Ford Focus And Focus Electric To Debut In New York

2015 Ford Focus is going to make its debut at next week’s New York International Auto Show. Two variations will debut at the show, namely – the Focus four-door sedan and the Focus Electric. In addition, Ford promises to showcase a new version of the performance Focus ST later this year. The new Focus has been redesigned and offers bolder exterior design, refined interior, host of new technologies and additional powertrain options.

In addition, the 2015 Focus also adds an SE Sport Package that includes paddle shifters for the automatic transmission versions, revised touring suspension, 17-inch black gloss aluminum wheels coupled with P215/50 HR-17 tires. The MyKey feature will be standard on all trim levels, while the heated steering wheel will be an option.

The new addition to the powertrain range is the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission. It is the smallest engine in Ford’s EcoBoost family and comes as a standard in Focus with an Auto Start-Stop feature.

Furthermore, the new Focus has been additionally insulated in order to offer quieter ride. It is equipped with thicker carpets and side window glass and improved engine-bay insulation.

The exterior of the car has been redesigned and now features restyled hood and grille, signature LED lighting for headlamps and taillamps, new rear lamp clusters and a restyled trunk lid. The new version will be offered in four- and five-door variants.

The interior of the model sports clean and contemporary. Inside, satin chrome detailing, new seat trims and switches, center console with adjustable cup holders are present. The technologies featured include rear view camera, available Blind Spot Information System and a lane-keeping system.

2015 Focus also benefits from suspension and chassis upgrades. These include new shock absorber valve design, change to the rear suspension and electric power-assisted steering.

Source: Ford

April 10, 2014

Bentley Unveils First Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Bentley Hybrid Concept is a preview of a powerful and efficient future car. It is the first Bentley plug-in hybrid model, which is set to be a dedicated version of the new SUV. The latter was teased last month with an image showing its grille and information for production plans, starting in 2016. The luxury company has also disclosed that the car will be available in dealerships in 2017. As for Bentley Hybrid Concept, it will be on display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on 20th of April.

As a matter of fact, Bentley is the first luxury brand to present a plug-in hybrid powertrain choice to the automotive sector. The plug-in hybrid system will offer a power increase of up to 25% together with a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, the hybrid will be capable of driving at least 50 km on electric power alone. Bentley Hybrid Concept vehicle is built upon Mulsanne. We see copper used as an exterior and interior styling element. It also emphasizes car’s “electrical veins”.

This material can be seen on the headlamps, radiator shell bezel, brake calipers, feature line details and badges. Inside, copper accents are present on the inserts of the veneers fascias, switch bezels and instruments. At last, copper cross stitching to the Mulliner Driving Specification diamond-quilted interior rounds out the luxury design treatment.

Source: Bentley

April 10, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country HD [video]

Chevrolet has unveiled 2015 Silverado High Country HD coming with a number of nice extras and more individuality. The big pick-up truck is currently exhibited at the 2014 Denver Auto Show.

The top-of-range High Country HD boasts a new chrome front grille with horizontal bars along with body-colored front and rear bumpers. There are also a 6” tubular chrome assist steps and the firm’s CornerStep rear bumper together with unique 20” chrome alloy wheels fitted with proper tires.

The interior boasts saddle brown leather upholstery combined with an 8” touchscreen display part of the Chevrolet MyLink system. Other extra include a Bose premium sound system, heated and cooled perforated front bucket seats and front and rear park assist systems.

The options list includes a rear-seat entertainment system (with DVD/Blu-ray player), navigation system and sunroof, along with a High Country Premium Package featuring power-adjustable pedals, driver alert package and heated steering wheel. With these extras, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country HD can be extremely useful and nice to drive.

The engine is a 6.0 liter V8 with 360HP (269 kW) and 514Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque, which is available in a bi-fuel variant running on compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrol. There is also a 6.6 liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel with 397HP (296 kW) and 1,036Nm (765 lb-ft) connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The High Country can be had built on 2500HD and 3500HD crew cab models with two- or four-wheel drive. Pricing will available soon and the first deliveries are expected this summer.

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

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdwn4bzEs2M

Source: Chevrolet

April 9, 2014

BMW Driving Experience in Sweden

BMW has a great tradition teaching owners of ///M-powered cars how to use them correctly even in severe conditions such as ice, rain, snow, etc. The Driving Experience program has recently visited Arjeplog, Sweden, which is no less than 60 km south of the polar circle.

The test aimed to teach the drivers and owners of ///M cars, what to do on ice and snow, when sitting behind the steering wheel ofBMW M3 and particularly the E92 model.

BMW E92 M3 is simply brutal car, which hardly can be compared with anything else. It is powered by a magnificent high-revving S65B40 – 4.0 litre V8 delivering 420PS (309 kW) at 8300RPM and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3900RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Without the limiter, E92 M3 can easily pass 300 km/h (186 mph).

Of course, the tested models were fitted with spiked tyres to maintain a little traction.

“The fastest option on asphalt is to make a clean streak, while drifting is the answer on slippery surfaces. The front of the car points towards the inside of the bend, so that the propulsive power of the centrifugal force counteracts this a little and actually permits a faster speed than stable driving”, said the legendary rally champion Walter Röhrl.

Source: BMW

April 9, 2014

Fiat Shows The Interior Of Upcoming 2015 Fiat 500

2015 Fiat 500 is going to make its world premiere at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The brand has just shown the first official images of car’s interior, which features numerous enhancements. They were made in order to increase driver convenience and ease of use. And instance is the featured advanced instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition TFT cluster display.

The latter allows drivers to monitor important information like speed, fuel level, Eco index and trip information. On the main screen, one can see an image of the vehicle, which is surrounded by data such as distance traveled, gas mileage and range.

In addition, a parking screen helps drivers while moving in reverse if the vehicle is equipped with Rear Park Assist. Other screen options include a radio screen and a telephone screen. The Sport mode of the vehicle makes the TFT display “more aggressive”. Of course – in terms of appearance.

What was also disclosed by Fiat is that the TFT display will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo and Abarth models, and optional on the Pop. Furthermore, the other interior updates include a redesigned center console, which now sports cup holder design.

Scarce information on the exterior has been released yet. What we have understood is that the new Fiat 500 will be available in several new paint colors: Giallo Moderna Perla (modern pearl yellow), Laser Blu (bright metallic blue) and Billet Argento (billet silver).

At last, the Fiat 500 lineup, Fiat 500 Abarth, Abarth Cabrio and Turbo will add an available six-speed automatic transmission. 2015 Fiat 500 lineup will be available at dealerships in July this year.

Source: Fiat

April 9, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV rival of BMW X6

Mercedes-Benz is going to exhibit a direct rival of the popular BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV will be previewed at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show starting this month.

BMW X6 has been unveiled back in 2008 and already has received a minor facelift in 2012. The German manufacturer is preparing a 2^nd generation of it, but Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t launched a direct rival of it. However, the long-rumored MLC is going to be introduced to the audience in a couple of weeks.

2016 Mercedes-Benz MLC is scheduled to begin production next year in the US at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama factory alongside the M-Class. It will look considerably more aggressive than a regular M-Class and will have a “very dynamic handling”. Practically, Mercedes-Benz will create a X6 with different headlights, grille, badges and some other elements. The engine range will be taken from the M-Class except, of course, the smallest power units.

Stay tuned for more photos and information, which will be available on April 20^th during the press day of Beijing Motor Show.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 9, 2014

Honda To Show Two New Concepts In Beijing

Honda Beijing Concept model is going to take the stage at the Beijing Motor Show this month, Next to it, Honda has announced plans to debut one more concept vehicle as well as new production models for the Honda and Acura brands. The new concept, of which we have a teaser sketch, was exclusively developed for the Chinese market. The second concept vehicle to be exhibited is the new Spirior, which is a product of Dongfeng Honda.

Chinese premiere will have the new middle-class SUV and the third-generation Fit, which will be sold by Guangqi Honda. Production cars such as the Crosstour, Accord, Crider, Odyssey, City, CR-Z and Li Nian S1, CR-V, Civic, Elysion, Jade, Insight and CIIMO will be also displayed.

The teased concept shows a sporty looking coupe. Judging from the image we are also not sure about the size of the car. It appears to be a small coupe. The contemporary design is visible through the new muscular grille and the dramatic five-spoke wheels.

Acura will be also present at the show, making a premiere of the RLX hybrid model, equipped with SPORT HYBRID SH-AWD. This is high-efficiency and high-output hybrid system that realizes both outstanding driving performance and fuel economy. Also on display will be the NSX Concept, MDX, RDX and ILX.

Source: Honda

April 9, 2014

Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI

Hartmann Tuning has unveiled their latest project based on a facelifted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI. The tuning specialists has reworked the big vehicle almost entirely. Hartmann Sprinter comes with complete body kit, new wheels and improved interior.

The exterior boasts a new front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of redesigned side skirts and a new set of fog lights. There is also a nice “red and racy paint” finish and huge alloy wheels – 9J x 20” Zaro fitted with 265/45 R20 tires.

The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon fiber applications and chromed sill plates. Other upgrades include a leather shift knob, leather upholstery with red stitching, as well as an Alcantara trim on the doors.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 319 CDI is powered by a 3.0 liter DOHC V6 diesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Although, the big van is not quite fast, it can embarrass a lot of everyday small city cars. If, the 319 CDI gets and ECU re-map, it will easily develop over 220HP (162 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque.

The first generation Sprinter was launched back in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz TN, which was on the market since 1977. The Sprinter immediately became best-seller and was voted International Van of the Year for 1995. The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter comes with super-efficient and powerful engines, a lot of extras and ever AWD system.

Source: Hartmann

April 9, 2014

Audi Teases TT-Based Crossover Concept Ahead Of Beijing Debut

Audi TT-Based Crossover Concept is going to be the main star of the auto show in Beijing, where it will have its full reveal. The brand has just released three teaser sketches, which you can view below. The name of the model wasn’t revealed, but from what we can see from the pictures – it looks like the bigger sibling of the 2015 Audi TT.

It is visible that the new concept incorporates sleek styling and proportions. In these particular sketches, it is finished in provocative yellow color. And since lately this paint finish has become extremely popular, we are almost sure that it will debut dressed in it.

In fact, the car looks very much like Audi’s Allroad Shooting Brake, and if it is an evolution of it, we are also expecting that it will be powered by the same engine and deliver the same figures. Precisely, the Allroad Shooting Brake has a powerful 2.0-liter TFSI engine that 400 hp (294 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque. It helps the car accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.

As we can see from the third image, the car inside is a typical four-seater. What is interesting however is that it has the same dashboard with the new TT. More news to be released after concept’s official debut at the Beijing Motor Show, which starts on 20th of April.

Source: Audi

April 9, 2014

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