Automobiles Review – Page 660 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

2014 Kia Carens 3 Sat Nav – Price £24,845

The Kia Carens line-up has been extended to include the top spec – 3 Sat Nav model which has been introduced from September and is now available for customers to order in dealerships.

The new trim-level includes a 7” touchscreen satellite navigation system featuring all maps for Europe as well as Traffic Management Channel (TMC). What is more, the new Carens comes with improved sound system with 7 speakers, an 8-channel external amplifier, subwoofer and support for iPod, AUX and USB.

Based on the high spec ‘3’ model with leather seats, dual zone climate control, full length panoramic sunroof and safety features such as recently announced Euro NCAP five-star ratings, six airbags and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and all-round three-point seatbelts all fitted as standard.

The top spec 3 Sat Nav is available with the 1.7 CRD – 136HP (100 kW) engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2014 Carens 3 Sat Nav is priced from £24,845 OTR.

Source: Kia

September 30, 2013

Two Chevrolet Silverado Concepts Prepared For SEMA

Chevrolet debuts two Silverado concept models at this years SEMA, namely the Volunteer Firefighter and Black Ops concepts. The first one is 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops Concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4×4 and adds to it more strength, performance and safety features such as custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit.

In addition, the model has a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope. The other vehicle is 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Volunteer Firefighters Double Cab Concept, which honors the service of grassroots first responders. The concept vehicle includes a rescue equipment as well as Z71 Off Road suspension.

Black Ops Concept is equipped with generator, fuel can and water can, mounted atop the storage unit, and a crate stocked with food. In addition, the CornerStep bumper help in reaching the bed to retrieve the survival gear. On the other hand, the locking tailgate with EZ-Lift-and Lower feature enables easier operation.

Next, the inclusion of the internal torsion bar minimizes the effort to raise and lower it while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion. In addition, the front-mounted winch helps the vehicle cope in any induced accident, while the custom cover around the winch has a bright, light-emitting diode, or LED, spot light and integrated tow hooks.

Furthermore, the pick-up also sports raised suspension, custom bed rails and a light bridge, Chevrolet Accessories bolt-on fender flares and four-inch tubular assist steps, and off-road tires mounted on custom-painted versions of the production Z71 18-inch wheels. The interior of this Silverado includes black seats with yellow piping, yellow trim throughout the cabin, and MyLink system with eight-inch color touch screen.

Additional Silverado factory features include:

• EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower (261 kW) and 519 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque;

• Maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds with an available 6.2L V-8 and Max Towing Package

• Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control

• Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels

• Fuel-saving electric power steering

• Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife rotors

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist

• Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Safety Alert Seat and Rear-Vision Camera

The second vehicle prepared for the SEMA show is the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Volunteer Firefighters Double Cab Concept, which is based on the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept. The pick-up has plenty of space for personal gear. It is also equipped with the tools and safety equipment needed in a support vehicle, including:

• Chevrolet Accessory six-spoke 22-inch Wheels with custom painted finish

• Emergency roof light bar and additional light-emitting diode, or LED, perimeter lighting

• Chevrolet Accessory four-inch chrome assist steps

• Chevrolet Accessory chrome package: door handles and mirror caps

• Chevrolet Accessory molded hood protector

• Red and Silver Paint Scheme with Custom Graphics

• Emergency siren and PA system

• Chrome fire extinguishers and mounting hardware

• Chevrolet Accessory gull-wing tool box

• Custom billet aluminum front brush guard and billet aluminum bed rails

• Axe and Halligan tool

• CornerStep rear bumper

• Cantilever cab-over TracRac with custom brushed aluminum finish.

The cabin of the vehicle sports front seats re-trimmed with 3M reflective bolster material and Torch Red stitching, and many chrome-plated accents. The performance features and safety technologies included here are the following:

• EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower (261 kW) and 519 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque

• Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control

• Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels

• Fuel-saving electric power steering

• Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife rotors

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist

• CornerStep rear bumper

• Lane departure warning, front and rear park assist and a rear-vision camera,

Source: Chevrolet

September 30, 2013

2014 Honda Odyssey for Japan

Honda has announced the new 2014 7-seat Odyssey, which is expected to hit the Japanese market until the end of the year.

The redesigned model boasts nice appearance featuring a prominent grille, sweptback headlights and a shorter hood. There are also a tailgate-mounted spoiler and distinctive taillights.

The interior also comes with new styling features. It boasts some wood elements, metallic accents and an upgraded infotainment system. One of the innovations is the new “ultra low floor” contributing to more spacious and comfortable cabin. The top-of-range models are equipped with reclining second row seats that have an integrated footrest.

The new 2014 Odyssey is expected in Europe soon.

Source: Honda

September 30, 2013

2014 Nissan Rogue Select Continues Brand’s Lineup

Nissan has announced that the current generation Rogue will be continued throughout brand’s lineup as 2014 Nissan Rogue Select. The Rogue model is the second best-selling vehicle among Nissan cars in the United States and now comes in entirely redesigned form for 2014 model year. 2014 Nissan Rogue will go on sale in November.

The renamed the Rogue Select will be present on the market in January 2014 and will have a base price of less than $20 000 USD. The Select complements the completely redesigned Rogue, in order to satisfy the demand for the popular compact sports utility vehicle and to provide customers with more choice in the segment.

2014 Rogue debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. In Europe the vehicle carries the name Nissan X-TRAIL. The new model offers right-sized exterior, flexible interior and low environmental impact.

The SUV is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine which generates 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 237 Nm (175 lb-ft) of torque. The power is transmitted in the road via standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Additional information about Rogue Select, featuring equipment levels and pricing, will be available closer to its on-sale date.

Source: Nissan

September 30, 2013

Moparized Jeep Wrangler Debut At Jeep-Heep-Heep Event

Mopar is known for delivering one of the best optimizations for vehicles around the world. Just like the off-road passion, the brand knows no boundaries. Its latest project is on Jeep Wrangler Rubicon which is equipped with the best specific off-road accessories.

The vehicle made its debut at the 17th edition of ‘Jeep-Heep-Heep’. This is an annual event staged at Crans-Montana (Switzerland) which this year happened between 28th and 29th of September. The show was organised for the first time in 1997, and since then it has grown in terms of number of participants, and audience and is today the third most important Jeep meeting in Europe.

To go further into details, the event includes off-road tracks with different degrees of difficulty, skill tests, current model showcases and sales stands. This year, Mopar decided to go to the event with an optimization of the two-door Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon.

In fact, this is the most off-road oriented model of the Jeep range. Given this fact and the fact that it is equipped with a Mopar accessory kit, the vehicle is undoubtedly unique and distinctive. For instance, what Mopar has done is to install a new Light Bar around the windscreen.

The Light Bar is offered with two or four lights, and can be fitted on all Wrangler models from 2007 onwards. In addition, the Rubicon also has unique new exterior, oversized tyres and reinforced front bumpers with built-in winch.

Source: Jeep

September 30, 2013

2014 Nissan Murano Goes On Sale In The United States

2014 Nissan Murano is currently on sale at Nissan dealerships across the United States. Good news is that the pricing of the vehicle stays unchanged from the Murano MY2013. In addition, there is also being offered a special Value Package for the SV trim level.

The package comprises of navigation, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Bose® audio system and power liftgate, and is priced at $ 2 270 USD. What is more, Nissan is additionally offering many available features, which enhance comfort, convenience and advanced technology.

For example, such are the available Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. Other enhancements for 2014 include the inclusion of the graphite interior with Tinted Bronze exterior which is added next to the Black interior color.

Furthermore, other available features here worth mentioning are the Dual Panel power moonroof, 7-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, iPod interface, 9-speaker plus dual subwoofer Bose premium audio system, an advanced touch screen navigation system and Bluetooth for Hands-free Phone and Audio Streaming.

2014 Murano is offered in eight trim levels, each equipped with a standard 260 horsepower (191 kW) 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine coupled with an advanced Xtronic CVT transmission. At last, the Murano can be also purchased in an innovative convertible model, named Murano CrossCabriolet.

2014 Nissan Murano Pricing:

Murano S FWD	$28,440 USD
Murano SV FWD	$31,530 USD
Murano SL FWD	$35,390 USD
Murano LE FWD	$37,880 USD
Murano S AWD	$30,230 USD
Murano SV AWD	$33,130 USD
Murano SL AWD	$36,990 USD
Murano LE AWD	$39,480 USD

Source: Nissan

September 30, 2013

2014 Lexus RX 450h – Impressive Fuel Economy

2014 Lexus RX 450h hybrid continues the evolution of the groundbreaking vehicle, which offers an impressive fuel economy and off-road capabilities. Case in point, the RX 450h hybrid offers the performance of 295 combined system horsepower, with substantial torque at all speeds.

Convenience and ease of use make another leap in the 2014 Lexus RX 450h with the addition of available Siri Eyes Free Mode technology licensed from Apple. Compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward, Siri lets you call contacts, select and play music from iTunes, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, and much more. To help you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, Siri can read notifications and calendar information and allow you to add reminders, calendar appointments and notes.

The standard extras include 10-way power front seats, ebony or espresso bird’s eye maple and dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio including 9-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System offers a multitude of music source choices, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB/iPod^® control and SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio.

The standard SmartAccess system combines push-button starting and touch-sensitive exterior door handles. When the driver turns off the ignition, the seat automatically slides up to two inches rearward and the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel tilts upward and slides forward to ease exit. The next time the driver is seated and pushes the “On” button, the seat and steering wheel return to their preset positions automatically.

The standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) anticipates loss of vehicle control and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) – coordinating with the electronic throttle control system. VDIM employs these systems collectively and seamlessly to help make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability. The system also provides a limited slip differential effect.

The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling directly ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with vehicle-speed, steering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is imminent. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.

New for 2014

The available Pre-Collision System now available on the front-wheel drive model and now features Pre-Brake and forward warning collision system.
Premium Package now features sustainable Matte Bamboo trim and steering wheel for black or parchment interior.
Luxury Package adds rear-seat 115v AC power outlet.
Siri Eyes Free mode.

Vehicle Details
Mechanical

Sport mode with revised steering effort, throttle mapping and transmission logic priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In Sport mode, the hybrid meter light changes to red.
All-weather drive model employs separate rear electric motor-generator to provide power to the rear wheels when road conditions or throttle response dictates.
A SNOW mode slows accelerator-pedal response to help reduce the possibility of wheel spin.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

Lexus Hybrid Drive with a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine offering V8-like performance, 295 total system horsepower.
Compact 288V DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack
Front-mounted 123-kW electric motor-generator
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states).

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Brakes/Tires

Uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension improves handling and yields greater cargo area room.
VSC adds steering assist torque to help aid handling on a split-friction surface.
TRAC and VSC functions can also be turned off, for example, when the driver needs to free the vehicle from mud or snow.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires; two optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel packages with 235/55R19 tires.

Safety/Security

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) uses brake pressure to help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an incline.
Active front headrests help to reduce the severity of a whiplash injury in the event of certain types of lower speed rear collisions.
Smart Stop Technology will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

10-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustment.
Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls.
Power liftgate
Multi-information switch on the steering wheel provides access to numerous function settings without taking hands off the steering wheel.
Vehicle settings can be customized, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings.
Power tilt and telescopic steering column
An available smog sensor is designed to detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions and automatically switch the climate control system between fresh air and recirculation modes.
Vehicle settings can be customized, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings.

Luxury Options

Comfort Package with ventilated front seats
12-speaker Display Audio system features two-rear-door tweeters, a compact, L-shaped subwoofer in the rear-luggage compartment, a DVD/CD player, and HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging (included with the optional Navigation Package, as well)
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system with Remote Touch Controller offers Voice Command casual-language voice recognition, Lexus Enform^® with Safety Connect^®(includes one-year trial subscription), subscription-free Enform App Suite, and automatic Bluetooth phonebook download.
Back-up camera (included in Navigation and Display Audio package)
Leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

Warranty

48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
72 months corrosion perforation protection, regardless of mileage.
Eight years/100,000 miles hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.

Source: Lexus

September 27, 2013

BTCC Mercedes-Benz A-Class Race Car

Ciceley Racing has announced the 2014 BTCC Mercedes-Benz A-Class Race Car, which is going to compete in Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The Race Car is set to enter competition in March. It will be driven by former Ginetta GT Supercup Champion Adam Morgan.

The exterior features a carbon fiber front lip spoiler, a ventilated hood and extended side skirts. There are also a set of lightweight alloy wheels, high-performance brake system and a prominent rear wing. Other highlights include a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

“It’s great to finally announce our plans for 2014, the switch made sense for us in many different ways. With Paul Ridgway at the helm of the project holding high aspirations and Adam continuing to mature as a driver, we think that the A-Class can be a competitive package in the series next year.”, commented Russell Morgan, Ciceley Racing Team Principal.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

September 27, 2013

Steinmetz Opel Mokka [video]

Steinmetz has announced their latest project based on the all-new 2013 Opel Mokka. The small cross-over received both styling and performance upgrades.

The exterior features a new grille and a front bumper guard. There are also tubular side steps, chrome plated door handles and a 25 mm reduced ride height. The tuned Mokka rides 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and has a sports exhaust system. The interior boasts a set of new branded floor mats.

The 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol will receive an ECU re-map as well as the 1.7 liter CDTI diesel.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_wNYnMsZ4U

Source: Steinmetz

September 27, 2013

David Gandy Launches “Escapism” Short Film Featuring Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible

Jaguar has released a short online film, which features the famous British model David Gandy and several iconic Jaguar models, including the F-Type Convertible. In the film, Gandy tells about his number one passion in life, which of course is driving sports cars. In his opinion, the best way to describe this passion is as “the ultimate escapism” from his hectic life.

Additionally, in the video, the model gives us insight into his life by inviting the viewer on a road trip that starts at dusk as he escapes “the craziness of London”. In the film are featured several emblematic for Jaguar’s history models: the C-Type, E-Type and XKSS, and as mentioned the very latest F-TYPE Cabriolet.

“That feeling of freedom, just you and the car” is the way that Gandy describes hiss passion and in fact he tells that this for him is his “meditation. Thanks to the unique, seductive design and high performance engineering that Jaguar delivers, many people are falling in love with the classic British two-seater sports cars.

The film was firstly previewed at the Goodwood Revival in the United Kingdom, and now it is available on the official Jaguar YouTube page. Of course, you can view it below:

httpv://youtu.be/J_jvfrz12NI

Source: Jaguar

September 27, 2013

Toyota 86 GT To Be Equipped With Torsen Limited-Slip Differential

Toyota announced that it is currently making running changes to three of its four Toyota 86 sports-car variants. In addition, it was also disclosed that the brand is going to retain the $29 990 for the vehicles.

One of the most prominent updates is the inclusion of a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) as a standard to the automatic GT grade. This addition brings the vehicle into line with the rest of the range.

Furthermore, the top GTS manual and automatic variants of the car will be equipped with a rear spoiler as standard. These new enhancements to the range were decided based on customers’ feedback, who desired the automatic GT to have the same dynamic properties as the rest of the range, and for the GTS to have greater external differentiation.

To go further into details, the Toyota 86 has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, front-mounted, free-revving and horizontally opposed “boxer” petrol engine which drives the rear wheels. It develops a maximum power of 200 hp (147 kW) and generates a peak torque of 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). All that power is put onto the road via six-speed manual or sequential-shift automatic transmissions.

The powertrain is combined with a compact design, light weight and a low centre of gravity, thus providing agile and accessible performance, and highly engaging dynamic abilities with minimal electronic intrusion.

The standard equipment here features seven airbags, five-mode stability control system, traction control, anti-skid brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, CD sound system, daytime running lamps (DRLs) and a multi-information display.

Next, the Toyota 86 GTS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.1-inch display screen, satellite navigation, auto-leveling HID headlamps, leather-accented front seats, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, aluminium pedals, LED DRLs and red stitching highlights.

Source: Toyota

September 27, 2013

MZD Connect To Be Included In 2014 Mazda3

Mazda is now launching MZD Connect in the 2014 Mazda3 model. This is an exclusive new connectivity system which will offer a package of online services to go along with the completely redeveloped human-machine interface (HMI) in the cabin.

Precisely, MZD Connect works in combination with user’s smartphone, thus expanding vehicle’s existing range of navigation and SMS features. It includes readout and voice recognition and whole new scale of connected convenience.

The result is that the occupants in the car will enjoy carefree real-time access to infotainment services from Aha through the 7-inch display on top of the centre stack. In addition, a cloud-based platform is especially designed for in-car use and delivers more than 40 000 choices of content.

Some of these feature internet radio, news, podcasts and audio books as well as Facebook and Twitter feeds. The connection is managed via a free Aha application which in turn is connected in the car through a Bluetooth or USB.

Furthermore, MZD Connect also delivers vehicle’s own apps. Instances are the Eco-display and maintenance reminders. The new technology includes modular hardware structure and updatable software, which provides flexibility of the system.

The system also supports playback from other connected mobile devices, offered in 25 different languages for audio and 38 for text. Additionally, it’s ease of use ensured by the new human-machine interface (HMI).

The cabin setup featured Active Driving Display, which is Mazda’s new head-up display that delivers minimization of distraction potential and assists the drivers maintain a stable position and keep their eyes on the road.

Source: Mazda

September 27, 2013

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