• Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster to debut at Pebble Beach

    August 10, 2015

    Lamborghini has announced the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster will be presented next week during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The convertible will make its debut at The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering.

    Details won’t be published until next week, but spy shots taken on the roads outside of Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, factory give us a good idea of what to expect from the SV Roadster. It is fitted with roughly the same body kit as the coupe model that was presented in Geneva last March, but it stands out thanks to a two-piece hard top crafted out of carbon fiber. Tipping the scale at just 26 pounds, the hard top can be conveniently stowed in the trunk.

    Lamborghini is not expected to make any mechanical modifications to the Roadster, meaning that power comes from a Superveloce-sourced naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine that makes 750 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and over 500 lb-ft. of torque. Linked to a seven-speed transmission, the hand-built 12-cylinder sends the Roadster from zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds and on to a top speed of roughly 220 mph.

    The Superveloce weighs roughly 3,472 pounds, a figure that makes it just 110 pounds heavier than the coupe but over 100 pounds lighter than the regular-production Aventador Roadster.

    Pricing information hasn’t been published yet, but production will be limited to only 500 examples so it will sell out quickly.

    The SV Roadster won’t be the only new model on display at Pebble Beach. Lamborghini has confirmed plans to unveil a second car during the event, and industry rumors indicate the Raging Bull will unleash an even faster and more exclusive model tentatively called Hyperveloce.

  • VW celebrates 40 years of Polo with special edition model

    August 10, 2015
    Volkswagen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Polo city car with a limited-edition model. Called Original edition, the commemorative Polo is only offered in Germany.

    Outside, the Original immediately stands out from the regular Polo thanks to a model-specific paint color called Honey Orange Metallic (pictured), though buyers looking to keep a low profile have a palette of more discreet colors to choose from. The list of visual enhancements also includes body-colored mirrors, blacked-out tail lamps and a gloss black grille. 16-inch alloy wheels and “Original” emblems on both fenders wrap up the look.


    Inside, the Polo Original gains black and orange plaid inserts in the seats, aluminum pedal caps and new sill plates. All Original cars come standard with numerous high-tech features including a rear-view camera, automatic A/C, and Volkswagen’s front assist with city emergency braking technology.

    Original buyers can choose from several gasoline- and diesel-burning engines, though the GTI’s 189-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder isn’t available. All engines send power to the front wheels, and many can be ordered with either a manual transmission or a dual-clutch automatic unit controlled by steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

    Volkswagen will build just 1,000 examples of the Polo Original. On sale now, each one carries a base price of €19,950, a sum that converts to approximately $22,000.

  • Next Nissan GT-R to spawn Infiniti sedan version, will be global R&D effort

    August 9, 2015

    The next-generation Nissan GT-R is reportedly going to be a global effort, and will spawn a four-door sedan badged as an Infiniti.

    Australia’s Motoring is citing an unnamed source within the company that says development of the next GT-R has shifted to Europe and North America. Meanwhile, Japan will continue its with R&D as part of its SuperGT race program.

    Notably, UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering, a subsidiary of the Formula One constructor Williams Grand Prix Engineering, will be taking the “lion’s share” of the work. Derived from its experience with F1, WAE’s current business includes fields as diverse as aerospace, military defense and renewable energies.

    The source also said that Nissan believes there is a lasting trend towards high-performance luxury sedans such as the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera, Lamborghini Estoque. As such, Nissan will take the GT-R drivetrain “down that path” and develop a sedan, likely to be sold as an Infiniti, positioned to go head-to-head with products from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG, BMW’s M and Audi’s RS lines.

    Since plans for the much-hyped Eau Rouge, a Q50 powered by the GT-R 560hp twin-turbo V6, are dead, hopes are pinned on new platform engineered with a four-door in mind right from the start.

  • Mazda discontinues Mazda5 minivan

    August 9, 2015

    After serving dutifully since 2006, it appears that the Mazda5 has reached the end of the road. The 2015 model year will be the model’s last, and there are no plans for a replacement.

    According to a press release outlining the automaker’s plans for the 2016 model year, the Mazda5 will be axed, leaving it without a minivan in its lineup. Instead, the company will rely on the seemingly unyielding demand for crossovers and sales of its hotcakes CX-5.

    The Mazda CX-5 crossover, regarded as one of the best in the segment, sold 9,530 units last month and 62,873 over the last year. In addition, sales have increased about 6 percent since 2014. In contrast, the Mazda sold just 551 units of the Mazda5 last month, and 6,835 in the past year.

    The departure of the Mazda5 means there will be no more compact sliding-door minivans left in the US market. The class that is still booming in Asia, where models like the Honda StepWGN and Toyota Voxy are hot sellers. Until this year, the Mazda5 was also the only minivan available in the US with a 6-speed manual.

  • Kia Soul gets minor updates for 2016

    August 9, 2015

    The Kia Soul is entering the 2016 model year with a handful of updates inside and out.

    All models regardless of trim level now come standard with alloy wheels. Starting at the bottom of the lineup, base models equipped with the Convenience Package get a 4.3-inch color touch screen, Sirius XM radio and a rear-view camera.

    Plus models gain a rear-view camera, gloss black trim on the bumper and fog lights. Additionally, the mid-range trim can be spruced up with a new Designer Collection package that adds 18-inch alloys as well as leather upholstery on the steering wheel and on the shift knob. The package also brings a two-tone paint job inspired by the Soul EV.

    Exclaim models come standard with leather upholstery. Finally, a new Premium package bundles driving aids such as a lane departure warning system and a forward collision warning system, two firsts in the nameplate’s history. Cars ordered with the Premium package also benefit from navigation, an upgraded sound system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats up front and heated seats all around.

    Kia is not making any mechanical modifications to the Soul for 2016, meaning base models carry on with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 118 lb-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. Buyers who step up to the Plus and Exclaim models get a 2.0-liter tuned to deliver 164 ponies at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb-ft. of twist at 4,000 rpm.

    All engines send power to the front wheels only. The 1.6 comes standard with a six-speed manual, while the 2.0 is exclusively available with a six-speed automatic.

    The 2016 Kia Soul will go on sale across the nation in the coming weeks. Pricing information will be published closer to its on-sale date.

  • Lego Creator introduces Ferrari F40 kit

    August 9, 2015
    Ferrari built just 1,311 examples of the F40, and the iconic supercar is worth well over half a million dollars today. That means putting one in your garage is easier said than done, but you can now build one from scratch and display it on your desk thanks to a new Lego Creator kit.

    Lego’s Creator kits are generally relatively well detailed and the F40 is no exception. The supercar’s overall silhouette is surprisingly realistic, Lego even went through the trouble of including features that characterize the F40 like NACA ducts on both sides and on the hood, pop-up headlights, round tail lamps and triple exhaust pipes.

    The doors open up to reveal red bucket seats, a pair of gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel adorned by a Ferrari emblem. Designer Michael Psiaki even included the cable that’s used to open the door in the real car, though it takes a well-trained eye to see it.

    Similarly, the massive decklid neatly lifts up to show a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine. It’s possible to remove the eight-cylinder from the engine bay by simply popping off the rear bumper.

    Lego worked closely with Ferrari to ensure that the kit is faithful to the original, and it even designed a few specific pieces, including the rim inserts, the windshield and the mirrors. Psiaki explains the most difficult part of designing the kit was getting the hood right.

    “It was very tricky to figure out how to get that section built correctly and I was very proud that we found a way to build the air intakes from standard LEGO elements,” explained the designer.

    On sale now, Lego’s scaled-down Ferrari F40 is made up of 1,158 pieces, and the company suggests it’s best suited to master builders who are at least 14-years old. It stretches three inches tall, 10 inches long and five inches wide.

  • H&R-Tuning für Ford Mondeo: Sportfedern mit technischen Daten und Preisen

    August 8, 2015

    Geduckter Auftritt: Tuner H&R senkt den Ford Mondeo Turnier ab

    An Vorder- und Hinterachse wird der Kombi um jeweils 40 Millimeter tiefer gelegt

    Derzeit arbeitet man bei H&R noch an Spurverbreiterungen, die demnächst angeboten werden sollen

    Lennestadt, 7. August 2015
    Der neue Ford Mondeo ist wie seine Vorgänger in Sachen Fahrdynamik den direkten Konkurrenten ein Stück voraus. Das agil ausgelegte Fahrwerk und die griffigen Bremsen stehen für Fahrspaß selbst beim Familienausflug.

    Liegt 40 Millimeter tiefer auf der Straße

    Hinter diese Sportlichkeit in der Mittelklasse setzt H&R nun ein Ausrufungszeichen: Für das neue Topmodell Mondeo Turnier Vignale mit Allradantrieb sind ab sofort Sportfedern verfügbar: Beim 180 PS starken Mondeo 2.0 TDCI mit Powershift wird der Fahrzeugschwerpunkt vorne und hinten um 40 Millimeter gesenkt. Mit dieser Individualisierung verbessert sich die Straßenlage des dynamischen Kombis spürbar, so der Lennestadter Fahrwerksspezialist.

    Sportlook für 320 Euro

    Zugleich wirkt der Ford alles andere als “hochbeinig”, der Mondeo Vignale kauert vielmehr im Rennsport-Look dicht über dem Asphalt und unterstreicht damit seine Sportlichkeit. Und die kommt nicht von ungefähr, schließlich will Ford 2016 mit seinem neuen Supersportler GT bei den 24 Stunden von Le Mans dabei sein. Da fährt der Ford Mondeo schon mal vorneweg. Die H&R-Sportfedern für den Turnier sind ab sofort für 320 Euro inklusive TÜV-Gutachten lieferbar.

    Spurverbreiterungen bald lieferbar

    Als Extra-Highlight sind “Trak+”-Spurverbreiterungen in Vorbereitung. Damit lassen sich die Räder perfekt an den Radhauskanten ausrichten, und der Kombi steht noch selbstbewusster auf der Straße.
    (hd)

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  • Mazda Koeru: Concept Car gibt auf der Automesse IAA 2015 einen Ausblick auf ein künftiges SUV-Coupé

    August 8, 2015

    Erste Skizze eines Crossover: Das Concept Car Mazda Koeru wird auf der IAA 2015 stehen

    Legendäre Fortsetzung: Im September 2015 kommt die vierte Generation des Mazda MX-5 auf den Markt

    Der CX-5 steht geliftet am Start

    Köln, 7. August 2015
    Im laufenden Jahr bringt Mazda seine Modellpalette kräftig auf Vordermann. Der faszinierendste Newcomer dürfte der legendäre Roadster MX-5 sein, der in vierter Generation am 11. September 2015 zu den Händlern kommt. Komplett neu sind auch die Modelle 2 und CX-3, der 6 in der Mittelklasse wurde ebenso aufgefrischt wie der CX-5.

    Crossover-Concept

    Auf der Automesse IAA in Frankfurt (17. bis 27. September 2015) zeigt der Hersteller nun ein Concept Car, mit dem er die Nische der SUV-Coupés erobern will. Das lässt zumindest eine erste Skizze vermuten, mit der Mazda Appetit machen möchte. Das Bild zeigt ein gestrecktes Auto mit einer flachen Fensterpartie und großen Rädern. Mazda selbst bezeichnet die Studie als “Crossover Concept” – es dürfte also ein Gegner für das kommende Mercedes GLC Coupé und BMW X4 werden.

    Koeru heißt “überschreiten”

    Das Concept Car heißt “Koeru”, was aus dem Japanischen übersetzt so viel wie “überschreiten” oder “darüber hinausgehen” heißt. Zurzeit gibt es keine weiteren Informationen zu dieser Studie – für die Details müssen wir uns wohl bis zur Messe in Frankfurt gedulden.
    (jt)

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  • Suzuki Baleno auf der IAA 2015: Vorstellung mit technischen Daten und Preis

    August 8, 2015

    Neues Format: Suzuki gibt das erste offizielle Bild des neuen Baleno preis

    Optisch orientiert sich der Baleno eng an der Studie iK-2, die auf dem Genfer Autosalon 2015 stand

    Die Länge der Studie von 4,02 Meter dürfte sich beim Baleno kaum ändern

    Bensheim, 7. August 2015
    Kennen Sie noch Baleno? Da kommt man schon ins Nachdenken: Ein Schokoriegel? Ein Urlaubsort im Süden? Nicht ganz. Zwischen 1995 und 2001 baute Suzuki unter diesem Namen ein Kompaktmodell als Dreitürer, Stufenheck und Kombi. Zur Automobilmesse IAA in Frankfurt (17. bis 27. September 2015) wird der Baleno jetzt reaktiviert.

    Vorerst nur Fünftürer
    Anders als früher gibt es den neuen Baleno zunächst nur als fünftüriges Fließheck. Weitere Details hält Suzuki noch zurück und verspricht lediglich ein “großzügiges Platzangebot im Innenraum” und “innovative Technologien”. Zur besseren Einordnung des Wagens hilft aber ein Blick auf die Studie iK-2. Sie stand im März 2015 auf dem Genfer Autosalon und gab bereits einen seriennahen Ausblick auf den Baleno.

    Rivale für die Polo-Klasse
    Somit dürfte sich bei den Abmessungen kaum etwas ändern: Der iK-2 war 4,02 Meter lang, 1,92 Meter breit (inklusive Außenspiegel) und 1,45 Meter hoch. Mit diesen Dimensionen schließt der künftige Suzuki Baleno die Lücke zwischen dem Swift (3,85 Meter) und dem SX4 S-Cross (4,30 Meter). Zu den Rivalen zählen Modelle wie der VW Polo und der Hyundai i20. Um sich mit diesen auf Augenhöhe zu messen, kommt ein neuer Einliter-Turbobenziner mit Direkteinspritzung zum Einsatz. Auch preislich dürfte sich der Baleno zwischen Swift und SX4 S-Cross einordnen, was auf rund 15.000 Euro hindeutet. Die Produktion soll Anfang 2016 starten.
    (rh)

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  • Tesla shows prototype homing charger [Video]

    August 8, 2015
    Tesla showed its new prototype home charger this week–a robotic, self-guided arm that will automatically mate the charger to the Tesla’s on-board port.

    The new charger will work in tandem with Tesla’s “autopilot” feature. After the owner parks the car in the driveway, it will drive itself into the charging area in order to mate with the port.

    Self-parking is just the latest implementation of Tesla’s automated driving systems. It relies on extra sensors, now totaling a dozen components, that allow the car to analyze its immediate line of sight. Long-range radar and 360-degree ultrasonic sonar complement the camera views, identifying both solid and ‘soft’ objects ahead of and around the vehicle.

    For example, rather than simply providing a blind-spot warning, the car can steer itself into the adjacent lane when the driver activates the turning signal.

    Highlighting Tesla’s focus on camera-based environmental awareness, the system can read speed-limit signs to automatically prevent law-abiding drivers from accidentally exceeding the posted speed.

    Check out the prototype in action in the video below.