Monthly Archives: February 2016
2017 Maserati Levante SUV to Drop at Geneva Motor Show
When photos of the new 2017 Maserati Levante SUV leaked online ahead of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month, the Italian luxury brand has taken it upon itself to release the full series of photos of their new SUV.
The images only confirmed the leak that showed the Levante not having the same design as the Kubang concept from the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The front features the brand’s corporate grille, cat’s eye headlights, large lower air intake, and portholes on the front fenders.
The rear has elements of the Porsche Cayenne and Alfa Romeo Giulia, so it’s like getting the rear aesthetics of three powerful SUVs all at once.
The Levante’s making use of the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the Ghibli and Quattoporte sedans. But in terms of length, it would be a notch closer to the Ghibli. It would also have an electronically controlled suspension with adjustable dampers and air springs. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission to power a four-wheel drive system.
There is no full specs yet, but it is expected that the Maserati Levante SUV will have the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. There might also be an option to power it with the Ferrari-sourced 3.8-liter V-8. The fastest model would probably be at 500 horsepower.
Maserati said the company would offer the option of a diesel engine although if you’re in the United States, you may not be able to get your hands on that one.
Europe will get firsthand experience of the Maserati Levante SUV this spring. As for those in the United States, you would all have to wait a little longer as it is expected to drop there later this year.
The Geneva Motor Show next month will have a preview of the Levante, so expect to get more information and details there about this new SUV.
2017 Bentley Flying Spur V8 S To Arrive At Geneva Motor Show
The 2016 Geneva Motor Show next month is shaping up to be the best one so far, especially for Bentley buyers who can check out the new Flying Spur V8 S that is expected to debut there.
As the name suggests, this new power machine will have the same powertrain as the Continental GT V8 S, but with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that can deliver 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.
Do you remember the Flying Spur V8 in 2015? That the same V-8 that would be used in this version, although that one had a slightly subpar 500 horsepower and 487 lb-ft. With this extra boost in engine power, Bentley claims the V8 S could accelerate to 60 mph from rest in mere 4.6 seconds, which is 0.3 second quicker than the Flying Spur V8.
The top speed for the V8 S would be 190 mph, Bentley added.
The Flying Spur V8 S also has an eight-speed automatic transmission, rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, and a unique setup for the suspension and the electronic stability control. Then, it also boasts of the returned system that allows increased wheel slip at higher speeds.
According to Bentley, the suspension setup is designed to deliver a more focused driving experience.
Those who wants a faster performance can also get the Flying Spur with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 with 616 hp and 590 lb-ft. However, the extra weight of the engine won’t have the feel of a sports car as compared to the V8 and V8 S.
As for the aesthetics, the Bentley V8 S has a black radiator grille and rear diffuser, a grille insert, and a 20-inch open-spoke painted wheels. Inside, you can expect piano-black wood veneers, three-spoke sports steering wheel, a knurled gear lever with matching knurled shift paddles, and multiple “V8 S” logos, even on the headrests.
The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S will begin deliveries this summer.
2016 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is a Lifestyle Car for Smooth Driving
In the mid-2000s, the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder was the talk of the town. It was a privilege enough to have driven it for four miles before, but we failed to get a good impression except that the V-10 was just too powerful.
We also distinctly remember that its engine was quite roaring like a brick was thrown inside a grinder, but we were impressed nonetheless of the raw nature of the sound and appeal.
Now, we get to test drive another Lamborghini creation—the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder—at the Lamborghini press drive in Miami. This one’s a 610-horsepower supercar, so the expectations are actually quite high. It didn’t disappoint, but it didn’t impress us either.
“Lifestyle” Car
If you’re expecting a sports car that would roar through the streets of Miami or whatever city you’re in, you would be disappointed. The Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is a “lifestyle car,” meaning it is best to be used while you’re cruising along the Miami coast rather than rattling the railings off its roads.
The experience is founded on driving this in low speed and enjoying the feel of the engine, rather than pushing it to the extreme.
That doesn’t mean the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder cannot perform magnificently. You have to remember it still shares the same aluminum spaceframe with the Huracán coupe and the upcoming 2017 Audi R8. Its structure, which used carbon fiber for the firewall and central tunnel, feels light but strong.
It packs a 5.2-liter V-10 with 610 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 413 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. It has a direct and port fuel injection that allows for fewer emissions during startup and lets the computer choose the type of injection that works best for the throttle demands.
This engine is paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission while the power is sent to all four wheels because of its all-wheel drive. In terms of acceleration, it can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, vault from 0 to 124 mph in 10.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 201 mph.
Overall, the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder’s “power” came from Lamborghini’s passion for design, power, performance and aggression. In terms of specs and features, nothing much is outstandingly impressive with this machine—aside, of course, from the fact it is based on Lamborghini’s history and legacy of coming up with the best for whether they created a sports car or a “lifestyle” car.
2016 Lagonda Taraf Made for the Rich and the Famous
Aston Martin has hand-built this $1-million Lagonda Taraf sedan that targets eccentric multi-billionaires who are willing to shell out that much money on a car that is less than the Mercedes-Maybach S600.
If you can remember the Aston Martin DB9 coupe and the Rapide sedan, then you will be familiar with the aluminum-intensive VH architecture where the 2016 Lagonda Taraf is built from. Basically, it’s the Rapide with a 7.9-inch wheelbase stretch and more formal roofline with carbon-fiber body panels.
The engine is a 540-hp version of the 6.0-liter V-12 that was used back in 1999 during the Ford-era of the Aston Martin. True to its roots, the V-12 is still built in the bespoke facility at Ford’s Niehl engine plant in Cologne, Germany. The engine is connected through a torque tube to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission mounted between the rear wheels.
As a result, the engine can peak at 6,650 rpm and has a peak torque of 465 lb/ft at 5,500 rpm. Since this is basically a DB9 and Rapide combined, the Taraf feels like an Aston Martin stretch limo. Drive wise, it doesn’t have that ultra-luxury feel that should come with a $1-million price tag.
Instead, the steering feels too lively while the engine’s too vocal. Also, the ride’s too firm and there’s too much road noise when driving. Coincidentally, the big Lagonda is an easier drive on the road than the Taraf. This is a surprise since the Lagonda tends to feel bulky and heavy.
The powertrain in the Taraf isn’t as impressive as when it was used in the DB9, but it still has that elastic, almost turbine-like surge of power reminiscent of the V-12. When handled, you can fill that the Taraf has a good grip with minimal roll and long wheelbase damps fore-aft pitching.
The interior, on the other hand, is typical Aston Martin. It has near-illegible instruments, console-mounted push-button transmission controls, and the Rube Goldberg infotainment interface. There’s also an HDD satnav system and 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.
Volvo V90 Station Wagon Announced for Geneva Motor Show
The Volvo V90 Station Wagon might be a little on the domestic side compared to its siblings, the Volvo XC90 SUV and the Volvo S90 sedan, but it doesn’t mean it won’t be a thing of beauty once it hits the Geneva Motor Show 2016.
Although Volvo’s recent success came from the stunning XC90 SUV, we cannot deny the fact that the Swedish carmaker’s legacy had always been the station wagon. With the release of the V90, it looks like Volvo is once again inching to be at the top in that segment.
The problem, of course, lies in the fact that this segment has been dominated by crossovers and SUVs in the past years. But for certain folks, the station wagon is still the best way to transport their kids to and from school. This especially holds true to those living in Vermont, Colorado and Washington State. A family car such as the station wagon is still the best way to go for these old folks.
The V90 is the station wagon version of the S90 sedan, which is the sedan version of the SUV. The sedan and SUV were both welcomed to warm receptions last year, so the expectations for the station wagon are up to the roof. No pressure, though, as it looks like the V90 will exceed all of these.
The V90 will come with a powertrain that can deliver more than 400 horsepower if you would prefer the T8 plug-in hybrid package. This is more than enough power for a station wagon, mind you.
The interiors and exteriors are both impressive, and even the rear is surprisingly better than the sedan version, which has been heavily criticized in the past.
As of now, there are still no pricing and availability details aside from the fact that it might come to the market late this year.
Source: Verge
Hyundai i20 Active Has a Nice Mix of Features
The Hyundai i20 Active is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get crossover. You cannot expect it to be packed with a powerful engine when it’s clearly made for practicality, although the Korean company packed it with enough innovative technology to impress even the most discerning buyer.
The i20 Active has a little 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo engine, and it is a front-wheel drive. Power is distributed through a five-speed gearbox. There is no 4×4 here, unfortunately. It’s not even an option, truth be told.
However, the Hyundai i20 Active does enjoy an additional 20mm of ride height over the i20’s five doors. The driver’s seat has a little bit of hike, too, for better visibility, and the exterior’s panels have more rugged alternatives.
If you’re into hiking and other outdoor adventures, you can make use of the included skid plates on the front and rear, as well as the roof rails on top. Make sure to double check, however, the i20 Active’s capacity to climb mountains and drive through rough roads. Remember, this is not 4×4 drive.
But that’s not to say you won’t enjoy driving the i20 Active. It’s actually pretty good, and the suspension is the stiffest of the i20 family. It was designed as such to counter the body roll that might be triggered by the extra height, as well as to please the younger market.
Hyundai has fitted the auto a development shift while going around Nürburgring. It results to a better grip and nicely weighted steering, just like the Ford Fiesta and the Mini. Overall, the car is very easy to drive, and has a nice flexibility to it.
We cannot say it’s better than its rivals, unfortunately, as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Fiat 500X have many personalization options, as well as aesthetics and dynamics features.
Suzuki Vitara, Fiat Panda 4xt and Dacia Duster also offers something the i20 Active doesn’t—a 4×4 option.
But at £15,225, the Hyundai i20 Active will give all these rivals a run for their money. There’s definitely competition if we look at the affordability and practicality of the current options in the market. Also, the five-year warranty could be an attraction that some cannot resist.
Source: TopGear
Turbo Fast Jaguar F-Type SVR Launched
Boasting a speed of 567 bhp, 200 mph, the all-wheel drive Jaguar F-Type SVR can get your from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. That, in a nutshell, is how to sell this new monster machine, the first Jag to carry the SVR badge—named after the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations group.
But if you want to really get into the final specifications of the SVR coupe and convertible, then here they are: it has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with a top speed of 200 mph, a more aerodynamically effective front bumper and splitter, a flat underfloor, carbon fiber active rear wing and rear venture, and an exhaust made of lightweight titanium and Inconel.
The Jaguar’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8 proves this is more than a coupe and convertible version of the Project 7 limited-run F-Type, which required a delicate throttle foot or a massive tire budget.
The chassis also had an upgrade to make sure this one’s going to compete well with other of its kind in the market. It has a new set of dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as stiffer suspension knuckles, wider tyres and lightweight wheels. You can also expect a standard Adaptive Dynamics, Torque Vectoring and stability control and “bespoke calibrations” for the 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive.
Outside, it looks meaner than ever, although the company hasn’t gone full rock-on weird yet with the styling. Ian Callum’s penmanship can be seen on the aesthetic designs of one of the most beautiful sports cars on the road today.
Jaguar said the pricing would begin around $126,000 (£110,000 for the Coupé and £115,485 for the Convertible), firmly putting this on the 911 Carrera GTS level. The company has released full specifications, features and photos for this machine.
Anyone wanting to get their hands on the Jaguar F-Type SVR will have to wait until this year’s summer.
Source: Top Gear
Aston Martin Vulcan Lands and Wows Everyone
You may want to change your laptop and phone wallpapers now with the Aston Martin Vulcan as it lands to wow just about every living thing on the planet.
But, of course, if you’re one of the 24 lucky customers who managed to shell out £1.8 million for Aston’s 820 bhp, 7.0-liter V12-engined ode to the tracks, then you’ll get a firsthand experience on how to maneuver the Vulcan.
Hold still, though, the company just doesn’t hand you over the keys to this kind of powerful machine. It teaches you to fall into it by tutoring you how to handle the Aston martin V12 Vantage S and the Vantage GT4 racer first.
The first set of customers has undergone the same process, the company said, which took place at Abu Dhabi’s Formula One circuit. Each driver was given a passenger-side instruction to learn each lap. They were tested day and night to experience the car in different conditions.
The Aston Martin Vulcan is basically a high-end machine created for thrill-seeking billionaires. And although it is prudent to talk about the car’s oil system, it is also worth noting that the Vulcan has a plug-and-play lubrication system, making it possible to do a full oil change in 10 seconds.
Fraser Dunn, chief engineer of Aston’s Aston’s Q Advanced Operations Center in Wellingsbourne, England, said that Castrol’s Nexcel system was used in the Vulcan. The system is a box that includes both oil and filter elements to effective act as reservoir for a dry-sump lubrication system.
It allows the machine to offer a mess-free oil change by simply removing a Nexcel unit and putting in a new one. The system cuts maintenance times, especially since a car like this can be stored for extended periods between runs in the tracks.
Only 24 of these track-exclusive machines were released to adventure-lover billionaires, so seeing one on a track is a sure way to get your blood pumping.
Source: TopGear
1961 Ferrari 250 GT Heads to Amelia Island for Auction
If you or know someone who can easily sign a check for $16 million to get their hands on a “celebrity car,” so to speak, then throw this little bit of information to them: the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is up for sale at the Amelia Island auction in Florida next month.
According to CarAndDriver, only 56 units of this car have been made. Only 37 of them have been fitted with those sought-after covered headlights. This particular machine has exchanged ownership three times since it was constructed and sold 55 years ago.
Industrial designer Gianfranco Frattini was the first one to own the Ferrari. While under his care, it was featured in the film “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” with Hollywood actress Sophia Loren in 1963.
In June 1978, it was bought by its second owner Terzo Dalia, and then passed on to its third owner in 1985. This is the first time it will be up for public sale, and the first time it is being offered outside Italy.
This short-wheelbase model of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT is based on its previous long-wheelbase version. The auto features a number of upgrades such as a timeless coachwork by Scaglietti, a more nimble chassis and four-wheel disc brakes. With Scaglietti behind the design, it’s no wonder one look at the Ferrari can render an exquisite reaction.
Gooding & Company, which has been tapped to represent the car publicly, said this is Ferrari’s prettiest car and the exquisite bodywork hides an even more impressive machine. The company expects the car to go up to about $16 to $17 million on March 11 when the auction opens its doors.
Based on the records at Sports Car Market, having a selling price of $16 million would put this in the range of California Spiders—the current record is at $18.6 million paid for the Baillon barnfind in Paris a year ago.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Coming Soon at the Geneva Motor Show
The official sketch of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet.
Next month’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show will showcase the convertible model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class after it was lauded for its dynamics, styling and performance. So, it’s really not a surprise that execs are looking to add a larger range of models for this style.
Reports said the plan is an “open secret,” anyway, and customers will likely see the new convertible in showrooms later this year.
Mercedes said the C-Class Cabriolet will be a four-seater, although the rear seat will likely be tight. It will feature a soft fabric top like the Audi A5 Cabriolet. And unlike the BMW 4 series, it won’t make use of an elaborate retractable hardtop.
Aside from that, don’t expect major reinforcements. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet will resemble its coupe counterpart. So far, the prototypes we have seen are impressive, but the major surprise would be the use of fabric top and nothing else.
There is not much information about the full list of engines, although the detail so far is that the C300 Cabriolet will have a 241-hp 2.0-liter four, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet with a 503-hp 4.0-liter V-8.
The standard would be automatic transmissions. Other markets can likely have a more generous choice of powertrains such as diesels and manual transmission.
But in the United States, the car would come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in base C300 trim. Above this should sit a Mercedes-AMG C43 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and at the top of the range should be the Mercedes-AMG C63 with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8.
The cabriolet’s price would be below of its bigger brother. It would definitely make it hard for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, whose new version won’t appear until mid 2017, to compete.
Rivals for this would be the Audi A5 Cabrio, BMW 4-Series Convertible, Infiniti Q60 Convertible and the expected Cadillac ATS.