Monthly Archives: April 2016
2016 Chevrolet Silverado Rally Edition Gets Unique Body Panel
Chevrolet has revealed the 2016 Silverado Rally Edition at the Texas Motor Speedway, and we can’t help but be wowed by its unique body panel, including a power dome hood.
The move sees Chevrolet extending its Silverado’s line of special editions, which offers more truck options than any other brand. Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet truck marketing director, said that their 2015 special editions clearly resonated well with new and younger buyers.
The brand’s total truck sales increased by 27 percent in 2015, which was double the increase for the total truck market.
The Chevrolet Silverado Rally Edition differs from the standard truck because of its matte black graphics package and large wheels. Although Chevrolet didn’t reveal much about the details of the Rally Edition, it did say that the changes were largely inspired by trends in street-performance trucks.
The Rally Edition comes in a monochromatic color scheme with black accents and bold hood and body stripes. It has blacked-out wheels, which can be had in either 20- or 22-inch sizes.
If you will go and check Chevrolet’s “build your own” website, you’ll find that the Rally Special Edition will come packing these features—22-inch wheels, a spray-on bedliner, 4-inch round black side steps, black graphics, box-side decals, and front and rear black bowties. That package will cost $4,995.
For those of you who want the Rally Edition, you will have to choose the 2016 Silverado 1500 in LT trim with the Z71 package. That will give you the 4WD pickup with 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 with an option of either Extended Cab or Crew Cab. This will set you back by $46,965.
Meanwhile, while you decide on whether or not to get the Rally Edition, you can vote for your favorite special edition team as Chevrolet partnered their special edition trucks with a different Chevrolet Racing driver. Head on over to Chevy Trucks’ Twitter account to cast your votes.
Corvette AeroWagen Improves Cargo Space And Aerodynamics
Callaway is giving us another reason to adore the ground it stands on. The company is best known for tuning the likes of Corvettes, Camaros and Silverados, and it even gave us the 757 bhp Corvette Z06.
Its latest project, the Corvette AeroWagen, is the stuff legends are made of, however. According to Top Gear, the product is based on the AeroWagen Concept, Callaway basically churned out a shooting brake Corvette. For a reported $15,000, Callaway will remove the tailgate from your Corvette. It’ll replace it with a one-piece carbon fiber structure to lengthen the Corvette’s roofline, as well as expand its luggage space.
This means the Corvette AeroWagen will feel bigger and bulkier. It uses the same factory seals, hinges and latches, meaning the Corvette’s targa top will remain fully functional. Oh, but don’t be too hopeful. There are still no extra seats despite the “improved” cargo space.
If you’re really interested with what Callaway is offering, then you better own a targa-top Corvette. Any hard top ‘Vette, even the Z06, as well as the Stingray and Corvette donor car, can be converted. It doesn’t even matter if it has one of Callaway’s performance kits or not.
And don’t be too afraid of having your vehicle converted. The installation is fully reversible. Installation will start later this year with orders being received as early as now.
The Corvette Z06 is priced under $80,000 with the SC757 power kit at $18,000 and the AeroWagen tailgate adding another $15,000. All in all, that’s a combined power kit of $113,000 for a 757bhp Corvette shooting brake.
The concept was first showed off in late 2013 with Callaway Cars planning to start production of the Corvette C7-based AeroWagen later this year. During that time, Callaway said the shooting-brake-style conversion would cost $23,000.
This particular Callaway look was built by Montreal-based car designer Paul Deutschman, but it remains unclear if he also had anything to do with the AeroWagen’s styling.
2017 Audi S3 Sportback Gets Updated Drivetrain, Technology
Audi already unwrapped its new A3 family, which included a hatchback, sedan and cabriolet—all of which have quite powerful performances on the road. The hatchback version, however, deserves special attention, especially as it comes both in three- and five-door body styles.
Similar to the rest of the A3 family, the Audi S3 Sportback has a redesigned front fascia, updated rear end, enhanced technology, and a slightly more powerful drivetrain. It’s a good facelift and has a pretty improved engine, but it’s clear why Audi came up with it—to satisfy clients while waiting for the next generation model.
The S3 is inspired heavily by the new generation A4, and used many of the sedan’s sharper features and more aggressive body lines. The engine hood and the bumper have a more muscular appearance. It also has larger air vents and a U-shaped gap under the grille.
Looking closely at the style, you’ll find new taillights with horizontal LED strips, a reshaped bumper, and a new diffuser with larger fins. There are six color palettes available—Ara Blue, Cosmic Blue, Nano Grey, Tango Red, and Vegas Yellow.
Inside, Audi didn’t change much in the S3 Sportback. There are a few changes, of course, such as the mildly redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, an optional heating function, and leather-wrapped driver seat with massage function.
The important changes are all in the tech department. There’s Audi’s virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch TFT screen with multiple display modes, navigation, audio system and phone info. It also offers LTE connectivity that provides WiFi hotspot for mobile devices, Google Earth, Google Street View, parking and traffic info, and weather.
The S3 comes with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an output of 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options include a seven-speed S Tronic automatic and a six-speed manual.
That power can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 4.9 seconds with the automatic. Top speed is put at 155 mph.
Audi is not selling the S3 in the US, or any of the models in the A3 family. Prices, if you’re interested to know, will be around €42,600 in Germany.
2017 Mazda CX-4 To Be Unveiled At Beijing Motor Show
Mazda introduced the Mazda Koeru concept during last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, promising to venture into the growing crossover SUV segment. This is the answer to that—the Mazda CX-4. It came sooner than expected, but who’s really complaining?
Most upcoming models come as prototype, but based on a source, the CX-4 was immediately spotted in production in Asia late 2015. By the beginning of 2016, Mazda has confirmed this and said it will be unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show this April.
The CX-4 will walk on that thin line between Mazda 3 and CX-5, so it will probably be the sportier, coupe version of the CX-3.
Mazda has already released a few teaser photos for the CX-4, and we can’t help but be charmed by it. The CX-4 will have the same features such as the KODO-styled front end, massive grille, and sculpted engine hood. Koeru’s grille frame extends into the headlamps—a feature not available on current Mazda units.
Koeru has a sporty profile, and we can see this on the CX-4 with its roof sitting slightly higher and its door handles having standard design.
Inside, the CX-4 interior is not as fancy as the current CX-5. But this doesn’t mean the CX-4 will have no premium features since it comes with aluminum inserts, leather, contrast stitching, and overall fit-and-finish.
Since the CX-4 is configured to become a coupe, it will feel less roomy than the CX-5.
No exact word yet on the vehicle’s powertrain, but it might actually not go too far off and remain inspired by the CX-5. That one has 2.0-liter SkyActiv unit rated at 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in entry-level guise and a more powerful 2.5-liter SkyActiv with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Choices for transmission would make us pick between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.
If it will cost as much as the CX-5, then you better prepare around $21,795.
Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition Gets Array Of New Goodies
Every car in the Jeep range gets its own special 75th Anniversary Edition, but nothing is more interesting than the Jeep Wrangler’s version.
By far, it’s the closest in style to the military style reminiscent of Willys off-roader that kicked off the brand’s story in 1941. After the Land Rover Defender, the Jeep Wrangler is the most classic and iconic vehicle coming out of that era.
You may want a brand new car, but that doesn’t mean this special edition Jeep Wrangler won’t attract your eyes. More than comfort, luxury and other technological necessities we find in cars today, Jeep Wrangler prioritizes off-road ability, making it the ideal companion for outdoor trips and sporting activities.
According to Top Gear, the 75th Anniversary Edition will come with an array of features—the option of the new paint finish, Sarge Green, 18-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differentials, leather seats and a new sat nav and premium sound system.
Inside, it’s easy to see that the Jeep Wrangler did not put comfort over function. It has chunky buttons, hardy plastics and a very upright driving position. This simplicity is a welcome sight, though, as it provides the functionality we all need from a vehicle.
But if you’re the kind who likes to fiddle with all the features a car maker can chunk into an SUV, then you’ll be wrong to go with the Jeep Wrangler. This is made for rugged terrain, where its four-wheel drive and low-range gearing would be most useful.
As for the engine, it comes in two options—a 281 bhp 3.6-lite V6 petrol and a 197 bhp 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. You would want the diesel, of course, since it has 1,600 rpm of torque compared to the gasoline’s 4,300 rpm. This would come into play when you have hills to climb.
All of these would total to a price tag of £32,000 for the Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition.
Bentley Continental GT Gets Power Boost, Black Edition
As if we weren’t already impressed with the Bentley Continental GT, the company gives us even more to love. Producing the fastest Bentley ever, the new Continental GT has a top speed of 206 mph and delivers more horsepower and torque. It also comes in a striking Black Edition.
The Continental GT’s 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine can now produce 642 PS—up from 635 PS—and 20 Nm extra torque to bring the total to 840 Nm. The additional torque brings better acceleration performance, thanks to it being applied through the entire rev engine via reconfiguration of the boost control.
As a result, the Bentley Continental GT can now go 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Bentley is introducing the Continental GT in Black Edition too, which celebrates the sporting character of the brand. It is available in both coupe and convertible body styles. The black exterior color comes in high gloss finish, which includes the window openings and lamp bezels. Its 21-inch five-spoke directional wheels come in black with distinctive brake calipers, which can come in either black or red finishes.
In addition, it has contrasting colors on the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades, namely, Hallmark, Beluga, St. James’ Red and Cyber Yellow, to match the exterior styling accents. It also has contrast stitching that gives more character to the diamond quilting of the doors and the Mulliner GT Design seats.
Paul Jones, Product Line Director for Continental GT, said that Bentley decided to come up with the new Continental GT Black Edition to answer customers’ request for a model in the Continental line that would offer increased sporting capabilities and recognizable styling outside.
The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models are available for order now. Deliveries will begin this summer.
What Would A Nissan Sentra Nismo Be Like?
It’s way too hard not to imagine what a Nissan car bearing the Nismo nameplate be like after the company revealed its concept at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.
There was a time that Nissan was the dream of many, thanks to its SE-R, which was sadly discontinued after the 2012 model. That one was packed to capacity—a four-cylinder engine, responsive suspension, and a competitive price tag.
You wouldn’t find the likes these days, except that Nissan will probably surprise us with a performance Sentra with all the goodies of before. But until the company actually announces something, car enthusiasts are free to imagine what the Nismo nameplate would come with.
According to a source, the Nissan Sentra Nismo would have Nissan’s “Energetic Flow” design language as seen on the Altima, Maxima and Murano. The front fascia would gain the “V-Motion” grille, as well as boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights. A strip of chrome would run from the trunk to the window surround, linking the nose and tail with shiny metal.
Across the Nismo lineup, you would find the premium Bright Pearl White color with accents done in red, black and carbon fiber, most especially in lower fascia, sideview mirrors, door handles and side sills.
There would also be a shiny black chrome mesh for the upper and lower grilles while the 19-inch aluminum alloys Ray wheels will use a dark grey matte finish and polished lip.
For the drivetrain, the Sentra is usually equipped with 1.8-liter, DOHC, inline four-cylinder engine. The total output stands at only 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque through a front-wheel drive continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can go 0-to-60 mph on automatic transmission or manual transmission for the base model Sentra S.
There’s a turbocharger to add more power and speed. This can lead to 265 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
As for the price, the Nismo would most likely start at $28,000.
Aston Martin Working On Limited Edition Vantage GT8
A spy shot of the Aston Martin GT8. (Source: Autocar)
When Aston Martin decided not to bring its hardcore Vantage GT12 to the United States last year, everyone was dumbfounded. How could the company take away something that breathtaking from Americans?
That one was closely aligned with the V12-powered Vantage GT3 race car. But like mentioned above, this was never experienced in the United States.
Apparently, a new and completely redesigned Vantage is coming next year. But before that, Aston will send out the current model with another hardcore, limited edition model.
This will be called the Vantage GT8, and it will be aligned with the V8-powered Vantage GTE race car. According to reports, this car will be packed with a series of weight-saving measures that include carbon fiber body panels and a stripped out cabin.
This means the race-inspired GT8 will be incredibly faster and lighter than its contemporaries. This would easily be the lightest Vantage ever.
Inside, you can expect a contemporary race-inspired interior, which makes any trip feel like you’re on the race track.
Its power will come from the 4.7-liter engine that is fitted in all V8 versions of the Vantage. The Vantage GT8 will be offered in both manual and automatic transmissions—particularly a seven-speed manual or Aston’s SSII automatic.
Production of the Vantage GT8, however, will be limited, so you have to get your hands on it fast. Aston Martin only built 100 examples of the Vantage GT12. The GT8, sources say, will have 150 units out in the market as soon as production is finished.
The GT8 has already been witnessed by potential customers that Aston Martin invited for an exclusive unveiling last week. The invitation purportedly included a sketch of the car that included a road-scraping front splitter, big rear wing, and large diffuser.
Remember, the GT8 will only be the first from Vantage this 2016, so expect more in the coming months and more importantly, next year.
2016 Toyota Yaris TRD Sportivo Gets Exterior, Interior Changes
Toyota boasted its current models during the Bangkok Motor Show that run from March 23 to April 3, but the one that stole the limelight was the Toyota Yaris TRD Sportivo.
This Yaris model was finally touched by Toyota Racing Development, and it did get the TRD treatment both in the exterior and interior. However, don’t expect too much from the drivetrain as Toyota has completely left this aspect alone.
Although it’s easy to hark at Toyota for not being able to bring anything drivetrain-wise, it’s still a welcome sight to see the Yaris with the TRD treatment—aesthetically speaking.
Based on a report, the Yaris TRD Sportivo is based on the Yaris G except it has a few features such as the turn indicators on the sideview mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, a multifunction information display, and an acoustic windshield.
The Yaris TRD Sportivo, on the other hand, also boasts of a slew of new features on the exterior, including a black front grille that extends down the lower fascia. This integrates into the black cadding that surrounds the entire bottom of the vehicle and the wheel arches.
The front has fog lights that are located into the corner fascia inserts. It also has a silver front lip to both fascias and the side skirts, as well as custom-looking wheels and a set of roof rails.
At the back, the black cadding covers the lower portion of the rear fascia. There’s also a silver insert in the middle. Overall, though, it has the same body as the current Yaris.
Inside, there are a few modifications. You can find in the center a slew of things such as a double-din, seven-inch, touchscreen display with MP3, MP4, DVD, CD, and WMA compatibility. It also has USB, Micro HDMI, SD-Card, and Bluetooth connectivity with T-connect.
Currently, the base-level, three-door Yaris starts at $14,895 while the three-door LE is at $16,555. The five-door, on the other hand, starts at $15,995 while the five-door LE is priced at $16,930.
Vauxhall Launched Zero Emission Adam C
Last year, the world collectively felt the hottest temperature in history. In New York, temperature didn’t drop until around New Year’s Eve, which wasn’t usually the case in the notoriously cold state.
The call for less dependency on fossil fuels is loud, more so in the automobile industry. Luckily, at least one company is putting its best foot forward. Vauxhall has just announced Adam C, the first full-size production kinetic car. It runs on a kinetic mechanism that is actually quite similar to the mechanism found on children’s clockwork toys.
On the outside, it is styled the same as any of its counterpart in the sedan arena, but inside, it’s a different story altogether. Vauxhall ditched the engine, fuel tank and battery to replace them with an innovative technology that powers up the engine.
The result is zero running costs and absolute no damage to the environment.
The kinetic mechanism basically works like this: a removable knob is plugged at the back of the vehicle, which a simple winding for 15 minutes can give the Adam C power up to 125 miles. The same power will be used for onboard features like the infotainment system.
Mick Cannical, Vauxhall’s Chief Kinetics Engineer, has high hopes for the Adam C. The use of the kinetic technology will revolutionize the way people drive. Even the winding of power was calculated based on an average person’s drive each day, which does not exceed 35 miles.
Winding the Adam C is even beneficial to one’s health since Cannical said winding would exercise the chest, shoulder, arms and core muscles, leading up to the burning of 400 calories.
And if you ever run out of power, there’s no need to find the nearest gas station or walk for miles to get there. You can just wind it up from the detachable knob at the back.