Daily Archives: November 18, 2016
3 Things To Know About The Lexus Sriracha IS Concept
This is literally a spicy entry-level sports sedan from Lexus. Called the Sriracha IS, this whole car is based and even sprouts out Huy Fong Foods’ signature Sriracha sauce.
1. The Red Color is More Than Just Paint
Can you guess what makes the Sriracha IS incredible special and quite weird? It officially brings the sweet and spicy signature sauce to the automotive industry by mixing actual Sriracha hot sauce with the red paint coated on the vehicle. To further accentuate that this car is based on the popular and much-loved spicy sauce, there are Sriracha-bottle-cap-green accents on the exterior mirrors, grille surround and brake calipers.
2. The Sriracha Inspiration Applies on the Interior
The Sriracha red paint does not stop on the exterior. The Sriracha IS has enhancements inside, too. The steering wheel has been molded from what Lexus refers to as a Sriracha-like liquid. The seats have Sriracha-inspired accents, which meant a rooster logo. There are heated seats and climate controls that can go all the way up to “Sriracha hot.” The driving knob even has a Sriracha setting in place of the traditional Sport setting. Why? That is the something weirdly unique about the Sriracha IS.
3. It Dispenses Actual Sriracha
For the ultimate Sriracha lovers, there’s not enough of the hot sauce in the world. We know people who actually bring Sriracha mini bottles or packets with them (even in 5-star hotels) because it’s apparently impossible to eat without it. Those who are interested in the Sriracha IS will find it weirdly beautiful that the car dispenses this blend of chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic and distilled vinegar.
The sriracha Is has a key fob with the Remote Emergency Sriracha Activation. A nozzle located at the top of the fob will actually dispense Sriracha. Oh, there’s also 43 bottles of Sriracha in the car’s trunk according to a commercial from Lexus.
Weirded out yet? Don’t worry, Lexus will not be bringing this into production. At best, it’s a little inside joke between the two companies’ presidents.
Check out more photos of the car in the gallery below, which were provided by Car and Driver:
Boxy Mercedes SUV: The Living Legend
Not many visualize an SUV from Mercedes-Benz that is high and box type. But made initially along the lines of military vehicles for the use of the civilians, the G-class SUV from the company has today become one of the oldest of its cars.
Rumors have it that the car was made on the insistence of the then Shah of Iran who happened to be a major shareholder of Mercedes-Benz. This G-class Mercedes was also referred to as G-Wagen. It was made by a company called Magna Steyr that was formerly Magna-Steyr-Puch.
This was the reason why this boxy SUV from Mercedes was called Puch-G where it was sold under the brand name Puch. Introduced way back in 1979, this boxy Mercedes SUV is still being produced by the company.
G-class happens to be a bold and beautiful vehicle from Mercedes. On the one hand it has beautiful sublime looks and it boasts belligerent character.
In many ways, this large luxury vehicle from Mercedes Benz reminds one of a military automobile standing outside a gated community. As an owner, you can take pride from the fact that you get to see the other cars and individuals from a height. But this is just the start as this old and boxy Mercedes SUV which starts at a base price of $120,000 is mighty quick and gives a powerful feeling with its all wheeled drive.
G-class was not available to the people in America surprisingly for a long period of time even though the car found its way into the country through grey market. It was only in 2002 that this SUV got introduced in the USA. It was christened G-500 and fitted with a V-8 engine.
Combining Off-Road Capabilities with Comfort and Safety
The development of the G-class started in early 70’s when the two companies namely Daimler-Benz and Steyr Daimler Puch started collaborating to design a vehicle that had off-road capabilities but also stood high on safety and comfort. It took years of designing and production with a prototype used to test the off-road abilities in coalfields of Germany and the Sahara desert.
Not many people are aware of the fact that the first of the G-Wagen produced by the company was delivered by the company to the Vatican City where it became the popemobile in honor of the then pope. This particular vehicle, once it retired from the service of the Pope, was permanently shifted to the museum of the company in Stuttgart in Germany. Thousands of people come to take a glance at this revered automobile widely known as The Papa-G.
One of the Oldest Surviving Vehicles in the Stable of Mercedes-Benz
Today, G-class from Mercedes is like a living legend, being manufactured by the company even after 37 long years. It is undoubtedly a tribute to the engineering and design of this automobile. However, the company has tried its best to make sure that this aging vehicle remains modern and stylish by changing the engine and replacing it with a more powerful and racy one.
There are glaring changes made in the exteriors of this SUV as well to make it competitive with other modern SUVs. One of the reasons why this vehicle is still going strong is because of the desire of the wealthy people to get some more in the form of off road capabilities from this model.
G-class is a good automobile with ample space for the driver and the passengers. Not a lot of space to stretch out but not so small to get you cramped for space. This can be a drawback for many consumers given the fact that there are lots of SUVs available in the market at much lower price that are offering more space to the passengers.
There are many people too who feel that the SUV has been made too high for the owners by Mercedes. It might be a good idea to have better visibility but it is a little awkward for average height individuals to step in and out of this automobile.
Despite its limitations that have become more glaring because of the passage of time and development of advanced automobiles, G-class still sells in high numbers.
2017 Mazda CX-5 Gets 3 New Powertrains
Mazda finally revealed its redesigned CX-5 for the 2017 model year. One of Mazda’s most popular vehicle, this compact crossover SUV has received some fresh upgrades, mainly when it comes to its powertrains.
This redesigned CX-5 will start appearing in showrooms next spring as a 2017 model. It made its formal debut on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This will be first launched in Japan before rolling out to other markets.
Mazda remains mum in interviews on what exactly changed in the new CX-5. What if confirmed, though, are three new powertrains to choose from—two gasoline units and one diesel.
3 New Powertrains
Basically, Mazda said the CX-5 will have a 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engines, the same ones in the current CX-5. These two will most likely be able to produce 155 and 184 horsepower, respectively.
As for the diesel options, it’s going to be a 2.2-liter engine. There’s no word yet whether it’s coming to the US, or will simply be an offering in Asian markets.
If you’re wishing for the CX-5 diesel option, you’d have to wait for while more. Mazda has been saying that a diesel engine option will be made available for the CX-5 for years. There has been no report of that until now.
KODO Design
Aside from Mazda’s Skyactiv design principles, it will also use its KODO design language. The combination is potent because what came out of it is an affordable crossover that stands out both in looks and performance.
The KODO lines allowed Mazda to redesign the CX-5 without going overboard. This styling trend became more prominent, thanks to the arrival of the 4th generation MX-5 Miata and the latest CX-9. Now, the rest of the lineup has been using the same design trend.
New Paint Color
The CX-5’s looks will be further upgraded because of a stunning new color named Soul Red Crystal. By using the Takuminuri paint technology, the new paint job has a high-quality finish. However, Mazda was not done yet. It added aluminum flakes and a translucent layer for that very deep and saturated red color.
5 Things To Note About The 2017 Nissan Sentra Nismo
For the 2017 model year, Nissan is upgrading its Sentra Sedan through the work of its in-house tuner, Nismo. This was introduced ahead of the planned launching at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday.
Here are 5 things you need to know about the Nismo-tuned Sentra based on a source:
1. Concept form Was Previewed In 2013
Back during the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan gave us a glimpse of the concept form for the Nissan Sentra Nismo. The problem is, this production version missed out on what the concept has boasted about—240 horsepower. Instead, this Nismo-tuned Sentra will be founded on the Sentra SR Turbo’s setup, which is only good for 188 horsepower.
This will be paired with a front-axle drive and either a 6-speed manual or CVT.
2. “Sporty” Feel Was Fine Tuned
Where Nissan focused was on making sure that the car has a sporty feel to it. Its engineers enhanced the Sentra Nismo’s performance based on aerodynamics, body reinforcements and suspension tuning. They also added some features interior-wise to add to that sporty feel.
3. Chassis Was Adjusted For Sturdier Feel
The Sentra Nismo now has a chassis that has monotube rear dampers and unique tuning on the front springs and struts. They also added stabilizer bars at the front and rear for sturdier driving. The car’s electronic power steering is also fitted with Nismo calibrations for a sportier feel.
4. Nismo Red Accents Were Added In The Exterior
Nissan wants the Nismo to appeal to sporty individuals. As such, they have to tweak the exterior a little bit by making it more aggressive. The Nismo body kit includes Nismo’s signature red accents. It also has 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport and 11-inch housing ventilated brake discs at both ends.
The Sentra Nismo comes in four colors: Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black and Aspen White.
5. Interior Receives A Special Treatment
Inside the Sentra Nismo, there are Nismo logos and extra-bolstered seats with red stitching. The sportier steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and leather trim. Completing the “special treatment” is a dark headliner and Nismo logo on the instrument panel.
The interior color is charcoal with red accents.
