Monthly Archives: May 2017
3 Reasons Why the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 is Awesome
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 was just unveiled. As its name implies, the car was made in line with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of AMG.
The special edition car offers many upgrades compared to the standard Mercedes-AMG GT3, which makes it a must-have for collectors. Here are the key features of the vehicle that truly makes it awesome:
1. Engine
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 still uses the 6.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine. The unit is capable of producing 622 hp and 635 Nm of torque. The power is distributed through a six-speed sequential racing transmission. The mentioned elements allow the auto to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in merely 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle is electronically-limited to 332 km/h.
It should be noted that the 6.3-liter V8 used by the AMG GT3 is already a rare hardware and it is the last naturally-aspirated engine to be used by Mercedes in its cars. It was used by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 but the Mercedes-AMG GT3 carried it over due to its reliability, low-maintenance and power.
2. Styling
The Edition 50 car sports a more aggressive look than its original version. It is fitted with new carbon fiber materials plus its bumpers, side skirts, diffuser and rear wing have been redesigned. The body of the auto takes a gray metallic finish. The noticeable additions in the special GT3 include the big vents above the front fenders and “50 Years of Driving Performance” badges on the sides.
Inside, the car gets new carbon fiber racing seats, rollcage and GT3-inspired, racing steering wheel. A couple of upgrades can be seen in its instrument cluster too. The same “50 Years of Driving Performance” badges can be found in its safety harnesses.
3. Exclusivity
The Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 is only limited to five units. It is specifically made for collectors who love motorsport.
Photos
Check out the photos of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 50 in the gallery below:
Rolls-Royce Sweptail: The Most Expensive Car Ever Commissioned
The unique, $13 million Rolls-Royce Sweptail.
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail was just unveiled on Saturday. The car is a one-off custom build with a $13 million price tag.
According to Business Insider, the Rolls-Royce Sweptail is probably the most expensive car ever commissioned. However, the source reminded that the Ferrari 250 GTO remains as the most expensive car of all time with a value of $38 million.
The report said the Rolls-Royce Sweptail took four years to make. “Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of haute couture,” stated the director of design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Giles Taylor. “It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer,” he added.
According to Rolls-Royce, a customer approached them in 2013. The person asked them to make a unique car inspired by the luxury yachts of the 1920s and 1930s. The final product was the Sweptail.
The Sweptail is a fastback characterized by its long, swooping shape. The car is finished in a classic navy blue paint. Then it is covered by a single-piece glass roof running down to the rear end. Next, the hood and front grille of the auto follows the boxy face of pre-war cars.
Inside, it is noticeable that the car sports a right-hand drive configuration. A combination of high-end wood and leather wrap its interior surfaces. Among the noteworthy elements found in its cabin are a champagne cooler, slots for two custom attache cases and hat shelf at the rear. Overall, the vehicle has a minimalist but very opulent design.
There’s not much information available about the technology, platform and engine of the Sweptail. The article assessed though that it is likely based on the current Phantom platform of Rolls-Royce. The car is possibly carrying a 6.75-liter V12 engine under its massive bonnet.
Photos
Check out some of the pictures of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail below:
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- The unique $13 million Rolls-Royce Sweptail.
Hybrid Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade Concept Car Unveiled
A hybrid model of the Volkswagen Golf GTI was just unveiled during the brand’s fan meet at the Lake Worthersee in Austria. The concept car was made by a group of young VW apprentices.
According to Autoblog, the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade was created to commemorate the 10 years of Worthersee show builds commissioned by VW. Peter Christ, Head of Automotive Technology Training in Wolfsburg, said that the goal of the project is for the apprentices of the company to learn the complexities of automobile production and to let them gain further experience through the use of digital technologies, application of system technology and electro-mobility.
Power Units
Rechristened as the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade, the vehicle packs a petrol-fueled engine. The unit is capable of producing a whopping 410 hp. All that power is directed to the front wheels of the car.
Next to that is a 48-volt electric motor. The unit gives the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade another 16 hp at the rear wheels. There are no details yet about the range of the car’s twin battery at full charge using the all-electric drive system, but the company says it is handy at short distances or in stop-and-go traffic. The regenerative braking technology of the auto provides it an improved energy efficiency.
Combining the petrol and electric motors of the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade allows it to optimize its performance with an all-wheel drive system.
Design
The Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade is finished in five-tone matte paintwork. The striking Atlantic Blue color in its exterior with decorative strips and contrasting Satin Ocean Shimmer foil paint, blacked out radiator grille, rear spoiler and set of 20-inch alloy wheels make the car very hard to miss on the road.
The interior design of the car features handcrafted black nappa and Alcantara surfaces with blue trim. Basically, every element found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been retained, except that the developers of the concept car removed the rear passenger seats to make way for a massive 11-speaker, 1,690-watt sound system.
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Price Guide
Daimler just announced the sale of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in its Global Media Site. The car is only a facelift of its current model but it gets a new set of engines and the standard tech within the auto takes a couple of updates.
Here are the different models of the S-Class as well their respective pricing in Germany (including 19% VAT):
1. Mercedes-Benz S350d 4MATIC
The diesel-fed S-Class houses a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The unit produces 210 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It is the most frugal when it comes to fuel consumption with its efficiency rated at 5.5 l/100 km. Then the combined CO2 emission of the auto is 145 g/km. The vehicle costs 88,446.75 euros, which is the cheapest in the bunch.
2. Mercedes-Benz S350d 4MATIC LWB
A 3.0-liter inline-six is also fitted in the longwheelbase diesel-powered S-Class. However, the power is cranked up to 286 hp. The other engine specs are the same with the standard S350d model. The vehicle is valued 91,719.25 euros.
3. Mercedes-Benz S400 4MATIC
The car is equipped with a 3.0-liter petrol inline-six engine. The unit’s output is 250 hp with 700 Nm of torque. Prepare to dish out 93,206.75 euros for this one.
4. Mercedes-Benz S400 4MATIC LWB
The 3.0-liter inline-six engine longwheelbase auto produces 340 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The price of the car starts at 96,479.25 euros.
5. Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC
Beneath the vehicle’s hood lies a 4.0-liter V8 engine. The output of the unit is 345 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The price tag of the product is 11,3960.35 euros.
6. Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC LWB
The longwheelbase version raises the power of the 4.0-liter V8 to 469 hp matched with 700 Nm of torque. The vehicle is worth 116.994.86 euros.
7. Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC
The Maybach variant of the S-Class puts more touches in its luxury and comfort features. The 4.0-liter V8 of the auto can bring out 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The car costs 143,508.05 euros.
8. Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC
For now, the AMG S63 is the most powerful variant of the S-Class in the market. The 4.0-liter V8 engine of the vehicle comes in 450 hp and 612 hp configurations with 900 Nm of torque. The range-topping model is valued 16,293 euros.
Top 4 Expectations About the 2019 Lamborghini Urus
New spy shots of the Lamborghini Urus just surfaced out online. The crossover certainly looks very sporty and sexy due to its coupe-like elements matched with underpinnings found in Volkswagen vehicles, including the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga.
Based on various insider sources, spy shots and hints from Lamborghini, here are the things we can expect from the upcoming crossover:
1. Massive Engine Output
Stefano Domenicali, CEO and President of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., revealed in an interview with Automotive News Europe that the Urus will be equipped with a twin-turbo V8 engine. He said that the unit will have an output of 650 hp. It is estimated that the torque of the engine will be at least 600 lb-ft.
2. Plug-In Hybrid Version
In addition to the V8 engine of the crossover will be an electric motor. Maurizio Reggiani, research and development chief of Lamborghini, told Autocar that the Urus will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. As mentioned, the vehicle already has a powerful 650 hp V8 engine, so look forward to an additional boost from the electric motor.
3. Design Will Not Be Far From the Concept Model
Spy shots suggest that the Lamborghini Urus will follow the styling elements shown by its concept model at the Beijing Motor Show in 2012. The only notable changes seen in the production model compared from the concept version of the vehicle are the new positioning of the exhausts, absence of rear diffuser, reshaped rear windows and presence of roof rails.
4. Coming Next Year
The production version of the Lamborghini Urus will be launched next year with a 2019 model year. It will likely be sold in a limited number. The crossover will be assembled at the Lamborghini plant in Sant’Agata.
Photos
Check out the spy shots of the Lamborghini Urus provided by Autoblog in the gallery below:
3 Key Selling Points of the Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the best medium-sized SUVs in the world today. The pricing for the auto starts at £22,995, which is around $29,835.55. So what are the things that make it worth your money?
Here are the top 3 selling points of the SUV based on a Top Gear review:
1. Engine
The Tiguan is available in various engine trims. The most affordable comes in the form of the 1.4 TSi BMT 125 S 5dr. The petrol-fed unit packs a good 125 bhp enabling it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 10.5 seconds.
For the environmentally-conscious buyers who are also looking for the most fuel-efficient model, the 2.0 TDi BMT 115 S 5dr is highly recommended for them. The diesel engine of the auto has a CO2 emission of 123 g/km and its fuel efficiency is rated at 60.1 mpg. Its output is pretty decent at 115 bhp with zero to 62 mph acceleration of 10.9 seconds.
For the ones who prefer the quickest powertrain, they should opt for the 2.0 BiTDi BMT 240 4Motion R-Line 5dr DSG. Priced at £38,955, the vehicle produces 240 bhp that allows it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in only 6.5 seconds. The only trade off is its 167 g/km CO2 emission and 44.1 mpg consumption.
2. Exterior
The Tiguan possesses a muscular frame accentuated by its artistically-placed body lines. The SUV measures 4,486 mm in length, 2,099 mm in width, 1,657 mm in height and 2,681 mm in wheelbase. The standard model is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels while the sportier, range-topping variant has 20-inch alloys wheels.
3. Interior
Not much can be said in the interior design of the Tiguan. The styling follows a practical approach, which puts over functionality and space before design. Owners can pimp up the interior of the auto with the optional Virtual Cockput TFT dials found in the Audi TT.
Photos
Check out the photos of the Volkswagen Tiguan in the gallery below
Special Edition Mercedes G-Class and CLA Released in Japan
Mercedes-Benz Japan just launched special editions of the Mercedes-AMG G-Class and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The new G-Class version commemorates AMG’s 50th anniversary while the new CLA variants pay homage to the Star Wars Day.
Mercedes-AMG G63 50th Anniversary Edition
The special edition Mercedes G63 comes in Mauritius Blue metallic paint with black bumpers, fenders, roof, thin horizontal body strips, mirror caps and 20-inch AMG wheels. The interior of the sport utility vehicle is covered in black Designo leather with diamond trim. In addition to the all-black scheme, its surfaces also come in two-tone themes which combine black with mocha brown, saddle brown and porcelain white highlights.
Only 50 units of the vehicle will be made and it will be exclusive to buyers in Japan. Each model costs 22.2 million yen, including taxes, which is around $194,604.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 Star Wars Edition
May 4 is considered to be Star Wars day by fans of the film franchise. As a tribute to the most popular space saga of all-time, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 Star Wars Edition was released.
Only 120 units of the special CLA will be produced and it is available in two themes. One is finished in Calcite White, which represents the Stormtroopers of the film. The other is in Night Black as a nod to the main villain, Darth Vader.
The Stormtrooper-based car offers a two-tone exterior that combines the white finish with black mirror caps, window sills, side skirts and front lip. The surfaces of the auto is covered in black leather with complementing white and gray stripes plus silver stitching. The ambient lighting of the vehicle produces a blue hue.
The Darth Vader-inspired version of the CLA comes in a sinister all-black finish. The interior mirror the dark exterior surface of the car too. To put emphasis on the evil character of the Sith lord, the leather is combined with red stitching and scarlet ambient lighting.
Photos
Check out the images of the Mercedes-AMG G63 50th Anniversary Edition and the Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 Star Wars Edition in the gallery below:
1917 Mitsubishi Model A Will Get Electric Car Treatment
Mitsubishi Motors, formerly the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company, entered the automotive scene when it produced its first passenger vehicle, which is the 1917 Mitsubishi Model A. In celebration of the company’s centennial anniversary, it announced that it will release a plug-in version of the car.
Looking back at the history of the prestigious brand, the Model A was a four-door sedan measuring 103.9 inches in wheelbase, 150.8 inches long, 63.8 inches wide and 81.5 inches high. It has a curb weight of 2,899 lbs. The car carried a 2,765 cc inline-four engine with 35 hp and top speed of up to 97 km/h.
The car was produced from 1917 to 1921 and only 22 of them were made for customers. Due to the expensive production of the vehicle, Mitsubishi halted its production and it was not until 1960 when the company resumed its passenger car production with the Mitsubishi 500.
According to Inside EVs, the 1917 Mitsubishi Model A with plug-in hybrid powertrain is currently being made by West Coast Customs in Burbank, California. It is expected to be launched in summer. The progress of the car specialists will be shown during an episode of Inside West Coast Customs on the Velocity network.
The source said the revived Model A will make use of the automaker’s PHEV platform. Currently, the Mitsubishi Outlander makes use of the platform.
The PHEV platform is an interesting choice for the new Model A as it should be noted that the classic passenger car is actually as big as the common sport utility vehicles of today’s standards. It is worth mentioning that the Outlander is actually 105.1 inches in wheelbase, 184.8 inches long, 71.3 inches wide and 66.1 inches high. The curb weight of the auto is 3,768 lbs.
The integration of the PHEV platform with the 1917 Model A is truly an exciting feat for West Coast Customs as it will highlight both the past and present of the brand in one vehicle.
Toyota Cars are Not Boring
Toyota cars are not boring. Well, that’s what the company’s CEO Akio Toyoda said in his recent speech.
In a report from USA Today, Toyoda admitted that there have been times when Toyota cars were referred to as boring and lacking in character. However, he reminded the audience that their autos have received favorable reviews from customers when it comes to driving dynamics and design. Then again, he stated that there’s still room for improvement in their vehicles.
The statement of Toyoda came as he announced the financial results of the company for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017.
It was during the event where it was revealed that Toyota’s revenue fell. According to the source, the company already relinquished its title as the world’s largest automaker by a slight margin to Volkswagen.
The revenue of the company went down 2.8 percent to $24.2 billion. On the other hand, its operating expenses slumped 30.1 percent to $17.5 billion.
Toyota foresees a 2.5 percent fall in revenue and 18 percent decrease in net income for the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2018. In addition, the Japanese firm projected retail vehicle sales to remain flat at 10.25 million.
Among the factors blamed for the unfortunate performance of Toyota in 2016 were the tough currency rates. The company reflected a 20.8 percent drop in net income to 1.831 trillion yen or $16.1 billion in the present day’s rates.
Toyoda added that they should expect a paradigm shift in the industry too, which is slowly gearing towards self-driving vehicles. The CEO defended the unfavorable financial results of his company by saying it was only a proof that Toyota puts more priority in stabilizing and continuously improving their investments in the future, rather than concentrating on short-term profit.
Toyoda pointed out that to safeguard the future of the company, they have created an internal division called the Toyota Research Institute to work on futuristic technologies.
Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Gets New Livery for German Fire Department
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer with new livery for the German fire department.
One Opel Insignia Sports Tourer recently got a fresh look for an exhibition. The car was given a new livery to transform it into something that the fire department could really use.
In the photo and details given by CNET’s Road Show, the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer got a new body design and it was fitted with accessories to turn it into a fire department command vehicle. The car came in dirty white paint with a combination of red and yellow strips. It also has “Feuerwehr” emblazoned in it, which is German for “fire defence”.
In addition, the Insignia Sports Tourer was equipped with LED flashers and signalling system to be used in emergency response situations. Then an equipment carrier was installed into the car for radio and fire fighting gear. The other parts of the vehicle remained unchanged.
The personalized auto was showcased at the RETTmobil rescue and mobility exhibition in Fulda Germany.
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is available in one diesel-fed and five gasoline-powered models. The lineup is highlighted by the 2.0 Turbo 8AT AWD petrol model that produces up to 260 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The numbers allow the car to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 245 km/h. It appears that the customized vehicle pictured here carries the said specifications.
Moreover, the Insignia Sports Tourer has a combined fuel consumption of 8.7 liters/100 km. Its CO2 emission is 199 g/km.
The Insignia Sports Tourer measures 196.3 inches in length, 73.3 inches in width, 59.1 inches high and 111.4 in wheelbase. The unladen weight of the car is 3,710 lbs while its gross weight limit is 5,060 lbs.
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will be sold in the U.S. as the Buick Regal TourX.