Monthly Archives: November 2017
Top 3 Reasons Why the Hennessey Velociraptor is Awesome
The Hennessey Velociraptor 6×6 uses the platform of the Ford Raptor F-150.
Henneyssey Performance Engineering just introduced its customization package for the Ford Raptor. The famous American tuning house debuted its Hennessey Velociraptor at SEMA.
Here are the amazing features of the vehicle:
1. Six Wheels and Design Upgrades
The defining feature of the Hennessey Velociraptor is its six-wheel setup. The vehicle is based on the Ford Raptor F-150. The tuner said that the modification is compatible with the 2017 and 2018 models of the pickup.
The exterior of the Velociraptor is highlighted by its new 6×6 locking rear axles, suspension, bumpers, roll bar, LED lighting system and 20-inch wheels wrapped in off-road tires.
Customers can further level up their ride with add-ons included in their performance upgrade such as stainless steel replacements, air-to-air intercooler improvement and onboard computer tuning. They also have the option to get Brembo brakes for the front and rear, bigger wheels and tires, more advanced LED lights, better armoring and upgraded electronics.
2. Power
Buyers can bring up the power of their six-wheeler up to 600 hp through turbo reconfiguration. It should be noted that this boost is available for owners of unmodified Ford Raptors too.
3. Pricing
The price of the Hennessey Velociraptor with all the goodies mentioned above is at $295,000. On the other hand, those who only want the 600 hp performance increase for their Ford Raptors have to dish out $22,500.
The cost may be overwhelming to many, but be reminded that the famous Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 had a sticker price of around $515,000 during its production run. However, after it ended its production, the six-wheeler has become rare and one auction in Florida back in 2015 sold one for an astounding price of $975,000.
Photos
Check out the photos of the Hennessey Velociraptor based on the Ford Raptor F-150 in the gallery below:
A Look at the Top 3 Features of the New BMW X2
Finally, the gap between the X1 and the X2 has been filled by the BMW X2. The rumor mill has been stirring up since 2011 about a crossover from the automaker, but it’s only now that we see what the fuzz is about.
1. Design
Last year, we saw the concept model of the vehicle at the Paris Auto Show. Not long after, spy shots of the X2 have began appearing. It seems that the production version of the crossover didn’t go far from its concept model.
The X2 carries many elements found in the X1. The fascia of the two are almost alike. However, the similarities end with the more aggressive look of the X2, thanks to its coupe-like appearance. After all, the X2 is supposed to be the most sporty-looking variant of the X series.
A closer look would also reveal several updates in the headlamps, taillights, body lines and bumpers of the X2. The vertical slats in the kidney grille of the vehicles are different too. Then, the hatch of the X2 at the rear is smaller than the X1 because of its lower roofing.
The interior of the two are almost the same. Not counting the difference in the legroom of the two, the only noticeable changes in the aesthetics were the steering wheel and the shifting lever, but it is expected that the interior design updates in the X2 will eventually trickle down to the X1.
2. Engine
The X2 shares the same powertrains offered by the X1. At launch, the available trims are the petrol-fed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine front-wheel drive with 228 hp and two diesel all-wheel drive variants with around 118 hp or 228 hp. More options will be offered by BMW in 2018.
3. Pricing
The starting price of the X2 is £33,980. That will get you the 20d SE model. The X2 can already be ordered this November.
Lexus Will Debut Level 4 Self-Driving Tech in 2020s
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, aims to integrate level 4 self-driving capabilities to its cars by the early half of the 2020s. Then, Toyota plans to trickle it down to their standard mass-produced units after.
According to Automotive News, the decision of Toyota to put its new tech into its premium car segment first is because of its costly development. Ken Koibuchi, the company’s executive manager for automotive driving, explained that the feat entails fitting their cars with expensive sensors capable of long distance detection and advanced on-board computers. They have also put more priority on the basic safety elements of self-driving tech like lane-trace assist and pedal misapplication prevention systems.
The source noted that the self-driving Lexus might hit Japan first before it gets to the U.S. Again, the report stated that it had something to do with safety. It takes longer time to verify the complex traffic systems, driver behaviors and laws of the U.S.
Koibuchi pointed out too that many roads in the U.S. have fading lane markers and other indicators. He said that they are yet to make sufficient verification on the matter. Another reason is that most roads in Japan already have highly-detailed GPS mapping which many parts in the U.S. still lacks.
As mentioned in our earlier report, Toyota topped the reliability survey conducted by Consumer Reports for 2017. Lexus followed its mother company in the rankings.
The high rating was attributed to Toyota’s meticulous process of putting new features into its cars. As a way to minimize issues, it has been known to gradually and steadily introduce new technologies into its vehicles. Usually, the systems have already been introduced and tested by its Lexus vehicles. Basically, that’s what it is doing again with its self-driving technology.
At the Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus gave us a preview of what the future has in store for us with their LS+ Concept. The auto was an electric LS with self-driving features.