Tag Archives: roadster
3 Things We Learned About the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
Mercedes-AMG is finally making a top-down version of the GT R—following the footsteps of the GT C version and the GT S Roadster. There have been rumors that the Germans are planning a top-down version of the Mercedes-AMG GT R, and now, it looks like they are coming true.
Spy shots of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster have been leaked as the car made its first testing session.
1. Exterior
The GT R Roadster will be similar to the coupe version from the waist down. The AMG grille with chromed out vertical slats and big Mercedes emblem are very recognizable even through the camouflaged photos.
The big difference will be with what happens from the waist up. There will be a soft top, of course, as well as modifications at the rear deck. The windshield will be shorter and fully framed, there will be no rear quarter glass, and there will be roll bars behind the seats for safety purposes.
2. Interior
The interior of the GT R Roadster will be identical to the coupe, except for the unlimited headroom during open-air drives and the roll bars behind the rear seats. There will be two, manually-adjustable bucket racing seats with AMG lettering and contrasting seatbelts, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a digital instrument cluster. All of these are wrapped with Nappa leather and Dinamica microfiber treatment. There will also be a large infotainment display at the center of the stack.
3. Drivetrain
The GT R Roadster will have a similar powertrain as the coupe version, except that its 4.0-liter Biturbo V8 engine will make 577 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 74 ponies and 35 pound-feet of torque over the same engine in the GT S. The Roadster will be a bit slower in reaching the 60-mph sprint by 0.1 seconds. The coupe can reach this by 3.5 seconds while the GT R Roadster will likely take 3.6 seconds. The top speed is estimated to be at 198 mph.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets More Power, Now Has 181 HP
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most popular sports car in the history of automotive. It is so successful that there have been clamors for a much-needed update. Thankfully, Mazda heard all those appeals and decided that 2019 is the time for the MX-5 Miata to get additional power and a higher red line.
Yes, the rumors are true. The MX-5 Miata is getting a significant bump in power. It now has 181 horsepower. That’s 26 horses more than the previous generation’s engine. This little details was courtesy of Japan’s Car Watch, which recently had an opportunity to give the test mule a try.
According to the report, the 2019 Miata will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. That’s an increase of 26 horsepower from the current output of just 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The Miata’s predecessor has an output also of 148 pound-feet of torque, but the 2019 version would have a bump to 151 pound-feet of torque.
There are significant changes in the powertrain, which accounts for the increase in power output. Specifically, Mazda added new pistons that are 27 grams lighter and new connecting rods that weigh 41 grams less than the ones fitted in the current generation.
The car’s redline increasing is due to the automaker’s installation of larger diameter throttle body, larger exhaust valves, and wider exhaust piping. The redline went up to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm. Predictably, these updates would improve thermal efficiency and would lower emissions.
Moving inside the car, the Miata gets a telescoping steering wheel for the first time ever. The wheel has 1.2 inches adjustment and has a tilt function that will allow the wheel to move by as much as 1.7 inches.
Aesthetically speaking, the Miata will get a caramel brown top, full-tan leather interior, and bright finishes for the wheels.
Pagani Huayra Roadster Debuts at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show
The Pagani Huayra Roadster just made its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The supercar is considered by its company founder Horacio Pagani as the most complicated project they ever had.
According to the Pagani website, it took the automaker six years to develop the high-performance auto. Check out the key features of the supercar below:
Engine
The Pagani Huayra Roadster is powered by a handcrafted Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine. The unit produces 764 hp at 5,500 rpm and 100 Nm of torque from 2,300 to 4,300 rpm. All that power is distributed to the rear wheels via a single-clutch manual transmission seven-speed gearbox.
Pagani is yet to release the details about the zero to 62 mph acceleration time of the supercar. However, considering the roadster’s higher output than its 722 hp coupe version and its light frame, it is estimated to be able to achieve such feat in less than three seconds and a split-second faster than its roofed sibling.
Design
The Pagani Huayra Roadster borrows many styling elements found in the Pagani Huayra coupe as well as the Pagani Huayra BC. The roadster may have a more rigid A-Pillar and some of its parts have been reinforced to make up for the absence of its fixed roofing, but it was successful in reducing its weight by 70 kg compared to the coupe.
The weight reduction of the roadster is thanks to its detachable rooftop that makes use of carbon and glass materials. In addition, the vehicle makes use of light monoque chassis.
Moreover, the roadster is fitted with a set of forged aluminum alloy app monolythic wheels measuring 20 inches and 21 inches for the front and rear, respectively. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli tires.
Pricing
The Pagani Huayra Roadster’s starting price is at €2.28 million or around $2.41 million. The cost is exclusive of taxes and delivery charges.
Exclusivity
Only 100 samples of the supercar will be released in the market.
Photos
Check out the photos of the new Pagani Huayra Roadster during its world premiere at the 87th Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:
3 Things Worth Pointing Out About The Avatar Roadster
Avatar is a British sports car startup that has just introduced its very first production car—the Avatar Roadster. The sports car packs a Ford EcoBoost engine and its spaceframe chassis. Not bad for a first car, though it’s a little steep on the prices.
According to a report, this particular model will make its live appearance at the 2017 Performance Car Show in Birmingham, UK. It’s interesting how the production came about when Avatar just introduced its prototype last year. That was some pretty fast engineering.
1. Ford EcoBoost Engine Is The Base Model
Possibly the base model, the initial stage of the Avatar Roadster packs the 2.0 turbocharged Ford EcoBoost engine that packs 250 horsepower (186 kilowatts), which we now see is similar to the Ford ST credits. It has a dry weight of just 695 kilograms (1,532 pounds), allowing the Roadster to go 0-60mph in four seconds. The maximum speed is 145mph.
2. Focus RS Has More Power
If you are looking for a stronger engine, you may want to look at the Focus RS-based model that has a 2.30liter turbocharged that can go 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds. This is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or the optional seven-speed paddle-shift sequential racing gearbox.
3. Interior Is Packed To The Brim
The lightweightedness of the vehicle makes us think that it will simply pack the standard interior features, but we are wrong. The Avatar Roadster has a techy and modern interior that is also comfortable, thanks to the full-leather interior, heater, and air conditioning.
As for the tech stuff, it comes with the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto in standard trim. If you want the roof, you will have to pay extra for that. Avatar also boasts of a full suite of “pure track experience.” The package includes fire extinguisher, data logger, and GoPro HD camera compatibility.
The Avatar Roadster will be sold for £39,990 ($48,603).
2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible vs Mercedes SL Roadster
Let’s get this out of the way: the 2018 BMW 6 Series Convertible has a whopping price tag of $85,100, which comes very far from the likes of the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet and the Audi S5 Cabriolet. Because of that, we’re pitting this against the SL Roadster, which is very much its competitor, price-wise in particular.
Based on the spy shots, the 6 Series is sporting a new fascia, grille, and headlights. The front end will have slightly wider kidney grilles, sleeker and slimmer headlights, and some other minor restyling. There could also be some changes in the overall bodyline.
There are two different trims available for the US market. The 640i and the 640i xDrive will get the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, inline-6 while the 650i and the 650i xDrive will get the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8. The 3.0-liter should produce around 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque while the 4.4-liter should cough up at least 475 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
Each engine will be paired with a “sport” automatic transmission while xDrive models get an all-wheel drive. Non-xDrive models get a rear-wheel drive.
Mercedes SL Roadster
If you’re planning to spend $90,000 on a car and don’t really need a backseat, then you can check out the Mercedes SL Roadster. It’s an evil little car in terms of sportiness, power, and speed. Currently, it’s available in four trim levels—the entry-level SL450 at $86,950 can deliver 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque thanks to the 3.0-liter V-6.
On the other end is the AMG SL63 and SL65, which are priced at $151,250 and $219,850, respectively. The SL63 makes use of a 5.5-liter V-8 machine that comes up with 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The SL65 has a 6.0-liter engine that produces 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
The 2017 Mercedes SL Roadster has many improvements on the exterior and interior, but none is better than what it changed outside. This model now has a power-folding hardtop that has a speed of 40kph or 25mph. It has a redesigned front and rear fascia, with the former coming with large air inlets under the new LED headlights, chrome or carbon fiber accents. You can choose from either a 10-spoke or five-spoke designs for the 19-inch wheels. Aside from the existing color palettes, the 2017 model welcomed two more colors—Brilliant Blue and Selenite Grey Magno.
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster To Arrive In 2017
The roadster version of the Mercedes-AMG GT series is scheduled to arrive by 2017, spy shots confirmed. There were rumors earlier that the German luxury automaker plans to skip building an AMG GT Roadster to protect its SL-Class Roadster, which hasn’t been doing well in the market.
However, the new spy shots just proved that the roadster is indeed coming as anticipated. This isn’t that surprising because Mercedes developed the GT with the Porsche 911 Turbo as competition. Since Porsche came out with a drop-top version of the range-topping model, Mercedes will have to follow suit if it doesn’t want to lose the challenge.
On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG GT roadster has a slightly longer deck lid and it will also come without its fixed roof. The soft top will be similar to the shape of the SLS AMG. This is a minor change from the current version, but it does ensure that the body style can transition without exactly ruining the car’s sleek appearance.
Inside, the roadster will enjoy the same aviation-inspired theme with the wing-like dashboard with spotlight-style A/C vents in the center stack. There are also the concave-shaped door panels and the motorsport-inspired center console that is stacked with the AMG Drive Unit controls.
Passengers will get to experience the luxurious seating made of high quality materials that include leather, Alcantara, contrast stitching, and exemplary fit and finish. This elegant interior will be finished off by the “infinite” headroom, thanks to the option of a removable roof.
The infotainment system will also be very similar to the coupe and it will include the latest apps and features.
Under the hood, you’ll find Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 that can churn out 456 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GT S version will get you 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
There is no information yet about the pricing though it is expected that the GT S Roadster will debut at $137,000.
Is Honda Celebrating Its 70th Anniversary With A New S2000 Roadster?
Is it possible that Honda will be celebration with a new S2000 roadster just in time for its 70th anniversary in 2018? Rumors of the new roadster cannot die, even as we already confirmed the tiny S660 roadster will not be coming to US shores and the mid-engine sports car that sits below the Acura NSX is probably not happening anytime soon.
Honda first launched the S2000 in 1998 to celebrate its 50th anniversary, so it’s only fitting that they can also release a new roadster for their 70th year. It is even possible we will be seeing a new car and a commemorative two-wheeler to mark the occasion.
A source claimed the car can be compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata in size, although Honda’s will be more powerful, performance-wise. The bike, on the other hand, will be a “detuned, roadgoing version of the RC213V-S.
However, skeptics note that Honda does not have a platform for a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car. But, just look at what they did with the S660 mini-coupe and the all-new NSX supercar. Honda may not have a platform for such models, but they come out pretty unique, didn’t they?
An Acura executive revealed during the 2014 Detroit Auto Show that Honda is planning to fit in a smaller sports car under the NSX. He, however, pointed out that such a car won’t be appearing before 2017. So, is 2018 is just about right?
What we can assume is that the new S2000 roadster will have a slightly detuned version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is made in the US. The car will be, too, apparently. And to keep costs down, Honda will build it along the NSX at its specialized Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio.
Sources said a large team from the R&D staff in Japan are now in Ohio to work on the roadster.
2017 Jaguar F-Type Comes With New Infotainment System and Engine
Jaguar‘s sporty two-door F-Type has been making waves since 2013 as a roadster and as a coupe. But although it has always been quite able, it is not time for an update.
The new F-Type is expected to be revealed next year at the Geneva Motor Show, according to TopSpeed. Although there are no exact details yet, spy shots of the new sports car at Nurburgring brings some vague but incredible upgrades that should apply on both the coupe and the convertible.
The F-Type’s greatest strength is in its styling, which was an original by British car designer Ian Callum. The low-slung and wide and long hood line with the angled roof are all perfect sports car designs. The overall styling combines elegance and athleticism.
The new F-Type won’t go too far from the original. There’s a downsized grille, covered intakes in the sides of the bumpers, and dual, blade-shaped inlets.
The spy shots’ camo wrap doesn’t let us see more, but the new units appear larger, moving horizontally towards the edge of the fenders. It adds an extra visual width to the front end.
We expect the headlights to be reshaped, and converted to LED daytime running lights plus an option for adaptive high/low beams.
No major changes are expected on the sides and tails, except for the taillights and few alterations on the rear bumper.
Inside, the F-Type has a two-seat layout while the driver can enjoy a three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel, plus well-bolstered sports seats in premium leather.
Minor upgrades are expected on the interior layout with the dashboard possibly being reshaped. The major change would come in the form of the centrally mounted touchscreen and the driver’s into screen in the gauge cluster.
Since there are no details yet on the drivetrain, we are expecting the current lineup–a 340-horsepower V-6 in the base model and Premium, a 380-horsepower V-6 in the S and S AWD, a 550-horsepower V-8 in the R, and a 575-horsepower V-8 in the SVR.
Options for transmission consist of a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic with paddles.
Currently, the F-Type range starts at $61,400 for the base coupe and $128,800 for the SVR convertible.