Monthly Archives: August 2016
Race Cars Based on the H2 Speed Concept Planned by Pininfarina
Italian design house Pininfarina announced that it will be making limited edition race cars. The units will be based on the H2 Speed Concept of the company.
It should be noted that the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show early this year. Recently, the company CEO Silvio Pietro Angory revealed through an interview during the Concours d’Elegance held this month that they are planning to make 10 units of the hydrogen-fueled race car.
The upcoming race car will be powered by two electric motors paired with a braking energy recuperation system similar to its concept version. The power units are made in partnership with Franco-Swiss electric powertrain maker GreenGT.
The motors give the vehicle a total output of 503 hp. The power is distributed to the rear wheels. The acceleration of the futuristic auto from zero to 60 mph is at 3.4 seconds.
It is worth mentioning that the H2 Speed Concept does not possess A gearbox, differential or clutch. The car is managed by a torque vectoring software. The sound the vehicle produces is likened to a science fiction hissing sound.
Angory calls the product as “a racing car for gentleman drivers.” The auto will be created in compliance with FIA regulations. The price tag of the vehicle is very expensive though as it carries a value of $2.5 million.
The working prototype race car based on the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept is expected to arrive in early 2017. Orders for the eco-friendly auto are targeted to reach customers 12 to 14 months after its launching.
The report further claims that the H2 Speed Concept is developed with the Pininfarina 1969 Sigma Formula One concept car in mind. The older unit offer elements featuring the next-generation safety technology of its period. This time though, the upcoming race car concentrates on advanced powertrain technology.
2017 GMC Canyon is Set to Receive Updates
GMC recently announced an updated lineup for its 2017 GMC Canyon. According to the automaker, the models of the range will each get a new engine and transmission system plus it will take several updates in the body.
The upgraded Canyon will receive a 3.6-liter V6 engine. That’s the same power unit installed in the Cadillac models like the ATS, CTS, CT6 and XT5. The output of the new engine is increased to 308 hp while the torque is raised to 275 lb-ft. The power boost is made possible due to a variable valve timing and enhanced direct injection. Then the vehicle offers Active Fuel Management, which is capable of shutting off two cylinders to improve performance and fuel-efficiency. It should be noted that the All Terrain X trim available in the SLE model has an option for the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
Next, the Canyon is also fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The said transmission system is available in Cadillac, GM and the 2017 Colorado models. Ditching the six-speed automatic transmission found in the 2016 Canyon allows a higher first gear ratio for the auto. The new element reduces overdrive ratios, which paves way for better fuel-efficiency. The feature helps when hauling a heavy cargo too.
The All Terrain X has plenty of upgrades in the exterior, including new bespoke 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac P225/65R17 all-terrain tires, spray-on bedliner, three-inch diameter round step bars, body-color grille surround, and rear step bumper. Other additions are the Hill Descent Control, remote start, automatic climate control and sliding rear window. Inside, the cabin of the vehicle is adorned with red accents and given heated front seats.
The luxurious Denali variant of the Canyon possesses new 20-inch aluminum wheels, grille, tubular chrome assist steps, polished exhaust tips exclusive for the V6 drivetrain, and spray-on bedliner. The interior of the pickup has Jet Black leather surfaces, exclusive instrument panel and console trim, and Denali badges. Lastly, the other goodies in the unit are heated steering wheel, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, GMC IntelliLink with Navigation system, 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, advanced driver information system, premium Bose seven-speaker sound system, a pair of USB charging ports, and Collision Alert as well as Lane Departure Warning system.
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- 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
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- 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
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- 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
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- 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
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- 2017 GMC Canyon Denali
2018 BMW M4 GT4 Prototype Spotted
A prototype for the race car version of the BMW M4 was recently spotted. Spy shots of the car were taken while it was undergoing testing.
According to Motor Authority , which is also the source of the photos you are about to see below, the BMW race car is set to debut in 2018. The images show several aero upgrades made to the car to comply with the FIA GT4 regulations. However, as a cost-cutting measure and to ensure the reliability of the M4 GT4, BMW seems to have retained many elements of the car’s coupe model.
One noticeable feature of the spied auto suggesting that it is the race car variant of the M4 is its lower ride height. The other factors giving away its identity include the GT4-compliant new front splitter, side skirts, extended wheel arches, rear diffuser and rear wing. The source speculates that some parts of the car like the hood and roofing might use carbon-fiber materials similar to the limited edition of the M4 GTS.
Although it is hard to make out the M4 GT4’s interior based on the spy photos alone, the report said it will be equipped with a roll cage, bucket seat paired with a safety harness, and fire suppression system. Again, these should mirror the standards of the FIA.
BMW disclosed that the BMW M4 GT4 carries the same engine found on the race car’s road-legal coupe version. Therefore, expect the vehicle to have the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The output of the auto should be at least 425 hp with all the power distributed through the rear wheels.
The company stated that the upcoming BMW race car will be designed to meet the rules governing the GT4 events in North America, Europe and Asia. The targeted debut of the M4 GT4 is in January 2018 during the 24 Hours of Dubai race.
BMW M4 GT4 Spy Photos
Check out the spy shots of the upcoming BMW M4 GT4 in the gallery below:
Upgraded Battery for Tesla Model S and X Performance Versions Introduced
Tesla just introduced a new battery that will power up the performance variants of its Model S and X cars. The new unit promises more range and better acceleration for the said vehicles.
According to Tesla’s chief executive Elon Musk in his interview , the upgraded battery of the electric vehicle brand is a “profound milestone” for the company. He explained that despite the battery having the same cell chemistry with its predecessors, it has been reconfigured to offer more energy.
Musk promised that the new 100-kilowatt hour battery pack of Tesla will offer faster acceleration to the P100D, which is the performance version of the Model S sedan. He claimed the power unit will make the P100D the fastest accelerating production car in the world.
The P100D is expected to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Musk admitted that there are other faster cars in the market, but he asserted that the mentioned vehicles are limited edition models only unlike the Tesla car, which is mass produced.
In addition to the acceleration boost, the new battery increases the range of the Model S. Musk stated that from the former 290 miles range of their older battery they were able to increase the range of the upgraded one to 300 miles. He added that it is even possible for the car to cover up to 400 miles without recharging during cool weather.
Musk revealed that the introduction of the upgraded Tesla batteries will help fund the development of the more affordable Model 3 units. The company is looking to make a total of 500,000 all-electric vehicles in 2018.
At present, the starting costs of the performance variants of the Tesla Model S and X vehicles are at $108,000 and $115,000, respectively. It should be noted that the disclosed pricing reflect the ones without the new battery pack yet.
Watch the Remote Control Feature of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 is characterized by “hot and cool” design coupled with a powerful engine and a bunch of technical innovations under the three-pointed star marque. Recently, it was discovered through a YouTube video that the concept car can also be driven using a remote control.
Marchettino, an Italian-based car lover, shared a four-minute clip showing the remote control feature of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 in his channel. In the video, a guy can be seen holding a device similar to a video game console controller. Then he uses the controller to move the electric vehicle back and forth on the lawn. After that, he loads the car into the trailer with precision.
There are a lot of practical applications offered by the remote control element of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. One of them is it allows the driver of the car to move the car in and out of the parking area conveniently no matter how narrow is the space around it. That is similar to the key feature of the Pilot Parking Assistance provided by the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Video
Watch the video below of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 where its remote control feature is demonstrated:
Other Tech Found in the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6
Another noteworthy tech in the concept car can be found in its front windshield. According to the Global Media site of Daimler , the glass also functions as a transparent display driving and navigational data are shown there.
The embedded display in the windscreen of the concept EV augments the outside world with additional information for safer and more convenient driving experience. The function can be controlled by the occupants of the car by simple hand gestures.
Digital information can be seen in the glass trim part of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6’s cabin. Among the data that can be accessed are the body sensor displays as well as seat control, climate control and emotional lighting effects.
BMW Diesel Vehicles for Model Year 2017 Confirmed
BMW announced that its diesel vehicles with the 2017 model year will be rolled out soon in the United States of America. The luxury car maker confirmed the arrival of four diesel models in the region.
According to CarAndDriver , the variants that will get diesel versions for the 2017 model year are the sedan and Sports Wagon versions of the 328d, the X3 xDrive28d, and the X5 xDrive35d.
Despite the positive news, BMW haven’t released any definite date yet regarding the arrival of the mentioned diesel units. A spokesman of the company just told the source that it will be available later this year.
The report claimed that many BMW dealerships are now missing the diesel versions of some popular models. The source explained that the delay had something to do with the certification process, which is a requirement for diesel models sold in the U.S.
The article stated that EPA increased its scrutiny in the diesel models after the Volkswagen emission scandal that rocked the automotive world and led to the company CEO’s resignation. It should be noted that VW admitted to using a software to cheat their emission figures.
The postponement of the arrival of the BMW diesel models in the country is also due to BMW’s suspension of their production in the U.S. soil. We agree with the source that it is a smart move from the luxury automaker in case EPA will ask them to revise something in their diesel models.
As for the other popular models of the brand, BMW is yet to confirm if it will offer a diesel version of the redesigned 5-Series in the U.S. Currently, the vehicle is available in its 2016 model year with the name 535d. For the 7-Series, the company said it will not be selling a diesel variant of it in the area.
Hyundai Genesis Gets Linked with Amazon’s Alexa
Hyundai announced that its Genesis luxury sub-brand is offering an integration with Amazon’s Alexa. The “skill” provided by the service enables the driver to issue certain commands to the car.
Alexa, the voice service of Amazon, lets users access certain capabilities or skills. The said elements allow them to interact with devices like the Amazon Echo, Fire TV, Tap, and Echo Dot. The system is integrated in the Hyundai Genesis Connected Services suite. The technology is available in the Genesis G80 and G90 sedan. The good news is that purchasing the new G90 comes with a gift card for the Amazon Echo.
The owner can simply issue commands directed to his car using the abovementioned compatible Amazon devices for the Alexa. As an alternative when the user is not near an Amazon device, he can still access the feature using a dedicated web portal or using his smartphone app.
When near Amazon devices, dedicated apps or web portal, the user can start the service by saying, “Alexa open Genesis.” Then this can be followed by commands such as “Alexa, tell Genesis to lock my car,” or “Alexa, tell Genesis to start my car at 70 degrees,” and others. The commands will be forwarded to the Genesis G80 or G90. From the car, the user can also control the Amazon devices he has at home.
The partnership of Hyundai and Amazon started yesterday (August 19, 2016). To use the service, the owner should enable the Genesis “skill” using the Alexa app. The app will run the owner through the whole activation, tutorial and customization process.
It was revealed through a report that the Alexa app in the Hyundai Genesis G80 and G90 functions by starting the car, controlling its air conditioning and heating system, operating the locking functions of the doors, and turning on the lights of the auto.
New Dodge Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona Cars Introduced
To welcome the Woodward Dream Cruise with a bang, Dodge released new Challenger and Charger models to watch out for. The brand unveiled the Dodge Challenger T/A and Charger Daytona editions. The cars bearing the 2017 model year come in various bright colors, customized parts and more power in the engine.
Dodge Challenger T/A
According to a source , the Challenger T/A packs a 5.7-liter V8 engine similar to the one carried by the Challenger R/T. The power unit has an output of 375 hp. The car possesses the brand’s “Air Catcher” headlights, LED T/A logos, air duct on the bonnet, enhanced exhausts, and forged aluminum wheels.
Dodge also offers the Super Track Pak for the Challenger T/A. The kit lowers the suspension of the car by half an inch. In addition, it is available with new brakes, Bilsten shock absorbers, remapped stability control and the wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle 1 tires. Moreover, the package comes with satin black hood or T/A stripes as visual enhancements. Buyers even have the option to get the Green Go finish with the kit. The Super Track Pak has a starting price of $37,390.
The Super Track Pak can be installed on the Challenger 392 too with a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing up to 485 hp. It comes with new 20-inch wheels and other accessories. The starting price of the package is $43,995.
Dodge Charger Daytona
The Charger Daytona edition, as its name implies, commemorates the brand’s limited-production 1969 NASCAR-inspired car. The auto has the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. Its upgrades include active performance exhausts, 2.62 rear axle ratio, the goodies of the Super Track Pak, and reconfigured auto transmission. The kit has a starting cost of $39,890.
The Charger 392 can get the Daytona elements as well for $44,995. The package imbues the car with a 3.09 final drive ratio, limited-slip rear axle, direct cold air induction, fender decals, plus 20-inch wheels partnered with Brembo brakes and wrapped in performance tires.
Ultra-Luxurious Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Makes Its Debut
In addition to the Cadillac Escala , another concept car that has is being talked about at present is the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. After releasing a series of teasers in the form of photos and a video, the ultra-luxury arm of the three-pointed star brand finally unveiled the two-door coupe prototype.
According to the Global Media Site of Daimler , the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is an electric car. The output of the vehicle’s power unit is very impressive as it is capable of producing up to 550 kW (750 hp). The low underfloor battery of the auto gives it a usable capacity of around 80 kWh and allows it to cover a range of over 500 kilometers at full charge based on an NEDC data while EPA puts the figures at 200 miles.
The output of the electric battery lets the car go from zero to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. On the other hand, its maximum speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h. The quick charging feature of the auto provides it a charging capacity of 350 kW while it can gain an additional range of 100 kilometers in merely five minutes of charging.
The ultra-luxurious coupe was already unveiled at the Monterey Peninsula on August 16, 2016. The car will continue to be showcased there until August 21, 2016 during the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elégance.
Mercedes-Maybach mixes the elements of hotness and coolness into the styling of the Vision 6. The emotional design and the intelligent details of the car respectively make up the mentioned elements.
The long hood of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 coupled with its low roofline and greenhouse’s rearward positioning pays homage to the coupes made long ago. However, Daimler reminds us that the vehicle does not possess a retro design. Instead, it is a reinterpretation of classic and aesthetic principles.
Despite the lack of spoilers, the intelligent basic shape of the concept car makes it aerodynamically-efficient. The styling is also in line with Mercedes’ design philosophy of sensual purity.
Cadillac Escala Concept Car Unveiled
Cadillac revealed a new concept car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California on Thursday. The luxury car division of General Motors unveiled the Escala.
According to the company’s official media site , the Cadillac Escala concept car is a rear-wheel drive four-door sedan. The auto appears to be an evolution of the brand’s Ciel convertible concept launched in 2011 and its Elmiraj coupe concept that debuted in 2013.
Based on the statement of Johan de Nysschen, the president of Global Cadillac, the Escala embodies the next design language of the luxury car brand. It also possesses the technology that future Cadillac models will carry. Moreover, the vehicle signifies the brand’s comeback to the top of the premium car market.
The company explained that Escala is a Spanish word for “scale.” They chose to name the luxury sedan concept as that because it is considered to be the larger, more elite and expressive companion to the 2016 Cadillac CT6.
The Cadillac Escala measures 210.5 inches in length. It is approximately six inches longer than the CT6 model. On the other hand, its width is at 76.7 inches while its height and wheelbase are 57.3 inches and 127.1 inches, respectively.
The Escala is fitted with a 4.2-liter twin turbo V8 engine that Cadillac has been developing. So far, there’s no word yet regarding the output of the power unit but the company revealed that it has an Active Fuel Management technology. The feature allows better fuel-saving for the four-cylinder operation of the car. Again, the unit is expected to be carried over to the upcoming models of the luxury automaker.
Among the other noteworthy features of the Escala include Cadillac’s signature vertical headlamps. The lighting is equipped with organic light emitting diode (OLED) for better illumination. The grille design takes a three-dimensional precision pattern as well. To top it all off, the automaker fits the car with 22-inch wheels with two-layer spoke designs.
Other technological treats that the Escala has in store for customers is its better connectivity functions, including voice and gesture controls.
The surfaces inside the Escala are covered in hand-tailored fabric. The materials and styling are made possible by the partners of the brand in the fashion industry.
