Alfa Romeo Giulia Interior: Your First Look

A closer look at the interior of Alfa's BMW M3 fighter.

Last month, Alfa Romeo unveiled its new 3-series-fighting Giulia. For a few days, we hemmed, hawed, oohed, ahhed, and then were refocused ourselves on more reality-base concerns, like how many cars have been recalled for Takata airbag issues. Now, as if to wake us from a stupor and remind us, that, yes, there is a new Alfa coming to take on the Jaguar XE and the Cadillac ATS, photos of the Giulia's interior have surfaced (presumably of the hot Quadrifoglio version), conveniently edited into a video that makes heavy use of the Ken Burns Effect.​​

The start button is big, red, and mounted right there on the steering wheel where it can't be missed when a hasty departure is of the essence. The steering wheel's switchgear, on the other hand, looks Dart-grade. But look! It has carbon-fiber trim! The material is also used on the shells of the thin-back sporty-look bucket seats, as well as on the top of the console and as an accent on the shift knob. The infotainment knob in the center console also appears as if it might incorporate a touch-sensitive writing pad.​

The dash has a bit of a spacefaring vibe to it, while the open compartment between the console and dash has that classically-Italian look of afterthought. "Well, there was a space here between these two pieces we actually designed, so we figured we'd just stick some walls on it." To be fair, Audi and other have made use of this look before. The interior does have a very FCA vibe to it, but without actually sitting in the car, it's hard to tell how it exactly measures up to the fantastic cabin of the C-class or the nice place the 3's interior has finally become. Perhaps you might just want to go listen to the Giulia make noise again?​

                                                                                               Source: Car and Driver

სრულად »

Yep, the Lincoln Continental Will Be Built at Ford’s Flat Rock Plant

Last month, we brought you news that the next Lincoln Continental could possibly be manufactured at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant. Today, we bring you confirmation.

The Daily Journal reports that Ford doesn’t intend to hire more employees to join the 3,000 that work at FRAP when Continentals start rolling off the production lines alongside the Fusion and the Mustang.

Clearly, the Blue Oval doesn’t intend to reveal when Continental production will start, either.

Hopefully, whenever it does begin, the process will include the fitting of the Continental concept’s 30-way seats, shearling wool carpet, and SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof. Lincoln states, “With the touch of a button, the glass can cool the vehicle interior by as much as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, while blocking 99 percent of UV rays.”

If Lincoln keeps its show car’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 for the production version of the Continental, it will be interesting to see how much power it develops. Based only on engine size, it’s reasonable to assume it will develop fewer horsepower and pound-feet than the current 3.5-liter EcoBoost. However, given how long the latter engine’s been on the market and how prestigious a position the Continental will likely occupy in Lincoln’s portfolio, perhaps the 3.0 will outgun the 3.5.

                                                                  Source: Ford-Trucks

სრულად »

Marchionne Aiming Maserati as Company’s New Flagship

Late last year, Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that the company’s flagship brand, Ferrari, would be spun off in order to gain some much needed capital for the rest of FCA’s brands. While the bulk of the company’s shares will remain with FCA, for the first time ever, those outside the brand will be able to purchase a stake in the company.

However, that leaves the rest of FCA without a true flagship brand. Or does it? According to Marchionne, who spoke with Bloomberg, the company’s second luxury brand will become the toast of the automotive world. The CEO stated that after FCA launches Ferrari’s IPO, “Maserati becomes the most the most coveted, exclusive brand that we have.” However, there is a problem with this plan.

Currently, Maserati only has three models, the Ghibli, the Quattroporte, and the Gran Turismo. All of which from the exterior, are Italian works of art. However, to make the company more profitable and to increase sales and production numbers, Maserati has had to introduce a Chrysler-ification of its cars. Much of the interior appointments in the Ghibli feel like they were brought over from other existing Chrysler models. This, of course, doesn’t speak to the snarl and burble you get from the glorious engine note. However, it is something that definitely speaks to the disconnect between the rhetoric of becoming the most coveted brand throughout the company…and the actual cars being produced.

If Maserati is to become FCA’s flagship, the brand needs to overcome quite a few hurdles, many of which have been set out by FCA itself. Not only do the cars need an increase in both the level of refinement and performance, but Maserati as a brand needs to stop trying to woo Audi, Mercedes, and BMW drivers. Rather, it should focus its attention on wooing Bentley and Rolls Royce customers if Maserati’s plan to gain both exclusivity and prestige will ever be realized.

                                                            Source: Yahoo Autos

სრულად »

Meet the Sensational New 2016 Dodge Charger RT

This amazing 2016 Dodge Charger RT will still keep the traditional retro appearance, but it will be gone with by some brand-new developments.

This car will get a revamped narrow grille, and the front LED lights will obtain a small and round size. Certainly, it will be a 4 door sedan and it will have a redesigned back and front in addition to those 20 inch aluminum wheels.

The spoiler, the bumpers and the air consumption will be modified too.

Under the hood there is the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine, but for additional $3.600, the R/T comes with all SXT model standard features, plus including: the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 370 HP and 395 lb-ft of torque, 20 inch Satin Carbon Aluminum Wheels, TorqueFlite 8 speed automatic transmission, integrated dual performance exhaust, performance suspension and 3 price low profile body color rear spoiler.

                                                                Source: Netcarzone

სრულად »

World Rally Cars Will Look Crazy and Be Faster in 2017

Wider, faster, wingier, amazinger.

Right now, cars that compete in the World Rally Championship aren't nearly the wild looking thrill machines they once were. Now, we have a bunch of amazing quick small hatchbacks running through the woods of the world, but they are going to become more incredible in just two years.

The already fast cars are set to get faster with a smaller restrictor for the turbo and a 55 pound weight reduction. That should make power jump from 315 to about 380 horsepower, which is nothing to sneeze at.

They are also set to have bigger flares for a wider track and a greatly enhanced aero package with a simply gigantic rear wing.

It's true that rally cars now are anything but boring, but the current formula is getting dated. These are simple ways for the series to create more dramatic and faster cars while not making the teams spend tens of millions on R&D to make a whole new car.

Instead they'll just spend a few million. Let's not go crazy here.

                                                                    Source: Road and Track

სრულად »

Ten Great European Cars With Gigantic V8s

Taking a page from the American playbook.

The typical train of thought is that large displacement, V8 engines are solely for American cars because they need huge displacement to make the power. Thing is, a big V8 might be an American calling card, but there is a worldwide allure that comes from hearing a V8 rumble.

This is but a small selection of big V8s that were crammed into European bodies.

DeTomaso Pantera

Want a mid-engined, Italian exotic with an engine from Dearborn? Then the Pantera and its 351 Ford V8 is the car for you.

Mercedes 500E

The 500E was built in collaboration with Porsche, which saw the cars shipped back and forth between the two companies. What resulted is one of the most sought after sport sedans to ever come from Germany.

AC Cobra

A simple formula: Take a beautiful English roadster, add a 289 or 427 Ford V8, have a car that is a legend. Job done.

Jensen Interceptor

Jensen went with Chrysler power, which means some models had an engine that displaced as much as 7.2 liters. That's the right way to make power.

Sunbeam Tiger

Like AC, Sunbeam called up Ford, got some 260 and 289 V8s, and stuffed them in the classically beautiful Tiger body.

Facel Vega

The French had the same idea as Jensen: Stuff a giant engine in a lovely coupe. Also, if you didn't know, French author Albert Camus was killed in one.

Bizzarrini GT5300

Corvette engine, Italian body. Gorgeous.

TVR Griffith

Nothing spells reliability like a TVR with a Rover V8.

Iso Grifo

Giotto Bizzarrini did the mechanicals for Iso Grifo, so it should be no surprise that there is also Corvette V8 under here.

Bitter CD

The Bitter CD is a bit of a rarity in the USA; supposedly there are just six in the country. The engine is a 327 from Chevrolet, and it was developed from an original concept by Opel.

                                                                       Source: Road and Track

სრულად »

Roush Built One Very Special Mustang for Military Serving Abroad

The brave men and women who serve in the United States military undoubtedly have a tough job, and when deployed, they may feel like they’re a million miles from home. 

But to those personnel with a pony car passion, Roush Performance will supply a little taste of home in the form of a special edition Ford Mustang, the 2015 Roush “Warrior.” The limited production Mustangs are the result of Roush’s partnership with Military AutoSource, and will be available exclusively to military members serving overseas. These aren’t your average ‘Stangs either.

The 2015 Roush Warrior Mustang comes equipped as either the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost or 5.0-liter V8 GT, with the former EcoBoost version adding new gauges, upsized rear sway bar, larger radiator, heavy-duty front springs, larger brake rotors, and a limited-slip rear axle.

Opt for the GT, and Roush adds to that formula a pair of Brembo six-piston front brake calipers, strut and chassis bracing, a Torsen limited-slip rear axle, and most importantly–a 2.3-liter TVS supercharger. Punch the gas and you’ll unleash a heady 627 horsepower.

Outside, the Roush Warrior Mustangs arrive wearing either Black or Race Red paint, and come replete with various body mods, including a new front splitter and fascia, hood scoop, blacked-out rear decklid panel, spoiler, and sideskirt winglets. A Roush quad-tip exhaust and 19-inch black alloy wheels complete the aggressive look, while a 12-speaker Shaker audio system, custom headrests, and light upgrades find their way to the interior.

Pricing is said to start at around $41,000 for the EcoBoost package and $57,000 for the supercharged GT. And given that these Mustangs will only ship overseas to serving military members…they ought to be quite rare.

                                                            Source: Bold Ride

სრულად »

The Nissan GT-R is About to Get Even Better

Nissan performance fans wait with bated breath. The hallowed Nissan GT-R is expected to receive its long-awaited replacement as early as 2018, brining with it a purported hybrid drivetrain and new looks to boot. A radical change, considering the current model has been on sale since 2008. 

But GT-R devotees may not have to wait until 2018 or beyond to experience an improved sports car. According to Australia’scaradvice.com.au, the current generation R35 GT-R will continue to evolve in the coming years.

In a media presentation at the recent 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans race, in which the company competed its new GT-R LM Nismo Le Mans prototype, Nissan chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura noted the current GT-R road car has “more potential to be better.”

“Performance is already very good – [zero to 62 mph] in 2.7 seconds – it’s fastest. So it might be impossible to get higher, speed-wise, but maybe more better handling and that kind of thing.”

Incredible off-the-line speed has been a calling card of the twin-turbo V6 R35 GT-R since its debut, but with the ceiling apparently met for the current car, weight savings and suspension performance look to be the next logical areas of improvement. The current car tips the scales at around 3,900 pounds, and in its highly tuned 2016 Nismo variant, it muscles up a colossal 600 horsepower.

Nakamura noted of the upcoming model years, “I think it’s an improvement. Even design wise, we have some minor changes coming very soon. You will see very shortly.”

The design of the next-gen GT-R still remains very much in question, with some pointing to Nissan’s Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo for inspiration. Rather, Nakamura hints that the firm’s Le Mans entry provides some helpful clues.

“Nissan GT-R LM Nismo is not a production car, but it is inspired by GT-R and also to give us inspiration for future GT-R.” He added, “I think we’re better to continue to make an evolution of today’s car rather than switching to something completely different.”

While the next iteration of Nissan GT-R is widely rumored to adopt a hybrid powertrain, Nakamura would not confirm or deny the possible arrangement, but noted hybrid power as an aspect still in experimentation.

                                                                  Source: Bold Ride

სრულად »