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Showing posts from April, 2019

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante Is The Brand’s Fastest Convertible Ever

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Aston Martin is upping its performance game by unveiling the new DBS Superleggera Volante. Billed as the fastest convertible ever made by Aston Martin, the DBS Superleggera Volante has a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that produces 715 hp (533 kW / 725 PS) and 664 lb-ft (900Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and 0-100 mph (161 km/h) in 6.7 seconds. Given enough room, the model will eventually top out at 211 mph (340 km/h). Styling largely carries over from the coupe, but Aston Martin says the model has been equipped with deeper side strakes which draw more air from the front wheel arches to reduce lift and aid high-speed stability. The convertible also has a revised Aeroblade ll system that provides additional downforce at the rear end. Speaking of the latter, the DBS Superleggera Volante produces 390 lbs (177 kg) of downforce which is just 6.6 lbs (3 kg) less t...

Kia HabaNiro Concept Points To Autonomous, Electric Crossover

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The automotive industry has seen significant changes in recent years and the future is looking increasingly electric and autonomous. Kia has certainly noticed this trend as they have introduced the HabaNiro concept in New York. Billed as a “prescient look into the future of mobility,” the HabaNiro is an electric crossover which features a Level 5 autonomous driving system and “more advanced tech than what helped land men on the moon.” Created by Kia’s California design studio, the concept has a streamlined white exterior with chunky metallic grey cladding. The latter extends into the grille which Kia says resembles a shark’s snout complete with gloss black aluminum ‘teeth.’ Other unique features include contrasting red aero panels and butterfly wing doors which open to reveal a four-seat interior. The HabaNiro also has satin aluminum skid plates, billet aluminum tow hooks and 20-inch wheels with red accents. Last but not least, the model has been outfitted with daytime runn...

2020 Lincoln Corsair Takes Off With A Cool Name And Up To 280HP

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Lincoln has pulled the wraps off the 2020 Corsair compact SUV, the all-new replacement of the MKC at the New York Auto Show. As with other newer Lincoln models, the brand’s entry in the compact luxury SUV segment eliminates the alphanumeric moniker of its predecessor for a name that has both nautical and aeronautical connections. The 2020 Corsair slots under the full-size Navigator and three-row Aviator, adopting the brand’s familiar (and successful) design identity. The front end is dominated by the company’s upright grille while the rear is all about that full-width taillight. You won’t be able to tell by looking at it, but underneath the skin, the Corsair shares its underpinnings with the Ford Escape. For the first time in a Lincoln, there’s a rear integral bush suspension that allows a smoother ride. “Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment t...

New Kia Stinger GTS Boasts A Dynamic AWD System With Drift Mode

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The Kia Stinger is one of the brand’s most exciting vehicles, but it was outsold by the Sedona minivan last month. Now, Kia is looking to renew interest in the model by introducing the limited edition Stinger GTS. Featuring an eye-catching Federation orange paint job, that is exclusive to the model, the Stinger GTS is bound to draw attention. When onlookers eventually come up for a closer peek, they’ll notice a handful of carbon fiber components including the mirror caps, side vents and surround for the tiger nose grille. Other changes include GTS badging and a Stinger emblem which replaces the Kia logo on the trunk. Interior changes are relatively minor, but drivers will find a suede-like headliner and Alcantara upholstery on the steering wheel and center console. The car also features a power sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger and a 720-watt Harman/Kardon premium audio system. While most of the changes aren’t very dramatic, the Stinger GTS will be available with a new...

2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition Gets ’70s-era 240Z Throwback Color Scheme

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The Datsun 240Z made its U.S. debut a half a century ago and Nissan is marking the occasion by unveiling the 2020 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition. Set to debut at the New York Auto Show later this week, the 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition pays tribute to the #46 Brock Racing Enterprises 240Z that won multiple SCCA National Championships with John Morton behind the wheel. The special edition is based on the 370Z Sport and has a two-tone livery that mimics the BRE race car. Customers can order the Z in white with red accents or silver with black accents. Regardless of which is selected, all 50th Anniversary Editions will have contrasting paint on their hood, trunk, mirrors and A-pillars. The model also boasts side stripes, 50th Anniversary badging and special 19-inch alloy wheels with red accents. The interior largely carries over, but designers installed a handful of special touches. These include an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a contrasting center stripe. Elsewhe...

2020 Cadillac CT5 Is A Compact (Priced) Sports Sedan The Size Of A BMW 5-Series

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Cadillac revealed a common ATS and CTS replacement, the CT5, last month ahead of its public debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show, without going into much detail about the car. Now, GM’s premium brand has released a full specs sheet of the CT5, allowing us to have a better understanding of what it is. According to Caddy, the CT5 will be classified as a compact sedan, even though its mid-size saloon dimensions would have you think it’s positioned to take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class. The 2020 CT5 measures 193.8 inches (4,924 mm) in length, 74.1 inches (1,883 mm) in width and 57.2 inches (1,452 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 116.0 inches (2,947 mm). Despite its Fastback styling, it’s almost as long as a BMW 5-Series, which measures 194.3 inches (4,936 mm) bumper to bumper. Meanwhile, the CT5’s wheelbase is actually longer than that of an Audi A6 (115.1 inches / 2,924 mm). Also, here’s how it compares to a 2019 CTS: 114.6 inch...

2020 Hyundai Venue Aims To Prove Small Crossovers Don’t Have To Be Boring

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The sub-compact crossover market is sizzling hot and Hyundai is looking to expand their presence in the segment by introducing the all-new Venue. Set to go on sale late this year, the 2020 Venue has a bold front fascia with a cascading grille that is flanked by cube-shaped headlights and slender LED lights. The crossover also has pronounced wheel arches, strong character lines and “confident body forms.” 15-inch wheels are standard, but 17-inchers are optional. Since the crossover was designed to be funky and fun, Hyundai will offer the Venue in eight “youthful” colors called Black Noir, Ceramic White, Denim, Galactic Gray, Green Apple, Intense Blue, Scarlet Red and Steller Silver. Buyers will also be able to order a power sunroof, rear privacy glass and a contrasting roof. The Venue slots under the Kona and measures 158.9 inches (4,036 mm) long, 69.7 inches (1,770 mm) wide and 61.6 inches (1565 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 99.2 inches (2,520 mm). To put those numbe...

2020 Subaru Outback Revealed With Turbo Power And More Tech Than Ever

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Subaru has pulled the wraps off the all-new 2020 Outback at the New York Auto Show, giving us a first look at the sixth generation of the popular crossover wagon. As ever, the 2020 Subaru Outback is a jacked-up wagon version of the also new Legacy, adopting the same design but with added ruggedness, featuring plenty of body cladding and model-specific bumpers to show off its more adventurous character. By switching over to Subaru’s latest global platform, the Outback will benefit from better rigidity and more refinement, as well as improved handling. The new model also features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is greater than most competitive SUV models in the market. The new generation of the Subaru Outback has ditched the six-cylinder powetrain of the outgoing model in favor of the turbocharged 260hp 2.4-liter unit found in the Legacy and the Ascent. Base models will get the naturally aspirated 182hp 2.5-liter flat-four unit. Both powertrains will be paired to the co...

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Officially Out As “The S-Class Of SUVs”

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The BMW X7 rival looks like a bigger GLE which is actually is, given that it shares many underpinnings with the midsize luxury SUV. It’s the largest and most luxurious SUV ever to wear the three-pointed star badge. Actually, the 2020 GLS even trumps its massive predecessor for size as it’s 77 mm (3 in) longer and 22 mm (0.86 in) wider. Most importantly, it has a 60 mm (2.4 in) longer wheelbase that now measures 3,137mm (123.5 in). What that means is it offers more passenger space, especially on the second- and third-row. The latter is said to offer enough room to accommodate people up to 1.94 m (6ft4) tall. All three rows of seats are fully electrically adjustable and offer passengers “a generous amount of space and outstanding seating comfort,” according to the automaker. When not needed, the seats in the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase cargo volume, while the seats in the second row fold flat. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the cargo capa...

2020 Toyota Highlander Looks At RAV4 For Inspiration, Gets New 34 MPG 4-Cylinder Hybrid

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Toyota’s all-new 2020 Highlander SUV has landed at the 2019 New York Auto Show, showcasing a chiseled new design that borrows styling cues from the smaller RAV4, new tech and a more efficient hybrid system. The gasoline-powered 2020 Highlander will arrive in Toyota dealerships in December, while the Hybrid in February 2020. Compared to its predecessor, the all-new Highlander is claimed to be safer, more comfortable, more durable and of a higher built quality, relying on a new vehicle platform dubbed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K). At heart, the 2020 Toyota Highlander remains a family-friendly SUV. However, the Japanese automaker wanted to make sure that this new-generation model had a more powerful stance and a more elegant exterior, while also featuring greater aerodynamic efficiency (reducing wind noise while enhancing stability). In terms of design, L, LE and XLE grades come with a black front grille with silver trim, while Limited and Platinum models are distin...