Posts

Aston Martin DB11 Gains An AMG-Sourced Twin-Turbo V8

Image
The worst keep secret in the automotive world is finally official as Aston Martin announced the DB11 will now be offered with an AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Producing 503 bhp (375 kW) and 695 Nm (513 lb-ft) of torque, the new engine propels the DB11 from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.0 seconds and onto a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). To put those numbers into prospective, the car's optional twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine develops 600 hp (447 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the extra power, the performance between the two engines is pretty similar as the V12 model runs from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph (321 km/h). Part of the reason for the similar performance figures is the fact that the V8 engine is smaller and lighter than the V12. Aston Martin says the weight difference between the two models is 253 lbs (114 kg) which means the V8 variant has a curb weight of 3,880 lbs (1,860 kg). As part of ...

New Jaguar E-Pace Baby SUV Teased, Debuts July 13, Priced From $38,600

Image
The Jaguar F-Pace has been a tremendous success and the automaker has just confirmed plans for a follow-up. Set to arrive in the United States early next year, the Jaguar E-Pace promises to combine "sports car design and agility with every-day compact SUV practicality." The company is keeping details under wraps but the teaser image suggests the model will have a sporty front fascia which is heavily inspired by the F-Type. Moving further back, we can see front fender vents, a compact greenhouse, and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. Technical specifications remain unconfirmed but Jaguar revealed the crossover will be powered by Ingenium engines and come standard with all-wheel drive (in the United States). According to Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, “The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-Pace stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-Pace will do just that, albeit with its own individual cha...

Toyota Aqua Aka The Prius C Gets A Facelift And A New Crossover Variant

Image
Crossovers are all the rage and a handful of companies have been giving their sedans and hatchbacks ruggedized styling to broaden their appeal. The latest company to do this is Toyota which has taken the wraps off the new Aqua that is known elsewhere as the Prius C. Modestly revised, the Aqua has been equipped with a new front bumper, restyled headlights, and a modified hood. The hatchback also has updated fenders and new taillights. More importantly, the company has introduced a new crossover variant which is distinguished by a revised grille, plastic body cladding, and unique 16-inch aluminum wheels. The model also has roof rails, a faux skid plate, and revised air intakes. The interior largely carries over but there's a newly standard TFT multi-information display in the instrument cluster. Buyers will also find updated upholstery combinations including new synthetic white leather. Power is provided by a hybridized 1.5-liter engine that produces a combined output of 1...

Lamborghini Urus To Debut On December 4, First Deliveries From Mid-2018

Image
Lamborghini is reportedly going to reveal the all-new Urus on December 4 at the company’s Sant’ Agata HQ. The first cars are also expected to be delivered to customers from mid-2018, according to Stefano Domenicali who spoke at the Automotive News Europe Congress. Lamborghini is currently experiencing a major turning point in its history, as it races to double production capacity at its factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, ahead of the Urus launch. Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali, who was the head of Ferrari’s F1 Team, said that he’s using his F1 experience to push the company further than ever before. “When the flag falls you have to start racing. The same is true for car production. Delays are not accepted anymore,” he said. The new Lamborghini Urus will be priced from slightly below 200 thousand euros ($223k in current exchange rates) when it launches and Domenicali expects to sell around 4,000 units annually. This represents a big leap from the 3,457 cars Lamborghin...

New Kia Stonic Sub-Compact SUV Officially Unveiled

Image
Kia has pulled the wraps off their new Stonic, a sub-compact SUV that aims to compete in the ever-busy B-SUV segment. The new Kia Stonic will rival models like the Nissan Juke, the Renault Captur and of course its cousin, the freshly revealed Hyundai Kona. Unlike the provocative design language Hyundai chose for their model, Kia has kept the Stonic’s design closer to the ground and in-line with the rest of its models. However, customers will be given the option of choosing a two-tone paint finish from a list of 20 available combinations. Kia will also offer vivid color packs for the cabin as well while the dashboard hosts the company’s latest infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play as standard. Models destined for Europe will get their own specifically tuned steering and suspension while the available engine range will include a turbocharged 120PS 1.0-litre T-GDI unit, along with naturally aspirated 1.25- and 1.4-litre units. A 1.6-litre diesel engine will a...

All-New 2018 VW Polo Aims To Conquer The Supermini Class

Image
VW has pulled the wraps off the all-new Polo supermini, with the sixth-generation now being bigger, more technologically advanced and fuel efficient than before. Based off the MQB A0 platform, VW’s new supermini model is now the largest Polo ever, measuring 4,053mm long and coming with a 94mm longer wheelbase, with obvious benefits to the cabin space. Even the boot volume is now 25 percent bigger, at 351lt of capacity. VW has also added a range of assistance systems, usually found on bigger segments, as standard to the new Polo. These include the Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, a speed limiter and a tire pressure monitoring system. The new Polo can also be optioned with features like an Active Cruise Control (which on DSG-equipped models includes the Stop&Go function), Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert and Park Assist. The biggest surprise comes once you open the door, as VW has given the new Polo a fresh-looking interior, w...

2018 Cadillac XTS Breaks Cover With A New Face And More Tech

Image
Cadillac revealed the 2018 XTS which now comes with a revised exterior look, more tech and improved ride comfort. Pictures of the updated model first surfaced a couple of months ago in China, revealing the new model’s redesigned front and rear fascia that bring it in line with the brand’s other big sedan, the CT6. Cadillac also updated the color and trim options for the interior, which now include a Platinum-exclusive Maple Sugar with Jet Black combo. Changes have also been made to the front seats, which now feature a different foam geometry, wire frame structure and heat pad design in order to make them more comfortable. The company has also added more engineered sound insulators to the cabin in order to further suppress noises from outside. Revised are also the tire designs for both the 19- and 20-inch tires, improving the ride comfort. The 2018 Cadillac XTS can be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control and Rear Air Leveling. For those looking a sportier experience, Cadilla...