Monday, 14 September 2015

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

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The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder has made its official debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Serving as the successor to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, the new Huracán Spyder features an authentic, electric soft top that can be opened in 17 seconds at driving speeds up to 31 mph. The convertible variant of the Huracán is powered by the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine sporting 610 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque found in the coupe, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Compared to the coupe, the convertible model does the 0-60 mph sprint 0.2 seconds slower at a time of 3.4 seconds versus the coupe's 3.2. Dry weight on the Huracán Spyder is 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg) while the coupe tips the scale at 3,135 lbs (1,422 kg).

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder will benefit from the 2016 model year Huracán features, which includes a cylinder deactivation system and a stop-start system that reduces CO2 by 14 percent compared to the Gallardo Spyder. There is also a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive setup for improved driving behavior, according to the Italian automaker.

"The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "The Huracán Spyder combines the innovation, performance and appeal of the Huracán coupé, with new technologies and an added emotional dimension. Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the best-selling open top model in Lamborghini's history: we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way."

Discuss this story at our Lamborghini Forum

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Future Bugatti Models Will Look Like This

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It's a concept car and one the automaker promises will never see production and yet, this is the future of Bugatti.

It's called the Vision Gran Turismo concept and as the name suggests, it's a creation that will hit the track in the virtual world of Gran Turismo.

Rather than some far-fetched piece of science fiction that's powered by lasers, Bugatti decided to build a machine that could (if it were real) actually compete on real race tracks.

"With the 'Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo', we have not developed a fantasy product of the type which is normally seen in this category of the game," explains Achim Anscheidt, head of the Bugatti design team. "We had the clear goal of developing a vehicle which could also be driven on a real race circuit if it left the virtual world. 'Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo' stands for authenticity."

But the most exciting news to come from Bugatti regarding it's wild new concept is that the car will inspire the next-generation of Bugatti models. In a release Bugatti says the concept looks towards future models and marks, "the end of the Veyron era."

"Bugatti's design DNA has reached a new stage in its evolution," Anscheidt announces. "In view of the nature of the project, our concept car for 'Vision Gran Turismo' will be exaggerated and extremely performance-oriented. Even so, the progressive design language will give an impressive demonstration of the path to be taken by Bugatti design over the next few years."

A non-virtual version of the Vision GT concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th.

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Infiniti Q30 Revealed: Think of it as a Mercedes CLA Hatchback

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Infiniti's entry into the compact premium segment has been unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Or depending on how you define the term "compact," this may be the brand's return to the segment after a decade of absence, when the G20 sedan evolved into the G35 in the early 2000s.

The production Infiniti Q30 stays true to the concept that originally debuted in 2013 and Infiniti says that the Q30 is "designed for a new generation of buyers who are not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type," adding that the compact "challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape."

The vehicle is based on the Mercedes MFA platform that also underpins the CLA-Class and GLA-Class models, and will also be used for the upcoming QX30 crossover.

Offered in three trim levels, base, Premium and Sport, the Q30 will be available with a variety of engine options. In the base model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with either 120 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or 154 hp and 184 lb-ft, while the Premium and Sport models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. In the U.S., only the 2.0-liter engine will be available across all models. That same engine will also be offered in the Q50 sedan.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In Europe, diesel options include 1.5L and 2.2L four-cylinder engines with 107 hp and 192 lb-ft and 168 hp and 258 lb-ft, respectively.

For the interior, Infiniti aimed for a modern-looking and luxurious cabin, incorporating Dinamica on the roof-line and pillars. Dinamica is an Italian suede-like material frequently used in the high-fashion industry and it has been finding its way in other luxury cars. Interior noise levels were also a priority, as the Q30 has a 10-percent improvement in cabin quietness over the leading segment competition at a speed of 75 mph. Trunk capacity measures in at 13 cubic feet.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

According to the Japanese automaker, more than 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the Q30's development. To give it a dynamic driving experience, engineers considered more than 50 variations of suspension settings on prototype vehicles before settling on one that strikes an ideal balance between ride and handling. Those wanting an even sportier ride can opt for the Q30 Sport, which sits 15 mm closer to the ground than the base and Premium models, resulting in a firmer ride with tighter body control and reduced roll. The exterior of the Sport model is also different than the other two with a unique front bumper, gloss black front grille, body-colored side skirts and a sporty rear bumper with dark chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. Completing the look on the Q30 Sport are 19-inch wheels.

The more luxurious Q30 Premium model adds LED front fog lights, body-colored and heated side mirrors as well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. The Premium model also gets 18-inch wheels.

The Q30 will also be packed with numerous advanced technology features including Automatic Park Assist with Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control. The company's InTouch infotainment system has also been upgraded for the Q30 to deliver an intuitive, tablet-like experience with a touchscreen interface.

The Infiniti Q30 will arrive dealerships in selected markets later this year. Expect pricing information and fuel economy figures to be announced closer to its release.

Discuss this story on our Infiniti Q30 Forum

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Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Plug-In Hybrid Concept Packs a Solar Panel Roof

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Along with the production 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, the German brand has revealed the Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

This concept teases a future plug-in hybrid version of the new 2017 Tiguan, which now rides on VW's new MQB modular architecture.

Power comes from a 154-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 214 hp, sent through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. In all-electric mode, the Tiguan GTE can hit a top speed of 80 mph and cover 31 miles, in part thanks to a solar module that is integrated into the roof. VW says that over the course of a year, the solar panel will add roughly 620 miles of all-electric driving.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

While the GTE can be used to get great fuel economy, VW has also added a GTE mode, which activates the sporty side of this crossover. Throttle response, shift points and steering feedback will all be made more aggressive while the electric motor while allow for maximum torque to be available. The jump to 62 mph will take 8.2 seconds in GTE mode.

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is Larger and Lighter

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The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has been revealed on the eve of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

The Tiguan will arrive in the U.S. as a 2017 model year vehicle and is the first crossover from VW to ride on the new MQB modular architecture. This is the start of an SUV and crossover offensive from Volkswagen which will be facilitated by the new platform.

Overall length of the Tiguan has been increased by 2.3-inches while width is up by 1.1-inches. Overall height has been reduced by 1.3-inches, helping to achieve better aerodynamics. On the inside, the trunk has been expanded to 18.5 cubic feet and 58.5 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down, while passengers in the back have been given 1.1-inches of increased knee room.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Tiguan Coupe R in the Works with 300 HP

Eight different engines, powered by both diesel and gasoline, will be available in total, ranging from 123 hp up to 238 hp. U.S. engine availability has not yet been announced, though VW does say that the entire engine lineup for the Tiguan is more powerful and up to 24 percent more efficient than today's motors. That efficiency also comes from a lower curb weight, which has been cut by 110 lbs. compared to today's Tiguan. All-wheel drive will be available while front-wheel drive remains standard.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

Technology found in the new Tiguan includes a 12.3-inch digital info cluster and an available head-up display. For safety, base model Tiguans are equipped with city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring and lane departure warning. For top-trim models, the Tiguan comes with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-changing assist, pre-crash occupant safety and a 360-degree camera. For infotainment, a 5.0-inch touchscreen will come standard while an 8.0-inch display is available. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available.

Volkswagen's sporty R-Line package is still available for the Tiguan, bringing along 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels or optional 20-inch alloy wheels, body color exterior accents, new bumpers, a two-tone spoiler and a gloss-black rear diffuser. Inside, aluminum door sills, grey accent stitching, stainless steel pedals, a black headliner and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel are all standard.

Those looking for more off-road adventure can order a new special version of the Tiguan which uses a redesigned bumper to increase approach angle from 18.6 degrees to 25.6.

A long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan is expected to be revealed in the Fall of 2016, while a plug-in hybrid version is also likely to join the lineup based on the Tiguan GTE Concept which was also revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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See the Mercedes Frankfurt Motor Show Debuts Live Streaming Here

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Mercedes has a concept it's keeping under wraps for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The German automaker will kick off its festivities for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with its own media night where it will likely showcase the S-Class Cabriolet, C-Class Coupe and the Concept IAA it recently teased. We will also get our first look at the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe that promises to be the sportiest C-Class model ever. Announcements for Smart include the introduction of the all-new Smart fortwo cabrio.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The Mercedes-Benz media night will live stream starting on September 14 at 10:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM ET while the Mercedes-Benz and Smart press conference will run on September 15 at 12:30 AM PT / 3:30 AM ET.

Catch all the action in the live stream video below.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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