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Brazilian F1 champ Ayrton Senna was an utterly unique man-a rare blend of macho and tendeess, compassion and cunning. So it comes as no surprise that even decades after his death people are still p, ...ادامه مطلب

The highly anticipated 2018 VW Up! GTI is now available to order in the UK, all set to take the hot hatch market by storm. Granted, it is a supermini and not a hatchback. But the Up! GTI is so good at what it does, and at £13,750 it is so well-priced, it renders all those expensive, over-powered hot hatches out there silly.  I mean, if space is not really an issue for you, 2018 VW Up! GTI is a much better proposition than its own big brother, Golf GTI. And we know full well that the Golf is the king of all hot hatches. With the Up! GTI it is not about how much power you have. It’s the whole package. Yes, it only has a 999cc turbo engine with 115 PS and 200 Nm of torque. But on the upside it does 58.9 mpg and emits no more than to 110 g/km of CO2. And as for performance, 0 to 62 mph is dealt with in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 122 mph. [embedded content] 2018 VW Up! GTI is all about the joy of driving, and a big part of that is the price. Yes, it is kind of expensive for a supermini, but it’s a bargain for what it offers. And because it is cheap, you can beat on it every day, drive it fast and hard, and not worry about breaking the bank. It is not in vain that Volkswagen com, ...ادامه مطلب

2018 Geneva Motor Show in March will see the debut of a semi-hot version of the new Kia Rio. If you were planning to buy one of these hatchbacks you better hold on a little longer and check out the Kia Rio GT-Line before making your decision. It launches in the spring and comes with some nice features.  The biggest highlight of the 2019 Kia Rio GT-Line is of course, its sporty design. As with other new GT-Line models, the Rio gets features such as gloss-black and chrome ‘tiger-nose’ grille, unique GT-Line 17-inch alloy wheels, and ‘ice-cube’ LED fog lamps. There is also twin exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, chrome window trim, a gloss black roof spoiler and sill highlights. So what we have here is a little city runabout with the looks and attitude of a hot hatch. Inside the cabin you will find black synthetic leather and cloth seats with contrast grey stitching, ‘D-cut’ leather steering wheel, metallic trim surrounds on the door switches and gear lever, and carbon-look trims on the dashboard. It is a nice plays in which to enjoy the performance of Kia Rio GT-Line’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi engine. It delivers 118 bhp , with 171 Nm of torque, and retus 60.1 mpg, ...ادامه مطلب

It was not exactly a secret that an extra-hot version of the 488 was in the works deep inside Ferrari factory in Maranello, especially since Porsche released their GT2 RS last year. Now the first complete picture of this beast has leaked and we get our first look at the new 2019 Ferrari 488 GTO. And in case you are in a hurry to know, it has 700 horsepower.  Ferrari 488 GTO is the successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia, and the 458 Speciale. But this one is apparently so good, they went ahead and gave it the venerated GTO badge. The name has not yet been confirmed officially, but a lot people are calling it that. So it is almost certainly the official name. Now, those three letters hark back to what is possibly the most glorious part of Ferrari’s history and perhaps the entire automotive culture. So the new boy had better be damn good, or Ferrari will get some serious stick from their hard-core fans. But of course it is gong to be awesome in every way, this 488 GTO, because it’s a new Ferrari. Sources tells us 2019 Ferrari 488 GTO is a hard and stiff race car built for the streets, so in that sense at least not much has changed since the Stradale days. Other , ...ادامه مطلب

Those of familiar with the previous generations of Kia’s affordable compact, the Forte – also known as Cerato in some markets – are not going to believe this is the new version. It just looks too good to be a Forte. But this is it, the new and much improved 2019 Kia Forte sedan.  The reason for the new Forte’s cool looks is its big brother, the Stinger sports sedan. Designers have downsized that car and stripped some of the fancy bits. And voila, here’s your 2019 Kia Forte, looking cool and sophisticated. Improvements are more than skin deep, however, as the new model also features more tech, more spacious and better efficiency. [embedded content] Built rigidly to become a top safety performer this year, the 2019 Kia Forte also has better NVH levels than its predecessor. We’re just not sure what this extra stiffness means for ride comfort, which was always a big flaw with the previous generations of this car. But at least if it’s harsh, the new Forte will be nicer to drive thanks to an improved Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system. Kia has picked a 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine for this car, which can be had with either a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new Intelligent V, ...ادامه مطلب

Yes, it’s yet another tweaked version of an old model. But this Lotus Evora GT410 Sport is a good one, striking the right balance between performance and everyday usability. It is also one of the nicest looking Lotuses (or is it Loti?) of recent years. Whereas the GT430 is a tad on the rough side of things, the new Lotus Evora GT410 Sport is more practical, available in both 2 seat and 2+2 configurations, and with manual orautomatic transmissions. Power, as the name suggests, stands 410 horsepower, giving this 1,256 kg sports car a power-to-weight ratio of 326 hp per tonne. That translates to a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.9 seconds (manual gearbox 4.0 seconds) and a top speed of 190 mph or 305 km/h. While it does take balls of steel to do that kind of speed in a small and feather weight car, Lotus Evora GT410 Sport tries its best to protect you by first and foremost being an aerodynamically precise. It generates considerably more downforce than a standard Evora, compared to which it is also 98 kg lighter. Other notable features include touring suspension package available as a no cost option, featuring Bilstein non-adjustable dampers, with touring specification, and Michelin Pilot S, ...ادامه مطلب

Starting today, the new extra-well-equipped Kia Picanto X-Line goes on sale in the UK with a base price of £12,595. Unveiled at the IAA last year, the X-Line comes with a number of exclusive exterior and interior appointments, plus more standard equipment.  2018 Kia Picanto X-Line comes with a 1.25-litre petrol engine (83bhp and 122 Nm of torque) and five-speed manual gearbox, with a four-speed automatic transmission available for an additional £650. You get a combined fuel economy figure of 61.4mpg out of this engine, corresponding to CO2 emissions that are as low as 106g/km (manual). So the car is pretty to cheap to run. But it doesn’t look it, thanks to the X-Line design highlights such as lime green accents around the lights, black side sills and wheel arches, body color door handles and 16 inch wheels. As for the interior and equipment, Kia Picanto X-Line boasts lime green stitching, 7.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unique grey faux leather upholstery, a central armrest, satin chrome interior door handles and stainless-steel pedals with rubber inserts, in addition to cruise control with speed limiter, automatic air condi, ...ادامه مطلب

The electric concept Kia promised they would reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show tued out to be something more familiar than we were expecting. The Kia Niro EV Concept is a fully electric version of the Niro Hybrid, and it is but one of a total of 16 electrified vehicles Kia is going to launch by 2025. Now, the Niro we know is an alright-looking compact SUV. It’s not that pretty, but it’s also not weird like it’s electric cousin. Granted, Kia Niro EV is a concept for now. But there is no denying that it is a fairly unsightly thing to look at. But it is aerodynamically-efficient they say, and the cues you see on it, such as the slim lights, will be featured on other future cars as a hallmark of Kia’s electrified models. [embedded content] Kia Niro EV is a highly advanced in terms of technology features, boasting a new Active Pedestrian Waing System (APWS) that features a combination of front view cameras, object recognition technology and front speakers. Because electric cars are virtually silent, this system tries to detect cyclists or pedestrians and alert them of the presence of the car with visual and audible alarms. As for the powertrain, the car gets a high-capacit, ...ادامه مطلب

Along with its sister company Hyundai, Kia Motors is coming to CES 2018 with a futuristic, technologically-advanced concept model. This as yet unnamed EV concept is mostly about showcasing Kia’s advances in electric powertrains and autonomous driving, but it also appears to be have a rather interesting design.  The main highlights of the Las Vegas-bound Kia EV concept include a highly efficient battery-electric powertrain, never-seen-before human-machine interface (HMI) and an advanced new ‘motion graphic’ lighting system. What’s more, Kia will showcase ‘Beyond Autonomous Driving’ exhibit in which we lea about “outline the company’s plans for vehicle autonomy and mobility, supported by the introduction of upcoming autonomous drive technologies.” Yet another attraction of Kia’s display at CES is the three interactive, cockpit-style exhibits showcasing advanced driver assistance technologies, new user interface, and world’s first in-car 5G connection. “Virtual reality, self-driving cars, and full vehicle connectivity were all once considered technologies of the distant future. As they rapidly become a reality, Kia is exploring how to adapt these new technologies for its custo, ...ادامه مطلب

Kia’s full-size SUV, the Sorento, was a bit of a miss and hit with its first couple of generations. The current model, though, is a quality product in every aspect, and that is why they felt it didn’t need major changes for the new modelyear. The 2018 Kia Sorento hits the British market with a new 8-speed auto box and new GT-Line and GT-Line S variants. Priced from £28,995, the 2018 Kia Sorento is definitely not the cheapest SUV out there. But it could be, all things considered, one of the best value-for-money ones. The 7-seater is available in UK with only one engine, but it’s a good one. The 197bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel tus all four wheels with a lot of gusto thanks to its sizable 441 Nm of torque. What’s more, all models have Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system, adding to the engine’s efficiency which does 43.5mpg average with the new 8-speed automatic transmission. [embedded content] You are also well covered in the new Sorento technology-wise, having Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Waing, Around View Monitoring, Driver Alert Waing and Speed Limit Information Function. As for the , ...ادامه مطلب

Yep, that’s what they’re calling it. The latest WheelsAndMore Nissan GT-R is dubbed Crankzilla. The aging Samurai has been treated by the Germans to a number of refinements that make it better at what it is supposed to do, which is tickle your senses and astonish you with its awesome performance.  Looks-wise, WheelsAndMore Nissan GT-R steers clear of showy body kit, but makes up for it in orange wheels and graphics. The rims WaM has picked for the Crankzilla are a set of 3-piece F.I.W.E models measuring 9.5×21 inches on the front and 11.0×21 inches out back, wrapped with Continental  tires in sizes 255/35/21 and 295/30/21 respectively. The wheels’ contribution to the car’s style is further enhanced by height-adjustable lowering springs from KW which drop the ‘Zilla by as much as 30mm. WheelsAndMore Nissan GT-R also sounds a lot better than the standard model thanks to a valve flap exhaust system. It can optionally be ordered with catalytic converters. The extremely loud exhaust system is part of a performance package for the GT-R which is offered in five different settings to suit every need and budget: Stage I: Through optimized software and a F1 air filter kit Wheelsand, ...ادامه مطلب

Every year we are treated to a whole bunch of new 911 models, but only a handful of them are interesting enough to warrant a close inspection. The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package is certainly one of those, a wing-less, manual version of the GT3 built for purists. Here we take a close look at this superb machine in detailed pictures and videos.  The distinguishing feature of the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package is a variable rear spoiler like the 911 Carrera in place of the regular GT3 large fixed wing. Being a pure sort of 911, the car features a four-litre naturally aspirated engine with 500 horsepower and 460 Nm. Sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, that power propel the Touring Package to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 316 km/h. [embedded content] Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package exclusive features include PCCB ceramic brake, the lift system, LED headlights, all seat variants, the Chrono Package and the audio systems. It also gets rear wide arches and forged alloy wheels with central locking. At the front, 245/35 ZR 20 tyres are fitted on nine-inch wheels, while at the rear 305/30 ZR 20 tyres are mounted , ...ادامه مطلب

Mercedes-Benz UK announced the official pricing of the new 2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet family. It may seem like odd timing giving the weather right now, but you see they are not taking orders for these bad boys in preparation for the spring 2018 launch. So it’ll all work out. The new S-Cabrio comes out just the weather becomes suitable for alfresco motoring.  So let’s see how much the privilege of enjoying the new 2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet will cost you. The minimum you have to pay to get into one of these is £115,910. That is the price of the “entry-level” S560 model which replaces the S500 and brings with it a new 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine. You get 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque, a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. Not that it matters, but average fuel consumption is 31.4 mpg with 204 g/km of CO2. [embedded content] Next up we have the magnificent 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 UK-spec. 612 hp and 900 Nm is the power you get from the 4.0 liter biturbo V8 in this one, via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic nine-speed gearbox which makes possible 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Prices for the S63 start at £140,610. If you’re still not satisfied, ...ادامه مطلب

With the world premiere of the all-new 2019 Mercedes G-Class set for the Detroit Auto Show in January, the German automaker is giving us a Christmas treat. They have released a bunch of photos completely revealing the SUV’s interior design. And it’s a fine blend of old and new, incorporating the current design themes of Mercedes-Benz into the unique shape of the G-Wagen‘s upright dashboard.  To be honest an upgrade to the big G’s cabin was long overdue. They did give it a new steering or a fancy screen now and then, but the overhaul that comes with the 2019 Mercedes G-Class is a real improvement in terms of design and ergonomics. There is more space in the new cabin, more luxury and comfort features, and fewer sharp edges that could seriously hurt you in the event of an accident. The main highlights include a new dashboard, instrument panel and center console in line with other Mercedes products of this era, plus new steering wheel, infotainment screen and seats. The iconic features, such as the grab handle in front of the passenger or the chrome-highlighted switches for the differential locks have been preserved. The driving position is also pure G-Wagen, giving you a co, ...ادامه مطلب

Following a very intriguing preview, today Volkswagen revealed the 2018 VW Polo GTI R5 rally car in the flesh. As with the rest of the new generation of street model-based rally cars, the R5 Polo is a superb looking creature. The new WRC season is going to be a delight to watch just because of the cars.  In fact we probably would not care about the competition itself! But in any case, 2018 VW Polo GTI R5 is locked and loaded to win races, what with sophisticated chassis, suspension and aerodynamics, a 272 hp turbo engine, four-wheel drive and new safety package. The engine is, of course, is the same basic motor used in the road-going Polo GTI according to the new rules, and it has a, ...ادامه مطلب