Lamborghini’s lighter, RWD Huracán LP 580-2 will please purists, financial advisors

To say that the Huracán LP 610-4 has been a success for Lamborghini would be a massive understatement. Compared to the debut of the Gallardo – a car that Lamborghini has sold more of than all other models in the company’s history combined – Lamborghini has sold nearly twice as many LP 610-4 models in the first 16 months it has been on sale (3,169 Huracáns versus 1,751 Gallardos).

Considering this, it would be understandable for the Italian supercar maker to not want to mess with a good thing. But Lamborghini isn’t a company that likes to rest on its laurels, and as such, they’ve just unveiled a new variant of the Huracán: The LP 580-2, a model which promises even more thrilling driving dynamics while also cutting a sizable chunk out of the price tag in the process.

What’s New

One of the practices of modern Lamborghini that’s been particularly admirable is the way they go about naming their models. The alphabet soup associated with most vehicles on sale today typically has nothing to do with the actual particulars of the car (Mercedes-AMG and BMW, we’re looking your way), but that’s not the case here. As such, the LP 580-2 designates that this new Huracán model generates 580 (or 571 in American measurement) horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque from its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10. Astute readers may notice this number is down about 30 horsepower from the LP 610-4, but there’s a good reason for that: The “2” in its name denotes that power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels in this new model, making this something of a purists’ special.

“The Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2 continues the Lamborghini tradition of pure, visionary and technology-driven models,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The rear-wheel drive model fits perfectly into our Huracán family, appealing to those wanting an even more intense driving experience, or who currently drive other rear-wheel drive marques and aspire to driving a Lamborghini. This is the purest expression of a Lamborghini to date, with class-leading technological refinements. It is a serious car for serious drivers: it is maximum driving fun.”

Without the extra mechanical bits and pieces required to send the power to all four corners, the LP 580-2 drops some weight compared to its all-wheel drive brethren. Dry weight now stands at a paltry 3,062 pounds, down some 73 pounds from the AWD coupe. Weight distribution shifts further back in the car, and now sports a 40 percent front and 60 percent rear weight bias. Dropping weight up front also benefits handling by reducing inertia on the front axle, which in turn should make this model less prone to understeer and far happier to dish out the tail happy shenanigans that are typical of high horsepower, rear wheel drive sports cars.

Read More

Lotus Evora 400 U.S. bound 2016

British sports car maker Lotus has taken the wraps off the next generation mid-engine Evora 2+2  and announced that following the European launch this summer, will hit the North American market in the fall as a 2016 model.  Called the Lotus Evora 400, it is the fastest production Lotus ever, according to the company. The 400 refers to the engine output, which sees the previous Evora S 3.5-liter V-6 fitted with a new supercharger that boosts it from 345 to 400 horsepower. Torque has been increased from 295 to 302 lb-ft with maximum torque available from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm

With a top speed of 186 mph, the Evora 400 takes just 4.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph and has beat the previous production car lap time set by the Evora S on the company's test track at Hethel, England, by 6 seconds. In addition to the engine upgrades, the 2016 Lotus Evora 400 features a new aluminum chassis, updated interior and lightweight composite body panels that give the car a new look

Faster and lighter

In addition to being faster than the model it replaces, it's lighter with the new design shaving 45 pounds from the previous model even though content has been increased. "We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it faster and lighter," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO for Group Lotus. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn't stop there, as considerable number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically the title of a new Lotus Evora

The new Evora 400 features new styling that includes a bolder face with larger cooling inlets and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the Evora benefits from a new bumper, lightweight composite rear diffuser and a three-element wing. The car has a more aggressive stance and appears lower, wider and more planted on the road. Overall length has increased 1.4 inches and yet a shorter front overhang reduces the approach angle from 11.5 to 10 degrees

Cabin improvements

Among the upgrades to the interior, first and foremost, Lotus had made the Evora easier to get in and out of, thanks to narrower and lower sills as well as thinner inside door panels. All new sport seats are lighter, more aggressively bolstered and supportive. The new bonded aluminum chassis not only has thinner sills without sacrificing stiffness, but also allows for a slightly larger rear seating area that's 11 inches wider. The Evora 400 has three new trim levels including upgrades to full Alcantara or Scottish leather, each package featuring specific detailing

In addition to an all-new dash layout, revised instrument cluster and a lightweight forged aluminum sport steering wheel, the Evora 400 benefits from an all-new climate control system that provides greater airflow and more operator control. Other changes include the incorporation of a stop/start button and the introduction of a new high-end sound system. Lotus, which produces about 45 cars per week, will ramp production up to 70 per week to accommodate the demand for the Evora 400. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch date

Read More

PORSCHE 959

PORSCHE 959

Top Speed: 197 mph
Zero to Sixty: 3.7 seconds

While it was only manufactured from 1986 to 1989, the Porsche 959 still holds the title as one of the fastest built six-cylinder vehicles. When it was introduced it was touted as “the world’s fastest street-legal production car,” with a top speed of 197 mph and a zero to sixty time of 3.7 seconds. The Porsche 959 was hailed as the most technologically advanced road sports car ever built, and paved the way for many of today’s modern supercars. One of the first all-wheel drive high performance cars ever built, the Porsche 959 convinced Porsche executives to make all-wheel drive standard on all 911 turbos. The Porsche 959 houses a 2.8 liter twin-turbo flat six engine under its hood, an engine that wouldn’t be matched for some time.

Read More

Audi S6 Price: $71,850

The S6 takes everything that’s right with the A6 sedan—elegant design, rich interior materials, and innovative technology—and adds a huge dollop of power. With a 450-hp, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the engine offers cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. All-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension help to harness all that power, making it a blast to drive in all types of weather. It’s pricey, but few cars combine excellence at so many levels.

Read More

The 2016 Mercedes DTM Car and the C63 Edition 1s Are Inspired

by each other. Which came first, the DTM or the Edition 1

After Mercedes released sketches of its new DTM car (based off the new Mercedes C63 coupe), we 
were quite taken with the badassery of the design

Said Ulrich Fritz, head of Mercedes-AMG DTM, the team has "used the unique, sporty design language of the street version of the new C-Class Coupé on the DTM version. Striking features like the dynamic design of the headlights and also the typical AMG twin blade grille of the C 63 AMG Coupé stand out immediately

In fact, it seems that the German carmaker is so taken with their new DTM car, they have also released details on the newest special edition C63 AMG models. Named the Edition 1 specials, they are the road cars inspired by the race car that was inspired by the road cars

The Edition 1s will wear the same gray and yellow paint as the DTM, and will feature many racing gimmicks you typically see on these racing-inspired road cars: AMG-specific side skirts and a rear diffuser, a larger front splitter, and performance seats. While this is all well and good, power still remains the same and we wistfully remember how the very special C63 AMG Black Series was hint: not just a racing spinoff

Both the DTM car and the Edition 1s are set to launch later this month, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where we'll find out if the Edition 1 will cross the pond

Read More

BMW X4 xDrive35i First Review 2015

If all vehicle purchases were completely based on practicality and rationality, the automotive landscape would look very different. Not everyone buys the car they need; in many cases, they buy the car they want. That idea, the thought of a car as an emotional purchase, is what brings cars to market that may not seem to make a lot of sense at first. But for buyers, it's always better to have more vehicles to choose from. That's where the X4 comes into play. Looking rationally at things, someone who wants a car that drives like a BMW 3 Series with a lot of cargo volume should probably buy a 3 Series wagon. Those who want increased ground clearance and a better view of the road can consider the X3 SUV. But for people who want the driving experience of a sport wagon with the seating position of an SUV, there's the 2015 BMW X4

The X4 is built on X3 underpinnings, which gives the X4 higher ground clearance than a traditional wagon, but lower than an SUV. When looking at it, there is no doubt the X4 is not quite an SUV and it's not quite a car. Whether someone is a fan of the styling is a matter of personal taste. It wants to be a 4-door coupe, but to keep the 5-passenger X4 capable of toting up to 49.4 cubic feet of gear, BMW opted to keep the roofline closer to that of an SUV in the rear. The new model comes with a choice of turbocharged engines, either a 240-horsepower I4 or a 300-horsepower I6. Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle for this drive was the turbo I6-powered X4, equipped with the M Sport package and donned in a Melbourne Red. It had a price tag of just over $61,000. The interior was an attractive combination of white leather seats with bright red stitching, part of the M Sport package. That, plus the brushed aluminum trim, served as a pleasant color contrast to the black dash and headliner. The front M Sport seats provided snug bolstering and proved comfortable on long drives. In back, the legroom was tighter than in the X3, but better than expected

Street Smarts

The most pleasant surprise about the BMW X4 is its demeanor when driven like a sport sedan. It is not a light vehicle, weighing in at over 4200 pounds with the I6 and standard all-wheel drive, yet the excellent power the turbocharged engine puts out makes the X4 feel spry. Adding to that feeling is the way the X4 handles. Taking it on curvy roads, the Sports Activity Coupe (BMW's term) was nimble and genuinely fun to drive. It also has a lower center of gravity than the X3, making the X4 feel more confident in turns

Each of the four driving modes--Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro--have a unique feel. Sport+ is the most performance-minded, and Eco Pro the most frugal, with Sport and Comfort splitting the difference. Driving modes change transmission shifts, steering, throttle response and suspension. The steering is nicely responsive in Sport. The ride in our M Sport-equipped X4 was firm, which is fun in turns, but also let in a lot of road feel. Steering isn't as tight and precise in Comfort, and the vehicle feels a little more relaxed. Eco Pro mode, which optimizes throttle and transmission to help a driver achieve the best fuel economy possible in the X4, works with Auto Start-Stop and brake energy regeneration to squeeze every ounce of fuel efficiency out of this vehicle. (EPA ratings have not yet been released, but BMW estimates that the xDrive28i will achieve 21 mpg city, 28 highway and the xDrive35i should get about 19/26 mpg.) In the European-spec X4s we drove, the display on the dash showed the distance in kilometers saved by driving in Eco Pro mode. In all modes, the brakes worked well, feeling natural and linear

Who would the X4 potentially steal sales from? There is always the risk that it could take away from X3, X1 or 3 Series wagons, but it will also appeal to people who prioritize unique style and handling prowess over the functional practicality of an SUV. Possible competitors could include the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLK. This is not a vehicle that is meant to be a high-volume seller. When it goes on sale in July, those people who want something that fills the gap between luxury wagon and crossover, but want something smaller than the X6, will have a new option to consider

Read More

Scion iM 2016

Unveiled at last April's New York auto show, this addition to the Scion lineup is presented as all-new for 2016, which is true-as far as the U.S. market is concerned. In other markets-Europe, for example-it's some three years into its product cycle, it's known as the Auris, and it wears Toyota badges. The Scion brand, of course, was created for, and is limited to, the U.S

Scion classifies the iM as a subcompact, but this 5-door is only slightly smaller than the hatchback version of the compact Ford Focus, a car that Scion cites as a key iM marketing target

Save for the addition of a body kit and 17-inch alloy wheels (standard), the Scion team hasn't altered the iM's styling in preparation for the U.S. market. This is not a bad thing-the exterior has a sassy, sporty look. It doesn't exactly turn heads, but it's no wallflower

Seductive interior

The interior is more seductive, with supportive seats, an attractive control layout, a 7-inch info screen, a 6-speaker Pioneer audio system, quality materials, soft touch surfaces, and an extensive array of standard features including air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt/telescope column, pushbutton start,  Bluetooth, a USB port and a rearview camera

The iM is supported up front by MacPherson struts, an all-but-universal setup in this class. But there's a multilink arrangement at the rear, another element that's a notch above basics among compact hatchbacks

Power is supplied by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, essentially the same engine that propels the Toyota Corolla. In this application, it's rated for 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission choices-a 6-speed manual (standard), and a continuously variable automatic (CVT)

More than 30 mpg combined

Officially a CVTi-S 7-speed A/T in Scion-speak, the automatic has seven simulated shift points programmed into its computer control, diminishing the slipping clutch sensation that's been a CVT turnoff to many in the past. With the standard 6-speed, the iM is EPA rated for 27 mpg city, 36 on the highway, 31 combined. The CVT version is projected one mpg better across the board

While the iM's powertrain generates respectable mpg numbers, the acceleration that goes with the economy-oriented engine tends toward ho-hum, in tepid contrast to the standard engines in compact hatchback top dogs. The 2.0-liter four in the Focus, for example, is rated for 160 hp. The 1.8-liter turbo 4-cylinder in the VW Golf churns up 170 hp. The 2.0-liter SkyActiv four in the Mazda 3 is rated for 155 hp, and the base engine in the Kia Forte makes 148 hp. There are others, and most of the cars in this class offer upgrade engines with even more muscle

Solid chassis

On the other hand, the iM gives a good account of itself on the road. Chassis solidity measures up with the best in class, and the iM's responses are athletic, with the right level of damping to smooth out all but the sharpest bumps. The electric power steering could be a little more precise, as could the engagements of the manual transmission. Still, it's hard to imagine anyone being dissatisfied with the iM's dynamics

Like other Scion vehicles, the iM comes in a single trim, with almost no options. The MSRP for the manual transmission version is $19,255, add $740 for the CVT. While there are other compact hatchbacks with lower base prices, none offer the iM's array of standard features. Overall, the 2016 Scion iM has a strong value story

Read More

Aston Martin Vulcan: 800-hp track-day thriller

Totally outrageous and stunningly bold, the Aston Martin Vulcan makes its debut in Geneva

That prodigious might passes through an Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual transmission and heads to the rear wheels via a Multimatic limited-slip differential. While holding off on citing performance numbers until the car makes its on-track debut later this year, Aston Martin says the Vulcan has a better power-to-weight ratio than current GTE- category racers that compete in the FIA's World Endurance Championship, including the firm's own Vantage GTE

Light makes right

As one might expect, the Vulcan features all carbon composite construction, and Aston said that elements of the car's exterior styling hints at what we'll see in the next generation of its production sports cars. However, those aren't likely to include the Vulcan's ultra-efficient front splitter and rear diffuser nor its massive fixed aft wing. Underneath, this ultra-Aston's racing-derived pushrod-style chassis incorporates fully adjustable dampers, anti-roll bars and traction control as well driver-selectable brake bias on its huge Brembos that feature carbon-ceramic discs

Fitted with two racing-style bucket seats, the Vulcan's competition-spec cabin incorporates an FIA roll cage, a cutaway steering wheel and a digital instrument display. While performance is paramount, Aston says buyers - who'll are expected to be shelling out something beyond $2 million for the right to own one - will be able to have it painted, trimmed and equipped to their specific preferences by the brand's "Q" personalization group when production begins late this year, with deliveries in 2016

Full factory support

Like the track-only McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K, acquisition of an Aston Martin Vulcan will be accompanied by a full factory support package. It includes seat time in various Aston Martin models including a V12 Vantage and the exotic One-77 as well as a Vantage GT4 racer -- all with hands-on guidance from Aston Martin's Le Mans-winning driver Darren Turner - to develop a feel for what the Vulcan has to offer as well as the option to book time in one of Turner Base Performance Simulators prior to taking part in a series of organized track events

We have already received strong interest from the customers we have spoken to about Aston Martin Vulcan, noted Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. The cars will blend our traditional Aston Martin values of Power, Beauty and Soul with an unrivalled ownership experience; a unique combination that will guarantee their place in the brand's rich and charismatic history

Read More

2016 KIA SORENTO

2016 KIA SORENTO

Starting price: $25,795

The Kia Sorento is one of the cheapest cars on the market that look like an exotic car. The auto looks very similar to the BMW X5, except it costs less than half of the overall price that the X5 runs consumers. The car is sold with a four-cylinder stock engine rated at 191 horsepower, and the company provides the ability to upgrade to a turbo-four rated at 240 horsepower or a V-6 rated at 290 horsepower. The V-6 model of the auto also includes a third row of seats, and consumers can choose to upgrade all models from front-wheel to all-wheel drive. The standard transmission on the Sorento is a six-speed automatic, and the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle is rated at 17 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway). The pickup of the car is a bit limited; however, compared to other cars of the same class with a zero to 60 MPH time of 7.2 seconds.

Read More

Subaru BRZ STI Performance Concept

A one-off show car with two purposes, the Subaru STI Performance Concept bowed in New York. It draws its inspiration and components from the hot Subaru BRZ GT300 competing in Japan's Super GT Series. Like that racer, this showpiece was created by Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker's official performance/performance parts division known as STI. In addition to serving as an exercise in future models, it heralds a new and significantly expanded role for STI in the American market. 

STI-spec cars on the way

While Subaru has yet to offer specific details on how STI fits into U.S. sales, it has confirmed that STI-tuned models will extend beyond the WRX STI. In the home market, STI currently produces versions of the BRZ and Forester as well as the iconic WRX and also has a large catalog of street/racing parts. Subaru says that upcoming STI-spec models for America could incorporate more extensive modifications from the factory, including suspension, performance, braking, chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. 

"At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car," said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of Subaru Tecnica International. "When we achieve this balance, the driver feels that the car is easy to handle and reliable, and he can use it fully to the limits of its performance. Our plan is to produce cars and accessories that drivers can really enjoy."

While Subaru provided few specifics on the STI parts found on the Performance Concept, it did confirm this scintillating coupe is powered by the same 2.0-liter/350-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled boxer four found in the Subaru BRZ GT300 racer and ships that force to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox. In addition to its full STI body kit with a carbon fiber-enhanced front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and fixed deck wing, the Performance Concept features upgraded STI brakes and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, a custom interior treatment with a bespoke instrumentation and an on-board performance data recorder.

Read More

AUDI A7

Starting price: $65,900

The Audi A7 is one of the best German cars sold in the United States today. The A7 is a sportier version of the A6 and handles nicely in all types of weather. The standard powertrain on the car is a 3.0 liter supercharged six cylinder engine rated at 333 horsepower combined and comes with all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi also makes a turbo-diesel 3.0 liter six cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower for those who desire an improved fuel economy. The A7’s fuel efficiency is rated at 20 MPG (city) and 30 MPG (highway), and it can go from zero to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds with a top overall speed of 130 MPH.

Read More

BMW 5-SERIES

Starting price: $49,950

The BMW 5-Series is one of the top German cars of all manufacturers sold in America today. The 5-Series features extremely responsive engines, a comfortable interior, and above-average road handling capability. All of the engines BMW install on the 5-Series are turbocharged, and consumers can choose between: a diesel inline-six cylinder, four cylinder (gas), inline-six cylinder, eight cylinder engine, and a gas-electric hybrid. The six cylinder engine is rated at 302 horsepower, and it can go from zero to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds. The top overall speed of the 5-Series is 127 MPH, and its fuel efficiency is rated at 20 MPG (city) and 29 MPG (highway).

Read More

5TH GENERATION HONDA CIVIC

5TH GENERATION HONDA CIVIC

While only used in the first film and only for a small portion of the film, the modified 5th-gen Honda Civics are definitely among the most memorable in the series. Turbo charged and lowered to the ground with green underbody lights, these cars started it all. Used during the heists of tractor trailer trucks by Dom and his crew, these cars started a long history of crazy stunts seen in these films. While some may forget parts of the first film, everyone remembers the Civics driving underneath the trailers on the highway or the passengers climbing out of the sunroof to fire a harpoon gun through the windshield of the tractor in order to climb into and then take over the truck

Read More