Sep
Introducing the Latest Aston Martin: The Valhalla
Aston Martin has yet again taken a dynamic step in a rigorous and highly demanding arena: the hypercar market. It’s called the Valhalla and it’s due to production lines in 2021. Only 500 of the hybrid supercars will be manufactured, each completely clad in carbon fiber and sporting the iconic name. Watch out, Batman! When James Bond gets hold of this machine, the Batmobile might no longer cut it as the coolest of supercool cars in Hollywood.
Is This the Valkyrie, all Grown Up?
It is exciting times for this brand indeed. For the first time since the turn of the millennium, Aston Martin will be making their own engines. Although the technical specs are not out yet (despite rumors of a 1,000 horsepower), the Valhalla is the next generation of the Valkyrie, after the Valkyrie AMR Pro. Considering the continuation of the Norse god naming theme, it makes sense. CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, spoke about this connection. Palmer stated that although the Valkyrie was always intended to be a once-off project, there was also an intention for it to create a new bloodline of exclusive, highly specialized hypercars.
Tech, Tech, and More Tech
Rumors aside, what’s certain is that the Valhalla will have a turbocharged V6 hybrid engine. I can’t wait to hear the juicy details like power output, displacement etc. It will also be oozing with the latest tech. Many of the Valhalla’s components are built using 3D printing and an innovative new oil system makes oil changes in less than 90 seconds possible. The mysterious engine will definitely be able to achieve ridiculous, and totally illegal speeds.
Is it a Car? Is it a Plane?
Its mind-blowing design and superlight body will most likely facilitate otherworldly road handling at those crazy speeds. The active, aerodynamic features are expected to deliver exceptional levels of downforce through a new-fangled technology known as FlexFoil. Endorsed by NASA, FlexFoil physically alters the Valhalla’s rear wing once it begins to pick up speed and drastically improves downforce. In a nutshell, this is aircraft morphing technology, used on a low-flying car on the ground.
Step Inside
Made with what Aston Martin calls ‘space-age’ materials, the interior has a lightweight center console with basic switches. A well-designed dash strip provides ambient lighting and, again, the basics like air vents and speakers. The storage space behind the seats is a nice, practical touch and the screen mounted on the steering column will make it even more pleasant to drive this car, like it can get any better!
Heaven Sent
As always, Aston Martin cars captivate and entertain by telling stories and invoking emotions. This time they’ve decided to name their hypercar Valhalla. According to Norse mythology, Vikings who wage their battles fiercely and die in honor will be carried by Valkyries to a large and majestic hall in Asgard named Valhalla. Naming this hypercar after Viking heaven is quite appropriate. Who can think of anything more heavenly than driving this spaceship on wheels?
Jul
Dodge is Swapping Supercharged for Super Charged
True to muscle car tradition, Dodge has kept their brand offering pure horsepower instead of evolving into contemporary sports cars like Mustang and Camaro. Not that there’s anything wrong with sporty American muscle, it’s just awesome that Dodge is keeping the original muscle car purpose alive and revving. Since it was first released in the 1970s, the Dodge Challenger has been the embodiment of pure muscle. And it’s just getting ‘bigger and badder’ – they even say so in their ads! The latest Challenger SRT Hellcat is fierce. It’s a monster in design and performance. Although I am a die-hard Mustang fan, this Challenger is a supercharged mean machine that holds a special place in my heart – especially because it gives out that old-school vibe. But this may be about to change.
Evolution is Inevitable
Dodge has dodged some of the evolutionary steps like using technology to up their game. For example, Mustang improved their V8s efficiency by evolving their flat-plane crankshafts. They still have that intoxicating loud purr, but the Dodge is definitely a bit rougher around the edges, and that is one of the things making this brand attractive to its followers. But, despite their insistence on keeping cars quite traditional, Dodge is one of the first contemporary classics making the decision to take advantage of the many benefits of going electric.
The Absolute Future, But When?
According to Tim Kuniskis, the man in charge of passenger cars for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Dodge Challenger and Charger will definitely have some kind of electric future, but just how electric, is not yet known. At the unveiling of the Dodge SRT Hellcat and Scat Pack, Kuniskis said, “I think the absolute future is the electrification of these cars.” According to Kuniskis, customers will continue to focus on power and performance and the reason why FCA has not already released electric versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger is because of affordability. Kuniskis reckons that as soon as the price points come down and it becomes a viable option for mainstream releases, they’ll get on board.
Dodge Fans May Jump Ship Though
There is something to be said of the die-hard Dodge fan. They seem to like their cars rough and ready, growling and rearing to go with max torque and traction. If Dodge decides to go all-out with a battery-electric version of the Challenger, Dodge-loving drivers will likely demand that performance is on par with what they’ve come to love and expect from their favorite brand. The Challenger SRT Hellcat rules the road with a top speed of 199mph and the Charger has even more impressive performance with its 717-horsepower option that can propel it from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.5 seconds.
Say Sayonara
Sadly, FCA boss Mike Manley is not too positive about keeping the dream alive. According to Manley, electric cars are definitely the future of the American muscle engine but it’s not going to be a “V8, supercharged, 700-horsepower engine.” I reckon most progressive petrol heads will likely be hoping for a little bit of both, maybe petrol engines supplemented with electric systems. What do you say FCA? Can we hope for a Hybrid Challenger?
Jul
The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is Almost Out
The most powerful street-legal Ford ever built is about to hit the road. Are you as stoked as I am about this? After a range of teasers from the press about the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 coming out soon, its actual specs were finally revealed. Clever Ford! While most car manufacturers are pretty open about what their next models will pack, Ford decided to make us petrol heads even more excited about the release of the latest and greatest Mustang, by keeping the juicy details secret for months. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this Mustang the best by far…
Let’s Just get one Thing out The Way
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a mouthful. And I’ve had more than one discussion with car enthusiasts about the crazy long name. Some say that it’s such a powerful piece of machinery, it deserves an effusive, wordy name. Others say the car should (and does) speak for itself and Ford should shorten it. Either way, have you ever wondered where it comes from? The Ford part is obvious, Ford is the manufacturer, and Mustang is the model. Shelby is the name of the man responsible for these mean machines, and the GT500 is to say that this is a big block car and not a small block like the GT350.
Another interesting fact about the name is that it took a while before it was chosen. Names like Torino, Panther, Comet, Colt and Stiletto were suggested. One of the names that were strongly considered was Cougar. I don’t like any of them, Mustang is just fine, thanks. Even if the rest of it makes it long.
Now let’s talk about those specs.
0-60 in Just Over 3 Seconds and This is Why
Powered by a hand-assembled 5.2-liter aluminium alloy V8 engine which, by the sound of it, works in perfect harmony with the supercharger. Even though it’s not a Voodoo engine, it’s definitely packing some magic and produces a spine-tingling roar. The quad exhaust with five-inch outlets is just what this beast needs and the all-new 7-speed DCT gearbox undoubtedly makes it a fun driving experience. Who doesn’t love powerful acceleration at low speeds and a steady growl at high speeds? Yes, I know there’s no manual transmission available and I also enjoy being complete control of the four wheels I’m playing with. But hey, we can’t have it all, and this Mustang comes very, very close to perfection.
760 Horses, And Then Some
With a whopping 760 horsepower, 847 Newton-meters of torque, and the most downforce ever in a Mustang (thanks to the front splitter, GT-4-like wing and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres), most car enthusiasts would be thrilled to take one of these formidable cars for a test drive. Add the deliciously aggressive looks, and we are positively drooling. And if you think it can’t get better, check out the pricing! This is a supercar but at a Ford price.
Jun
Audi’s Last TT And First Car To Be Sold Exclusively Online
The new Audi TT Quantum Grey Edition is out in Europe! But there’s a catch to owning one. You can only buy it online. There’s also only 99 of these stunning sports cars available in Germany and selected countries in Europe.
A Very Special, Special Edition of the TT
Based on the 45TFSI Quattro S Tronic, the TT Quantum Gray Edition is driven by a powerful 2-litre four-cylinder engine. Yes, of course, it’s turbocharged and has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for sleek navigation. It hits 100km in an impressive 5.2 seconds and tops out at 250km/h. To make it even more appealing, this TT’s exterior clearcoat is partially matte and it has striking red contrasts inside the car – exactly the kind of detail that sets Audi apart. What makes the TT different, and infinitely more ‘buyable’ than many other comparable sports cars, is that it is one of the few true everyday sports cars. It is 100% suitable to city driving and offers reasonable interior space, excellent visibility and is comfortable enough to drive to work and back in the week while also being great for weekend jaunts on winding roads.
Buyers also have the option to secure leasing or purchasing deals through a simple process online from the comfort of their home or office and can have their new Audi registered with a custom license plate before it’s delivered. It’s the small things..! While buying something really expensive online may sound a bit unconventional, Audi is not the only auto company exploring digital sales.
More And More Car Makers Are Looking At Online Sales
Earlier this year, Tesla announced that they will soon begin closing most of their brick and mortar stores with the intention of only selling their vehicles online. Known as industry pioneers, this is not surprising coming from Tesla. But these days it’s not only the most progressive companies that are dipping their toes in the digital marketplace. Mercedes, Volvo and Hyundai have all begun testing online car sales with European customers and have had some success. People seem to be interested, but get nervous when it comes to parting with their hard-earned cash for something they haven’t actually seen. Hyundai is tackling this by using malls in the UK where buyers can see and test drive cars before buying. Tesla offers customers a week to return the car if they’re not happy with it, something other car makers should consider doing to give shoppers peace of mind.
Will Car Buyers Support An Online Shift?
In a world where over 100 million products can be sold by an online vendor in a single day, it’s clear that more and more people are feeling comfortable with spending money on products they haven’t physically encountered. But, although buying a new set of golf clubs or a new coffee machine from Amazon may be a timesaver, buying a car is another story. Everybody is different and we all have our own ideas of what makes a car comfortable and suitable. Online car sales could definitely work for the die-hards though – those who are massive fans of a certain brand and trust it enough to buy the latest version without trying it first. I guess if it was the latest GTI, and the only way to get my hands on it was on the internet, I’d definitely buy it online.
May
The Most Powerful GTI Yet Will Be Launched In October
The countdown has begun for GTI enthusiasts. Excitement is mounting as the launch of the Golf GTI TCR has officially been scheduled for October. And soon after this, the latest and greatest GTI will be making its way to roads around the world.
What’s Taking So Long?
Developing the most recent GTI has been anything but smooth sailing. Volkswagen experienced a lot of pressure with software bugs that delayed the car’s debut. Originally scheduled to take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Golf VIII’s official launch has now been pushed back by a month. But despite delays, GTI fans can still look forward to a debut before the end of the year. According to the media, production will begin around the end of the third quarter and the official market launch is planned to be in Germany at the end of February 2020. As always, VW is promising that pricing will be sharp considering what you get for it.
Power, And So Much More
The GTI TCR flaunts a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that helps drive the 2.0-litre turbo engine with a whopping 213kW of power. This is a massive jump in performance from the max 180kW available until now. In layman’s terms, this machine can knock out the standard 0-100km/h in as little as 5.6 seconds. It has a top speed of 250km/h but for those who need it, it’s possible to have this increased to 260km/h. Why not? Standard features are rumored to include sporty front seats and leather steering, ventilated disk brakes, LED headlights, lane-keeping assist and a completely digital instrument cluster. There’s also the infotainment system that supports over-air updates, which was the feature that gave Volkswagen so many headaches during the development phase. Glad the software bugs are squashed and the headaches sorted, we’re in for a thrilling ride!