Showing posts with label TECHNICIAN'S REFERENCE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TECHNICIAN'S REFERENCE. Show all posts

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

15 Cars We Can't Wait To See At The 2018 New York Auto Show

A preview of what to expect at the Big Apple's big show next week.

The New York International Auto Show has been an importantfixture on the automotive scene since its introduction way, way back in 1900. Located at the Javits Center since the ‘80s, close to 1000 vehicles will be ondisplay including some brand-new model unveilings and the usual array ofjaw-dropping concept cars. Taking place around Easter weekend each year, theshow will run from the 30 March until the April 8, with press days to kick off a week from now.

GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra was recently revealed and offers a thoroughly updated package introducing some much-needed new drivetrains and updated safety and convenience technologies to the range. But there are plenty of trim levels and versions that have yet to be announced and rumors are that an all-terrain variant is on the horizon.

Lincoln Aviator

The current interest in SUVs sees the Aviator return after an absence of more than a decade, utilizing Ford’s modular C6 platform. Rumors suggest that it may bear more than a passing resemblance to the recently updated MKC and while details are thin on the ground all will be revealed at the Auto Show.

Cadillac XT4

The Cadillac XT4 compact crossover is sure to gather some crowds at the show, and a number of teaser shots hint at a thoroughly modern design. Power is rumored to come from a turbocharged inline-four and Cadillac’s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system is highly likely to be on offer too.

Nissan Altima

Nissan will be introducing its new Altima at the NY Auto Show for the first time. The carmaker has remained tight-lipped about the details although the few camouflaged test cars that have been spotted indicate an evolutionary update rather than a completely new design. The existing four and six-cylinder engines and CVT transmission are likely to be carried over but we will have to wait for the full reveal before we know whether they opt for the downsized turbocharged route.

Nissan Maxima

The Maxima will be getting a refresh too and while the 300-hp 3.5-liter V6 is likely to remain unchanged there should be an updated infotainment system, additional safety systems and a comprehensively restyled front and rear end. Camouflaged test mules have hinted at many styling cues from the Vmotion 2.0 Concept car (pictured).

Kia K900

Kia is also looking to increase its market share of the luxury sedan sector with its new K900. We have seen a few teaser pictures which indicate a restrained and classy design, while Kia says that it has followed a concept they call ‘Gravity of Prestige'. A tad lofty sounding perhaps but the end result looks very promising. If it is as accomplished as the recently introduced Stinger, the competition has something to be concerned about.

Lexus ES

Lexus is hoping to gain some customers with an all-new ES sedan. Using Toyota’s TNGA New Global Architecture platform it looks to be a smaller size than the current model. It is rumored to retain its 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid powerplants.

Subaru Forester

The Forester will be moving to Subaru’s global platform architecture and will be a bit larger than the current model. The design will feature some modern touches but the overall shape will be familiar to current owners. Expect the usual symmetrical all-wheel-drive and boxer engine configuration hopefully with a turbocharged trim offering too.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has been on sale since 2013 and the new model is long overdue. Being one of Toyota’s best-selling US offerings it can’t afford to take any risks. So while we can expect a big update in powertrain and safety tech, it is unlikely that Toyota will risk alienating their core market with a big deviation from the core RAV4 strengths. The silhouette teaser shot does indicate a less angular look though.

Honda Pilot

The Pilot will be receiving a mid-life cycle refresh this year and other than the usual exterior and interior updates we can also expect to see a hybrid version, most likely sharing a number of its drivetrain components with the existing Accord Hybrid. The 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 should carry on in the standard models for now.

Hyundai Kona

The move towards EVs though continues unabated and the Hyundai will be unveiling its all-electric Kona which will join the range later in the year. There will be a choice between a 39.2-kWh or 64-kWh battery pack which will offer a range of between 150 and 250 miles. Further details should be forthcoming at the NY Auto Show unveiling.

BMW X4

North American Debuts will include crossovers from some major manufacturers. BMW’s X4 is the sportier, slightly less practical version of the equally new and technically similar X3. The current model is available in xDrive28i and M40i flavors and we will be getting a similar engine line-up with a 248-hp 30i and 355-hp M40i making their debut in July.

Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar meanwhile is sailing in new waters with its first ever all-electric offering. Erly indications are that it is more than a worthy competitor to the Tesla Model X. It will be offered with a 90-kWh battery pack and a claimed range of 240-miles, with power sent to all four wheels. Making 394-hp and 512 lb-ft of torque the I-Pace gets to 60 mph in a very quick 4.5 seconds. Owners will be able to interact with their I-Pace using Amazon’s Alexa.

Lexus UX

Lexus is also bringing the futuristic UX to our shores. The new crossover places a lot of focus on providing good handling characteristics and its compact size and aggressive styling give off a distinctly sporty air. Base models will feature a 168-hp 2.0-liter gasoline engine while the UX 250h will offer a hybrid powertrain with approximately 176-hp on tap. Neither may be particularly rapid but overall economy should be excellent.

Lexus RC F

The Lexus RC F luxury sports coupe now gets the Black Line treatment to further enhance its aggressive looks. Limited to the RC300 and 350 F Sport models, only 650 examples will be built. The changes are largely cosmetic comprising of two new exterior paint options, unique alloys, a bespoke wood-trimmed steering wheel and orange accent stitching throughout the cabin.

Concept Cars

Aside from these upcoming models, manufacturers will be showcasing some of their future technologies with the usual collection of weird and wonderful concept cars. Some may be nothing more than a design idea enrobed in a stylish fiberglass casing while others are near production ready designs. Either way, the New York International Motor Show is set to offer another dazzling display of the latest the automotive world has to offer.

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Audi e-tron GT VS. Tesla Model S: How Do They Compare?

Tesla is no longer the only game in town.

Tesla has had the all-electric luxury sedan and crossover market to itself for too many years now, at least that’s how automakers like Audi feel. At this year’s LA Auto Show, Audi unveiled its e-tron GT concept, which heavily previews the production version set to arrive for the 2021 model year. Assuming the production version will closely mirror the specs of the concept, then the Tesla Model S have something to worry about? Well, let’s compare some numbers. But first off, we’re using the Model S 75D version because there’s a greater chance e-tron GT buyers will cross shop with that variant. So let’s get started.

Range

The 2021 Audi e-tron GT will come with a 90 kWh battery good for a range of 248.5 miles under WLTP rules. The Model S has a 75 kWh battery with an EPA-rated 259 miles. Believe it or not, EPA range testing is said to be a bit more accurate than the European method. Therefore, the Model S has the advantage here, but remember: both Audi and Tesla will continue to improve their respective range-related technologies by the time the production-spec e-tron GT arrives.

Charging Times

The e-tron GT concept can reportedly charge to 80 percent in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the Model S can recharge to a 170-mile range in 30 minutes with a DC fast charger, but using a Supercharger will likely better than time. It's also important to bear in mind that by the time the Audi goes on sale, Tesla will no almost surely improve its batteries and Supercharging network even more. As for home charging, the Model S comes with a 11.5 kW onboard AC charger that needs to be plugged in, while the e-tron GT has an 11 kW wireless charging system.

Performance

Without question, the Audi has the advantage. It will go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and tops off at 149 mph. The Model S 75D does the same deed in 4.2 seconds and 140 mph. Audi also notes its EV can continue to perform at its peak without the driver having to make driving concessions (meaning to take it easy). The Tesla, meanwhile, automatically begins to cut back power following hard usage.

Seating And Styling

There’s no question with this one. The Tesla Model S can seat five comfortably and also has those optional rear jump seats. The Audi e-tron GT, however, has seating for four. But remember, this is the concept version. The production e-tron GT may gain a fifth seat.

As far as everything else goes, namely styling inside and out, it’s purely one’s personal tastes. To us, the Audi is the better-looking vehicle, but we need to bear in mind it’s still a concept and styling is always toned down somewhat for production. Also, the Tesla Model S is six years old, so it’s okay to say the design might be somewhat dated, but we still think it looks great today.

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Listen To The BMW X4 M Test Its New Engine On The Nurburgring

Is this the M3's S55 motor, or something different?

We recently had the chance to drive the BMW X4 in its potent xDriveM40i trim. While the performance of the 355-horsepower SUV is already hugely impressive, BMW won't stop there. A more potent X4 M is on the way, and we've already seen pictures of it testing on the Nurburgring. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but a video is far more informative.This latest video showcases the BMW X4 M being pushed hard at the Ring, so we can now hear its savage inline-six engine.

The X4 M is rumored to utilize a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing at least 450 hp. This is the same engine that is expected to sit under the hood of the next generation M3 and M4, and could even come with some form of hybridization.

From the video, it's impossible to tell if the X4 M is using any kind of hybrid assist. What we can tell is that the inline-six sounds superb, better than the outgoing S55 engine. This next generation engine will reportedly be called the S58, though this has yet to be confirmed. The X4 M will have its work cut out for it with the recent arrival of other high-performance SUV models like the Jaguar F-Pace SVR and Mercedes GLC63 AMG.

Friday, 15 November 2019

2020 Audi Q4 Will Be A Smaller And Sexy Q8 Alternative

But what about an RS Q4?

Last year we learned that Audi was developing the first-ever Q4 crossover, based on the same MQB platform underpinning the current Q3. Why do the Q4? Two reasons: there’s a growing market for four-door coupe-styled crossovers, and because the number four exists. So, what can we expect from this compact crossover boasting sleeker styling than the Q3?

According to Autocar, it will be slightly longer than the Q3 by about 4.3 inches due to its heavily curved roofline and liftback-style tailgate. Its general exterior styling will be inspired by the TT Offroad Concept, first shown back in 2014, but there will certainly be a number of updates more in line with the automaker’s latest styling language.

Positioned as a direct competitor against the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque, and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q4’s interior will boast full-HD infotainment displays, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, gesture control functions, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Power is set to come from a new generation of 1.5-liter gasoline and diesel engines, though don’t expect the latter to be offered in the US. An updated version of the current 2.0-liter turbo four will also be offered. Expect to see the Q4 receive the e-tron treatment with a plug-in hybrid version with up to 31 miles of EV-only range arriving at a later date.

But we suspect enthusiasts will be drawn to the RS Q4 and its all-new 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine with up to 400 hp, though we can’t confirm whether or not this will debut at the same time as the base models. Like BMW, Audi will continue to expand its Q-branded crossover lineup even further, beyond the Q4. What’s next? The Q6, which will reportedly be a pure electric. We expect to see the Audi Q4 make its official debut sometime early next year before it goes on sale as a 2020 model in about a year’s time.

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

BMW Concepts We'd Love To See On The Road

One is likely to enter production.

BMW has a rich history of actually producing the concepts they build, and in most cases, the production versions bear more than just slight resemblances to the concepts that precede them – in fact, they’re normally almost identical. Case in point, the M4 Concept, Concept Z4, Concept X4, and the i8 Spyder concept. However, there have been several concepts that never made it but really should have. Among those, many are tribute concepts to models of old, but with a resurgence of retro concepts lately, we thought we’d take a look back and pick the 10 BMW concepts we think would be phenomenal in production.

BMW M1 Homage

Audi makes the R8, Mercedes the AMG GT and soon the AMG One, but BMW still doesn’t produce a bona fide supercar. The i8 is cool but it’s no supercar, and considering the rich history of BMW’s M1 from the 70s and 80s, the M1 Homage deserves a place in the real world.

The M1 Homage featured retro styling to act as a modern take on the M1 when the concept debuted in 2008 – 30 years after the original M1. Girgetto Giugiaro was the man behind the styling, incorporating details such as the dual rear badges and mid-engined proportions. No specifications were ever released, and the concept was strictly a static one, but how great would it be if BMW produced a proper retro supercar?

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

2015 saw the debut of two cool BMW concepts – celebrating BMW’s 40th anniversary in the US. The 3.0 CSL Hommage was great, but the Hommage R took it to its full potential – replete with race-inspired looks to make it a true spiritual successor to the original 3.0 CSL in racing guise. The Hommage R was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6, equipped with an e-boost to bump the power up beyond 500 horsepower, though the actual figure was never confirmed by BMW.

It was the interior and ancillaries that complete the 3.0 CSL Hommage R’s appeal, representing true driver focus. The instrument cluster, dash, and steering wheel setup all focused on the driver, with features like shift timers displayed by ambient glow across the dash. An advanced heads-up display was courtesy of a Puma race-suit with a helmet visor acting as a HUD panel. Build it, BMW, and they shall buy it!

BMW 328 Hommage Concept

Another retro concept from BMW celebrated the 328 race car of the 1930s – released to celebrate the original’s 75th anniversary – not the E36 3 Series of the same designation. The concept offered a take on how the 328 might have been produced using modern technologies, meaning plenty of carbon fiber reinforced plastic was used in its construction. Thankfully, most of that was left exposed on the bodywork.

BMW was tight-lipped on the drivetrain, but the 328 Hommage did make use of a 3.0-liter straight-6 to power it along. The concept weighed next to nothing, in part due to the lack of doors entirely. This one might not have gone down as well as a Z4, but we can still dream, can’t we?

BMW 2002 Hommage

OK, so we like the BMW Hommage concepts, a lot. The 2002 Hommage celebrated 100 years of BMW, paying tribute to the homologated 2002 Turbo of half that age. It featured classic BMW styling cues such as the shark nose and short body overhangs. Unlike many of the Hommage concepts, the 2002 actually had roots in a production model, built upon the incredible BMW M2 – which itself is the spiritual successor to the 2002 turbo.

The M2 is great, but how cool would a limited run, 400-hp 2002 turbo-styled production model be?

BMW i Vision Dynamics

We’re still hoping this one does get built, as the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept would make an exceptional BMW i5 electric sedan. The futuristic-looking 4-door Gran Coupe is electrically driven and, according to BMW, has a claimed electric driving range of 373 miles on a charge, a top speed of over 120 mph, and a 0-60 mph sprint time of less than 4 seconds.

Featuring an impressive low-drag design, the concept could be previewing BMW’s future electric design language, with 12 full EVs planned by 2025. Should the i Vision Dynamics make it to production as a BMW i5, it would take the fight head-on to Tesla’s Model 3. On this one, we’re tentatively hopeful.

BMW Z4 Zagato Coupe and Roadster

Based on the E89 BMW Z4, the Zagato Coupe and Roadster were unveiled just three months apart. The collaboration between BMW and the Italian design house was incredible, with the coupe featuring a stylish double bubble roof, the Roadster featuring a double-bubble styled tonneau cover, and both models featuring details like a kidney grille composed of small “z” letters. Both models featured paintwork that changed with the light, giving it a different appearance in different circumstances. OK, so yes these were based on existing models, but the Zagato versions look so much cooler than the BMW ones, don’t they?

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

They could’ve made this the new Z4, couldn’t they? Or they could revive the Z1 moniker since the Vision ConnectedDrive concept makes use of Z1-inspired doors – with two skins in this case sliding forwards and backwards into the bodywork.

The Vision ConnectedDrive was a technological showcase when it debuted in 2011, making use of radars in the lighting systems to monitor surrounding traffic, and displaying an early version of an advanced 3D heads-up display for the driver. Though futuristic in design, there were definite retro-inspired traits here, such as the aerodynamically encased rollover hoops behind the driver and passenger.

BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia

Based on the E85 BMW Z4, the Concept Coupe Mille Miglia was unveiled at the 2006 edition of the event. It fused historic styling – tall and narrow kidney grilles, split windscreen, and classic rooflines – with modern technology, such as silver colored carbon fiber bodywork. The concept celebrates BMW’s rich Mille Miglia history, including the 328 mentioned above, which still holds the record for the being the first car to win both the original and the renewed version of the historic race – the latter occurring just two years prior to this concept’s unveiling.

BMW X-Coupe

BMW must have a crystal ball at its headquarters, as the 2001 X-Coupe concept previewed a futuristic coupe-crossover body style that would develop into a huge fad, 17 years later. Now, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and many more offer coupe-styled SUVs, but BMW beat them to the punch with this sports coupe-styled crossover concept based on an X5 chassis.

The aluminum-bodied concept was powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine from the X5 (184 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque), which sat in contrast to the bodywork which was styled like a sports car. The proportions make the X-Coupe look like a compact 4C-rivalling sportster when in fact it’s far, far bigger, with a wheelbase of 111-inches. In an era where Ferrari is planning a crossover supercar, would it not be incredible for BMW to pursue a production version of this?

BMW Nazca C2 Spider

The BMW Nazca C2 coupe was actually built – although only three were ever made for private clients. The super-stylish C2 Spider, however, remained a concept and the stuff of our childhood dreams. Designed by Italdesign and unveiled at the 1993 Monte Carlo F1 Grand Prix, the mid-engined supercar concept featured removable glass roof panels and a 5.7-liter Alpina-tuned V12 engine (up from 5.0-liters in the coupe) that produced 380 hp, feeding it all to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Much like the M1 Homage, the Nazca C2 Spider is the mid-engined BMW supercar we keep praying they’ll make, but which remains unlikely.

BMW iX3 Will Be Built In China

BMW announced this week that it would start building more of its SUVs in China due to the recently enacted 40% import tax on cars sent there from the U.S. This massive increase was done in reaction to the Trump administration imposing import tariffs on Chinese products. Currently BMW is the largest exporter of cars in the U.S. and it makes the X3, X4, X5 and X6 SUVs at its Spartanburg plant. Employing 10,000 workers, BMW says that production numbers won’t be affected but with the recent announcement that the upcoming iX3 will also be built in China.

Sunday, 10 November 2019

Bentley Mulsanne WO Edition Is Steeped In 8 Liters Of Heritage

Only 100 examples will be made in tribute to the company's founder

Bentley is coming up on its centenary year. But before it does, it's looking back on one of its earliest motor cars with the Mulsanne W.O. Edition. Crafted by Bentley's Mulliner customization division, the special Mulsanne draws its name and inspiration from the company's founder and the 8 Liter limousine that was his personal ride and the last he ever designed. The W.O. Edition even includes a piece of the crankshaft from that very car, encased in a marquetry cabinet with machined metal trim in the rear center armrest.

Aside from the showcase, the interior features two-tone leather in Fireglow and patinated Fireglow Heritage, with Beluga hide trim and dark burr walnut veneer. It also comes with a bottle fridge, a set of glass tumblers, rear-seat privacy curtains.

The bodywork is finished in onyx-black paint wth an optional chrome grille and trim strip, though customers can specify theirs in any color Bentley offers, if they so choose. It's also available on the standard Mulsanne, the extended-wheelbase model, or even the Mulsanne Speed. Either way, though, only 100 examples will be made. Look for its debut in Monterey next month, with deliveries set to commence as Bentley kicks off its 100th anniversary next year.

Friday, 8 November 2019

Iconic Aftermarket Wheel Designs

The easiest way to customize your ride is with a fresh set of wheels.

When it comes to the world of aftermarket customization, the easiest way to give your ride a unique look is with a slick set of wheels. The range of wheels available out there is huge – with everything from the cheap and nasty to the expensive and overbearing. But in and among the throng of aftermarket wheel designs, originals and replicas, there are some gems to give your ride a new look. From classic to contemporary, we’ve compiled ten of the aftermarket wheel designs we feel will remain benchmarks for years to come.

Enkei RSM9

Few wheel manufacturers have as illustrious a history in motorsport as Enkei do. The Japanese wheel supplier has supplied the McLaren Formula 1 team since 1995; but in recent years has supplied OEM manufacturers too – including General Motors. Since 1950 the brand has produced iconic wheel designs, but the Enkei RSM9 sports wheels is a design likely to remain a classic for many years to come. Available in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch diameters, and widths from 7- to 10.5J, the piano black or platinum silver 9-spoke design features an anti-slip paint on the inside that reduces tire distortion during extreme acceleration.

BBS Super RS

No list of iconic aftermarket wheel designs is complete without the BBS Super RS. The classic wheel design has been replicated by no-name and big name-brand wheel manufacturers alike since its release, but nothing comes close to the original. The 2-piece die forged aluminum wheel is available in several color combinations, but the iconic diamond cut rim and gold center is the look the BBS Super RS will always be known for. The Super RS might not suit all applications – particularly modern ones – but when it comes to old school cool, there are few that rank as highly as this.

Volk TE37

Rays Wheels go by the tagline of “the concept is racing,”and when it comes to the Volk TE37 racing wheel, the tagline rings true. It’s been equipped on every manner of race car from track monsters to drift demons, and it’s proven to be one of the most versatile wheel designs in existence. Originally manufactured as a 15-inch wheel weighing just 3.7 kg, the TE37 became renowned as one of the first forged wheels on the market. Since 1996, the TE37 has been a popular design that’s stood the test of time, and it doesn’t look to be fading from the limelight any time soon.

OZ Superturismo WRC

We all want a bit of race car in our everyday life. But there’s no reason we can’t equip a little rally car flare to our daily drives. OZ Racing have been giving us racing flare for decades, with rally cars being its prime canvas to display its wares. 90% of WRC cars now ride on OZ Superturismo WRC wheels – instantly recognizable by the white multi-spoke design with red block-printed OZ Racing logo. When it comes to adding a touch of racing class to your ride, the OZ Superturismo WRC is a future classic already – and with sizes ranging from 14-18 inches in diameter, they’ll fit on most day to day drives without compromising practicality.

HRE Vintage Series 454

HRE turns 40 years old this year, and in its four-decade long tenure in the wheel business its released some impressive designs – catering specifically to those in the market for wheels for their high end sports cars and supercars. But the folks at HRE are on the lookout for owners of classic supercars too, and tits Vintage Series is aimed at owners with supercars from the 80s and 90s. The HRE Vintage Series 454 evokes the spirit of exotic GTs and sports cars harking back to the 1970s. The 5-spoke design is available in a range of more than 80 color finishes, with sizes from 18-22 inches in diameter – the perfect design for a piece of classic Italian machinery.

ADV7.2 CF.2

A relative newcomer to the market, Advance One Wheels (ADV1) is less than a decade old, but has quickly carved out a niche in the market for creating high quality and technologically advanced wheels. You can throw a dart at the catalog and find something striking, but when ADV1 pair up with carbon fiber manufacturers, Dymag, the result is nothing less than wheel porn. The ADV7.2 CF.2 features an aerospace grade forged aluminum center, paired with a Dymag BOXSTROM carbon fiber hybrid barrel. The hybrid construction makes them up to 40% lighter than regular cast aluminum wheels, ensuring increased performance, along with incredibly good looks.

American Racing Torq Thrust

Whether it’s classic muscle, modern muscle, or an off-road monster lurking in your garage, American Racing can cater to your wheel needs – with a range of classically designed wheels for each application. But if there’s one from its repertoire that sticks out, it’s the classic Torq Thrust cast aluminum wheel. It’s a simple design available in 14-inches right through to 20-inches, and it’s versatile enough to look good on classic American muscle, modded hot rods, and modern muscle alike. For a classic American car, it’s the classic American wheel design.

Vossen CVT

Vossen has seemingly risen to prominence in a matter of years, but the brand has actually been in existence for the last three decades. The CVT is its signature design at the moment, and has become one of the most replicated wheel designs in the world – but nothing beats an original. The lightweight, one-piece cast wheel is directional in nature, and each set requires four molds to ensure that the wheels match up directionally, regardless of whether the fitment is square or staggered. Available in 19-, 20-, and 22-inch sizes, it’s not the wheel for every car – but for those it suits, few wheels look better.

Rotiform BM1

Rotiform specialize in a range of OEM+ wheel designs for those wanting something just a little extra, over and above the OEM offerings standard to your vehicle. But more than that, it also manufactures a range of OEM-inspired designs that stand the test of time. One such design is the Rotiform BM1 – a wheel many might remember from the BMW M1 mid-engined sports car of the 1970s and 1980s. Available in three finishes, the 3-piece forged BM1 wheels add more than just a dash of retro to your ride.

Carbon Revolution CR-9

While we’ve already featured a wheel with a carbon fiber barrel on this list, this last entry goes the whole hog with a full carbon fiber one-piece wheel design, making use of aerospace grade technology to develop a high-strength, lightweight wheel design. Carbon Revolution is the name of the company, and the CR-9 is their premier one-piece carbon wheel design. It performs as well as it looks though, reducing unsprung weight, and improving handling and performance through the simple concept of rigidity and reduced weight. From sports saloon to supercar, the CR-9 suits all applications, and it looks damn good doing it!