How Has Automotive Suspension Evolved?

It’s beyond our imagination that we’ve gone from horse and carriage as the only form of transport to the invention of four-by-fours with luxury leather interiors and automotive suspension. But have you ever wondered how these cars have actually evolved to where they are now? 

In this post, we’ll cover where automotive suspension began, how it has revolutionised driving since it was first created and some of the best technologies to help improve your much-loved car’s performance.


The History of Automotive Suspension 

Believe it or not, the first car was created back in the late 1700s; however, this was a steam-powered car which had to be self-propelled, so it’s safe to say that no useful suspension was involved there! So, let’s face it, these high-tech cars wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the invention of the first official car (The Motorwagen), powered by an actual engine and gasoline, invented by the famous Karl Benz in 1886. Bet you didn’t think that the lavish Mercedes-Benz motors you see driving around today date back to the 19th century!

Even though cars were around as early as they were, it wasn’t until the early 1900s where suspension became known to drivers. You’re probably wondering how safe the roads really were back then, but this is exactly why automotive suspension didn’t become a thing until the 20th century! The first automobile featured front coil springs and shock absorbers which didn’t require any lubrication like the original leaf springs did. It might be hard to believe, but this was an improvement from what people were out on the road in before-hand. The coil springs made it a painful enough journey, let alone the leaf springs that were used before-hand! 

However, as basic as coil springs were, putting them together with state-of-the-art shock absorbers was another story! By 1931, the first Mercedes-Benz 170 with a fully industrial swing axle suspension was created which was when ride comfort and safety was born, and consistent punctures were no more. So now it makes sense where Mercedes gets their reputation for exceptionally comfortable and safe vehicles from!


How Has Suspension Technology Revolutionised Driving?

Shock Absorbers & Struts

You might be wondering how something created over a century ago is still being used today in our supercharged motors, but trust me, they have been modified a tonne since then! The first shock absorbers were pretty much a lever with a piece of rubber between the frame and leaf spring and were known to provide a “magnificent” ride – doesn’t sound too hopeful, does it?

Whether your car has shock absorbers or struts (similar to shocks but used on front-wheel drives) to help improve automotive suspension, you’ll find them bolted inside a coil spring. The most technically advanced shock absorbers will be what are in your car today with the main goal to prevent your tyres leaving the ground, giving the most effortless and controlled journey you’ll ever have. Gone are the days of bouncing down the country roads like a rabbit.

Shocks today feature small holes to allow oil through, dampening the motion of your tyres to provide that well-needed lubrication for a smooth ride. They also include valves, electronics and magnetism so whether you’re a racer at heart or a more leisurely driver, they’ll be sure to meet your needs! If you’re a sports car fanatic, you’ll love to hear that some cars feature sport mode buttons that you can simply press to help avoid those interruptions on the road. 

As much as technology has revolutionised driving over time, some of the first cars even used electronic sensors in the bumper to adjust the ride from hard, medium or soft depending on the condition of the road, and this innovation is still being used in models today so you won’t even have to think about comprehending damage from the beastly pothole! 


shock-absorber-being-adjusted-in-a-car-workshop


Air Suspension

As ground-breaking as air suspension is, it’s mainly only used in sports utility vehicles (SUVs) because of its high costs. So if you’re wondering whether your family seven-seater car has it, the answer is definitely a no! You might have been thinking that the technology in vehicles couldn’t be improved any further than they already have been, but you’re wrong. 

As ingenious as shock absorbers are, they’re just not enough for top-speed SUVs going at full tilt, so this is when air suspension revolutionised sport vehicles. Steel springs were replaced with firm airbags which can be adjusted with a compressor depending on driver preference. If you thought that was as high-tech as it got, some cars even have built-in GPS so the suspension is automatically adjusted when you’re at the next corner! Clever, right?


What Technologies Can Improve My Car’s Suspension?

Active Curve Titling

If you’re a motorcyclist owner, you might think curve tilting is the norm, but it certainly isn’t for car owners! However, a technology that could change your mind is active curve tilting, first created in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe. The model uses an acceleration sensor with a camera which predicts corners and uses air suspension to tilt the car. This might not increase the performance of your vehicle, but it most definitely will improve its comfort!

Hydraulic Roll Control

Known to Audi owners as Dynamic Ride Control, Hydraulic Cross-Linked Suspension sends fluid to the opposite side of the car, rather than steel antiroll bars which get in the way and can impact your car giving you that smooth ride that you want!

Magnetic Dampers

Remember when we mentioned that well-needed lubrication for your shock absorbers? Well, magnetic dampers are pretty much a version of a shock absorber, and by varying their electric current through fluid containing iron, they adjust their stiffness in response to the road’s conditions.


Is There a Future For Automotive Suspension?

According to The Engineer, a  medical engineering student from Lancaster University has developed a never-seen-before method of improving automotive suspension even further. The 20-year-old’s invention features a delay in compression and expansion and is said to be suitable for use in pretty much everything that involves a shock absorber or damping system! So could this be the next cutting-edge technology? We are definitely excited to see where it goes!


Where Can I Find More Information On Improving My Car’s Suspension?

At TUX Auto, we understand how important both the interior and the exterior of your vehicle is when it comes to suspension, so for more information about what wheels or coilovers will be best, visit our website or call us today on 01274 864457.

Unleash the Beast; Coolest U.K Roads to Explore this Summer

One of the best feelings you can ever experience is driving down an amazing road, feeling it through the car, away from the traffic lights and speed cameras. Without the constant traffic jams, with the open road in front of you, that feeling of sheer freedom is incredible.

However, despite what we see in the movies, you don’t need to travel the US or go over to Germany’s famous Autobahn to experience this! The UK actually has a brilliant selection of roads for you to just let go and have some fun on.

So, in order to help you know where to go, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite routes. Jump behind the wheel, head on over to these astounding locations and just let your hair down!

The Peak District Circuit – Hope, Edale & Castleton

Starting off strong, we have roughly 11 miles of postcard-worthy scenery leading you in a circuit through the gorgeous Peak District. Easily accessible from places like Donington Park due to being so close to the M1, the Peak District Circuit offers a wonderful first step into enjoying the Great British scenery and roads.

By taking a trip around the Peak District Circuit, you’ll get to see historical features and natural beauties such as the large caverns at Castleton. On top of that, Peveril Caste also stands tall above Castleton itself, meaning that you can easily take a pitstop to enjoy the local history and culture.

Cheddar Gorge

If you wanted something even more beautiful than the Peak District, where you can just get lost in the majestic landscapes rather than drive for extended periods of time, then Cheddar Gorge is perfect for you! Coming in at just 3.6 miles, it is definitely the shortest route on this list, but the surroundings more than make up for it!

Widely considered a perfect drive for supercars, this short route will have you gawking at the natural rock formations whilst you enjoy the twists, turns and hairpins that await you. Carved by the melting of the Ice Age, Cheddar Gorge is the perfect place to lose yourself in the road as you burrow roughly 500 feet into rocks and cliffs. There’s even a huge cave system for you to explore whilst you’re there.

The Cotswolds

Next up, we’re jumping right back to long drives of sheer bliss with the 92-mile long route through the Cotswolds. Mixing both expansive straights and outstanding bends with stunning views and a large number of empty roads, this route offers one of the best experiences you could find in the UK.

Add to this the fact that the entire area is known for being one of the most romantic places in Britain and you have the perfect weekend getaway for you and your four-wheeled lover (and your life partner could come too).

The Midlands Circuit

The final route we wanted to mention is a 173 miles round trip! The Midlands Circuit takes just over 5 hours to complete, so you’ll probably want to stop partway through, even if the gorgeous views and pristine roads are still beckoning you to keep going (and they will be). Luckily, this route features a whole host of activities for you to enjoy away from the steering wheel.

With everything from powerboating to hiking as well as exploring underground cave systems, the Midlands Circuit is an unforgettable experience, both on and off the road. Oh, and once you’ve finished the route, you could easily hop across to the Donington Park race track for one more bit of fun, or bring everything full circle and take the Peak District Circuit for a spin once again!

Hit The Road The Right Way

So there you have it; four elegant routes that you can take your car down and really feel as though you are part of the road! Time to get out there and enjoy yourself.

But if you really want the best experience you can get, the performance and style improvements our alloy wheels will  give your car can only make it better! So why not take a look at our Stuttgart, Riviera and LMR alloy wheels today and give your car that extra sense of fun!

8 Reasons to Become a Tux Auto Stockist

When it comes to your stock of alloy wheels, you want to make sure that you always have the best quality products. Our array of alloy wheels are top of the range, but did you know that there are 8 other reasons why you should become a TUX Auto stockist?

In this article, we are going to countdown all 8 of these reasons, so you can see just why you should be stocking TUX Auto’s range of alloy wheels. This includes our classic Stuttgart Wheels, elegant Riviera Wheels and stylish LMR alloys as well. So, let’s take a look and see exactly why you should become a TUX Auto stockist.

Easy To Use, Online Ordering System

When it comes to keeping your stock in control, you want to make sure that you are always able to easily order new stock. That’s why we are proud of our online ordering system. We have worked hard to ensure that it is as easy to use for all of our stockists.

By becoming a TUX Auto stockist, you will have peace of mind in the knowledge that you will always be able to keep your stock up to date.

Swift Next Day Delivery

When ordering new stock, the delivery can sometimes be a concern. This is especially true if you have customers wanting to purchase a set of alloy wheels as soon as possible. We wanted to help alleviate that stress for our stockists and make life that bit easier for you when it comes to selling TUX Auto alloy wheels.

To do this, we offer our stockists very fast next day delivery on our range of alloy wheels. This means that, if you have a customer looking to buy one of our great sets of wheels, you can let them know they only need to wait for one day before they can have their brand new wheels! Therefore, customer satisfaction for your business is maintained.

Competitive Prices

In terms of the alloy wheels that you stock, naturally you want to know that people will actually purchase them. Part of that comes down to style, which every one of our alloy wheels oozes. However, a big part of it will always be the cost of the alloy wheels for your customer.

Our range of alloy wheels are all priced competitively, meaning that you can rest assured that your customers will fall in love with the style and be happy with the price. Therefore, by becoming a TUX Auto stockist, you know that you will be stocking wheels that your customers will buy.

Added Promotion for Your Business

We want all of our stockists to gain something more than just amazing sets of alloy wheels when they work with us. Of course, we also want to make sure you are able to get as much visibility of our wheels as possible. So, in order to help out with that, we actually help you to promote your business!

Through our own promotional channels, we will bring awareness and attention to your business, helping people who are interested in TUX Auto alloy wheels to find you and purchase from you.

A Trustworthy Support Team

Alongside helping you with your promotion and keeping stock in check, we also have a team on hand to support you whenever you need it. We feel that communication with our stockists is key to a strong business relationship, so we constantly work on improving our already amazing support team.

This allows us to help you with almost any issue or difficulty you face as a stockist of TUX Auto alloy wheels, no matter how rare such occurrences are. As such, you can trust that any concerns that you raise will be dealt with swiftly and promptly.

Expert Sales Teams

When it comes to providing a great service to our stockists, we pride ourselves in the expertise and knowledge that our sales team have. Whether you need to find out information on wheel fitments or vehicle specifications, our team will be able to handle your request with ease.

This means that you will always be able to give your customers accurate details and information, helping them to purchase from you. This symbiotic relationship with our stockists is highly important to us, so we are always happy to help you find the information you need!

An Expansive Range of Wheels

Another thing that customers always look for is choice. They want to see a range of different alloy wheels trims and styles to make sure they can get exactly what they are looking for. They want to be sure that the alloy wheels they purchase fit their own personal style.

That’s why we already have a large range of different styles available, across our Stuttgart, Riveria and LMR series of alloy wheels. However, we are also constantly working on new styles and designs, so that your customers can always get just what they want from our stockists.

We Always Use The Latest Technology

Alongside our ever-growing range of alloy wheels, it is key to note that we always use the latest technology when it comes to creating our wheels. As well as ensuring that all TUX Auto alloy wheels are of the highest standard, this also means that we can offer blank wheels that are suitable for 99% of vehicles.

Thanks to that, you are able to offer TUX Auto wheels for a vast range of different vehicles, no matter what type of vehicle your business focuses on. We pride ourselves in our flexibility in this regard, as it allows us to give you the best possible stock for such a huge variety of vehicles.

How To Become A Stockist

Having covered all of these great reasons to become a TUX Auto stockist, as well as the fact that our alloy wheels have some of the best designs and build quality out there, the next question to cover is how you can become a stockist! It’s actually a very simple process, as we like to make life as easy as possible for all of our stockists, new and old.

Simply visit this page and get in touch with us today! Then we can get the ball rolling and you can start stocking our great range of alloy wheels and gaining the benefits of being a TUX Auto stockist as soon as possible.

Alloys; The Uncomplicated and Super Effective Car Mod

Whether you’re a car mod enthusiast or someone who favours the delivery of a subtler impact, we can all rejoice that in installing a fresh set of gleaming alloys, your motor will be embellished with unparalleled sophistication. 

As a brand, we are unquestionably passionate about alloys. And this passion does not come unfounded. You only have to look at the cars on the road to see which merit a second glance (and no, it’s not the ones where a grimy plastic dust cap tries to conceal the rusty carcass of steel behind it). 

It’s the cars that showcase a polished and prestigious set of alloys, isn’t it?! As such, we’ve decided to take the opportunity to advise and examine (and maybe boast a little bit) on all the reasons why you should be looking at replacing your regular steel wheels for a set of tasty alloys. 

The Look of Love

For the moment, we’ll disregard the eco and safety-conscious motivations (enough to make your dad proud). First impressions are inevitably paramount. Whether you’re upgrading your Focus, or you’re looking for something a bit more special than the manufacturer’s original for your Jag, we believe there’s a set of alloys for everyone. 

You just have to search. Riviera, for instance, focuses on assisting clients in finding the right alloys to reach the iconic look your car deserves. Thus, we have a strong appreciation of a classic-contemporary fusion through our spoke alloys. These start in a more refined five-spoke style, all the way to a revved-up 15-spoke example. Meanwhile, we also stock more chunkier, muscular styles that reflect the beast that is your ride. 

It’s obviously not just the design that counts; colour plays a major part from the outset. From the manufacturing stage, the beauty of an alloy is conceived. Alloys, unlike steel, can be cast and moulded with diverse designs. Finally, they can be polished, painted, machined or chromed. 

With such an array of finishes, customisation is endless. We stock a variety of alloy design and finish options to suit everyone’s tastes. These range from a simple yet deeply effective matte black all the way to a stunning satin gunmetal grey.  

The Science Behind Alloy Wheels

Going beyond the individualised aesthetic possibilities that alloy wheels present for your car, we’ll consider their performance in action. The composition of alloys makes such wheels incredibly lighter. Immediately after the upgrade, your car will thank you with the thrill of newfound agility, which is immeasurable to their steel counterparts. Acceleration and braking distances are each revamped in the right ways, not to mention the reduction in weight provides enriched fuel-economy.

All these factors point towards an invigorated driving experience. Another consideration prior to any purchase is prospective load capacity that your alloys will need to support. Riviera supplies wheels for both cars and vans (because these vehicles warrant feature customisation and improved performance too!). 

As such, robustness is imperative. While light-weight, the construction of an alloy through processes such as casting or pressure forging have an influence over the alloy’s strength. Our alloys that are fit for the job in the van category support loads up to 1150kg, so safety implications aren’t a concern. 

The Finish Line

It is fair to say we have produced some pretty decent evidence-backed arguments that should sway your decision to purchase your alloys. Ultimately, they are undoubtedly superior in both aesthetics and performance to the steel wheel alternative. Simply, they’re just a bit more special. 

Perhaps we have swayed you, which is terrific! Take a look at our extensive options of alloys by clicking here. If you remain on the fence or fancy some additional fine-tuned advice, then please get in touch! At Riviera, we’re confident we’ll get your wheels turning in the right direction- and we are experts in the industry. 

Thinking of Becoming an Alloy Wheel Supplier?

While the revamping of your own vehicle is extremely attractive, the potential of matching your customers to their perfect wheels is a chance to have this feeling every day! By becoming a stockist, you too will have the ability to stand out against competing brands through stocking an authoritative and distinguished selection of alloys. 

Why You Should Choose Alloys Over Steel Wheels

When it comes to your car, it has long been said that the outside hooks a driver and the inside is what finally makes you fall in love with it. We completely agree with this ideology, and we know that first impressions are key to any driver’s experience with their car.

That’s why we put so much effort into our alloy wheels; we want that first impression after they are fitted to be one of sheer awe. On top of that, a good set of alloys can turn heads. So that means the first impression that anyone has of your car must be the best possible.

However, as wheels are one of the focal points of a car, we need to talk about the different types of wheels that you can get. The two most common types of wheels are steel and alloy wheels. Of these two, alloy wheels are definitely the most recommended, and in this article, we wanted to let you know why that is!

So, let’s take a look at why you should choose alloy wheels over steel wheels.

What Is An Alloy Wheel?

To begin with, it’s important to understand the key difference between alloy wheels and steel wheels; how they are manufactured.

Whilst steel wheels are made from standard metal, alloys are made from a mixture of different metals, combined to create a new material. For example, you may combine aluminium or magnesium with other metals to create the final material for an alloy wheel. Due to this mixture of metals in an alloy wheel, they can sometimes be referred to as Mag Wheels.

In order to properly mix the metals that make up this alloy material, we use casting or forging, although there are other methods, such as gravity casting.

This allows alloy wheels to be both lighter and more durable than steel wheels, already showing you the benefit of having them. There’s a reason why so many car manufacturers are now selling cars with alloy wheels, even if they aren’t exactly attractive ones.

What Are The Advantages of Alloy Wheels?

We’ve already briefly touched upon the fact that alloy wheels are better for weight and durability, but those aren’t the only benefits and advantages of alloy wheels over steel wheels.

Aesthetics

Thanks, in part, to the production process of alloy wheels, we are able to create far more intricate and exciting styles for the wheels when compared to steel wheels. In fact, the manufacturing process even allows us to create custom designs, meaning that alloy wheels are far better for the overall style of your vehicle.

Performance

This comes back to the weight of the wheel; because alloy wheels are significantly lighter than steel wheels, they actually give you a performance boost. However, it’s not only in the way you are probably thinking.

Yes, it would help with acceleration, as the total weight of the car is lower. But, using alloy wheels over steel wheels actually helps with fuel economy, braking and overall handling.

If you keep in mind that roughly a 10% reduction in weight equates to around a 7% improvement in fuel economy, whilst also putting less strain of the different sections of the car, you can instantly see why alloy wheels are the better long term option.

Corrosion Resistance

The final aspect that really puts them far above steel wheels is the fact that the alloy they are made out of is far more resistant to both corrosion and rust. Due to the way in which alloy wheels are manufactured, they are able to keep their shine and performance enhancements intact for substantially longer than steel wheels.

Therefore, you can rest assured that, no matter how many shows and meet-ups you go to, your car’s alloy wheels will remain in peak condition.

Give Your Car The Best It Can Get

Alloy wheels are definitely the best option for your car, with benefits and advantages including improved performance and better corrosion resistance. Therefore, we would highly recommend that you look to replace your steel wheels with a set of alloys as soon as possible.

Why not take a look at our range of Stuttgart, LMR and Riviera alloy wheels to find the perfect style for you and your car? Or check out our stockist list to find the nearest place to get yourself some amazing alloy wheels!

TUX – A New Horizon For Your Car With TUX Auto

For the past 3 years, TUX Auto have been keeping style and design at the forefront of our minds. From our high-class Riviera wheels to the stylish Stuttgart range, we have been able to provide top-quality alloy wheels that fit your style, no matter what it is.

However, we now have some very exciting news!

TUX Auto Is Expanding

Our flagship brands, Stuttgart and Riviera, are expanding with brand new wheels. Each of these new alloys will continue our focus on the quality of design and build, whilst allowing us to offer you brand new styles to choose from.

On top of that, we are proud to announce that we are now bringing a brand new brand of alloy wheels to the market! LMR Alloys are built using only the best engineering techniques, whilst also being designed to radiate both aggressiveness and subtle beauty.

But wait, there’s more! Not only are our new LMR Alloy Wheels amazing to behold, but if you can’t find exactly the style you want, we can even work with you to create the perfect custom set of alloy wheels for you and your car.

Not Just Alloys

As you can tell, we are very excited to bring you the news of LMR Alloys and the new wheels added to the Stuttgart and Riviera brands. However, that isn’t the only news we have for you.

When we say that TUX Auto is expanding, we aren’t just talking about adding new alloy wheels. In fact, there are two other points that we need to include in that. What are they? Let’s take a look.

Low Pro Coilovers & Springs

On top of our amazing selection of alloy wheels, we are now offering Low Pro Coilovers and Springs for the Transporter Camper Van community. Available for the T5, T6 and T32 variants of the VW Transporter, these coilovers and springs will help you give your van that extra sense of style.

Add these alongside a set of Riviera alloy wheels and you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go! Your VW Transporter Camper Van will never be the same again, as you turn it into something that is truly your own.

Riviera Styling

Once you’ve decided upon your chosen set of alloy wheels, what else are you going to want to do to really show off your own style?

Well, you’re going to want to sort out the body styling. Thankfully, you no longer have to go off and find somewhere else to do that. Instead, TUX Auto is proud to announce Riviera Styling; the premier body kit and car styling brand.

We will work closely with you to determine which body kit will suit both you and your car. From there, we will ensure that the body kit is custom-built to meet your needs before installing it for you. That means that you get to drive away with your entire car truly representing your own, personal style!

The Future Is Here

There’s so much coming from TUX Auto that we can hardly contain our excitement. Get ready to give your car or van a true makeover and upgrade with our new alloy wheels, coilovers and styling options. It’s time to take things to the next level!

If you want to know more about our product ranges, you can check out the websites for Rivieria, Stuttgart and LMR, or get in touch with us today!

Making The Car Of The Future – The Coolest Tech Out There

Everyone loves ‘teching’ out their cars! There are loads of new developments coming to cars which are really pushing the limits of car technology. With the recent CES event and Detroit Auto Show, the world has been able to see what car tech developers are working on…

From revolutionary exhaust systems to the use of mobile apps for their configuration, all the way through to revolutionary ways of looking at vehicle basics, this post is going to be looking at some of the coolest tech for your cars.

Armytrix

One of our first tech items is a bit of a personal plug. However, that doesn’t make it any less of a brilliant product. For those who haven’t heard of it before, Armytrix is an exhaust system that combines a mobile app with the exhaust system to give you an amazing final product that incorporates technology and industry leading engineering.

Most people would be taken aback by the amount of customisation you get. To start with, you have full access to specific metrics on the system. This gives you the opportunity to see readings like temperatures, sound levels and even access to backed up data logs. The app gives you access to an array of features that would otherwise be inaccessible.

This level of control and analysis is unique in an exhaust system and is something revolutionary. If you want the extra performance and the benefit of utilising modern technology then this is the product for you. You can check out the Armytrix system here if you’re interested.

Armytrix alloys

Navdy

When we tell you that the next tech product will allow to use your phone whilst you are driving, you will probably be sceptical as to what we mean. Well, it’s going to take some explaining but the Navdy is a smart little gadget that allows you to interact with your smartphone whilst keeping you eyes on the road.

It works by connecting to your device via bluetooth, and when you’re ready, simply turn on the heads up display unit and you’re good to go. You now have a projected screen on your vehicle’s dashboard showing you basic information from your phone, such as incoming calls and navigation.

This neat piece of kit works so well that it actually looks like the information is being displayed right on the road in front of you.

car hud

Dash Cams

Dash cams have become more of a staple for cars to have nowadays. People are increasingly relying on them for their own safety and source of evidence should they be involved in a crash.

<Nowadays, dash cams can do much more – not only can they record what is front of your vehicle, but they can also store data such as your location and the speed at which you are travelling.

All of this information allows you to have a detailed account of everything that happens while you are in your vehicle. The more that people use dash cams, the safer the roads get. If you want a more informed analysis of all the dash cams on the market then check out this article.

dash cams for car

Summary

As cars have become more and more computerised, there is the increased opportunity for you to get into tuning and engine monitoring. And due to it’s mass availability, this sort of technology can be obtained for as little as £20.

The sort of data you can get from your car in this day and age can be invaluable – you can get your hands on data such as engine temperature and specific diagnostic readings that you wouldn’t normally be able to find on the default display. On the other hand, tuning an engine can result in expensive issues if you are not a professional who understands what you are doing.

So there it is, that’s our pick for the best customisation options in 2017. We recommend you do some looking around as there’s a range of products out there to choose from that suit almost anyone’s skill level and budget.

Let us know in the comments if you have any of the customisations we mentioned we would love to hear from you.

Best New Year Wheels For Your Vehicle Going Into 2017

As 2017 approaches and we say goodbye to 2016, now more than ever it’s crucial to make a statement! Why not start the new year in some serious style by customising the best and most appealing parts of your car, your wheels.

Making an impression in preparation for the next year can be so simple, here we’re going to look at some of our personal favourites that are sure to elevate your vehicle into a style statement on the roads.

RIVIERA COMMERCIAL ATLAS

This first set of wheels is one of our most iconic wheels styles. Its dual five-spoke design means it has a very imposing and strong silhouette when on your vehicle. This design is unlikely to be forgotten by anyone that has the benefit of seeing them in action. The modern finish and design ensure you are left with a fresh feeling on your car, making it effortlessly stylish.

STUTTGART STX

These wheels are the pinnacle of unique design, their lattice build is something you don’t see out on the roads every day. The breathtaking design ensures you are turning the heads of everyone that sees your vehicle in action, leaving a lasting impression! If this wasn’t enough you’re also getting amazing build quality, meaning you reach maximum potential every time you leave your home. Put these bad boys on your speedy hot hatch and you have an excellent setup that’s sure to get some attention.

KLUTCH SL5

These amazing wheels are the ultimate way to take your ride to a new level. Their undisputed style means you have a mix of both traditional design elements and a hint of modern flare that results in a set of alloys that will simply blow you away. Heading into 2017 with these wheels is a foolproof way to guarantee a stylish year ensuring you are at the forefront of wheels technology and style. What’s brilliant about these wheels is that they are also extremely versatile whether they be fitted on hot hatchbacks or more large scale saloons you’re sure to be gobsmacked by these amazing wheels.

CONCEPT ONE CSM5

The clean and strong styling of the Concept One CSM5 is reliable and classic. They will give you epic style, that you can unleash with staggering class and quality. These wheels come into their own when put on a high-performance vehicle such as the Ford Mustang or a Nissan GTR. Their classy style ensures that you leave people envious every time they see you go past. If sublime style and quality is what you’re looking for then these are the wheels for you.

There it is, these are a few wheelsets that are brilliant ‘stocking fillers’ for that motoring enthusiast, or maybe even a new year’s present that spruces up the ride you have now, whatever the occasion, these are some of the best wheels that you can add to your car as we go into 2017. So don’t hesitate, get you car noticed for the right reasons!

Best Concept Cars To Look Out For In 2017

The motoring industry moves so fast, with new technology being developed every day and with the ever increasing revolution of electric cars, it’s safe to say that the motoring market has never seen this much change. To round 2016 off in style we thought we’d take a look at the best concept and confirmed cars to look out for as we go into 2017, enjoy.

NextEV NIO EP9

Sports cars are the pinnacle of speed, measuring 0-60mph times, top speed and power performance it’s often a market that is dominated by petrol powered fuel glugging beasts. Nevertheless, let me introduce you to the NIO EP9, a fully electric sports car that’s making headlines globally for its eye watering track times, insane acceleration and reaching insane speeds. Most wouldn’t expect so much horsepower in an electric motor, but that’s exactly what you will find in this little beast, 1360 horsepower from the multiple batteries around the car’s body.

Combine that with the four wheel driving ability and astounding aerodynamics and you’ve got yourself a vehicle that leaves a lasting impression in all departments. Now this is all well and good, but how long can it keep this up for before recharging is required, well amazingly the range is thought to be in the ballpark of around 265 miles this bring it into the realm of fuel powered cars, remember of course that it has much less effect on the environment . This means you have an extremely powerful car that also gives you the sort of range that makes it effective. All around a brilliant vehicle that is sure to breathe further life and competition into the electric car market.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla has taken the motoring world by storm, the renaissance of electric powered motoring has caused an unforgettable trend in motoring and will likely go down as the biggest shift in the car market in human history. Tesla however, have not stopped there, the presumed upcoming Model 3 is thought to turn the electric car market on its head once again by dramatically reducing the cost of buying and owning an electric vehicle. Planned to be priced at £28,000 the Model 3 is a dramatic drop in price compared to the model S that runs a cost of £57,900, as they label it, electric vehicles have just become “affordable”.

As well as the affordable price it’s expected to have the modern futuristic look we see on all Tesla models, a full panoramic sunroof, the usual tech and extras that give it that authentic electric car feel. To round that off the amazing claim of 0-60mph times under 7 seconds ensures you an unhindered performance.

Lexus LS

First shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, this concept car wowed attendees. The styling is surreal and a feature Lexus are unlikely to change for future lineups – so that’s something fans and watchers alike that can be happy about. A prominent design element people recognised immediately was the wide wheel base of the Lexus LS, allowing rear seat passenger to have improved legroom and a much more comfortable, comparable with most luxurious car manufacturers.

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover has gone on a crusade within the last few years, introducing a range of luxury type jeeps that are separate from the Range Rover line whilst keeping the excellent off-road durability that is synonymous with the Land Rover lineup and heritage.

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is the perfect combination between the Range Rover and the highly durable Defender lineup from Land Rover. More tech is something that is going to feature prominently on the latest Land Rover Discovery, with laser scanning technology that can adjust to a variety of settings within the vehicle to match the surrounding area that it’s driving through, as well as suspension and transmission. What does this mean for the driver? An intuitive driving experience that really adapts to its surroundings. However in the specs department not much appears to have changed on the surface, similar engine stats and configuration setups mean you’re really getting your upgrades in the form of the tech on the vehicle.

Mercedes X Class Pickup

In the perfect pickup you’ll find brute force, size and power and to compete with the toughest off roaders out there, Mercedes Benz has combined practicality, usability and style of the best of the best to make a superior version. Essentially provide motoring enthusiasts with two remarkable and futuristic concepts ‘Powerful Adventurer’ and ‘Stylish Explorer’ to redefine the pickup market.

It’s this elegant and clean design, by one of the most recognised car manufacturers in the world that gives this pickup concept the amazing concrete design that redefines your typical idea of a pickup. Giving motoring enthusiasts a vehicle that’s truly unique that can cater to more than just manual labourers. Expected to come with high-performance stats and all of the premium extra’s you would expect from a Mercedes vehicle, the Mercedes X Class is definitely one to look out for as we head into 2017.

So there you have it, five incredibly intriguing and thrilling concept vehicles that you should look out for in 2017. They might not be what’s classed as affordable, however as motoring enthusiasts they’re definitely an investment worth considering.

Driverless Cars Tested For The First Time In The UK

The motoring industry has seen a tremendous change in the last 10 years or so, aside from the internal tech in a car, we have also seen the complete introduction of both battery powered and driverless cars. Within the last couple of weeks a fully driverless car has been tested on the streets of the UK in Milton Keynes. As its immense motoring news, we thought we would give a bit of insight and additional knowledge on the driverless car vision for the future.

Brands such as Jaguar, Uber, Ford, and even Tesla have jumped onto the wave, each with plans to mass-produce and officially launch their autonomous self-driving cars.

Early Tests

The model tested in the UK was a small two-seater car, to give you a sense of scale; it was roughly the same size as a smart car. Although it can only reach 15mph, it has to be said that there was still a sense of distrust in the vehicle. As a security measure, a steering wheel was present in the testing vehicle, just in case the operator needed to take control.

The test went fairly well, there were no major incidents, no one was injured, and most importantly the test car did not crash. However, the trial limited the vehicle to a set of pedestrian routes; therefore, it’s hard to say how well it would perform and navigate through busy city streets across England, and if it’s even capable of doing so.

Many see this moment as a pivotal cornerstone movement for Britain on their route to becoming leaders in driverless technology. Especially with the new Bill introduced, which has intent to reduce the red tape around new technology, allowing Britain to make strides in this industry. The Bill was announced in the Queen’s speech in May 2016.

It is not just independent and often small firms pledging their interest in these schemes, big businesses such as Jaguar and Ford are also thought to have added their contributions into the plans – this could mean big things for the future of driverless cars. As technology advances and tests get better, you will see cars with the capability of driverless journeys and applications – similar to those being used today.

Incredible Tech

Some of the technology involved with the development of driverless cars is truly incredible. The specific model tested required 18 months of planning, which included accurate virtual mapping of the entire route that the car went on. In this scenario, it was a relatively small area, however, to make this work efficiently there has to be support for much wider areas, potentially whole cities.

One unusual but obvious question surrounding the whole driverless cars sector, is how are they going to be covered by insurance? Surely it is too risky for an insurer to insure a vehicle that is driven by a robot and cameras? However, insurers such as the AA and RAC are also thought to be involved in a plan to make it possible for driverless cars to be on our roads as soon as 2020.

The future

In all, we have a lot to look forward to in the future, the development of driverless cars is sure to make our roads a much easier, more stress-free place. There are obvious hurdles that need to be conquered. Safety is one crucial issue that has created an impression of uncertainty in this area. Ever since companies such as Tesla have experienced crashes, people have judged future security and the potential of the driverless car. However, it seems that whether people like it or not it is going to move forward. We’re sure that by the time they are ready for motorways they will have been thoroughly tested!

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