Taexasu Car: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010 Auto Gallery

Ford Mustang AV-X10 2010

Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009 Car Pictures

Ford Mustang Warriors In Pink 2009

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010 New Car Pictures

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2010

Ford Mustang Convertible 2010 New Car

Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

Ford Mustang Convertible 2010

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Hot News Up Date: Jaguar F-Type Gets Green Light

A new sports car, a fourth Range Rover, a BMW 3-Series rival and an executive estate, plus new factories in China, exciting engines and a return of focus to innovation... Under Tata control, Jaguar Land Rover will be more ambitious, says top boss Carl-Peter Forster. The man in charge of making it happen is Ralf Speth, and he told us it’s time to put the pedal to the metal!

The F-Type was first seen in the form of the XK180 concept back in 1998, but the project has been constantly delayed as the company struggled with its finances. But now, thanks to the promise of £1bn of investment every year for the next five years by new Indian owner Tata, a driver-focused sports car is imminent.

Despite the good news about Jaguar Land Rover’s investment in new product and advanced technology, Tata boss Carl-Peter Forster believes the firm remains committed to closing one of its UK factories.

Put simply, Forster says “It is much better for a car company to have one large factory, than two small ones.”

Currently, Jaguar Land Rover is reviewing the future of its two West Midlands plants in Solihull and Castle Bromwich. An announcement about the future of the locations is due this summer.

Meanwhile, JLR has confirmed it will open a new plant in China within the next two years. With a production target of around 30,000 units per year, the factory is set to build Defender, Discovery and Freelander models from UK-supplied kits. A similar set-up is also planned for India.

“This move isn’t about taking volume out of the UK,” said Forster. “It’s about strengthening business in emerging markets.” For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hot News: Mini Plans to Release City Car?

Mini has kicked off studies into an affordable city car as part of a programme aimed at boosting sales by adding new models at the lower end of its line-up.

Described as a Smart Fortwo rival, the new model is aimed at complementing parent company BMW’s Megacity project. It will use conventional technology and modular mechanical components employed across the German car maker’s line-up to keep development costs down and hit profit targets.

Mini has long argued that cars smaller than its popular three-door lacked the profitability to be sustainable in the longer term. “The question we’ve asked ourselves all along is: how do we make money at this level?” a source within the firm told us.

But with BMW now committed to a three-cylinder engine and its officials investing heavily in new production techniques, Mini appears confident it can now build a solid business case for an ultra-frugal city car.

“Nothing is decided just yet,” said our source. “It is all at an early stage of conception. But there is a lot of momentum behind it right now. We may be ready to show a concept within the next 12 months or perhaps a little longer.”

Mini is tight-lipped about whether its city car will be a two or four-seater, and whether the engine will be at the front or rear.

Autocar has been told that Mini officials are keen to ensure it stretches to no longer than 3050mm — the length of the original Issigonis-engineered Mini. That would make it a good 700mm shorter than the modern-day version but some 300mm longer than today’s Smart.

Proposals for the new Mini are being developed primarily in Munich, although BMW’s design thinktank DesignWorks in Los Angeles is also contributing ideas to the project, which one official referred to by the name ‘Minor’.

Mini’s renewed interest in city cars follows Smart’s recent announcement that it plans to develop the next Fortwo with Renault, which is expected to sell its own styled version from 2014.

The last Mini city car concept to be made public was the Spiritual in 1997, three years after BMW’s takeover of the Rover Group. Shown in three and five-door form, it had an 800cc, rear-mounted three-cylinder engine.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Alfa Romeo to Release 3-Series Rival

Alfa Romeo is close to signing off the final shape of the Giulia, its all-new 3-series challenger, which is little more than 17 months from the showroom.

With the launch of the Mito out of the way and the showroom debut of the Giulietta weeks away, getting the new Giulia saloon and estate exactly right has never been more crucial.

However, Alfa Romeo has never been better placed in terms of the quality of the components it has its disposal. Not only does it have access to the Fiat Group’s cutting-edge new Compact Global Modular Architecture, but Alfa will also be able to use upcoming developments of Fiat Power Train’s Multiair engine technology and new dual-clutch gearboxes.

The new Giulia is based on a longer version of the Compact platform used for the Giulietta. While the Alfa 147/GT platform has double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear, it is ageing and significantly lacking in torsional rigidity. By contrast, the Premium platform that underpins today’s 159 may be extremely stiff and safe, but it is also too heavy.

Although the platform will not be the absolute lightest in its class, it makes extensive use of high-strength materials (accounting for around 90 per cent of the structure) and features lightweight crash structures front and rear, and aluminium suspension wishbones all round.

The new MacPherson-strut front end sits on a large subframe, which will allow the suspension to resist the distorting effects of the lateral forces generated by cornering. Among other advantages, this should mean the Giulia will not lose steering precision under hard cornering.

Alfa bosses say they want the Giulia to be ranked as best in class for ride and handling. Philippe Krief, head of dynamics for the Fiat Group, says that while the Compact platform’s suspension design and geometry has to cover all of Fiat’s brands, it will still be possible to tune the system to deliver Alfa’s dynamic targets.

Alfa engineers are also developing new two-stage dampers with Koni, and the company has 15 engineers working on the control software for an optional active damping system. It’s thought that the ‘DNA’ control for the throttle, steering and stability control will be standard. The Compact platform will offer Alfa the option of using a four-wheel drive system for the Giulia, as well as offering the Q2 electronic differential.

The Giulia will have some of the most modern engines of any car in this class. As well as the engines in the Giulietta (118bhp 1.4 turbo petrol and 168bhp Multiair petrol, and 104bhp 1.6 and 168bhp 2.0 diesels), the Giulia will get some even more advanced powerplants.

On the petrol front, Multiair 2 will be launched, combining the clever valve timing and lift set-up with direct injection. This step forward slightly improves CO2 emissions and dramatically reduces NOx pollution, as well as improving driveability.

A new 1750 TC GDI unit, delivering between 200bhp and 235bhp, looks like it could be the choice of the Giulia range. At the top end of the petrol line-up, it’s expected that Alfa will fit a Multiair 2 induction and injection system to Chrysler’s all-new Pentastar V6 engine. Alfa’s version should be a 3.3-litre unit delivering 273bhp with an unusually muscular torque curve for a normally aspirated V6.

There’s no news yet on whether Alfa will offer the V6 with the new torque-vectoring four-wheel drive transmission. Not only does an all-wheel drive system add considerable weight, but it can also blunt even the performance sensation delivered. If this range-topper does get the nod, at least one version will wear the GTA badge.

For diesel buyers, there’s a new, sophisticated Multiair and Multijet 2 combined induction and injection system on the way. There’s no news as to which engines will get it, but the upcoming 3.0-litre V6 diesels (220bhp and 250bhp) are the most likely. A 140bhp version of the 2.0-litre JTDm with a variable-vane turbocharger is also on the cards. Multiair also helps to significantly clean up the pollution from diesel engines.

Aside from the standard-issue six-speed manual gearboxes, there will be some interesting high-end units on offer. The M40 unit is good for handling up to 295lb ft of torque, and it will come in six-speed manual and automated manual forms. These specs could point to the technical make-up of the Giulia GTA.

Higher-performance Giulias will have the option of the new C635 twin-clutch transmission, which comes in front-drive and four-wheel-drive forms and can handle between 185lb ft and 258lb ft of torque.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: 2014 BMW i1

Heading for a city near you soon, these artist impressions from Germany, show what the new BMW Megacity could look like when it debuts in 2013. Currently referred to as the i1, the vehicle in the drawing gets its inspiration from the 1-Series, but it could be mistaken for a miniature X6.

The five-seater will be similar in size to the VW Golf, but the rear-wheel-driven car will be fully electric. Part of a new BMW sub-brand, the 'Megacity' range will be a specialist division comprising solely of electric vehicles. Joining the city-focused car, BMW is als developing a two-wheeler and three-wheeler. Featuring all the latest technologies, the i1 will be very light and also highly aerodynamic too.

Nothing has been confirmed about the drivetrain yet, but it is expected to be closely linked to the Concept ActiveE which debuted at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show.

BMW has also announced it plans on building a plant in Moses Lake, Washington, which will employ 80 people and this is where a lot of the development will take place.

The official transportation provider for the 2012 London Olympics, it is likely prototype versions of the new i-range including the i1 will transport athletes and officials around the Olympic village. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Honda Civic (Europe Version)

Work on the new Civic has begun! Our spies caught a prototype of the next-generation Honda hatchback out testing in the Italian mountains.

The current model made its debut back in 2005 but has continued to look fresh thanks to its radical design touches, a feature the new car promises to carry on when it arrives early in the spring of 2012.

Because it's such a long way off, the prototype snapped here looks very similar to the old car, and the wheelbase is unchanged, but it does have a slightly wider track overall dimensions won’t differ much from today’s model. this tis

The test car was disguised with a fake front suggesting we’re looking at the old Civic, but one closer look reveals the front bumper is actually mounted yet in front of the real piece that is therefore hidden underneath.

Power will continue to come from four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units delivering between 80 and 140 hp. The current 1.3-litre, 115-hp hybrid motor will be carried over for the new model, too. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: GM to Release New Small Truck??

General Motors is reportedly working on a new small truck that will be closer in size to the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma of yore than the current-generation Colorado and Canyon duo, according to PickupTrucks.com's sources.

As vehicles have progressively grown in size over the past two decades, the compact truck segment proved to be especially susceptible to the growth spurt. Over the years, the compact and midsize segments essentially fused into one, leaving the Ford Ranger as the lone true small truck. Despite maintaining a relatively decent sales pace however, the well-aged Ranger is due to end production next year, with no official word if the U.S. will receive a suitable replacement.

What led to the withering of the compact/midsize truck segment? Pricing points are a major issue, as the cost for an entry-level, full-size truck is often only a few thousand dollars off the price of a midsize pickup. As the price gap between the compact and full-size trucks segment closed, more buyers flocked to the larger half-tons, mainly seeing more use out of the bigger cabs. Most "small" trucks available today are not so small. Just do a side-by-side comparison of a 2010 Nissan Frontier and an old Nissan Hardbody truck, and the difference will be apparent.

In the 1980s, the compact segment sold over one million trucks per year. As full-size trucks hit its sales stride, the smaller brethren took a major back seat. The bestselling truck out of the compact/midsize lot today is the Toyota Tacoma, which has currently sold 33,920 trucks through April. The Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado follow at a distant second, third, and fourth with sales of 17,514, 11,770, and 7241 units, respectively.

Would you buy a compact Chevrolet or GMC truck, assuming it's dimensionally similar to the old S-10 and Sonoma? Or were those older trucks too small for your tastes?
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Unofficial Picture: 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Racer

These pictures of a Ferrari 458 Italia converted for race use have sparked speculation that there will be a one-make race series for the car from 2011 - and give the first clues as to how a hardcore Scuderia model could look.

As well as standard race preparation features such as a rollcage, plastic windows and race seats, the prototype car appears to be lower than standard, have a revised aerodynamic package and wider side skirts.

Ferrari hasn't released any information about the car.

The pictures came from the Axis of Oversteer website.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2011 Ford Mondeo Estate

Get a load of this! These are the first and best pictures yet of the Ford Mondeo Estate.

The facelifted car, which is due to go on sale later this year, promises to build on the appeal of the current machine with greater attention to detail and interior quality.

Sharing much of its engineering design with the facelifted saloon, also due later this year, the car will also feature a new range of engines.

Under the bonnet there will be a 2.0-litre Ecoboost petrol unit, already available in the current Mondeo and debuting in the S-MAX and Galaxy. Delivering 200bhp, 300Nm, the Mondeo will take less than 9 seconds to go from 0-62mph.

Ford’s PowerShift transmission will be featured on a Mondeo for the first time, coming as standard with 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and it will be an option with the 138 and 160bhp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi variations.

A smaller 1.6-litre version of the Ecoboost will also come. Added to this there will be the usual healthy selection of diesel variants. Highlighted by an updated version of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCI, there will be three cleaner, more efficient options, with power ratings of 113, 138 and 160bhp. There is also expected to be a 2.2-litre diesel, offering around 180bhp. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied Up Date: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta

Last time we saw the Jetta, it was sweating through summer testing in the desert wearing heavy camouflage!

But now we have caught Volkswagen's newest sedan with almost all the camouflage removed!

While there are still a few pieces of body-coloured camouflage on this 2011 Jetta prototype, most of the car is completely production-ready.

And while VW seems to have stuck fake, Toyota-looking badges on this car, it only takes a quick look at the steering wheel centre cap to see the VW logo under a thin piece of tape!

Internally known as NCS – or New Compact Sedan – this updated Jetta will be built on a re-engineered fifth generation Jetta platform. Expect the new car to be longer and wider than the current model.

The Jetta name will likely be carried over, and assembly will continue to take place at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico, plant, but the new Jetta will be somewhat longer and a bit wider. Volkswagen will hope to sell 160,000 units annually as they try to lure potential Corolla and Civic buyers in the U. S. with its lower base price. The car will also make it to European dealers but is – again – not expected to be a hot seller.

Although cost-cutting measures may be obvious as compared to the current Jetta, there is speculation that an AWD option may be offered. Production is expected to start in the 4th quarter of 2010, making this updated entry a 2011 model when it crosses the border. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Mini Moke is Back!

The Moke is back! MINI bosses have given Auto Express strong hints that the buggy-inspired Beachcomber concept will be sent down the production line.

Designed to show off the new Countryman crossover, the stripped-down Beachcomber proved a massive hit when it was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

So much so that MINI is close to giving it the green light. Head of brand management Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht said: “We will come back to this to see if there is a business basis, as we were overwhelmed by the reaction. MINI will never show a concept that won’t make production.”

The Beachcomber was built around the road-ready version of the Countryman, but lost the doors and roof panels in homage to the Moke – the legendary Mini-based take on the classic beach buggy. Its four individual seats are wrapped in wetsuit material for all-weather durability, and the rear-mounted spare wheel holder is actually a lockable storage box. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, a fabric tonneau can be attached to the car, while more long-term rain protection is provided by lightweight, removable plastic door and roof panels.

As with the Moke – made from 1964 to 1993 – the Beachcomber has a metal, body-coloured grille, only this time the designers have inserted driving lights. Off-road ability is enhanced by higher ground clearance than the Countryman, as well as chunky tyres. Plus, the new ALL4 four-wheel-drive system is likely to be included as standard.

If it is built, the Beachcomber would have few natural rivals – perhaps only the permanently open-topped Smart Crossblade.

And the name? Bank on Moke, if Dr Armbrecht’s comments are anything to go by. “MINIs need authentic names,” he said.

The Countryman goes on sale in the UK in September, with prices starting at £16,000 for the 1.6-litre One model. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 BMW 3-Series Touring

As the fifth-generation BMW 3 Series plows through its fourth year of production, we've begun to catch glimpses of the sixth-generation car set for 2012. Today, we've captured the first images of the next BMW 3 Series Wagon.

Known as the Touring model in Europe, the 3 Series Wagon is expected to ride on a longer wheelbase than the next-generation sedan. Other than the chassis stretch and wagon bodywork, expect the car to be virtually identical to the sedan. From these pictures and past spy shots of the sedan, we can see that the next-generation 3 Series, codenamed F30, will get a more upright nose (likely to meet pedestrian crash requirements) that will bring its styling more in line with the new 5 and 7 Series cars.

According to reports, the next generation of 3 Series models will get back to basics with four- and six-cylinder engines rather than the current crop of six- and eight-cylinder engines. Lower models are expected to get turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines with up to 252 horsepower and turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engines with up to 245 horsepower. There's no definitive word on whether or not the current 300-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline engine will remain, but the next M3 model is expected to get a new twin-turbo gasoline six-cylinder good for 450 horsepower.

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is expected to debut sometime next year prior to its launch date in March 2012. The wagon seen here is expected to follow in September 2012, with a new Gran Turismo model coming in March 2013. A coupe in September 2013 and convertible in March 2014 will round out the lineup.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Hot News: Mahindra Eyes Ssangyong Motors

Mahindra & Mahindra is learnt to be keen to make a bid for the ailing Korean car manufacturer SsangYong Motor Company. Bidders had to submit their letters of intent by end of May.

The acquisition of Ssangyong may be a good fit for the Indian company in its quest to become a global player in SUVs and pick-ups. The Korean company has two plants, one of which makes SUVs such as the Rexton II and a luxury saloon called Chairman, and the other plant manufactures engines.

M&M may have to shell out up to $300 million to bid for Ssangyong, which has been attracting investments since December 17, 2009. China’s SAIC is the single largest shareholder in Ssangyong. Some years ago, M&M had planned to introduce the Rexton in India under a licensing agreement but that never materialised.

Thanks to: Autocar India

Hot News: New Volvo XC to Replace S40?

Is the S40 dead, set to be replaced by a baby XC softroader? That’s the most likely conclusion we've drawn from discussions with a number of key Volvo personal last week.

Discussed in the shadow of the launch of the S40/V50's larger and much more accomplished S60 sibling, the future of Volvo's Focus-based small sedan and wagon looks far from certain. In fact, it seems even the decision to facelift the car is on hold.

Volvo insiders admitted to the Carsales Network that any announcement regarding the future of the S40/V50 was still some way off. They expected the future of the car would be resolved in "the next 12 months" but would not comment on any timing for a facelift for the car, nor the timeframe for the debut of its replacement.

"With most models there is a clear plan. We have no news on timing for [the S40]," our Volvo source stated.

"We are keen to understand how the S60 and V60 will impact the S40. Currently there is less space in our line-up for the car [S40/V50]. It doesn't sit in any segment and doesn't directly compete with established small or medium car."

The current second generation S40 arrived Down Under in 2004. Though it's been tweaked since, the car is essentially unchanged. In the faster moving flow of small and medium cars an all-new replacement is almost overdue.

Volvo execs said the next 12 months are "crucial" for the S40.

"Maybe the gap between C30 and S60 is too big -- but how to fill it?" our source mused.

At the Sintra Portugal launch of the S60, Volvo execs again categorically ruled out the prospect of a five-door variant of the C30. Speculation is therefore that the S40/V50 'gap' will likely be addressed by a compact softroader.

With BMW seemingly onto a winner in sales terms with X1 and a Q3 reportedly in the wings, XC40 has a pleasant ring to it.

Thanks to: Car Point

Sneak Peek: 2011 BMW X3

These are the first pictures of the new BMW X3 – although little is given away about the new SUV, which will appear for the first time at this autumn’s Paris motor show.

The cryptic teaser pictures released in Germany reveal little more than the styling of the rear lights and bonnet, both of which have been inspired by the new BMW 5-series.

The pictures also show the car’s exterior and interior designers at work on the new X3’s styling.

Previous spy pictures of the new X3 have revealed it to be bigger and bulkier in size than the current model, meaning it will sit between the X1 and X5.

Its wheelbase will be around 2900mm. The increase in dimensions will help answer two of the biggest criticisms of the original X3: its lack of rear legroom and poor access to the back seats.

BMW has always been serious about making its SUVs handle like the rest of the range on asphalt, and the new X3 has undergone extensive testing at the Nurburgring.

Despite the new car's larger dimensions, four-cylinder diesels will continue to be offered in its line-up, alongside six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The new X3 is expected to reach UK showrooms in October, with prices starting at around £35,000.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: ItalDesign is Bought by Volkswagen

Despite demand from Chinese carmakers for seductive designs from renowned Italian design houses, firms like Pininfarina, Bertone and Italdesign (IDG) have found making money pretty tricky in the current financial climate.

But help is at hand for the latter at least, with news that the VW Group has acquired a 90.1 per cent stake in the firm, with the founding Giugiaro family retaining the remaining shares.

Speaking at the announcement of the deal, VW Management Chair Dr. Martin Winterkorn said “With this shareholding in Italdesign, we are participating in one of the most renowned design and development companies with one of the richest traditions in the automobile industry.”

Giugiaro designed the original VW Golf and Scirocco, and produced concepts for the Passat and Audi 80. But more recently, the IDG has been collaborating with VW on work on the firm’s new Up! range of fuel-efficient small cars over the last two years.

Taking advantage of taxation rules, IDG was purchased for the VW Group by Italian-registered Lamborghini Holdings. As well as the Up! models, IDG will work on making the firm’s entire line-up more attractive to the ever-growing Chinese market. IDG currently generates sales of over €100 million and has a workforce of 800 employees. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Cosworth

The Cosworth badge is back – on a Subaru Impreza. Based on a standard STi, and re-engineered by Cosworth, the 395bhp CS400 aims to set new performance standards. With only 75 being built, it
will be an instant collectors’ item, too.

Racing pedigree runs through the car’s long list of modifications, yet while power output has shot up from the standard 325bhp, so has the price tag: it now weighs in at an eye-watering £49,995.

The 2.5-litre boxer engine remains the same size as normal, but the added grunt comes courtesy of a brand new turbo and remapped ECU. Its internalsare hand finished to ensure that they cope with all the extra power, and the head gasket, con rods, cylinder heads and pistons are tougher and more durable.

A shortened throw and new clutch plate speed up the changes offered by the six-speed gearbox, giving the CS400 a Porsche 911 Turbo-rivalling 0-62mph sprint time of only 3.7 seconds.

Even so, don’t be fooled into thinking that the Cosworth Impreza will be a rock-hard track-day special. Although the ride has been lowered by 10mm and the track has been widened, Subaru claims that new Bilstein gas shock absorbers and Eibach springs improve comfort as well as giving sharper, more controlled handling at the limit. There are larger, 355mm ventilated discs from AP Racing at the front, with heavy-duty six-pot calipers to rein in the Scooby.

All of the upgrades were deliberately kept simple, the reasoning being that Subaru wanted the Cosworth to be a much faster, harder Impreza that is also a reliable, comfortable and usable everyday car. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News Up Date: Toyota Prius MPV to be Called 'Alpha'

Toyota is charging ahead with its plans to expand the Prius range, with a compact people-mover as one of its top priorities. Now in its final stages of development, the Prius mini-minivan, dubbed Alpha, will be the first vehicle in the Prius line to use lithium-ion batteries when it debuts in March 2011. Just one-third the weight of the nickel-metal hydride battery pack used in the current production Prius sedan, the new lithium-ion batteries generate greater power and are already in use in the prototype Prius plug-in hybrid.

The Toyota Prius Alpha sits on the current Prius sedan platform but gets an extra row of seats in the back, turning it into a mini people-mover. Toyota settled on the Alpha name because the new addition simply adds 'alpha' to the Prius equation. The new Alpha's overall length will be stretched by about 300 mm (one foot) in contrast to the Prius, while its wheelbase will be extended 20 mm (just under an inch).

A five-seater version is also planned, but this variant will incorporate nickel-hydride batteries to save cost, according to one insider. That same source also tells us that Toyota are bullish about pricing and will offer the Alpha seven-seater from 2.5 million yen, undercutting many of the current seven-seater minivans on the market now.

Inheriting the Prius' 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and THSII hybrid system, the new model's gasoline engine will generate 98 horsepower while the electric motor is expected to produce 81 horses. The maximum combined power output will be 135 horsepower. Fuel economy will likely be slightly less than the current Prius sedan's 50 mpg combined, due to the Alpha's extra size and weight.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Hot News: Maruti - Suzuki Alto to Get New Engine

India’s largest selling car, Maruti Suzuki Alto is all set to receive a major upgrade. The company is planning to introduce a new Alto with the K-Series engine.

The current Alto that has been out in the market since the year 2000 has received minor upgrades over the years like crystal headlamps and tail lights, new front grille design, new front bumper and the recent upgrade to a BS-IV compliant engine.

Alto has been one of the best selling cars in the country since its launch and has sold more than 13,500,000 units. The new Alto will have redesigned front and rear styling and a bigger engine bay to accommodate the larger K10B engine.

The K-Series engines are being offered in two displacements - 998cc three-cylinder motor ('K10B') that is doing duty in the A-star, Estilo, and the new WagonR and a four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine ('K12M') powering the Ritz, Swift and Swift Dzire.

In April, Maruti Suzuki India has crossed the milestone of rolling out 300,000 K Series engines. The company has a total engine capacity of 100,000 units annually, of which the share of K-Series engines is 2,50,000 units.

Thanks to: Autocar India

Spied: 2011 Opel/Vauxhall Astra Coupe

It’s a family affair at Vauxhall. Next month, the firm will officially reveal the Sport Tourer estate version of the new Astra. But our spies are one step ahead of the game, and have snapped the first pictures of the dramatic three-door Sport Coupe that’s set to add a little more glamour to the range when it arrives in time for the Paris Motor Show in October, before going on sale in the Spring of 2011.

Designed by Brit Mark Adams, the Coupe follows the trend set by the previous generation Astra. So while the five-door car had fairly sober lines, the coupe was much more rakish and used very different sheet metal.

And as you can see, in profile the new car has a curved roofline and dramatically swooping glazed area which drops quickly from the front doors back to the tailgate glass. The camouflage hides a dramatic crease above the rear wheelarch which gives the shape extra dynamism. More aggressively sculpted LED taillights and a new rear bumper will also feature.

The Astra’s front has also been revised to further differentiate it from its five-door sibling. Tweaked bumpers, headlights and LED daytime running lights, and a sloping bonnet, which better suits the curvaceous roofline, will all feature.

Under the skin, the Sport Coupe gets a wider track than the five-door for better stability and cornering grip. The Coupe will share the same range of engines as the five-door - the 1.4-litre turbo and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrols will be joined by a 2.0-litre diesel and 1.7-litre ecoFLEX oil burner.

But the real headline is the addition of two new performance versions of the stunning Coupe. The first is a 210bhp 1.6-litre turbo which revives the GSi name and is designed to take a swipe at the VW Golf GTI. This car is set to debut alongside the rest of the range. Performance fans will have to wait until later in 2011 for a firebreathing 240bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo VXR version of the car. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peeks: Two New Models of Infiniti M

Nissan’s ambitious luxury brand Infiniti is set to expand. At this year’s Geneva Show, the firm exhibited its new M saloon, which takes aim at the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class. The car will arrive in UK showrooms in September, powered by V6 petrol and diesel engines, with a petrol electric M35 hybrid arriving 12 months later.

What’s more, the M series is about to gain two extra models which will make their debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August.

Details are being kept under wraps until the show, but one of the cars is believed to be an M-based coupe, which would lock horns with the BMW 6 Series. Power is likely to come from a turbocharged version of the 3.7-lire V6 engine used in other Infinitis and the Nissan 370Z, with styling heavily influenced by the stunning Essence concept car which was shown at Geneva in 2009.

The other car is more mysterious, with a convertible M or another version of the forthcoming hybrid both touted as possibilities. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

First Sketch: 2011 Maybach 57S Coupe

Never before has a car promised such an impressive combination of supercar looks and performance paired with unrivalled luxury. This is Xentac’s vision of the ultimate Maybach 57S. Already given the go-ahead by the Daimler owned company, it appears Maybach has no problem handing over the reigns to the specialist German engineering firm who will make the necessary changes to turn the four-door limo into a two-door sports coupe.

Developed in close cooperation with Maybach, the complicated modification process will mean that the A-, B- and C-columns all need to be redesigned. The biggest changes being made to the B-column which needs to be moved back by 200mm. Other big differences will include the sharper raked roofline, restyled front and rear ends, and body that has had to be widened. The overall wheelbase of the car will remain the same though, measuring a lengthy 3.39m. Newly designed 20- or even 21-inch alloy wheels will also be available.

Under the bonnet the coupe will remain to get its power from the Mercedes sourced 6.0-litre bi-turbocharged V12. Delivering 617bhp, 0-62mph will take only 5.0 seconds, with a top speed of close to 170mph.

Xentac are planning on producing only 100 versions of the 57S built and expect a hefty price tag of around £575,000 to accompany. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 Audi S7

The all-new production version of Audi’s A7 is still a few months off, but already the German firm has begun work on a hot ‘S’ version of the luxury sportback. Due to make its debut at one of this year’s major motor shows, early predictions are that the Mercedes CLS rival will debut at the Moscow show in August but don’t be surprised if it shows up at Paris a few months later.

If this is the case, there is every chance the new Audi could be joined by one or possibly even possibly two of its sports orientated siblings. Rumours have already begun that an RS7 version is on its way too, but before we get too far ahead of ourselves lets focus on the S7 spied in the pictures.

Despite the hypnotising camouflage, it’s not hard to make out the Audi’s muscular outline. The large wheels, rear spoiler, lower ride height, more aggressive front end and set of twin tailpipes emphasise this even further.

The close-up of the dash also gives the first clear indicator of what the interior of the new A7 will look like.

Under the bonnet there have been no confirmations about which cars will get which engines but it is expected the S7 will get either Audi’s new 3.0-liter V6 or possibly even a 4.2-litre V8, while it is expected the RS7 will most likely get the 580bhp version of Audi’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine mated to the firm’s new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Prices for the S7 are expected to start from around £65,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Pininfarina Nido EV

Pininfarina's latest endeavor is the pint-sized Nido EV, a city car capable of transforming into four different vehicles.

Conceived and built to mark Pininfarina's 80th anniversary, the Nido EV prototype is the product of the Nido Development Program. It is primarily designed for urban duty and, despite the EV moniker, can utilize a hybrid gas-electric powertrain in lieu of an all-electric setup. The A-segment car is a bit larger than a Smart car but can also be turned into a four-seater, mini pickup truck, or small light van thanks to a modular floor pan.

In EV form, the rear-mounted electric motor puts out 40 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque. The motor propels the Nido EV two-seater from 0 to 37 mph in 6.7 seconds while the 21.2-kWh-rated, nickel-salt battery holds enough charge for a range of 87 miles. The electronically limited top speed pegs the needle at 75 mph, a more than adequate speed for the micro car that weighs close to 2000 pounds and measures 114 x 66 x 59 inches.

As the Nido EV was designed to be highly adaptable, options are this small Pininfarina's strength. As previously mentioned, a hybrid powertrain can also be shoehorned into the small Nido frame, with the conventional internal combustion engine in the front and the electric motor in the back. A front-engine, all-electric Nido is also achievable.

On the inside, the Nido EV doesn't sacrifice climate control. An electric-powered air-conditioning compressor and high-voltage heater are both fitted with automated control programs to help reduce power consumption. Regenerative braking is available specifically for the hybrid system.

While there wasn't any mention if or when the Nido EV would make it to production, we are looking forward to seeing more from the historic Italian coachmaker.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied Up Date: 2012 Mercedes CLS

Born in 2004, the Mercedes-Benz CLS defines sleek, its elegant body seemingly drawn entirely from the simple sweep of the body-side crease. In the car business, falling in love with a design is dangerous, but we did. As previous spy shots (and one frightening concept said to lend cues to upcoming Benzes) trickled out, we feared the next-generation CLS might be headed in the direction of a Hollywood plastic-surgery disaster.

Although slightly obscured, the most recent photos captured by our spies prove the 2012 CLS will thankfully do without the superfluous forms of the F800 Style concept, although the shape won’t be quite as dramatic as the CLS-shaped sculpture Mercedes trucked to Detroit. The new look does little to quell the debate in our office about whether or not the upcoming car will be an improvement on the last generation.

Our past peek at a car wearing tight-fitting vinyl camouflage had already exposed the modifications to the new design. The nose is reshaped with a larger grille, more sculpting to the front bumper, and bigger headlights. The grille has to grow to match up with the taller hood, raised to provide more space between sheetmetal and hard bits in accordance with stringent new European pedestrian-protection standards. (Relatively speaking, sheetmetal is softer than engine components, and more space between hood and engine ostensibly means less-severe injuries in car/human collisions.) The most controversial aspect of the new shape will likely be the buff new E-class–style rear haunches, which are decidedly outside the standard of conservative elegance established by the first CLS. Like the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the 2012 car is going in a more muscular, angular direction.

That muscularity will extend under the hood as well, with “CLS350 CGI” trunk badging suggesting that the car captured here sports the new 3.5-liter V-6, the first member of Mercedes-Benz’s forthcoming engine family we’ll see in the U.S. The rest of the CLS’s U.S. engine choices will be drawn from this family—indeed, that family will replace the current engines across the Mercedes board—including a twin-turbocharged 429-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 and an even more powerful, 536-hp, turbocharged 5.5-liter eight for AMG models.

The—at this point—almost fully uncovered CLS will make its official debut later this year, with sales beginning shortly thereafter elsewhere in the world, but likely not before 2011 in the U.S.

Thanks to: Car and Driver