Audi to launch A7 Sportback in India by 2011 end

Audi A7 Sportback is all set to thrill the Indian auto market with its breathtaking looks and high-tech performance very soon. The model will be launched in the Indian market by the end of year 2011 with an aim of capturing a significant amount of buyers for this fascinating five-door Sportback.

The body of this new Sportback sensation has been made considerably light-weight with the use of high quality steel and Aluminum. The new Audi A7 Sportback will be offered in four V6 engines so that the buyers can choose the best combination of power and fuel economy as per their needs and requirements. The available engines include two diesel (TDI) and two gasoline (petrol) engines along with maximum power output ranging from 204 to 300 bhp. The lowest powered is a 3.0L TDI engine which is capable of generating maximum power of as much as 150 kW (204 hp) along with a considerably low CO2 emission level of 139 grams per kilometers. The model claims to offer an exceptional mileage of 16 to 19 km/l.

The dimensions of the A7 Sportback are as follows - length- 4.97 meters; width-1.91 meters and hight-1.42 meters. With this, the sporty A7 carries a long hood, a short overhang at the front and considerably long wheel base. To give it an overall elegant impression, the company has used sporty C-pillars in this car. Moreover, features like electromechanical power steering, Optional LED headlights along with new generation all-weather light function and infotainment systems assistance make it one of the most comfortable high performing cars in its price segment.

With this, to revolutionise the multimedia experience, a host of high-tech multimedia features have been loaded in this car which include Internet via the Bluetooth car phone, a UMTS module to deliver information from Google Earth, A WLAN hotspot for connecting mobile devices, a Bose sound system and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system along with 15 speakers and tremendous power of 1,300 watts.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Car: 2011 Audi A7

With many automakers expanding their lineups to satisfy every niche in the market, some previously thin segments have exploded with entries. One of the most notable is the four-door coupe. The Mercedes-Benz CLS-class kicked off the trend, of course, and the segment now includes stuff as varied as the Volkswagen CC and the Aston Martin Rapide. Heck, we wouldn’t call you crazy if you argued that the idea influenced the design of the latest Hyundai Sonata. The idea behind all of them: Combine sultry styling with four-door practicality, and, in some cases, hatchback versatility. The latest from Audi, this sexy A7 Sportback, is one that hits all three notes.

The A7 actually is the second recent Audi to play this tune, but it will be the only one sold in the U.S.; the 2010 A5 Sportback will remain forbidden fruit. But we don’t mind that we had to wait for such a four-ringer, as we feel the swoopy styling looks even more fantastic stretched over the A7’s longer, 114.6-inch wheelbase. You might notice that figure puts the A7 size-wise in between the latest 2011 A8 (117.8-inch wheelbase) and the current A6 (111.9), which could lead to some confusion over this car’s origins. Let’s put that to rest: The A7’s underpinnings are more closely related to the A6’s, specifically those of the next­-generation A6, which is due out for 2012.

Up front, the A7 wears the latest interpretation of Audi’s trapezoidal grille, as well as the brand’s now-signature LED running lights. Two lower intakes mirror the shape of the headlight housings, but they don’t house fog lights; those are integrated into the standard xenon headlights themselves. Eighteen-bulb, full-LED headlamps like those available on the A8 and R8 5.2 are an option on the A7.

The side and rear views are the most memorable to our eyes. What Audi dubs a “tornado line” gently arches from the upper corner of the headlight, flattening out as it moves rearward to the LED-lit taillight. This sharp crease defines the A7’s shoulders, and serves as a nice complement to the graceful roofline. The power-operated hatch’s large rear backlight flows into a hidden, automatically deploying spoiler that rises above 81 mph and retracts below 50. Eighteen-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels sit below subtle flares that contribute to an overall look of understated elegance, an impression further enhanced by the fact that the car is just 55.9 inches high. For reference, the A6 is 57.4 inches tall.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car; 2011 Mercedes CL-Class AMG

Low-flying private jets, tire-liquefying gentlemen’s expresses—whatever you call Mercedes’ CL63 and CL65 AMG models, they’re going to take more names and kick more assumptions to the curb after a 2011 refresh. There are the expected visual tweaks, but the real action is under the surface, where new electronic gadgets join a revised engine lineup.

For 2011, the CL63 drops its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8 in favor of the new twin-turbo, 5.5-liter direct-injected V-8 engine also found in the four-door S63 AMG. The new powerplant makes 536 hp at 5500 rpm—that’s a full 100 hp more than a base Corvette—and a generous 590 lb-ft of torque from as low as 2000 rpm, and is coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes says 0–60 mph can be accomplished in as little as 4.4 seconds; top speed is governed to a mere 155 mph. We hit 60 in 4.3 seconds with the comparatively wimpy 518-hp 2008 CL63, so either Mercedes is being its usual conservative self or the 2011 CL63’s additional 125 lb-ft of torque is further souring the tractional relationship between the rear tires and the pavement.

But when you’re spending serious six-digit money on a Mercedes, why would you settle for the base version? The optional AMG Performance package uncorks another 27 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque—resulting in very impressive totals of 563 hp and 664 lb-ft—and increases the top-speed limiter to 186 mph.

For what it’s worth, Mercedes claims the new engine will be 27 percent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing 6.2-liter mill; the car even includes a gas-saving engine stop/start feature when in Comfort mode. So that will surely help sales.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Porsche Confirms Electric Car

It’s official, Porsche is going battery powered! The firm has confirmed that it is in the process of building three electric Boxsters which will begin testing in Stuttgart next year.

Not only will the cars provide Porsche with a test bed for its electric powertrain, the Boxsters will be fitted with black box recorders to log every single input made by the driver, giving the firm’s engineers an insight into how an electric Porsche might be used.

The project was confirmed by Porsche CEO Michael Macht, who said “we will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche.”

The all-electric car joins Porsche’s ever-growing lineup of alternatively powered vehicles, which includes the hybrid Cayenne and GT3 R hybrid racer. The firm will introduce a hybrid Panamera next year, and is also expected to officially confirm production of the hybrid 918 Spyder supercar later this year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Unofficial Picture: 2011 Audi A7

Audi has sprung a leak! These are the first pictures of the firm’s A7 Sportback, which have hit the web in advance of the car’s media debut tonight.

Just four images have been leaked, but they reveal that the newcomer retains many of styling clues from the distinctive A7 Sportback concept which was shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2009.

Official details will be confirmed at tonight’s unveil which will be held at the Pinakothek der Moderne München, a modern art museum in Munich.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Ford Explorer

Why retain the name? Ford was more than happy to tell us that 96 percent of American consumers recognize the Explorer nameplate, something the company views as an automatic plus. We have to wonder, though, how many of those folks might have a negative perception of the Explorer name—after all, BP probably has similarly high brand recall, but it certainly wouldn’t qualify as the sort of marketing coup that translates to increased sales.

Speaking of petrochemicals, one of the new Explorer’s big “stories” (as PR folks like to say) is the smaller amount of fuel it’s expected to burn. Like the Taurus and Flex with which it shares its architecture, the Explorer will come standard with a 3.5-liter V-6, this one featuring variable valve timing for both camshafts. Output is higher than in other applications, at 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Ford expects a minimum 20-percent fuel-mileage improvement from the 3.5-liter compared to the outgoing Explorer’s ancient 4.0-liter V-6, which scores 13 mpg city/19 highway in four-wheel-drive trim. (The 292-hp V-8, which will not return, was slightly more efficient than the 4.0-liter.)

As with all other D-platform offerings, which also include the Lincoln MKS and MKT, the Explorer’s optional engine will be one of Ford’s EcoBoost-branded mills. But it won’t be the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6; instead Ford plans to charge a premium for a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s less powerful than the standard six, making 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. This one sounds like a tough sell to us, even with its expected fuel-economy boost of 30 percent over the outgoing 4.0-liter. Ford defends the 2.0-liter’s higher price by citing the complexity and cost associated with turbocharged engines. The fact that the engine is built in Spain and then shipped to Ford’s Chicago plant for installation can’t help, either.

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard across the board, while all-wheel drive is only available with the 3.5-liter V-6. The all-wheel-drive system includes a knob to control a Range Rover–esque “Terrain Management system,” which allows the driver to tailor throttle response, shift pattern, stability and traction control, and all-wheel-drive torque split for specific situations. Snow mode reduces throttle sensitivity, makes shifts less aggressive, and upshifts sooner to keep the revs low. Choosing Sand mode provides more aggressive shifts at low speed, keeps the transmission in lower gears, and increases throttle sensitivity. The Mud setting disables traction control, has a less aggressive shift schedule than Sand, and raises the yaw threshold of the stability control to allow some sliding without getting bogged down. The everyday Normal setting has the all-wheel-drive system acting primarily through the front wheels, shuttling power to the rear wheels only when traction limits dictate. There’s no low range, but hill-descent control is standard.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car: 2011 Volkswagen Caddy

It’s time to tee up a new Caddy. After being on sale for six years and selling nearly 800,000 units in total, VW has given its trusty van a makeover, which promises to up quality, refinement and economy.

The Caddy adopts the latest VW family look which features on the current Polo and Transporter. A simple two-bar grille dominates the front, while roof rails can be specced for the first time. At the rear, the van gets revised light clusters for a classier look.

On the inside, there are new instruments, steering wheels and sat-nav systems which have plucked from the latest Golf range. For the first time, the second row of seats is completely removable on all models, allowing for a maximum cargo capacity of 3,030-litres on the five-seater Caddy, and up to 3,880-litres on the Caddy Maxi.

Under the bonnet, there are four diesels to choose from. There are two 1.6-litre units, with 74bhp or 101bhp; and two 2.0-litre units, with 108bhp or 138bhp. VW’s seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive will be available on some models.

A BlueMotion version which uses the 74bhp 1.6-litre engine, and features stop start, helps return fuel consumption of 57mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 129 g/km. VW claims this version will manage 735 miles on one tank of fuel.

The newcomer is set to makes its debut at the Hanover Van Show in September, where more details and prices of the UK cars will be released. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

When we first saw these photos, we were pretty sure this Camaro-shaped vehicle was a Chevrolet, but someone managed to deftly tape over the trunklid badge. How could we be sure? Then we noticed the bow tie on the door, and came to the airtight conclusion that this car is indeed a Chevy. But what’s under the hood?

Luckily, in another sticker-related misstep, someone opened the door and revealed one of the most poorly placed communiqués we’ve ever seen: a tag on the dash that confirms that this is a Camaro Z28—a vehicle often rumored but not officially announced. Even better, the sticker reveals that this mule is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 backed up by a six-speed automatic transmission. Chances are very good that this is the Cadillac CTS-V’s LSA powerplant, which is rated there for 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque, as opposed to the higher-powered LS9 V-8 from the Corvette ZR1. Chances are equally good that the Camaro Z28 also will be offered with the CTS-V’s six-speed manual. So, in a sense, you can think of the Z28 as the bow-tie version of the CTS-V coupe, and the ultimate in attainable Chevy awesome.

The tape and camo is thwarting our ability to discern all of the styling changes, but we do note a few. The rocker panels might be reshaped, and there’s a new rear fascia with quad pipes sticking out. (The current top-dog Camaro, the SS, sports dual exhaust pipes.) And we bet the mosquito netting up front is hiding some mean-looking grillework. The matte-black rims are wrapped in wide, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, and there’s some seriously big brake hardware on display.

Obvious competition will come from the 550-hp, supercharged Mustang Shelby GT500 and Dodge’s naturally aspirated Challenger SRT8, the latter of which is expected to be bulking up from 6.1 to 6.4 liters in the near future. Then there are the myriad tuned Camaros; we’ve reviewed both a supercharged Camaro SS from Lingenfelter and Hennessey’s LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro.

And while we usually have to make an educated guess as to when prototypes such as this will appear in showrooms, that info also was revealed by the dash sticker. Expect this awesomest of factory Camaros for the 2012 model year. We predict a Detroit auto show reveal in January, and expect sales to commence by the fall of next year.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: Skoda City Car is Go

The smallest Skoda is up and running! The company’s first proper city car will be based on VW’s Up! – and will be its most frugal model to date.

Due to launch after the Up! debuts in 2012, the four-seater is expected to be badged Joyster – taking the name of the original Skoda small car concept from 2006. The urban runabout will rival the likes of the Toyota iQ and Peugeot 107, and will be conventional front-wheel drive after VW ditched the original rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive format.

The switch was partly to allow other VW Group brands such as Skoda and SEAT – as well as new partner Suzuki – to build variants for markets around the world, including the UK. Engine details are still to be confirmed, but the Skoda is likely to get a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 1.2 three-cylinder diesel. Performance will be brisk, yet the focus will be on low emissions – with a sub-80g/km output for the diesel and less than 100g/km for the petrol.

The cheapest Skoda is set to start at just under £7,500. And as with the VW, an all-electric version will follow. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Citroen Considers to Produce Metropolis & Survolt

Citroen is working on bringing two of its recent concepts to production: the Metropolis upmarket saloon, which could be badged DS9, and the Survolt sports car.

Citroen’s attempt at breaking into the European executive saloon market with the current C6 hasn’t been successful, but PSA design boss Jean-Pierre Ploué told Autocar that Citroën must persevere, and the Metropolis is the model that could do this, coming to European showrooms as a range-topping DS model.

“We cannot afford to let the likes of Audi, Mercedes and BMW forge into Citroën’s heartland supermini territory without fighting back and pushing into theirs,” he said.

He added: “Selling large luxury cars in Europe is not easy at the moment, but I believe Citroën has a great deal more to bring to the market.

“A large, characterful DS flagship model — we could call it a DS9 to reference the original DS19 — could do great things for us.”

Ploué also suggested that developing such a car for the Chinese market, and badging it as a Citroën, would be a sound financial bet.

The Survolt project, meanwhile, has produced a running prototype that gave a demonstration run at the Le Mans Classic race meeting. It has an identical specification to the concept car, giving it 248bhp and 738lb ft of torque.

“It’s still our intention to put the Survolt into low-volume production, and we’re pursuing the idea of a one-make race series,” our source confirmed.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Lotus Confirms New Supercar

Lotus has officially confirmed that it will show a concept for an upmarket supercar at the Paris motor show in September.

In the latest of a series of cryptic statements, the Malaysian-owned, Norfolk-based sports car company reveals its new show car will be “perhaps even more” than a replacement for the mid-engined Esprit supercar — which it pointedly reminds us was first unveiled as a Giugiaro-designed concept at the Paris show exactly 35 years ago.

Lotus has been working for at least three years on various iterations of an Esprit replacement, but the company’s latest management, led by ex-Ferrari commercial boss Danny Bahar, has signalled a decisive move upmarket for all future products, apparently into Ferrari-Aston territory.

Lotus spokesmen are hazy about future product, but agree that the new concept is an accurate guide to their future intentions for production models.

When sales ended in 2004, volume of the old Esprit — which lasted 18 years through a dozen different models — amounted to 10,700 cars.
Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: 2013 Mini Canyon to Compete with Range Rover Evoque?

For a brand with such compact origins, MINI sure has grand plans! Auto Express has uncovered details of what insiders have dubbed the Canyon, a striking three-door model based on the Countryman that’s set to go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque.

The Canyon was first put forward in 2005 as one of several ideas for future MINI models. However, it was the Beachcomber concept – which recalled the original
Mini Moke – that emerged as the front-runner for future production. It was turned into a concept and spawned the Countryman crossover.

But strong public response to the concept persuaded bosses that the idea of a fun and fashionable crossover spun off the Countryman had a strong chance of success.

The Canyon aims to realise MINI’s performance aspirations and is positioned above the Countryman on which it’s based, much like the forthcoming MINI Coupé is with the regular hatch. That car shares the same underpinnings as the Countryman, but with a dramatic roofline and two-seat interior.

The Canyon is likely to use a shortened version of the Countryman’s chassis, giving it two doors and a striking exterior design which features a sporty coupé-like roofline.

On the inside, four John Cooper Works-inspired seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara add to the upmarket feel. Under the skin, the Canyon will use the ALL4 four-wheel-drive system as standard, and be powered by the 208bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine from the JCW car. A 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel from BMW’s
X1 is also likely to be offered.

By expanding its all-road range, MINI is paving the way to an increasingly likely entry into the World Rally Championship. The series switches to 1.6-litre turbo engines next year, making the Canyon a prime candidate to be turned into a rally car with specialist Prodrive the favourite to run the project.

MINI’s Oxford factory will be running at full capacity once production of the Coupé and Roadster begins next year. So the Canyon would join the Countryman in being built at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, but a production car is unlikely until 2012.

The Canyon would also spawn a car inspired by the Beachcomber to launch a year later, with a stripped-out interior and removable roof panels. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: GM India to Release Electric Vehicle at 2012/2013

General Motors India may launch its first electric car in 2012-13. And that will be a compact car which is currently under development. The global launch of the car is scheduled for next year.

Speaking to Autocar India, Karl Slym, President & MD, GM India said the mini electric car will be suitable for congested traffic condition in our cities, and the introduction could be “within a couple of years”. Earlier this year, GM had showcased a purely electric concept car called Electric Networked Vehicle or EN-V in China. Responding to a query on the possible India launch of GM’s much hyped electric car –Volt, Slym said that he’s “not sure” if there’s a market for the Volt in India. The Volt’s global launch is scheduled for November this year.

Around that time, GM India will launch a LPG version of its Beat, followed by a 1-litre diesel engine powered Beat early in 2011. The company launched a CNG version of its Aveo sedan with a price tag of Rs. 6.31 lakh ex-showroom, Mumbai.

Buoyed by good demand in the market, GM India expects to sell 1.2—1.3 lakh cars during this year, as against 69579 cars in 2009. The company has sold 60227 cars during during the first six months of this year, and will surpass last year’s total sales in August.

Thanks to: Autocar India

Spied: 2013 Mercedes S-Class

This is the latest spy pics of the next Mercedes S-class in testing.

Mercedes is preparing to give its new S-class some curves — although the firm has done its best to disguise it by covering this early test hack with extensive cladding.

Due by the end of 2012, this next-generation S-class — codenamed W222 — is expected to adopt key styling cues from the F700, the swoopy concept car displayed at the Detroit show in 2007.

This mule is clearly based on a current model, although the blacked-out headlamps, dummy front grille, new front bumper and a sizeable disguise over the boot and tail-lights hint at the key areas for the new look.

At the heart of the revised range will be Mercedes’ new V6 and V8 MoVe petrol powerplants, which will trickle out across the firm’s line-up from this autumn.

The V6 has a narrow-angle block, stop-start technology and revised direct injection that improves fuel economy over the old-spec unit’s by as much as 24 per cent.

The V8 engine replaces the old 5.4-litre motor by reducing capacity (to 4.6 litres) but adding twin turbochargers. It has 429bhp, a 12 per cent increase, and 32 per cent more torque, but improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Diesel options are likely to include the smallest oil-burner ever offered in the model. Called S250 CDI, it will have a 204bhp 2.1-litre, four-cylinder motor. The same engine could also be used as the basis for a mild hybrid variant to sit alongside a petrol hybrid that will be based on a direct-injection V6 and new battery technology from LiTec.

The next S-class had been expected to use Mercedes’ radical Diesotto powerplant. Claimed to blend the characteristics of petrol and diesel engines, the unit has been showcased in a current model.

However, sources in Germany say the motor’s development has been knocked back in the schedule to allow Mercedes to fast-track work on hybrid technology. It’s now unlikely to appear in an S-class for at least two generations.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 BMW X3

The second-generation BMW X3 will be among the most economical and efficient mid-sized off-roaders on sale when it reaches the UK in January, the company claims.

The entry-level 181bhp, 2.0-litre manual X3 xDrive20d will offer combined economy of 50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. That trumps the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 170 by 4.8mpg and 14g/km.

Set to be unveiled at the Paris motor show in October, the new X3 has been thoroughly re-engineered inside and out. But, once again, it is the new off-roader’s styling that’s sure to stir controversy.

The X3’s exterior blends styling elements from the smaller X1 and larger X5 in a five-door body that has a familiar silhouette and, significantly, larger rear door apertures than the outgoing model for easier access.

The new off-roader has grown, but not by as much as was expected after the introduction of the more affordable X1. Length is up by 78mm to 4648mm, width decreases by an incremental 4mm at 1855mm and height rises by 14mm at 1675mm.

The wheelbase has also grown by 15mm to 2810mm, providing the basis for a 70-litre increase in luggage capacity to 550 litres.

Inside, there’s a new dashboard, multi-function steering wheel, revised seats and more elegant trims — all at a quality level on a par with the 3-series. BMW hopes that this will silence critics of the outgoing X3’s dowdy interior. Equipment levels have been improved, although UK pricing has yet to be fixed.

As well as the 181bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel in the xDrive20d, BMW will introduce the new X3 with a 302bhp, 3.0-litre, turbocharged straight six petrol in a more luxurious xDrive35i range-topper.

The diesel will come with the choice of either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional ZF-engineered eight-speed automatic. The xDrive35i will get the auto as standard, allowing it to hit 62mph in 5.7sec and a 152mph top speed. It will also return a claimed 32.1mpg and emit 204g/km of CO2.

Both gearboxes offer a standard stop-start function and operate in combination with a brake energy recuperation system. Further efficiency savings are made through a new electric power steering system.

Further X3 models are planned for the UK, including a 254bhp 3.0-litre xDrive28i petrol and a 201bhp xDrive23d that has a twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel. But they are unlikely to go on sale until at least this time next year.

As with today’s X3, the new model will be available exclusively with four-wheel drive. No rear-wheel-drive version is planned for the UK, although BMW is still considering introducing such a model in North America.

Chassis developments for the new off-roader include new double wishbone front suspension and variable damping that incorporates BMW’s Dynamic Control system, which also influences the throttle, engine, steering and dynamic stability control mapping.

Production of the new X3 will take place at BMW’s Spartanburg facility in North America alongside the X5 and X6. By contrast, the first-generation X3 was produced at Magna in Graz, Austria — the same factory BMW has tapped to turn out the new Mini Countryman.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Mercedes Plans to Release Golf Rival?

Plans for a hot new Mercedes are hatching out! This is the German firm’s stunning replacement for the A-Class – and it’s taking a big swing at Volkswagen’s Golf.
Auto Express has learned that the three-pointed star is readying a new small car to tackle the Golf, Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. The vehicle is part of the luxury brand’s bid to steal younger customers from its arch rivals.

Based on a new front-wheeldrive platform, the compact hatchback will take its design cues from the F800 concept, which was revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Our exclusive illustrations give you the best idea of how the Golf-sized machine will look. And with a prominent grille, neat LED headlights, plus bold creases in its flanks and pert tail, it’s every inch the desirable, upmarket small car. Expect both three and five-door models to be available, along with a range of super-efficient petrol and diesel engines with stop-start.

As well as its stylish shape, the newcomer will boast a better-quality cabin than the Golf, plus increased comfort and safety. Prices will be higher, too, with sales beginning in 2012. The model is likely to wear the A-Class badge, and will be one of four key vehicles to come from Mercedes’ new front-wheel-drive architecture.
“In the next couple of years, we will launch additional cars where we don’t currently have predecessors,” global sales and marketing boss Dr Joachim Schmidt told Auto Express. “Our current A-Class and B-Class will be replaced by a new platform for four totally different cars defining new segments for Mercedes.”

Schmidt confirmed these models would not resemble the current A-Class and B-Class. Their MPV practicality has appealed more to older drivers. The new Golf-rivalling A-Class is due in two years’ time, while a compact high-roofed five-door B-Class with hybrid and electric options is slated for late 2011.

In 2013, the quartet will be completed by a small 4x4 or 2x4 ‘crossover’ to take on BMW’s X1. Following the Geneva unveiling of the F800 (see panel, opposite), there are also plans for a small four-door coupé, possibly badged BLS, which will aim to replicate the success of the larger CLS.

“If you want young customers, you need to have a brand that is sexy and sporty,” explained Schmidt. “The reason we didn’t get this customer before was, in my opinion, not a brand issue, but a product issue.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Mercedes is planning a further youth-focused model to rival the forthcoming Audi A1 and BMW supermini. But this car is more likely to be badged as a Smart to replace the critically panned and unsuccessful four-door, four-seater ForFour.

It will be built on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as Renault’s groundbreaking Twizy electric model, as part of the recent small vehicle tie-up announced between the two car giants. The new range aims to lower the average age of Mercedes’ customer profile – 45 years old in the US and 55 in Germany – without alienating older customers. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011/2012 Dodge Challenger

Since the production Dodge Challenger first debuted, we've wondered how Dodge will go about updating the retro-styled muscle car without losing its unique flavor. Now we know: with small, almost unnoticeable tweaks to the iconic shape.

These photos recently surfaced on the Internet and purport to show the first update of the modern Challenger, rumored to be a 2011 model. You'll have to look close to see the changes, but they're there. Zoom in on the front fascia and you'll notice that the lower air intake has essentially been flipped upside-down and is now wider at the bottom than the top, the opposite of the current car. Above that, you'll notice that the Ram head Dodge emblem is gone from the nose.

There are a few more changes around the side. The current car's flush-mounted door handles appear to have been replaced with new units that, while not as sleek, look to be a major improvement over the current handles, which are difficult to pull without losing your grip. There also appear to be slightly revised five-spoke wheels to finish the update. Despite appearances, they aren't actually black; they're covered with a protective plastic coating for transport.

Much as we enjoy getting spy shots, these leave us wanting more. We can't see the back of the car or the interior, which is rumored to be getting a much-needed update for 2011 as well. We'd also love to see under the hood, where the Challenger is expected to ditch its old 3.5-liter V-6 for the new 3.7-liter Pentastar with at least 280 horsepower. The model pictured here is actually an R/T with a 5.7-liter V-8 that isn't expected to be updated, but in addition to the new six, we'd also like a peak at the rumored update to the SRT-8's 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that's said to now offer nearly 500 horsepower.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied Up Date: 2011 Mercedes CLS

Either Mercedes-Benz has a serious leak, or it's trying hard to get our attention. While visiting company headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, a lucky visitor spotted a completely unclothed 2011 CLS sedan, making it the fourth leaked Mercedes we've seen this week.

Like the current CLS, the vehicle pictured features sporty coupe looks wrapped in a sedan body. The sedan's C-pillar flows into the trunk area, while the short window openings continue with the coupe theme. Several new features presented on the new model give it an updated look, but its overall stance is much more muscular than the rounded lines of some recent Mercedes models.

Last February, we took a look at a rendering of the car that seems to have been near spot-on, judging by what we see in this example. The front grille is much more upright than the current generation's, and as with the current CLS, chrome trim surrounds the window openings. An additional band of chrome around the car's lower waist gives it a more refined appearance.

There's no official word on powertrain options, but we wouldn't be surprised to eventually see either of Mercedes' new 4.6 or 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8s, and possibly a hot AMG model. Stay with us as more details emerge about the revised CLS.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

At Ferrari’s annual dealer meeting in Maranello, the company provided a little surprise when it took the wraps off of its newest track star, the 458 Challenge.

The 458 Challenge, like the 430 Challenge before it, is the prancing stallion’s factory offering for its one-make Challenge race series. And also like the car before it, the 458 Challenge is closely related to its roadgoing sibling, in this case, the 458 Italia. Ferrari says that the Italia's 4.5-liter V-8 engine will remain in production tune, producing 562 hp when wound to a shrieking 9000 rpm. The torque curve, however, will look a bit different; Ferrari has tweaked the gear ratios and calibration of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to favor torque at lower engine speeds.

As is usually the case with any new Ferrari, whether it's a brand new model or a special edition, the 458 Challenge heaps on the technology. The electronic "E-Diff" differential, already in place on regular 458s, makes its debut in a Ferrari track car. A special race-oriented suspension is installed, wherein ride height is reduced by 1.2 inches, and Ferrari has cut weight by deploying carbon fiber and Lexan throughout the car. The 458 Challenge also adds new-generation Brembo brakes, which debuted on the 599XX, and Ferrari's trick F1-Trac traction-control system that allows drivers to select two specific track-biased settings for dry to wet conditions. According to Ferrari, these enhancements translate into a two-second improvement over the 430 Challenge when lapping its Fiorano test track.

So, who (amongst the obscenely wealthy) will have the opportunity to buy a 458 Challenge? Ferrari describes the car as being available to both professional and "gentlemen" drivers, but it is unavailable for street use, because what fun would it be to explore your new 562-hp mid-engine screamer on the interstate?

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Nissan Micra launched In India

 EX-SHOWROOM PRICE -

INR 3,98,000-XE(entry)

INR 4,69,500-XL(mid)

INR 5,28,000-xv(top)

Nissan Micra, the  first ‘Made-in-India’ compact hatchback (B+ segment) from Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) and one of the most awaited car of the year, finally launched today in Delhi. The sales of the car would commence from today, that is 15th July'2010.  

The car would be Available in 3 variants (XE (Entry), XL (Mid) and XV (Top)) and six colours. The would be equipped with multiple ‘first-of-it’s-kind’ features in its segment like Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror. Available in two interior colour schemes: black and griege (only XV), the Nissan Micra will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Nissan Micra is priced competitively in its segment providing a complete package of features, performance, drivability and comfort.

The all-new Nissan Micra is powered by an all-new HR12 DOHC 12-valves 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Power is rated at 56Kw (76ps) @ 6000 rpm, while torque output is 104Nm @ 4000 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve economy and brisk acceleration.

The incorporation of the ‘V-platform’ is one major factor contributing to the car's improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, owing to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell. All variants including the entry level (XE) are equipped with driver airbag. The top variant (XV) has been fitted with standard safety equipment such as Driver + Front Passenger   airbag, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The Nissan Micra with a top speed of 160kmph provides a class competitive fuel efficiency of 18.06 km/litre (tested and approved by ARAI). The car also has superb visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.65m. It is equipped with several new technologies that assist with minimizing C02 emissions. The front MacPherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam provide excellent cushioning effect, reducing fatigue during long journeys. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption, ensuring that the Micra will ride smoothly over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor India said that this moment was awaited by the company and that they look forward to a long and fruitful association with their product and services in India. The Nissan Micra is the right product at the right time that will offer the customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort, he added. Tokuyama also commented that they expect Micra with its latent advantage and its unique features to do well in the Indian market and carve a niche of its own compared to other competitive models in this segment.

In order to ensure a good customer interaction system, the company has been engaging itself in expanding its dealership networks across India. The company is already receiving a great response towards the car as it has received 2000 bookings prior to its launch at various dealer outlets.

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INTERIOR

New Car: 2011 Peugeot 308 GT200

Bon Anniversaire Peugeot! To celebrate its 200th birthday the firm has launched a 200bhp version of the 308 hatchback and it comes with a free satellite navigation-enabled smartphone.

The 308 GT THP 200 uses the 200bhp 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine from the RCZ coupe, making it by far the most powerful 308 on sale.

Offering a discreet appearance, the GT features a revised front bumper, black rear diffuser and twin chrome exhaust pipes.

The interior benefits from Payerne black half-leather sports seats, a black lacquered fascia panel, leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals, footrest and gearknob.

Costing £21,995, the GT achieves CO2 emissions of159g/km. Buyers of the GT in July will also receive a free Nokia 5230 smartphone and mounting kit which effectively doubles up as a satellite navigation with free map updates.

The car comes in six body colours including Bianca White, Nera Black, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Ipanema Blue and Babylon Red. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited

Next year sees the arrival of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. So the firm has loaded up its existing car with extra kit to clear space in its showrooms. Just 250 Grand Cherokee S-Limited models will be made available, with prices starting from £33,995.

Using the Limited-spec as its base, for an additional £2,000, the S-Limited adds a glut of leather and aluminium extras to improve both interior and exterior appearance.

The exterior features body-coloured sill extensions and grille, HID headlamps, a rear spoiler, and unique 18-inch 'Arrowhead' design alloys, inspired by the high performance SRT version.

Interior enhancements include a leather steering wheel and gearknob, aluminium bezel trim inserts, aluminium-finish pedals, and a leather covered dashboard binnacle, whilst the front and rear seats are now heated and come trimmed in slate grey leather with suede inserts.

The car comes in four colours – Brilliant Black, Bright Silver, Dark Carbon and Modern Blue – but just one engine features, the 3.0-litre diesel which produces 215bhp. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Jaguar's 3-Series Rival Gets Green Light

Jaguar’s ambitious expansion plans have been given the go-ahead. Parent firm TATA Motors has green lit the firm’s plans to create a rival for the BMW 3-Series, which replaces the old X-Type, and the long-awaited F-Type small sports car.

The announcement came in an interview with TATA Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster, who confirmed Auto Express’s previous story of Jaguar’s new model expansion plans.

Before the new models arrive, Jaguar will unveil estate and long-wheelbase versions of the XF. Jaguar claims that 60 per cent of its XF sales are conquests over rival brands, and the estate is designed increase the model’s appeal in Western Europe, while the stretched version is set to further improve sales in China.

It’s been a long time coming, but the two-seater sportscar will then arrive in 2012. Set to be called XE when it launches, the car is likely to be offered as a coupe and a roadster, and built on a new medium-sized lightweight aluminium platform.

The development of this new chassis will absorb much of TATA’s £1bn per year investment in Jaguar Land Rover. Auto Express understands that the platform will be shared with the next XK. But given Jaguar’s need to keep costs in check, it’s likely that the firm’s new underpinnings will be modular, and could be scaled up or down to underpin the new XE and XK, and the replacement for the X-Type and XF, which is currently made from steel.

Despite killing off the old X-Type, the trend towards downsizing has made a replacement even more likely. The firm has already demonstrated that its XF and XJ models can compete with the established contenders from BMW and Mercedes, so a smaller car to take on the top-selling 3-Series is a priority, inspired by the RD6 concept which debuted at Frankfurt seven years ago. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek Up Date: 2011 Ford Explorer

They can be quite maddening, these constant teaser photos. Ford has been content to litter the Web with strategically cropped images intended to flaunt the 2011 Explorer, and the game continues today. This time, it's the driver's side headlight that we take a peek at, along with a semi-exposed view of the passenger side.

Teased on the Ford Explorer's Facebook page, the headlight photo was recently inducted as the profile picture. Elsewhere, a side profile can also be partially seen, the top portion at least. And in case you haven't seen the rest of the teaser set, we have them all lined up for your ocular pleasure.

Due as a 2011 model, the fifth-generation Explorer will be the first to utilize unibody construction. Ford has kept this project under tight wraps and few official details have poked through the cracks, although a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is expected to provide over 200 horsepower and return 19 city mpg with front-wheel drive, according to preliminary Ford estimates.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2012 Mercedes SLK AMG

Our spy shooters have caught Mercedes-Benz testing what they believe is the next-generation SLK hardtop convertible in AMG form.

With other automakers like BMW downsizing the engines of performance variants like the M5, you might think AMG would follow suit with the SLK, but our spy photographer isn't so sure.

"Some rumors are talking about a twin-turbo V-6 and others about a twin-turbo V-8 for the AMG," he says. "But this one sure sounded like a V-8."

One giveaway that this is, in fact, an AMG-tuned SLK model are the large brakes and huge quad exhaust pipes in the rear. The 2010 SLK55 AMG produces 360 horsepower from its 5.4-liter V-8 at a price in the high $60,000s. Expect the next-generation car to make about 400 horsepower and achieve better EPA figures than the 2010 car's 14/22 mpg city/highway regardless of whether power comes from a V-6 or V-8.

In front, we see the SLK will adopt styling cues from the SLS AMG, from the long grille to the hood sculpting. LED daytime running lights appear to be part of the package, as well. The photos from behind suggest the SLK will have a more pronounced trunk lid than the current model. Inside, don't be surprised to see plenty of SLS AMG influences.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Peugeot 508

Peugeot has unveiled its new design language — and previewed a big-saloon push in the Chinese market — with its new 508, revealed today.

The French manufacturer’s latest saloon is designed to replace both the Mondeo-rivalling 407 and the larger 607.

Its front end is dominated by headlights that run deep into the wings, a large, wide grille, a Peugeot badge integrated into the bonnet creases, and a name badge that sits just beneath the bonnet shutline. There’s also a pronounced shoulder line that runs the length of the flanks.

The 508 is 4.7m long, around 10mm longer than the 407 but 20mm shorter than the 607, production of which ended last month. The estate version is 4.81m long. The car sits on a platform that also underpins the Citroën C5 and outgoing 407.

The increase in size is likely to signify that the 607’s sales did not merit an entirely new generation and reflect the key role large saloons are playing in the emerging Chinese market.

Few technical details have been released, although Peugeot has revealed that all of the car’s diesel engines will offer stop-start using Peugeot-Citroën’s e-HDi system.

A 508 with Hybrid4 tech will also be launched shortly after sales start. It combines a combustion engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor integrated into the rear axle. Peugeot says the Hybrid4 508 will offer four-wheel drive, a combined 200bhp and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

The 508 will make its public debut at the Paris motor show on 30 September, and sales will begin at the start of 2011. The Chinese-spec models will be built at Peugeot’s own facility there, but European-spec models will be produced in Rennes, France.

Meanwhile, the 407 Coupé is unlikely to be replaced. But a folding hard-top, four-seat convertible 508 — a potential rival for the Volvo C70 — may make production.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2012 Mercedes M-Class

Mercedes is at it again! Due to go on sale in the second half of 2011 the ML is set to receive a comprehensive makeover from the inside out with both mechanical and styling modifications apparent in the images.

Smaller, more-rounded headlamps join a re-profiled front bumper whilst the rear light clusters now spread onto a wider and more practical bootlid.

The rear window is deeper, with a longer bootlid spoiler combining with weight saving changes under the skin to give increased efficiency and fuel economy.

The engine line-up is unlikely to change with the 3.0 and 4.0-litre diesels and 5.5-litre petrol still sitting below the range-topping 6.2-litre V8 AMG model. Prices will start from around £40,000, rising to around £78,000 for the ML 63 AMG. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 Mercedes GL-Class

Mercedes is racking up the miles! The latest Merc snapped testing is a heavily-disguised GL. The supersized SUV is due to receive a cosmetic makeover that will bring it into line with Mercedes' new design language, introduced on the latest E-Class.

The chiselled face of the old model will make way for a more aerodynamic snout with a wider grille and rounded lights. These will be joined by a reprofiled bumper that's likely to feature Mercedes' new signature LED running lights.

The rear will see refreshed light clusters and a longer spoiler designed to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption figures. Mercedes is keen to improve efficiency in all its models so expect the latest GL to feature some weight savings and aerodynamic aids.

It will continue to share engines with the ML with 3.0-litre BlueEfficiency and 4.0-litre diesels joined by the 5.5-litre petrol range-topper, all putting power through Mercedes' 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The revised GL is set to go on sale in early 2011 with prices starting at around £55,000. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The C-cret is out. Snapped virtually undisguised for the first time is the Mercedes C-Class Coupe. The newcomer replaces the ageing CLC and is set to join the C-Class range early next year when facelifted versions of the saloon and estate arrive.

The new coupe will retain the front and rear ends from the C-Class saloon whilst featuring just two-doors and a unique roofline and windows. What remains disguised is the rear side window which is expected to feature a distinct design trait unique to Mercedes, in the same vein as BMW’s Hofmeister kink.

Buyers should expect the Coupe to use the smaller units shared with the rest of the C-Class range. The 1.6-litre and 1.8 petrols and 2.1-litre diesel are likely to be offered, as prices for the Coupe are expected to remain slightly lower than the saloon as Mercedes looks to retain customers who would originally have opted for a CLC.

The car continues Mercedes’ new coupe naming policy. The CLK has become the E-Class Coupe, and this new car will become the C-Class Coupe. Only the CLS retains its own, distinct model designation, while the CL-Class is likely to become S-Class Coupe when the next generation S-Class arrives.

A new generation C-Class saloon and estate range is due in 2013. However, the C-Class Coupe will overlap this, remaining on sale with the current car’s look until 2014, when it will be replaced by a baby version of the CLS. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Indian Roads Soon to be Enticed by Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, an offshoot of Mercedes' high-performance luxury car manufacturing unit Mercedes-AMG, is all set to be launched in the Indian market on 15th July, 2010. A formal launching ceremony will be organized in this regard in the national capital and top officials of the company are expected to be present at the occasion. The SLS AMG model will be imported to the Indian market as a completely built unit (CBU) from Mercedes' Affalterbach facility in its domestic market Germany. The car will attract a high import duty of 110 percent and is expected to cost more than Rs 2 crore in India.

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG model was showcased at the Delhi International auto expo in January this year where it attracted a large number of car enthusiasts and visitors. At the time of the presentation of this car at the Delhi auto expo, Mr Dr. Aulbur (MD and CEO of Mercedez-Benz), had stated that the SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. He also added that the new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH which will burn its rubber on Indian roads as soon as it’s right-hand drive versions roll out in the country.

Features of SLS AMG include:

•    A front-mounted
•    Aluminum spaceframe body
•    Gullwing doors
•    6.3-liter
•    V8 engine
•    Delivering 571 HP at 6800 rpm

The car was first world premiered at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2009. The SLS AMG is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine which generates a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) along with a peak torque of 650 Nm. The AMG model only takes 3.8 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h from a stand still position. The car claims to offer a class leading fuel economy of 7 to 8 km/l and a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited).

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