Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New Car: 2011 Toyota Verso - S
At the upcoming Paris Motor Show in September, Toyota will present its latest offering in the competitive mini-minivan segment. The Verso-S, an MPV with a footprint barely larger than Toyota's current North American offerings, will segue Toyota back into the B-segment with an able, space-efficient competitor.
BMW will Focuses on small crossovers next year
In 2013, a new subbrand of electric and hybrid vehicles being developed by BMW's Project i group will debut.
Here is a rundown of BMW's product plans for 2010-13.
1 series |
3 Series |
3 series: A redesign is planned for 2012 with a longer wheelbase. Power will come from a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine. BMW probably will start with the sedan version and roll out derivatives every six months. Station wagon, coupe and convertible versions will come later.
A 3-series-based crossover similar to the 5-series Gran Turismo is expected, but it would be aimed mainly at European customers.
5 series |
5 series: The redesigned sedan debuted this spring. A new M5 version will go on sale next year, likely with the 570-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M.
5-series Gran Turismo |
5-series Gran Turismo: The station-wagonlike crossover hasn't sold well since its debut last October. Executives say that's because two variants were unavailable at launch last year. The six-cylinder 535i GT arrived in June, and the all-wheel drive comes this fall.
The GT gets a freshening in 2013.
6 series |
6 series: A reskinned second-generation coupe and convertible are expected in 2011. BMW probably will carry over its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8. The new versions will take styling cues from the Gran Coupe concept shown at the 2010 Beijing auto show. Reportedly, a four-door sedan version of the 6 series with coupelike styling has been approved. It would compete with the
7 series |
7 series: A mild freshening of the flagship is expected in 2012 or 2013. The $100,000-plus ActiveHybrid 7 version went on sale in June. The Active-Hybrid uses a twin-turbo-charged, direct-injection V8 and an electric motor. It gets 15 percent better fuel economy than 7-series gasoline models.
This year the 7 series got a six-cylinder engine for the first time in the United States--a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder for the 740i. Optional awd was added to the 750i and Li this year.
BMW also added an Alpina B7 performance model this year, using the German tuner Alpina to give the 7 series a sportier body with spoilers, wheels and interior trim. A limited number will be sold through BMW dealerships.
Z4 |
Z4: The hard-top roadster gets a freshening in 2013.
X1 |
X1: The new small crossover based on the 3 series goes on sale in the first quarter of 2011. Because of its small size, BMW isn't counting on high sales.
X3 |
X3: A redesigned version of the crossover, built in Spartanburg, S.C., debuts early next year. It will be about 3 inches longer than the current X3, or nearly as large as the original X5.
The lineup will consist of the xDrive28i with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and the xDrive35i with a new turbocharged 3.0-liter single-turbo engine.
Entry-level BMW: BMW is working on a new front-wheel and four-wheel-drive architecture for an entry-level car positioned below the 1 series. The architecture also will be used for the next generation of Minis. The architecture could underpin up to 20 BMW and Mini variants.
Hot News: Mercedes Confirmed A-Class EV
The A-Class has finally come of age! Mercedes has confirmed that it will show the production version of its all-electric A-Class concept at the Paris Motor Show, alongside the firm’s new CLS.
Called the E-Cell, 500 cars will be built at first and will go on trial in Europe next year. The trial will be used to build-up a bank of data about how drivers use electric cars, much like BMW is doing with its MINI E and forthcoming 1-Series-Coupe-based ActivE programmes. The firm confirmed that customers will be chosen and then leased the car for a period of four years.
As well as going on trial in Mercedes’ home city of Stuttgart, the E-Cell will join a fleet of alternatively powered cars and vans as part of Mercedes’ ‘e-mobility Baden-Württemberg’ project.
The original A-Class was penned by Brit Steve Mattin, who would later become head of design at Volvo, and was conceived with electrification in mind. The revolutionary sandwich floor, which remains in today’s car and sees mechanicals mounted under car’s passenger area, was intended to hold batteries rather than elements of the conventional petrol and diesel powertrains that the A-Class ended up with.
The E-Cell will be assembled at Mercedes’ Rastatt plant in Germany, using 40kW lithium-ion batteries and electronic controllers provided by US-based electric car firm Tesla. Few details have been released, but the A-Class should have a range of up to 124 miles and have 290Nm of torque, ensuring sprightly performance.
Mercedes’ parent company Daimler signed a battery supply agreement with Tesla last year. Tesla already provides batteries for the latest Smart ED, and the deal looks set to be strengthened with the announcement of the firm’s involvement in the A-Class E-Cell project. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied Up Date: 2012 Mercedes SLK
Gotcha! Here are the best pictures yet of Mercedes’ next SLK. Spied testing in Germany, these latest shots reveal almost every detail of the newcomer’s styling.
Penned by design boss Gorden Wagener, the SLK refines the successful two-door folding metal hardtop bodystyle that debuted way back in 1997. The all-new third generation car gets a prominent nose that’s clearly inspired by Mercedes’ range-topping SLS AMG supercar, while the swept-back headlights owe much to the latest CLS that will debut at the Paris Motor Show.
In profile, the SLK looks very similar to its predecessor, albeit with a new crease which runs from the front wing indicator back into the doors to add a little extra visual drama. Once again, the SLK features a two-piece retractable roof .
At the rear, the SLK features an angular bootlid, which is similar to that sported by the current E-Class Coupe, flanked by LED taillights. The newcomer also gets trapezoidal exhaust pipe tips.
On the inside, the design will be influenced by the SLS. A minimalist design and retro air vents are likely to feature, along with the firm’s clever AirScarf neck warmers built into the seats.
Under the bonnet, the SLK gets a new range of engines. The entry level SLK200 will get the 201bhp 1.8-litre CGI petrol, while the convertible gets diesel power for the first time, courtesy of the 201bhp 2.4-litre CDI unit from the E-Class. The 300 V6 model is discontinued, but the SLK350 gains the revised 302bhp direct injection V-Series 3.5-litre V6. A performance version is likely to be offered, which may be powered by AMG's hotly anticipated twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 which produces around 465bhp. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Concept Car: Mazda Shinari
Meet Mazda’s future. This is the Shinari concept, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September. The stylish four-door coupe previews the look of the next generation of Mazdas and ushers in a new design language.
Called Kodo, which translates from Japanese as ‘soul of motion’, the new look has been created by Mazda’s new design chief Ikuo Maeda.
At the front, the Shinari concept features the familiar Mazda prominent wheelarches and angular front grille. But the newcomer also gets a dramatic bumper, Audi-style intricate headlights and Aston Martin-aping grille in the front wing.
A pair of creases add flair to the car’s side, which looks a lot like the current Jaguar XF, while at the rear, there are shades of BMW’s Concept CS.
On the inside, the concept features a driver-oriented cockpit made of a high-class mixture of materials, including leather and aluminium.
The car that the Shinari previews is likely to be the next Mazda6. However, the concept’s look will influence the entire next generation of Mazda cars.
The number of obvious high-class influences on the design show-off Mazda’s desire to become more of a premium brand, and much like a Japanese Alfa Romeo, offering great handling cars that look the part too.
The new design language replaces Mazda’s previous Nagare, or ‘flow’ look that dictated the design of the Mazda5, which has drawn criticism for its looks.
Nagare was created by Mazda’s former design chief Laurens van der Acker, who left the firm for Renault earlier this year. Van der Acker will show off the DeZir concept at Paris as his new vision for the French brand. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Car: 2011 Citroen DS4
MEET the Citroen that’s riding high! These are the first pictures of the firm’s new DS4 hatch, which delivers on the style promised by the DS High Rider concept seen at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Following the DS3, which is based on the C3 supermini, the DS4 features a more extravagantly designed exterior than the C4 which underpins it. The newcomer measures 4.27 metres long, 1.81 metres wide and 1.53 metres high, making it shorter, wider and 10cm taller than the regular C4 and a little bigger than the MINI Countryman.
At the front, the hatchback wears the latest Citroen family face, that debuted on the C5. The extra chrome on the two-bar grille and the pair of boomerang-shaped daytime running lights add class, while at the side, generously flared wheelarches house 19-inch alloys, although smaller rims are available.
The coupé-like roof line and upswept shoulder line taper towards the rear, where the handle for each of the small back doors is hidden.
On the tail, the DS4 features a scalloped bumper with neatly integrated exhaust pipe exits.
The interior boasts higher-class materials than in the regular C4 hatch. Liberal use of chrome for the dials, leather on the dash and doors, plus aluminium for the pedals demonstrates the firm’s attention to getting the luxury details right. Buyers will be given the choice of five leather combinations. Top-specification cars feature hide trim designed to mimic expensive watch bracelets linked together. Meanwhile, every variant gets a panoramic windscreen which extends backwards into the roof line and helps bathe the cabin in light.
Also available is a high-end stereo system and front seats with a massage function. All cars come with a unique selection of four exotically named tones for the various warning sounds: Classic, Crystal Symphony, Jungle Fantasy and Urban Rythmik.
Despite the DS4’s style and luxury, practicality is still high on the agenda. The passenger door pockets have been enlarged, and a cooled centre console storage bin is standard fit. At 370 litres, the boot is larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf, too. Safety kit includes blind-spot monitoring and a speed limiter, fitted in accordance with the Safety Assist section of Euro NCAP crash tests.
Under the bonnet, the DS4 features a line-up of five engines. Diesel buyers can choose from a 110bhp 1.6-litre unit with e-HDi stop/start tech and regenerative braking, and a 160bhp 2.0-litre. There are three petrol choices, too: a 120bhp 1.6 VTi, and a pair of turbocharged 1.6-litre units with 155bhp or, in the range-topping car, 200bhp.
The DS4 debuts at October’s Paris Motor Show, before going on sale in the UK in early 2011. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News: Trio Nissan to Make Their Debut at LA Show 2010
Nissan announced its 2010 L.A. Auto Show model introductions today, and by the looks of the vehicle list, they're sure to attract plenty of attention. Three of the four planned debuts are world premieres.
Headlining the display is the brand's all-new Ellure concept. The sedan is said to add strong innovation to the typically drab four-door sedan.
Next is the Quest minivan. Designers promise the spacious van blends modern styling with functional and fun-to-drive qualities.
Finishing up the trio of premieres is the Murano CrossCabriolet, which Nissan says is the world's first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible. This four-passenger soft-roader mixes convertible fun with crossover versatility. Both the Quest and Murano CrossCabriolet will hit dealers early next year.
Lastly, a production-spec Leaf will be shown for the first time. It's still on schedule for a limited-market December release.
Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, will bring its 2012 M35 Hybrid sedan to the show. Officials promise it gives "V-8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy." The automaker's new entry-level, 218-horsepower G25 Sedan will make a showing as well.
Check back for more 2010 L.A. Show information as its November 18 opening day approaches.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hyundai increase car prices
Friday, August 27, 2010
Spied: 2012 Volkswagen Up! & Skoda Mini
It takes two to tango! And our spies have snapped VW and Skoda’s first versions of the New Small Family (NSF) cars hot weather testing together in Death Valley in the US.
Measuring 3.45-metres long, 1.63-metres wide and 1.5-metres high, the car is a little bigger than the current Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 family. And while these mules are heavily disguised, the high-level brake lights, short bonnet and wheel-at-each-corner stance are all recognisable from the original VW Up! concept shown at Frankfurt in 2007.
Both VW and Skoda models feature the same design traits, indicating that styling tweaks to distinguish the cars between brands will be fairly minimal.
The three-door supermini will have space for four adults and feature a range of downsized petrol and diesel engines. The base model will start from around £8,500 and get a 65bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol, while a 75bhp four-cylinder 1.2-litre diesel will also be offered.
A range-topping 85bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine comes later in 2012, while a fully electric version is expected to arrive in 2013.
VW, Skoda and SEAT will each launch versions of the three-door car. The VW version is due first, in late 2011, with the other brands following in early 2012. A larger five-door model will be added in summer 2012. VW will take responsibility for building the car at its plant in Bratislava, Slovakia from next year.
VW has a history of giving its concept cars a name derived from an existing production model. For example, the Iroc concept became the current Scirocco, and the Up! concept is likely to follow suit by becoming the Lupo.
Skoda may choose to adopt the Joyster name, taken from its previous small-car concept, while SEAT may elect to resurrect the Arosa name of its previous small car which was based on the last generation Lupo. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied Up Date: 2011 MG 3
Take away this Chinese test car’s disguise, and it’s clear to see how MG’s new supermini is shaping up.
The MG3 will be the smallest model to wear the octagon badge since the Rover 25-based ZR, and these spy shots show it retains the good looks of the MG Zero on which it’s based.
The Beijing Motor Show concept’s big central exhaust and chrome wheels have vanished, but the dynamic stance remains – as does the wide hexagonal front grille – giving the 3 a welcome hint of sportiness.
On sale in China in next month, from around £6,000, the model will be powered by a 109bhp, 1.5-litre petrol engine from sister firm Roewe. Also under development is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit and a turbocharged version of the 1.5. The latter could power a more focused MG3 hot hatch.
Tentative plans are to build European versions of this car at MG Rover’s old Longbridge plant in the West Midlands from 2012. Our spies in China have also seen a variant with a chunkier tail-light treatment – which could be a new Streetwise. Although the pumped-up Rover 25 was a flop here, it has since proved a sales hit in China. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Sneak Peek: 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Yes, it's another BMW1 Series M Coupe teaser video, but we're not complaining. Rather than showing the M Division's latest hot coupe on a track, it's stagnant in a showroom under a tight fitting cover.
If you didn't catch the other teaser video and spy shots, the 1 Series M Coupe is said to be the spiritual successor to the original E30 M3, meaning it should be light, compact, and powerful.
Rumor has it that BMW's speed-hungry engineers fitted their N54-series, twin-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six engine underneath the short hood. How do an estimated 350 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque sound? Yeah, we thought so, too.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
New Car: 2011 Lexus IS
Lexus IS ringing the changes! The Japanese luxury brand claims that the latest revisions to its 3-Series rivalling IS range are the most significant since the current car went on sale in 2005.
The line-up now boasts Euro V compliant engines, styling tweaks and more equipment, but prices remains unchanged.
The major change is that the previous IS220d has now been replaced by the IS200d. The car uses the same 2.2-litre diesel engine, and costs the same at £24,350, but the unit has be re-engineered to be more refined but detuned from 175bhp and 400Nm to 148bhp and 340Nm.
That means the 0-62mph time increases from 8.9 seconds to 10.2 seconds, but the all-important emissions figures improve from 50.4mpg and 148g/km to 55.4mpg and 134g/km, meaning that the IS drops a tax band and its Benefit-in-Kind rating drops too, which is good news for company car drivers.
However, the IS200d still can’t match the impressive BMW 320d which is more expensive, but faster, more powerful yet remains more fuel efficient and produces less emissions.
The IS250 and 250C use the revised V6 which is now cleaner and is only available with an automatic transmission, while Lexus has improved the F-Sport model line to make the looks more aggressive, and more like the range-topping ISF which the firm hopes will increase the car’s appeal to younger drivers.
All models benefit from styling tweaks to the bumpers, front grille and lights, and there are new alloy wheel designs and paint colours to choose from. Cars specced with the high-intensity discharge headlights now get LED daytime running lights, while buyers of the SE-I spec get auto wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.
The high performance ISF will also receive the new LED headlights and a number of minor tweaks, but these will be confirmed at a later date. The new IS range will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show, but is available to order now. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Thursday, August 26, 2010
New Car: 2011 Lotus Evora S
Lotus has officially revealed details on the Evora S and IPS in advance of the Paris Motor Show.
Last week, leaked email messages from Lotus executives showed that the Evora S and Evora IPS automatic-equipped car would debut in Paris.
Lotus says that aside from supercharging the 3.5-liter V-6 from Toyota, the 345-horsepower Evora S has a retuned suspension and overall more responsive driving experience.
"You don’t realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S," said Dany Bahar, Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer.
Other motorists won't miss your Evora S, though, especially if you activate the exhaust baffles that apparently make the car sound more muscular.
The Evora S has a sport button that lets the driver customize throttle response and activate the exhaust bypass valve. That button is also the key to raising the instantaneous rev limit and lowering the interference from the dynamic stability control.
“The Evora S...retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that," said Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann. "It’s the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn’t sacrifice function in the case of the Evora S.”
Clearly, the S model is the pure enthusiast's choice in the Evora lineup. Still, it's likely the other new debut -- the Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) -- will help pay for the S model.
The Evora IPS is powered by the regular 276-horsepower V-6, now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes, the IPS has a sport mode that enhances the feeling of control.
"It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience," Bahar said.
Both new Evoras will debut at the Paris Motor Show, starting at the end of September.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
New Car: 2011 Toyota Highlander
True to prior speculation, Toyota has shown a refreshed 2011 Highlander at the Moscow Auto Show this week. Visual changes include tweaked front and rear ends, with a restyled grille, headlights, taillights, and bumpers.
The differences are subtle to be sure, even when you know what to look for. Still, the 2011 Highlander's slightly more angular features give the crossover an extra dash of presence -- rarely a bad thing. In Russia, the only engine available is Toyota's 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The million-dollar question is whether or not we'll see these cosmetic changes on the U.S. version. While no official word is yet available, but with little differentiation in the global Highlander lineup thus far, we're expecting the refresh will make its way Stateside soon enough - perhaps debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year. Expect the full bevy of 2.4-liter I-4, 3.5-liter V-6, and hybrid configurations to remain present and accounted for.
Meanwhile, let us know what you think of the 2011 Toyota Highlander's facelift in the comments section below.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Sexy Model Jeena With Ferrari F430 Spyder
The beautiful brunette Jeena, a model from Colorado who likes Italian food and was chosen by the Secret Entourage agency for an pictorial very beautiful pictorial alongside by Ferrari F430 Spyder.
beautiful model that will make you look at all the pictures.
Mercedes-Benz Launches new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
After celebrating the spirit of open top motoring with the launch of the E-Class Cabriolet earlier in August, Mercedes-Benz India E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY marks the entry point of customers into the E-Class family.
With an aggressive price tag of Rs. 38.76 Ex-Showroom Pune (INR 39.5 - Ex- showroom Delhi), the new offering from the E-Class stable is tailored to deliver the highest standards of design, technology, comfort and luxury motoring to its discerning patrons.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
New Car: 2012 Chevrolet Orlando
It’s been a two-year wait, but Chevrolet has finally revealed the production version of its Orlando MPV. The concept car impressed at the Paris show in 2008, and the finished version of its seven-seater people carrier retains the striking looks.
Designed to blend the chunky looks of a crossover with a traditional MPV, the Orlando features a low, swept roofline, flared wheelarches and the traditional Chevrolet split front grille.
On the inside, the Orlando gets a flexible seven-seat layout where the second and third rows of seats are mounted higher than those in the front for a better view for rear-seat passengers. Designed with a family in mind, the Orlando interior also features a host of cubby holes and storage areas, plus Chevrolet claims it has one of the biggest boots of any MPV.
The Orlando is based on the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Cruze, and will launch with three engine choices – a 139bhp 1.8-litre petrol and low and high power 2.0-litre diesels which produce 129bhp and 161bhp respectively.
Set to go on sale in the UK early in 2011, buyers will have the choice of four Orlando trim levels, but all cars will be generously equipped with electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors fitted to all cars.
The Orlando is just one of four cars that Chevrolet will show off at Paris, and starts an aggressive expansion programme for the firm which will see seven new cars launched in the European market in the next 15 months. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
New Concept Car: Hyundai Concept RB
The Moscow Motor Show doesn't get much play here in the U.S. as it doesn't hold the cachet of other international shows, but that doesn't mean it's not worth checking out. After all, the new Audi A7 is launching there, along with this little-noticed Hyundai Concept RB.
Consultation with Russian auto publications reveals that this car is actually the latest interpretation of the Hyundai Verna, or to American buyers, the Hyundai Accent. According to Hyundai Motor Russia's own press release, the Concept RB is really just a thinly veiled look at the production model, which most expect to retain the Verna name. The new Verna recently debuted in China at the 2010 Beijing auto show.
Russian buyers will be able to pick up the new four-door coupe in the spring of 2011 with two variants of Hyundai's Gamma four-cylinder engine onboard. The first is a 1.4-liter mill good for 107 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque, while the second ups the ante with 1.6 liters of displacement, 124 horsepower, and 115 pound-feet of torque. Both are gasoline-powered and feature continuously variable valve timing and, according to Hyundai, best-in-class fuel economy. They can be mounted to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
That's all well and good for the Russian market, but what does it mean for us, namely, which design cues will we see on our new Accent -- more RB or Verna? Naturally, we also expect more powerful engines and more transmission cogs in any U.S. or European market offerings, but few other necessary changes seem readily apparent. We put in a call to Hyundai of America to get the scoop, but were met with an official "no comment." With the company's recently revealed quest to reach 50 mpg CAFE standards, though, we wouldn't be surprised to see this car turn up outside of Russia in the near future.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
Car Dunia: Moscow International Auto Show Start With Russian Models
It might not have the long tradition of its European counterparts, but the Moscow International Motor Show is quickly earning a reputation as a premier international automotive event, a reflection of Russia's expanding economy and new interest in luxury goods.
Started in 1997, the Moscow International Motor Show takes place in late August and features new models from around the world in addition to local parts and accessories companies. Held in the Crocus Expo Exhibition Centre, the show is spread over roughly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space. Given Russia's rapidly growing automotive market, the Moscow auto show is expected to grow even bigger, eventually becoming one of the larger international auto shows in the world.