Author: autoview

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept

With some freshly released teaser images of its latest concept car, Infiniti slowly but steadily reveals the mystery surrounding this gorgeous ride. The name of this mysterious prototype is “Infiniti Q80 Inspiration”. This concept is a preview of Infiniti’s upcoming model.

The car impresses with its aggressive fastback, allowing four passengers to sit as well as its unique exterior design. In these outstanding features this concept car shows the future plans of the company

The company hasn’t released any powertrain details or information about specific measurements yet, but said that the dimensions alone will be placed at the top of its product range.

The Q80 Inspiration concept is rumored to be the new Infiniti four-door coupe that is expected to arrive in 2017 or 2018. There has also been reported that it will be powered by two hybrid powertrains with the top version generating around 700 horsepower.

Infiniti claims that the intent of the concept is to “demonstrate to the premium world just how Infiniti aims to play its part. The Japanese car manufcaturer said that the Concept car precede a bold top-of-the-line model, keeping its fans and car enthusiasts shivering in anticipation.

The Inspiration concept is going to debut on October 2 at the Paris Motor Show.

More details are yet to be unveiled, stay tuned, we will keep you posted.

Source: Infiniti

September 4, 2014
Hyundai describes the new 2015 i20 in detail

The new 2015 Hyundai i20 is nothing new nowadays as the car has been in the news for weeks but despite all the information online the car has not been described in detail. Well, this is something that we will do now thanks to abundance of information that comes straight from Hyundai.

As shown before the new vehicle will come with numerous improvements and new features that are designed to make your life on the road more pleasurable and safer. The i20 delivers on all fronts when it comes to the car. Thus you can expect to find a sophisticated design, elegant lines and refined details, more internal space that makes the car a true five-seater, unique in-segment features and much more. Designed and developed in Europe, the new i20 tries to meet the demands and needs of European customers who are interested in class-leading interior space, high-technology, comfort-enhancing features and clean and refined design.

The new car is longer, lower and wider than the previous model thanks to the inspiration received from the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. The wheelbase is extended by 45 millimeters to 2570 mm, which means there is more space for the occupants inside. The class-leading interior space of 1892 mm combined front and rear legroom makes the new i20 a true five-seater car, while the outstanding boot capacity of 326 liters heightens the vehicle’s versatility.

The vehicle has also been fitted with a number of new technologies that provide levels of comfort and convenience normally associated with large-vehicle segments. For example, the inclusion of front and rear parking assist, heated steering wheel, static bending headlamps and automatic defog system are firsts for a Hyundai B-segment vehicle. Additionally, the lane departure warning system is another innovative feature, normally found in higher segments. The unique-in-class panoramic sunroof, able to both tilt and fully open, enhances the comfort and the sense of space for occupants, filling the cabin with natural light and fresh air. The extensive use of lightweight high-strength steel in the platform and bodyshell has yielded a reduction in the core weight of the vehicle, as well as a significant improvement in torsional rigidity, reducing vibrations when on the move and aiding handling performance. The car looks great on the outside – it features nine exterior colors to choose from that include two solid (Baby Elephant and Polar White), four metallic (Mandarine Orange, Iced Coffee, Sleek Silver and Star Dust) and three pearl (Aqua Sparkling, Phantom Black and Red Passion) colors. Inside customers can choose among four colors: Comfort Grey, Elegant Beige, Cappuccino and Blue Grey, while the leather seats are black, featuring distinctive color stitching.

As to the engines provided the new 2015 i20 features a choice between two Hyundai “Kappa” gasoline engines and two “U-II” diesel units. The gasoline engines feature displacement of 1.25 liters and 1.4 liters with the first engine being available in two models. Thus you can get a 1.25-liter low power unit that delivers 75 HP (55 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm and a high-powered 1.25-liter engine that gives out 84 HP (62 kW) at 6,000 rpm and the same 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. The 1.4-liter unit is the most powerful of all i20 gasoline engines – it has 100 HP (74 kW) under the hood at 6,000 rpm and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The outstanding features of the Kappa engine’s modern architecture include dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), a very stiff cast aluminum block with cast iron liners, aluminum cylinder head, lighter connecting rods and maintenance-free long-life timing chain.

The diesel family of engines includes two units – a 1.1-liter powerhouse that has 75 HP (55 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm and a 1.4-liter unit that delivers 90 HP (66 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500-2,500 rpm. There’s also a choice between five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The new car delivers a lot when it comes to safety too. Occupant and pedestrian safety are a key priority for Hyundai and this is why the car comes with numerous active and passive safety systems. There are six airbags in the car that sit up front, to the side and in the curtains. The stronger body shell and chassis of the car means there will be fewer injuries in case of an accident. In addition to that the vehicle comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which work in combination to reduce wheel spin or loss of vehicle control on low-friction road surfaces. The ESC has been carefully tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible during driving, creating a natural and comfortable driving experience. The implemented Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system, which activates the hazard warning lights if a driver suddenly brakes heavily, warns drivers of following vehicles of the car’s rapid deceleration. Finally there’s a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that alerts drivers if they are veering off course without signaling their intention to change lane during motorway driving.

The new 2015 Hyundai i20 will be 100 per cent built in the company’s plant in Turkey. The plant has a capacity for 200,000 cars per year so market demand, at least in Europe, should be easily met.

Source: Hyundai Motor Company

September 4, 2014
2015 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon to offer leading fuel economy

Chevrolet and GMC have proudly cited the latest EPA fuel economy estimates, saying that both the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon will come with segment-leading fuel economy for the V6 versions of the mid-size pickups.

When compared to other V6 pickups with automatic transmissions, which make up the majority of midsize truck sales, the 2015 Colorado and 2015 Canyon will offer highway fuel economy that is between 3 mpg and 5 mpg better than other competitors.

“Colorado offers some of the best EPA fuel economy estimates of any pickup in a fun-to-drive, easy-to-own package,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “Colorado proves you don’t have to buy a lot of expensive technology to save money at the pump.”

“The all-new 2015 GMC Canyon adds segment-leading fuel economy to its winning resume,” said Kenn Bakowski, Canyon marketing manager. “Innovations such as available active grille shutters combine with an aerodynamic design in a smaller, more maneuverable package to set a new standard for fuel economy in midsize trucks.”

Both vehicles feature a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing that outputs 305 horsepower (224 kW). The engine is connected to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to the fuel-efficient engine the vehicles achieve 18/26/21 US mpg (13.1/9.0/11.2 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) of fuel economy for the 2WD version. The 4×4 version of the same vehicles offers 17/24/20 US mpg (13.8/9.8/11.8 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) of fuel economy. In addition to this engine for the 2016 model year Colorado and Canyon will also feature a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine. The technical details of this unit are unclear as of now, however. The same holds true for the 4-cylinder versions of the same vehicles.

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will be available in late 2014.

Source: General Motors

September 4, 2014
Volkswagen Caddy Black Edition to be out soon

The list of Volkswagen Caddy commercial vehicles will grow soon with the introduction of a new special model that is known as Caddy Black Edition. The new vehicle is based on the popular Highline specification but comes with GBP 2,150 worth of additional equipment and customer savings of GBP 1,350. In addition to that this will be the first Volkswagen commercial vehicle to be offered in the prestigious Black Edition form and will have premium specs that will make it the most luxurious Caddy ever built.

The new Caddy comes with a ton of features – body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, fog lights, rear parking sensors, climatic air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity with trip computer and multi-function display as well as Deep Black Pearlescent paint, unique black and polished 17-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails and radiator grille surround. As if this is not enough, drivers also benefit from a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter, heated wing mirrors and electric windows as standard.

When it comes to engines, the new Caddy offers a 1.6-liter TDI common rail direct injection engine that delivers 102 horsepower (75 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The vehicle also has a 5-speed manual transmission. Thanks to the employed BlueMotion Technology the vehicle includes hill-hold assist, energy recuperation and start/stop cycles, which means you will be able to enjoy fuel economy of 55.4 UK mpg (5.1 liters per 100 km) combined and CO2 emissions of just 134 g/km.

The Caddy Black Edition has more than luxury, though. As we know the car is built for work and this is why the new model comes with internal volume of 3.2 cubic meters, which makes it one of the most spacious vans in the entire sector. In addition to that the included Dynamic Suspension reduces the ride height by 27 mm. Inside the seats are trimmed in leather and Alcantara while the cabin is separated from the load cube by a full-height solid bulkhead.

In Europe the VW Caddy Black Edition will be on the market on October 1 this year where you will be able to purchase it for GBP 17,860 (no VAT included).

Source: Volkswagen

September 3, 2014
Fiat intros new Fiat 500 models in North America

The Fiat brand has long been associated with Italy but since year 2014 the acclaimed and popular car brand has some American blood in its veins. Of course we are talking about the Fiat and Chrysler merger earlier this year when the deal gave Fiat access to the North American market while providing Chrysler with knowledge how to build small and fuel-efficient cars. Thanks to the deal now Fiat introduces new Fiat 500 models in North America.

The Fiat 500 is one of the many legendary cars of Fiat. Introduced in 1957 the first model is often called “the first city car”. Cheap and easy to maintain, the Fiat 500 was in production until 1975 and more than 3 million Fiat 500 cars were sold back in the day. In 2007, exactly 50 years after the launch of the first Fiat 500, the popular car maker introduced an improved and modernized version of the Fiat 500 that is still in production in Europe and Mexico.

Now customers in the United States will be able to drive the new high-performance 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio as well as take advantage of the all-electric Fiat 500e and the Fiat 500L, which is an all-new five-passenger model that expands the Fiat brand into the growing B-segment.

Let’s take a look at the specs of the new cars. The 2015 Fiat Abarth comes with two transmissions – one 5-speed manual and one 6-speed automatic and a 1.4-liter SOHC 16-valve turbocharged multiair inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 119 kW (162 HP) of power at 5,500 rpm and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm (with 5-speed manual transmission). The same engine delivers 117 kW (159 HP) of power at 5,500 rpm and 183 lb-ft (248 Nm) of torque at 2,400-4,000 rpm with the six-speed automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy is 28/34/31 US mpg (8.4/6.9/7.6 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) with five-speed manual and 24/32/27 US mpg (9.8/7.4/8.7 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) with six-speed manual. The tech specs of the Fiat Abarth Cabrio are the same except that the car does not offer a six-speed automatic transmission and you will have to do with the 5-speed one only.

We do not have information on the 2015 Fiat 500L (if there’s any at all) so we will describe the 2014 Fiat 500L specs – the car is equipped with a 1.4-liter SOHC 16-valve turbocharged multiair inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 119 kW (162 HP) of power at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm. The car reaches 25/33/28 US mpg (9.4/7.1/8.4 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) fuel economy with the offered six-speed manual transmission and 24/33/27 US mpg (9.8/7.1/8.7 liters per 100 km) (city/highway/combined) of fuel economy with the Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission. There’s no information on the Fiat 500e vehicle.

There’s no word on the pricing or the availability dates of the new models as of now.

Source: Fiat

September 3, 2014

The All new Vauxhall ADAM

Vauxhall-Adam-651

The new Vauxhall ADAM is like no other car. With a style to compete with MINI and A1, ADAM hits the market astonishing speed. Over the past few years the car has become highly competitive. Although it’s not the ideal compact, affordable and cheap to run, the ride scores A+ about its options for personalisation as well as 30,000 different style combinations and in-car tech.

With its own personal style the car has two ways to go on the styling front. It either tries to look modern or retro. However the ADAM is taking the modern approach. Like other members of the ADAM family, ROCKS AIR seems to be taller, wider and tougher in appearance. The buyers are given the opportunity to put their own personal touch in the car being able to choose between bright colors and option of painting the roof in a different shade.

As far as for the interior, Vauxhall manages to offer a decent level of spec, comfortable seats and other trim elements – all unique to ROCKS, as well as cup holders, glove box and many more. Prices are reasonable as well, for instance the infotainment screen right next to the leather steering wheel, which is a must, comes with a price of £275.

As for getting comfortable, there are plenty of adjustments in the seats Being the ideal city car, with its really light steering you are able to handle traffic jams a lot easier.The recently launched 1.0-litres three-cylinder turbo petrol engine provides a more fitting driving experience, its 113 bhp and 170 Nm of torque will see you hit 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds and on to a 121 mph top speed.

This inevitably brings me to the part where I have to talk about the car’s downsides. By taking you out of the city you will find the ride a bit firm.The car is a bit bouncy on bumpy road surfaces.The engine itself does not have much power accompanied by very little feedback on how the front wheels are behaving. Fuel economy is not exactly mind blowing. The trunk lacks a lot of space; it’s not exactly fitted for a family holiday.The backseats provide very little space as well. I would not necessarily call them spacious.

Overall a great car for those under 35 and pre-family, although the car really fits in the position of a second family car. Suited for city life this car is best not taken out in the country side, you would enjoy one sweet ride.

More detailed range, pricing and equipment can be read right below:

Remote Central Door Locking with ROCKS design flap key
CD 3.0 BT
Speakers (6+1 speakers)
DMB
Leather wrapped steering wheel w/ Deco Elements, CCtrl & IRC
ROCKS AIR interior visual content
Cloth/Morrocana Seats
ROCKS AIR exterior visual content: cladding, bumpers etc
17” alloys – Swissblade design
Deeply tinted glass – “black” – rear of B-Pillar incl. tailgate
Electric folding canvas roof
LED DRL Signature Lamps
LED Tail lamps
15 mm raised chassis
Chrome DLO
Vauxhall sill plates

The following options are also available:

IntelliLink
Park Assist rear
Floor Mats (standard w/ ROCKS AIR unique Brandy interior)
Car Alarm
Infinity Sound System
Leather trim
Interior decors – painted / foil
Backlighted foil decor
Start / Stop
17“ & 18 Alloy Wheels
Exterior mirror caps
Interior mirror caps
Coloured logo bar

Additional technical data

Six-speed manual gearbox:

Standard on 1.0-litre ECOTEC 12v Direct Injection Turbo (115PS) ecoFLEX Start/Stop

Five speed manual gearbox:

Standard on all models except 1.0-litre ECOTEC

Economy

	Max Speed	0-62 mph	Urban	Extra Urban	Combined	CO₂	First Year	Second
1.2 16v VVT (70PS) (17/18)	103	14.9	39.2	65.7	53.3	125	£0	£110
1.4i 16v VVT (87PS) (17/18)	109	12.5	40.9	64.2	52.3	126	£0	£110
1.0 12v Direct Injection Turbo ecoFLEX Start/Stop (17/18)	121	9.9	44.8	64.2	55.4	119	£0	£30

Brakes

Anti-lock Braking System

Electronic brake force distribution

Emergency brake assist

Cornering brake control

Straight line stability control

Dual circuit, diagonally split braking system

Fuel tank capacity

38 litres (8.4 gallons)

Steering

Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering

Suspension

Front: Independent. MacPherson struts with gas-pressure dampers and coil springs. Anti-roll bar.

Rear: Compound crank with coil springs and gas-pressure dampers.

Engines

Petrol

1.2I 16v VVT ECOTEC -4

Capacity	1229cc
Maximum power	70PS @ 5600rpm
Maximum torque	115Nm (85 lb.ft.) @ 4000rpm
Configuration	4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Naturally aspirated. Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Multi-point sequential fuel injection
Emission compliance	Euro 5
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year
Without Start/Stop	18%

1.4i 16v VVT ECOTEC-4

Capacity	1398cc
Maximum power	87PS @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque	130Nm (96 lb.ft.) @ 4000rpm
Configuration	4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Naturally aspirated. Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Multi-point sequential fuel injection
Emission compliance	Euro 5
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year – 18%

1.4i 16v VVT Turbo ECOTEC-4

Capacity	998cc
Maximum power	115PS @ 5200rpm
Maximum torque	170Nm (125lb.ft.) @ 1800-4500rpm
Configuration	3 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction system	Water-cooled turbocharger with intercooler, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), Central direct injection
Emission compliance	Euro 6
Service interval	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)
Benefit in kind company car taxation rates – 2014/15 tax year – 16%

Source: Vauxhall

September 3, 2014

Rolls-Royce debuts the Ghost Series II in China

The acclaimed British automaker Rolls-Royce has taken advantage of the ongoing 2014 Chengdu Motor Show and has unveiled the highly anticipated Ghost Series II to the vast Chinese market. Customers, living in China and the neighboring countries, can now make use of the latest industry technologies from Rolls-Royce and other companies and join the rank of leading businessmen and entrepreneurs who drive this premium-class vehicle.

During the unveiling of the Ghost Series II at Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center (CCNICEC), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Regional Director for Mainland China Henrik Wilhemsmeyer said, “The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is the ultimate entrepreneur’s business tool. Following the worldwide success of its predecessor, I am confident that this re-designed and updated Rolls-Royce will continue to attract increasing numbers of new customers to the marque, in particular business entrepreneurs seeking an oasis of calm in a frenetic business world.”

The Ghost Series II brings to China the same looks and technologies so you can expect to find re-sculpted LED headlights encircled by daytime running lights that lend Ghost Series II a more dynamic visual signature and blend perfectly with revised surface treatments to the front of the car. A tapered ‘wake channel’ on the bonnet, emanating from the Spirit of Ecstasy, evokes the sight of a jet’s vapour trail or wake of a fast luxury yacht and hints at the car’s dynamism. Subtle re-sculpting of Ghost’s bumpers creates a stronger stance and a sense of extra width and height, whilst the contemporary aesthetic is further enhanced with the addition of chrome inserts to the front air intakes, which now feed more air cooling to the front brakes. In addition, the famous waft line has been re-designed on Ghost Series II to lean further forwards emphasizing the car’s effortless dynamism.

“As a design statement, Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II continues to transcend time,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “This is ensured by the deft treatment of features such as the new headlights, the new wake channel on the bonnet and surfacing that lend the car a more dynamic, purposeful stance and hint at the cutting edge technology inside. I am very pleased with the overall sense of design harmony.”

The Ghost Series II delivers on the inside too – the vehicle combines luxury, technology and connectivity that include on-board Wi-Fi for available connections to the rest of the world so that you can do your business anywhere while Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) ensures that the car automatically adapts to its surroundings augmenting the drive experience. Updates to navigation systems and the car/user interface ensures accessing Ghost’s features remains an effortless experience, whilst optional Bespoke Audio – the most exhaustively engineered and finest audio system in automotive history – brings new levels of aural satisfaction to passengers.

There’s no information on the engine range and the pricing of the new vehicle but we are sure the car will have more than enough power under the hood. As to pricing there’s no way its price is going to be low but Rolls-Royce is Rolls-Royce after all.

Source: Rolls-Royce

September 1, 2014
Toyota publishes pricing for all-new TRD Pro Series Tundra
The Japanese vehicle maker Toyota has announced the price list of the all-new TRD Pro Series Tundra – a high-performance, high durability vehicle designed for rough terrain. The price of the new Tundra will range from USD 41,285 for the Double Cab with a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission to USD 43,900 for the CrewMax V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to these prices expect a USD 1,100 destination, processing and handling fee, although this fee may also vary.

Here’s what you will pay for a new Toyota Tundra TRD Pro:
- Tundra TRD Pro Double Cab 4×4 V8 6AT FFV – USD 41,285;
- Tundra TRD Pro Double Cab 4×4 V8 6AT – USD 41,285;
- Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax 4×4 V8 6AT FFV – USD 43,900;
- Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax 4×4 V8 6AT – USD 43,900;
A distinctive feature of the all-new Tundra TRD Pro is that the vehicle will come with a number of improvements and additions when it comes to off-road performance. The so-called off-road package includes a TRD front skid plate, TRD-tuned springs with 2” lift for the front of the vehicle, a decreased spring rate to improve ride quality over harsh terrain, all-black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with Michelin Off-Road tires designed exclusively for Tundra, a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a TRD dual exhaust system, TRD PRO quarter panel bed stamping, multi-reflector halogen headlights with black sport bezels and manual level control, a unique interior seat color with red stitching and a unique TRD Pro instrument panel ornament insert.

Toyota has something for all 4×4 TRD Pro Series models of Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner too – all of them will be equipped with TRD Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs in the front and rear for increased oil capacity and suspension travel, TRD-tuned front springs, a unique front grill with “TOYOTA” badging (pays tribute to early iconic Toyota models), TRD floor mats, TRD shift knobs and black TRD alloy wheels. There are some cool new colors on the list too – the so called Inferno color is joined by Attitude Black Metallic and Super White – cool classics for off-road rigs.

The new Toyota Tundra TRD Pro will reach dealerships in late September 2014, along with its Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pro Series counterparts.

Source: Toyota
August 29, 2014
All-new 2015 Ford Mustang in production now

Ford has announced that the all-new 2015 Mustang has begun production at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant in the United States. The new car will go on sale this fall in the United States and in more than 120 countries worldwide, marking the first time this vehicle is available around the world to fans of the Mustang brand.

The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang comes with another first – this time the car will also have a right-hand-drive version too, which means that fans in the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa and other countries will be able to drive this beast of a car.

“Mustang is and will continue to be an automotive icon,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Expanding its availability globally affords our customers around the world the opportunity to have a true firsthand Mustang experience – one unlike any other.”

The Ford Mustang is a muscle car so a powerful engine is a must. Don’t worry – the 2015 Mustang will come to you with a powerful 5.0-liter V8 unit with an upgraded valvetrain, a new intake manifold and improved cylinder heads for total power output of 435 horsepower (320 kW) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. In addition to that engine, customers will be able to choose between a 3.7-liter V6 unit and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that brings state-of-the-art technologies to the new Mustang. For instance, this engine makes use of direct injection, variable cam timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver the power every Mustang fan expects – 310 horsepower (228 kW) and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) of torque.

The new 2015 Ford Mustang also comes with a number of other improvements – the new vehicle now comes with all-new front and rear suspension systems. A new perimeter subframe up front helps stiffen the structure while reducing mass, providing a better foundation for more predictable wheel control that benefits handling, steering and ride. In the back you get an all-new integral-link independent suspension with specially tuned geometry springs, dampers and bushings for high-performance applications. New aluminum rear knuckles help reduce unsprung mass for improved ride and handling.

Back in April 2014 Ford celebrated 50 years since the launch of this iconic brand. In this time period the US car maker has sold more than 9.2 million Mustang cars. The Ford Mustang has also been featured in numerous movies, video and music games and more and is the most liked vehicle on Facebook with nearly 8 million likes.

No word on pricing of the new Mustang as of now but we are sure we will have more information later this year.

Source: Ford

August 29, 2014
Nissan Altima is most comfortable car under USD 30,000

Owners of the Nissan Altima have one more reason to be happy with their purchase – in the United States the Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com has named the 2014 Nissan Altima one of the “10 most comfortable cars under USD 30,000”. The Altima is sixth on the list with KBB.com editors specifically citing its “notably comfortable” NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” front seats as a selling-point.

“In addition to its advanced ‘Zero Gravity’ front seats, the 2014 Altima features soft-touch armrests as well as noise absorption materials to help reduce cabin noise and improve the overall experience inside the vehicle,“ said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Coupled with its innovative, stylish design and wide range of available technology features, the Altima is the perfect home-away-from-home. This honor from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com further reaffirms our commitment to comfortable, quality products and the needs of our customers.”

In order to create the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” list, KBB.com editors select vehicles that offer comfort-oriented features and that “debuted upmarket just a few years ago”. All vehicles on the list sell for less than USD 30,000 according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price (FPP), a tool designed to show shoppers what others are paying for a specific new car. The 2014 Nissan Altima FPP now is USD 21,223, which places it among the three most affordable vehicles on the list.

The 2014 Nissan Altima offers a premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology, which make it one of the best selling cars in the United States. The starting price of only USD 22,170 adds to this performance too. The car is offered in five well-equipped models and two engines – a 182-horsepower (134 kW) 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder inline engine, that achieves US 38 mpg (6.2 liters per 100 km), and a 270-horsepower (199 kW) 3.5-liter V6 engine. Both engines arrive with a smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission.

Source: Nissan

August 27, 2014
Volvo Cars debuts the new 2015 Volvo XC90

Volvo Cars has officially unveiled the eagerly expected 2015 Volvo XC90 after months of speculation. As promised before the new SUV delivers world leading safety features, new powertrain technologies, power and fuel efficiency, and a superior interior finish – all wrapped in a visually striking design.

“This is one of the most important days in our history. We are not just launching a car, but re-launching our brand. This day marks a new era for our company. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Group.

The new 2015 Volvo XC90 is the result of a USD 11-billion investment program and is the first vehicle in a new chapter of Volvo’s history that includes a future design direction, a range of new technologies and the all new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.

The T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights will be the first thing that will impress you when you see the new 2015 Volvo XC90. The new vehicle is also the first Volvo to come with the company’s new and more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. The XC90’s larger bonnet with its new topography, the beltline and the sharpened shoulders connecting with the distinctive new rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range. In addition to that the new 2015 Volvo XC90 will sport wheel sizes of up to 22 inches.

“The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on wellbeing,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.

“SPA has enabled us to create the world’s first SUV without compromises,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “You get the in-command feel, generous interior space and flexible capability combined with the agility and smooth comfort of a much smaller and lower car. The adrenaline rush that is key to true driving pleasure is delivered by powertrains that offer an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation. And since the XC90 carries the Volvo badge, world-class safety is standard.”

The all-new 2015 Volvo XC90 comes with a number of comprehensive and technologically sophisticated safety technologies including two world first safety features – a run-off road protection package and an auto brake at intersection capability. In a run-off road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain. The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. Finally you get the so called City Safety feature that includes auto brake functions that are standard on the all-new XC90. It covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car during daytime and at night.

“The new technologies will take us a significant step closer to our vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020,” says Dr. Mertens. “Our starting point on safety is the same today as it was when the company was created almost 90 years ago: real-life situations. We study data. We crunch numbers. We innovate. The result is one of the safest cars ever made.”

The new Volvo XC90 is very luxurious on the inside too. The vehicle features a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services. It also helps create an interior that is modern, spacious and uncluttered. The interior is made of soft leather and wood with handcrafted details, including a gear lever that is made of crystal glass from Orrefors – the famous Swedish glassmaker – and diamond-cut controls for the Start/Stop button and volume control. The genuine seven seater features new, innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows. The third row offers class-leading comfort for two passengers up to 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall. Music fans are covered too – the XC90 now comes with one of the top audio systems available in the automotive world thanks to efforts by both Volvo Cars and the British audio equipment company Bowers & Wilkins. The top-of-the-line system in the XC90 features a 1,400-watt Class D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers. It also includes one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. Integrated into the car body, it turns the whole interior space into a giant subwoofer. The latest sound processing software has ben used to manage the timing of the sound and co-ordination of the speakers. This brings the emotional experience of a world-class live performance into the car.

Two main accessory themes also add taste to the all-new 2015 Volvo XC90. The vehicle offers a choice between the Urban Luxury package and the Rugged Luxury kit. The former combines a color co-ordinated body kit with polished stainless steel details, such as front deco frames, front and rear skid plates and side scuff plates while the latter enhances the ruggedness of the XC90 SUV with tech matte black exterior trim, stainless steel skid plates, running boards with illumination and integrated exhaust pipes. The Urban Luxury package also arrives with 21-inch exclusive polished wheels, while the Rugged Luxury kit has unique 22-inch wheels.

The 2015 Volvo XC90 is powered by a range of 2-liter, four cylinder Drive-E engines that provide both power and fuel efficiency. The most powerful engine of them all is the XC90 Twin Engine that combines a 2-liter, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor for total power output of 400 horsepower (294 kW) and carbon dioxide emissions of just around 60 g/km.

Fans of the XC90 will be able to order the new vehicle in October with customer deliveries starting in May 2015. Expect to pay around GBP 45,000 for one 2015 Volvo XC90.

Source: Volvo

August 27, 2014
Volvo releases truck that runs on natural gas

The Swedish auto maker Volvo has enhanced its truck range in Europe with the addition of a new version of the Volvo FE that runs entirely on compressed natural gas (CNG). The so-called Volvo FE CNG has been designed for activities that involve short driving cycles with repeated stops such as trash collection or local distribution. In addition to that the new Volvo FE CNG offers exceptional environmental cleanliness as natural gas has very low levels of harmful particles. If produced from biofuels, natural gas can have carbon dioxide emissions that are up to 70 per cent lower than those of a diesel-powered truck.

“With the Volvo FE CNG we can now offer companies that drive predominantly in urban environments a truck with a far lower environmental impact. Many cities the world over are looking for alternatives to diesel-powered trucks. In the field of refuse handling, for example, renewable fuels are often a requirement for securing a contract,” says Christina Eriksson, Business Manager Alternative Drivelines at Volvo Trucks.

The new Volvo FE CNG is powered by an all-new 9-liter Euro-6 engine featuring spark plug technology that produces 320 horsepower (235 kW) and 1356 Nm (1000 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to its six-speed fully-automatic transmission, the truck retains the same excellent driveability and productivity as the conventional Volvo FE. The automatic transmission also gives faster driveline response.

“Spark plug technology is particularly suitable for driving cycles where the truck covers short distances with a lot of start-stop traffic,” explains Christina Eriksson.

“Methane gas is the fuel that will become a sustainable alternative to diesel in the long-term. Right now the focus is on working together with the various public authorities and private corporations to draw up the relevant rules and create the right conditions for positive development,” says Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks.

The new Volvo FE CNG will become commercially available this month with series production commencing in early 2015. No word on pricing as of now.

Source: Volvo

August 26, 2014