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2015 Toyota Yaris Facelift

Toyota has released some information about the upcoming 2015 Yaris Facelift. The small city car will get a major exterior styling change and some nice interior improvements.

Outside the 2015 Yaris Facelift will come with a new front fascia taken from the all-new Aygo. There is also a big lower grille combined with the upper one to create an “X” shape. The new Yaris will also come with integrated DRLs (daytime running lights) within the darkened headlights. There are also new taillights and revised rear bumper. The Japan manufacturer is also preparing new alloy wheel designs along with a revised interior cabin packing the latest version of the Toyota Link infotainment system.

2015 Toyota Yaris will also get a revised suspension for improved handling and comfort while the noise levels have be reduced to improve the comfort. The engine range will be the same and a hybrid model is also expected. These include a 1.0 liter and 1.33 liter petrol and a 1.4 liter D-4D diesel engine.

Yaris is the fourth highest selling Toyota passenger car ever sold in Australia – after Corolla, Camry and Corona. Cumulative sales in the country have passed 181,000 in just eight-and-a-half years since the nameplate arrived in late 2005.

More details of the new Yaris and its introduction will be announced soon.

April 22, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Touareg Facelift

Volkswagen has unveiled the 2015 Touareg Facelift before its official premiere at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The big SUV comes with new styling, improved materials for the interior and some innovative technology.

The exterior is more refined and boasts nice style. At the front, the new Touareg features bigger headlights – now with bi-xenon as standard across the range, a deeper new radiator grille with four zontal fins and a reprofiled bumper. At the rear, there is a new bumper with a new rear diffuser between the twin tailpipes and LED rear foglights integrated in the bumper. New door mirror caps, a range of new wheel designs and new paint colours complete the exterior makeover.

The interior comes with leather upholstery as standard with a lot of new colours available. There are also new design accents and new lighting.

Some of the innovative technology of 2015 Volkswagen Touareg includes an automatic post-collision braking system, bi-xenon headlights and a coasting function on the 8-speed automatic gearbox. This last feature utilises the vehicle’s kinetic energy when driving downhill or when acceleration is not needed.

The optional ADC automatic distance control has been enhanced. ADC, which uses a radar sensor integrated into the front of the car to detect distance from the car in front, maintain a preselected speed and automatically brake or accelerate in traffic, now also includes a city emergency braking function, and can automatically pull away in stop-and-go traffic.

The 3.0 liter V6 TDI with 245HP now offers 258HP (190 kW) and the 204HP (150 kW) variant now returns a combined cycle 42.8 mpg UK and 174 g/km of CO₂, while the more powerful model returns 41.5 mpg UK and 178 g/km of CO₂_.The V8 diesel and Hybrid models will no longer be offered in the UK.

2015 Volkswagen Touareg Facelift will be available to order in the UK in August.

Source: Volkswagen

April 17, 2014

MG Dynamo Concept EV – 71HP and 155Nm

MG is going to celebrate their 90^th anniversary with an all-new model called Dynamo Concept. The electric vehicle is developed by SAIC’s European Design and Technical Center and “encompasses the latest in design and engineering technology.”

The manufacturer didn’t release any further specifications, but said that the concept was created to “fully understand European market demand for a small, electric MG”. Still, the Dynamo Concept EV will feature LED fog lights, a sloping roofline and five-spoke alloy wheels.

The electric motor has 71HP (52 kW) and 155Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque. The curb weight is 1,080 kg (2,381 lb). 0-50 km/h in 5.3 seconds and a range of 80 km (50 miles) on a single charge.

The Dynamo Concept EV can be recharged up to 80% in just 30 minutes or fully recharged in 6 hours.

Other interesting models to be shown at SMMT headquarters in Westminster, London, features current UK production models; MG6 and MG3.

The MG6 comes with an impressive equipment as standard on all models, with class leading interior and boot space, and MG driving dynamics available in both a sporty GT Fastback and GT Magnette saloon body styles, and both petrol and diesel variants. The MG6 is priced from £15,455 and includes the new 150HP (112 kW) and 350 Nm (259 lb-ft), 6-speed stop-start diesel engine.

Source: MG

April 17, 2014

Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Car [sketch]

Volkswagen has published several design sketches of the Golf R 400 Concept Car. The ultra-hot hatchback will make its official premiere at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show on April 19^th. As you may suggest, it will boast extreme power and aggressive exterior.

The exterior of Golf R400 Concept comes with new front and rear bumpers, flared wheelarches, uprated wheels and tires. The interior is also reworked and includes motorsport shell seats with integral head restraints and belt openings.

The flared wheelarches are deliberately reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60, and most of the concept is painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, in contrast to the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps.

Lemon Yellow highlights on the outside include the horizontal stripe across the grille,which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights, while the interior stitching is also ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The four-wheel drive, DSG-equipped Golf R 400 will accelerate 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and the top speed will be 280 km/h (174 mph).

No words about production, but Golf R 4000 will be definitely spectacular.

Source: Volkswagen

April 17, 2014

DMC Ferrari 458 Italia Estremo & The Twin Bike

dmc-ferrari-458-italia-estremo-and-the-twin-bike DMC and No-Limit-Custom will exhibit the spectacular Estremo based on one of the best sports cars in the world – Ferrari 458 Italia. The specially prepared tuned vehicle will be joined by a bespoke motorcycle from No-Limit-Custom at the 2014 Top Marques Monaco.

The unique twin bike boasts the same red and black theme as the Ferrari and yellow brake calipers. DMC is going to produce only 15 Estremo cars as each of them come with incredible styling and additional performance upgrade.

DMC 458 Estremo is powered by a 4.5 liter naturally aspirated V8 with 592HP (435 kW) – an increase of 22HP (18 kW). The ride height is lowered thanks to the new sports suspension. Other highlights include a new ventilated hood, 20” and 21” alloy wheels fitted with performance tires, carbon fiber front fascia, a new rear wing and aerodynamics side skirts. All components are made exclusively from carbon fiber, which reflects to the vehicle’s curb weight – minus 50 to 80 kg (110 to 176 lbs).

From DMC commented that every third customer, who chosen to modify his (or hers) Ferrari 458 Italia will get the “Gold Edition” fitted with F1-style canards and a bespoke owner plate signed by the car’s designer.

Source: DMC

April 17, 2014

Ford Mustang GT 50 Year Limited Edition Debuts In New York

Ford Mustang GT 50 Year Limited Edition comes to pay homage to one of world’s most popular cars. Exactly, fifty years ago in 1964 the first Mustang debuted in New York. The Mustang GT 50 Year Limited Edition will be produced in the exact number of 1964 examples and will go on sale this fall. It is based in the new 2015 Mustang GT fastback, equipped with performance pack. The only options for the 50 Year Limited Edition are the choice of two exterior colors and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The muscle car is powered by the upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine. It produces more than 420 horsepower (310 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb.-ft.). In addition, every 50 Year Limited Edition will be equipped with the Mustang GT performance pack. The latter features six-piston Brembo front brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance Y-speed-rated Pirelli P-Zero summer tires.

In fact, the design of the 19-inch alloy wheels is inspired by the unique Y-spoke design of the chromed steel wheels offered on the original Mustang. In particular, the front wheels are 9.0 inches wide and come with 255/40R tires, while the rear wheels are 9.5 inches wide and are with 275/40R tires.

Inside, the drivers will know they are driving a very special car. The reason for this is the addition of an aluminum trim panel that spans the double-brow instrument panel and gets an axel spin finish. The latter is different from other 2015 Mustangs.

A special serialized 50 Year Limited Edition badge on the passenger side adds also to the uniqueness of the model. The limited-edition car is the only 2015 Mustang with a cashmere-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The same stitching is also applied on the instrument panel, shifter boot, center armrest, door inserts and seats.

Furthermore, the seats include two-tone cashmere and black leather upholstery, and the Mustang 50 Year logo on the seat backs. The cars will be equipped with loop-carpet floor mats with cashmere stitching and suede binding, which can’t be seen on other Mustangs.

Source: Ford

April 17, 2014

Volvo S60L PPHEV Concept Debuts At Auto China

Volvo S60L PPHEV Concept is to debut at the 2014 Beijing International Auto Show. PPHEV stands for Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which means that an electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car are all rolled into one. This offers the driver an excellent combination of dynamic driving pleasure and great fuel economy. The production version of the model is planned to be launched in China early 2015 and will be built locally.

S60L PPHEV features the same electrification technology as the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The latter was world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. In the new concept, however, the diesel engine has been replaced with a two-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo unit from the Drive-E engine family.

It produces 238 hp (175 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Other key components in the powertrain are the crankshaft-driven ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) between the engine and the 8-speed automatic gearbox and the 68 hp electric motor powered by a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

There are three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid or Power. In the default hybrid mode, the CO2 emissions are rated at 50 g/km, while the fuel consumption is just 2.0l/100 km. The all-electric range is 50 km. When both petrol turbo engine and electric motor are used together, they deliver 238+68 horsepower, 350+200 Nm of torque, and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds.

The concept can be recharged from a regular power outlet at home or in a car park. A full charge takes up to an approximately 4.5 hours. In addition, the model also has an AWD button, which activates the exceptionally responsive electric four-wheel drive

S60L PPHEV Concept Car is painted in a matt white crystal pearl colour. Accents include contrasting black or blue details on the lower body and the seven-spoke wheels. Inside, the interior features hazel-brown leather with contrasting stitching on the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and door panels. Additional chrome detailing and a blond colour theme above the belt line contribute to the luxurious in-car experience.

Source: Volvo

April 17, 2014

Dodge Viper GTS Time Attack Carbon Special Edition

Dodge Viper GTS Time Attack Carbon Special Edition has been shown today at the New York International Auto Show. Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand is enhancing the iconic Viper with an Anodized Carbon Special Edition Package as well as with the new Time Attack Group road-racing spec-package. Only 50 examples of this exclusive model will be produced. Of course, each vehicle will carry a numbered dash plaque that will identify its uniqueness.

Anodized Carbon Special Edition Package was introduced last year. It adds to the Viper GTS one-of-a-kind Metallic Matte exterior color. Now, the vehicle is getting even more outstanding via the combination of the special exterior color with the new Time Attack Group of performance parts.

These parts include a carbon fiber rear deck lid spoiler and two-piece front corner splitters. In addition, also included are two-mode Bilstein dampers which were tuned for maximum on-track performance. They feature unique orange springs.

Furthermore, Street and Race Mode suspension settings offer firmer damping. Other highlights in terms of handling are the Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, matte black lightweight forged-aluminum Sidewinder wheels and solid sway bars. Track-duty two-piece Brembo brake rotors contribute to an increased thermal capacity for additional resistance to brake fade.

In fact, the Anodized Carbon Special Edition Package features Metallic Matte Black and satin surface finishes. Satin Black Vapor marks the exhaust bezels, fuel-filler door, and carbon brake ducts and a rear appliqué below the liftgate.

The interior is wrapped in Alcantara. Contrast is making the orange stitching. Precisely, an Alcantara headliner, Alcantara-wrapped knee blockers and door bolsters provide interior surface texture contrast, while gunmetal bezels, orange vent accents, and carbon-fiber trim make the accents here. Nappa leather and Alcantara is used for the sport seats.

Source: Dodge

April 17, 2014

Mazda Introduces MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition

Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition is making a world premiere today at the New York International Auto Show. The Miata in Japanese stands for roadster; and this special edition sportscar was created to celebrate 25 years since the introduction of Mazda’s iconic roadster – MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show in the USA. The car also incorporates the newly-developed SKYACTIV-chassis that will form the basis of the next generation MX-5. Since 1989 more than 940,000 units have been produced and the successful model continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sportscar.

Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition is based on the 2.0-litre 160 hp Roadster Coupe. It has a power retractable hard top and its engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The car is exclusively offered in Soul Red Metallic color.

The Brilliant Black-painted roof, A-pillars, and door mirror housings reflect the great amount of attention to the detail that has been paid to this car. In addition, the off-white leather seat upholstery and door trim, hand-finished dashboard decorative panel in Piano Black and the fitting of Bilstein dampers plus 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels contribute to the exclusive appearance of the model.

In the new SKYACTIV-chassis the engine will be located closer to the vehicle’s centre and the vehicle’s centre of gravity will be lower than in any previous Mazda MX-5. The upcoming model has been engineered and developed to achieve excellent body rigidity. In addition, it also reduces the overall weight by more than 100 kg.

Source: Mazda

April 17, 2014

2015 Scion FR-S Special Edition – TRD Upgrades

Scion is going to exhibit FR-S Special Edition at the 2014 New York Auto Show in few days. It draws on track heritage and the expertise of Toyota Racing Development (TRD). There is a wide array of nice upgrades which will be appreciated by the fans.

“It’s fitting that the first Scion FR-S Release Series draws on the rich motorsports history that inspired the FR-S design while standing out in new ways that will excite our drivers,” commented Scion Vice President Doug Murtha.

“FR-S enthusiasts will appreciate the side spoilers and lowered stance that deliver a look and feel meant for the track, at a price meant for them.”, Mr. Murtha added.

The exterior comes with a Yuzu paint scheme and a custom aerodynamic body kit which will include a rear spoiler and side fender elements. There is also a quad exhaust setup and lowered ride height thanks to the set of sport springs. Other highlights include a Smart Key with Push Button Start. TRD installed a different steering wheel, shift knob, black seats with T-pattern and a unique logo cargo floor mat.

Last, but not least are the headlights with HID headlamps and LED DRLs (daytime-running lights).

Of course, each of the 1,500 units of Scion FR-S Special Edition will have an individually numbered plaque and a price of below $30,000.

Source: Scion

April 16, 2014

BMW 2-Series 228i Coupe Track Handling Package [video]

The 2015 BMW 2-Series 228i Track Handling Package is officially unveiled. BMWBlog has published a lot of pictures and a video clip presenting the performance coupe. The car will be available to order in July, this year.

As we previously mentioned the Track Handling Package includes ///M Adaptive Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on unique 18” light-alloy wheels , Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes. The package will be available from July 2014 for both 6-speed manual and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission-equipped BMW 228i Coupe models.

The /// M Adaptive Suspension lowers the ride height by 10mm and makes use of several sensors to provide a “comprehensive real-time profile of damping needs at all four corners to effectively read and adapt to the road” in a few milliseconds. In other words, the 228i with Track Handling Package will corner even sharper.

BMW 2-Series 228i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower turbo gasoline engine with 245HP (180 kW) at 5,000RPM and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,250RPM. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels or a 6-speed manual variant. 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hW8kJMJvaU

Source: BimmerBlog

April 16, 2014

2015 Chevrolet Trax – US Spec [video]

Chevrolet is going to offer the new 2015 Trax in the US with first deliveries expected in the beginning of the next year. The compact crossover will be exhibited at the 2014 New York Auto Show. We doubt that it will make huge success, because the US market is quite demanding.

“Trax offers customers another option in the Chevrolet family and will be a strong competitor in the emerging small-SUV market, which is expected to grow more than 80 % by 2016,” commented Alan Batey, General Motors senior vice president, Global Chevrolet.

“Trax also leverages our global resources and builds on Chevrolet’s strong SUV heritage.”, he added.

2015 Chevrolet Trax US is virtually identical to the European version. The US model comes with a “dual-port” grille, sweptback headlights and muscular rear fenders. The model also has plastic body cladding and 16” or 18” alloy wheels.

The interior boasts a new inspired instrument cluster, metallic accents and a MyLink infotainment system with a 7” display. The luggage compartment is pretty big – 530 liters and can be increased to 1,371 liter with rear seats folded down.

The engine is a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline with 140HP (103 kW) and 200Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUr_NhPn9o

2015 Chevrolet Trax Specs:

Overview

Model:	Chevrolet Trax
Body style / driveline:	small SUV, front-engine/front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
Construction:	body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	sport utility vehicle
Key competitors:	Kia Soul, Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Manufacturing locations:	Bupyeong, South Korea and San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Engine

	1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu. in. / cc):	83.2 / 1364
Bore and stroke (in. / mm):	2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6
Block material:	cast iron
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP)
Ignition system:	coil on plug
Fuel delivery:	sequential multi-port fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	9.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	138 / 103 @ 4900 (SAE certified)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):	148 / 200 @ 1850 (SAE certified)
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Max engine speed (rpm):	6500
Emissions controls:	close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; pre- and post-oxygen sensors
EPA fuel economy (city / hwy):	26 / 34

Transmission

	Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic
Gear ratios (:1)
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.94
Final drive:	3.53

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	MacPherson strut with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar; steel 6-point rigid attachment front cross member
Rear:	compound crank (torsion beam); coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers
Steering type:	column-mounted electric power steering; rack-and-pinion gear (straight ratio)
Steering ratio:	16.1:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	2.7 (16-inch wheels) 2.6 (18-inch wheels)
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	36.7 / 11.2

Brakes

Type:	FWD: front discs with ventilated rotors, rear drums; standard ABS AWD: four-wheel disc with ventilated front discs and solid rear discs; standard ABS
Brake rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	front: 11.8 x 1.0 / 300 x 26, ventilated discs (FWD & AWD) rear: 10.6 x 0.5 / 268 x 12, solid discs (AWD)
Drum diameter (in / mm) :	rear: 9 / 230 (FWD)
Anti-lock braking system:	Mando MGH60 Chassis Controls: ABS / TCS / ESC with rollover mitigation

Wheels/Tires

Wheels:	16 x 6.5-inch steel with wheel cover (std.) 16 x 6.5-inch aluminum (opt.) 18 x 7-inch aluminum (opt.)
Tires:	P205/70R16 ALS (std.) P215/55R18 AL3 (opt.)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	100.6 / 2555
Overall length (in / mm):	168.5 / 4280
Overall width (in / mm):	69.9 / 1776
Overall height (in / mm):	65.9 / 1674
Track (in / mm):	front: 60.6 / 1540 rear: 60.6 / 1540
Curb weight (lb / kg):	FWD: 2805 / 1293 (est.) AWD: 3208 / 1455 (est.)
Minimum ground clearance (in. / mm):	front: 6.2 / 157 rear: 6.2 / 157

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	front: 39.6 / 1005 rear: 38.8 / 985
Legroom (in / mm):	front: 40.8 / 1037 rear: 35.7 / 907
Shoulder room (in / mm):	front: 54.1 / 1374 rear: 52.8 / 1340
Hip room (in / mm):	front: 51.7 / 1313 rear: 50.2 / 1274
Passenger volume (cu ft / L):	92.8 / 2628
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	18.7 / 530 (behind rear seat) 48.4 / 1371 (rear seat folded)

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	14 / 53
Engine oil (qt / L):	4.75 / 4.5
Cooling system (qt / L):	6.9 / 6.5

Source: Chevrolet

April 16, 2014

Category: Auto News