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Mitsubishi Exhibits Three New Concepts At Geneva Motor Show

Geneva International Motor Show opens on 6th of March and there we will see the plans for the future of many brands. Among them is Mitsubishi Motors Corporation w) which will present its three latest concepts to the European customers.

The brand has embedded in them great design, driving performance and low environmental impact. The concepts also signal the future plans for Mitsubishi. The first one is Concept XR-PHEV, which is a next-generation coupé-like compact plug-in hybrid electric crossover.

The model utilizes front-wheel drive layout PHEV system that features a 1.1-litre direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC petrol engine, a lightweight, compact and high-efficiency motor and a high-capacity battery.

Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV will be also presented at the event. It is a next-generation full-size plug-in hybrid electric SUV with full-time 4WD. This model is equipped with front 3.0-litre V6 supercharged MIVEC petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It also offers a high-output motor and a high-capacity battery in order to deliver enhanced performance.

At last, the visitors of Geneva Motor Show will be delighted to see the Concept AR. This is a next-generation compact MPV that mixes the sportiness of a SUV with the roominess of MPV. It utilizes a lightweight mild hybrid Belt-driven Starter and Generator system (BSG) including a 1.1-litre 3-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC unit coupled with a low output BSG torque circuit with a 48V lithium-ion battery and DC-DC converter.

Mitsubishi also announced that it will celebrate in Geneva its 40 years presence in Europe.

Source: Mitsubishi

February 7, 2014

Citroen Roll Out The C4 Cactus

Citroen-C4-Cactus-shadow Citroen-C4-Cactus-medium This is the completely real (as in “production”) Citroen C4 Cactus here to rock your world. Now, we know you might be thinking, “Production you say? Then what are those designy thingies on it?”

Ah, you see, that’s the Cactus’ thermoplastic polyurethane shell (TPU). Well, here’s a more rustic name for it: Airbump® – it’s supposed to do away with dents and scratches in real life. Found on the front and rear bumpers and the sides, the Airbump® provides a type of buffer zone which protects the actual body. We guess “bubble wrap” was already taken, huh?

So we have cushions on the outside, a mind-bending array of driving aids – park assist, a reversing camera, hill-start assist, to name a few – have they lost all confidence in the human proneness to accidents…oh.

Yes, “clever” is the word of the day. The C4 is sleek and slippery, it’s spacious, comfortable and very high-tech….for a cactus. Who needs dials and needles nowadays when there’s an app for that? A 7-inch touchscreen conjures up any cluster you might fancy – from the air conditioning controls to the yellow pages index. Face it, we’ve all felt the need to order Chinese whilst behind the wheel. Feel free to order as much as you want too. See, despite being arguably small (4.16 m long; 1.73 m wide) the Cactus is till a C-class vehicle. Ergo, you still get a 358 liter boot. A UV-protective panoramic roof amplifies the sense of space even more.

If you go for the optional Efficient Tronic Gearbox (ETG) you also lose the stick. Instead, there’s this selection system that Citroen is trying to push on us called the Easy Push. Yeah, we made the lamest pun ever.

And no, the Cactus doesn’t have an iPhone for an engine, but there is no fusion reactor to be found either? More like a 110bhp turbo three-cylinder petrol at best. But that’s ok because the whole thing weighs no more than a 1000 kg thanks to a heavy aluminum diet. It shouldn’t be too sluggish is what we mean. And with the Stop/Start system as standard, the Cacti (plural) fuel economy and emission values are rated at around 91.1 mpg and less than 100 g/km of CO2 – cleanliness truly is next to godliness.

Source: Citroen

February 6, 2014

Tata Nexon and ConnectNext Concept

Tata

Tata has unveiled the Nexon Concept and the ConnectNext Concept car at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo.

The Nexon Concept is described as a “modern youthful compact SUV”. It boats the manufacturer’s new styling and individualism. There are no specific characteristics, but the Nexon has a two-tone exterior with a mesh grille flanked by distinctive headlights. There are also bulging fenders and an upward sweeping beltline.

The ConnectNext Cocnept is a futuristic vehicle that has an advanced interior that “seamlessly helps connect with professional and personal networks”. Essentially, it is an electric car boasting of Cloud Connectivity.

Source: Tata

February 6, 2014

2014 Suzuki Celerio EU Spec

Suzuki will exhibit the all-new 2014 Celerio Euro-spec at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show, in March. The new model was previewed by the A:Wind Concept and it will the substitute of Alto.

2014 Susuzki Celerio EU has following dimensions: 3600mm length, 1600mm width and 1560mm height, with a 2425mm wheelbase. The ground clearance is 165mm and the turning radius is 4.7-meter. The curb weight is just 810 kg (1,785 lbs).

The new Celerio is powered by an 1.0 liter three-cylinder engine – 68HP (50 kW) at 6,000RPM and 90Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500RPM. The engine is connected to a 5-speed manual or an automated manual gearbox.

Other Suzuki models on display will include the Splash, Swift, Swift Sport, SX4 S-CROSS, Jimny and Grand Vitara.

Source: Suzuki

February 6, 2014

2015 BMW X3 – Updated Exterior, Interior and Engine Range

BMW has officially unveiled the 2015 X3 Facelift. The model comes with revised exterior, interior and two new engine variants. The 2015 BMW X3 will hit the US market in spring with a price tag of $39,325.
The exterior comes with a revised front grille and new headlights reminding to those on the new X5. There are also several new paint finishes, redesigned mirrors and new styles alloy wheels. The X3 Facelift can be ordered with the xLine package including underbody guards, metallic trim accents and special 18” or 19” alloy wheels fitted with proper tires. The M-Sport package is also available and includes complete aerodynamics package, shadow line trim and 18” to 20” alloy wheels. It also includes sport front seats, an anthracite roof liner and a sport-tuned suspension.

The interior boasts new upholstery designs, revised trim and new cup holders. There are also some gloss black accents, a modified infotainment system and an iDrive controller with an integrated touchpad. A very nice extra is the “Smart Opener” that opens the tailgate when put your foot under the rear bumper.

The X3 xDrive20d now produces 190HP (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) – an increase of 6HP and 20Nm. 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, which is pretty good for an economical crossover. The fuel consumption is 5.8 liters / 100 km in city, 5.1 liters / 100 km on the highway and 5.4 liters / 100 km on combined cycle.

There is also an eco-friendly X3 sDrive18d with RWD – 150HP (110 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox and has an average fuel consumption of just 5.0 l / 100 km – 47 mpg US or 56.4 mpg UK with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km.

Some of the additional equipment includes Parking Assistant, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and preventive pedestrian protection.

Source: BMW

February 6, 2014

Honda Unveils Vision XS-1 Concept [VIDEO]

An exciting new concept vehicle was presented by the Japanese brand Honda at the 12th Auto Expo 2014 held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The vehicle is named Vision XS-1 and is a creative study model that exudes company’s vision for the future.

In fact, this Honda is based on two original ideas we have seen in the past. The first one is the M/M concept. The initials stand for man maximum and machine minimum. This basically means that the Vision XS-1 includes two different values – sporty appearance and great spaciousness in the compact body.

The second idea embodied in this vehicle is the “Exciting H Design”, which is Honda’s human-centered design concept. Some of the key features included in this concept model are the three rows of seats for a maximum of seven occupants, the combination of sportiness and versatile space and the sliding doors with large openings.

Unfortunately, Honda does not plan a mass-production for Honda Vision XS-1.

httpv://youtu.be/1MVohnXN8Eo

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

February 6, 2014

Mopar 4700 Spec Class 4×4 To Compete At 2014 Griffin King of The Hammers

Mopar will be making tests in southern California desert at the 2014 Griffin King of The Hammers. This is an event which is considered to be the toughest one-day off-road race in the world, because it combines desert racing and rock crawling.

The race is held for one week every February on public lands in Johnson Valley in an off-highway vehicle area known as “The Hammers”. The participants are divided in four distinct categories, race on a 100+ mile terrain that features sandy washes dotted with creosote bushes, flat dry lakebeds, sand dunes and rock canyons and trails.

Mopar will be currently competing in the Every Man Challenge race category. The latter allows stock and modified stock vehicles to take part in the race. Mopar’s GEN III 5.7 liter HEMI crate engine will be included in six unique “4700 Spec Class” 4×4 vehicles. They have a custom tube frame design which is based on the Jeep Wrangler, and are outfitted with Mopar’s HEMI crate engine and Mopars parts.

Each of the six unique Mopar-powered 4×4 vehicles will be driven by the following drivers:

#4701– Eric Bothwell with co-driver Robb Pritchard, who will be driving the Dynomax vehicle.
#4702– Larry Nickell, who will be driving the Team Yukon Vehicle.
#4703 – Jessi Combs – the fastest woman on four wheels. She will be racing in the Team Falken Vehicle.
#4704 – Ross Stanford will be racing for Team Spidertrax.
#4705 – Shannon Campbell – two time “King of The Hammers” Champion, who will be racing the Team Fox car.
#4706 – Jim Marsden will compete in the Team Odyssey vehicle.

Source: Mopar

February 6, 2014

TEASER: Skoda VisionC Design Study

Skoda has released a teaser sketch of its upcoming concept vehicle which will have its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It will be brand’s highlight at the show.

Carrying the name Skoda VisionC Design Study, the model exudes dynamism and exceptional aesthetics. Its design was developed the last few years with the aim to move Skoda to a next level of sophistication.

The five door coupe concept underpins the evolution of brand’s design language and gives hints towards what we can expect to see in the future. In fact, Skoda’s goal is to renew and broaden the entire range of models.

The design language of the dynamic and elegant coupe is more expressive, dynamic and emotional, and at the same time, shows the innovative steps that the company is implying in this study.

VisionC seems influenced by the design of Volkswagen CC four-door coupe. It has the same low and sleek roofline, a short front and rear overhangs, as well as sporty stance. The car is expected to be powered by high-output and efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engine. More details to come near official debut.

Source: Skoda

February 6, 2014

Mercedes-Benz Expanding The S-Class Family

Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-S-600-medium The recently launched new S-Class family is now growing with four new members. That’s rigt, Mercedes-Benz are introducing a fuel-sipper (BlueTEC HYBRID), an AWD fuel-sipper (BlueTEC 4MATIC), a 5-star hotel on wheels (S 600) and an S 65 AMG – the name says it all. Let’s give them a quick look one at a time.

The 300 BlueTEC HYBRID – a diesel-based hybrid that will have an offensively low overall fuel consumption of just 4.4 liters per 100 km and a CO2 emission value of 115 g/km. Keep in mind that this is an S-Class that can be had with a long wheel base as well. In order to achieve these figures of frugality, the 300 uses a 20 kW electric motor nestled between the main 204 hp engine (a 2.2-liter four-cylnder) and the automatic transmission. You also get the usual hybrid tech like brake recuperation, and all electric drive only etc.

The 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC is a different story. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel in it churns out 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. And even though it’s essentially an AWD vehicle, it returns 5.9 liters per 100 km (again with either wheelbase). That means that in terms of economy, it’s on par with the previous four-cylinder S 250 CDI.

The S 600 (pictured above) will now stand at the top of the S-Class luxury pyramid. It comes only as a long wheelbase. You will also be stuck with an LED Intelligent Light System, a Magic Body Control suspension with Road Surface Scan and a Driver Assistance Plus package. It’s not all caviare and truffles though. There’s a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 under the hood that hauls all that machinery with 530 hp. Maximum torque is 830 Nm from 1900 rpm. F (class) in efficiency, however.

Finally, there’s the hardcore Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG (pictured bellow). Same engine as the S 600’s, more power. 630 hp and 1000 Nm of torque to be exact. The fuel economy has been reduced by 2.4 liters per 100 km but still stands at 11.9 (F). Long wheelbase, Magic Body Control with Road Surface Scan.

Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-S-65-AMG-medium

All four models are available for ordering with an official launch date sometime in March this year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 5, 2014

Volkswagen Taigun First Time in Asia

Volkswagen-Taigun-Concept-shadow Volkswagen-Taigun-Concept-medium-1 Today the Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi kicked off and here’s what’s hot: The Volkswagen Taigun – ever so close to production – is making its Asian premier. This time, however, beside being rather orange, it has a new backside with an exterior-mounted spare wheel. Apparently, that was the feedback the company received ever since the Taigun made its world debut at Sao Paulo. How do you get customer feedback on a concept vehicle?

Just a quick reminder: the Taigun is a compact-SUV (sigh) concept that carries Volkswagen’s 3-cylinder 1.0-liter TSI engine: a blatant take on Ford’s EcoBoost range. It develops 110hp at 5000 rpm and has an average fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100km. Probably, the fact that the Taigun is really, really small helps.

How small is it? 3,859 mm long without the spare wheel, 1,728 mm wide and 1,570 mm high. Still, it has a relatively big wheelbase at 2,470 mm (the front and rear overhangs stretch out 708 mm and 681 mm respectively). Total weight: just bellow a ton.

The new rear end, as we said, boasts a mounted spare wheel. By the way, all five wheels measure at 17-inches and have 205/50 R17 tires on them. Hinged on the driver’s side, the boot lid, which holds the mounts, swinges outwards when opened (the handle is cleverly integrated into the right taillight). The rear window, with the roof spoiler integrated above it, opens independently outwards. Both ends of the underbody make use of a rugged metal protection panel.

Inside, the Taigun offers as much cargo space as it can. With no modifications whatsoever, you get 280 liters of boot to spare. Fold the rear seats and that number grows to 996 liters. There are also storage compartments in the tailgate.

It’s a simple, convenient, and easy-to-use everyday car that still holds some off-roading merit. Let’s see how they come along with the actual production of it.

Source: Volkswagen

February 5, 2014

2014 Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro – EU Price €87,300

Audi has unveiled the 2014 RS4 Avant Nogaro celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the first RS model – the Avant RS2 (Audi 80 B4). The RS4 Avant Nogaro will hit the market in the beginning of this year, and will make its official debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It boasts a Nogaro blue paint finish and exclusive equipment.

The customized Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most salient visual signal of the anniversary model, and is also reminiscent of the RS2. The frame and use of the Singleframe grille, as well as the window slot trims, are painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sport exhaust system terminates in two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.

The engine of the new RS4 is a naturally-aspirated 4.2 liter V8 – 450HP (331 kW) and 430Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. The power is put on the road through 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and Quattro AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). The combined fuel consumption is just 10.7 l / 100 km (22 mpg US) with 249 g/km CO2.

2014 Audi RS4 Avant Nogaro rolls 20” alloy wheels fitted with 265/30 R20 tires. Behind them, there are red brake calipers and carbon fiber ceramic discs available as an option (pretty expensive one). The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) offers a sport mode and can also be entirely deactivated as required.

The interior boasts black and blue theme with Alcantara and Valcona leather. There are also on inlays and special badges on the gear lever and the side sills.

The RS4 Avant Nogaro has a price tag of €87,300.

Check the full press in the gallery including data for the legendary Audi 80 B4 Avant RS2.

Source: Audi

February 5, 2014

2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Records Best Fuel Economy Rating

The best ever highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size half-ton pickup has been recorded, and the vehicle to do this is the 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Precisely, the car was rated at 28-mpg by the EPA, and this rating also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup.

Next to its superior fuel economy this Dodge model also offers torque of 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). This rating is possible due to the engine’s block and bedplate which are made from lightweight Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). Adding to this is the innovative MultiJet 2 common-rail fuel-injection system, which reduces noise and enhances low-speed throttle response.

The EcoDiesel Ram is fitted with 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 unit which includes Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), high-pressure cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), variable swirl intake ports and a variable-geometry turbocharger. The efficient powetrain is coupled with a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission, which also improves the fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, the gearbox also has thermal-management system. The latter warms transmission oil to reduce pumping losses associated with cold, low-viscosity fluid. What is more, the scored efficiency results were made reality due to the active grille shutters that maximize air flow in order to improve aerodynamics; the Electric Power Steering (EPS) that relieves the engine from constantly turning a hydraulic pump; and the lightweight aluminum components.

2014 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has a starting price of $24,200 USD and will go on sale on 7th of February.

Source: Dodge

February 5, 2014

Category: Auto News