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12 Months to Toyota FCV Production

Toyota-FCV-concept-medium

News from the future. The Toyota FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) is almost ready. The production model reveal is only 12 months away. Is this the beginning of the end of the hybrid car? Fingers crossed.

What’s wrong with hybrids you ask? Well, they are slow, unimaginative, their range never meets the expectations, their batteries are dependent on the weather, they take days to recharge, and, believe it or not, they are still sort of bad for the environment.

Hydrogen, on the other hand, is the most abundant chemical element in the universe and using it as fuel produces zero emissions. In order to make electricity, fuel-cells acquire oxygen from the environment and add hydrogen to make a chemical reaction which releases energy and a waste product known as water. Toyota engineers are adamant that you could go for about 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. Technically, on two tanks – the Toyota FCV actually has two 70 MegaPascal each. We don’t know why that’s relevant. There are no other certain figures, however, except an estimated system output of at least 100kW. Oh, and there’s the price – $108,00. Too much for a Camry you think? Would you consider plugging it in your electrical grid at home then? Because you can and a single charge can satisfy your needs for about a week. Also, it looks pretty amazing. We are especially fond of these LED indicators hidden within the fenders. It’s supposed to gave a “flowing liquid” door profile and a wave-motif fuel cap while the back end draws inspiration from the stem of a catamaran. Right.

Toyota are anticipating the widespread use of hydrogen fuels for cars to be common sometime in the 2020s. Because of the FCV, Toyota see themselves as pioneers, and while no one can take that away from them, we can’t neglect Honda’s audacious attempts to mull in the Honda Clarity. In any case, Toyota seems to be pretty serious about the technology. They are already developing fuel-cell buses, forklifts and other industrial vehicles. Greener days are to come if this trend keeps up.

Source: Toyota

November 20, 2013

Ford Edge Concept Prepared For European Market

Ford has exclusively unveiled the brand new Ford Edge Concept, giving hints to the technologies included, the design and craftsmanship of the future SUV. Edge Concept also includes some of the most innovative technology features such as push-button and remote-operated parking.

In fact, the Edge will be Ford’s first large SUV developed for Europe and will go on sale by 2017. Some of the key attributes of this SUV include sleek and sporty appearance, capability, fuel efficiency and advanced technology.

To be more precise, the advanced features that will be added in the future vehicle comprise of driver-assist technologies and semi-automated ones, which will offer more intelligent and capable driving experience.

For instance, here debuts the Fully Assisted Parking Aid which is still in prototype form. It builds on Ford’s Active Park Assist feature and lets the driver park their vehicles at the touch of a button or a remote control. Via ultrasonic sensors, this system finds a perpendicular parking space.

Ford also works on refining its Obstacle Avoidance systems, which can detect slow-moving objects or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead. In the cases when the driver fails to steer or brake after the warnings, the system automatically steers and brakes to avoid a collision.

As one can see from the pictures below, Ford Edge Concept sports sculpted, fluid and athletic lines. However, it also adds a sense of aggressiveness via its strong shoulders and the rearward slope of the grille.

Furthermore, Edge Concept also includes high-tech application of Active Grille Shutters which contributes towards ideal engine operating temperature and maximization of aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, there are also featured air curtains on the lower part of the front fascia that guide air from the front of the vehicle through the front wheel wells and down the side of the vehicle.

The interior of the car looks as premium as the exterior. Some of the exclusive features here include a leather-wrapped and hand-stitched instrument panel, 10in centre display featuring Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, and a dynamic centre stack with mechanical switchgear. Black Nubuck leather wraps the upper instrument panel, centre console and door elements.

Source: Ford

November 20, 2013

Dodge Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Two Limited Edition Models

To celebrate 100 years of Dodge performance and heritage, the brand is releasing two new special editions: 2014 Dodge Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions. The cars will be available at dealerships in the first quarter of 2014 and their will offer their customers exhilarating power and performance, innovative technology features and bold muscle-car styling.

2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition expresses the ultimate muscle car. The model will be offered in a choice of several exterior colors including Pitch Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Ivory Tri-Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat, Header Orange and the new High Octane Red Pearl Coat paint.

The car runs on 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and a matching Granite Crystal Dodge split-crosshair grille, which further contributes for the striking look of the car. Other stylistic appointments that make the car even more unique and also commemorate the brand’s century include “Dodge Est. 1914” bar-style front-fender badges and special Dodge “100” logo on the center caps.

Other exterior features include a body-color rear spoiler and on models with the legendary HEMI and a red “R/T” heritage grille badge. The interior on the other hand is dominated by Molten Red or Foundry Black Nappa leather with a custom cloud overprint. These materials wrap the sport seats, center console armrest and door armrests and are sewed together with brass-colored accent stitching.

The three-spoke flat-bottom performance steering wheel includes die-cast paddle shifters. In addition, the Dark Brushed Graphite center console bezels and Liquid Graphite steering-wheel accents also add to the premium look.

The die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges can be seen on the front seatbacks, while the embroidered anniversary logo – on floor mats. The instrument panel cluster graphics include black-face gauges with white indication and stand-out red “100” mph indication. This Charger is fitted with Electronic Vehicle Information Center and Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen.

As a matter of fact, the 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition is based on the 2014 Charger SXT Plus. This means that it includes the award-winning 300 horsepower (220 kW) 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine matched to an eight-speed transmission. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds.

This Charger can be also based on the 2014 Dodge Charger R/T Plus. This will add more to the driving experience, because of the 370 horsepower (272 kW) and 535 Nm (395 lb.-ft.) of torque 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.

The word that describes the Challenger is iconic. And the 2014 Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition proves this. It is based on the 2014 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus and R/T Plus models and runs on 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and matching Granite Crystal grille surround with script “Challenger” badge.

The same exterior colors offered in the Charger are also available here as well as the commemorative bar style “Dodge Est. 1914” front-fender badges and Dodge ‘100’ wheel center caps.

The interior is wrapped all around with Molten Red or Foundry Black heated Nappa leather and features custom ‘cloud overprint’. Brass colored accent stitching and die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges can also be found here.

Interior appointments that commemorate the brand’s centenary include die-cast “Dodge Est. 1914” circular badges on front seatbacks and an embroidered anniversary logo on premium floor mats. The Challenger is equipped with Uconnect system, seven speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with 368-watt amplifier, along with Mopar “Challenger” sill plates and bright pedals.

In terms of performance, this Challenger based on the SXT Plus model produces 305 horsepower (225 kW) from its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The unit can be matched to an available six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. When the model is based on the 2014 Challenger R/T Plus it generates up to 375 horsepower (275 kW), and 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 6 seconds. Both models will be offered only in limited quantities.

Source: Dodge

November 20, 2013

2014 Lexus RC Coupe Unveiled

Tokyo Motor Show marks the debut of 2014 Lexus RC Coupe which will be launched next year. The car is based on the GS platform, however it differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS Lines.

The aggressive appearance of the RC has achieved via its deeply contoured lines and the integration of the widest and lowest application of the brand’s spindle grille. It is 30mm wider, 35mm lower and 70mm shorter in wheelbase than the IS Line.

Furthermore, the unique headlamps have L-shaped design at both the front and rear. The car runs on aluminium wheels offered in two choices – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch. To make the exterior even more expressive, the designers at Lexus have of course decided to paint it in red.

The same exclusivity of the exterior design is continued in the interior, where one can see an extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting. For example, the Lexus-first lighting package delivers a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards.

Other highlights here include accents in genuine shimamoku wood, which surround the trim.

The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. To be more precise, the upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen, while the centre console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.

The driving dynamics deliver their best thanks to the purpose-built chassis which is a result of the latest goal of the brand to achieve a world-class driving experience. Thicker underbody rocker panels enhance the two-door’s rigidity and support driving performance.

The handling package on the other hand includes aerodynamic aids to underbody. RC sports double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

Next, the aggressively styled coupe will be offered with a choice of two powertrains – 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled with an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission, and 2.5-litre hybrid system. The dual injection petrol unit generates 318 hp (234 kW) at 6,400rpm, and a peak torque of 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) at 4800rpm.

The hybrid system utilizes dual injected 2.5-litre four cylinder engine with a 143 hp (105 kW) electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature. 2014 Lexus RC Coupe will drive either through its rear wheels or be available in all-wheel drive (AWD).

Advanced technology is also included here. For instance the upgraded Blind Spot Monitor detects vehicles that are near the back of the car and are driven in higher speeds. In addition, the innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface is there to aid the audio and navigation systems.

2014 Lexus RC Coupe Specifications:

	RC 350	RC 300h
Length (mm)	4,695	4,695
Height (mm)	1,395	1,395
Width (mm)	1,840	1,840
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730	2,730
Seating	4	4
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine type	2GR-FSE	2AR-FSE
Cylinders	V6	L4
Power (kW/rpm)	234/6,400	131/6,000
Torque (Nm/rpm)	380/4800	221/4200-/4800
Total Output kW	–	162
Transmission	8AT	E-CVT
Suspension	Front: Double wishbone Rear: Multilink	Front: Double wishbone Rear: Multilink
Tyres	255/35R19 + 275/35R19	255/35R19 + 275/35R19

Source: Lexus

November 20, 2013

xXx-Performance Updates Lamborghini Gallardo

Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the most famous sportscars which almost everybody has dreamt driving due to its speed, looks and aggressive road-stance. Surprisingly, the Lamborghini is powered by V10 engine and not by a V12 one and has no gull-wing doors.

The tuning specialists at xXx-Performance took a 2005 Gallardo and reconstructed it in a complex manner. They have added traditional LSD gull-wing doors and done some optical tuning. The latter extends the width of the body.

Also new is the front apron in LP560 design as well as the rear apron and the massive side enlargements. In fact, xXx-Performance endowed the rear with original parts made of real carbon from. We are speaking here about the rear flap, rear wing or also the side view mirror.

The exterior of the beast now sports a more glaring color. Thanks to versatile foil wrapping, the external shell is now in black chrome with the shafts of the side skirt, the interior edges of the front air ducts and the roof edge gleaming in neon orange.

And if one thinks that to give a Gallardo air suspension is impossible, then they surely should be disappointed. For this purpose, the tuners have used G-ride air suspension in combination with the specially adapted and two-fold hardness adjustable KW damping. The system has an electronic level regulation with integrated self-regenerating air-drying.

To round-out the exterior credentials of this tuned sportscar, the xXx-Performance modifiers has given it new set of shoes: exclusive mbDesign KV1 Deep Concave rims in the wheel houses in the dimension 9×20 inches with 235/30R20 tires in front and 12×20 inches with 305/25R20 Hankook S1 Evo tires in the rear. The rims were endowed with black chrome finish.

But this is not all that has been done here. The V10 here has been slightly reworked and the unit now generates over 560 horsepower (442 kW). This was achieved via special carbon air-boxes of BMC and the optimization of the engine software.

Next to the engine upgrade the tuning company added sports exhaust system that is capable of being controlled through Bluetooth. Optionally xXx Performance offers menacing biturbo conversions for the Lamborghini V10 in three power stages from 850 to 1.200 hp.

At last, the interior of the Gallardo was also improved. It now includes exclusive leather fitting with white decorative stitching. There can be seen also top-stitched diamonds and embroidered xXx-logos.

Source: xXx-Performance

November 20, 2013

2015 Nissan GT-R Recieves Minor Updates

We are having a Nissan GT-R hat trick today (1 and 2) with this latest release from the Japanese company: the MY 2015 Nissan GT-R – now with an updated “ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish.”

The suspension has been fine-tuned to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels, thus increasing grip and stability. The electronic control of the shock-absorber valves has also been optimized to keep the wheels more consistently on the ground. The front stabilizer spring rates and bush links have also been modified. It’s not all in the name of performance though – the ride, Nissan say, is also relaxing and comfortable. The standard tires that will go along with the model are now Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT, measuring at 255/40ZRF20 at the front and 285/35ZRF20 at the back.

Visual touches on the outside are also present. Take the color for example. This is called Gold Flake Red Pearl and it has tiny specks of gold…tinted glass inside it. Much light has been shed on, well, the lights – efficient, high-intensity, multi-LED headlights. The clever bit about them is that they incorporate Nissan’s AFS (Adaptive Front lightning System) – the angle of the light beam automatically adjusts in accordance to the speed of the vehicle. The rear lights also, erm, form coherent circles of illumination. What was the illumination beforehand?

Inside, one has the option to go with three color schemes which include a completely new one with pale ivory shades. The steering wheel sports some leather, while the seats are part-aniline leather and are embellished with stitched accents in tradition with the whole of the GT family.

Here’s a tasteful clip of the GT history so far:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpBH7zeUwQw

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 Series for Sale

Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-GT3-shadow Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-GT3-medium

If you saw today’s news about the Nissan Nismo GT-R and thought: “Yes, but does it conform to FIA GT3 regulations?” Well, sorry but it doesn’t. Funny you should ask, however, because here’s one that does exactly that. It’s the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. The best thing is, you can now own it. That is if you have $397,204 laying around. And that’s without tax.

Relying on data gathered from the 2012 model, Nissan’s engineers have managed to squeeze every drop of performance from this GT-R without really breaking any rules. The timing of the camshaft has been improved, the moving components of the engine have been made even more durable and the aerodynamics have been tweaked: canards were added to the front and the front fender louvers were enlarged. The positioning of the rear wing was optimized. The bottom line is – 3.8 V6 engine with over 543 hp and 637 Nm of torque. Yes, it’s not as much as the road going Nismo GT-R, but this one weights just 1,300 kilograms (despite having a metal, 5,5-inch 4-plate clutch disk). And the tyres? 330/710-18 on all four wheels.

Nissan will only make you one once you’ve ordered it. If the orders exceed their capacity you might end up empty-handed. Time to check your bank account?

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

Nissan Nismo GT-R Revealed

2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-shadow 2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-medium

Hot news from Nismo, Nissan’s in-house performance division. Tingle with excitement as today was the official reveal of the latest Nissan GT-R Nismo – the fastest one to date:

“With a 7:08.679 lap time, we can authoritatively say that the Nissan GT-R Nismo* holds the volume production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschliefe, which is the gold standard of high performance achievement.” – says Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 VR38DETT engine has been buffed to 600 hp thanks to GT3-grade, large diameter turbochargers, a new fuel pump, and some optimization of the ignition timing in each cylinder. The suspension also finds its roots in Nismo’s GT3 racing series. Think custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers with three settings of stiffness – Comfort, Normal and R. Surely, that lap time would not have been possible without some clever tinkering with the aerodynamics. That’s why we have a front bumper, engine undercover, and a carbon rear spoiler that add 100 kg more downforce (at 300 km/h) when compared to the stock 2014 Nissan GT-R. At the same time, the drag coefficient has remained low at Cd 0.26.

The suspension also finds its roots in Nismo’s GT3 racing series. Think custom-developed Bilstein DampTronic dampers with three settings of stiffness – Comfort, Normal and R. At the back, a hollow anti-roll bar with a radius of 17.3 mm ensures rigidity at all times. In fact, the whole bodyshell has been stiffened up through adhesive bonding and spot welding. To round off the outside, the Nismo people have fitted four sticky Dunlop tires (front: 255/40 ZRF20; rear 285/35 ZRF20) on GT500-inspired, 6-spoked wheels. Available colors will include: Brilliant White Pearl, Meteor Flake Pearl Black, Ultimate Metallic Silver, Vibrant Red, and an exclusive for this model Dark Matte Grey. 2014-Nissan-GT-R-Nismo-medium-2

Yes, inside you find a sense of luxury thanks to the Alcantra-dressed wheel and red stitches here and there, but the carbon-fiber-backed RECARO front seats suggest that the Nismo GT-R is no joy ride. No, this car was made to beat down stopwatches to a pulp and then leave the track unapologetically on its own.

*set with track settings

Source: Nissan

November 19, 2013

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Debut at 2013 LA Auto Show

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It would seem that the LA Auto Show will be a bit saturated with hybrid debuts this year. It was only yesterday when we discussed the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe and now this – Acura all-wheel drive hybrid. Unlike the former, however, the it is a proper production car ready to hit the markets.

It’s called the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, and the company sees it as a landmark model since it is going to be the first vessel to incorporate their “new three-motor hybrid system” (and that’s not counting the engine). Sounds rather ground braking, yet, the economy figures are not what one might call inspiring (for a hybrid): 30 mpg on the combined cycle. Yes, the 3.5-liter, 310 hp i-VTEC V6 sounds thirsty but it has an idle-stop feature which surely has been taken into account when measuring the consumption. Anyway. Other technological highlights include a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with a buit-in electric motor. It’s supposed to be extra-smooth and responsive. There are even “SportShift” paddles behind the wheel for manual shifting. As for the electric components we have two electric motors replacing the conventional drive shaft and rear differential. Then there’s one at the front which supplements the V6. All three of them can also act as generators when braking. As a final estimate, Acura say that the power output comes to around 377 hp. No performance figures, just a cryptic 0-60 mph time “comparable with competitor’s V8 machines.”

One should feel fairly secure behind the wheel. The front suspension, they say, consists of a double-wishbone, lower double-joint modules alongside Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The back enjoys a multi-link setup that’s supposed to keep the car flat during cornering. Then there is the plethora of systems safety systems like: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), along with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. 2014-Acura-RLX-Sport-Hybrid-SH-AWD-medium-2

Inside, we hear that the RLX has loads of space – 38.8 inches of legroom at the back, 59.6 inches at the front, and 57.0 inches of shoulder room. The center console holds two big screens one over the other. (8- and 7- inches respectively) and there are 14 speakers all-around. What this RLX brings in terms of innovation is the lack of shift lever. Instead you get a panel of buttons for park, drive and neutral. A highly customizable HUD display will also be a first.

That is pretty much all we know for now. That and this gallery:

Source: Acura

November 19, 2013

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept [teaser video]

Mercedes-Benz has published a teaser video in Youtube of the GLA 45 AMG Concept. The performance GLA-Class will be unveiled tomorrow. It comes with a number of exterior, interior and performance upgrades.

The exterior boasts an aggressive aero package including a single bar grille and prominent air intakes. There are also carbon fiber canards, a new rear wing and high-performance brake system behind the AMG alloy wheels. Other highlights include body side graphics, “Turbo AMG” badges and some red accents.

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is powered by the well-known 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol – 360HP (265 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The engine is connected to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission powering 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t52xKqBfaKc

Source: Mercedes-Benz

November 19, 2013

2015 Jaguar XS render

RM Design has published a render picture showing the upcoming entry-level sedan from Jaguar – the XS. It is set to debut in 2015, when it will go against some of the best-selling models in the world – Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and the new Audi A4.

The XS is slotted below the XF, which means that it will be cheaper, smaller and less powerful. Still, it is a Jaguar and it will have its own personality and spirit.

The engine range will include different four-cylinder 2.0 liter petrol and diesel engines as well as a powerful 3.0 liter V6 diesel and a 3.0 liter V6 supercharged petrol with around 340HP.

The manufacturer also plans to expand the line-up with coupe and estate derivatives.

Stay tuned!

November 19, 2013

2015 Ford Mustang [render video]

A render video of 2015 Ford Mustang was published in Youtube by Mustang6G. The upcoming model is set to debut at the North American International Auto Show.

The render version takes some design cues from the Evos Concept. It boasts small headlights and a prominent grille as well as a flowing roofline. There is also a distinctive rear end that features an integrated spoiler and unique taillights.

The interior will feature better materials, MyFord Touch infotainment system, a revised three-spoke steering wheel and gear lever as well as some metallic trim elements.

The engine range will include a 3.7 liter V6 – 305HP (227 kW) and a 5.0 liter V8 with 420HP (313 kW). Possibly the 2015 Mustang will be fitted with the super-economic 2.3 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 275HP (205 kW).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dl317QTUf0

Source: Mustang6G via Youtube

November 19, 2013

Category: Auto News