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2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Promo [video]

Porsche has released a new promo video of the 2013 Cayenne GTS, which is expected to hit the European market this July.

The GTS model is not the top of range, but it boasts a lot of nice upgrades. It is based on the Cayenne S and comes with lowered sports suspension and full aerodynamics package including front bumper, a pair of modified side skirts and extended wheel arches.

2013 Cayenne GTS is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8 liter V8 with 420HP (309 kW) and 516Nm (381 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission delivering the power to an all-wheel-drive system. The SUV is not as heavy as the new ML or X5 and boasts superb acceleration – 5.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph). The kerb weight is 2085 kg (4597 lbs).

It is priced from €90 774.

Enjoy the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfHdtOHgc7M

Source: Porsche

April 27, 2012

Original accessories for the Mercedes-Benz SL

Not that a Mercedes-Benz SL is a very common sight on the streets but it’s owners will eventually become wary about the possibility of blending in. That’s not what Mercedeses are for. Loosing that character of exclusivity may be the worst thing that can happen to an SL. Luckily however, there is a solution… coming directly from Daimler’s cellar in Stuttgart – introducing the Mercedes-Benz original accessories.

The variety of things that can go on your SL is extensive. Extensive is the wheel selection – eleven stylish alloy wheels. Then there are the various docking stations and ports so you can plug-in just about any smoartphone that has ever been produced. A COMAND Online multimedia system includes a DVD changer and a media interface and is compatible with again numerous mobile devices.

Leaving functionality and entering style we find the elegant door sill made from brushed stainless steel that reads an illuminated “Mercedes-Benz”. Or how about taking a part of the SL wherever you go with the key ring which is a replica of the SL symbol on the boot lid?

AMG also contributes to the goody bag – aprons for the back and front, side skirts and a choice of three 19-inch five-spoke wheels.

Mercedes-Benz SL with incenio 19-inch multi-spoke wheel

Source: Mercedes-Benz

April 27, 2012

Ford Escape Doing 33 MPG EPA Estimated

Ford announced today that the all-new Ford Escape EcoBoost has been EPA-Certified and returns 33 mpg (at best). If that turns out to be true, the competition will have a hard time shining through it. Mind you, we are talking about the smallest engine mated to an automatic in a small SUV. The other two engines that come with the Escape boast 30 or above mpg.

“The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford’s development of smaller, yet more powerful engines, “ said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing power and space requirements.”

The base EcoBoost then: its displacement stands at 1.6-liters, power output amounts to 178 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. That’s 20 more hp and 30 more torque than the Mazda CX-5. A mid-range choice offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 horsepwer and 270 lb-ft. of torque. Estimated highway economy: 30 mpg. Urban: 22 mpg. The third one is a 2.5-liter iVCT unit. It develops 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel economy remains around the same (31 on the highway) when compared to the 2.0 EcoBoost.

EcoBoost engines are standard in the SE, SEL and Titanium editions. The SE and SEL models come with the 1.6L standard and the Titanium comes with the 2.0-liter. The 2.5-liter is available in the S edition.

Partly responsible for these reasonable figures, is the engine tech. Within the two EcoBoosts, direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all contribute to adding power and frugality. They are then mated to a specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission which come as standard.

Further improving on the economy are the aerodynamics. The new Escape is helped by a new Active Grille Shutter System. Right between the radiator and the grille, this mechanism acts as a valve which monitors the engine’s running temperature and decides whether it should close or open. Thus, an ideal operating temperature is maintained at all times.

Source: Ford

April 27, 2012

2013 Honda Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan to be charged by Leviton’s technologies

2013 Honda Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan are going literally to take charge from Leviton Manufacturing Company. Leviton is a global leader in connectivity solutions and recently was selected as Honda’s preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment provider for customer and dealer EV charging.

In fact, the company is leader in the fields of advanced technology for mobility and energy solutions. In addition to this it is important to mention that this is the largest privately held global provider of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Combined with any Honda vehicle, the result will be oriented towards more sustainable future.

Furthermore, Honda will be introducing these two battery-electric vehicles: starting with 2013 Honda Fit EV this summer, and the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan next winter.

The first Honda vehicle is a battery-electric commuter car. And as you can guess yourself, it is based on the famous Fit model. The car is able to deliver an estimated 123 city-mile range per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway) and can fully recharge its battery in just three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

On the other hand Honda Plug-In Hybrid Sedan utilizes two-motor hybrid system. The latter continuously moves through three different modes: all-electric, with up to a 15 mile per charge range; gasoline-electric; and direct-drive. Thanks to these modes is further possible an optimization of driving and fuel efficiency, especially during city driving.

Source: Honda

April 27, 2012

2012 Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Special Edition With Extended Production

2012 Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Special Edition is the vehicle which was decided to get an extended production by 1000 units, due to increase in interest.

The initial plan of the brand was to produce only thousand examples of this special edition four-door, four-seat rotary engine sports car. However, the production of it will be extended due to a large number of orders, since the launch of the car in November last year.

RX-8 SPIRIT R comes equipped with six-speed manual transmission, aero parts and Bilstein dampers as well as RECARO bucket seats and 19-inch bronze-painted forged aluminum wheels. Therefore it is no wonder why the number of orders has increased and demanded extended production.

Furthermore, this Mazda sports vehicle comes in three trim levels in terms pf exterior colors: Aluminum Metallic, Sparkling Black Mica, and Crystal White Pearl Mica.

2012 Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R Special Edition

The main features of the limited edition 2012 Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R series include:

Special equipment for RX-8 SPIRIT R for both manual and automatic transmission models:

Exclusive ornament
Front headlights, front fog lights and rear combination lights (with black bezels)
Front and rear brake calipers (red)
Larger brake rotors
Transmission tunnel trim (piano-black)
Curtain and front side SRS airbag system
Driving Stability Control and Traction Control System
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (black with red stitching)
Leather-wrapped parking brake lever (with red stitching)
Center console box with front seat armrest (synthetic leather with red stitching)
Rear console box with a lid (with synthetic leather)

Exclusive to the 6-speed manual transmission model:

Bucket seats from RECARO (red and black leather* and fabric)
Hard suspension (with Bilstein dampers)
225/40R19 89W tires and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels (bronze)
Aero parts
Aluminum pedal set
Leather-wrapped shift knob (black with red stitching)

Exclusive to the 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission model:

Black leather seats (with red stitching) and 8-way power seat with memory function
Sports suspension
225/45R18 91W tires and 18-inch alloy wheels (gun metallic)
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped shift knob (black)

Source: Mazda

April 27, 2012

2013 Nissan GT-R R35 – 10.87 seconds at 1/4 Mile with 201 km/h

You may say – “Oh, another GT-R in the 10 seconds… it’s not a big deal”, but you’ll be wrong. It is a real deal ,because this 2013 GT-R does 10.87 seconds at ? mile with 201 km/h (125 mph) terminal speed in stock variant. That’s right, nothing has been improved on this car and still it goes insanely fast.

The previous record for stock GT-R was slightly above 11 seconds on 1/4 mile, but this one is amazing. Furthermore, the 0 to 60 mph time is 2.7 seconds and the 60-130 mph in 8.89 seconds. All these figures are recorded by a special Racelogic VBOX measuring tool.

2013 Nissan GT-R R35 is powered by a VR38DETT engine – a 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 550HP (400 kW) at 6400 RPM and 632Nm (466 lb-ft) of torque at 3200RPM. The top speed is 315 km/h (196 mph).

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilYkIC1oJ4o

Source: Dragtimes via Youtube

2013 Nissan GT-R Stock runs 10.87 @ 125 MPH Drag Racing 1/4 Mile

April 26, 2012

Nissan GT-R Track Pack – Less is More

If anything can put a smile on the face of a hardcore track day enthusiast, it’s going to be a Nissan GT-R. More so even if that GT-R happens to be a Track Pack edition. That’s the latest to come out from Nissan and it is design to shed precious seconds on the racing track. At the same time, it still has to be able to take you home trough the public roads – tricky. Most importantly, all is made by people from Nissan with the blessing of the car’s creator – Kazutoshi Mizuno.

Let’s start from the very foundation of the Track Pack – six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels that weigh 10 kg less than the ones found on a standard GT-R. Cooling ducts carved trough the front splitter reduce can reduce the operating temperature of the brake discs by as much as 100 degrees while on the run. Air is also channeled towards the back.

The suspension has been stiffened up which aids stability and rigidity. The Nissan engineers should know since the Track Pack GT-R has been developed on the premiss of the Nürbergring – the best place in the world to test out a track-focused vehicle. Now that ride home may not sound like much of a bargain but Nissan say that with the flick of a switch the dampers can start acting as if they had been filled with whipped cream.

Inside, one won’t find the rear seats nor the front ones in fact (the standard ones that is). You only get two sports seat wrapped in something called “magic cloth” – blue-on-grey fabric and leather that prevents you from slipping out upon experiencing the notorious GT-R lateral forces. If, by any chance you fail to notice all of those deviations, an emblem sits on the dashboard just to let you know that you are in fact, in a Track-Pack.

On the other hand, despite looking like a hardcore, medieval torture chamber, it still has a Bose audio system and a rear-view camera. Nobody has dared to fiddle with the oily bits as well, most probably because they are perfect already – 550PS power output, and a 0-62 time of just 2.8 seconds is pretty much self explanatory.

The Track Pack is only available in the UK and Japan, and is priced at £10,000 ($16,187) more than the standard £74,450 ($120,512) GT-R.

Source: Nissan

April 26, 2012

Honda Develops Technology to Detect the Potential for Traffic Congestion

Apparently Honda have figured out a way to keep us out of traffic jams. Actually, they want to prevent jams from happening in the first place. The plan is to introduce an already developed system, first of it’s kind according to Honda, which can “determine whether the driving pattern of the vehicle is likely to create traffic jams”. Well that’s easy – if the car is moving, you’re okay. If not, you’re stuck. After figuring out that the acceleration and deceleration of a single vehicle may influence the whole traffic stream, Honda and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo started conducting tests. The initial results showed that with the system the voyaging vehicle’s average speed was increased by around 23% while the fuel efficiency was up by 8% when trailing. Public road testing is to be commenced next month in Italy and Indonesia.

So how does it work? Well, the system monitors the acceleration and deceleration patterns of the vehicle to determine whether the driver’s driving pattern is likely to create traffic congestion. If the car knows what’s going to happen next, maybe the driver can do something about it to prevent it. Information is being fed trough a color-coded display on the on-board terminal.

Even further than that, by connecting the on-board terminals to Honda’s cloud servers, the drive can be aware of and in sync with the driving patterns of vehicles by activating the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control at the right time to maintain a constant distance from the other back ends.

Honda-congestion-prevenetion-medium — Honda congestion prevenetion principle

If this turns out to be a successful endeavor, finally we will see the fuel efficiency battle on two fronts – one is the stop/start function which is designed to relief the effects of congestion while this would be a preventative measure. The traffic does affect CO2 emissions, time and mileage. It also creates possible bumper-to-bumper accident risks.

Source: Honda

April 26, 2012

JNCAP Five Star Award for the Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy’s appeal has grown as news came about a “JNCAP Five Star Award”. The acronym there stands for Japan New Car Assessment Program. It’s annually held by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Vicitim’s Aid. It’s basically a parallel to the Euro NCAP.

The five star award is usually given to the car that performs best in terms of safety performance. A segment from the test even includes an assessment of how safe are the pedestrian’s legs after a collision.

Here’s how the Legacy scored:

Full-wrap frontal collision test: Driver’s seat – Level 5 (highest rating)／Passenger’s seat – Level 5 (highest rating)

Offset frontal collision test: Driver’s seat – Level 5 (highest rating)／Rear seat – Level 4

Side collision test: Driver’s seat – Level 5 (highest rating)

Neck injury protection for rear-end collision performance test: Driver’s seat – Level 4 (highest rating)／Passenger’s seat – Level 4 (highest rating)

Pedestrian head protection performance tests: Level 5 (highest rating)

Pedestrian legs protection performance tests: Level 4 (highest rating)

This is not the first time a Legacy delights the JNCAP officials. In ’09/’10 it was proved to be the best Grand Prix safety car. 2 years before that, the Impreza held the same title. Also, in 2009, the Subaru Forester and Exiga were crowned “Ecvellent Cars”

So then, the Legacy is proving itself to be quite a character. Rigid enough to hold on to its paint work yet kind the fragile bones of the pedestrians. Not to mention all the clever gizmos inside that prevent it from crashing in the first place. And don’t worry about the weight of the thing. We are pretty sure that at the very least, the 2.5-liter boxer engine under the hood provides more than enough oomph.

Source: Subaru

April 26, 2012

2013 Volkswagen Lavida with a world debut

2013 Volkswagen Lavida is showcased for the first time at Auto China 2012. At the auto show it made its firs global appearance with its clean design and sharp body lines.

The styling of this Volkswagen vehicle fully incorporates powerful, contemporary and sporty design philosophy. The Lavida is going to be offered in three engine versions and four equipment lines.

The engine choices will be the 2.0-liter, 1.6-liter and a 1.4-liter turbo motor. The last one is able to develop 140 horsepower (103 kW).

In addition, all versions of this model will come with a front-wheel drive. The transmition included will be either the manual six-speed gear-box or Volkswagen’s famous seven-speed dual-clutch system.

In particular, the base version comes with standard safety features as ABS, ESP and front airbags. Of course, it also offers a timeless design, spaciousness and high-quality craftsmanship.

However, additional details on specification, price lease or official launch of the new model, haven’t been yet released.

More information is expected to come out prior to the launch of the 2013 Volkswagen Lavida, which will happen probably later this year.

Source: Volkswagen

April 26, 2012

2012 Ford Kuga: the stylish and spacious compact SUV

2012-Ford-Kuga-THUMB 2012 Ford Kuga compact SUV will bring more style and comfort to all its customers. In the development of the new model, a lot of research has been done in order to satisfy any taste.

In fact, this is Ford’s first global compact SUV and this is the reason why maybe so many efforts were put in its development. The effect is a blend of a compact car with spacious and comforting accommodation for every individual that’s in it.

The new Kuga includes specifically selected colour trim levels and in addition to this the vehicle design is centred all on customization. All this will undoubtedly result in the production of SUVs which will not only be need but also loved.

What is unique about this ford vehicle is that it is created having in mind the demands of the market in Europe, North America and Asia. Which makes it in fact one of a kind in terms of size and still able to incorporate Ford’s kinetic design in the exterior dimensions.

Furthermore, 2012 Ford Kuga will be launched in a global colour named Ginger Ale. Under this title “stays” a subtle green hue, which reflects active outdoor capabilities combined with rich, sophisticated tones. This will undoubtedly harmonise with the slick urban environment.

In addition to the new kinetic design of the Ford SUV is another highlight, which is its new spacious, high quality interior. In particular, in it are featured creative and practical technologies.

One of which for example is the hands-free automatic tailgate, which can be opened and closed simply by kicking a foot under the rear bumper.

Another interesting technology featured in the Kuga is Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system SYNC. The latter includes Emergency Assistance, which enables SYNC to help occupants place a call to the emergency services directly in the event of an accident.

Next, to be highlighted is that Kuga’s boot-space has an enhanced capacity of 82-litres, while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button.

At last but not least, the engines that are going to be available are the 140 hp (103 kW) and 163 hp (120 kW) versions of Ford’s 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine. Kuga will also offer the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine which is popular for its strong torque delivery and high fuel efficiency.

Source: Ford

April 26, 2012

Chrysler in the second stage of PHEV Minivan Project

Chrysler‘s plug-in hybrid minivan project steps in the second phase in which data-collection will be gathered. This will be accomplished through the completion of the demonstration fleet’s deployment.

Three plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles will be used in this project: Chrysler Town & Country minivans. All in all 25 examples of these will run around the American roads, making the project further possible.

The goal of Chrysler is to develop this unique technology and to bring it to real-world testing and evaluation.

The collection of the date will help in shedding the light on the opinion on customers. In addition, in this experiment, the hybrids will be subjected temperature extremes and variations of drive cycles.

Furthermore, Chrysler’s engineers are expected to retain two additional plug-in hybrid minivans. One of which will be tested in a short-duration test by Argonne National Laboratory.

In details, each plug-in hybrid Town & Country will include the E85-compatible 3.6L Pentastar engine. It n turn is mated to a front-wheel-drive with two-mode hybrid transmission.

Moreover, this engine is also propelled with the liquid-cooled 12.1 KWhr lithium-ion battery. Both engines produce a total output of 290 hp (213 kW) and a range of 700-miles.

The time for charging varies from two to four hours, and this happens at 220 volts with a “Level 2” charge cord unit. It takes the car eight to fifteen hours to charge at 110 volts with a “Level 1” charge unit.

Furthermore, there is a possible inclusion in the project of a fleet of plug-in hybrid Ram pickups. But this will happen probably at a later stage in terms of widening the project.

Source: Chrysler

April 26, 2012

Category: Car Makes