Honda will present a new 2013 Crosstour Concept model at this year’s New York Auto Show. It will reveal the exterior styling direction of the updated model. Obviously, Honda are not pleased with the previous 2012 model, which you can see on the picture, that’s why they plan some redesigning probably based on Accord.
However, the manufacturer didn’t release any images, but probably the model will be shortly previewed.
The Crosstour model was launched back in 2009 and features two engines – a 2.4 liter four-cylinder and a mighty 3.5 liter V6 with 314PS (231 kW). It also earned the distinction of J.D. Power and Associates’ “Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality” in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS).
Stay tuned for more information about 2013 Crosstour Concept.
Here are two renderings of the F12XX Berlinetta – the racing version of the recently presented Ferrari F12Berlinetta. The two images are released by automotive artist Iacoski, who mentioned that “F12Berlinetta is just perfect looking car!”.Originally, the F12Berlinetta is powered by a newly-developed 6.3 liter 65° V12 engine with 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h – 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is over 340 km/h (211 mph). We expect that the racing version will exceed 800PS and to accelerate to 100km/h in under 3.0 seconds and a top speed of around 350 km/h.Nothing is mentioned from Ferrari, that they will develop a race version of F12Berlinetta, but if that happens, it would be great. At least, the staggering 599XX will have its true rival in the name of F12XX.Check out the two renderings below – in black (which by far looks great) and in red.Ferrari F12XX Berlinetta redFerrari F12XX Berlinetta blackSource: iacoski
The mass production of the all-new 2013 Acura RDX has already started in the United States, in particular in Ohio. The popular luxury crossover SUV is expected to go on sale at Acura dealerships in a month. The new 2013 RDX has improved comfort and power, which come in combination with class-leading fuel economy. In addition, the all-new 2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV got a significant new looks and features innovative technologies. It comes a new 3.5L V-6 engine mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel-drive system.
Undoubtedly, Acura is a brand for luxury customers who want to have highest levels of quality and value in their lives. The plant in Ohio will produce the second-generation Acura RDX for the U.S. and export markets, using domestic and globally sourced parts. The plant has already launched successfully the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, which is America’s most popular SUV at the very moment. The associates at the plant are definitely looking forward to be in compliance with the expectations of every customer, and are committed to producing the best products. In fact, the engines and automatic transmissions for the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V also are made in Ohio. To go back in history, in 1989 the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio began producing automobiles in 1989 and currently employs approximately 2,500 associates. Moreover, the 1.9-million-square-foot plant also produces the Honda Crosstour for the U.S. and export markets.
The all-new 2013 Acura RDX Crossover SUV will be launched for sale in dealerships in April with a starting price (MSRP) of $34 320.
The Car of the Year 2012 – Opel Ampera, will take part in one of the most exciting rallies this year – nmely Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally. This happens for the first time in Opel’s history. The brand is providing award-winning electric car model for the prestigious international Rally Monte Carlo. Exactly six examples of Opel Ampera will make their debut in the “Alternative Energy” rally. The racing will take place in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano on March 22 and will finish three days later in the capital of Monaco -Monte Carlo. The premise to take part in the rally is the following: the competing vehicles must have a maximum of 115g/km CO2 emissions. Te goal set for the racing is for the vehicles to cover a certain distance, maintain a constant speed and use as little energy as possible.
Opel Ampera Racing Car
By taking participation, Opel is once again showing that it is a global leader in the field of e-mobility. In fact, the Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle which can go anywhere anytime. What do I mean by that? Well, the vehicle has a 16 kWh lithium ion battery, which powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. The distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be easily covered in the purely battery-operated mode, depending on the style of driving and road conditions. Of course, you get conclusion that all driving will be completely free of emissions. Moreover, the wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. Thus it is possible for the car to cover 500 km, thank to the range extender, which enables this operating radius. At last, being on the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system provides torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). This allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.
2013 Mazda CX-5 is the all new production vehicle offered by Mazda Motor Corporation. The compact crossover SUV will arrive this spring in dealerships and moreover will be equipped with a range of breakthrough technologies. The SUC was designed to appeal to the corporate sector and some of the technologies included in it for the first time. Such are safety features as Smart City Brake Support, state-of-the-art passive safety structures, lightweight yet highly-rigid SKYACTIV-Body and various impact-absorbing structural innovations.
First, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) helps the driver to avoid or minimise the impact of a frontal collision when driving at low speeds, for instance when in traffic. The technology is standard across the Mazda CX-5 range. In particular it uses a laser sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front. And in case the driver fails to slow their vehicle appropriately, the SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. Thus, the system helps avoiding collision or mitigating the damage from rear-end collisions at low speeds.
Secondly, Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology is featured for the first time on the vehicle. In fact, it is the first sixth generation model, and promises major total cost of ownership due to major fuel savings and low emissions.
Next, Mazda has developed a straighter and more continuous frame and an extremely efficient multi-load path structure for the SKYACTIV-Body of the vehicle in the event of a crash. The structure efficiently absorbs the load at the time of a crash by dispersing it in multiple directions.
2013 Mazda CX-5
Additionally, there are other standard safety equipment highlights on the new 2013 Mazda CX-5, which include front and rear parking sensors, Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System, Hill Hold Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, dual front and front side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags; driver, passenger and rear-seat audible seatbelt reminder warning and a reversing camera. Furthermore, there are also some optional safety features (CX-5 Safety Pack) such as: Rear Vehicle Monitoring via a door mirror-mounted warning light and audible alert; lane departure warning via an audible warning, which uses a camera on the windscreen to monitor the position of the white lane markings at speeds of 40mph and higher, and if the system detects a risk of an unintentional lane change, it warns the driver with a sound through the speakers originating from the applicable side of the vehicl; and High Beam Control System (HBCS), which automatically switches between low and high beams to ensure good night visibility for everyone.
The starting price of 2012 Mazda CX-5 is £21 395. The customers can choose between four equipment levels – SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav with manual and automatic options – a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre 165ps (121 kW) 2-wheel drive (2WD) petrol engine and SKYACYTIV-D 2.2-litre 150ps (110 kW) and 2.2-litre 175ps (129 kW) diesel engines with two and all-wheel drive choices.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude Special Edition is the latest development Toyota has been up to, and more importantly has included in it more than $10 000 of added multimedia, technology, comfort and family-friendly features. First of all this special edition has seven seats and now gets satellite navigation, a seven-inch touch-screen display and a rear-seat entertainment system. Additionally, to the expanded list of innovative technologies are included a tilt-and-slide moonroof, leather-accented seat trim, privacy glass and easy-to-read Optitron instruments.
Moreover, the Prado Altitude’s sound system has been upgraded to 14 speakers and has a six-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer with remote control. There is also featured a rear-seat entertainment system, which comes with a nine-inch monitor mounted from the ceiling, a DVD player, 5.1-channel surround sound and three wireless headphones.
Furthermore, in the safety ride some technologies are taking part: a back-guide monitor provides added guidance, while the reverse camera is being used. In addition, four sonar parking sensors have been added at the front. There are also seven airbags, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-assist control and downhill assist control.
2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude Special Edition
Important note here is that the vehicle is going to be produced only till the end of April this year. Prado Altitude is being offered with two engines: 4.0-litre quad cam V6 petrol or 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and gated shift.
The Toyota is offered in four exterior colors: Crystal Pearl, Ebony, Silver Pearl and Graphite; which of course can be matched with black interior trim, while Crystal Pearl and Ebony also come with the choice of ivory trim.
Prado Altitude embodies other Toyota Land Cruiser GXL features such as three-zone climate-controlled air-conditioning, audio controls on the steering wheel, smart entry and start, cruise control and long-range fuel tanks (87-litre main and 63-litre sub).
Prices for the 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude Special Edition start from $68 490 for the petrol V6 model and $69,490 for the diesel model.
If you are contemplating a local bank robbery, make sure the police force at your area still hasn’t received its batch of specially made Dodge Durangos. They will be designated by the term “Special Service” and, much like the Dodge Charger Pursuit, will serve the law enforcement or, by choice, the fire department or any other fleet out there. Either way, we are looking at a lean, mean machine, designed to rule over all sorts of terrains and offer as much versatility as possible.
A standard Dodge Durango comes with two engine choices: A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers 290 bhp and a range of 550 miles on a single tank. Then there’s the upper edge HEMI V8 with 360 bhp and the healthy 390 lb.-ft. of torque. The former has a towing capacity of 6200 lbs while the latter – 7400 lbs. And that load will cling on as standard equipment includes Trailer-sway Control.
The Special Service Durangos come with this very same engine choice with the possibility of being either RWD or AWD. But because the cargo area here is custom made to fit the needs of whomever might be using it, several performance components had to be beefed up – the breaks are new, there’s a heavy-duty battery now and a larger alternator. The water pump and engine oil cooler have also been replaced.
Standard Durangos already have 30 storage areas scattered around but the Special Service vehichles offer even more diversity – under-floor storage compartments and additional storage in the side compartments. Also, one might find service interior dome lamp and headliner and spot lamp wiring prep as additional extras. The otherwise commonly present third row of seats has been sacrificed, but it is all for the better good.
Since Servicepeople already put their lives at great risks, why not offer them some sense of security inside at the very least. That’s why these Durangos come with a full package of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation (ERM) and Hill-start Assist/ There are seat-mounted and side-curtain air bags in the front row. The side one reaches out for the second row as well, and the third, non-existent one.
Chrysler Group fleet operations will start taking orders now, with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012 so fugitives for now will still have some room to breathe. However, just by looking at the gallery here, I already feel discouragement of indulging myself into a life of crime.
Vorsteiner seem to be preoccupied these days with BMWs. More specifically, the M3 range. Well, this time it’s not actually Vorsteiner. It’s one of their dealers – Vivid Racing, based in Glibert, Arizona. They have taken a 2008 BMW M3 Sedan (E90) and have spiced it up in the name of aesthetics. At least, that’s how some people see it.
Power is not up, but Vivid Racing are considering it as the bar for more performance is now up. By the bar, I mean the stopping power – four new Brembo 380mm crossed drilled rotors complete with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston ones at the back.
The handling may also benefit from the newly installed H & R springs and sway bars that give the beemer some more rigidity and a lower stance. For the aerodynamics, Vivid have gone for the Vorsteiner GTS3 Carbon Fiber Front Bumper that comes with an air splitter, and a Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber Boot Lid. The rear also gets a Carbon Fiber diffuser for an overall complete feel.
Subtle, lean and sleek. We like it.
BMW M3 (E90) by Vivid RacingBMW M3 (E90) by Vivid RacingBMW M3 (E90) by Vivid RacingBMW M3 (E90) by Vivid Racing
A new world record set by the monstrous AMS Nissan GT-R at ¼ mile.
The street legal car with more than 1600HP managed to stop the clock at 8.63 seconds, when crossed the finish line at the 402 meter mark with a terminal speed of 172.15 mph (276.98 km/h). It is just insane to see a “normal” car with normal tyres do that. The parachute is much needed, because the brakes simply won’t manage too well, especially, if the AMS GT-R makes several starts.
What is more, AMS claim that this is not the end and the tuned Nissan will set even better time. As you can see in the end of the start, the rear bumper or parts of it flew away from the car, but this wasn’t the only problem.
Just before the finish line an intercooler pipe popped off, so the car didn’t run all the way on full boost (35 psi) and AMS promises that the next time, there will be more boost. We just can’t wait to see another record. Until then, enjoy the video below.
Isuzu has announced the price list for the all-new D-Max pick-up. The vehicle will be officially unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show (24 – 26 April at NEC, Birmingham). The new D-Max will hit the market from June available with four specification levels and, for the first time for Isuzu in the UK, with an extended cab body configuration – featuring rear-opening side-access panels – joining the single and double cab variants.
The entry-level Isuzu D-Max is priced from £14 499 for the single cab 4×2 derivative. It comes with a generous complement of standard equipment, including air conditioning, daytime running lights, electric windows and front, side and curtain airbags.
The Eiger double cab starts at £18 499 and adds projector headlamps, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, 16” alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers, while the ‘Yukon’ double cab (from £18,999 CVOTR) also features a leather steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and a six-speaker sound system, chrome exterior detailing and 17” alloys.
The flagship Utah model offers luxurious creature comforts inside, including leather upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate control. The exterior is enhanced with roof bars and rear parking sensors. The ‘Utah’ double cab automatic is priced from £21 499.
2012 Isuzu D-Max UK
The engine is only one – a highly fuel efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel with 163PS and 400Nm at 1400RPM. It is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The Isuzu D-Max also introduces a new ‘shift-on-the-fly’ system, allowing the driver to adjust between two- and four-wheel drive modes while travelling at speeds of up to 60 mph.
Isuzu UK expects its all-new pick-up to build on the remarkable success of its predecessor, the Rodeo. Consistent year-on-year sales growth throughout its lifecycle peaked in 2011 with 2,431 units registered, a performance which saw the UK become Isuzu’s biggest European market for the first time.
Michelin has created the new Pilot Super Sport tyres specially for the brand new F12berlinetta, which is the most powerful Ferrari ever. The new tyres are the world’s fastest series-produced tyre on the track. The Italian manufacturer, after its previous successful collaborations related to the development of the tyres for the 599 GTO and the FF, has once more chosen Michelin among the original equipment suppliers for the new F12berlinetta,
The new Ferrari F12berlinetta has a naturally aspirated 65-degree 6.3 liter V12 – 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). To handle all that power, a number of technologies have been developed by Michelin’s Research and Development Center.
Here are some of them:
First is the Twaron Belt. Esentially, it is a high-density fibre which gives the Michelin Pilot Super Sport superior high-speed stability. A key feature of Twaron is that it is very strong, yet light; Twaron is five times stronger than steel of an equivalent weight.
The second is a variable contact patch 2.02 thatchanges its shape when cornering. That’s why the amount of rubber in contact with the road remains the same.
Last is the Tri-Compound and Bi-compound tread. Used in endurance racing, this innovation uses different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread. On the outside, a unique elastomer specifically developed forracing tyres ensures exceptional endurance. On the inside, a latest-generation, high-grip elastomer enables the tyre (on wet surfaces) to break through the water’s surface and adhere to the road.
The new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres come in two sizes: 255/35 ZR 20 for the front wheels and 315/35 ZR 20 for the rear axle.
Renault UK has announced the full price list of the Megane Range. The new 2012 models come with minor styling changes to freshen up their original lines – modified front end, LED daytime running lights, a gloss black bumper and a lot of sets of wheels.
In terms of line-up, from April, a new entry-level Expression+ welcomes the inclusion of Bluetooth™, USB connection and upgraded audio system to 4 x 20W radio CD with fingertip remote control and AUX input, on top of an already high equipment level: 16” alloys, air conditioning and front fog lights.
The top-of-the-range GT-Line TomTom also sees several new additions: auto parking brake with Hill Start Assist, parking camera with rear parking sensors, Arkamys 3D Sound 4x35W audio system – worth £760, but an OTR price only £270 greater than the previous range (dCi 160).
The interior comes with new trims including a leather pack available in a choice of two finishes in the UK. The personality of the specific GT-Line TomTom finishes has also been enhanced inside and out thanks to specific ‘boomerang’-shaped LED lights, visible red upholstery stitching and a sports steering wheel incorporating thumb rests, plus Renault Sport-badged door sill guards and dashboard trim strip, serving as a reminder that it belongs to the Renaultsport family. Last but not least, the list of body colours available for Mégane 2012 has been extended with the addition of Azzurro Blue and Arctic White.
The engine range includes a 1.2 TCe 115 petrol, 1.5 dCi 110 and the 1.6 dCi 130 diesel powered units. All feature Stop & Start technology, which are already available in the Scenic 2012 range.
The new 1.2 TCe 115 retunrs up to 53.3 mpg on combined cycle and 119g/km CO2. The 1.5 dCi 110 gives class-leading 80.7 mpg and emits only 90 g/km CO2. The 1.6 dCi 130 boats 70.6 mpg and 104g/km CO2 emission.
2012 Megane Renaultsport 265
The Megane range now features the Visio System camera, which improves night-time vision by permanently scanning the road ahead. Lane departure warning has also been added to Megane 2012.If lane markings are crossed without the indicators having been being activated (above 44 mph), visible and audible warnings are automatically activated
All radios are now equipped with Bluetooth hands-free telephony, connectivity and audio-streaming, as well as multi-functional TunePoint and USB input which enable music stored on mobile devices to be controlled by the vehicle’s steering wheel-mounted fingertip control. Also available is Carminat TomTom® Live navigation (HD Traffic, real-time traffic information, etc.) on Expression+.
Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away on a slope, while lane change indicators warn other motorists when the driver is about to change lanes by flashing three times following a simple flick of the indicator stalk.
To assist parking manoeuvres, a rear parking cameraprovides a precise image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings and depicts its trajectory to help drivers adjust their line. Last but not least, the dual-zone automatic climate control is now equipped with a quality sensor which monitors cabin air quality and automatically activates the air-recycling mode whenever necessary.
Renault Megane GT Line TomTom 2012
Full range pricing:
Mégane Hatch 2012
Version
CO2
Level
CO2
Band
Combined
mpg
Benefit in
Kind
OTR
PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£16,275
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO
104
B
70.6
13%
£17,525
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£18,125
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£18,800
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£19,425
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£17,275
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£18,325
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£19,125
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£19,800
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£20,425
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£20,300
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£19,825
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£21,300
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£21,800
GT Line TomTom dCi 160
150
F
47.9
23%
£22,490
Mégane Coupé 2012
Version
CO2
Level
CO2
Band
Combined
mpg
Benefit in
Kind
OTR
PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£16,775
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO
104
B
70.6
13%
£18,025
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£18,625
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£19,300
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£19,925
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£17,775
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£18,825
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£19,625
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£20,300
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£20,925
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£20,799
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£20,325
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£21,800
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£22,300
GT Line TomTom dCi 160
150
F
47.9
23%
£22,990
Mégane Sport Tourer 2012
Version
CO2
Level
CO2
Band
Combined
mpg
Benefit in
Kind
OTR
PRICE
Expression+ 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£17,075
Expression+ dCi 90 ECO
104
B
70.6
13%
£18,325
Expression+ dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£18,925
Expression+ dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£19,600
Expression+ dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£20,225
Dynamique TomTom 1.6 110
159
G
40.9
21%
£18,075
Dynamique TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£19,125
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 ECO
106
B
68.9
13%
£19,925
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£20,600
Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 EDC Auto
110
B
67.3
13%
£21,225
Dynamique TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£21,100
GT Line TomTom TCe 115 Stop and Start
119
C
53.3
10%
£20,625
GT Line TomTom dCi 110 Stop and Start
90
A
80.7
13%
£22,100
GT Line TomTom dCi 130 Stop and Start
104
B
70.6
13%
£22,600
GT Line TomTom dCi 160
150
F
47.9
23%
£23,290
The new Megane 2012 range is available to order ahead of its 1st April showroom launch, priced from £16 275 (Hatch), £16 775 (Coupé) and £17 075 (Sport Tourer) on-the-road.