Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 is over and Nissan have managed to leave a long lasting impression from their presentations. Along with the Nismo Juke and Nismo LEAF electric car, a Nismo March Concept made a surprise appearance appearance and feedback is turning out to be good.
In comparison to the standard version, the Nismo March Concept is not strikingly different. In fact the only mechanical bit introduced to a tuning kit is the suspension. Other then that the ride is lowered, the wheels are lightweight and the bumpers, sideskirts and door mirrors are sort of new. The inside has underwent some design changes as well but nothing specific. Yet, the overall result is rather pleasant – we have a sporty little bumblebee with nice color patterns and a good road stance.
Nissan Nsimo March Concept
Officials are still not sure if they are going to give the Nismo March a green light unless public response ends up being positive (which it most probably will). It was the same story with the Nismo Juke – last year a concept and this year a production debut.
The Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 ran through Sunday, and featured some 367 exhibitors and 630 vehicles. Nismo and Autech Japan jointly showcased there a booth that looked like a race circuit compleate with audience stands and everything. Other vehicles displayed included the Fairlady Z, various kinds of vans and other icons such as the GT-R.
Stéphane Peterhansel has just won Dakar 2012 with MINIALL4 Racing in Lima, Peru. This is his tenth victory in the Dakar. However it was the first triumph for the MINI ALL4 Racing and the X-raid Team. The team confirmed that the goal has been finally achieved: the first win in the Dakar Rally. In the racing, the MINI ALL4 Racing clearly demonstrated its outstanding potential and reliability. Stéphane Peterhansel who now has got 10 Dakar wins under his belt, said that there was a lot of hard work involved in order this achievement to be possible. But the success story continues because as all the five MINIs ALL4 Racing entered by the team made it to the top 10. Nani Roma (ESP) ad Michel Périn (FRA) impressed by celebrating three special-stage wins and finished runner-up, thus giving the Monster Energy X-raid Team a one-two, in the 2012 Dakar. Meanwhile, Russia’s Leonid Novitskiy and his German navigator Andi Schulz won the first special stage. Finishing fourth in the overall rankings represented the well-deserved reward – and the best Dakar result ever secured by a Russian driver in the Dakar’s car ranking. In addition, Novitskyi also was the best-place semi-professional driver in the 2012 edition of the event. The fifth Monster Energy X-raid Team pairing, the Portuguese Ricardo Leal dos Santos und Paulo Fiuza, completed the outstanding team success by taking their red MINI ALL4 Racing to eighth position in the overall rankings. The secret behind this great success lies in the mastery of the engineers and mechanics, which obviously did a fantastic job preparing the cars on every single day.
MINI ALL4 Racing wins Dakar 2012
From 2011 to 2012, the number of MINIs All4 Racing contesting the Dakar increased from one to five. In colors of green, yellow, orange, red and red/blue/white they made the desert more colorful and cheerful place. From the very first special stage and throughout the event, the overall lead was held by one of the MINIs ALL4 Racing. Dakar record winner Peterhansel switched to Team x-raid following the 2009 Dakar. Up to that point in time, Mr. Dakar had celebrated 6 motorbike wins (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998) and three on four wheels (2004, 2005, 2007), in the legendary event. Now, with this achievement he added the 10th triumph. Thanks to the approach of consistency and a matured style of driving, Peterhansel avoided getting involved in any major problems and on day three, he took the lead for the second time to defend it until the rally was over.
MINI ALL4 Racing wins Dakar 2012
2012 Dakar Rally – result:
1. S. Peterhansel (FRA) / J.-P. Cottret (FRA) MINI ALL4 Racing – 38h 54m 46s
2. N. Roma (ESP) / M. Périn (FRA) MINI ALL4 Racing – 39h 36m 42s
3. G. De Villiers (RSA) / D. von Zitzewitz (GER) Toyota – 40h 08m 11s
4. Novitskiy (RUS) / A. Schulz (GER) MINI ALL4 Racing – 41h 06m 40s
5. R. Gordon (USA) / J. Campell (USA) Hummer – 41h 11m 39s
…
8. R.D. Dos Santos (POR) / P. Fiuza (POR) MINI ALL4 Racing – 43h 58m 04s
…
10. K. Holowczyc (POL) / J.-M. Fortin (BEL) MINI ALL4 Racing – 45h 54m 24s
…
12. B. Garafulic (CHI) / G. Picard (FRA) BMW X3 CC – 47h 43m 11s
…
16. A. Mironenko (RUS) / S.Lebedev (RUS) BMW X3 CC – 51h 46m 38s
…
31. S.Schott (GER) / H.Schmidt (GER) BMW X3 CC – 61h 33m 33s
Honda has just participated in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with models of automobiles, motorcycles, power products, racing vehicles. In the exhibit, Honda has presented a variety of ways to customize a vehicle, while keeping the joy of mobility and the appeal of the motor sport cars.
Firstly, the presented future automobiles include two study models based on currently available production vehicles. The so called HondaFLASH BOX for example is all based on the all-new Honda N BOX Custom minicar, which went on sale in the end of last year. However the FLASH BOX features a special body color, reflective decal sheets and LEDs, which are used as a decorative motive in both exterior and interior. The next vehicle, called the Honda Feed Wa, is based on the Honda Freed Hybrid compact minivan. Here the “spirit” of the vehicle is hidden in the name, in which the word “Wa” comes from Japanese language and refers to the traditional Japanese culture. Hence, we can see all over the exterior the ancient Japanese art of lacquering and in the interior – flowers, which represent the four seasons.
2012 Honda FLASH BOX
2012 Honda FREED Wa
Secondly in the exhibit were included the Freed Spike Transporter Version, on which for example can be loaded off-road motorcycles. Another vehicle to be mentioned is the BEAT Autosalon Special, which included original BEAT accessories and special aerodynamic parts.
2012 Honda FREED Spike Transporter
2012 Honda BEAT Auto Salon Special
Furthermore Honda will also show the NC700S, NC700X and INTEGRA which are the new midsize series bikes; and other production motorcycles such as CB1100, VT1300CX, including genuine aftermarket parts and accessories. Additionally, there will also be exhibited the racing motorcycle RC212V. Another racing vehicle will be on display – this time the racing car the HSV-010 GT.
A Canadian debut at the Montreal International Auto Show (13th – 21st of January) will be made by 550 HP Jaguar XKR-S Convertible. Along with the high-performance sports car Jaguar XKR-S Coupe, this is the second fastest and most powerful production vehicle, which Jaguar cars ever produced. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $146,000. Moreover the XKR-S Convertible has all the characteristics that have always defined legendary Jaguar GTs. It has the explosive performance, precise handling, relaxed comfort and discreet luxury. However this vehicle will take the Jaguar into a new performance level.
Jaguar Land Rover Canada will also present its 2012 model year line up at Auto Show. Namely: the 2012 Jaguar XF, XK, XJ and the XKR-S Convertible and the 2012 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, LR4 and LR2.
Let’s start with 2012 Jaguar XF: this is a sedan with the soul of a Jaguar sports car, because of its dynamic abilities and dramatic appearance. At the Auto Show will be showcased a redesigned version of the model, which will adopt the new Jaguar design language (introduced on the flagship Jaguar XJ sedan). Additionally, it will continue to feature dramatic ‘surprise and delight’ elements such as the JaguarDrive Selector™ that rises from the center console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the start button is pressed. Additional upgrades were made also to the XF interior. The pricing for the XF is $59,800; for the XF Portfolio – $65,800; and for the XFR – $86,900.
Next comes the 2012 Jaguar XK, which is dramatic and purposeful, yet as sensuous as only a Jaguar can be! Of course the 2012 Jaguar XK now has numerous revisions which will further improve its contemporary, assertive character. Complementing the design changes are 16 paint colors, four of which are new. A range of 10 alloy wheel designs, from 19 to 20-inches is available. The ‘Black Pack’ remains an option on the XKR. This package replaces exterior chrome with a gloss black finish, complemented by 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The package also includes body colored aerodynamic enhancements. The pricing for the XK Coupe is $98,625 ; for the XK Convertible – $105,625 ; for the XKR Coupe – $109,125 ; the XKR Convertible’s price tag is $116,125 ;XKR-S Coupe’s – $139,000 ; and XKR-S Convertible will go on sale for – $146,000.
2012 Jaguar XKR S Convertible
The 2012 Jaguar XJ is truly a product of the 21st century and is the clearest vision for the future of Jaguar. Subtle upgrades to the cabin were made to the 2012 Jaguar XJ range. A new Rear Comfort Pack is exclusive to the XJL Supersport flagship, and adds new standard features including rear seats that feature electric adjustment of the backrest recline angle, four-way lumbar support and a massage function. The Pack also includes new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed forward when unoccupied to increase rear seat room. On the long-wheelbase XJL Portfolio model, a new optional ‘Executive Pack’ transforms the rear of the XJL into a high-speed mobile office space with the provision of fold-down business trays and an electric rear sunblind for increased privacy. The package also includes improvements in carpeting, a combination wood and leather heated steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings. Additionally, two new performance packages are now available on XJ models powered by the supercharged engines: a new ‘Sport & Speed Pack’ is available on the 470 horsepower XJ and XJL Supercharged models, and a new ‘Speed Pack’ is available on the 510 horsepower XJ and XJL Supersport models. Both packs raise the top speed to 280 km/h, up from 250 km/h, and include functional aerodynamic upgrades to the exterior. The pricing for the XJ starts at $88,000; for the XJL Portfolio – $95,500; for the XJ Supercharged – $105,500; for the XJL Supercharged the price is – $108,500; for the XJ Supersport – $129,000; and at last for the XJL Supersport – $135,500.
At the Auto Show there also can be seen a Range Rover which, is the pinnacle of luxury SUVs. However the 2012 model is now enhanced in terms of luxury, appearance and capability. A new Silver Pack, available on the HSE with Luxury Package and on the Supercharged model, groups popular options at a significant value compared to stand alone option pricing. Moreover the new Autobiography version of the vehicle now comes with all new exclusive Exterior Design Package. The pricing of the HSE is $94,330; fot the Supercharged version – $112,320, and for the Autobiography – $138,740.
Other Range Rover models included are the Range Rover Sport models, which now has a styling refinements, significant audio/infotainment technology upgrades and additional amenities. The Range Rover Sport is powered by a 375 hp (276 kW) 5.0-liter V8 or a 510 hp (375 kW) supercharged version, and includes advanced chassis control systems, uniquely blend high-performance on-road dynamics with traditional Range Rover off-road capability, along with the brand’s renowned luxury. The new compact Smart Key fob is smaller than before however retains all of its functions, including lock, unlock, tailgate release and panic alarm. In addition, the steering wheel stalks are revised for easier use and higher quality appearance. The 2012 Range Rover Sport is available in HSE, HSE with Luxury Package, Supercharged and top-of-range Autobiography models. The price tag of the Range Rover Sport HSE is $73,650; the Range Rover Sport HSE LUX goes on sale for $77,750; the Range Rover Sport Supercharged -$89,450; and the Range Rover Sport Autobiography is at a price of $100,650.
The all-new Range Rover Evoque – is the lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced. However it still provides premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and Land Rover multi-terrain capability, while embodied in a more compact package. The price for the 5-Door Evoque is $46,995, and for the 3-Doors – $52,595.
Next comes the Land Rover LR4, which is a full-capability luxury SUV that deftly combines renowned off-road capability with premium on-road luxury and ride quality, gains significant audio, navigation and entertainment upgrades for the 2012 model year. Land Rover offers the LR4 with the HSE and HSE LUX upgrade packages, both of which include the 7-seat comfort package (standard on HSE LUX) that’s also available for the standard LR4. Numerous upgrades to the 2012 Land Rover LR4 standard and optional infotainment technologies connect the driver and passenger to the vehicle’s capabilities more easily and effectively. The pricing for the LR4 is $59,990; for the LR4 HSE – $63,790; and for the LR4 HSE LUX – $70,790.
The next Land Rover which will be presented at Montreal is the Land Rover LR2, which now has an enhanced interior and exterior. The exterior design changes include a new optional 19 inch Diamond Turned with contrast paint alloy wheel and two new stylish colours. The price of the vehicle is $44,950.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG now can be yours for “just” € 108 885. In addition you can order the AMG performance package for € 7 021. If you think that the price is too high, you have to consider this one more time, because…
The new ML 63 AMG comes with an extremely powerful 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 525PS (386 kW) and 700Nm (519 lb-ft). It further can be boosted to to 557PS (410 kW) and 760Nm (563 lb-ft) with the AMG Performance Package. All this power and the four-wheel drive system catapult the heavy SUV from stand still to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited. Last, but not least – the fuel consumption is at decent level 11.8 liters per 100 km.
The engine is mated to AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC system. This is a 7-speed automatic gearbox with several functions – C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport) and M (Manual).
If you opted for the AMG Performance package, you’ll get not only the power boost package, but an engine cover in high-quality real carbon, callipers in red painted finish and the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
2012 ML 63 AMG stands on enormous five-spoke light-alloy wheels – 9J x 20” with 265/45 R 20 up front and 10J x 21” with 295/35 R 21 at the rear axle. The AMG high-performance braking system provides for the shortest possible braking distances and high fade resistance, featuring ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round in size 390 x 36 mm – front and 345 x 26 mm – rear.
The interior has electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, four-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles. There are also aluminium trim elements, leather upholstery and a lot AMG badges. The distinctively designed instrument cluster with colour TFT monitor, AMG welcome logo and AMG main menu is exclusive to the ML 63 AMG. The designo Exclusive package features Nappa leather upholstery on the AMG sports seats with an unusual diamond pattern. It is available in designo marron, designo porcelain and designo black.
Here is the 90 second verdict of the new 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 TDCi from Autocar.co.uk.
There is two versions of the Zetec S – one with a 1.6 liter EcoBoost and the second, which is shown in the video with a 2.0 liter TDCi diesel power unit. It delivers 161PS (118 kW) at 3750RPM and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) at 3250RPM. From 0 to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph).
The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and returns a nice 56.5 mpg on combined cycle with emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. The curb weight is 1412 kg.
The price for this pleasure is £21 345, which is a lot compared to the petrol variant for only £18 745.
“Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range. With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit.”, commented Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director.
Is the new Zetec S diesel any good? Check out the video, below!
Jaguar has released a new less powerful version of the famous 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel engine in XF range. It is set to be launched aimed at delivering greater value than ever before. The lower input version now costs just £29 950 OTR, which is a great value for money.
The XF 2.2D 163 PS returns 52.3 mpg on combined cycle with emission of just 149 g/km of CO2. Still, the performance does not suffer too much – 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph).
The standard equipment includes suedecloth and leather seats, a touch-screen centrally mounted display, electronic climate control and an advanced 8-speed gearbox complete with automatic Stop-Start.
However, we think that the more powerful version of the 2.2D will be more likeable, because of its performance and great economy figure – 57 mpg.
The lastest generation of Audi Allroad is even better than the previous model. It adds more brawn to complement its highly sophisticated electronic “brain” as the 3rd generation A6 Allroad Quattro.
The new model will hit the UK market next month as the prices start at £43 145 OTR for the entry-level model.
The engine range includes one TFSI petrol engine and two TDI units. All of the has turbocharging and direct injection guaranteeing high efficiency and nice dynamics. Their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 per cent compared with the previous model.
The 3.0 liter TFSI delivers 310PS (228 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. From 0 to 62mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) – electronically limited. Its combined economy figure is an impressive 31.7mpg.
There are two 3.0 liter TDI model – one with 204PS and one with 245PS with 450Nm and 580Nm, respectively. The entry-level version achieves a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg, corresponding to 159 g CO2/km. All three engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
Distinguishing allroad quattro features include extended side sills, more widely flared wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille. Stainless steel guards protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.
2012 Audi A6 Allroad Quattro
The wheel arches, bumpers and sills are painted in a contrasting colour, but can be body-coloured if the optional aluminium exterior package is specified. The colour Java Brown is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres with seats up and whopping 1 680 litres with rear seats folded down.
The options list includes a head-up display, ambient lighting, and comfort seats seats with a ventilation and massage function. Additional highlights include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the advanced key, which enables access, start-up and locking without the need to remove the key from the driver’s pocket.
The HDD SAT NAV MMI features an 8” display. A Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers can also be added for maximum listening pleasure.
The Ford F-150 truck is a cultural phenomenon with 584,917 units sold in the US during year 2011 alone. Now the company is anticipating four new engines and ROUSH tuning house is not willing to stand and watch. Instead, both new Ford 6.2L and 5.0L V-8s will get a full supercharger kit while the other two new comers will get enhancements as well, all for the greater grunt.
First lets talk about the juicy stuff: 2.3L TVS R2300 superchargers featuring Eaton’s new TVS Technology can be preordered and fitted to the V8 engines. Those massive turbos boast four-lobe rotors with high-flow inlet and outlet ports which basically allow more power at higher RPM. Other highlights include ROUSH’s new cold air induction system, a 100 mm MAF tube (mass airflow meter), twin 60mm throttle body, a high efficiency intercooler system that incorporates a dual-core low temp radiator, degas bottle and high capacity air-to-water intercooler. A non-calibrated 5.0 Tuner kit is now available for order with the calibrated ROUSH 5.0 kit coming this february. The 6.2 non-calibrated one will be available sometime this month while the 6.2 calibrated ROUSH edition can be shipped no sooner than April.
ROUSH F150 (2012)
All four engines (that includes the 3.7 V6 and 3.5 V6) will get cold air induction system kits. In the V6 that translates into an open element upper air box, a washable high-flow air filter and a new MAF tube. V8 also get get that, plus a new clean air tube. Everything is carefully tuned and crafted with OE materials to meet F-150 factory standards. All kits are designed for easy installation requiring no drilling or cutting.
To wrap it up, ROUSH have thrown in a dual-tip, stainless steel, high performance cat back exhaust system. It fits virtually every engine/cabin/bed configuration. It allows air to go trough more smoothly and reduces back pressure which supposedly increases power and torque… and engine noise. The mufflers are made from high grade stainless steal smeared with specially applied (micro-porously) chrome that does not subdue to flaking or cracking under high temperatures.
By the time April comes around, all ROUSH performance parts should be ready for shipment so that newly acquired F-150 trucks wont have to roll the streets naked.
On the 10th of January Lex Autolease and BCA have gathered together in order to make a special sale at BCA Bedford. There have been featured 400 end-of-lease cars, in which were also included a special selection of prestige and sporting models. The sale attracted over 300 buyers. Moreover there were other 533 people logging on to bid via BCA’s Live Online internet bidding service. The sale achieved great success-over 90% of the cars were sold for around £3 million – plus turnover that achieved 99% of CAP Clean.
The highlight of the show was the 2006Fisker Tramonto. In details the model of the vehicle is the only one with right hand drive in existence and it is one of just 15 built. Without a doubt the Tramonto is a true supercar, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG. It was created by the Californian based company founded by former Aston Martin head designer Henrik Fisker. Moreover the model was painted in Titanium Quartz Metallic with two-tone Sand interior in finest Italian leather and finished with Aluminium and bare Carbon Fibre touches. In other words – a true master piece! Hence it is not a surprise that after some very competitive bidding in the auction hall and online, it was sold for £50,000, calculated as 172% of CAP!
2006 Fisker Tramonto sold for £50 000 at BCA
Another notable seller was the 0858 Hummer 2 6.2 Lux at 17,000 miles and finished in an eye-catching combination of orange and black with lots of chrome trim. The price it was sols is the far less £28,850 (equivalent to 112% of CAP). In addition other strong sellers were: 0858 Range Rover Sport 2.7 at 33,000 miles, sold at the price of £23,800 (105% CAP); 1010 BMW 520D 2.0SE – at 32,000 miles, sold for £19,100 (106% CAP); 1111 Audi Q5 2.0 QS – at 6,000 miles, for £32,300 (107% CAP); 0858 Mini Cooper 1.6 – at 40,000 miles, for £7,100 (106% CAP).
Hence we can make the assumption that there is still a very strong demand in the used car market early. BCA once again delivered plenty of buying power – both in the auction hall and online.
The electromobility strategy of BMW today has been finally revealed with the delivery of the first all-electric ActiveE model in the US. More importantly BMW are happy to confirm that with the electric vehicles can absolutely serve one’s daily driving needs without compromise. The launch of the new all-electric BMW i model is expected in 2013.
To go further into details, the BMW’s electromobility development strategy began with the MINI E Field Trial in the summer of the year 2009. There were a lot of questions going on along with the launch of the MINI E. For instance, could a private individual live with an electric vehicle on a daily basis without changing their driving habits? The results were spectacular, because not only all of the MINI E pioneers proved without unquestioningly that it could be done, but also that doing so required no change in their daily routine! The only exception and difference was the plugging-in instead of stopping at the gas station.
2012 BMW All-Electric ActiveE
The Moloughneys today became the first dealership who will lease a BMW ActiveE for a two year period. Deliveries will continue over the next several weeks. As already tested – the MINI E provided valuable information about the life with an EV; now is the BMW ActiveE lease period is prepared to be used to gather feedback that will be part of the development of the BMW i3 (the latter will come to market in 2013). More importantly, the ActiveE is the only car that is 100% Electric and 100% BMW. And it will definitely provide the performance and efficiency everyone has come to expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine®. It has an output of 170 hp (125 kW) and maximum torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) from a standstill. Hence, it is possible for the BMW ActiveE to accelerate from 0–60 mph in under nine seconds. Moreover, newly developed lithium-ion batteries facilitate a driving range of up to 100 miles on a full charge.
2012 BMW All-Electric ActiveE
BMW Group makes a big step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle with the launch of this BMW ActiveE. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the development of electrically powered vehicles. The next step will be the BMW i3, which is prepared for launching in 2013. The design of the vehicle will meet the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. Therefore the drive components and battery technology that are going be used in the BMW i3 are now being tested in the BMW ActiveE. However the ongoing field tests involving more than 600 MINI E cars, have already given important information about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Beginning with year in the US, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1100 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at BMW’s Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. Furthermore, the feedback from customers driving the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be used directly into series production of the BMW i3.
The new sporty and bold face of the refreshed model of Lexus LX 570 SUV is at hand. Modifications start from Lexus’ signature spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, exterior styling and at the new onboard technologies included. This all-new Lexus LX 570 SUV will be launched at the second quarter of 2012.
In particular, there is new LED daytime running lights, which complement a new headlamp design and new larger fog lamp bezels. Both front and rear bumpers are refreshed, and the rear bumper protector is improved by a stainless steel accent. In addition tail lamps and the tow hitch cover also have received some make over. The spacious, eight-passenger cabin of the LX 570 also receives a number of upgrades and changes. Moreover the driver’s seat gets a new Easy Access system: the steering wheel and driver’s seat automatically retract when the ignition is turned off.
But this is not the end: front seats include improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet, which has been added to the cargo area. Furthermore there is an updated instrument panel which now has new color multi-information display. The instrument panel looks additionally refreshed due to the metallic finish for the centre instrument cluster and front side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box. The cabin of the new-look LX 570 also includes a mahogany woodgrain-look trim, while ivory and black leather-accented interior trim are also available on the revised model. How abut the exterior: of course there have been new colors added: the new Mercury Gray and Sleek Ecru are now replacing the Rhodium and Metallic Beige.
More importantly, the LX 570’s 5.7-litre V8 delivers the punch and towing power demanded in this segment, producing 270kW (367 hp) of power at 5,600rpm and peak torque of 530Nm (718 lb-ft) at 3,200rpm. Now the 90 per cent of peak torque is available at just 2,200rpm. There are also the newly adopted steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters**, controlling a six-speed automatic transmission. In thus way the driver customers can make the best use of this power, on and off-road. An interesting addition is the sequential shift mode, which also allows the driver to select gears manually.
Even at very low speeds, such as trail driving, the transmission operates smoothly and imperceptibly. Furthermore the LX 570’s transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive which handles perfectly the rigors of slippery winter weather, mud or snow. In details this system uses a TORSEN® limited-slip locking centre differential with front to rear variable torque distribution, directing more power to the wheels, when a slippage could occur. Additionally the four-wheel Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin.
There is also included the famous Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which helps maintain directional control during cornering and can be turned off via the “VSC off” switch. There is an update in the Crawl Control or off road cruise control, which now increases the number of preset speeds from three to five steps, for greater off-road control.
On the other hand the new Turn Assist feature tightens the turning circle by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel. Another new feature is the Multi-terrain Select function, which allows the driver to optimize vehicle performance by choosing from five types of terrain: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand. Hence, it delivers the ideal combination of stability and traction control assistance over different surfaces.
2013 Lexus LX 570
Without a doubt the LX 570’s has an extremely capable chassis, which is equipped with an advanced suspension system. The high-mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allows for 230mm of total front wheel travel for outstanding articulation over rough roads and impediments. In addition the four-link trailing-arm rear suspension retains the solid-axle configuration for strength and durability. On the other hand there is the body-on-frame construction, which provides ruggedness and durability in challenging driving conditions, plus impressive ride isolation characteristics and a 3,500kg towing capability. Moreover the Active Height Control (AHC) system lowers the chassis for easy entry and exit and returns automatically to its normal height when the vehicle begins to accelerate. There is also improvement in the aerodynamics on-road stability, thank to the AHC system, which also lowers the vehicle when traveling at higher speeds. This AHC system raises the vehicle to provide additional ride height in driving situations where chassis clearance is at a premium. The hydro-pneumatic Adaptive Variable Suspension system has three modes to control the spring rate and shock absorber damping force to provide optimal handling and comfort for on-road or trail driving. For example, the Comfort mode will provide the driver and the passengers with an easy ride and softer response on extremely bumpy roads. Then the Normal and Sport modes help provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, at higher speeds on paved or unpaved roads. In addition the new design standard features five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with 285/50R20 tyres. There is also a multi-terrain ABS system, which determines road-surface conditions and automatically selects the suitable level of ABS control for on and off-road driving surfaces.
Furthermore the LX 570 is equipped with standard safety/security features: 10 airbags ( including driver and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that cover all three rows); three-point seatbelts (for all eight seating positions); second-row seatbelts with integrated pre-tensioners for the outboard seats and an ALR/ELR (Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelt for all three second row passengers; Active Front Headrests which moves upward and forward in the event of certain low speed rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant’s body is applied to the seat back; an advanced radar-based Pre-Collision System with radar Active Cruise Control; Multi-terrain monitor, which includes a greater number of exterior cameras.
The new 2013 Lexus LX 570 is full of luxury, comfort and convenience. It features a full array of standard luxury amenities: four-zone independent climate control, a reversing camera with guide assist, Lexus Navigation System; 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio with 450-watts maximum power and 16 channels. The system also features iPod®”/USB connectivity. In order to deliver even more luxury and entertainment, the LX 570 will also offer dual rear seat entertainment screens mounted behind the front seat head rests.
Additionally, the standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and back 45mm for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split. There is also featured a power retractable third-row seat as a standard. The split rear tailgate features a power upper door, while the bottom section raises and lowers with minimal effort.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 is over and Nissan have managed to leave a long lasting impression from their presentations. Along with the Nismo Juke and Nismo LEAF electric car, a Nismo March Concept made a surprise appearance appearance and feedback is turning out to be good.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG now can be yours for “just” € 108 885. In addition you can order the AMG performance package for € 7 021. If you think that the price is too high, you have to consider this one more time, because…
Here is the 90 second verdict of the new 
Jaguar has released a new less powerful version of the famous 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel engine in XF range. It is set to be launched aimed at delivering greater value than ever before. The lower input version now costs just £29 950 OTR, which is a great value for money.
The lastest generation of Audi Allroad is even better than the previous model. It adds more brawn to complement its highly sophisticated electronic “brain” as the 3rd generation A6 Allroad Quattro.
The Ford F-150 truck is a cultural phenomenon with 584,917 units sold in the US during year 2011 alone. Now the company is anticipating four new engines and ROUSH tuning house is not willing to stand and watch. Instead, both new Ford 6.2L and 5.0L V-8s will get a full supercharger kit while the other two new comers will get enhancements as well, all for the greater grunt.
