Thursday, June 23, 2011
2012 New Suzuki Swift S-Concept
At the auto show "Australian International Motor Show 2011" in Melbourne, 1-10 July, featuring the Suzuki Swift S-Concept. This is the New Hatchback Swift Sport 2012 (continuation of the previous four-door model) and will be marketed early next year.
The source of the Suzuki Swift informed that this new generation has the form of a three-door model. This is the most striking difference with the previous Swift Sport launched in February.
In terms of exterior, house fog lamps slimmer with each pull of the same line of bumpers. The shape is more like a cat's eye with a mini grille lamp as the grip. Then, on the back of the front fender there knacks like fins one sheet.
Another difference appears on the side skirts are on the front of the rear wheel there is a vent. Move to the back, above the bumper there is a wind tunnel as the exhaust coming from the side skirts. Then, dual exhaust was designed to blend with the mini diffuser.
Impression sport increasingly thick with stout wings stretched at the top rear. The model, inspired by the Suzuki Swift when participating in the event the junior world rally championship.
The interior also got a touch of sport. Apart from the two front seat-style semi-racing, the operation of a 6-gear acceleration (the previous 5-speed models), but the manual also comes with paddle shift. Thus, as in the F1 operation by pressing the plate located behind the wheel.
Regarding the engine, there is no valid information. However, Suzuki's Concept is more fitting called a Suzuki GTI will be embedded and powerful 1.6-liter engine 134 HP (100 kW), bigger than previous models around 110 HP. Its weight was lighter.
When it comes later, the S-Concept Suzuki will be competing hard with the VW Polo GTI and also of the family Ford Fiesta
2012 The latest version of the Mini Coupe
This is the latest variant of the MINI Coupe, the two-door. His appearance differs from previous Mini models. This latest version, got "ass"! Hence, claimed to be the first MINI with the design of the "three box" (engine, cabin and luggage).
MINI is more unique appearance with the roof painted red and called a "helmet roof" with two parallel lines of the body plus a prominent spoiler on the back. Another characteristic, around the side door glass blend with the front and rear. In fact, to add value to the aerodynamics, the A pillar on the MINI is one of this position is made more oblique. Another characteristic of this super sport, can only load the driver and one passenger! Thus, the new MINI is suitable for action!
4 Variants
MINI Coupé directly with the 4-variant is offered with two engine options, namely gasoline 1.6-liter and 2.0 liter diesel. Remarkably, both machines using advanced technology BMW. For example, for gasoline, equipped with direct injection system. While the diesel version, common rail, turbochager with propeller angle can change (VGT). MINI lovers can choose the variant according to his needs!
Like to test the adrenaline at the track, the MINI provides a gasoline engine capable of spitting out 211 PS power and accelerate from 0-100 km / h in 6.4 seconds. This variant is called Coupé MINI John Cooper Works. According to MINI parent now, this machine is specially tuned by experts who specialize in preparing the machines for Sport BMW and MINI. His ability to speed up to a maximum, 240 km / hour (kph).
MINI also provides a 1.6 petrol engine is more efficient, named the MINI Cooper S and Coupé. Special Coupé MINI Cooper diesel is elementary. The latter version, in addition to economical (fuel consumption claims 23.25 MPA), its ability to accelerate is also terrific, 7.9 seconds.
Active Spoiler
Rear body, according to the MINI designed classical-style gran turismo. In addition, because the sport character, his posture was made 52 mm lower than the standard MINI. The goal, the more steady speed up and to maneuver.
No less interesting, so that the more stylish and aerodynamic, rear spoiler incorporated with the roof. Amazingly, there is also an active spoiler (first used on the MINI) in the tail trunk. At a speed of 80 km / h, this spoiler sticking to add traction to increase stability and maneuverability steady!
New Toyota Hybrid Sport Car Concept II
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced today, will be exhibiting "GRMN (GAZOO Racing tuned by MN) HYBRID SPORTS CONCEPT II" on 24-hour endurance race Nürburgring 39th near Nurburg, Germany from 23 to 26 June. This hybrid sports car look even more stylish with a convertible model.
Further, this hybrid sports car, the gasoline engine mounted in the center, using two electric motors that move the rear and front axles. With the same concept, GRMN SPORT HYBRID CONCEPT II is a car All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
This version is the development of hybrid gasoline-electric sport is on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon Toyota 2010. Performance improvement made on a gasoline engine, electric motor driving the rear wheels and transmission are in the middle of the car. With these improvements, the ability of this hybrid sports maneuver more steadily as more stable. In fact, when the car is using electric power only, is claimed to provide a new experience for the driver.
Vigorous development of this sports car and show it off at the Nürburgring, is Toyota's effort to enhance the prestige and greatness of its hybrid technology. Especially the Prius which is currently still the "King of Hybrids" in the world!
Batman car designed by Gordon Murray
In addition to combating crime, which draw from the superhero Batman is a variety of artifacts that are used in action, like the cloak of anti-fire, boomerang, gun launcher rope, and do not miss the iconic Batmobile (vehicle), which always accompanied him.
For business cars, Hollywood director has created an ideal visualization Batman car since the era of the 1980s until 2010. The form was originated from the classical model, futuristic, until the car wars according to the story and the times.
Well, Batman car was designed by Gordon Murray, a former designer on the team Brabham F1 car (owned by Bernie Ecclestone) and BT39 and BT52 and his long time with McLaren until 2006, who later founded the firm Gordon Murray Design. Now, he also created an electric car city car T25 and T27.
From the display, Murray did not want to eliminate the characteristic Batmobile with a dark black color dop la "The Dark Knight". However, Murray F1 soul shine on the vehicle. In addition to flat, functioned as a buffer wing fender holders. Interestingly, Gordon adds a colorful LED on the wheels and the spotlight on the "nose" cars. Responding to the results of his work, Gordon did not speak much, "It's pretty green." What does he mean?
The whole body Batmobile is manufactured using carbon fiber materials make it lightweight, but sturdy. Although not mentioned specifically, Gordon equip cars with environmentally friendly technology, which combines Lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell.
Race Car Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid
Porsche 911 GT3 is a high performance sports car. Recently, the German automaker also made the hybrid version of the 911 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. And this weekend Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will take race at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. At first showed, the GT3-R has two electric motors, each developing 80 brake horsepower (60 kW), driving the front wheels to supplements the 480 brake horsepower (360 kW) four-litre flat-six engine at the rear.
According to a source, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will produce only 448 hp for this race. The output of both electric motors has been increased from 60 to 75 kilowatts each, compared to the 2010 model. For seconds at a time, the drivers have almost 200 additional horsepower driving the front wheels. For this race, the Porsche 911 GT3 R will be driven by factory race drivers Jörg Bergmeister (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria), Patrick Long (USA) and Marco Holzer (Germany).
The Porche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is designed and built at Porsche's Research and Development department in Weissach, Germany, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. This hybrid race car is clearly proved that the hybrid technology developed by Porsche is very competitive in racing while also offering considerably lower fuel consumption. Amazing!
Stay tuned for update information of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Hot News: Think Global Bankrupt
Electric car manufacturer Think Global has filed for bankruptcy.
Under Norwegian bankruptcy laws, a court-appointed trustee will immediately take over the short-term operation of the Oslo-based company.
Think’s battery supplier, Ener1, which recently ended its four year deal with the firm will now begin recovering some £20m in unpaid loans and accounts receivable from Think Global.
Think's most recent product was the four-seat Think City micro car, an electric vehicle with a ‘100 mile’ range. It was due to hit UK soils this year carrying a price tag of around £23,000.
Think sold 'over 2500' city cars in Europe and the US since its introduction in 1999. The company has been in business for 20 years.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: The New Renault Twingo
Renault is planning a final round of changes for its Twingo city car before an all-new model is launched in 2014 as a sister car to the Smart Forfour.
The current Twingo, including the Renaultsport model, will get refreshed front and rear styling alongside some interior tweaks by the end of 2011.
But the biggest change to the range is likely to be the addition of Renault’s new 0.9-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, first seen in Renault’s R-Space concept at the Geneva show earlier this year.
The next-generation Twingo will increase in size to make way for a new, smaller Renault city car that will be based on the next-gen Smart Fortwo.
The two new Renault city cars are the latest stage in a wider co-operation between Renault and Daimler that was first announced last year.
Speaking to Autocar, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche said the two firms “were moving forward on significant new projects” and both were exploring “more areas of mutual interest”.
Thanks to: Autocar
New Concept Car: Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid II
Is this a successor to the MR-2? Toyota will take the wraps off a new mid-engined hybrid convertible at the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race this weekend.
Called the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, it may not have as catchy a name as the MR-2, but it's certainly not lacking in visual aggression – or outright punch.
Originally shown at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, this new version features far curvier and more cohesive bodywork while under the skin is an uprated hybrid system. The whole car has been developed by Gazoo Racing – the team behind the Lexus LF-A supercar.
It uses a four-wheel drive set-up with an electric motor at the front and a mid-mounted 245bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6 and another set of electric motors driving the rear wheels. Total power output is 295bhp and with a kerbweight of 1,500kg, the GRMN concept should be able to do 0-60mph in under six-seconds.
Toyota claims the hybrid AWD system improves manoeuvrability, increases driving enjoyment and provides enhanced stability. There are no plans to put this car on sale, but the firm says it will take lessons learned and apply them to its road cars.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Spied: 2013 Mercedes A-Class
Mercedes-Benz released two prototypes of its next-generation small cars into the wild this weekend, and our spy shooters were able to capture heavily camouflaged versions of the A-class five-door and “four-door coupe” testing for the first time. The five-door hatch and Mercedes CLS–inspired sedan, along with the minivan-style B-class tall wagon and a possible crossover, are due to hit the U.S. market for the 2013 model year, and the four body styles all will share the same front-wheel-drive platform. The A-class will go toe-to-toe with Audi’s upcoming A3 sedan and hatch and the next-gen BMW 1-series while establishing a smaller and more affordable entry point for new Mercedes-Benz customers.
We have already seen images from European patent filings for the next-gen Mercedes-Benz A-class, and these spy photos confirm the small five-door’s look. Even though the A-class prototype is heavily armored with unwieldy camo, the side and rear glass, roofline, door-handle location, and basic proportions are dead on with what we saw in those drawings. The dramatic body line that sweeps up from the front wheel to the taillight is not visible through the prototype’s heavy camouflage, but its pinched butt and domed hood are.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Spied: 2013 Jaguar XE Roadster
As we left this year’s Geneva auto show, at which Jaguar kicked off the iconic E-type’s 50th birthday party, we were disappointed. After the music had stopped, the champagne flutes sat dry, and the confetti lay lifeless on the floor, we still had no E-type successor or tribute. Today, though, our spirits are lifted, as our crafty spy shooters have caught Jaguar testing a mule of what will become the modern version of the E-type, likely called XE.
Whether or not the future two-seater will be able to pick up the torch of the famed E-type, it’ll fill that car’s role within the Jag showroom. At first glance, this mule appears to be just a rough-bodied version of the XK, complete with its updated headlights, but upon further study we can clearly see that the wheelbase—and consequently, the sheetmetal—have been shortened. Note how the surface between the leading edge of the front of the rear fender and the door seam is smaller than it is on the XK, which is why the body lines no longer match. Additionally, the rear overhang has been compressed on this mule, displacing the fuel door. The tacked on fender flares could indicate a wider rear track than the XK has.
It shouldn’t take much Sherlock Holmes–ing to determine what lies under the hood. As this car will be based on the XK platform, we fully expect it to receive either a naturally aspirated or supercharged version of Jag’s spectacular 5.0-liter V-8. Additionally, we know Jaguar is working on a new V-6 for the XF sedan and a forthcoming BMW 3-series–size sedan, and anticipate that’ll find its way into a base model of the XE.
The XE will eventually be offered as both a coupe and a convertible. The ragtop should be the first to market, possibly entering production as early as 2012. Its primary targets will be the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Figure on the XE being priced toward the pricier end of that segment, or around $60,000. Stay tuned for more details as the E-type’s party really gets rockin’.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Spied: 2012 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot isn’t as weird as a Citroën, nor is it as thrilling as a BMW M3. In spite of this—or perhaps because of it—Honda’s eight-passenger crossover SUV sells in substantial numbers, impressive work for a car that debuted in its second generation for 2008. (It joined our long-term test fleet soon after.) To keep shoppers interested, though, Honda’s making some tweaks for 2012, and our spy shooters have caught one of the face-lifted Pilots running around.
The most notable difference is the change in the grille. The current car’s cyborg-like front fascia was a bit of a styling risk from such a conservative company, and while it probably didn’t hurt sales, it didn’t win loads of fans either. It’s immediately apparent from these images that the flat grille will disappear, to be replaced with a three-slat insert. Tape on the rear bumper suggests some resurfacing there as well. Otherwise, the Pilot’s exterior remains mostly the same as it has been; it’s an inoffensive design and still looks fresh enough to satisfy families in the showroom.
Mechanically, the alterations to the Pilot will most likely be evolutionary. Honda has been upgrading most of its models’ five-speed automatic transmissions with six-ratio units; you can expect the Pilot to join the six-speed in-crowd. Between the new gearbox and—perhaps—some finessing of the engine’s greasy bits, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pilot gain an extra mile per gallon or two. For the folks who put cartoonish drawings of themselves and their pets on the rear window, this will be pleasant news.
We expect Honda to unveil the face-lifted Pilot sometime this fall, either at November’s Los Angeles auto show or at a less-full-of-fanfare venue. It’ll be a busy fall for the company’s crossover division, as we’re also expecting an all-new CR-V. We’ll bring you full info on both cars when it arrives.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Spied: 2013/2014 Ford Fiesta SUV
The new B-MAX isn't the only small Ford on the way – our spies have shot up close shots of another Fiesta-based prototype. And it drops the strongest hints yet that the B-MAX will be joined by an SUV brother rivalling Nissan's Juke.
Most obvious is the raised ride height and increased gap between the wheels and the wheelarches, hinting at greater ground clearance for rough roads. But look closely at the the tyres and you can just make out that this rugged-looking Fiesta rides on Pirello Scorpion ATR rubber – the Italian manufacturer's on/off-road tyre.
They may only be 16-inches in size but with chunky tread, this prototype looks like it'll be very capable in a variety of terrains. In addition, the wheels also protrude past each side of the car, showing the wider front and rear tracks.
Although this model wears a five-door Fiesta body, expect the finished article to get a stylish look simlar to that of the Kuga. Turbocharged Ecoboost engines will include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.6-litre four-cylinder, both with start-stop.
Developed under the One Ford strategy, the Fiesta SUV will be sold throughout the world, including the US and Far East. Expect to see a concept at a major motor show next year.For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News: Lotus Confirms New V8 and City Car
British maker Lotus has confirmed that it will be building its own V8 engine for its upcoming range of new supercars. But at the other end of the line-up, it has also confirmed that a new city car will go on sale in the UK in 2014 too.
The new engine will be 4.8-litre V8, designed and built in Hethel, Norfolk. It will weigh around 170kg – that's 80kg lighter than the engine from the Lexus IS-F that was originally going to be used. The latter was vetoed by prospective buyers who thought the reborn firm should produce its own engines from the ground-up.
With a flat-plane crankshaft and a dry sump, the V8 will develop 570bhp and rev to 9,000rpm in standard tune. That figure will rise to 620bhp in even faster R versions.
The engine will be fired up on a test bench on August 18 and used in a new LMP2 racing car. It will then appear in the Esprit – due in 2013 in coupe and convertible form – and then the Elite 2+2 drop-top and Eterne four-door coupe. The engine will be a modular unit, so a four-cylinder unit (for the next-generation Elise) and a V6 will be produced from it too.
Lotus also confirmed it will build its city car concept, which will be based on the EMAS from parent company Prototon. Of the five sports cars revealed at last year's Paris Motor Show, the Elan has been shelved. Lotus boss Dany Bahar told Auto Express that the noses of the Esprit and Elan had been redesigned to distance the two cars from each other, but the Elan has now been put on ice completely. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express
Hot News: Audi Plans to Release 3 Sport SUVs by 2016
Audi will be adding three more SUVs to its portfolio, effectively doubling its current SUV lineup by 2016. Joining the odd-numbered Q3, Q5 and Q7 will be the sportier even-numbered Q2, Q4 and Q6. The new models are part of Audi’s strategy to meet the growing global demand for up-market SUVs.
“It’s clear that demand for SUVs and crossovers is still in an upswing phase and will remain so for some years to come. We want to make sure we have the coverage to satisfy it,” an Audi insider revealed to Autocar.
The new Q2 SUV will be the new baby in Audi’s SUV family. It will be based on an upcoming four-wheel drive version of the A1’s platform, which it will share with a Volkswagen cousin. The pair will fill the slot below the Q3/Volkswagen Tiguan and be about the size of the Nissan Juke – which “Audi designers admit to having in the design studio as a reference point,” according to Autocar. Although Audi is referencing the Juke design-wise the Q2 is set to compete head-on with the Mini Countryman. Expect engines to mirror those in the A1.
Built to rival Range Rover’s Evoque, the middle-of-the-pack Q4 will share platforms and most of its dimensions with the Q5. The one exception will be its roofline, which will be chopped just over two inches. Styling will be similar to the A5 Sportback, with more rake to its windshield than the Q5, shallower greenhouse and an angled liftback-style rear hatch. Fender flares reminiscent of 1980s rally Quattros are also a possibility. The interior will be similar to the Q5 but the middle seat on the second row is intended for limited use.
Expect engines for the U.S. market to include versions of the turbocharged 2.0 liter I-4 and the 270 hp naturally aspirated 3.2-liter gas V6. Other engine choices may include Audi’s 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 170 hp and 210 hp or a 240 hp 3.0-liter V6 diesel. An S-model for the North American market may feature Audi’s 328 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gas-powered engine.
The top of Audi’s sporty SUV heap will be the Q6 which is set to rival BMW’s X6. Originally believed to be based on today’s Q7 it will utilize the MLB (‘modularen langsbau’ or modular longitudinal architecture) -based platform used by today’s Q5 and upcoming Q4 and Porsche Cajun. In an effort to reduce weight in all future Audis the big SUV’s body will be constructed mostly of aluminum and some composite plastic and carbon fiber.
Is six SUVs too many for Audi? Other manufacturers currently have several SUVs and crossovers: Ford has five (six if you count the Expedition EL separate from the Expedition) SUVs not including Lincoln versions (three); Toyota has seven not including Lexus (three) and Chevrolet has four not including GMC (four SUVs), Buick (one SUV) and Cadillac (two SUVs).How many SUVs are too many for one nameplate especially in today’s world of fluctuating fuel prices.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
New Car: 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
Mini’s cars are known for their flingability, but the company is dragging its feet releasing info on its new Cooper Coupe. Last week, we got our first official photos of the car (albeit still partially covered in camouflage) and then got to drive a prototype (again, still partially covered in camouflage). This time, we’ve finally got photos of the whole car—not the concept, not spy shots of a camouflaged production car, not official shots of a camouflaged car, but official shots of a fully exposed production coupe, its thin quarter and rear glass uncovered, its helmet roof and racing stripes revealed in all their glory.
There is very little new information accompanying these new photos. For those of you who missed the last few stories, however, here is a recap of this re-capped Cooper: the Mini Coupe is a two-seat, trunk-ated (though not truncated) version of Mini’s feisty hatch, based on the Cooper convertible’s structure. It has the same footprint as the Cooper hatchback, but its roof is roughly an inch lower and it features a faster windshield angle. All three of the 1.6-liter engines offered on other Coopers sold in the States will be available in the coupe: the 121-hp naturally aspirated base four-cylinder, the raucous 181-hp turbocharged version of same, and the wild-child 208-hp John Cooper Works turbo four. Wheels will come in 15-, 16-, and 17-inch sizes, with plenty of different designs available as options.
Thanks to added bracing in the rear bulkhead and elsewhere, the Mini Cooper Coupe will be torsionally stiffer than the hardtop, but, at least in JCW form, it also will be roughly 55 pounds heavier. However, we already know that, thanks to bespoke suspension tuning and brake-based torque vectoring, the coupe is more fun to drive than any other Mini body style. (At least it is for now. Engineers on our drive of the JCW car told us the final calibrations could still change.)
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Upcoming Crossover 2012 Honda CR-V
2012 Honda CR-V is an upcoming crossover. There's still only little information about the car. According to a source, figure on a naturally aspirated four-cylinder being the only engine available. It should displace 2.4 liters like today’s CR-V engine, and expected it to make between 180 and 200 hp. It should be powerful crossover to beat its rival.
For the 2012 model, fuel economy also should improve slightly; in front-drive spec, the current model is rated for 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. (All-wheel-drivers are rated for 21/27.)
There will be a major changes to the upcoming CR-V in the seating layout. Every CR-V has been a strictly five-seat affair. Given the long rear overhang of the car, however, it looks like there just might be room for a small third row of seats for passengers. For this 2012 CR-V, Toyota sells a three-row RAV4, but most others in the segment serve a maximum of five.
Honda promised the 2012 Honda CR-V will offer good driving dynamics, and it will be a sensible choice for Americans costumers. Yes, this next-generation CR-V will maintain the current car’s sales success. Rumored, the new CR-V will be debuted at the Los Angeles auto show this November! Stay tuned for update information about the 2012 Honda CR-V!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
All-New 2011 Chrysler 300
2011 Chrysler 300 is a premium E-segment sedan. All-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series sedans are available in the United States in four highly equipped models: Chrysler 300, 300 Limited, 300C and 300C AWD. In addition, the Luxury and SafetyTec Groups provide customers with high-value content and innovative technology directly targeted for their specific needs.
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 and 300 Limited models feature the newest powertrain from the automaker - the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. When compared to the previous V-6 engines, fuel economy is improved by up to 8 percent with EPA-ratings of 18 city /27 highway. Delivering 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous 2.7-liter entry-level engine, the new Pentastar V-6 engine also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent), and 10 lb.-ft. more torque compared to the 3.5-liter V-6.
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan features Uconnect® Touch that integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. The premium Uconnect Touch 8.4N model is available on the Chrysler 300 Limited and standard on the Chrysler 300C and 300C AWD models and includes more customer-convenient amenities than ever before, including the integration of segment-leading Garmin® navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link with real-time fuel prices, movie listings, sports updates and weather.
The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 comes with classy exterior design. On the interior, the 2011 Chrysler 300also highlights world-class refinement for attributes such as material quality, interior quietness, seat comfort, and smooth and responsive handling characteristics. The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 features more than 70 safety and security features. It’s a perfect sedan.