Friday, May 17, 2013
Volkswagen has just confirmed the CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe will be produced in China by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture.
Production is expected to start in 2015 at a new factory located in Changsha in Hunan Province with a capacity of 300,000 units per year. Both models will represent an SUV based on the company's new MQB platform, with the CrossBlue becoming a seven-seat model and the CrossBlue Coupe a five-seat variant.
At this plant, Volkswagen will also build a new sedan, codenamed VW511, which will be positioned between the Passat and Phaeton. Also in 2015, the German carmaker will launch an even more luxurious model aimed at the local market.
Friday, May 17, 2013
The LaFerrari has recently visited Hong Kong's Ferrari and Maserati dealership where the Italian supercar photographed at every angle by Icy J Photography.
Built to replace the Enzo, the LaFerrari is powered by a 6262cc V12 engine which produces 800 hp at 9,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, working together with an electric motor providing an extra 163 hp and 270 Nm. This setup creates a total combined power output of 963 hp.
Power is sent to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that allows the 1,255 kg car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and hit a top speed of more than 350 km/h.
Limited to just 499 units, the LaFerrari will go on sale in October and pricing starts €1.3 million.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Honda has just announced their NSX will be produced at a new facility in central Ohio, United States, and that it will go on sale in 2015.
Each NSX will be built by a team of around 100 highly skilled engineers drawn from Honda's existing Ohio operations. Though the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm pricing, but it's expected to cost at least £80,000.
"Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality," said Hidenobu Iwata, President & CEO of Honda of America. "The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio."
As we have previously reported, the production NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine connected with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels independently.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
In a recent interview, McLaren's sales and marketing chief has confirmed a successor for the P1 will arrive "at least ten years".
Speaking to Autocar, Greg Levine said "the only way a car like the P1 works is by being exclusive and having a short product cycle. After that, you have to step back from the market for a few years. These sort of launches can only happen every ten years or so."
Three-quarters of all 375 P1s which have been fully built by customers so far include bespoke modifications. The British carmaker says some customers have required to remove the air conditioning system or finish the bodywork in an unpainted carbon fiber weave to lower the car's weight.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
ABT Sportsline has recently launched an upgrade package for the 2014 Audi R8 V10.
Specifically, the 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine under the hood has been tuned to produces 600 hp and 550 Nm of torque - an increase of 75 hp and 10 Nm. This allows the sports car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 320 km/h.
To cope with the extra power, the German tuner installed new suspension springs that make for an adequate lowering and an even better road behaviour, along with coilovers.
This R8 is also equipped with several exterior elements made from carbon fiber, such as front skirt and grille, side skirts, rear wing and rear skirt. Other highlights include a weight-optimised exhaust system made of stainless steel and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 R19 front and 305/30 R19 rear tires.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
When trading in your old car it’s best to go in prepared and armed with all the relevant knowledge, as this will help ensure you get the best possible price for your vehicle. Here are some top tips for trading and upgrading.
Do your research
The best way to ensure you aren't short-changed for your car is to do your research. There are plenty of websites that can help you find out the value of your car, such as Autotrader, and eBay can be a decent guide too. Arm yourself with the typical high-end and low-end price for your vehicle before going to the car dealer, hit them with a realistic high-end price, let them know you know your stuff and you'll have a much better chance of negotiating a good, fair price.
Condition
To get the most for your vehicle you must ensure it's in the best possible condition. Keep it in good running order by taking care of the basics, like regular oil changes. Dealers want a car that's going to look good on the showroom floor, so that means it looking clean with a good paint job and body work. You should think about getting any dents and scratches taken out and it might be worth talking to someone like Autoglass to deal with any cracks in the glass. The more work a dealer needs to do on your car, the less you'll get for it so it's worth taking care of these things before taking your car in to trade.
Shop around
You don't have to go with the first offer from the first dealer you see. If you don't think the price they are offering you is fair, then you are under no obligation to sell. Remember, you can always walk away. This is why it's so important to do your research: that way, you can make an informed decision.
Negotiate
Make sure you sharpen up on your negotiation skills before you trade in. Try your best to get all you can for your car and don't stop talking until you're completely happy with the price. Use the information you have on how much a vehicle like yours usually goes for and aim for a high-end price. You can take the maintenance logs as well and see if they can get you a little more, too. Remember, the better condition your car is in, the more you'll get.
Separate the sell from the buy
For the best deal it's a good idea to separate the trade from the financing. When you buy a new car there are a number of variables involved like the finance rate, new car price and down payment amount. You want to ensure that the trade price isn't affected by any of these. The dealer might give you the asking price for your trade, but then boost one of the variables to bring the ball back into their park. The best way to avoid this is to get your car loan from a bank or an online car loan specialist, rather than using the dealer's finance plan.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2014 S-Class at the Airbus A380 Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany.
As with every generation before it, the new S-Class will set standards across the board to retain its accolade as "the best automobile in the world". Overall, the model measures 5,116 mm long, 1,899 mm wide and 1,483 mm tall with a wheelbase which spans 3,035 mm.
"The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars - intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon," said design chief Gorden Wagener.
To underline the effortless superiority of the new S-Class, and its ambition to lead, the radiator grille is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. With its long bonnet, the flowing, domed roof line and the gently slanting rear end, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space have been fashioned in such a way that the S-Class appears prestigious, and the powerful roof line is also in keeping with the car's sporty coupé-style intentions.
A character line descending discreetly from front to rear - the brand's hallmark "Dropping Line" - elegantly structures the side wall and generates additional dynamism even when the car is at a standstill. The subtly created convex-concave effect of the entire flank gives rise to an extremely powerful and elongated car body that demonstrates both excitement and calm. The pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car's athletic character.
Inside, the cabin embodies a classic, superior and cutting-edge saloon. The perfectly coordinated use of materials and colours produces an exclusive interior seemingly cast from a single mould. There is generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in three colour shades to suit the interior colour particularly highlight the outstanding quality.
Under the bonnet, four different engines are avaliable:
The S350 BlueTEC has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine which produces 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. This will allow the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
The S500 features a 4.7-liter V8 petrol engine that develops 455 hp and 700 Nm of torque. It will enable the model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h.
Next up, the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid will reward customers with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine which creates 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This allows the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 238 km/h.
Lastly, the S400 Hybrid will be powered by a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. This enables the luxury sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Alfa Romeo has just introduced a new limited edition of the Giulietta, called the Fast & Furious 6.
Created to celebrate the Giulietta featuring in the latest Fast & Furious 6 film, the special version will be powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine which produces 170 hp. All models will come with a Fast & Furious numbered plaque, corresponding to each film in the franchise, while the dashboard will be signed by the all-star cast. Buyers will also have the opportunity to attend in a lifetime stunt day with a stunt coordinator from the movie industry.
Limited to 6 units, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Fast & Furious 6 will be sold exclusively through Motor Village Marylebone in London and pricing starts £25,675.
Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK, said: "This is a very exclusive model taken directly from a blockbuster movie of global appeal. The Alfa Giulietta Fast & Furious 6 limited edition is a hugely exciting addition to our range, one we feel sure will appeal not just to fans of the films, but all those with a discerning eye for beautiful automotive styling."
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Subaru is recalling 5,379 units of the 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback wagon in the United States. The affected vehicles were manufactured from February 15, 2012 through June 15, 2012.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another" in these vehicles. "If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash."
The recall is expected to begin today and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. Owners can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013 on May 24, BMW and Pininfarina will unveil the result of their debut cooperation to the global public - the Gran Lusso Coupe concept. It is the sequel to a new approach introduced at last year’s Concorso in the shape of the BMW Zagato Coupe.
"This elaborate creation is a one-off that captivates the observer at first glance with its Italian exclusivity and modern finesse," the German carmaker said in a press statement. "Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions - a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline - imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned."
Under the hood, chances are the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine as the 7-Series, producing 544 hp and 745 Nm of torque.
